Current Affairs May 2026: Global Events, Policy Updates, and Key Takeaways
Welcome to The Lucknow Classes‘ Current Affairs May 2026 capsule. In the highly competitive landscape of modern examinations—whether you are targeting the UPPSC, RO/ARO, UPSC, or central banking and railway exams—Current Affairs forms the absolute backbone of your general studies preparation. Staying updated is no longer just about memorizing random facts; it is about understanding the shifting dynamics of global governance, socio-economic policies, scientific innovations, and critical environmental changes. For state-level aspirants, a sharp focus on Uttar Pradesh’s regional developments is often the ultimate differentiator on the final merit list.
This comprehensive module is designed to bridge the gap between static knowledge and dynamic events. Below, you will find a rigorously curated selection of 50+ high-yield Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with detailed analytical explanations. Treat this not just as a reading list, but as a simulated testing ground to evaluate your retention, sharpen your elimination skills, and build the conceptual clarity required to ace your upcoming exams.
🏛️ Category 1: Uttar Pradesh Special Current Affairs
Q1. In May 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department officially launched which mega campaign to boost domestic footprint and highlight heritage circuits?
A) UP Dekho Ek Nazar
B) Visit My State
C) Muskuraeye Aap UP Mein Hain
D) Heritage Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Visit My State]
Explanation: The UP Government rolled out the ‘Visit My State’ tourism campaign in mid-May 2026 to systematically promote rural tourism, spiritual circuits, and lesser-known historical sites across the state.
Q2. Which historic wetland in Uttar Pradesh was recognized as India’s 100th Ramsar Site, as highlighted in environmental conclaves in May 2026?
A) Haiderpur Wetland
B) Bakhira Sanctuary
C) Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal)
D) Samaspur Bird Sanctuary
Correct Answer: C [Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal)]
Explanation: Located in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, Surha Tal achieved the milestone of becoming India’s 100th Ramsar Site.
Q3. Squadron Leader Saanya, who created history in May 2026 by becoming the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to earn the prestigious ‘Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor’ (CAT-A QFI) qualification, hails from which state?
A) Haryana
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Punjab
D) Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Explanation: Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Squadron Leader Saanya became the first woman military aviator to achieve the highest instructional grading (Cat-A) in the IAF, felicitated by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh.
Q4. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari launched India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system in May 2026. At which national highway plaza in Uttar Pradesh was this infrastructure tested/implemented?
A) Chakeri Toll Plaza (Kanpur)
B) Lalluan Toll Plaza (NH-19)
C) Itanja Toll Plaza (Lucknow)
D) Jewar Toll Plaza (Greater Noida)
Correct Answer: B [Lalluan Toll Plaza (NH-19)]
Explanation: The breakthrough barrier-less tolling system using advanced AI-based Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and RFID was deployed at the Lalluan Toll Plaza on NH-19 in Uttar Pradesh.
Q5. According to the data released by the UP state government in May 2026, which district has topped the state in terms of setting up micro-enterprise units under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)?
A) Lucknow
B) Gorakhpur
C) Varanasi
D) Gautambudh Nagar (Noida)
Correct Answer: C [Varanasi]
Explanation: Varanasi secured the top spot in Uttar Pradesh for the maximum execution and generation of employment via micro-enterprises under the PMEGP framework for the completed cycle.
Q6. The Uttar Pradesh Government has announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art “Panchayat Bhawan Digital Hub” network in May 2026. Which district has been selected to pilot the first 100% cloud-connected digital panchayats?
A) Bareilly
B) Jhansi
C) Prayagraj
D) Amethi
Correct Answer: C [Prayagraj]
Explanation: Prayagraj was chosen as the primary pilot district to implement completely paperless, cloud-integrated local governance hubs across all its gram panchayats.
Q7. In May 2026, which city in Uttar Pradesh hosted the “National Handloom and Khadi Conclave” aimed at integrating AI tools for local weavers?
A) Bhadohi
B) Meerut
C) Lucknow
D) Kanpur
Correct Answer: C [Lucknow]
Explanation: The state capital, Lucknow, hosted the national conclave to promote handloom modernizations and deploy AI design filters for traditional artisans across Awadh and Poorvanchal.
