CDS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade held at Air Force Station Chandinagar on 23 May 2026 marked the passing out of trainees of which force?
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Correct answer: D — IAF Garud special forces
The parade marked the completion of training of Air Force Special Forces operatives of the 'Garud' force at the Garud Regimental Training Centre.
During Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides' State Visit (May 2026), India–Cyprus relations were elevated to a:
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Correct answer: B — Strategic Partnership
The leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership.
Under which pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) did Cyprus join in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport
The list of outcomes records Cyprus joining the IPOI under the pillar 'Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport'.
On which date was the first-ever India–Cyprus Space Day celebrated?
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Correct answer: A — 18 May 2026
The list of outcomes mentions the celebration of the first-ever India–Cyprus Space Day on 18 May 2026.
India and Cyprus agreed to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in:
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Correct answer: B — 2027
Both sides agreed to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 with special events.
Consider the following statements about the outcomes of the India–Cyprus State Visit (May 2026): 1. A Roadmap for Defence Cooperation between India and Cyprus for 2026–2031 was announced. 2. Cyprus announced its intention to open a Cyprus Trade Center in Bengaluru. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The defence roadmap for 2026–2031 was announced. The proposed Cyprus Trade Center is in Mumbai, not Bengaluru, so statement 2 is wrong.
Who chairs the High-Powered 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' Standing Committee that met for the first time on 22 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — CEO, NITI Aayog
The committee is constituted under the chairpersonship of the CEO, NITI Aayog; Nidhi Chibber chaired the first meeting.
The 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' Standing Committee is meant to help India achieve what share of the global services market by 2047?
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Correct answer: C — 10%
The committee is envisaged to help India achieve a 10% share of the global services market by 2047.
Consider the following statements about the 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' Standing Committee: 1. Its setting up was proposed in the Union Budget 2026-27. 2. The governments of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh are represented on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Para 51 of the Union Budget 2026-27 proposed the committee, and the four State governments are among its members.
What does JEEVAN, the mobile app for senior citizens launched in May 2026, stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Joint Elderly Empowerment & Virtual Assistance Network
PIB: JEEVAN stands for Joint Elderly Empowerment & Virtual Assistance Network.
SHATAYU, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 22 May 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Geriatric caregiver dashboard
SHATAYU is a dashboard showing the availability of geriatric caregivers in a district and State.
Where did India and Ethiopia sign the bilateral protocol for Ethiopia's WTO accession on 22 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Geneva
The signing ceremony took place in Geneva, and the protocol was deposited with the WTO Secretariat.
Consider the following statements: 1. India is Ethiopia's second-largest trading partner. 2. India–Ethiopia relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during PM Modi's visit to Ethiopia in December 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the Commerce Ministry release of 22 May 2026.
As announced in May 2026, how many health records have been linked with ABHA under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?
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Correct answer: C — Over 100 crore
Over 100 crore health records have been linked with ABHA, doubling from 50 crore in February 2025.
Which State is the leading contributor of ABHA-linked health records, with over 15 crore records (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh leads with over 15.03 crore records, followed by Andhra Pradesh with over 11.95 crore.
In May 2026, the drug Pregabalin was brought under which Schedule of the Drugs Rules, 1945 to curb its misuse?
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Correct answer: C — Schedule H1
Pregabalin was moved from Schedule H to the stricter Schedule H1 by G.S.R. 377(E).
Consider the following statements about the May 2026 notification on Pregabalin: 1. Retailers must maintain a separate register recording details of prescriptions and sales of the drug. 2. The notification was issued under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Retailers must keep a separate register. The change was made in the Drugs Rules, 1945, with penalties under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, not the NDPS Act.
By what vote was Janez Janša elected Prime Minister of Slovenia on 22 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 51–36
Reuters and AP: Janša won 51 votes to 36 in the 90-seat National Assembly.
Consider the following statements about Slovenia's change of government in 2026: 1. Slovenia's parliamentary election was held on 22 March 2026. 2. After his election, Janez Janša had to bring his Cabinet before parliament for a separate confirmation vote within 15 days. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Reuters and AP give 22 March as the election date, and AP notes the separate Cabinet vote within 15 days; RTV Slovenia also reports the 15-day deadline.
By how much did adding just 1% spinel oxide nanoparticles raise the specific heat capacity of the phase change material developed by ARCI (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — Up to 45%
The nanocomposite PCM showed an increase in specific heat capacity as high as 45% compared with PCM without nanoparticles.
