May 2026 Current Affairs Quiz – 80 questions

Answer: (c) Ruskin Bond

• Book: All-Time Favourite Friendship Stories is a popular anthology curated by the renowned Indian author Ruskin Bond.
• Ruskin Bond's other important books include The Blue Umbrella, The Room on the Roof, A Flight of Pigeons, Delhi Is Not Far, The Night Train at Deoli, Rain in the Mountains, Roads to Mussoorie, and Angry River.

Answer: (a) Rahul Dravid

• In May 2026, former Indian cricket captain and coach Rahul Dravid officially acquired the ownership of the Dublin franchise in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). This move marks Dravid's debut as a franchise owner in an international T20 league, highlighting his continued commitment to the development of cricket globally.

Answer: (d) Aravindh Chithambaram

• In May 2026, Aravindh Chithambaram made history by becoming the first Indian Grandmaster to qualify for the Esports World Cup 2026 in the chess category. This marks a major milestone, as it bridges the gap between traditional professional chess and the rapidly growing global esports arena.

Answer: (c) Kolkata

• In May 2026, the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) launched the next-generation offshore patrol vessel, 'INS Sanghamitra', at their facilities in Kolkata. This vessel is part of a series of indigenous ships being built for the Indian Navy to enhance maritime surveillance, coastal security, and anti-piracy operations.

Answer: (a) Prakash Prabhakar

• The Central Government has constituted a high-level committee to conduct an in-depth study of the demographic changes being observed in specific regions, primarily attributed to illegal infiltration.
• The committee is headed by Prakash Prabhakar, a senior official with extensive experience in security and administrative affairs.

Answer: (b) Arvind Kumar

• In May 2026, the Supreme Court of India constituted a high-level committee to oversee and recommend measures for strengthening the judicial infrastructure in lower courts across the country. The panel is chaired by Justice Arvind Kumar.
• The primary goal of the committee is to address critical gaps in infrastructure, such as the shortage of courtrooms, modern technology integration, and improved amenities for legal professionals and litigants in district and subordinate courts.

Answer: (d) 37

• In May 2026, the Central Government formally proposed increasing the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from the current 34 (including the Chief Justice of India) to 37.
• The increase is intended to address the mounting burden of cases and to ensure the judiciary is better equipped to handle the rising complexity and volume of litigation in the country.

Answer: (c) Kerala

• In May 2026, Kerala became the first state in India to establish a dedicated cabinet-level portfolio for Artificial Intelligence (AI). The portfolio is headed by veteran leader P. K. Kunhalikutty, who also oversees Industries, Commerce, Information Technology, and Start-ups.

Answer: (a) Assam

• In May 2026, the Assam Legislative Assembly passed "The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, Bill, 2026," making it the first state in Northeast India and the third in the country (after Uttarakhand and Gujarat) to pass such legislation.
• Core Objective: The bill establishes a single civil legal framework governing marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships for all residents, irrespective of their religion, while providing specific exemptions for Scheduled Tribes (STs) to protect their customary laws and cultural practices.
• Key Provisions:
• Marriage: Sets a uniform minimum age of marriage at 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
• Polygamy: Completely prohibits polygamy and bigamy.
• Registration: Mandates the registration of marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships within specified timeframes.
• Equality: Grants gender-equal inheritance rights to daughters, wives, and parents.
• Significance: The legislation is part of a broader commitment to ensuring equality before the law and simplifying personal legal frameworks across the state.

Answer: (b) Madhya Pradesh

• The Bhojshala complex, located in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, has been a subject of long-standing legal and historical debate. In its recent directives regarding the site, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has facilitated legal and archaeological processes to determine the status and management of the monument.

Answer: (b) BCCI

• On May 18, 2026, the Central Information Commission (CIC) issued a significant ruling stating that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not qualify as a "public authority" under Section 2(h) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

Answer: (c) Visakhapatnam

•  he Central Government officially notified the creation of the South Coast Railway (SCoR) Zone, with its headquarters in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Operational Date: The new zone, which is India's 18th railway zone, officially began its operations on June 1, 2026.
• Structure: The zone was carved out of the existing East Coast Railway (ECoR) and South Central Railway (SCR) zones. It comprises four divisions: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, and Guntakal.

Answer: (a) Telangana

• The PM MITRA (Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Park is a strategic initiative aimed at boosting the textile industry by creating integrated textile value chains at a single location. The park is situated in Warangal, which has been identified as a key textile hub in the state of Telangana.

