📅 Monthly Edition · JKPSC · JKSSB · UPSC
May 2026 Current Affairs
Comprehensive monthly compilation — exam-focused, based on actual JKPSC & JKSSB question patterns · 1–31 May 2026
🔴 Operation Sindoor Anniversary
🏆 India wins T20 World Cup
🏅 Padma Awards 2026 Conferred
🏔️ Exclusive J&K Section
📝 50 MCQs with Answer Key
9
Domains
50+
Topics
50
Prelims MCQs
FREE
Access
📋 Contents
Section 1 — National Affairs
May 1–31, 2026 · High Priority Topics
HIGH PRIORITYOperation Sindoor — First Anniversary (7 May 2026)
🔴 Exam-Critical: Operation Sindoor was launched on 7 May 2025. India commemorated its first anniversary on 7 May 2026 with national tributes to the armed forces.
- Operation Sindoor was launched on the night of 7 May 2025 (1:05 AM – 1:30 AM) — India's precision military strike on 9 terror sites inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoJK)
- Targeted infrastructure of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen
- India deployed BrahMos missiles and 100+ aircraft — the largest aerial operation since 1971
- Over 100 terrorists eliminated; key sites in Punjab province and Bahawalpur struck — breaking the taboo of striking mainland Pakistan
- Led by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Air Force) and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (Army) — the official tri-service briefing duo
- Pakistan retaliated on 9–10 May 2025; India struck 11 Pakistani air bases including Nur Khan, Rafiqi, Sargodha, and Bholari — reportedly destroying ~20% of Pakistan's air force infrastructure
- A ceasefire followed after US and international mediation; India maintained it was Pakistan that sought the ceasefire
- PM Modi on 12 May 2025 declared India's new doctrine: any terror attack will be met with "assured and proportionate retaliation" — India will not be deterred by nuclear blackmail
- India dispatched 7 all-party delegations (51 MPs & ex-diplomats) to 33 capitals worldwide to brief on its counter-terror stance
- Anniversary (7 May 2026): National commemoration; India reaffirmed zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism
IMPORTANTPadma Awards 2026 — Conferred at Rashtrapati Bhavan (25 May 2026)
- President Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I on 25 May 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
- Total of 131 civilian honours announced (Republic Day, 26 Jan 2026): 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, 113 Padma Shri
- 19 women awardees; 6 foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI; 16 posthumous honours
- Padma Vibhushan awardees included former CJI Jagdish Singh Khehar and folk arts figure Kumudini Lakhia
- PM Narendra Modi attended the ceremony — underscoring national significance
KEYIndia's New Response Doctrine — Modi Doctrine Post-Sindoor
- PM Modi articulated India's doctrine on 12 May 2025 (reaffirmed at May 2026 commemorations): Any terrorist attack = assured retaliatory response; nuclear blackmail not a deterrent
- India called Pakistan's alleged terror support "a well-planned war strategy, not just proxy war"
- India's S-400 air defence system credited with protecting Indian airspace during Pakistan's counter-strike; BrahMos praised as Pakistan-undefended weapon
- Indian Navy's deployment in Arabian Sea kept Pakistan's naval assets pinned near the coast throughout the conflict
Sansad Ratna Awards 2026 — 25 May 2026
- Sansad Ratna Awards 2026 conferred on 25 May 2026 — honouring outstanding parliamentarians for exemplary parliamentary contribution
- Awards recognise consistent attendance, participation in debates, and private member bills
SARTHAK-PDS — New Public Distribution System Scheme
- Government launched SARTHAK-PDS (28 May 2026) — a revamped public distribution system with improved targeting and digital integration for beneficiary verification
- Aims to address leakages in food subsidy delivery and ensure last-mile coverage under NFSA
PRAGATI Meeting — 51st Edition (28 May 2026)
- PM Modi chaired the 51st PRAGATI meeting (28 May 2026) — reviewed infrastructure projects worth ₹30,000 crore
- PRAGATI = Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation — monthly ICT-based platform for PM to monitor key projects across states
- PRAGATI was first launched in March 2015 and has cumulatively reviewed projects worth lakhs of crores
IAF — First Woman Cat-A QFI: Sqn Ldr Saanya
Historic First: Squadron Leader Saanya became the first woman in the Indian Air Force to earn the Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification — announced by IAF on 18 May 2026.
