🗓️ May 2026 Monthly Current Affairs

Explanation: World Metrology Day is observed on May 20. The 2026 theme was "Metrology Building Trust in Policy Making". India became the 13th country to receive OIML certificates. The Metre Convention was signed in 1875.

Explanation: International Bee Day (World Bee Day) is observed on May 20. The 2026 theme was "Be Together for People and Planet". It was founded by Jan Anton Jansa, a Slovenian beekeeper.

Explanation: Sikkim Statehood Day is observed on May 16. The 36th Constitutional Amendment Act (1975) facilitated Sikkim's merger with India, ending the rule of the Namgyal Dynasty. Teesta river is a tributary of Brahmaputra.

Explanation: National Dengue Day (May 16) is organized by MoHFW. Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquito (daytime biting), and the virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family.

Explanation: International Leopard Day started in 2023 and is observed on May 3. IBCA (International Big Cat Alliance) covers 7 big cat species. The Indian Leopard's scientific name is Panthera pardus fusca.

Explanation: The first International Labour Day celebration in India was held on May 1, 1923, in Madras (now Chennai), organized by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. It is also known as Kamagar Diwas.

Explanation: Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day are both observed on May 1. On this date in 1960, the State of Bombay was divided on linguistic basis to form Maharashtra (Marathi-speaking) and Gujarat (Gujarati-speaking).

Explanation: World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3. The UN General Assembly declared this day in 1993. The 2026 theme was "Shaping a Future at Peace."

Explanation: World Asthma Day is observed on the first Tuesday of May (May 5 in 2026). The theme was "Access to Anti-Inflammatory Inhalers."

Explanation: BRO was established on May 7, 1960, and its headquarters is in New Delhi. BRO Raising Day is observed every year on May 7.

Explanation: World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (May 8) marks the birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross. The 2026 theme was "United in Humanity". The Red Cross has won multiple Nobel Peace Prizes.

Explanation: National Technology Day (May 11) marks the 1998 Pokhran nuclear test (Operation Shakti). Hansa-3 was India's first indigenous aircraft. Trishul missile was also tested. National Technology Week is May 11-14.

Explanation: International Nurses Day (May 12) marks Florence Nightingale's birthday. She was born in Florence, Italy in 1820. The 2026 theme was "Nurses are Future — Empowered Nurses Save Lives."

Explanation: International Day of Light is observed on May 16, commemorating the first successful laser operation by Theodore Maiman in 1960. The 2026 theme was "Light for a Sustainable Future."

Explanation: International Tea Day was first observed in New Delhi in 2005. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) made it a global observance in 2020. The 2026 theme was "Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities."

Explanation: National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on May 21 to mark the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 by LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.

Explanation: International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on May 22. The 2026 theme was "Acting Locally for Global Impact." World Turtle Day is also observed on May 22.

Explanation: International Everest Day (May 29) commemorates the first successful summit of Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepal) in 1953.

Explanation: World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31. The 2026 theme was "Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction."

Explanation: Goa Statehood Day is observed on May 30. Goa achieved full statehood on May 30, 1987, becoming India's 25th state. Operation Vijay in 1961 ended Portuguese colonial rule in Goa.

Explanation: Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta authored two books: "The Bench, the Bar and the Bizarre" and "The Lawful and the Awful." Both were released by Home Minister Amit Shah.

Explanation: "Apnapan: Narendra Modi Sang Mere Anubhav" was written by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. It was released by former Vice Presidents M Venkaiah Naidu and HD Deve Gowda.

Explanation: Ruskin Bond's debut novel was "The Room on the Roof" published in 1956. He won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1992 for "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra." He recently celebrated his 92nd birthday. He authored "All Time Favourite Friendship Stories."

Explanation: "India's First Olympic Gold" by K Arumugam was released by PT Usha. The book is about India's first Olympic gold medal in hockey at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.

Explanation: "The Library Man of India: The Story of PN Panicker" was authored by PP Sathyan and released by VP and CP Radhakrishnan. PN Panicker is known as the "Father of Library Movement in Kerala."