Answer: (b) SEHAT Mission

•  SEHAT stands for Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation.
• Launch Date: It was jointly launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on May 11, 2026.
• Objective: The mission is a national-level program designed to bridge the gap between agricultural research and public health outcomes. It aims to address India's "dual burden" of malnutrition and rising non-communicable diseases (like diabetes and hypertension) by promoting biofortified crops, dietary diversification, and nutrition-sensitive farming.

Answer: (b) Operation RAGEPILL

• In May 2026, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) successfully executed Operation RAGEPILL, resulting in the first-ever seizure of Captagon in India.
• The agency recovered approximately 227.7 kg of Captagon tablets and powder, with an estimated international market value of ₹182 crore.
• Captagon, a highly addictive synthetic stimulant often referred to as the "Jihadi drug," was being routed through India as a transit hub, with the contraband intended for shipment to Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia.

Answer: (c) Central Prabhari Officer

• NITI Aayog launched the Central Prabhari Officer (CPO) Portal on May 5, 2026. The portal is designed to strengthen real-time governance and improve last-mile delivery under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
• It acts as a digital interface where Central Prabhari Officers—senior-level officials appointed by the Central Government—can upload field observations, identify implementation bottlenecks, and provide recommendations in real time. This allows district authorities, state planning secretaries, and central ministries to monitor progress and coordinate actions immediately.

Answer: (b) Uttar Pradesh

• The 'One District-One River' (एक जनपद-एक नदी) initiative was launched by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to revitalize, rejuvenate, and conserve river systems across the state.
• The program focuses on identifying one neglected or drying river in each district and implementing comprehensive efforts to restore its natural flow, clean its banks, and improve the surrounding water ecosystem.

Answer: (c) Chhattisgarh

• The 'Jan Bhagidari – Sabse Door, Sabse Pehle' (जन भागीदारी – सबसे दूर, सबसे पहले) campaign is a nationwide Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiative launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
• The primary goal is to ensure the "last-mile delivery" of government services. Under this initiative, officials conduct village visits, hold public hearings (Jan Sunwai), and resolve grievances directly at the doorstep of beneficiaries, with a strong link to national missions like PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.

Answer: (c) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

• On May 22, 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched these two digital platforms during a national workshop on "Creating a Well-Functioning Care Economy."
• JEEVAN (Joint Elderly Empowerment & Virtual Assistance Network): A mobile application designed as a one-stop digital platform for senior citizens. It provides access to welfare schemes, pension details, healthcare initiatives, and includes an SOS emergency assistance feature.
• SHATAYU (Senior Holistic Care Assistance and Training For Your Utility): A digital dashboard that serves as a registry and monitoring platform for geriatric care. It allows for the district-level mapping of trained and certified caregivers, helping families identify verified personnel and assisting the government in monitoring the availability of caregiving services.
• Objective: Both initiatives aim to strengthen India's "care economy" by formalizing geriatric care, improving welfare access, and leveraging technology to ensure the safety and dignity of the elderly population.

Answer: (a) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

• In May 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the PM-AJAY portal and the AJAY mobile application to digitize the implementation and monitoring of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY).
• The portal and app serve as a centralized digital platform to track progress across over 47,000 SC-majority villages. They aim to shift from paper-based planning to real-time, milestone-linked tracking of development projects, including the "Adarsh Gram" component, skill development initiatives, and hostel construction.

Answer: (a) Supreme Court

• 'One Case One Data' Project: This initiative was launched by the Supreme Court to integrate legal records across various levels of the judiciary. By creating a unique identification structure for every case, the project aims to eliminate data duplication, ensure seamless tracking of litigation histories, and improve the transparency of judicial proceedings nationwide.
• 'Su Sahay' AI-powered Chatbot: This is a sophisticated AI tool designed to assist legal professionals, litigants, and researchers. It provides real-time information regarding case statuses, pending lists, and procedural queries, making the court's administrative processes more accessible and reducing the information burden on court staff.

Answer: (c) USA

• The United States launched a major naval operation referred to as "Project Freedom" (often cited in media reports as "Operation Freedom") aimed at restoring the safety and free passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
• The primary goal was to ensure that oil tankers and cargo ships could transit through the strait without interference, following instances where commercial vessels were targeted or blocked.