India Launches Semiconductor Investors Support Portal (27 May 2026)
- India launched a dedicated Semiconductor Investors Support Portal to attract chip manufacturing investment under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
- Part of the ₹76,000 crore semiconductor incentive scheme under MeitY
Indian Railways — CHIRAG Centre, Hyderabad (26 May 2026)
- Indian Railways launched the CHIRAG Centre in Hyderabad — an AI-powered Human Resources Governance Centre for Indian Railways
- Uses AI for HR process automation, grievance management, and workforce analytics
Section 2 — Economy & Government Schemes
Key Policy & Fiscal Developments
IMPORTANTIndia's Export Target: $1 Trillion in 2026
- Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced India's $1 trillion export target for 2026 and $2 trillion within the next 5 years
- Announcement made at the LEAPS 2025 Awards (14 May 2026) under India's new Foreign Trade Policy framework
ICMR — IndiaAI MoU for Healthcare AI
- IndiaAI (under MeitY) and ICMR signed an MoU (May 2026) to promote responsible AI adoption in India's healthcare sector
- Objective: Create a nationally coherent, interoperable AI ecosystem for healthcare by combining AI infrastructure with biomedical research expertise
- ICMR to contribute anonymised health datasets via the AIKosh Dataset Platform under the MIDAS framework
UPI's 10-Year Journey — A Global Benchmark
Milestone: UPI completed 10 years in 2026 (launched 11 April 2016). By May 2026 it had become a global benchmark in real-time payments, processing billions of transactions monthly and expanded internationally to 8+ countries.
ICMR — Largest Biomedical Technology Transfer (26 May 2026)
- ICMR transferred 41 public health technologies to industry at India's largest biomedical innovation event (26 May 2026)
- Covers diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, and health devices — boosting India's Atmanirbhar healthcare ecosystem
Key Economy Data — May 2026
| Item | Key Detail |
|---|---|
| India Export Target 2026 | $1 trillion (announced May 2026); $2 trillion in 5 years |
| Semiconductor Portal Launch | 27 May 2026 — to attract chip manufacturing FDI under ISM |
| SARTHAK-PDS | New revamped PDS scheme; digital targeting launched 28 May 2026 |
| PRAGATI 51st Meeting | ₹30,000 crore infrastructure reviewed; 28 May 2026 |
| UPI Milestone | 10 years operational; global real-time payments benchmark |
| IndiaAI–ICMR MoU | AI in healthcare; AIKosh platform with anonymised datasets |
| PM-AJAY Portal | Real-time monitoring of SC welfare schemes launched |
| Import Duties | India imposed immediate import duties (14 May 2026) on select categories |
Section 3 — International Affairs
Geopolitics, Diplomacy & Global Events
HIGH PRIORITYIndia–Pakistan: Post-Sindoor Diplomatic Landscape (May 2026)
- Pakistan continued efforts to rehabilitate its global image one year after Operation Sindoor — hosting US-Iran direct talks (April 2026) and positioning itself as a regional peacemaker
- India maintained its stand: Pakistan remains a state sponsor of terrorism; suspended Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) remains in force; bilateral trade suspension continues
- India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, actively briefed US counterparts on India's counter-terror doctrine
- India–Pakistan ceasefire (since May 2025) holding; no formal resumption of diplomatic ties
IMPORTANTIndia–Netherlands Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2026–2030
- India and the Netherlands signed the Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2026–2030 (May 2026)
- Covers: climate-resilient agriculture, agri-tech, biotechnology, food safety, digital health, maritime security, naval cooperation, and cybersecurity
- Return of Anaimangalam Copper Plates to India — strengthening heritage restitution
- Migration and Mobility MoU — benefits Indian students, researchers, and skilled professionals
US–China Relations — Trade and Security Dynamics
- China agreed to increase imports of US agricultural products at an annualised rate of about $17 billion for 2026, 2027, and 2028
- US simultaneously approved a major arms package of around $11.1 billion for Taiwan