Explanation: NS Raja Subramanyam was appointed as India's 3rd Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Anil Chauhan. He was previously Military Advisor at NSCS and was commissioned into the 8th Battalion Garhwal Rifles in 1985.

Explanation: Prasoon Joshi was appointed as Chairman of Prasar Bharati (which oversees AIR + Doordarshan). He was earlier the Chairman of CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) in 2017. He is also associated with WAVES OTT platform.

Explanation: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan was appointed as India's 27th Chief of Naval Staff, succeeding Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi.

Explanation: Squadron Leader Sanya became the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force to earn the Cat-A QFI (Qualified Flying Instructor) qualification.

Explanation: K Venugopal became the first Indian test pilot elected Fellow of SETP (Society of Experimental Test Pilots). As Executive Director and Chief Test Pilot at HAL, he worked on LCA Mk1 and Saras LTA programs.

Explanation: S Satyavathi (retired IAS officer) was appointed as Karnataka's new Chief Information Commissioner. The Chief Information Commissioner functions under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

Explanation: Actor-turned-politician Vijay's party TVK (Tamil Gavetri Kadagam) won 120 out of 234 seats in a coalition with Congress, CPI, CPM, VCK, and IUML. He became Tamil Nadu's new CM, the first Christian community CM since 1967.

Explanation: Shubhendu Adhikari became West Bengal's new Chief Minister after BJP won 206 out of 294 seats, ending TMC's 15-year rule in the state.

Explanation: Rohit Jain was appointed as RBI (Reserve Bank of India) Deputy Governor.

Explanation: VD Satheesan became Kerala's new CM representing the UDF (United Democratic Front) led by Congress, which won 102 out of 140 seats. This was the first time the Congress-led UDF returned to power after the LDF government.

Explanation: J Craig Venter was an American scientist known for mapping the first draft of the human genome. He was a pioneer in genomics and synthetic biology.

Explanation: Raja Randhir Singh won India's first Asian Games gold in shooting (trap event) at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games. He also received the Arjuna Award in 1979.

Explanation: Bashir Badr was a renowned Urdu poet who received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Sahitya Akademi Award for "Aas." He was known for his ghazals and nazms.

Explanation: Ted Turner was the founder of CNN (Cable News Network), which became the world's first 24-hour international news network.

Explanation: Exercise Pragati 2026 was held at Umroi, Meghalaya (May 20-30) with 13 countries and 400+ personnel. PRAGATI stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in Indian Ocean Region. 20 women soldiers also participated.

Explanation: TARA stands for Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation. It is India's first indigenous glide weapon system developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad under DRDO and IAF, tested off the Odisha coast.

Explanation: Suryastra is India's first indigenous universal multi-caliber rocket launcher developed by Nibe Limited (Pune) with Israel's Elbit Systems using PULSE technology. It has a range of 150-300 km and is mounted on Tatra trucks.

Explanation: ABHAY stands for AI-Based Help Bot for Authentication of CBI Notices. It was launched by CBI to combat the growing menace of digital arrest fraud by helping citizens verify genuine CBI notices.

Explanation: INS Sindhu Kesari is a Sindhughosh class (also known as Kilo class) diesel-electric attack submarine commissioned in 1988 under Project 877. It is nicknamed "Black Hole" due to its low acoustic signature. It recently visited Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Explanation: INS Dunagiri is the 5th stealth frigate in Project 17A (Nilgiri class). The total class consists of 7 ships, built by GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers) Kolkata.

Explanation: Vayu Astra 1 is an indigenous loitering munition developed by NIBE Limited. It has 90 minutes endurance at 14,000 ft altitude, 100 km range, and carries a 10 kg warhead. It was tested at both Pokhran (desert) and Joshimath (high altitude).

Explanation: Captagon is known as the "Jihadi Drug" or "poor man's cocaine." It was first seized in India under Operation Rage Pill conducted by the NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau).

Explanation: Kal Bhairav is India's first AI Combat Aircraft designed by FWDA (Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace), Bengaluru in partnership with SketchPixel LDA (European firm). It is manufactured in Portugal.

Explanation: LR-ASHM stands for Long Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile developed by DRDO. It is nuclear-capable and classified as an intercontinental ballistic missile. Its second trial was conducted off the Odisha coast.

