Current Affairs in Gujarati 12th October 2026 : Current GK
On 12 Oct 2026
Current Affairs 19th May 2026 : Daily GK Update in English
1. On what date in May 2026 did President Droupadi Murmu promulgate the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026?
A) May 15
B) May 17
C) May 18
D) May 19
Answer: B) May 17
Explanation: The ordinance increases the strength of Supreme Court judges (excluding CJI) from 33 to 37, raising the total sanctioned strength (including CJI) to 38. It was issued under Article 123 when Parliament was not in session to address case backlog.
2. PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway in May 2026 marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in how many years?
A) 25 years
B) 43 years
C) 50 years
D) 30 years
Answer: B) 43 years
Explanation: Modi visited Norway (May 18-19, 2026) for the 3rd India-Nordic Summit, focusing on trade, energy, green strategic partnership, and global issues.
3. Who was appointed as the Chief Coach of the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team by Hockey India in May 2026?
A) Graham Reid
B) Frederic Soyez
C) Harendra Singh
D) P. R. Sreejesh
Answer: B) Frederic Soyez
Explanation: Frenchman Frederic Soyez, an experienced international coach, was appointed to replace former goalkeeper P. R. Sreejesh as the head coach of the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team.
4. What is the primary focus of discussions during PM Modi’s Norway visit in May 2026?
A) Defence only
B) Trade, energy supplies, and global conflicts
C) Space exploration exclusively
D) Cultural exchanges
Answer: B) Trade, energy supplies, and global conflicts
Explanation: Key agenda items include clean energy, innovation, climate goals, and multiple MoUs.
5. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026 amends which Act?
A) Supreme Court Act, 1950
B) Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956
C) Judges Inquiry Act, 1968
D) Constitution (Amendment) Act
Answer: B) Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956
Explanation: It substitutes “thirty-three” with “thirty-seven” in Section 2.
6. Which Indian state’s politics saw DMK exploring backing for AIADMK post-elections in May 2026?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Karnataka
D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: This unusual development occurred amid efforts to establish majority in the assembly.
7. How many medals did India win in the U-17 category at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 held in Tashkent?
A) 12
B) 15
C) 17
D) 20
Answer: C) 17
Explanation: India secured 17 medals (2 Gold, 7 Silver, 8 Bronze) in the U-17 campaign. The girls’ contingent performed strongly with 12 medals (2 Gold, 6 Silver, 4 Bronze)
8. PM Modi’s five-nation tour in May 2026 includes which countries?
A) UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy
B) USA, UK, France, Germany
C) Japan, South Korea, China
D) Australia, New Zealand
Answer: A) UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy
Explanation: The tour emphasizes diplomacy, trade, and energy.
9. In May 2026, India reacted to a drone strike near which UAE nuclear plant?
A) Bushehr
B) Barakah
C) Kudankulam
D) Jaitapur
Answer: B) Barakah
Explanation: India expressed deep concern over the incident.
10. What milestone did Israel-Lebanon conflict cross in May 2026 according to reports?
A) Death toll over 3,000 from strikes on Lebanon
B) Ceasefire signed
C) Peace treaty
D) UN intervention only
Answer: A) Death toll over 3,000 from strikes on Lebanon
Explanation: This marked a grim milestone despite a nominal ceasefire.
11. Which US President reportedly called off a planned strike on Iran in May 2026 at the request of Gulf states?
A) Joe Biden
B) Donald Trump
C) Kamala Harris
D) None
Answer: B) Donald Trump
Explanation: Ongoing tensions in West Asia, including Hormuz Strait issues.
12. What is “ABHAY” in recent Indian news (May 2026)?
A) A new missile
B) An AI-based helpbot launched by RBI/NIA-related
C) A climate initiative
D) A banking scheme
Answer: B) An AI-based helpbot
Explanation: Launched for public or institutional support.