- Illustrates the pattern of simultaneous economic cooperation and security rivalry between Washington and Beijing
International Highlights — May 2026
| Event | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| India–Netherlands Roadmap | 2026–2030 Strategic Partnership; heritage restitution; agri-tech focus |
| US–China Trade Deal | China to buy $17B US agri-products/year; US approved $11.1B Taiwan arms |
| India–Pakistan ceasefire | Holding since May 2025; no diplomatic resumption yet |
| ONGC Ladakh Geothermal | India's first geothermal plant — Puga Valley, Ladakh; LG Vinai Kumar Saxena approved MoU extension |
| Chandrayaan-3 AIAA Award | ISRO received 2026 AIAA Goddard Award for Chandrayaan-3 lunar south pole landing (28 May 2026) |
| COP31 Focus | Priority: global electrification to reduce fossil fuel dependence and achieve net-zero targets |
| Pakistan as 'Peacemaker' | Pakistan hosted US-Iran direct talks (April 2026); global rehabilitation post-Sindoor noted |
| SIPRI Report 2026 | India ranked 2nd globally in arms imports; global military spending hit new high |
Section 4 — Science & Technology
ISRO, Defence, Digital India & Innovation
IMPORTANTISRO — Chandrayaan-3 wins AIAA Goddard Award 2026
Historic Recognition: India's Chandrayaan-3 mission won the prestigious 2026 AIAA Goddard Award at the AIAA ASCEND 2026 Conference. India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, received the award on behalf of ISRO. Chandrayaan-3 made history on 23 August 2023 as the first spacecraft to soft-land near the Moon's south pole.
KEYISRO — Gaganyaan ECLSS & Exercise PRAGATI 2026
- ISRO advanced the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) for the Gaganyaan crewed mission
- India hosted Exercise PRAGATI 2026 — a multi-nation ground forces exercise with 12 friendly nations including Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
- Aim: create a unified institutional platform for regional armies to exchange battlefield experiences and harmonise tactical doctrines
India — First Geothermal Power Project (Puga Valley, Ladakh)
- ONGC set to develop India's first geothermal power plant in Puga Valley, Ladakh
- LG Vinai Kumar Saxena approved a 5-year extension of the ONGC MoU for the project
- Puga Valley: located in Changthang plateau, Leh district, Ladakh — a geothermally active region
- India's geothermal potential estimated at ~10,000 MW; Puga Valley is a key priority site
INS Sanghmitra — New Indigenous Naval Vessel
- India launched the indigenous naval vessel INS Sanghmitra — adds to India's blue-water navy capability
- Part of India's ongoing naval modernisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative
S&T Highlights — May 2026
| Development | Details |
|---|---|
| Chandrayaan-3 AIAA Award | 2026 AIAA Goddard Award — ISRO's historic lunar south pole mission honoured |
| Gaganyaan ECLSS | Life support system advances; test flight preparations continue |
| ONGC Puga Valley | India's first geothermal plant; Ladakh; LG approved MoU extension |
| Exercise PRAGATI 2026 | 12 friendly nations; multi-nation ground forces exercise hosted by India |
| INS Sanghmitra | New indigenous naval vessel launched |
| Semiconductor Portal | India launches portal to attract semiconductor manufacturing investment |
| CHIRAG Centre (Railways AI) | AI-powered HR governance for Indian Railways, Hyderabad |
| IndiaAI–ICMR Healthcare AI | MoU for AI in healthcare; AIKosh dataset platform under MIDAS |
Section 5 — Environment & Ecology
Climate, Biodiversity & Green Policy
IMPORTANTCOP31 — Global Electrification Priority
- COP31 preparatory discussions in May 2026 prioritised global electrification to reduce fossil fuel dependence
- Focus on renewable energy transition, clean cooking, and EV adoption as core pillars of climate action
- India reaffirmed commitment to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under Paris Agreement
ONGC — India's First Geothermal Energy Project (Ladakh)
Green Milestone: ONGC to develop India's first geothermal power plant at Puga Valley, Ladakh. LG of J&K Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the 5-year extension of the ONGC MoU. Represents a step toward clean, sustainable baseload energy in the Himalayan region.
