World Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
As announced in May 2026, how many health records have been linked with ABHA under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?
Show answer
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)?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
By what vote was Janez Janša elected Prime Minister of Slovenia on 22 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 51–36
Reuters and AP: Janša won 51 votes to 36 in the 90-seat National Assembly.
Consider the following statements about Slovenia's change of government in 2026: 1. Slovenia's parliamentary election was held on 22 March 2026. 2. After his election, Janez Janša had to bring his Cabinet before parliament for a separate confirmation vote within 15 days. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Reuters and AP give 22 March as the election date, and AP notes the separate Cabinet vote within 15 days; RTV Slovenia also reports the 15-day deadline.
How many artisans and craftspeople are enrolled under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in West Bengal, as per the MSME Ministry (May 2026)?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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)?
Show answer
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:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Department of Science and Technology
PIB describes ARCI as an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Where did the Ministry of Cooperation hold its regional workshop on 2 lakh new cooperatives and the World's Largest Grain Storage Plan on 22 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Raipur
The regional workshop was organised at Raipur, Chhattisgarh, with officials from six Eastern and Central States.
'The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker', released by the Vice President on 22 May 2026, was written by:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — P.P. Sathyan
PIB: the book is authored by P.P. Sathyan and was released at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.
In how many polling stations of the Falta Assembly constituency was a fresh poll held on 21 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — All 285
The fresh poll was held in all 285 polling stations of 144-Falta, including auxiliary polling stations.
The Falta Assembly constituency, where a full repoll was held in May 2026, is in which district of West Bengal?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — South 24 Parganas
Falta (AC 144) is in South 24 Parganas district.
Consider the following statements about the Falta repoll of 21 May 2026: 1. As per ECI's final statistical report, the turnout was 89.09%. 2. The repoll was held because the original poll in Phase I on 23 April was countermanded. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Falta voted in Phase II on 29 April, and that poll was countermanded.
Where was the Indian War Memorial, honouring Indian troops of the Korean War, inaugurated on 21 May 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Department of Biotechnology
The dedication was organised by the Department of Biotechnology, which runs the UMMID network.
Where did BRICS Ministers of Justice adopt the Declaration on strengthening Alternative Dispute Resolution on 21 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Gandhinagar
The Declaration was adopted at the Ministers of Justice meeting held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS Justice Ministers' meeting (May 2026): 1. Justice Ministers of Indonesia and Ethiopia were among the participants. 2. The Declaration was finalised at a Senior Officials' Meeting held in Gandhinagar on 19–20 May 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Ministers from ten countries, including Indonesia and Ethiopia, took part, and senior officials finalised the Declaration in Gandhinagar on 19–20 May.
As per NSO's QBUSE for January–March 2026, the estimated number of unincorporated non-agricultural establishments was:
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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)?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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:
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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:
Show answer
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.
On 21 May 2026 Nitin Gadkari reviewed the quality and maintenance of how many km of National Highway projects in Uttar Pradesh?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 11,672 km
Gadkari reviewed the quality and maintenance progress of 11,672 km of NH projects in Uttar Pradesh.
In which city did the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting under India's BRICS Chairship conclude on 21 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Indore
The meeting concluded in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, after two days of discussions.
Which Union Minister attended the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting in Indore virtually?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya attended virtually; MoS Raksha Nikhil Khadse and MP Minister Vishvas Kailash Sarang attended in person.
Which three new centres did UPSC add for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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'.
Who chaired the 138th Offshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) meeting held in Ahmedabad on 21 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Director General, Indian Coast Guard
The 138th OSCC met under the chairpersonship of DG Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani.
Expanding offshore exploration activities in which region were discussed at the 138th OSCC meeting (May 2026)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Andaman & Nicobar region
Deliberations included the expanding offshore exploration activities in the Andaman & Nicobar region.
Which UN agency conferred its Agricola Medal for 2026 on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
Where did the multilateral military exercise PRAGATI 2026 begin on 20 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya
PRAGATI 2026 commenced at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya.
Consider the following statements about Exercise PRAGATI 2026: 1. PRAGATI stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region. 2. Bangladesh and Thailand were among the 12 participating nations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the 12 nations were Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
In the ICMR-CCRAS Phase III trial presented in May 2026, Punarnavadi Mandura was compared with which standard therapy for anaemia?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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%).
Under which programme did the Atal Innovation Mission open applications for 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs in Jammu & Kashmir in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Frontier Region Program
The 500 new ATLs are a key component of AIM's Frontier Region Program.
Which institution is the nodal mentoring institution for the Atal Tinkering Lab ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — University of Kashmir
The University of Kashmir was designated as the nodal mentoring institution when the ATL Sarthi and Frontier Region Program were launched in September 2025.
What was the theme of World Metrology Day 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — The Metre Convention
The Metre Convention was signed in Paris on 20 May 1875; 2026 marked its 151st anniversary.