The International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), which developed a new thermal battery material in May 2026, is an autonomous institution under:
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Correct answer: A — Department of Science and Technology
PIB describes ARCI as an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Where was the Indian War Memorial, honouring Indian troops of the Korean War, inaugurated on 21 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Imjingak Park, Seoul
Rajnath Singh and Kwon Oh-eul jointly inaugurated the memorial at Imjingak Park, Seoul.
By what title did wounded soldiers and civilians in Korea remember the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Ambulance?
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Correct answer: D — Maroon Angels
The unit's bravery and humanitarian approach earned it the title 'Maroon Angels' from wounded soldiers and civilians of the Republic of Korea.
'Hind Nagar', set up by the Custodian Force of India in September 1954 where the new memorial stands, housed almost how many prisoners of war?
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Correct answer: C — 22,000
PIB: Hind Nagar housed almost 22,000 prisoners of war until their peaceful repatriation.
Consider the following statements about the Indian War Memorial in Seoul (May 2026): 1. The Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission after the Korean War was chaired by India under Lt Gen KS Thimayya. 2. The memorial was built with funding support from India's Ministry of Defence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are in the PIB release: India chaired the NNRC under Lt Gen KS Thimayya, and the project had funding support from the Ministry of Defence.
What does UMMID, the programme for rare genetic disorders dedicated to the nation in May 2026, stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders
PIB: UMMID stands for Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders.
Which department runs the UMMID programme for inherited and rare genetic disorders?
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Correct answer: A — Department of Biotechnology
The dedication was organised by the Department of Biotechnology, which runs the UMMID network.
As per NSO's QBUSE for January–March 2026, the estimated number of unincorporated non-agricultural establishments was:
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Correct answer: C — 9.16 crore
Establishments rose to 9.16 crore from 7.85 crore in the same quarter a year earlier, a 16.69% increase.
Consider the following statements based on the QBUSE for January–March 2026: 1. Employment in the unincorporated non-agricultural sector crossed 15 crore for the first time. 2. Urban establishments grew faster than rural establishments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Employment reached 15.17 crore, crossing 15 crore for the first time. Rural growth (20.46%) was faster than urban (12.59%), so statement 2 is wrong.
What share of total employment in the unincorporated non-agricultural sector did women account for in January–March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — More than 29%
The women workforce constituted more than 29% of total employment in the sector.
By what date were stakeholders invited to comment on the Sports Ministry's proposed amendments to criminalise organised doping (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — 18 June 2026
Comments and suggestions were invited during the public consultation by 18 June 2026.
Consider the following statements about the proposed anti-doping amendments (May 2026): 1. Athletes not involved in offences such as trafficking will not be criminalised merely for anti-doping rule violations or positive tests. 2. The proposals are aligned with India's commitments under the UNESCO Convention against doping in sport. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated: athletes remain outside criminal prosecution for rule violations alone, and the measures align with the UNESCO Convention and the WADA approach.
The proposed Indian anti-doping amendments of May 2026 are stated to be aligned with which international instrument?
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Correct answer: A — UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport
The Ministry said the measures are aligned with India's commitments under the UNESCO Convention against doping in sport and consistent with the WADA approach.
The First International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit, postponed in May 2026, was originally scheduled for:
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Correct answer: B — 1 June 2026, New Delhi
The Summit was scheduled for 1 June 2026 in New Delhi, in conjunction with the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit.
Consider the following statements: 1. The First IBCA Summit was to be held in Kolkata. 2. The decision to hold the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit later was taken by India alone, without consulting the African Union. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
The IBCA Summit was to be held in New Delhi, and the IAFS-IV decision was taken in consultation with the African Union Chairperson and the AU Commission. Both statements are wrong.
From which country were the nearly 3 lakh e-cigarettes seized by the DRI in May 2026 sourced?
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Correct answer: D — China
The DRI found the prohibited e-cigarettes were sourced from China in every instance.
In which year was the law prohibiting the production, import, sale and advertisement of electronic cigarettes in India enacted?
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Correct answer: B — 2019
E-cigarettes and all ENDS are prohibited under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (...) Act, 2019.
Consider the following statements about the DRI's e-cigarette seizure (May 2026): 1. The seizures were made in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Telangana. 2. The consignments were concealed in items declared as 'Furniture' and 'Metal Chair Parts'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The seizures were in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and West Bengal, so statement 1 is wrong; the goods were concealed as 'Furniture' and 'Metal Chair Parts'.