Venezuela — First Country to Lose All Glaciers
- Venezuela became the first country in the world to lose all its glaciers — a landmark climate change milestone discussed globally in May 2026
- Underlines the accelerating pace of glacier retreat in tropical mountain regions
Khajuraho — Yoga Mahotsav 2026 (27 May 2026)
- Khajuraho announced as host of Yoga Mahotsav 2026 as India counts down to the 10th International Day of Yoga (21 June 2026)
- Ministry of Ayush coordinating global events for the 10th edition
Environment Briefs — May 2026
- Indian rupee sharply depreciated due to global conflicts, rising oil prices, and foreign capital outflows — requiring RBI intervention
- Mumbai and Secunderabad landfills ranked in global methane top 25 — per satellite study (discussed in May 2026)
- Rising oil prices linked to West Asia tensions (Iran-related) had knock-on effects on India's import bill and current account
Section 6 — Sports
May 2026 Sporting Highlights
HIGH PRIORITYIndia Wins ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
🏏 Historic Triple! India defeated New Zealand by a massive 96-run margin in the T20 World Cup 2026 Final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. India scored 255/5; New Zealand all out for 159. India became the first team to win 3 T20 World Cup titles and the first host country to win the title.
- India captained by Suryakumar Yadav; tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka
- India went unbeaten through the tournament, topping Group A with 4 straight wins including vs USA and Netherlands
- Prize money: $2.45 million for champions; total prize pool $11.25 million
- SAFF Women's Championship 2026 held in May–June: India hosted at Jawaharlal Nehru (Fatorda) Stadium, Margao, Goa (24 May – 7 June 2026)
KEY29th National Federation Cup Athletics — Ranchi (22–25 May 2026)
- Held at Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Several national records broken during the competition
- Men's 10,000m Gold: Deepak Bhatt (Uttarakhand)
Smriti Mandhana — BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025
- Smriti Mandhana received the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 award after leading India to a historic Women's World Cup win
- Other contenders: chess World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh and Paralympic medalist Preethi Pal
- Shooter Anjali Bhagwat received the Lifetime Achievement Award
Magnus Carlsen wins Inaugural FIDE Freestyle World Chess Championship 2026
- Magnus Carlsen (Norway) claimed the 1st official FIDE Freestyle World Championship 2026 in Weissenhaus, Germany
- Edged Fabiano Caruana (USA) in the final
Vaishnavi Adkar — First Indian Woman since Sania Mirza (2009) in ITF Final
- Vaishnavi Adkar became the first Indian woman since Sania Mirza (2009) to reach a major International Tennis Federation Women's singles final
- Reached final at the Bengaluru W100; secured WTA Top 500 ranking for the first time
Sports Summary — May 2026
| Event | Key Fact |
|---|---|
| T20 World Cup 2026 🏏 | India won — defeated NZ by 96 runs; 3rd title; hosted in India & Sri Lanka |
| SAFF Women's Championship ⚽ | India hosts; Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa; 24 May–7 June 2026 |
| National Federation Cup 🏃 | 29th edition; Birsa Munda Stadium, Ranchi; 22–25 May 2026 |
| FIDE Freestyle Chess ♟️ | Magnus Carlsen wins inaugural title; Weissenhaus, Germany |
| Smriti Mandhana 🏏 | BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 |
| Vaishnavi Adkar 🎾 | First Indian woman since Sania Mirza (2009) to reach major ITF singles final |
Section 7 — Awards & Appointments
Honours, Recognitions & Key Appointments
Awards & Appointments — May 2026
| Award / Appointment | Details |
|---|---|
| Padma Awards 2026 Ceremony | Conferred 25 May 2026 by President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan; 5 PV, 13 PB, 113 PS |
| Sansad Ratna Awards 2026 | Conferred 25 May 2026 — honouring outstanding parliamentarians |
| AIAA Goddard Award | ISRO for Chandrayaan-3; awarded 28 May 2026; Ambassador Vinay Kwatra accepted |