Answer: (b) National Council of Educational Research and Training

• About PRASHAST 2.0: Standing for "Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool," this mobile application is a national initiative developed by NCERT (through its constituent unit, the Central Institute of Educational Technology - CIET).
• It is designed to facilitate school-based screening for the 21 types of disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

Answer: (c) Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board

• In May 2026, the BWSSB was recognized as one of the world's top five water utilities in the prestigious "Utility of the Year" category at the Global Water Summit 2026 held in Madrid, Spain. It was the first Indian water utility to secure a place in the global top 5 across multiple award categories, highlighting its innovative governance and sustainable practices.
• Recognition Factors: The board was commended for its "Five Pillars" strategy, which focuses on:
• Urban water governance.
• Water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
• Mass wastewater recycling and systematic reuse.
• Infrastructure expansion (notably the Cauvery Stage-V Drinking Water Project, which was also named among the top 5 global water projects).

Answer: (b) Mumbai

• The Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 was hosted by India as part of its chairmanship. It concluded in Mumbai, which is India’s primary hub for the diamond trade and home to the Bharat Diamond Bourse.

Answer: (b) Chhattisgarh

• The 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council was held in Jagdalpur, located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, on May 19, 2026. The meeting was chaired by the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah. It was attended by the Chief Ministers of the four member states: Chhattisgarh (Vishnu Deo Sai), Uttar Pradesh (Yogi Adityanath), Madhya Pradesh (Mohan Yadav), and Uttarakhand (Pushkar Singh Dhami), along with senior officials from the state and central governments.

Answer: (c) India

• India will host the inaugural International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit in 2026. The IBCA is a major global initiative spearheaded by India to ensure the conservation of seven major big cat species: the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah.

Answer: (d) Gabi

• In May 2026, South Korea introduced its first humanoid robot monk at the historic Jogyesa Temple in Seoul. The robot is named 'Gabi', which is a unique combination of the Buddha's childhood name, 'Siddhartha', and the Korean word for compassion/mercy, 'Jabi'. Standing 130 cm tall, the robot is built on the G1 platform developed by the Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics.

Answer: (c) LDL Cholesterol

• Therapy: VERVE-102 is an investigational in vivo gene-editing therapy developed by Eli Lilly and Verve Therapeutics.
• Mechanism: It uses CRISPR base-editing technology to permanently "switch off" the PCSK9 gene in the liver. Since the PCSK9 protein normally regulates LDL receptors, inactivating this gene allows the body to more effectively clear "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C) from the bloodstream.
• Study Results: Recent Phase 1b "Heart-2" clinical trial results, published in May 2026, showed that a single intravenous infusion of VERVE-102 resulted in:
• Reductions in LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) by up to 62%.
• Reductions in PCSK9 protein levels by up to 88%.

Answer: (d) Indira Gandhi International Airport

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India's first "SkyCast System" at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi, in May 2026. Developed under the government’s "Mission Mausam" initiative, the system is designed to provide real-time weather intelligence to pilots and air traffic controllers. It integrates advanced atmospheric technologies—such as a Radar Wind Profiler, Lidar-based Ceilometer, and Fog Aerosol Spectrometer—to monitor fog, turbulence, and visibility.

Answer: (b) Alzheimer's Disease

•  Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody treatment developed by Eli Lilly. In May 2026, it became the first of its kind to be formally launched and approved for clinical use in India for the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
• Mechanism: It works by targeting and clearing amyloid-beta plaques—the abnormal protein deposits that accumulate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's. By reducing these plaques, the drug helps to slow the rate of clinical decline in patients with early symptomatic Alzheimer's.

Answer: (c) Pixxel एवं Sarvam

• In late May 2026, the space-tech startup Pixxel, in collaboration with the AI research firm Sarvam AI, announced the upcoming launch of India's first AI-powered orbital data center satellite, named 'Pathfinder'.
• Unlike traditional satellites that transmit raw data back to Earth for processing, 'Pathfinder' is designed to perform on-orbit computing. It will host a specialized AI model capable of analyzing hyperspectral satellite imagery in real-time while still in space.

Answer: (d) USA

• In May 2026, the IIT Madras Global Research Foundation announced the establishment of its first international center in Menlo Park, California, USA.
• Strategically located near Silicon Valley, the center is designed to serve as a global launchpad for Indian deep-tech startups. It provides them with essential access to global capital, markets, mentorship, and technology partnerships.

Answer: (b) Rajasthan

• In May 2026, Oil India Limited (OIL) announced a significant natural gas discovery in the Dandewala Field, located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. This discovery is notable for being the first successful identification of natural gas in the shallower Sanu Formation within the Dandewala field.
• Testing at the discovery well recorded an average natural gas inflow of approximately 25,000 Standard Cubic Metres per Day (SCMD) from a depth of about 950 metres. Preliminary estimates suggest the Gas in Place (GIP) resources in this new zone are around 75 Million Standard Cubic Metres (MMSCM).

