Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The 16th edition of the Defence Policy Dialogue held on 28 May 2026 in Singapore was between India and which country?
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Correct answer: A — Singapore
The 16th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Permanent Secretary (Defence) Joseph Leong in Singapore.
Who co-chaired the 16th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue (May 2026) from the Indian side?
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Correct answer: B — Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the dialogue with Singapore's Permanent Secretary (Defence) Joseph Leong.
In May 2026, a Mother Sanction of about ₹10,021 crore was released to 12 States under which scheme?
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Correct answer: A — Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin
Shivraj Singh Chouhan released a ₹10,021.42 crore Mother Sanction to 12 States under PMAY-G.
Which of the following States was NOT among the 12 States that received the PMAY-G Mother Sanction on 28 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Bihar
The 12 States were Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh; Bihar was not among them.
Where were the 2026 U23 Asian Wrestling Championships, in which India won two team titles, held?
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Correct answer: D — Da Nang, Vietnam
The 2026 U23 Asian Championships were held in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Consider the following statements about India's performance at the 2026 U23 Asian Wrestling Championships: 1. India's women's wrestling team won the team title. 2. India's Greco-Roman team won the most gold medals among the three Indian squads. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The men's freestyle and women's teams won team titles; the women won 6 golds (the most), while the Greco-Roman team's record was 8 medals overall.
In May 2026, President Droupadi Murmu presented the 'President of India's Police Colour' to the police force of which State?
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Correct answer: D — Sikkim
The President presented the Police Colour to the Sikkim Police at Gangtok on 28 May 2026.
Consider the following statements about the Sikkim Police, which received the President's Police Colour in May 2026: 1. The force was established in 1897. 2. Sikkim became the first State in the North-East to receive the President's Police Colour. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The Sikkim Police was established in 1897; Sikkim became the 15th State and the third in the North-East (not the first) to receive the honour.
NHAI's tentative list of National Highway assets for monetisation in FY 2026–27 covers what total length?
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Correct answer: B — 1,692.5 km
The 17 identified assets have a combined length of 1,692.5 km across nine States.
Consider the following statements about NHAI's FY 2026–27 monetisation list: 1. It covers monetisation through Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) and InvIT modes. 2. It includes the assets to be monetised through the Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The list covers TOT and InvIT modes but does not include assets proposed for monetisation through RIIT.
Dhanendra Kumar, who died in May 2026, was the first Chairman of which body?
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Correct answer: D — Competition Commission of India
Dhanendra Kumar was the first Chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Consider the following statements about Dhanendra Kumar, who died in May 2026: 1. He was a 1968-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre. 2. He represented India as an Executive Director at the World Bank. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
He was a 1968-batch Haryana cadre IAS officer and also represented India at the World Bank as an Executive Director.
The Kazipet Rail Manufacturing Unit, which will initially build 200 intercity trains in five years, is located in which State?
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Correct answer: A — Telangana
The Kazipet Rail Manufacturing Unit is in Telangana.
Consider the following statements about the intercity trains to be built at Kazipet: 1. They will have a 20-coach configuration. 2. They are designed to run at 160 kmph. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The trains will have 20 coaches and are designed to run at 130 kmph, not 160 kmph.
In May 2026, the Sports Ministry announced deploying dedicated IT Consultants in National Sports Federations under which framework?
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Correct answer: B — National Sports Digital Ecosystem (NSDE)
MYAS and SAI plan to deploy NSF IT Consultants under the National Sports Digital Ecosystem (NSDE).
How many trainees passed out at the Spring Term 2026 Passing Out Parade of the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, on 28 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 311
A total of 311 trainees, including 66 women trainees, passed out.
The foreign trainees who passed out from the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala in May 2026 came from which three countries?
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Correct answer: D — Seychelles, Tanzania and Vietnam
Six trainees from Seychelles, Tanzania and Vietnam passed out, two of them women trainees from Seychelles.
In May 2026, the Lok Sabha Speaker released 89 volumes of the proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly covering which period?
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Correct answer: B — 1924–1930
The 89 volumes cover the proceedings of the Central Legislative Assembly from 1924 to 1930.
What is the name of the quarterly magazine whose inaugural issue was launched by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on 28 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Vidhan-Chetna
The Speaker launched the inaugural issue of the quarterly magazine Vidhan-Chetna.
The Bhalswa dumpsite in Delhi, reviewed by Union Minister Manohar Lal in May 2026, was adopted by him under which initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0?
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Correct answer: B — Dumpsite Remediation and Action Plan (DRAP)
The Minister adopted Bhalswa under DRAP, a mission-mode programme under SBM-U 2.0 targeting 'Lakshya Zero Dumpsites'.
As per the National Health Accounts 2022-23 (released May 2026), out-of-pocket expenditure as a share of total health expenditure was:
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Correct answer: B — 43.4%
OOPE declined from 64.2% (2013-14) to 43.4% (2022-23); 39.4% was the COVID-period figure.