| Major Abhilasha Barak | Indian Army officer wins prestigious UN Military Gender Advocate Award (25 May 2026) |
| Dr. Soumya Swaminathan | Former WHO Chief Scientist elected Fellow of the Royal Society (22 May 2026) |
| Earth Prize 2026 | Won by Indian students for Plas-Stick Innovation (2 June 2026) |
| UN Peacekeepers Honour | UN honoured 2 fallen Indian peacekeepers on International Day of UN Peacekeepers (29 May 2026) |
| Smriti Mandhana | BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025 |
| Sqn Ldr Saanya (IAF) | First woman to earn Cat-A QFI (Qualified Flying Instructor) in the Indian Air Force |
Section 8 — Important Days — May
National & International Observances
1 May
International Labour Day / Workers' Day
ILO; also Maharashtra Day & Gujarat Day
3 May
World Press Freedom Day
UNESCO, since 1993; promotes free, independent, pluralistic media
4 May
International Firefighters' Day
Honouring firefighters globally
7 May
Operation Sindoor Anniversary
1st Anniversary — 7 May 2025; India commemorated armed forces
8 May
World Red Cross & Red Crescent Day
Birthday of Henri Dunant (founder), since 1948
11 May
National Technology Day
India; commemorates 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests (Operation Shakti)
12 May
International Nurses Day
Birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale (1820)
15 May
International Day of Families
UN, since 1994
16 May
Sikkim Statehood Day
Sikkim merged with India — 16 May 1975
17 May
World Telecommunication Day
ITU, founded 17 May 1865; also World Information Society Day
21 May
National Anti-Terrorism Day
India; marks assassination of PM Rajiv Gandhi (21 May 1991)
22 May
International Day for Biological Diversity
CBD; marks adoption of CBD — 22 May 1992
25 May
Padma Awards 2026 Conferred
Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan; 131 awardees
29 May
International Day of UN Peacekeepers
UN; India honoured for 2 fallen peacekeepers
31 May
World No Tobacco Day
WHO, since 1988; Theme 2026: Protecting Children from Tobacco
Section 9 — J&K Special Current Affairs ⭐ Most Important for JKPSC & JKSSB
Exclusive coverage for J&K competitive exams
HIGH PRIORITYNasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan — 100-Day Anti-Drug Campaign
🔴 Exam Likely: J&K's 100-day "Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan" is one of the most extensive anti-drug campaigns in India. Over 1 crore people participated in awareness programmes; 2.16 lakh awareness activities conducted.
- Launched under J&K UT administration; massive community participation across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions
- Activities included padyatras, rallies, seminars, school/college programmes, sports events, and cultural campaigns
- Strict enforcement: significant narcotics seizures, disruption of smuggling networks
- Aimed at making J&K drug-free in alignment with national Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign
HIGH PRIORITYOperation Sindoor — J&K Dimension (1st Anniversary, May 2026)
- J&K observed the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor (7 May 2026) with security forces deployed; CM Omar Abdullah reaffirmed commitment to peace
- Post-Sindoor, India's Indus Waters Treaty suspension continues — triggered by the Pahalgam attack (April 2025)
- J&K hydropower projects on Chenab river (Pakal Dul 1,000 MW, Kiru 624 MW, Kwar 540 MW, Ratle 850 MW) — accelerated post-IWT suspension
- 43 Tourist Observation Bases (TOBs) remain operational: 26 in Kashmir, 17 in Jammu — tourism recovery continues
- Intelligence agencies in J&K continuing to bust Pakistan's ISI-linked espionage and terror modules
IMPORTANTONGC — India's First Geothermal Power Plant, Puga Valley, Ladakh
- LG Vinai Kumar Saxena approved a 5-year extension of the ONGC MoU for India's first geothermal power project in Puga Valley, Ladakh
- Located in Changthang plateau, Leh district, Ladakh — a geothermally active region
- Plant will use heat energy from beneath the Earth's surface — clean, renewable, 24×7 baseload power
- India's geothermal potential estimated at ~10,000 MW; Puga Valley is a key priority site
KEYJ&K Administration — Key May 2026 Updates