🇮🇳 Category 2: National & Governance
Q8. The President of India approved the introduction of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. What is the proposed new sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges, excluding the Chief Justice of India?
A) 34
B) 35
C) 37
D) 40
Correct Answer: C [37]
Explanation: The Bill seeks to amend the 1956 Act to increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges by four—raising it from the current 33 to 37 (excluding the CJI) to handle skyrocketing case pendency.
Q9. Which Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) successfully completed its first-ever all-women international mountaineering expedition to Mount Everest in May 2026?
A) Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
B) Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
C) Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
D) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
Correct Answer: B [Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)]
Explanation: A 14-member all-women team from the ITBP successfully scaled Mount Everest via the South Col Route from Nepal, marking a historic milestone for the border-guarding force.
Q10. Alongside the ITBP, the Border Security Force (BSF) also successfully scaled Mount Everest in May 2026 under which all-women expedition initiative celebrating its Diamond Jubilee?
A) Mission Shakti
B) Mission Vande Mataram
C) Operation Nari Shakti
D) Operation Himshikhar
Correct Answer: B [Mission Vande Mataram]
Explanation: As part of its Diamond Jubilee (60 years of service), the BSF sent its first all-women expedition named ‘Mission Vande Mataram’ to successfully summit Mt. Everest.
Q11. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the “JEEVAN” mobile application in May 2026. Who is the primary target demographic for this app?
A) Rural Entrepreneurs
B) Senior Citizens
C) Specially-abled Children
D) Scheduled Caste Students
Correct Answer: B [Senior Citizens]
Explanation: The JEEVAN (Joint Elderly Empowerment & Virtual Assistance Network) app was launched alongside the SHATAYU dashboard to provide comprehensive virtual medical assistance and tracking for senior citizens.
Q12. Which national regulatory body or ministry mandated the mandatory use of domestically produced solar cells for all Net-Metering and Open Access solar projects starting June 1, 2026?
A) NITI Aayog
B) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
C) Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
D) Ministry of Power
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)]
Explanation: To curb extreme import dependencies on China and bolster the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission, the MNRE issued a strict domestic sourcing mandate enforced under the ALMM List-II.
Q13. What is the newly designated total number of operational Railway Zones in India after the official creation and operationalization of the South Coast Railway Zone in May 2026?
A) 17
B) 18
C) 19
D) 20
Correct Answer: C [19]
Explanation: With the creation of the South Coast Railway Zone, headquartered at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India’s total number of active railway zones stands at 19.
Q14. The Ministry of Education launched “Bharat Innovates 2026” in late May. What is the core purpose of this national programme?
A) Digital literacy in primary rural schools
B) Global accelerator bridge for university-level deep-tech ventures
C) Free AI coaching for civil services aspirants
D) Promoting traditional sports in central universities
Correct Answer: B [Global accelerator bridge for university-level deep-tech ventures]
Explanation: Bharat Innovates 2026 is designed as a national accelerator to link top Indian deep-tech startups and university research parks directly with international investors and corporate entities.
Q15. The Ministry of Jal Shakti released a comprehensive advisory in May 2026 pushing for “Water Budgeting” across gram panchayats. What does water budgeting primarily involve?
A) Allocating financial funds for tube-well setups
B) Assessing local water availability vs. demand to balance use with renewable resources
C) Privatizing rural water distribution systems
D) Monitoring river interlinking expenditures
Correct Answer: B [Assessing local water availability vs. demand to balance use with renewable resources]
Explanation: Water budgeting is a scientific estimation framework where a village or district maps its total water resources (rainfall, surface, groundwater) against localized demands to avoid systemic water stress.
Q16. Which union territory/region hosted the historic Grand Exposition of Holy Buddha Relics in mid-May 2026, drawing global monastic delegations?
A) Puducherry
B) Ladakh
C) Lakshadweep
D) Jammu and Kashmir
Correct Answer: B [Ladakh]
Explanation: Ladakh hosted the prestigious grand exposition, boosting its cultural tourism footprint and cementing international ties across Buddhist-majority nations.
Q17. Which unique administrative forum dedicated to digital sovereignty and national infrastructure policy was launched for the first time in New Delhi in May 2026?
