Current Affairs Quiz - May 2026

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Navy conducted the maiden salvo launch of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR) off the Bay of Bengal near Odisha. NASM-SR is India’s first indigenous helicopter-launched anti-ship missile, replacing the Sea Eagle missile. It has been developed by Research Centre Imarat with other DRDO labs. The missile has a range of about 55 km and supports fire-and-forget capability in all weather conditions. It uses a solid booster and long-burn sustainer propulsion system.

Notes:
Scientists discovered two new firefly species named Diaphanes meghalayanus and Diaphanes mawlynnong. They were found in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. This marks the first formal documentation of firefly species from the state. The name meghalayanus reflects its regional distribution, while mawlynnong is named after Mawlynnong. The naming also acknowledges the local Khasi community. Both species thrive in dark, humid environments with minimal human disturbance. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of Northeast India.

Notes:
A tigress and four cubs died in Kanha Tiger Reserve, raising concern over Canine Distemper. It is a highly contagious disease caused by Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) affecting respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It mainly infects dogs, especially unvaccinated ones and puppies below four months. CDV is a multi-host pathogen affecting wildlife such as carnivores, big cats, marine mammals, and primates. Transmission occurs through direct contact or airborne exposure. Infected animals can shed the virus for months despite low environmental survival. There is no specific cure or antiviral treatment available. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.

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 Chitra Pournami is primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu with notable observances at the Mangaladevi Temple. The festival occurs on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April–May). In 2026, it was celebrated on 1 May. It is dedicated to Chitragupta and also associated with Goddess Mangaladevi (Kannagi). Large-scale celebrations take place in Thiruvannamalai, where devotees perform Girivalam around the sacred hill. The festival reflects spiritual purification, devotion, and the belief in karmic accountability.

Notes:
Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary has witnessed a demand from a committee of monks to remove its eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) status. The eco-sensitive zone status was notified about ten years ago to protect the region’s fragile ecosystem. The demand aims to allow unrestricted organisation of religious activities in the Girnar hills. The sanctuary is located in Junagadh district of Gujarat in the Saurashtra region. It is an ecologically important area that supports around 54 Asiatic lions.

Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) released the Global Hepatitis Report 2026, which highlights that India is among the countries with the highest burden of hepatitis-related deaths globally. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused mainly by viral infections. It can also result from autoimmune conditions, alcohol consumption, drugs, toxins, or certain medications. Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks liver tissues. The disease affects liver function and can lead to serious health complications. The report highlights the need for improved prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies in India.

Notes:
Marta Kostyuk won the Madrid Open Tennis Tournament 2026, marking the biggest title of her career. She defeated Mirra Andreeva in the women’s singles final with a score of 6-3, 7-5. Kostyuk is 23 years old and represents Ukraine. With this victory, she is set to rise from world No. 23 to a career-high ranking of 15 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. This is her third WTA 1000 title, highlighting her growing dominance in women’s tennis. The win strengthens her position as a strong contender for the upcoming French Open in Paris.

Notes:
Thousands of people have been evacuated from areas south of Manila after the eruption of Mayon Volcano. Mayon Volcano is an active stratovolcano located in Albay province on Luzon Island in the Philippines. It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and is formed due to the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath the Philippine Mobile Belt. The volcano rises to about 2,462 metres above the Albay Gulf and is known for its highly symmetrical cone shape. It lies within Mayon Volcano National Park and has a summit crater with steep upper slopes.

Notes:
United Nations Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) announced the expansion of the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) to include coal mines and waste facilities. MARS is the world’s first public global satellite-based methane detection and notification system. It was launched by the UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). The system was announced at the Conference of Parties (COP) 27 in 2022 and entered pilot phase in 2023.