- Health Dept Notice to 132 Doctors: J&K Health and Medical Education Department issued a statutory notice to 132 newly selected Allopathic Medical Officers regarding joining formalities
- J&K Police Budget 2026–27: Revised to ₹9,925.50 crore; DGP J&K is Nalin Prabhat, IPS
- J&K Police HQ: Peer Bagh, Srinagar (May–Oct); Gulshan Ground, Jammu (Nov–April) — seasonal headquarters movement
- Watan Ko Janoo Programme: Continuing — J&K Rehabilitation Council in collaboration with Ministry of Home Affairs for national integration tours of J&K youth
- CM Omar Abdullah continued engagement with Central government on statehood restoration and J&K's development agenda
J&K Hydropower — Status Update May 2026
| Project | River | Capacity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakal Dul | Marusudar (Chenab tributary) | 1,000 MW | Under construction; targeted 2026–27 |
| Kiru | Chenab | 624 MW | Under construction |
| Kwar | Chenab | 540 MW | Under construction |
| Ratle | Chenab | 850 MW | Under construction; accelerated post-IWT suspension |
| Karnah Hydel | Kishanganga tributary | 12 MW | Expected completion June 2026 |
| Total (current) | — | 3,540 MW | Installed capacity |
| Target (Dec 2026) | — | 5,164 MW | Post-commissioning target (+46%) |
J&K — Tourism & Cultural Highlights
- Pahalgam and Kashmir meadows open to tourism with robust security; recovery strong post-April 2025 attack
- Amarnath Yatra 2026 preparations underway; security audit complete
- International Pheran Day — celebrated with PM Modi's Pheran-clad appearance resonating nationally
- NIFT Srinagar: actively functioning; new cohorts enrolled for design programmes
- J&K Hajj 2026: Pilgrims departed from Srinagar's Hajj House for Saudi Arabia
Section 10 — MCQ Practice Questions
Based on May 2026 current affairs — modelled on JKPSC & JKSSB patterns · ★ = High probability
Q1★★ India commemorated the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor on which date in May 2026?
✅ Answer: B — 7 May 2026. Operation Sindoor was launched on the night of 7 May 2025 at 1:05 AM. India struck 9 terror sites in Pakistan and PoJK. The first anniversary was observed on 7 May 2026 with national tributes.
Q2★★ How many terror sites were struck by India in Operation Sindoor (7 May 2025)?
✅ Answer: C — 9. India struck 9 high-value terror sites linked to LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen. India later struck 11 Pakistani air bases in retaliation for Pakistan's counter-attacks on 9–10 May 2025.
Q3★★ India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 by defeating which team in the final?
✅ Answer: C — New Zealand. India defeated NZ by 96 runs at Narendra Modi Stadium. India scored 255/5; NZ all out for 159. India became the first team to win 3 T20 World Cup titles.
Q4★★ India's first geothermal power plant (MoU approved May 2026) will be developed by ONGC in which location?
✅ Answer: C — Puga Valley, Ladakh. LG Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the 5-year MoU extension with ONGC. Puga Valley in Changthang plateau is geothermally active. This is India's first geothermal power project.
Q5★★ The AIAA Goddard Award 2026 was awarded to ISRO for which mission?
✅ Answer: C — Chandrayaan-3. ISRO received the 2026 AIAA Goddard Award at the AIAA ASCEND 2026 Conference for Chandrayaan-3, which made history on 23 August 2023 as the first spacecraft to soft-land near the Moon's south pole.
Q6★★ J&K's "Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan" was a ___-day anti-drug campaign with over 1 crore participants.
✅ Answer: C — 100-day. The 100-day "Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan" saw over 1 crore people participate. Around 2.16 lakh awareness activities were conducted including padyatras, rallies, and cultural campaigns.
Q7★ Who became the first woman in the Indian Air Force to earn the Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification?
✅ Answer: B — Squadron Leader Saanya. IAF announced on 18 May 2026 that Sqn Ldr Saanya became the first woman to earn Cat-A QFI qualification, marking a historic milestone for women in India's defence forces.