A) Bharat Digital Samvad
B) Cyber Suraksha Manch
C) National Telecom Parishad
D) Digital Atmanirbhar Apex
Correct Answer: A [Bharat Digital Samvad]
Explanation: Launched by the Bharath Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA), ‘Bharat Digital Samvad’ serves as India’s premier multi-stakeholder forum discussing local cloud storage, digital sovereignty, and broadcasting infrastructure policies.
Q18. The Central Government has extended the nationwide implementation of the “Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme” portal to track real-time patient registries. Which ministry oversees this implementation?
A) Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
B) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
C) Ministry of Social Justice
D) Ministry of Electronics and IT
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]
Explanation: Run under the National Health Mission (NHM), the program ensures affordable dialysis access and uses a single digital portal for seamless patient tracking across India.
Q19. Under the newly amended Central Civil Services Rules discussed in May 2026, government employees can claim child care leave for a maximum period of how many days during their entire service?
A) 365 days
B) 540 days
C) 730 days
D) 900 days
Correct Answer: C [730 days]
Explanation: The statutory maximum for Child Care Leave (CCL) remains fixed up to 730 days during the entire service career for eligible female employees and single male employees.
🌍 Category 3: International Relations
Q20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a major 5-nation European and Middle Eastern tour in mid-May 2026. Which country was the final stop where India elevated bilateral ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership (SSP)”?
A) Sweden
B) Norway
C) Italy
D) United Arab Emirates
Correct Answer: C [Italy]
Explanation: PM Modi visited Rome, Italy, on May 19-20, concluding his 5-nation tour. Ties were formally upgraded to a Special Strategic Partnership with a goal to scale trade to EUR 20 billion by 2029.
Q21. During his bilateral visit to Rome in May 2026, PM Narendra Modi was conferred with the prestigious “Agricola Medal”. Which global organization awards this honor?
A) World Bank
B) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
C) World Health Organization (WHO)
D) International Labour Organization (ILO)
Correct Answer: B [Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)]
Explanation: The Director-General of FAO, Qu Dongyu, presented PM Modi with the Agricola Medal at the FAO headquarters in Rome to recognize his leadership in food security and agricultural self-reliance programs.
Q22. Which Nordic country conferred its highest civilian honor, “The Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit,” upon PM Narendra Modi during his visit in May 2026?
A) Sweden
B) Finland
C) Norway
D) Denmark
Correct Answer: C [Norway]
Explanation: Norway honored the Indian Prime Minister with its highest civilian award for outstanding service in building international cooperation and strengthening Indo-Norwegian bilateral channels.
Q23. Which nation became the 26th member of the India-led “International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)” by signing the formal framework agreement in May 2026?
A) UAE
B) South Africa
C) Saudi Arabia
D) Kenya
Correct Answer: C [Saudi Arabia]
Explanation: Saudi Arabia formally joined the IBCA as its 26th member country. The alliance was launched by India to conserve seven key big cat species globally.
Q24. Representatives from over 50 nations gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia, in May 2026 for a first-of-its-kind international climate summit. What was the core focus of the “Santa Marta Climate Conference”?
A) Eliminating microplastic waste from oceans
B) Transitioning away from fossil fuels globally
C) Launching a unified carbon tax grid
D) Protecting Amazonian tribal wetlands
Correct Answer: B [Transitioning away from fossil fuels globally]
Explanation: Co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, the conference focused heavily on cross-national roadmaps to phase out coal, oil, and gas sectors to align with updated climate thresholds.
Q25. In May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a fresh Global Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Which disease prompted this sudden escalation?
A) Zika Virus
B) Mpox Clade Ib
C) Ebola Virus
D) Avian Influenza H5N1
Correct Answer: C [Ebola Virus]
Explanation: A severe, highly dangerous hemorrhagic outbreak spreading rapidly through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda prompted WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus to invoke emergency protocols.
Q26. Which country hosted the multinational air combat exercise “Desert Flag XI” in May 2026, in which the Indian Air Force participated with indigenous LCA Tejas and Su-30MKI fighter jets?