Explanation: ULPGM stands for Ultra Light Precision Guided Missile. It was recently inducted by the Indian Army for precision strike capability.

Explanation: INS Mahendragiri is the 6th ship in Project 17A (Nilgiri class) and the 4th to be built by MDL (Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited). It has been handed over to the Indian Navy.

Explanation: ICGS Achal is the 5th Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) of the Adamya class built by Goa Shipyard Limited. It was commissioned at Vadinar, Gujarat for the Indian Coast Guard.

Explanation: GalaxEye Drushti is the world's first Opto-SAR satellite combining both optical and SAR sensors. It weighs 190 kg and was launched on SpaceX Falcon 9 (TransX-502) from California with 45 payloads. It was developed by IIT Madras alumni.

Explanation: Skyroot Aerospace (Hyderabad) became India's first SpaceTech unicorn with a valuation of $1.1 billion. Vikram-1 is India's first private orbital rocket. Earlier, Vikram-S was a sub-orbital test in 2022.

Explanation: CLEAR (Cleavable Light Erased Antibody) technology was developed by JNCASR (Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research), Bengaluru. It enables high-resolution multiplex protein imaging for unlimited proteins in a single cell.

Explanation: SMILE (Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) is a joint mission between ESA (European Space Agency) and CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences). It is the first fully joint space mission between these two agencies.

Explanation: Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space received 105 crore rupees RDIF (Russian Direct Investment Fund) funding under Project Garuda for mass production of 500 kg class medium satellites.

Explanation: The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter (launched July 2019, still operational) detected sub-surface ice near the south pole of the Moon. The discovery was made by PRL (Physical Research Laboratory), Ahmedabad.

Explanation: Gabi is South Korea's first humanoid robot monk located at Jogye Temple in Seoul. It is designed on the Unitree humanoid platform and named after Gautama (Buddha's name) + Metta (loving-kindness in Buddhism).

Explanation: C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics) developed India's first indigenous Cell Broadcast System under the Department of Telecommunications. It works on 2G-5G networks and without internet, based on the Common Alerting Protocol (UN-ITU standard).

Explanation: Ensitrelvir is an oral antiviral drug that significantly reduces COVID-19 symptoms. It is not a vaccine replacement but a treatment option for COVID-19 patients.

Explanation: The Pathfinder Satellite is India's first orbital data center satellite, developed by Pixxel (tech startup) and Sarvam AI. It weighs 200 kg and processes data in orbit using GPUs, with expected launch by end of 2026.

Explanation: Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) is a rare fungal infection found mainly in California desert regions. It affects the respiratory system. An Indian tech professional was affected, bringing it to attention.

Explanation: JEEVAN (Joint Elderly Empowerment and Virtual Assistance Network) provides elderly citizens one-touch access to various services. Shataayu (Senior Holistic Care Assistance and Training for Your Utility) is a geriatric care dashboard. Both are under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Explanation: UMEED (Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders) is run by the Department of Biotechnology. It focuses on early screening of rare genetic disorders.

Explanation: Airtel Priority Postpaid is described as India's first consumer-focused 5G network slicing plan, offering dedicated network resources for premium subscribers.

Explanation: The Zon Wolf Effect on Mars describes the phenomenon where Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) push plasma sideways, creating low-density zones. This was studied using NASA's MAVEN spacecraft orbiting Mars.

Explanation: MITRA (Medical Innovation Patent to Industry) is ICMR's largest biomedical innovation technology transfer platform, connecting medical innovations with industry for commercialization.

Explanation: Chandrayaan-2's orbiter (still operational) detected sub-surface ice near the south pole of the Moon. The discovery was made by PRL (Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad).

Explanation: Loki Galaxy is a newly identified dwarf galaxy within the Milky Way, containing approximately 20 metal-poor stars. Its discovery adds to our understanding of galactic satellite systems.

Explanation: The Ganga Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) is categorized as Endangered by IUCN. It was satellite-tagged and released at Kaziranga National Park on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra river. It has Schedule 1 protection.

Explanation: The Asiatic lion population at Gir National Park is approximately 891. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav launched the Lion Species Spotlight Program at Gir. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is being developed as the second habitat.

