1. The Mizoram Ginger Mission has been launched with a budget of:
A) ₹100 crore
B) ₹150 crore
C) ₹189.79 crore
D) ₹250 crore
Answer: C) ₹189.79 crore
Explanation: The Central Government launched the Mizoram Ginger Mission with a budget of ₹189.79 crore – a spicy step to turn Mizo ginger into a globally recognised agricultural brand.
2. Which institute in Pune launched a dedicated climate‑tech startup incubation centre?
A) IIT Pune
B) Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
C) National Institute of Climate Studies
D) Pune University
Answer: B) Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
Explanation: IITM Pune launched a startup hub focused on weather and climate innovation – where ideas meet the elements.
3. Rajasthan’s first Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing Cluster has been set up in which city?
A) Jaipur
B) Udaipur
C) Kota
D) Bhiwadi
Answer: D) Bhiwadi
Explanation: Rajasthan achieved a major industrial milestone by launching its first semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi .
4. Project Saksham, launched by NHAI, aims to promote:
A) Highway toll collection
B) Inclusive development through skill development and employment
C) Road safety awareness
D) Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Answer: B) Inclusive development through skill development and employment
Explanation: NHAI’s Project Saksham is about building roads and livelihoods – skilling people for better opportunities.
5. India chaired which international meeting in Mumbai in May 2026?
A) G20 Trade Ministers’ Meet
B) Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting
C) WTO Ministerial Conference
D) BRICS Diamond Summit
Answer: B) Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting
Explanation: India successfully concluded the Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai under its chairship – leading global efforts against conflict diamonds.
6. How many medals did India win at the Asian Boxing Under‑15 Championships 2026?
A) 15 medals
B) 20 medals
C) 27 medals
D) 30 medals
Answer: C) 27 medals
Explanation: India’s young boxers delivered a stellar performance, winning 27 medals including 9 golds – future champions in the ring.
7. SEBI has eased borrowing norms for InvITs where net debt exceeds what percentage of asset value?
A) 30%
B) 40%
C) 49%
D) 50%
Answer: C) 49%
Explanation: SEBI widened borrowing permissions for Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) when net debt exceeds 49% of asset value – a move to improve operational efficiency.
8. India’s WPI‑based inflation in April 2026 surged to:
A) 5.2%
B) 6.8%
C) 8.3%
D) 9.1%
Answer: C) 8.3%
Explanation: Wholesale inflation jumped to 8.3% in April 2026, a 42‑month high , up sharply from 3.88% in March – economists are watching closely.
9. ICICI Bank launched a USD‑denominated debit card in partnership with:
A) Mastercard
B) RuPay
C) Visa
D) American Express
Answer: C) Visa
Explanation: ICICI Bank partnered with Visa to launch a USD debit card for NRIs – making offshore wealth management simpler.
10. For the first time in 10 months, central banks became net sellers of gold in March 2026, according to which organisation?
A) IMF
B) World Gold Council
C) RBI
D) Bank for International Settlements
Answer: B) World Gold Council
Explanation: The World Gold Council reported that central banks turned net sellers of gold in March 2026 – a surprising shift in the gold market.
11. Who received a one‑year extension as Director of the CBI?
A) Subodh Kumar Jaiswal
B) Praveen Sood
C) Rishi Kumar Shukla
D) Alok Verma
Answer: B) Praveen Sood
Explanation: The Central Government extended Praveen Sood’s tenure as CBI Director by one more year – continuity at the helm.
12. India’s first Integrated Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) field laboratory was inaugurated at:
A) IIT Delhi
B) IIT Bombay
C) IIT Kharagpur
D) IIT Kanpur
Answer: B) IIT Bombay
Explanation: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first CCUS lab at IIT Bombay under “Bharat Innovates 2026” – a green step forward.
13. World Hypertension Day is observed annually on:
A) May 15
B) May 16
C) May 17
D) May 18
Answer: C) May 17
Explanation: 17 May is World Hypertension Day – a reminder to check those blood pressure numbers and stay healthy.
14. Who took oath as the new Chief Minister of Kerala on May 18, 2026?
A) Ramesh Chennithala
B) K Muraleedharan
C) V D Satheesan
D) Oommen Chandy
Answer: C) V D Satheesan
Explanation: V D Satheesan of the Congress was sworn in as Kerala’s CM at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram – marking the UDF’s return to power after a decade.
15. Who has been appointed as the Speaker of the Kerala Assembly?
A) Ramesh Chennithala
B) K Muraleedharan
C) Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan
D) V D Satheesan
Answer: C) Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan
Explanation: Alongside the new cabinet, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan was appointed as Assembly Speaker – experience guiding the house.
16. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen termed the India‑EU Free Trade Agreement as:
A) "Deal of the Decade"
B) "Mother of all deals"
C) "Game Changer"
D) "New Silk Road"
Answer: B) "Mother of all deals"
Explanation: She called the proposed India‑EU FTA the "mother of all deals" and also announced joint naval exercises – a strategic leap forward.
17. A drone strike caused a fire at which nuclear power plant in the UAE?
A) Barakah Nuclear Power Plant
B) Abu Dhabi Nuclear Plant
C) Fujairah Nuclear Facility
D) Ras Al Khaimah Plant
Answer: A) Barakah Nuclear Power Plant
Explanation: A drone strike hit the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi – the UAE vowed a right to respond, calling it a terrorist attack.