A) France
B) United Arab Emirates (UAE)
C) Oman
D) Egypt
Correct Answer: B [United Arab Emirates (UAE)]
Explanation: Exercise Desert Flag is a premier annual multi-national warfare exercise hosted by the UAE Air Force, serving as an operational testing ground for the IAF’s long-range deployment setups.
Q27. The historic “Lokayan 26 Expedition” made headlines in late May 2026 when an Indian naval sail training ship successfully completed a trans-Atlantic passage and arrived in Antigua and Barbuda. Name the ship.
A) INS Tarangini
B) INS Sudarshini
C) INS Mhadei
D) INS Tarini
Correct Answer: B [INS Sudarshini]
Explanation: INS Sudarshini clocked the historic trans-Atlantic transit as part of its global sail training training cruises, fostering naval diplomacy across the Caribbean nations.
Q28. In May 2026, India signed a landmark long-term agreement with Iran to operate a terminal at which strategically vital port for the next 10 years?
A) Bandar Abbas Port
B) Chabahar Port (Shahid Beheshti terminal)
C) Gwadar Port
D) Duqm Port
Correct Answer: B [Chabahar Port (Shahid Beheshti terminal)]
Explanation: India finalized a 10-year contract to run operations at Chabahar, securing a reliable trade route bypassing Pakistan into Afghanistan and Central Asian landlocked markets.
📈 Category 4: Economy & Finance
Q29. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued an emergency notification in May 2026 placing the export of which commodity under the absolute “Prohibited” category until September 30, 2026?
A) Non-Basmati Rice
B) Sugar (Raw, White, and Refined)
C) Wheat Flours
D) Onion Bulbs
Correct Answer: B [Sugar (Raw, White, and Refined)]
Explanation: Due to meteorological models indicating an intense El Niño suppressing local sugar plantation cycles, the DGFT completely banned sugar exports to prevent speculative domestic hoarding and price shocks.
Q30. Under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) newly updated guidelines issued in May 2026, Type I NBFCs (with no public funds and no customer interface) are completely exempt from registration if their asset threshold falls below what limit?
A) ₹200 crore
B) ₹500 crore
C) ₹1,000 crore
D) ₹2,500 crore
Correct Answer: C [₹1,000 crore]
Explanation: The RBI streamlined rules to ease regulatory compliance burden, exempting pure non-public, non-interface Type I NBFCs holding assets under ₹1,000 crore from mandatory registration channels.
Q31. According to the RBI’s May 2026 economic update, what percentage of the old ₹2,000 banknotes withdrawn from circulation since 2023 has been successfully returned to the banking system?
A) 95.50%
B) 97.25%
C) 98.47%
D) 99.12%
Correct Answer: D [99.12%]
Explanation: The central bank announced that more than 99.12% of the total value of the circulating ₹2,000 notes has been successfully re-absorbed, leaving an extremely minute fraction still outstanding with the public.
Q32. Citing stubborn global energy overheads and domestic private consumption limits, which global rating agency adjusted India’s real GDP growth forecast for the calendar year 2026 to 6.2%?
A) S&P Global Ratings
B) Fitch Ratings
C) Moody’s Ratings
D) World Bank Macro Units
Correct Answer: C [Moody’s Ratings]
Explanation: Moody’s adjusted India’s 2026 expansion projections down slightly to 6.2%, pointing toward high input fuel costs while maintaining a long-term stable outlook.
Q33. Driven by a steep global rise in energy vectors and base metals, India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation touched a 42-month high of what percentage for the data compiled through early May 2026?
A) 4.2%
B) 6.15%
C) 7.4%
D) 8.3%
Correct Answer: B [6.15%]
Explanation: Supply-side shocks and import commodity overheads pushed WPI inflation to a 42-month high peak of 6.15%, signaling a temporary spike in manufacturing wholesale costs.
Q34. To streamline outward remittances, the RBI announced in May 2026 that Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I banks no longer require prior RBI approval for which type of cross-border operations?
A) Overseas property acquisitions
B) Non-trade current account transactions
C) Purchasing sovereign bullion blocks
D) Setting up foreign crypto-mining farms
Correct Answer: B [Non-trade current account transactions]
Explanation: The RBI liberalized operational pathways under FEMA, delegating non-trade current account clearance capabilities directly to AD Category-I banks up to set thresholds.