Explanation: Baksa Honey from Assam was first exported to the USA under the ODOP (One District One Product) scheme through APEDA. It is from the Bodoland Territorial Region of Assam.

Explanation: The Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) breeds in Siberia/China/Mongolia during May-September and migrates to Africa via India. Doyang Reservoir in Nagaland is its key staging site, giving Nagaland the title "Falcon Capital of the World." It was satellite-tagged in Tamenglong District, Manipur.

Explanation: The Loktak Protocluster is a massive cosmic structure discovered by Dr. Ronaldo Laisram (Manipur scientist in Japan). It is named after Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Eastern India. The lake has floating islands called Phumdi, hosts Keibul Lamjao National Park, and is home to the Sangai deer (Manipur's state animal).

Explanation: The Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project (1200 MW run-of-river) is located on the Lohit River in Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, developed by THDC. Forest clearance has been approved, threatening the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, the 2nd largest heron in the world.

Explanation: Haryana created India's first Constellation Garden (Nakshatra Vatika) at Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary in Pehowa, covering Kaithal and Kurukshetra districts. Trees corresponding to all 27 lunar nakshatras have been planted here.

Explanation: Kopar Reservoir in Chhattisgarh was designated as the state's first Ramsar site, recognizing it as a wetland of international importance.

Explanation: The Western Hoolock Gibbon, the only gibbon species in India, was observed using an artificial bridge at Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Assam, facilitating connectivity across fragmented habitat.

Explanation: The Kali Night Frog (Nyctibatrachus kali) is a new amphibian species discovered in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is nocturnal and found in the Kali river catchment area.

Explanation: Daring Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh made news when a tiger was photographed there for the first time in approximately 2 decades.

Explanation: The India Biogas Association proposed mandatory 10% blending of Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) with chemical fertilizers by 2030, to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers.

Explanation: The ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative aims at adult literacy. Mizoram was the first state, followed by Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, and then Sikkim as the 5th state.

Explanation: India's first Hydrogen Train (H-Train/Hydre) was developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai for the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. It has 10 coaches, max speed 75 kmph, and produces only water vapor. It is part of "Hydrogen for Heritage" initiative (35 hydrogen trains on heritage routes).

Explanation: Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in Rajsamand District, Rajasthan. It was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century and has a 36 km long wall. It is the birthplace of Maharana Pratap. UNESCO included it in World Heritage List in 2013 as part of Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Explanation: Sikkim and West Bengal were added to the Brahmaputra Board because the Teesta River (which flows through these states) is a tributary of the Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra Board's HQ is in Guwahati (NOT Shillong). It was established under the Brahmaputra Board Act 1980 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Explanation: Uttarakhand was the 1st state to pass the UCC bill, Gujarat was the 2nd, and Assam became the 3rd. Note: Goa is NOT included as it has a pre-existing Portuguese-era civil code, not a new UCC bill.

Explanation: The Sarkhej-Dholera Semi-High Speed Rail (~100 km) is Cabinet-approved with maximum design speed of 220 kmph and operational speed of 200 kmph. It will reduce the Sarkhej-Dholera travel time to 34 minutes.

Explanation: Hazaribagh (Jharkhand) became India's first Pearl Farming Cluster under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana. The freshwater pearl mussel species used is Hyriopsis cumingii. The Purti Agrotech Training Centre in Ranchi (2024) supports this initiative.

Explanation: The Bhojshala Complex (11th century, protected monument) in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh was declared a Hindu temple (Vagdevi/Saraswati temple) by the Indore Bench of MP High Court. It has serpentine character pillar inscriptions and was built by Raja Bhoja of the Paramara Dynasty.

Explanation: India's first Multi-lane Free Flow Barrier-Free Toll was inaugurated on the Surat-Bharuch section of NH48 in Gujarat with 84 toll plazas, by Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.

Explanation: The Mahe Topko Raldo Irrigation Canal in Changta, Ladakh is India's first major irrigation canal above 14,000 ft. It is 2.10 km long, sourcing water from Ya Lek. It was inaugurated by Vinay Kumar Saxena.