According to NHA 2022-23, Government Health Expenditure as a share of GDP (old series) in 2022-23 was:
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Correct answer: B — 1.43%
GHE rose from 1.15% of GDP in 2013-14 to 1.43% in 2022-23; 1.84% was the 2021-22 pandemic-year figure.
Consider the following statements about the National Health Accounts 2022-23: 1. The share of Government Health Expenditure in total health expenditure was higher than the share of out-of-pocket expenditure. 2. The estimates were prepared by NITI Aayog. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
GHE's share (43.7%) slightly exceeded OOPE's (43.4%); the estimates were prepared by the NHA Technical Secretariat at NHSRC, not NITI Aayog.
What is the Central outlay approved by the Cabinet in May 2026 for the SARTHAK-PDS umbrella scheme?
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Correct answer: A — ₹25,530 crore
The CCEA approved SARTHAK-PDS with an outlay of ₹25,530 crore as Central share.
Consider the following statements about SARTHAK-PDS approved in May 2026: 1. It integrates the SMART PDS scheme with assistance for intra-State movement of foodgrains and FPS dealers' margin. 2. The merged scheme will operate up to 31 March 2031. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
SARTHAK-PDS merges SMART PDS with the intra-State movement/FPS dealers' margin scheme and runs up to 31.03.2031.
SARTHAK-PDS aims to comprehensively strengthen the implementation of which law?
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Correct answer: D — National Food Security Act, 2013
The umbrella scheme is meant to strengthen implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).
As per the Third Advance Estimates 2025-26 (May 2026), India's total foodgrain production is estimated at about:
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Correct answer: C — 376.6 million tonnes
Foodgrain production is estimated at a record 376.563 million tonnes; 357.732 million tonnes was the 2024-25 figure.
Which crop recorded the largest absolute increase in production in the Third Advance Estimates 2025-26, rising by about 11.7 million tonnes over 2024-25?
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Correct answer: A — Maize
Maize rose to a record 55.093 MT from 43.409 MT (+11.684 MT); rice rose by 3.84 MT and wheat by 2.712 MT.
Consider the following statements about the Third Advance Estimates 2025-26: 1. Rice production is estimated to be higher than wheat production. 2. Foodgrain production is estimated to be more than 10% higher than in 2024-25. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Rice (154.024 MT) exceeds wheat (120.657 MT); foodgrain output is up about 5.3%, not more than 10%.
In the Third Advance Estimates 2025-26, which crop's production is estimated at a record 500.063 million tonnes?
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Correct answer: D — Sugarcane
Sugarcane production is estimated at a record 500.063 million tonnes.
Which city will host the main event of the International Day of Yoga 2026, as announced in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Kolkata
The main IDY 2026 celebration will be held in Kolkata, West Bengal, on 21 June; Khajuraho hosted the countdown event.
What is the theme of the International Day of Yoga 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Yoga for Healthy Ageing
The Ministry of Ayush announced 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' as the IDY 2026 theme.
According to the Petroleum Ministry (May 2026), what is India's rank among the world's refiners?
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Correct answer: C — Fourth
India is the world's fourth-largest refiner, with 258.1 MTPA capacity across 22 refineries.
India's installed refining capacity, as stated by the Petroleum Ministry in May 2026, is:
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Correct answer: B — 258.1 MTPA
Installed capacity is 258.1 million tonnes per annum; 243.2 million tonnes was domestic consumption in FY 2025-26.
INS Sudarshini, which completed her first trans-Atlantic crossing in May 2026, is part of which Indian Navy expedition?
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Correct answer: B — Lokayan 26
INS Sudarshini's voyage is part of the ongoing Lokayan 26 expedition.
Consider the following statements about INS Sudarshini's voyage (May 2026): 1. The last trans-Atlantic crossing by an Indian Navy sail training ship before this was by INS Tarangini in 2007. 2. The expedition began from Visakhapatnam in January 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
INS Tarangini made the last such crossing in 2007; the expedition departed from Kochi on 20 January 2026, not Visakhapatnam.
India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell trainset, approved in May 2026, will run on which section?
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Correct answer: D — Jind–Sonipat
Indian Railways approved the 10-car hydrogen trainset for the dedicated Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway in Haryana.
Consider the following statements about India's first hydrogen trainset (May 2026): 1. It will operate at a maximum speed of 75 kmph. 2. It will run on a section of Western Railway. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The trainset will run at up to 75 kmph on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway, not Western Railway.
Where was the 12th round of India–Republic of Korea CEPA upgrade negotiations held in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — New Delhi
The 12th round of IK CEPA upgrade negotiations was held in New Delhi from 25–27 May 2026.
At the 12th round of India–Korea CEPA upgrade talks (May 2026), the two sides agreed to form sub-groups on which areas?
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Correct answer: C — Digital trade, supply chains and strategic industrial cooperation
India and Korea agreed to form sub-groups to expand CEPA talks on digital trade, supply chains and strategic industrial cooperation.