Answer: (c) Khavda

• In May 2026, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) commissioned a cumulative 3.37 Gigawatt-hour (GWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat. This facility is recognized as the world's largest single-location battery storage deployment outside of China.

Answer: (b) Gujarat

• The country's first Prosopis Juliflora-based Green Methanol plant is being established at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat. The primary goal of this project is to convert the invasive species Prosopis Juliflora (locally known in the region as "Gando Baval")—which has spread extensively across the Banni grasslands—into clean marine fuel (Green Methanol).

Answer: (c) Andhra Pradesh

• The launch took place from the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Vijayawada, which is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The startup, Red Balloon Aerospace, successfully executed "Mission SANA" on May 27, 2026, marking India’s entry into the elite group of nations (alongside the US, France, Japan, and China) that possess indigenous stratospheric super-pressure balloon capabilities.

Answer: (a) Bhopal

• In May 2026, India's first "Algae Tree" was unveiled in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The project aims to improve urban air quality in densely populated city centers where space for traditional tree plantation is limited. The system is low-maintenance, as the algae require only sunlight and periodic water circulation to thrive.

Answer: (c) Gujarat

• In May 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the development of India's first dedicated semi high-speed railway corridor. This project will connect Ahmedabad and Rajkot in the state of Gujarat.
• The corridor is designed to reduce travel time significantly between these two major economic hubs. Trains operating on this route are expected to reach speeds of up to 160–200 km/h, marking a substantial upgrade over the existing rail infrastructure.

Answer: (d) Kaziranga National Park

• In May 2026, on the occasion of Endangered Species Day, India’s first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) was released into the Brahmaputra River within the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam. The Ganges soft-shell turtle is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and receives the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Answer: (c) ICICI Bank

• In May 2026, ICICI Bank, in partnership with Visa, launched India's first USD-denominated debit card. This card is issued from the bank's IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, Gujarat. It is specifically designed for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers.

Answer: (a) Jharkhand

• The country's first dedicated Human-Elephant Conflict Research Centre is being established at the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand.
• The center aims to systematically study the behavioral patterns of elephants, the triggers for conflict, and human responses. It will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based systems to analyze data on elephant movements, vocalizations, and seasonal habits to develop long-term, science-based solutions for peaceful coexistence and to minimize casualties.

Answer: (b) Rajasthan

• In May 2026, the first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME)-led semiconductor chip manufacturing facility was inaugurated in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
• The plant specializes in OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) services, which are critical for the back-end processing of semiconductor chips, including packaging, assembly, and testing.

Answer: (d) Delhi

• The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) is set to launch India’s first "Air Train" project, which is technically referred to as an Automated People Mover (APM).
• The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) is set to launch India’s first "Air Train" project, which is technically referred to as an Automated People Mover (APM).
• This infrastructure is modeled after similar successful systems at major international airports like Singapore Changi, Dubai, and Heathrow, enhancing Delhi Airport's status as a premier global aviation hub.

Answer: (d) GalaxEye

• In May 2026, the Bengaluru-based space startup GalaxEye successfully launched its flagship mission, 'Drishti', aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. 'Drishti' is recognized as the world's first OptoSAR satellite. It features a unique hybrid system that integrates Optical imaging (which provides high-resolution, colour-rich visual data) with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) (which uses microwave signals to capture imagery regardless of cloud cover, darkness, or adverse weather).

Answer: (b) Karnataka

• In May 2026, the Karnataka government introduced the "Gig-Connect" portal, the country’s first dedicated digital grievance redressal mechanism designed specifically for gig workers (delivery partners, ride-hailing drivers, etc.).
• The portal aims to provide a formal, transparent, and time-bound platform for gig workers to raise concerns regarding issues like non-payment of wages, arbitrary deactivation of accounts, and unfair working conditions.

Answer: (b) Sikkim

• In May 2026, the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, officially declared Sikkim as the country’s first fully "paperless" state judiciary. The announcement was made during the "National Conclave on Technology and Judicial Education" held in Gangtok, which coincided with the celebration of Sikkim's 50th Statehood Anniversary.