Explanation: Karnataka established India's first Gig Workers Digital Grievance System through the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers Board and e-Governance Department. The 3-step framework requires 15 working days for response and 45 days for resolution.

Explanation: Tripura became the 1st state to complete all 51 priority areas under Deregulation Phase 2 (ease of doing business), which started in January 2026. The state also upgraded its SWAT (Single Window Approval Agency).

Explanation: India's first SME-led semiconductor ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging) OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facility was established in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.

Explanation: Mission Queen Pineapple is a 3-year program (Q2 2026 to Q4 2028) launched by the DONER Ministry and Tripura government for the GI-tagged Queen Pineapple of Tripura.

Explanation: The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme (West Bengal, BJP govt, CM Shubhendu Adhikari) provides Rs 3000/month DBT for eligible women aged 25-60. This is an upgrade from the earlier Lakshmi Bhandar scheme (Rs 1500/1700).

Explanation: The Uttan (Uttam) coal mine in Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh, is India's first underground coal mine under the commercial coal auction regime. Dhirowli coal mine is in Singrauli District. Both are in the Gondwana rock system, which holds 98% of India's coal reserves.

Explanation: PAIMAN (Project Assistance Infrastructure Monitoring Analytics for Nation Building) is operated by MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation). It tracks projects above Rs 150 crore.

Explanation: AIIMS Delhi installed India's first portable bedside MRI system for ICU patients. It is an ultra-low field, low radiation system that can be used at the patient's bedside without moving them to an MRI room.

Explanation: Kartavya Kaam (full form: Karnataka Advanced Attendance Management System) is an AI+GIS-based attendance management system for school teachers implemented in Karnataka.

Explanation: Mizoram was declared insurgency-free after the HPC (Hmar People's Convention) disarmed. This marks a significant milestone in the peace process in the state.

Explanation: The National Jute Crop Information System (managed by National Jute Board + ISRO + JCI) uses two platforms: Bhuvan Jute (for remote sensing) and PATSAN (web-based analytics platform: Prospective Assessment of Jute using mobile app-based field observation).

Explanation: Koftgari is a traditional metalwork/inlay craft from Rajasthan involving decorative gold/silver work on steel surfaces, traditionally used for daggers and weapons. It was gifted by PM Modi during his Europe visits.

Explanation: Kerala Home Minister launched "Project Zero" as an anti-corruption initiative that offers a cash reward of Rs 5,000 to citizens who provide video evidence of corruption.

Explanation: Mizoram developed the Kharel mobile app for disaster reporting and management, helping citizens report disasters and coordinate relief efforts efficiently.

Explanation: India's first private medical museum was established in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, showcasing the history and evolution of medical science and instruments.

Explanation: The Bhimaandali Eco-Heritage Site in Sundargarh, Odisha has rock paintings and stone inscriptions approximately 20,000 years old in the Nakhtideol Forest Range. It was inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and has connections to the Mahabharata (Bhim).

Explanation: The Vardinar (Vadinar) Ship Repair Facility is being jointly developed by Deendayal Port Authority and Cochin Shipyard Limited in Gujarat for vessels up to 300 meters. It is a brownfield development.

Explanation: The Anal Naga Tribe (Tibeto-Burman; Scheduled Tribe of Manipur's Chandel District, also found in Myanmar) follows two traditional forest management systems: Uju (community-managed reserve forests) and Rangkang (undisturbed sacred forests).

Explanation: Indian journalists RK Anand (illustrator), Suparna Sharma, and Natalie Obiko Pearson (Bloomberg) won the Pulitzer Prize 2026 for Illustrated Reporting and Commentary for their work "Trapped" on digital arrest scams. The Pulitzer Prize is administered by Columbia University, established in 1917 based on Joseph Pulitzer's will. It has 23 categories with $15,000 cash prize.

Explanation: Barkha Subba received the Whitley Award 2026 (Green Oscars) for conservation of the Himalayan Salamander in Darjeeling Hills and Eastern Himalayas. Its IUCN status is Vulnerable. Parveen Sheikh won for Indian Skimmer (Endangered) conservation in Chambal-Ganga river system. The award from Whitley Fund for Nature (UK) gives £50,000 per year for project funding.

