Current Affairs Quiz - May 2026

Notes:
Karnataka has launched India’s first digital grievance redressal system for gig workers on May 1, 2026. The system allows platform-based workers to report disputes related to pay and working conditions. It has been developed by the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers Board and the e-Governance Department. The system enables real-time tracking of grievances filed by workers. It addresses issues such as wages, incentives, and working conditions. The initiative aims to ensure faster and more efficient dispute resolution. It seeks to bring transparency and accountability into the gig economy.

Notes:
The annual Mahua flower festival, known as ‘Ippa Puvvu Panduga’, is celebrated in Telangana. The festival takes place in Jamidi village of Narnoor mandal in Adilabad district. It is usually observed during April–May, coinciding with the Mahua flower harvest season. The festival highlights the cultural and economic importance of the Mahua tree for tribal communities. It is mainly celebrated by the Gond and other Adivasi communities. Mahua flowers are used for food products, traditional beverages, and medicinal purposes. The event is organised by tribal organisations and local leaders.

Notes:
The Ministry of Environment has declared a 326.69 sq. km area around the Great Himalayan National Park as an eco-sensitive zone. The park is located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh in the Western Himalayas. It includes four major valleys: Tirthan, Sainj, Parvati, and Jiwa Nal. The park is surrounded by protected areas like Pin Valley National Park and Rupi-Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary.

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Nepal has objected to India resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lipulekh Pass, citing the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. India has rejected the claim, stating that Lipulekh has been a traditional route for the yatra. Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It lies near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China, making it strategically significant. The pass connects Uttarakhand in India with the Tibet region of China. It is situated at an altitude of about 5,334 metres (approximately 17,500 feet).

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EonSpacelabs developed India’s first germanium-free thermal imaging payload, Lumira_E40I50, for drones. It is an Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) system designed for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It detects humans up to 2 km and vehicles up to 8 km using Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI). It replaces germanium with chalcogenide glass, reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains. It operates in −20°C to +55°C, suitable for varied terrains. It supports Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with features like 40× zoom and infrared sensors.

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National Stock Exchange (NSE) launched Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) as a new trading segment. Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are dematerialised securities representing ownership of physical gold, held in Demat (Dematerialised) accounts. The underlying gold is stored in Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)-regulated vaults. A SEBI-registered Vault Manager (VM) ensures safe storage and standardisation. Each EGR is backed by actual gold, ensuring authenticity. Physical gold is deposited and converted into EGR units, which are tradable on exchanges. Investors can reconvert EGRs into physical gold.

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The Reserve Bank of India reshuffled portfolios among deputy governors after the appointment of Rohit Jain for a three-year term. Rohit Jain succeeded T. Rabi Sankar and took charge of key departments like corporate strategy, IT, fintech, foreign exchange, and risk monitoring. Currency management and payment systems were reassigned to Shirish Chandra Murmu.
Swaminathan J became the senior-most deputy governor and took over the secretary’s department along with supervision-related functions. Poonam Gupta retained her existing portfolios including monetary policy and economic research. The reshuffle aims to streamline responsibilities and improve coordination within RBI operations.

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh government approved an action plan to increase farmers’ income by integrating agriculture with animal husbandry. The plan focuses on expanding production, usage, and marketing of cow dung-based products across the state. The initiative aims to make cow shelters self-reliant and promote sustainable agriculture. The government also seeks to improve soil fertility and reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers through scientific use of organic manure. The programme aligns with efforts to promote natural farming and enhance rural livelihoods.

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Project Freedom is a United States-led naval mission launched to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation aims to assist “neutral and innocent” commercial ships trapped in the Persian Gulf amid tensions involving Iran and the United States. The mission is being supported by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and involves naval escorts for merchant vessels. The project was announced amid escalating geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global oil and shipping routes.

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Delhi launched the “Catch the Rain 2026” campaign to promote rainwater harvesting and water conservation. The campaign mascot, ‘Neera’, was unveiled to spread awareness about sustainable water management among citizens. The initiative aims to improve groundwater recharge and encourage storage of rainwater where it falls. The Delhi Jal Board will provide financial assistance up to ₹50,000 along with technical guidance for rainwater harvesting systems.