Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
'Samadhan Didi', launched in May 2026, is an AI-enabled voice chatbot for which government platform?
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Correct answer: B — CPGRAMS
Samadhan Didi is the AI-enabled voice chatbot of CPGRAMS, the public grievance redress system.
The 'Samadhan Didi' chatbot was developed by DARPG in collaboration with which platform?
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Correct answer: A — Bhashini
It was developed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances in collaboration with Bhashini.
The export levies on petrol, diesel and ATF introduced in March 2026 are levied in the form of which duties?
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Correct answer: D — Special Additional Excise Duty and Road and Infrastructure Cess
The export levies are Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) and Road and Infrastructure Cess (RIC), introduced from 27 March 2026.
For the fortnight beginning 1 June 2026, what export levy was notified on diesel?
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Correct answer: C — ₹13.5 per litre
The rate on diesel exports is ₹13.5 per litre (SAED); petrol ₹1.5 and ATF ₹9.5 per litre.
The 'Nausena Shaurya Vatika' inaugurated in Lucknow in May 2026 showcases artefacts and weapon systems of which decommissioned ship?
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Correct answer: B — INS Gomati
The open-air museum showcases artefacts and weapon systems of INS Gomati, decommissioned on 29 May 2022.
In which city was the open-air naval museum 'Nausena Shaurya Vatika' inaugurated on 30 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lucknow
Rajnath Singh and Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Nausena Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow; it was built at a cost of ₹19 crore.
Which vaccine is being given as a single free dose in West Bengal's HPV vaccination campaign launched on 30 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Gardasil-4
Girls aged 14 receive a single dose of the quadrivalent Gardasil-4 vaccine free of cost.
West Bengal's HPV vaccination campaign launched in May 2026 targets girls of which age group?
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Correct answer: C — 14 years (completed 14, below 15)
Girls who have completed 14 years but are yet to turn 15 are covered; about 7.65 lakh beneficiaries.
Which State will host the 39th National Games in 2027?
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Correct answer: B — Meghalaya
The Sports Minister reviewed Meghalaya's preparations for hosting the 39th National Games in 2027.
In May 2026 the Union Sports Minister announced a high-altitude training centre in Meghalaya worth how much?
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Correct answer: C — ₹150 crore
Dr Mandaviya announced a world-class high-altitude training centre worth ₹150 crore in Meghalaya.
In May 2026, the Centre temporarily exempted all customs duties on imports of which commodity from 1 June to 31 October 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Cotton
All customs duties on import of cotton were exempted from 1 June 2026 till 31 October 2026.
Till what date does the temporary customs duty exemption on cotton imports, notified on 30 May 2026, remain in force?
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Correct answer: C — 31 October 2026
The exemption applies from 1 June 2026 till 31 October 2026.
Goa became which numbered State of India on 30 May 1987?
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Correct answer: C — 25th
Goa became the 25th State of India on 30 May 1987, as recalled at the 40th Statehood Day in 2026.
Which Statehood Day anniversary did Goa celebrate on 30 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 40th
The Vice-President graced the 40th Statehood Day celebrations of Goa in Panaji on 30 May 2026.
During Goa's 40th Statehood Day in May 2026, the Vice-President inaugurated an exhibition on the life and works of which Goan cartoonist?
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Correct answer: D — Mario Miranda
The Vice-President inaugurated an exhibition celebrating the life and works of Mario Miranda.
The first-ever Strategic Investment Plan under PM-SETU, approved in May 2026, is for which ITI cluster?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster
The NSC approved the SIP for the Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster in Andhra Pradesh, submitted by AM/NS India.
PM-SETU, under which the first industry partnership was operationalised in Andhra Pradesh in May 2026, is a scheme of what size?
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Correct answer: C — ₹60,000 crore
PIB describes PM-SETU as the ₹60,000 crore scheme for upgrading ITIs.
The Boregaon–Shahpur four-lane section in Madhya Pradesh, serving the Khandwa–Burhanpur banana belt, is part of which National Highway?
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Correct answer: C — NH-753L
The Boregaon to Shahpur section of NH-753L is being built as a four-lane corridor under Bharatmala Pariyojana.
In May 2026, the CCPA penalised a coaching institute for misleading UPSC result advertisements under which law?
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Correct answer: A — Consumer Protection Act, 2019
The CCPA imposed a ₹7 lakh penalty for misleading advertisement in violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Which institution was the nodal agency for the National Family Health Survey-6 (2023-24), released in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai
NFHS-6 was conducted in 2023-24 by MoHFW with IIPS, Mumbai, as the nodal agency.
According to NFHS-6, stunting among children under five years declined from 35.5% (NFHS-5) to:
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Correct answer: B — 29.3%
Stunting declined from 35.5% to 29.3%; 31.8% is the underweight figure.
What share of deliveries were institutional deliveries as per NFHS-6?