Explanation: Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board was recognized among the top 5 water utilities globally at the Global Water Summit 2026 in Madrid, Spain, in the Utility of the Year category. The Kaveri Stage 5 Drinking Water Project was also in the top 5 global water projects.

Explanation: Karnataka won the highest number of awards (6) at the National Panchayat Awards 2025. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha tied for 2nd with 5 awards each. 42 panchayats were selected from 17 states/UTs. Best District Panchayat was Sipahi Jala (Tripura, Rs 5 crore).

Explanation: "Adolescence" (Netflix limited drama) was the biggest winner at the 72nd BAFTA Television Awards 2026, hosted by Greg Davies. Dame Mary Berry received the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship. "Code of Silence" won Best Drama Series.

Explanation: PM Modi received the FAO Agricola Medal — the highest honor given by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) — from FAO DG Qu Dongyu in Rome, Italy. It is given for exceptional role in improving global food security. FAO was founded in 1945, HQ in Rome, Italy, and is the oldest permanent specialized UN agency.

Explanation: At the 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026, the Palm d'Or went to "Pur." The Certain Regard jury prize went to Nepal's "Elephants in the Fog" directed by debut director Avinash Vikram Shah. The Grand Prize went to "Minotaur."

Explanation: Andaman & Nicobar Administration set a Guinness World Record by unfurling the world's largest underwater national flag (~60/40 meters) at Radhanagar Beach. Indian Express photographer Sakhadip Banerjee won the Asian College of Journalism Award 2025 for the photo documentation.

Explanation: President Droupadi Murmu gave the President's Police Colours (Prashastipatra) to Sikkim Police. This is a lifetime honor given to police forces that have served with distinction for a minimum of 25 years.

Explanation: The International Day of Yoga 2026 main celebrations were held in Kolkata, West Bengal. The International Day of Yoga is observed on June 21 every year.

Explanation: India ranked 157 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2026, down 6 places from 151 in 2025. The index is produced by RSF (Reporters Without Borders/Reporters Sans Frontières). Norway tops for the 10th consecutive year, Eritrea is last. India is classified in "Very Serious" category.

Explanation: IIM Bengaluru is the highest ranked Indian institution in QS Executive MBA Rankings 2026 at global rank 64, the only Indian institute in the top 100. IIM Ranchi appeared in the rankings for the first time. Global top: University of Oxford (1st), followed by HEC Paris and MIT. Asia-Pacific top: NUS Business School.

Explanation: LEADS stands for Logistics Ease Across Different States. The 7th edition was released by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It now uses 4 tiers (changed from 3). Exemplars: Tamil Nadu (Coastal), UP (Landlocked), Mizoram (NE), Delhi (UT).

Explanation: Bengaluru was ranked as the world's fastest growing major city by 2035 by the Savills Growth Hubs Index. This reflects Bengaluru's rapid economic and technological expansion.

Explanation: India emerged as the world's 3rd largest country in renewable energy installed capacity (including solar panels and wind mills), as per a UNCTAD report.

Explanation: The Anaimanagalam Copper Plates (21 large + 3 small Tamil plates) were returned from Leiden University, Netherlands (where they had been since 1862) to India. Dutch PM Rob Jetten handed them to PM Modi. Originally excavated by the Dutch East India Company from Nagapattinam, they contain Chola dynasty genealogy (bilingual - Sanskrit in Grantha script + Tamil) and charters showing relations with Srivijaya Empire.

Explanation: At the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Norway (co-chaired by PM Modi), it was decided that the 4th summit will be held in Finland. Sweden offered to include its scientific payload on India's Shukrayan-1 Venus Orbiter Mission. Nordic countries supported India's bid for permanent UNSC membership. 1st summit was in Stockholm (2018), 2nd in Copenhagen (2022).

Explanation: The 5th BRICS Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) Leaders Summit had the theme "Ease of Living with a focus on Urban Mobility." SAI stands for Supreme Audit Institutions.

Explanation: The Nordic region comprises 5 countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. The Scandinavian countries are only 3: Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Sweden is the largest; Iceland has the world's oldest parliament (Althing/Al Thing).

