Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The 'Janjati Sanskritik Samagam' addressed by Amit Shah in New Delhi on 24 May 2026 was organised in the 150th birth anniversary year of:
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Correct answer: B — Bhagwan Birsa Munda
The Samagam was organised on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
According to Home Minister Amit Shah (May 2026), in which two States has the Uniform Civil Code been implemented with special provisions keeping tribal communities outside its purview?
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Correct answer: C — Gujarat and Uttarakhand
Shah said the UCC has been implemented in Gujarat and Uttarakhand with special provisions keeping all tribal communities outside its purview.
Consider the following statements about Amit Shah's address at the Janjati Sanskritik Samagam (May 2026): 1. He recalled Birsa Munda's Ulgulan movement against British rule. 2. He said UCC provisions would be extended to tribal communities in the coming years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
He recalled the Ulgulan movement; he said no provision of the UCC would be imposed on tribal communities, so statement 2 is wrong.
NMDC's summer camps for about 1,700 tribal children (20 May – 15 June 2026) are being held in villages of which district?
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Correct answer: D — Dantewada
NMDC launched the summer camps across 17 villages in Dantewada district of Dakshin Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
NMDC is running its 2026 summer camps for tribal children in Dakshin Bastar in partnership with which organisation?
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Correct answer: B — WOSCA
The camps are executed in partnership with WOSCA, an organisation working in education and community development.
Which of the following facilities was inaugurated at SAI NCoE Gandhinagar by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on 24 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Para Athlete Hostel
The facilities inaugurated were a Para Athlete Hostel, Centralised Dining Hall, Strength & Conditioning Hall, Multipurpose Training Hall and Meditation Park.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described SAI NCoE Gandhinagar in May 2026 as an emerging premier high-performance hub for:
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Correct answer: D — Para sports
He said SAI NCoE Gandhinagar is emerging as a premier high-performance hub for para sports in India.
Where did MoS Sports Raksha Khadse lead the Commonwealth Games edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle on 24 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — IIT Guwahati
She led the special Commonwealth Games edition at the IIT Guwahati campus, organised by SAI Regional Centre Guwahati with IIT Guwahati.
The Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) and High Performance Centre visited by Raksha Khadse on 24 May 2026 belong to which State?
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Correct answer: A — Assam
She visited the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE) Assam and the High Performance Centre in Guwahati.
From which date will the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 commence, with MGNREGS continuing until then?
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Correct answer: B — 1 July 2026
The Ministry said Mahatma Gandhi NREGS will continue till the commencement of the VB–G RAM G Act on 1 July 2026.
What MGNREGS labour budget was approved for June 2026 ahead of the switch to the VB–G RAM G Act?
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Correct answer: C — Over 45 crore persondays
An adequate labour budget of over 45 crore persondays was approved for June 2026.
Consider the following statements about the preparations for the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 (May 2026): 1. Mother sanctions of ₹26,971 crore were issued under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS. 2. States were asked to prepare their shelf of works on the e-Gram Swaraj portal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
₹26,971 crore of mother sanctions were issued. The shelf of works is to be prepared through the Yuktdhara portal, not e-Gram Swaraj, so statement 2 is wrong.
The BHAVYA Scheme, whose guidelines DPIIT released in May 2026, aims to develop:
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Correct answer: D — 100 industrial parks with about ₹33,660 crore
The Scheme provides for 100 industrial parks over 2026-27 to 2031-32 with an outlay of about ₹33,660 crore.
Which body has been designated the Project Management Agency for the BHAVYA Scheme?
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Correct answer: A — National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC)
The guidelines designate NICDC as the Project Management Agency for implementation and monitoring.
Over which period will the BHAVYA Scheme be implemented?
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Correct answer: B — 2026-27 to 2031-32
The 100 parks are to be developed over six years, 2026-27 to 2031-32.
Consider the following statements about the BHAVYA Scheme guidelines: 1. The minimum land requirement for a park is 25 acres in hilly states, north-eastern states, Union Territories and smaller states. 2. Up to 50 industrial parks will be taken up in the first phase through a challenge-based competitive selection. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: 25 acres (100 acres in non-hilly states) is the minimum, and up to 50 parks are taken up first through challenge-based selection.