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Correct answer: C — 90.6%
Institutional deliveries increased from 88.6% to 90.6%; 95.9% is the ANC coverage figure.
Consider the following statements about NFHS-6: 1. India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) remains at 2.0. 2. Full immunisation coverage of children declined compared with NFHS-5. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
TFR remains at 2.0; full immunisation improved from 83.8% to 87.1%, it did not decline.
NFHS-6 recorded the sharpest rise in coverage of which vaccine among children, from 36.4% to 85.4%?
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Correct answer: B — Rotavirus vaccine
Rotavirus vaccination coverage rose from 36.4% to 85.4%; measles second dose rose from 58.6% to 71.8%.
As per IMD's updated forecast of 29 May 2026, the 2026 southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India is likely to be what percentage of the Long Period Average?
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Correct answer: B — 90%
IMD forecast seasonal rainfall at 90% of the LPA with a model error of ±4%.
The Long Period Average (LPA) of India's southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall, based on 1971–2020 data, is:
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Correct answer: B — 87 cm
IMD states that the LPA of seasonal rainfall over the country based on 1971–2020 data is 87 cm.
Consider the following statements about IMD's updated monsoon forecast (May 2026): 1. El Niño conditions are likely to develop during the monsoon season. 2. A positive Indian Ocean Dipole is expected to develop during the season. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
IMD said El Niño is likely to develop during the season, while neutral IOD conditions are likely to continue.
IMD's 2026 updated forecast gave what probability for below-normal or less rainfall for the country as a whole?
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Correct answer: C — 84%
The five-category probability forecast suggests an 84% probability of below normal or less rainfall.
In May 2026, subscription to zero coupon zero principal instruments on the Social Stock Exchange was added as a CSR activity in which part of the Companies Act, 2013?
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Correct answer: D — Schedule VII
MCA added new item (xiii) to Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, which lists CSR activities.
Under the May 2026 CSR amendment on Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments, who is responsible for project execution and evaluation?
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Correct answer: B — The Not for Profit Organization raising funds through ZCZP
MCA said responsibility for project execution and evaluation will be on the Not for Profit Organization raising funds through ZCZP instruments.
What was the theme of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Invest in Peace
The 2026 observance was centred on the theme 'Invest in Peace'.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed on 29 May because it marks the anniversary of:
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Correct answer: D — The first UN peacekeeping mission in 1948
29 May is the anniversary of the first UN peacekeeping mission in 1948.
NITI Aayog's semiconductor roadmap released in May 2026 aims to make India an indispensable global semiconductor player by which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2035
The roadmap charts India's path to becoming an indispensable global semiconductor player by 2035.
Which unit of NITI Aayog released the roadmap 'Future of India's Semiconductor Industry' in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Frontier Tech Hub
The roadmap was released by NITI Aayog's Frontier Tech Hub.
In May 2026, who was appointed Director-General of Police and Head of the Police Force of Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: D — Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal
Tamil Nadu appointed Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal (IPS 1994) as DGP/HoPF on 29 May 2026, replacing Sandeep Rai Rathore.
Under the Supreme Court guidelines cited for the Tamil Nadu DGP appointment (May 2026), what is the fixed tenure of a State's DGP and Head of Police Force?
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Correct answer: B — Two years
Under the Prakash Singh guidelines, the DGP and Head of Police Force holds the post for a fixed tenure of two years.
The Common Landing Portal for Unclaimed Financial Assets launched in May 2026 advances which campaign?
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Correct answer: A — Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar
The portal advances the 'Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar' (Your Money, Your Right) campaign.
The Common Landing Portal for Unclaimed Financial Assets (May 2026) was developed by the Department of Financial Services in collaboration with:
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Correct answer: C — PSB Alliance
DFS developed the portal in collaboration with PSB Alliance.
Who assumed charge as the 48th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff on 29 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar
Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumed charge as the 48th VCNS on 29 May 2026, succeeding Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan.
Consider the following statements about Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar: 1. He has commanded the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. 2. He served as Commandant of the National Defence Academy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
He commanded INS Vikramaditya and, after commanding the Western Fleet in 2021, served as Commandant, NDA.
In May 2026, the Government of Odisha signed an MoU with Intel and 3DGS Inc. to set up what kind of facility in the Bhubaneswar–Khurda region?
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Correct answer: B — Advanced Packaging Glass Core Substrate Manufacturing Facility
The MoU provides a framework for an Advanced Packaging Glass Core Substrate Manufacturing Facility in the Bhubaneswar–Khurda region.
Which State signed the May 2026 MoU with Intel Corporation and 3DGS Inc. for a glass core substrate facility?
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Correct answer: A — Odisha
The MoU was signed between the Government of Odisha, Intel Corporation and 3DGS Inc., USA.
India's first 'SkyCast' aviation weather monitoring system was inaugurated in May 2026 at which airport?