Explanation: EFTA stands for European Free Trade Association. The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) targets $100 billion US investment in India and creation of 1 million direct jobs within 10 years.

Explanation: The 79th World Health Assembly was held in Geneva, Switzerland. The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Explanation: At the Italian Open 2026, Elina Svitolina won the Women's Singles by defeating Coco Gauff, and Jannik Sinner won the Men's Singles by defeating Casper Ruud.

Explanation: At the 34th Thomas Cup and 31st Uber Cup in Denmark: China won the Thomas Cup (beat France; India reached semifinals) and South Korea won the Uber Cup (beat China). India won its first/maiden Thomas Cup in 2022. India has not yet won the Uber Cup.

Explanation: Jannik Sinner became the first man to win 5 consecutive ATP Masters 1000 titles: Paris 2025, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Madrid Open 2026. He is World No. 1 and also set the record of 32 consecutive singles match wins in ATP Masters 1000 events.

Explanation: At the Commonwealth Chess Championship held in Sri Lanka, Indian player Paneer Selvam won double gold in Rapid and Blitz events. Mitrabha won the Classical event. Three types of chess events: Rapid, Blitz, and Classic.

Explanation: India hosted the Asian Weightlifting Championship 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. India won 10 medals (1 silver, 9 bronze) but no gold. The previous time India hosted was in 1982 in New Delhi.

Explanation: Gurinderveer Singh set a national record in Men's 100m with a timing of 10.09 seconds at the 29th National Senior Athletic Federation Cup in Ranchi, Jharkhand. He became the first Indian to break the 10.10-second barrier. The competition is the selection trial for Commonwealth Games (Glasgow).

Explanation: India won 5 total medals including 2 gold medals at the International Association of Ultra Runners 24H Asia and Oceania Championships. The gold medals were won by the Men's team and individually by Amar Singh Devanda.

Explanation: India won 27 medals (11 gold) at the Under-23 Asian Wrestling Championship in Vietnam. The Men's Freestyle wrestling team became champion (9 medals). Women's team: 10 medals. Greco-Roman team: 8 medals (1 gold). India won 6 gold medals in women's wrestling.

Explanation: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title by defeating Arsenal.

Explanation: 7-year-old swimmer Ishank from Ranchi created a world record by swimming across the Palk Strait, the water body between India and Sri Lanka. This is the youngest person to complete this feat.

Explanation: Barcelona won the 29th Spanish La Liga title in 2026 by defeating Real Madrid.

Explanation: India won 10 medals at the Asian Weightlifting Championship 2026 (Gandhinagar, Gujarat) including 1 silver and 9 bronze, but no gold medals.

Explanation: The first World Yogasana Championship was launched in Ahmedabad by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. This championship promotes yoga as a competitive sport globally.

Explanation: SEBI proposed GARUDA (Green Channel AIF Roll-out Upon Document Acknowledgement) as a fast-track mechanism for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). It reduces waiting period from 30 days to 10 working days. Immediate approval for accredited investors and angel funds.

Explanation: "Memflation" was coined by Gartner analysts. It refers to the rising prices of semiconductor memory components (DRAM and NAND flash storage chips) due to the AI boom, as AI manufacturers take up all chip supply, causing shortage and price hike for normal consumer electronics.

Explanation: Samadhan Didi is an AI-enabled CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) launched by Union Minister Jitendra Singh. It was developed by DARPG in partnership with Bhashini (for regional language translation), allowing grievances to be filed in regional languages.

Explanation: SIDBI stands for Small Industries Development Bank of India (though often referred to as Small Industrial Development Bank). Its 37th anniversary was celebrated on May 25, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launching SIDBI MacFINART, SIDBI RRB Lending Portal, and MORE (Modernization of Rural Enterprises).

Explanation: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code was enacted in 2016 and recently completed 10 years (one decade) of operation. It is a key legislation for resolving insolvency and bankruptcy cases in India.

Explanation: A High Level Committee was constituted (as announced by Amit Shah) to study unnatural demographic changes across India (due to illegal immigration). The 5-member committee is chaired by Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar (former SC judge). Census Commissioner Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan is also a member.