13. Which festival or event was noted in Kulgam, J&K in May 2026 analyses?
A) Unique spring festival
B) Diwali
C) Eid only
D) Holi
Answer: A) Unique spring festival
Explanation: Highlighted in regional cultural coverage.
14. Chola era inscriptions/copper plates were in news for repatriation efforts in May 2026 from which country?
A) UK
B) (Related to Leiden plate/Europe)
C) USA
D) Australia
Answer: B) (Related to Leiden plate/Europe)
Explanation: Efforts for cultural heritage return.
15. What project involves Europe-China mission on solar winds in 2026 news?
A) SMILE project
B) Artemis
C) Chandrayaan
D) Gaganyaan
Answer: A) SMILE project
Explanation: Scientific collaboration.
16. What is India’s export target for the current financial year (2026-27 context)?
A) $800 billion
B) $1 trillion
C) $1.5 trillion
D) $750 billion
Answer: B) $1 trillion
Explanation: The government reiterated its ambition to achieve $1 trillion in merchandise exports amid global supply chain shifts and policy support.
17. Why did PFRDA relax NPS annuity rules recently (May 2026)?
A) To allow premature withdrawal
B) For critical illness cases
C) To increase contribution limits
D) For government employees only
Answer: B) For critical illness cases
Explanation: Relaxation enables easier access to funds in NPS for policyholders facing critical illnesses.
18. Which cities received major Metro project approvals from UP Cabinet in May 2026?
A) Kanpur and Varanasi
B) Lucknow and Agra
C) Prayagraj and Gorakhpur
D) Meerut and Jhansi
Answer: B) Lucknow and Agra
Explanation: Approvals aim to expand urban mobility infrastructure in key Uttar Pradesh cities.
19. What significant global report was highlighted in early May 2026 analyses?
A) World Economic Outlook
B) World Migration Report 2026
C) Global Hunger Index
D) Human Development Report
Answer: B) World Migration Report 2026
Explanation: The report provided key insights into global migration trends and challenges.
20. Which international award winners were covered in May 2026 briefings?
A) Grammy Awards
B) Pulitzer Prize 2026
C) Booker Prize
D) Oscar Awards
Answer: B) Pulitzer Prize 2026
Explanation: Winners in journalism, literature, and music were announced and widely discussed.
21. Who was unanimously elected as the President of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation (SAWF) in May 2026?
A) P. R. Sreejesh
B) Sahdev Yadav
C) Frederic Soyez
D) Deepika Kumari
Answer: B) Sahdev Yadav
Explanation: Dr. Sahdev Yadav, President of the Indian Weightlifting Federation, was elected unanimously as SAWF President during the elections held in Ahmedabad.
22. What is the focus of the SMILE project in recent scientific news?
A) Solar energy mission
B) Europe-China mission on solar winds
C) Marine life exploration
D) Lunar exploration
Answer: B) Europe-China mission on solar winds
Explanation: It is a collaborative solar wind and magnetosphere imaging mission.
23. PM Narendra Modi’s five-nation tour in May 2026 includes which set of countries?
A) USA, UK, France, Germany
B) UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy
C) Japan, Australia, Singapore
D) Russia, China, Brazil
Answer: B) UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy
Explanation: The tour focused on strengthening bilateral ties, trade, and strategic partnerships.
24. Which country conferred its highest civilian honour (Royal Order of the Polar Star) on PM Modi in May 2026?
A) Sweden
B) Norway
C) Netherlands
D) Italy
Answer: A) Sweden (Note: Also reported in Norway leg in some briefings)
Explanation: Honour conferred during the European tour for strengthening bilateral relations.
25. To curb non-essential imports and protect forex reserves amid global uncertainties, the Government of India hiked import duty on gold, silver, and platinum to what rate in May 2026?
A) 10%
B) 12%
C) 15%
D) 20%
Answer: C) 15%
Explanation: The duty was increased from 6% to 15% to reduce import bills, support the rupee, and conserve foreign exchange reserves.