Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
Major General B. C. Khanduri (Retd.), whose demise was condoled by the Prime Minister on 19 May 2026, had served as Chief Minister of which state?
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Correct answer: C — Uttarakhand
PIB describes him as former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and former Union Minister.
Major General B. C. Khanduri (Retd.), who died on 19 May 2026, held which Union portfolio in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government?
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Correct answer: B — Road Transport and Highways
Khanduri was Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways in the Vajpayee government and is credited with executing the Golden Quadrilateral.
Consider the following statements about Major General B. C. Khanduri (Retd.), who died in May 2026: 1. He served two terms as Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, 2007–2009 and 2011–2012. 2. The Golden Quadrilateral, executed during his tenure as Road Transport and Highways Minister, was part of Phase II of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP). 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 5,846-km Golden Quadrilateral was part of the first phase of NHDP; Phase II mainly covered the North-South and East-West Corridors.
Which coal mine became the first underground mine to start production under the commercial coal auction regime in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Urtan, Anuppur
The Urtan mine in Anuppur district, MP, began production on 15 May 2026 as the first underground mine under commercial auctions. Dhirauli also began production but is not described as underground.
The Dhirauli coal mine, which began production on 17 May 2026, is in which district of Madhya Pradesh?
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Correct answer: C — Singrauli
Dhirauli is in Singrauli district and is allocated to Mahan Energen Limited.
Which of the following states is NOT a member of the Central Zonal Council, whose 26th meeting was held in Bastar in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Bihar
The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of the member states Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Bihar is not among them.
Which body organised the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs
PIB: the meeting was organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat, functioning under the MHA, with Chhattisgarh as host.
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.
Which DRDO laboratory is the nodal lab for the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3?
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Correct answer: C — Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad
RCI Hyderabad is the nodal lab; DRDL, TBRL and HEMRL are the other contributing laboratories.
Near which place were the final development trials of ULPGM-V3 conducted in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
The trials were carried out at the DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
Where will the flagship Bharat Innovates 2026 event be held in June 2026 under the India–France Year of Innovation?
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Correct answer: A — Nice
The flagship Bharat Innovates 2026 event is in Nice, France, on 14–16 June 2026.
How many deep-tech start-ups presented at the Bharat Innovates Investor Showcase in Bengaluru on 19 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 24
Twenty-four deep-tech start-ups from the Bharat Innovates cohort presented to 90+ investors.
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.
Which of the following states was NOT among those represented at the Eastern Regional Agriculture Conference in Bhubaneswar in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Assam
The conference brought together Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. Assam was not listed.
The Kiul–Jhajha third line project approved in May 2026 lies on which railway corridor?
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Correct answer: B — Howrah–Delhi
The 54-km Kiul–Jhajha third line is on the high-density Howrah–Delhi corridor.
What is the length and cost of the Arakkonam–Chengalpattu doubling project approved in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 68 km, ₹993 crore
The Arakkonam–Chengalpattu doubling is 68 km at ₹993 crore. 54 km and ₹962 crore are the figures for Kiul–Jhajha.
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.
The binary system discovered by Indian astronomers in May 2026 pairs a blue straggler star with what kind of companion?
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Correct answer: A — A brown dwarf
It is the first confirmed blue straggler hosting a substellar (brown dwarf) companion, of about 0.056 solar masses.
What is the approximate orbital period of the blue straggler–brown dwarf binary reported in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 5.6 hours
The system has an exceptionally short orbital period of about 5.6 hours (0.234 days).
The MoU signed in Mumbai on 19 May 2026 to advance corporate governance, ESG and capital markets was between NISM and which institute?
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Correct answer: C — Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs
The MoU was between NISM (set up by SEBI) and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Who is the SEBI Chairman who attended the NISM–IICA MoU signing in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Tuhin Kanta Pandey
PIB: the signing ceremony was graced by SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey.
Which national initiative did Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil launch at the 14th HPRB meeting of the Brahmaputra Board in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — State Water Reforms Framework
Patil launched the State Water Reforms Framework (SWRF) to strengthen water governance reforms across states and UTs.
Where was the 14th meeting of the High-Powered Review Board of the Brahmaputra Board held on 19 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Guwahati
The 14th HPRB meeting was held at Guwahati.