Answer: (d) Skyroot Aerospace

• In May 2026, the Hyderabad-based company Skyroot Aerospace officially became India's first space-tech "unicorn" (a startup valued at $1 billion or more). This status was achieved following a fresh funding round of approximately $60 million, which pushed the company's total valuation to $1.1 billion. The round was co-led by GIC (Singapore's sovereign wealth fund) and Sherpalo Ventures, with participation from other notable investors like BlackRock and the founders of Greenko Group.

Answer: (c) Hazaribagh, Jharkhand

• Hazaribagh has been officially designated as India's first and only Pearl Farming Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The initiative aims to transform the district into a model hub for scientific pearl cultivation, creating a structured ecosystem for training, production, and direct market linkages.

Answer: (c) Netherlands

• In May 2026, the Netherlands officially returned the historic 11th-century Chola Copper Plates (also known as the Anaimangalam Plates or Leiden Plates) to India.
• The formal handover took place during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the Netherlands in the presence of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
• These artefacts consist of 21 large and 3 small copper plates. They are royal charters issued during the reign of the Chola dynasty, specifically documenting the donation of the Anaimangalam village (near Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu) by King Rajaraja Chola I and his son, Rajendra Chola I, for the upkeep of the Chudamani Vihara, a Buddhist monastery.

Answer: (a) Jamaica

• The 'Aarogya Maitri Health Cube' is part of India’s "Aarogya Maitri" (Health Friendship) project, which aims to provide rapid medical assistance and disaster response capabilities to friendly nations.
• The Health Cube is a state-of-the-art, modular, and portable hospital system. It is designed to be deployed quickly in remote or disaster-hit areas. It contains comprehensive medical equipment, including a workstation, a mini-operation theatre, a blood test laboratory, an X-ray machine, and a ventilator, all integrated into a compact, durable structure.

Answer: (b) Floreana Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

• In May 2026, the world's first "Smart Island" monitoring system was launched on Floreana Island, part of Ecuador's Galápagos Archipelago. Developed by the non-profit organization Island Conservation in coordination with Fundación Jocotoco, the system is designed to transform ecosystem management from reactive to proactive.

Answer: (c) Russia

• On May 28, 2026, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Astana, Russia and Kazakhstan signed a landmark intergovernmental agreement to construct Kazakhstan's first large-scale nuclear power plant, to be known as the Balkhash Nuclear Power Plant. The plant will be built in the village of Ulken, located on the shores of Lake Balkhash. The project involves the construction of two Russian-designed VVER-1200 Generation III+ power units.

Answer: (d) Hong Kong

• In May 2026, Li Jiaying made history as part of the Shenzhou-23 mission, marking the first time an astronaut from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has participated in a national crewed space flight.

Answer: (a) Italy

• During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Rome in May 2026, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that India and Italy will jointly observe 2027 as the "Year of Culture and Tourism."
• The announcement coincides with the elevation of bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership. Both nations have emphasized their shared identities as "logistical platforms" in their respective regions—the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific—and are collaborating on major infrastructure initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Answer: (c) Philippines

• In late May 2026, the Mayon Volcano, located in the Albay province on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, experienced a fresh phase of volcanic activity, characterized by lava flows and ash emissions.
• Mayon is renowned as one of the world's most active and aesthetically perfect stratovolcanoes due to its symmetrical cone shape. It is frequently monitored by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Answer: (b) India

• According to the World Migration Report 2026, released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in May 2026, India has retained its position as the world's top recipient of remittances. India received more than $137 billion in remittances in 2024.
• India is the only country in the world to have surpassed the $100 billion mark in annual remittance inflows.
• India has consistently held the top position as the world's largest remittance recipient since 2010.

Answer: (c) Trinidad and Tobago

• In July 2025, Trinidad and Tobago officially became the first Caribbean nation to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Beyond the payment interface, the two nations have agreed to collaborate on implementing other "India Stack" solutions, such as DigiLocker (for digital document storage), e-Sign (for digital signatures), and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), aimed at digitizing public service delivery and governance.

Answer: (c) 157th

• In the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on April 30, 2026, India is ranked 157th out of 180 countries. This marks a decline of six places from India's 2025 ranking of 151st. India continues to be categorized in the "very serious" situation bracket for press freedom.
• Regional Context: India's ranking is lower than several of its neighbors, including Nepal (87th), Sri Lanka (134th), Bhutan (150th), Bangladesh (152nd), and Pakistan (153rd).

Answer: (b) Saudi Arabia

• In May 2026, Saudi Arabia officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as its 26th member country. The International Big Cat Alliance is a global coalition launched by India, aimed at the conservation and protection of seven major big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.