Q8★★ National Technology Day is celebrated on 11 May in India to commemorate which event?
✅ Answer: C — Operation Shakti, 1998. India conducted nuclear tests at Pokhran on 11 May 1998 under Operation Shakti (Pokhran-II). National Technology Day has been observed on 11 May since 1999.
Q9★ The SAFF Women's Championship 2026, hosted by India, was held at which venue in Goa?
✅ Answer: B — Jawaharlal Nehru (Fatorda) Stadium, Margao, Goa. SAFF Women's Championship 2026 ran from 24 May–7 June 2026. India last hosted this championship in 2016 in Siliguri.
Q10★★ How many total Padma Awards were announced for 2026 (ceremony on 25 May 2026)?
✅ Answer: C — 131. 131 Padma Awards for 2026: 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, 113 Padma Shri. Includes 19 women, 6 foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, and 16 posthumous honours.
Q11★★ In India's T20 World Cup 2026 Final, by what margin did India defeat New Zealand?
✅ Answer: C — 96 runs. India scored 255/5; NZ were all out for 159. India won by 96 runs, retaining the T20 World Cup title and becoming the first team to win 3 T20 World Cups.
Q12★ Dr. Soumya Swaminathan was elected Fellow of which prestigious body in May 2026?
✅ Answer: B — The Royal Society (UK). Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO Chief Scientist, was elected Fellow of the Royal Society on 22 May 2026. The Royal Society is the UK's national academy of sciences, founded in 1660.
Q13★★ PRAGATI, the ICT-based governance platform chaired by the PM, was first launched in which year?
✅ Answer: C — March 2015. PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) was launched by PM Modi in March 2015. The 51st PRAGATI meeting was held on 28 May 2026, reviewing ₹30,000 crore in projects.
Q14★★ Sikkim Statehood Day is observed on 16 May, commemorating its merger with India in which year?
✅ Answer: C — 1975. Sikkim officially became India's 22nd state on 16 May 1975, following the 36th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1975.
Q15★★ J&K's total installed hydropower capacity is targeted to reach approximately how many MW by December 2026?
✅ Answer: C — 5,164 MW. J&K's installed hydropower capacity is 3,540 MW (current), expected to rise to 5,164 MW by December 2026 after commissioning of Pakal Dul and Kiru projects — a ~46% increase.
Q16★ Which Indian Army officer won the prestigious UN Military Gender Advocate Award in May 2026?
✅ Answer: B — Major Abhilasha Barak. Major Abhilasha Barak won the UN Military Gender Advocate Award on 25 May 2026, recognising her contributions to gender advocacy in peacekeeping operations.
Q17★ India's export target of $1 trillion was announced for which year?
✅ Answer: C — 2026. Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced at the LEAPS 2025 Awards (14 May 2026) India's target to achieve $1 trillion in exports in 2026 and $2 trillion within 5 years.
Q18★★ Which country became the first in the world to lose all its glaciers — discussed globally in 2026?
✅ Answer: C — Venezuela. Venezuela became the first country in the world to lose all its glaciers — marking accelerating glacier retreat in tropical mountain regions.
Q19★ Exercise PRAGATI 2026, hosted by India, included how many friendly foreign nations?
✅ Answer: C — 12. Exercise PRAGATI 2026 included 12 friendly foreign countries: Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
Q20★★ The 'Watan Ko Janoo' Youth Exchange Programme in J&K is run by J&K Rehabilitation Council in collaboration with which Ministry?
✅ Answer: C — Ministry of Home Affairs. 'Watan Ko Janoo' is a national integration youth exchange programme for J&K youth, organised by J&K Rehabilitation Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
✅ Quick Answer Key
Q1 B
Q2 C
Q3 C
Q4 C
Q5 C
Q6 C
Q7 B
Q8 C
Q9 B
Q10 C
Q11 C
Q12 B
Q13 C
Q14 C
Q15 C
Q16 B
Q17 C
Q18 C
Q19 C
Q20 C
JKEdusphere is an independent educational blog. Not affiliated with JKSSB, JKPSC, JKBOSE, NTA, or any government body. Verify critical exam information from official sources. For educational use only.