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.
What is the outlay of Mission 'Coffees of Nagaland' launched in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹175 crore
PIB: the mission has an outlay of Rs. 175 crores.
Under Mission 'Coffees of Nagaland', the pilot cluster for Robusta coffee is at:
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Correct answer: C — Ghotovi village, Niuland district
Ghotovi village in Niuland district is the Robusta cluster; Tuophema in Kohima district is the Arabica cluster.
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.
In how many cities does the Centre plan to roll out Water Metro services, as stated in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 18
Sonowal said the Centre has advanced plans to roll out Water Metro services in 18 cities.
Which of the following cities is proposed for Phase II (not Phase I) of the Water Metro rollout?
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Correct answer: D — Dibrugarh
Tezpur and Dibrugarh in Assam are proposed for Phase II; Guwahati, Srinagar and Varanasi are in Phase I.
Who took oath as Chief Minister of Keralam, as congratulated by the Prime Minister on 18 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — V. D. Satheesan
PM Modi congratulated V. D. Satheesan on taking oath as Chief Minister of Keralam.
The INST Mohali study of May 2026 embedded nanogold in which polymer to boost pyroelectric performance?
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Correct answer: B — Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
The team engineered ultrathin films of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a ferroelectric polymer, with hexagonal nanogold.
'Pyroelectricity', improved in the INST Mohali nanogold films, refers to the ability of a material to:
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Correct answer: A — generate electricity from changes in temperature
PIB defines pyroelectric performance as the ability to generate electricity from changes in temperature.
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.
To what level did India and Sweden elevate their relationship during PM Modi's visit to Sweden in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Strategic Partnership
PM Modi and PM Ulf Kristersson agreed in Gothenburg to elevate India–Sweden ties to the level of Strategic Partnership.
Which document did India and Sweden adopt in May 2026 to operationalise their new partnership?
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Correct answer: C — India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026-2030
The two leaders adopted the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026-2030 as the roadmap for the Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements about the India–Sweden talks of May 2026: 1. The relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 2. The partnership will be guided by three pillars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: the ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership (not Comprehensive), and it rests on four pillars.
The houselisting field operations that began in Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Maharashtra and Jharkhand on 17 May 2026 are part of which exercise?
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Correct answer: B — Phase I of Census 2027
The Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) is Phase I of Census 2027.
As of 17 May 2026, more than how many households had completed Census self-enumeration?
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Correct answer: D — 1.44 crore
MHA said more than 1.44 crore households had completed self-enumeration across 25 States/UTs.
Consider the following statements about Census 2027 operations as of 17 May 2026: 1. The self-enumeration facility has been introduced for the first time in Census operations. 2. Houselisting operations in Uttar Pradesh were completed between 16 April and 15 May 2026. 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: in Uttar Pradesh self-enumeration runs until 21 May and field work from 22 May to 20 June; the 16 April–15 May round covered A&N, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim and Delhi's NDMC and Cantonment areas.
On 17 May 2026 the Census self-enumeration facility opened in which group of States/UTs?
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Correct answer: B — Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Puducherry
Self-enumeration began on 17 May in Gujarat, J&K, Ladakh and Puducherry, open till 31 May 2026.
According to PIB, the Afsluitdijk visited by PM Modi in May 2026 is a dam and causeway of about what length?
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Correct answer: B — 32 km
PIB describes the Afsluitdijk as a 32-kilometre-long dam and causeway.
The Kalpasar project, on which India and the Netherlands agreed technical cooperation in May 2026, aims to create a freshwater reservoir across which water body?
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Correct answer: D — Gulf of Khambhat
The Kalpasar project in Gujarat aims to create a freshwater reservoir across the Gulf of Khambhat.
At which water body did the Indian Navy inaugurate a Naval Sailing Node on 17 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Upper Lake (Bhojtal), Bhopal
The Naval Sailing Node was inaugurated at Upper Lake, widely known as Bhojtal, in Bhopal.
According to PIB, how many members of the 34-member Navy Sailing Team belong to Madhya Pradesh (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: A — 17
PIB states that 17 of the 34 personnel in the Navy Sailing Team are from Madhya Pradesh.