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Correct answer: D — Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
SkyCast was inaugurated at IGI Airport, New Delhi; the next facility is planned at Jewar Airport.
With the SkyCast system (May 2026), India became which country in the world to deploy such an integrated aviation weather monitoring system?
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Correct answer: C — 19th
Only 18 such systems existed worldwide; India became the 19th.
Which body will develop India's first Special Economic Zone to be developed by an urban local body, notified in Puducherry in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Oulgaret Municipality
The IT/ITES SEZ at Thattanchavady will be developed by Oulgaret Municipality, the first SEZ in India by an urban local body; PIPDIC will develop the multi-sector SEZ.
Consider the following statements about the two SEZs notified in Puducherry (May 2026): 1. They were approved by the Board of Approval for SEZs at its 137th meeting. 2. Both are IT/ITES SEZs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Both were approved at the 137th BoA meeting; one is an IT/ITES SEZ and the other a multi-sector SEZ.
As per the Canada-India Joint Statement of May 2026, by when do both sides aim to conclude negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)?
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Correct answer: A — By the end of 2026
Both Ministers affirmed their shared objective of concluding CEPA negotiations by the end of this year (2026).
Which platform was launched by India and Canada in May 2026 to bring together business leaders of both countries?
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Correct answer: A — Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum
The Ministers launched the Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum as a key platform for Canadian and Indian business leaders.
In May 2026, who was given additional charge as Chairman of DRDO on completion of Dr Samir V. Kamat's tenure?
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Correct answer: C — Rajesh Kumar Singh
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh was given additional charge as Secretary, DDR&D and Chairman, DRDO, from 31 May 2026.
Dr Samir V. Kamat, whose tenure as DRDO Chairman ended on 31 May 2026, had held the post since:
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Correct answer: D — August 2022
Dr Kamat had served as Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO since August 2022.
Under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative, which city created nearly 32,000 rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge structures in 2025, as highlighted by the Jal Shakti Ministry in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Raipur
Raipur, Chhattisgarh, created nearly 32,000 rainwater harvesting and recharge structures in 2025 under JSJB.
The G-7 and G-13 Border Out Posts inaugurated by Amit Shah on 29 May 2026 are located along the India-Pakistan border in which area?
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Correct answer: B — Bhuj, Gujarat
Amit Shah inaugurated the G-7 and G-13 Border Out Posts along the India-Pakistan border in Bhuj, Gujarat.
At the power sector review in Aizawl on 29 May 2026, Mizoram committed to bring its AT&C losses down to what level by March 2027?
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Correct answer: D — 25%
The State committed to achieving 25% AT&C losses by March 2027.
Additional Judges of a High Court, such as the three appointed to the Karnataka High Court in May 2026, are appointed by the President under which Article?
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Correct answer: C — Article 224(1)
The President appointed the Additional Judges in exercise of the power under clause (1) of Article 224; Article 224A covers retired judges sitting in High Courts.
What was India's medal tally at the Taipei Capital Cup 2026 international skills competition (26–28 May 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — Two silver medals and three Merit Awards
Team India secured two silver medals and three Merit Awards at the Taipei Capital Cup 2026.
According to the Union Agriculture Minister at the Kharif Conclave-2026, India's foodgrain production has exceeded:
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Correct answer: C — 3,765 lakh tonnes
Shivraj Singh Chouhan said foodgrain production has exceeded 3,765 lakh tonnes.
At the Kharif Conclave-2026, India was said to have become the world's largest producer of rice by surpassing which country?
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Correct answer: C — China
The Agriculture Minister said India has become the world's No. 1 in rice production, surpassing China.
Consider the following statements about the Kharif Conclave-2026: 1. It was held at the NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. 2. Regional agriculture conferences ahead of it were held at Jaipur, Lucknow and Bhubaneswar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The conclave was held at NASC Complex, Pusa, on 28–29 May 2026; regional conferences had been held at Jaipur, Lucknow and Bhubaneswar.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), which completed 10 years in May 2026, came into force in which year?
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Correct answer: D — 2016
MCA said the IBC, which came into force in 2016, completed 10 years on 28 May 2026.
As per MCA data released on IBC's 10th anniversary, resolution plans under the Code have realised how much for creditors (as of March 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — Over ₹4 lakh crore
1,419 resolution plans realised over ₹4 lakh crore; ₹14 lakh crore is the value of 30,000+ cases settled before admission.
Consider the following statements regarding IBC outcomes up to March 2026: 1. More cases closed with the company being rescued than with liquidation. 2. Realisation for creditors under resolution plans was below the liquidation value of the assets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
4,099 companies were rescued against 3,003 liquidations; realisation was 167% of liquidation value, i.e. above it.
S&P Global Ratings, as cited by MCA on IBC's 10th anniversary, upgraded India's insolvency framework to which group?
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Correct answer: D — From Group C to Group B
S&P Global Ratings upgraded India's insolvency framework from 'Group C' to 'Group B'.