Under which programme was Sikkim declared a fully literate State in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram
Sikkim was declared fully literate under ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
While congratulating Sikkim on becoming fully literate (May 2026), the President recalled that in 2016 Sikkim had become India's first:
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Correct answer: D — Fully organic State
President Murmu noted that Sikkim became India's first fully organic State in 2016.
As stated by Dr Jitendra Singh in May 2026, women form nearly what share of the 2024 IAS batch?
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Correct answer: C — 41%
Women officers make up nearly 41% of the 2024 IAS batch, one of the highest-ever shares.
'Mission Queen Pineapple', a ₹236 crore initiative launched in May 2026, is for which State?
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Correct answer: B — Tripura
The Mission was launched by DoNER Minister Scindia with the Tripura CM for Tripura's GI-tagged Queen Pineapple.
Consider the following statements about Mission Queen Pineapple (May 2026): 1. It is anchored by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. 2. The Queen Pineapple it promotes is GI-tagged. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The Mission is anchored by MDoNER and promotes Tripura's GI-tagged Queen Pineapple.
Which river-interlinking project did the PM say should serve as a model for resolving inter-State water issues, at the 51st PRAGATI meeting (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: D — Ken-Betwa Link Project
The PM reviewed the Ken-Betwa Link Project and said it should serve as a model for other States to resolve inter-State water issues amicably.
In the governance platform PRAGATI, whose 51st meeting was held in May 2026, what does PRAGATI stand for?
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Correct answer: B — Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation
PRAGATI is the ICT-enabled, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
A High Court judge, such as Justice Alok Kumar Verma of the Uttarakhand High Court (May 2026), resigns under which constitutional provision?
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Correct answer: A — Proviso (a) to Article 217(1)
The Law Ministry notification states that Justice Verma resigned in pursuance of proviso (a) to clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution.
Who chairs the High-Level Committee on Demographic Change constituted by the Government of India in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar (Retd)
The committee is chaired by Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar (Retired); Shamika Ravi, Durga Shankar Mishra and Balaji Srivastava are members along with the Census Commissioner.
Consider the following statements about the High-Level Committee on Demographic Change (May 2026): 1. It has to submit its report within one year. 2. Its tenure may be extended by up to six months if necessary. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The committee will submit its report within one year, and its tenure may be extended by up to six months if necessary.
Which agencies jointly seized about 115 kg of cocaine off the Mundra coast in Gujarat on 25–26 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Indian Coast Guard and ATS Gujarat
The Indian Coast Guard and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Gujarat conducted the joint intelligence-based operation.
The May 2026 cocaine seizure off Mundra was described as which joint anti-narcotics operation of the Indian Coast Guard and ATS Gujarat in the last five years?
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Correct answer: B — 15th
It was the 15th successful anti-narcotics operation jointly undertaken by ICG and ATS in the last five years.
As per the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026, the National Sports Board shall consist of:
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Correct answer: B — A Chairperson and two Members
The Board shall consist of a Chairperson and two Members appointed by the Central Government from a panel recommended by the Search-cum-Selection Committee.
The National Sports Board Rules, 2026 and the National Sports Tribunal Rules, 2026 were notified under which law?
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Correct answer: D — National Sports Governance Act, 2025
Both sets of rules were notified under the provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
The 4-lane Thiruvarur Bypass approved in May 2026 lies on which section of NH-83 in Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: C — Nagapattinam–Thanjavur
The 14.9-km bypass is on the Nagapattinam–Thanjavur section of NH-83.
The Thiruvarur Bypass project is expected to improve connectivity of industrial hubs like Tiruchirappalli and Coimbatore with which port towns?
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Correct answer: B — Karaikal and Nagapattinam
Gadkari said the project will connect Tiruchirappalli and Coimbatore with the port towns of Karaikal and Nagapattinam.
The PM-AJAY Portal launched in May 2026 enables milestone-linked fund flow for which components of the scheme?
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Correct answer: A — Adarsh Gram, Grant-in-Aid and Hostel
The portal covers the Adarsh Gram, Grant-in-Aid (GIA) and Hostel components under PM-AJAY.
PM-AJAY, for which a portal and mobile app were launched in May 2026, is implemented by which ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
The PM-AJAY Portal and App were launched by Dr Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment; the Department of Social Justice implements PM-AJAY for Scheduled Caste communities.
Which company was approved in May 2026 as the strategic buyer for 100% equity of Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (IMPCL)?
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Correct answer: D — Skymap Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
The Alternative Mechanism approved the highest bid of about ₹121.01 crore by Skymap Pharmaceuticals Private Limited.
Consider the following statements about IMPCL: 1. It was incorporated in 1978. 2. Its prime objective is manufacturing and supplying standardised Homoeopathic and Siddha medicines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
IMPCL was incorporated on 12 July 1978 with the prime objective of manufacturing and supplying standardised Ayurvedic and Unani medicines, not Homoeopathic and Siddha.