WBPSC WBCS Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
According to Piyush Goyal at the AmCham Annual Leadership Summit (21 May 2026), commitments from American industry in India over the last six months were estimated at upwards of:
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Correct answer: C — $60 billion
Goyal said commitments from American industry in the last six months were estimated to be upwards of $60 billion, including data centre investments by Amazon and Google.
Which three new centres did UPSC add for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Bhubaneswar, Kanpur and Meerut
UPSC introduced new centres at Bhubaneswar, Kanpur and Meerut, raising the total from 80 to 83.
Which of the new UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026 centres received the most applications?
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Correct answer: D — Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar received 10,656 applications, Kanpur 6,938 and Meerut 5,902; Ghaziabad is an existing centre.
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 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Sanghmitra', launched in May 2026, is named after whom?
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Correct answer: D — The daughter of King Ashoka
PIB: the ship is named 'Sanghmitra' after the daughter of King Ashoka.
How many Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) are being built at GSL, Goa and GRSE, Kolkata?
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Correct answer: B — 11
PIB: the construction of 11 NGOPVs is being undertaken concurrently at GSL, Goa and GRSE, Kolkata.
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.
With which Norwegian research organisation did CSIR sign a Collaboration Agreement (2026–2029) on circularity and sustainability, under an existing 2014 MoU?
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Correct answer: A — SINTEF
CSIR signed a 2026–2029 Collaboration Agreement with Stiftelsen SINTEF under the framework of their 2014 MoU.
What is the title of the Joint Declaration of Intent signed by CSIR, AcSIR and NTNU in Oslo in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation for the Green Shift
The declaration is titled 'Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation for the Green Shift'.
What export target for this year did Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announce on 18 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — $1 trillion
Goyal said India has set a target of $1 trillion in exports this year and $2 trillion over five years. $863 billion is the export level already reached.
According to Piyush Goyal (May 2026), with which country's FTA may come into force from 1 June?
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Correct answer: A — Oman
Goyal said the Oman FTA may come into force from 1 June, with other finalised FTAs to follow.
As stated by Piyush Goyal on 18 May 2026, India's exports this year reached about how much?
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Correct answer: C — $863 billion
Goyal said exports this year reached $863 billion, nearly 5% higher than the previous year.
Which honour did King Harald V of Norway confer on PM Narendra Modi on 18 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
PM Modi received the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit in Oslo.
According to PIB, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit is Norway's highest honour for:
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Correct answer: B — foreign Heads of Government
PIB states that the award is Norway's highest honour bestowed on foreign Heads of Government.
Who assumed charge as CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on 18 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Saurabh Vijay
Saurabh Vijay, a 1998-batch IAS officer, assumed charge as CEO of UIDAI on 18 May 2026.
New UIDAI CEO Saurabh Vijay is an IAS officer of which batch and cadre?
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Correct answer: B — 1998 batch, Maharashtra cadre
PIB: he is an IAS officer of the 1998 batch of the Maharashtra cadre.
The reform-linked MoUs under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 signed in May 2026 mandate which model of rural water governance?
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Correct answer: A — Gram Panchayat-led, service-based and community-centred
The MoU mandates a Gram Panchayat-led, service-based and community-centred model of rural water governance.
Which state and Union Territory signed reform-linked Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 MoUs with the Centre on 18 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — West Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
West Bengal and the UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands signed the MoUs on 18 May 2026.
How many customs ports have been digitally integrated to facilitate import of agricultural commodities, as reviewed by the Agriculture Ministry in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 649
The ministry said all 649 customs ports have been digitally integrated to facilitate import of agricultural commodities.
Under the May 2026 reforms, what replaces the physical leaflets supplied with household pesticide products?
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Correct answer: C — QR codes on product labels
Physical leaflets have been discontinued and replaced with QR codes directly on product labels.