Q35. The National Statistical Office (NSO) expanded its data pipeline for compiling state-level Gross State Value Added (GSVA) estimates. Which core administrative database has been newly integrated as a major source?
A) e-Shram Portal registries
B) MCA21 corporate portal
C) Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN)
D) Public Financial Management System (PFMS)
Correct Answer: C [Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN)]
Explanation: NSO’s revised framework taps into localized, anonymized transactional streams directly from the GSTN to map monthly supply-side economic health with higher precision.
Q36. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the construction of a state-of-the-art mega Ship Repair Facility capable of handling vessels up to 280 meters in length. Where is this facility located?
A) Paradip, Odisha
B) Vadinar, Gujarat
C) Vizag, Andhra Pradesh
D) Kochi, Kerala
Correct Answer: B [Vadinar, Gujarat]
Explanation: Approved in May 2026, the strategic facility at Vadinar will boost India’s domestic marine engineering capacities and capture international commercial shipping repair lines.
Q37. What is the standard asset threshold defined by the Reserve Bank of India for an Urban Cooperative Bank (UCB) to be classified under “Tier 4” status for regulatory capital compliance?
A) Greater than ₹1,000 crore
B) Greater than ₹5,000 crore
C) Greater than ₹10,000 crore
D) Greater than ₹25,000 crore
Correct Answer: C [Greater than ₹10,000 crore]
Explanation: According to the RBI’s four-tiered regulatory framework for UCBs, banks with deposits exceeding ₹10,000 crore fall under Tier 4, attracting the most stringent capital adequacy rules.
🔬 Category 5: Science, Technology & Environment
Q38. According to a specialized tech risk report released in late May 2026, India’s critical digital banking and defense grids must undergo a phased migration to “Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)” due to the threat of which math protocol?
A) Diffie-Hellman Limit
B) Shor’s Algorithm
C) RSA-2048 Loop
D) Grover’s Matrix
Correct Answer: B [Shor’s Algorithm]
Explanation: Advanced quantum computing models running Shor’s Algorithm can easily break standard public key infrastructure (PKI) encryption, forcing India to mandate a complete PQC migration for critical systems by 2029.
Q39. Data from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) “Swarm Satellite Mission” published in May 2026 revealed an unexpected geological phenomenon under the Pacific. What did it show?
A) Massive tectonic subduction rate drops
B) Earth’s Outer Core liquid flow pattern reversal
C) Complete loss of oceanic crust magnetic properties
D) Rapid cooling of mantle plumes
Correct Answer: B [Earth’s Outer Core liquid flow pattern reversal]
Explanation: The Swarm mission mapped a rapid fluctuation in Earth’s deep interior, showing that liquid iron-nickel flow patterns in the outer core shifted from a sluggish westward transit into an intense eastward flow.
Q40. Which indigenous science instrument aboard ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 orbiter provided definitive data in May 2026 confirming extensive subsurface ice sheets near the Moon’s South Pole?
A) Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR)
B) Solar X-ray Monitor (XSM)
C) Imaging Infrared Spectrometer (IIRS)
D) Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer
Correct Answer: A [Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR)]
Explanation: Even though the lander was lost in 2019, the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter remains fully functional in 2026. Its radar system (DFSAR) mapped depth profiles of lunar soil to reveal significant subsurface water ice resources.
Q41. Rotaviruses are the leading cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea in children under 5 globally. What is the name of India’s indigenously developed Rotavirus vaccine included in its Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)?
A) RotaShield
B) Rotavac
C) RotaTek
D) Bio-Rota
Correct Answer: B [Rotavac]
Explanation: Developed indigenously by Bharat Biotech in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Rotavac has drastically decreased child mortality rates linked to severe gastrointestinal infections in India.
Q42. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) finalized a major list of 10 academic institutions selected to build “Convergence Research Centres of Excellence (CoE)” in May 2026. What is the primary mandate of these CoEs?
A) Providing free patents to private IT companies
B) Promoting multi-disciplinary research blending science with social sciences and humanities
C) Exclusive development of military drone components
D) Standardizing Vedic science textbooks
Correct Answer: B [Promoting multi-disciplinary research blending science with social sciences and humanities]
Explanation: The ANRF initiative breaks academic silos, funding institutions to build transdisciplinary centers where tech, social trends, and humanity lines cross-pollinate to solve complex civic and health problems.