Which UN agency conferred its Agricola Medal for 2026 on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
FAO conferred the Agricola Medal for 2026 at its headquarters in Rome on 20 May 2026.
Who presented the Agricola Medal 2026 to PM Modi at FAO Headquarters?
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Correct answer: D — Qu Dongyu
PIB: the Prime Minister received the award from Dr Qu Dongyu, Director General of FAO.
According to the Prime Minister's remarks at FAO, about how many climate-resilient crop varieties has India developed in the last 10 years?
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Correct answer: B — 3,000
The Prime Minister stated that India had developed around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties in the last 10 years.
To what level did India and Italy elevate their relations during PM Modi's visit to Italy in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Special Strategic Partnership
The India-Italy Joint Declaration of 20 May 2026 states that the two leaders decided to elevate relations to a Special Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements about the India-Italy Joint Declaration (May 2026): 1. The two sides aim to reach €20 billion in bilateral trade by 2029. 2. The Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 was adopted at the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Action Plan was adopted when the leaders met at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.
Under the May 2026 India-Italy Joint Declaration, which mechanism will review the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29?
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Correct answer: D — A Foreign Ministers-led mechanism
The leaders agreed to establish a Foreign Ministers-led mechanism to review the Action Plan and guide the Special Strategic Partnership.
In the ICMR-CCRAS Phase III trial presented in May 2026, Punarnavadi Mandura was compared with which standard therapy for anaemia?
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Correct answer: C — Iron Folic Acid supplementation
The trial compared Punarnavadi Mandura, alone and with Drakshavaleha, against standard Iron Folic Acid supplementation and found them therapeutically equivalent.
The ICMR report on First-in-Human Phase 1 clinical trials, launched in May 2026, was based on what kind of study?
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Correct answer: A — A Delphi study with 37 experts
The report is 'A Delphi Study on Regulatory Pathways and Opportunities', developed through two rounds of consultation with 37 experts.
Consider the following statements about the 1st ICMR Annual Clinical Trial Meet (May 2026): 1. The anaemia trial enrolled pregnant women in their second trimester. 2. ICMR released Operational Guidelines for Single Ethics Review of Multicentre Research in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the trial enrolled nearly 4,000 non-pregnant women aged 18–49 with moderate anaemia. Statement 2 is correct.
How many new subscribers did the Atal Pension Yojana add in FY 2025-26, its highest-ever annual enrolment?
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Correct answer: D — 1.35 crore
A record 1.35 crore subscribers were added to APY during FY 2025-26.
What was the share of women in Atal Pension Yojana enrolments during FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — 55.14%
PFRDA reported that women's participation under APY reached a record 55.14% during FY 2025-26.
By how much did the Index of Eight Core Industries grow (provisional) in April 2026 over April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 1.7%
The ICI rose 1.7% (provisional) in April 2026. 2.7% is the cumulative growth for 2025-26.
Which of the eight core industries carries the largest weight in the Index of Eight Core Industries?
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Correct answer: C — Petroleum refinery products
Refinery products have the largest weight at 28.04%, followed by electricity, steel (17.92%) and coal (10.33%).
What was the theme of World Metrology Day 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making
The Department of Consumer Affairs stated that the 2026 theme is 'Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making'.
World Metrology Day is observed on 20 May to mark the anniversary of the signing of which treaty?
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Correct answer: B — The Metre Convention
The Metre Convention was signed in Paris on 20 May 1875; 2026 marked its 151st anniversary.
The ANRF Convergence Research Centres of Excellence announced in May 2026 mainly aim to:
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Correct answer: C — combine social sciences and humanities with science and technology
The programme brings together social sciences, humanities, science and technology to address complex societal challenges.
'SAṂYoga', one of the ANRF Convergence Research CoEs selected in May 2026, is a Center for Sanskrit, AI, Music and Yoga at which institution?
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Correct answer: A — IIT Madras
SAṂYoga - Center for Sanskrit AI Music and Yoga is IIT Madras's project. IIT Gandhinagar's centre is on human-climate interactions, and IIT Dharwad's is on rural livelihoods.
Which of the following was NOT among the areas of the defence agreements exchanged by India and South Korea in Seoul on 20 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Joint submarine construction
The agreements covered Defence Cyber, training between India's National Defence College and Korea National Defence University, and UN Peacekeeping. Submarine construction was not among them.
In India–South Korea defence ties, what does 'KIND-X', discussed by Rajnath Singh in Seoul in May 2026, refer to?