How many candidates were conferred DNB, DrNB, Diploma and FNB qualifications at the 23rd NBEMS convocation (23 May 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — 26,396
26,396 candidates were conferred DNB, DrNB, Diploma and FNB qualifications; 137 toppers received gold medals.
Consider the following statements made at the 23rd NBEMS convocation (May 2026): 1. NBEMS launched 11 new academic courses. 2. The number of medical colleges in India has increased from 387 to 718. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
11 new courses were launched. Medical colleges increased from 387 to 818, not 718, so statement 2 is wrong.
During his Canada visit of 25–27 May 2026, Piyush Goyal was to meet which Canadian Minister of International Trade to review India–Canada CEPA?
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Correct answer: D — Maninder Sidhu
PIB: Goyal will meet Mr Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade; Mark Carney is the Prime Minister and Anita Anand the Foreign Minister.
As per the Commerce Ministry, what was the value of India's exports to Canada in FY2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — USD 4.67 billion
Bilateral trade was around USD 8 billion: India's exports USD 4.67 billion and imports USD 3.28 billion.
Consider the following statements: 1. India had a trade surplus with Canada in FY2025-26. 2. Piyush Goyal's May 2026 visit to Canada was scheduled from 25 to 30 May. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Exports (USD 4.67 bn) exceeded imports (USD 3.28 bn), so India had a surplus. The visit was from 25 to 27 May, so statement 2 is wrong.
What National Health Mission resource envelope for FY 2026-27 was conveyed to West Bengal on 23 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹3,505.59 crore
A resource envelope of ₹3,505.59 crore was conveyed, of which a first sanction of ₹527.58 crore was released.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda reviewed West Bengal's healthcare systems on 23 May 2026 in a meeting with which Chief Minister?
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Correct answer: D — Suvendu Adhikari
PIB: Nadda chaired the review meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Which US Cabinet official called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 May 2026 as Secretary of State?
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Correct answer: D — Marco Rubio
PIB: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 May 2026.
Consider the following statements about US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's call on PM Modi (23 May 2026): 1. Rubio shared the US perspective on regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia. 2. PM Modi asked Rubio to convey his warm greetings to President Trump. 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: Rubio shared the US view including on West Asia, and the PM asked him to convey greetings to President Trump.
'Suryastra', flagged off at Shirdi on 23 May 2026, is:
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Correct answer: A — India's first 300 km Universal Rocket Launching System
PIB: India's first 300 km Universal Rocket Launching System 'Suryastra' was flagged off at the event.
The private-sector Defence Manufacturing Complex inaugurated by Rajnath Singh on 23 May 2026 belongs to which company and is located where?
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Correct answer: B — NIBE Group, Shirdi
The complex of NIBE Group was inaugurated at Shirdi, Maharashtra.
Consider the following statements about the event at Shirdi on 23 May 2026: 1. Indigenous TNT and RDX plant technologies were unveiled. 2. NIBE Group and Black Sky exchanged an MoU in the field of satellite assembly. 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: TNT and RDX plant technologies were unveiled, and an MoU on satellite assembly was exchanged between NIBE Group and Black Sky.
Which edition of the Rozgar Mela was held on 23 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 19th
PIB: the Prime Minister distributed the letters at the 19th Rozgar Mela on 23 May 2026.
How many appointment letters were distributed at the Rozgar Mela on 23 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — More than 51,000
More than 51,000 appointment letters were distributed to newly appointed youth.
Who won the Suranjan Das Trophy for the best all-round student test pilot of the 48th Flight Test Course at AFTPS (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: D — Sqn Ldr KK Singh
The Suranjan Das Trophy went to Sqn Ldr KK Singh; Sqn Ldr Aditya Jamdagni won the CAS Trophy and Wg Cdr Abhinav Kumar the Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword.
The 48th Flight Test Course that graduated from AFTPS Bengaluru on 23 May 2026 comprised:
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Correct answer: A — 11 test pilots and 6 flight test engineers
Eleven test pilots and six flight test engineers, 17 officers in all, graduated.
Consider the following statements about the 48th Flight Test Course graduation (May 2026): 1. The chief guest, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, is an alumnus of the 17th Flight Test Course. 2. The graduates will join the Aviation Wing of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment. 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: the CAS is a 17th FTC alumnus, and the graduates join the Aviation Wing of ASTE.