Q43. Which institute signed a major MoU with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) in May 2026 to apply Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) for regional disaster mapping?
A) IIT Guwahati
B) Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra
C) NIT Silchar
D) Gauhati University
Correct Answer: B [Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra]
Explanation: BIT Mesra partnered with NESAC to deploy advanced machine learning and GeoAI over space imagery, aiming to predict flash floods and landslides across India’s North Eastern states.
Q44. What serious intestinal condition (where a part of the intestine slides inside an adjacent part like a telescope) was a major focus of clinical vaccine safety parameters reviewed in May 2026 medical journals?
A) Intussusception
B) Diverticulitis
C) Celiac Invagination
D) Peritonitis
Correct Answer: A [Intussusception]
Explanation: Intussusception is a critical medical condition that cuts off intestinal blood supply. Monitoring its incidence is vital during pediatric rotavirus vaccine program evaluations.
🏆 Category 6: Awards, Sports & Important Days
Q45. Who won the prestigious International Booker Prize 2026 in May for the novel “Taiwan Travelogue”, marking the first time a book translated from Mandarin Chinese won the award?
A) Ge Fei
B) Yang Shuang-zi
C) Lin King
D) Can Xue
Correct Answer: B [Yang Shuang-zi]
Explanation: Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-zi won the 2026 award for her fictional historical memoir set during Japan’s colonial rule over Taiwan. Lin King translated the book into English.
Q46. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa made headlines in early June following his historic performance in May 2026. He became the first Indian chess grandmaster to win which premier international chess tournament?
A) Tata Steel Chess India
B) Norway Chess
C) Candidates Chess Tournament
D) Prague Masters
Correct Answer: B [Norway Chess]
Explanation: Praggnanandhaa script history by defeating top global players to win the elite Norway Chess tournament title, continuing India’s dominance in the global chess hierarchy.
Q47. Which day is observed globally on May 3rd every year to emphasize the importance of independent media, with the 2026 global theme focusing on environmental journalism challenges?
A) International Labour Day
B) World Press Freedom Day
C) National Technology Day
D) World Thalassaemia Day
Correct Answer: B [World Press Freedom Day]
Explanation: May 3rd marks World Press Freedom Day globally, celebrating fundamental principles of media freedom and assessing press safety across the globe.
Q48. India celebrates National Technology Day on May 11th every year. This day marks the anniversary of which historical event?
A) Launch of Aryabhata satellite
B) Pokhran-II nuclear tests (Operation Shakti)
C) First successful test flight of LCA Tejas
D) Foundation of ISRO
Correct Answer: B [Pokhran-II nuclear tests (Operation Shakti)]
Explanation: National Technology Day is marked on May 11 to celebrate the successful 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran, showcasing India’s scientific and technological self-reliance.
Q49. International Day for Biological Diversity is observed annually on May 22. What is the primary focus of this UN-mandated international day?
A) Banning hazardous plastic chemicals
B) Raising awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues and ecological conservation
C) Promoting organic farming techniques exclusively
D) Counting global big cat populations
Correct Answer: B [Raising awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues and ecological conservation]
Explanation: Celebrated globally on May 22, the day highlights international conservation roadmaps, specifically targeting the protection of endangered ecosystems and species.
Q50. Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, who sadly passed away in May 2026 after a lifetime of public service, was a highly respected veteran political leader. Name him.
A) B.C. Khanduri
B) N.D. Tiwari
C) Ramesh Pokhriyal
D) Harish Rawat
Correct Answer: A [B.C. Khanduri]
Explanation: Major General (Retd.) B.C. Khanduri, who served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and held prominent Union Cabinet portfolios, passed away in mid-May 2026.
Q51. World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on which date to highlight health risks associated with tobacco consumption?
A) May 15
B) May 24
C) May 31
D) June 1
Correct Answer: C [May 31]
Explanation: Led by the WHO, May 31 is observed worldwide as World No Tobacco Day to advocate for effective policies to reduce global tobacco consumption.