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Correct answer: D — The India-Korea Defence Innovation Accelerator Ecosystem
Rajnath Singh and DAPA Minister Lee Yong-chul discussed a roadmap for the India-Korea Defence Innovation Accelerator Ecosystem (KIND-X).
The May 2026 study on hidden turbulence in the solar corona was carried out by IIT Delhi and which DST institute?
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Correct answer: B — Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital
The study was by ARIES Nainital, an autonomous institute of DST, together with IIT Delhi.
According to the ARIES–IIT Delhi simulations, what produces alternating blue and red asymmetries in coronal spectral lines?
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Correct answer: D — Turbulence created by transverse waves through phase mixing in a density-structured plume
Transverse waves on a plume with density variations generate fine-scale turbulence through phase mixing; overlapping emission along the line of sight then gives alternating blue and red wing asymmetries.
Which city hosted the 3rd India-Nordic Summit on 19 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Oslo
The summit was hosted by the Prime Minister of Norway; PIB places PM Modi's margin meetings in Oslo.
Into what kind of partnership did India and the Nordic countries decide to shape their relations at the 3rd India-Nordic Summit?
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Correct answer: D — Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership
PM Modi announced that India–Nordic relations would be shaped into a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements in the context of the 3rd India-Nordic Summit (May 2026): 1. The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement has been implemented since October 2025. 2. Sweden is a party to the India–EFTA TEPA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: PM Modi named Norway, Iceland and the other EFTA countries as TEPA partners, and Denmark, Finland and Sweden as partners in the India–EU FTA.
As per the Project Cheetah review of 19 May 2026, what is India's current cheetah population?
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Correct answer: D — 53
The population stands at 53, of which 33 are Indian-born. 29 is the total of founders (20) and the Botswana batch (9).
Besides Namibia and South Africa, cheetahs for Project Cheetah were also brought from which country?
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Correct answer: A — Botswana
The founder population of 20 from Namibia and South Africa was supplemented by 9 cheetahs from Botswana.
Consider the following statements about Project Cheetah (May 2026 review): 1. Habitat readiness in the Banni grasslands of Gujarat has reached satisfactory levels. 2. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is named as a new site for the next phase. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are in the PIB release: Banni preparation is satisfactory, and the next phase will develop new sites such as Nauradehi WLS in MP.
In which field did India and Vietnam sign an MoU during Rajnath Singh's visit to Hanoi in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — AI and Quantum Technology
PIB: India and Vietnam inked an MoU in the field of AI and Quantum Technology.
Where did Rajnath Singh announce the setting up of an Artificial Intelligence Lab in Vietnam in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Telecommunications University, Nha Trang
Rajnath Singh announced an AI Lab at the Telecommunications University at Nha Trang; the Language Lab was at the Air Force Officers' College.
Under which digital initiative of the Ministry of Ayush was the Ayush Anudan Portal launched in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Ayush Grid
The Ayush Anudan Portal was developed under the Ayush Grid initiative.
What is the main purpose of the Ayush Anudan Portal launched in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Managing funding proposals under the Ayush ministry's Central Sector Schemes
The portal streamlines the submission, processing, approval and monitoring of funding proposals under the ministry's Central Sector Schemes.
To what level did India and Norway elevate their relations on 18 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Green Strategic Partnership
PM Modi and PM Støre agreed in Oslo to elevate ties to a Green Strategic Partnership.
By which year did India and Norway aim to double the value of their current bilateral trade, as agreed in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 2030
The leaders underlined the aim of doubling the value of current trade between India and Norway by 2030.
Consider the following statements about the India–Norway talks of 18 May 2026: 1. The investment commitment under the India–EFTA TEPA cited by the leaders is USD 50 billion. 2. The leaders welcomed Norway joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the TEPA investment commitment cited is USD 100 billion, with one million jobs in India. Statement 2 is correct.
Who was the Presiding Officer of the Judges Inquiry Committee that submitted its report on Justice Yashwant Varma in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Justice Aravind Kumar
Justice Aravind Kumar of the Supreme Court presided; Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and B.V. Acharya were members.
Under which law was the report of the Judges Inquiry Committee on Justice Yashwant Varma presented in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968
The report was presented in accordance with the statutory requirements under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
Consider the following statements about the Judges Inquiry Committee on Justice Yashwant Varma: 1. The committee was constituted by the Lok Sabha Speaker on 12 August 2025. 2. The committee was presided over by the Chief Justice of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Presiding Officer was Justice Aravind Kumar, a judge of the Supreme Court.