What national-record time did Gurindervir Singh clock to win the men's 100m at the Federation Cup in Ranchi on 23 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 10.09 seconds
Gurindervir ran 10.09s, the first Indian under 10.10s; Animesh Kujur's 10.15s from the semi-finals was the previous record.
Who became the first Indian decathlete to cross 8,000 points, at the Federation Cup in Ranchi in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Tejaswin Shankar
Tejaswin Shankar scored 8,057 points; Thowfeeq N. was second and Gokul K.R. third, while Vishal T.K. set the 400m record.
Consider the following statements about the Federation Cup athletics in Ranchi (23 May 2026): 1. Vishal T.K. became the first Indian to run the 400m in under 45 seconds. 2. Vishal T.K.'s 400m record broke a mark previously held by Animesh Kujur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Vishal ran 44.98s, the first sub-45 run by an Indian. The old record of 45.12s was his own, so statement 2 is wrong.
How many Indian school students are visiting Japan under the Sakura Science Programme 2026 (24–30 May)?
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Correct answer: B — 56
56 school students (24 boys and 32 girls) and 4 supervisors from India are visiting Japan.
The Sakura Science Programme ('Japan Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science') is implemented by:
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Correct answer: A — Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
PIB: the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has been implementing the programme since 2014; India has participated since April 2016.
What was the theme of the Governance Summit 2026 hosted by MeitY and ISB on 23 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Inclusive AI for Viksit Bharat
The summit was titled 'Governance Summit 2026: Inclusive AI for Viksit Bharat'.
The MeitY–ISB Governance Summit 2026 was which edition, and where was it held?
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Correct answer: D — Fourth edition, ISB Mohali
PIB: the fourth edition of the summit was held at the ISB Mohali campus.
As per the Fisheries Ministry (May 2026), which State/UT was India's leading trout-producing region in 2024-25?
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Correct answer: D — Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir led with around 3,010 MT of trout in 2024-25, supported by the Kokernag hatchery.
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.
Who took over as Chair of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for 2026–27 at the 68th Governing Body Meeting in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: D — Prof. Anwar Sanusi of Indonesia
Indonesia's APO Director Prof. Anwar Sanusi became Chair for 2026–27, succeeding India's Amardeep Singh Bhatia; Iran and Japan took the Vice Chair roles.
Which country will host the 69th Governing Body Meeting of the APO in 2027?
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Correct answer: B — Lao PDR
It was announced that the 69th GBM will be hosted in Lao PDR in 2027; the 67th Workshop Summit Meeting will be in Sri Lanka.
Consider the following statements about the 68th APO Governing Body Meeting (May 2026): 1. It was held at Yashobhoomi (IICC), New Delhi. 2. The 67th Workshop Summit Meeting of Heads of APO Economies will be held in Lao PDR in 2027. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
The meeting was at Bharat Mandapam, not Yashobhoomi. The 67th Workshop Summit Meeting will be in Sri Lanka; Lao PDR hosts the 69th GBM. Both statements are wrong.
From where was the Agni-1 short-range ballistic missile test-launched on 22 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha
PIB: Agni-1 was successfully test-launched from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.
The Agni-1 test of 22 May 2026 was carried out under the aegis of:
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Correct answer: D — Strategic Forces Command
The Defence Ministry said the test was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.
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.
What was the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, as celebrated in India?
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Correct answer: D — Acting Locally for Global Impact
The national event at IIFM Bhopal was based on the theme 'Acting Locally for Global Impact'.
Where was the national-level celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 held?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal
Bhupender Yadav and CM Mohan Yadav presided over the national celebration and a cheetah conservation event at IIFM, Bhopal.
How many artisans and craftspeople are enrolled under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in West Bengal, as per the MSME Ministry (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: D — 7.79 lakh
The MSME Ministry said 7.79 lakh artisans and craftspeople are currently enrolled in West Bengal.
On which date was the PM Vishwakarma Scheme launched by the Ministry of MSME?
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Correct answer: B — 17 September 2023
PIB: the scheme was launched by the Ministry of MSME on 17 September 2023.
The about 60,000 kg of areca nuts seized by the DRI in May 2026 had been smuggled into India from which country, through which border?
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Correct answer: B — Myanmar, through the Myanmar–Mizoram border
Investigations revealed the areca nuts were smuggled from Myanmar through the Myanmar–Mizoram border.
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).