18 May: International Museum Day
International Museum Day is observed on 18 May every year to raise awareness about the museum and its role in society. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) created International Museum Day in 1977. The organisation suggested a proper theme every year which may include globalisation, bridging cultural gaps and care for the environment.
Current Affairs Based on The Assam Tribune and Indian Express
1. What was the primary objective of “Operation Ghost SIM” conducted by Assam Police and Military Intelligence?
A. To disrupt illegal arms smuggling networks
B. To seize counterfeit currency in circulation
C. To apprehend individuals supplying fake SIM cards to Pakistani agents
D. To dismantle cybercrime rings involved in phishing attacks
Answer: C. To apprehend individuals supplying fake SIM cards to Pakistani agents
Explanation:
The operation focused on arresting people accused of providing fake SIM cards to Pakistani agents. The fake SIM cards were used to collect sensitive OTPs from Indian defence sources via WhatsApp. Arrests and detentions took place across Assam, Telangana and Rajasthan.
Related Info:
Fake SIM–based espionage has been a growing concern for India’s cybersecurity agencies. Indian law permits detention of up to six months for offences involving such fake SIM cards.
2. Who translated Mamoni Raisom Goswami’s Mamore Dhora Tarowal and Datal Hatir Uye Khowa Howdah into Bengali?
A. Prof. Ranjit Kumar Dev Goswami
B. Sabita Sarma
C. Ashok Kumar Sadhu
D. Mamoni Raisom Goswami
Answer: C. Ashok Kumar Sadhu
Explanation:
Ashok Kumar Sadhu, a noted Bengali poet and academician, carried out the translations. The translated volumes were released by Prof. Ranjit Kumar Dev Goswami at the South East Asia Ramayana Research Centre in Guwahati. The ceremony celebrated cultural exchange between Assamese and Bengali literary communities.
Related Info:
Mamoni Raisom Goswami won the Jnanpith Award and her works are widely celebrated in Assamese literature. Her writings have been translated into multiple Indian languages such as Marathi, Telugu and Odia.
3. Where was the coronation of the 8th Singpho King held?
A. Tinsukia
B. Bisagaon (Ledo)
C. Margherita
D. Dibrugarh
Answer: B. Bisagaon (Ledo)
Explanation:
The coronation took place in Bisagaon, a tribal area in the Tirap belt. Local Buddhist monks performed traditional rituals to honour the new king. Biswa Mungdang Gam Singpho succeeded Tinsuka Swaprel in a ceremony attended by community members and local leaders.
Related Info:
The Singpho community in the Tirap district comprises around 12,000 people. To commemorate the event, saplings were planted and books about Singpho history were released.
4. Which of the following is NOT a recipient of the 2025 Lummer Dai Literary Award?
A. Ramchandra Chutia
B. Dr. A.K. Pandey
C. Jagat Changmai
D. Both A and B are correct recipients
Answer: C. Jagat Changmai
Explanation:
Ramchandra Chutia and Dr. A.K. Pandey are the two awardees for 2025. Jagat Changmai was mentioned in the article as a retired educator but not as an award recipient. The awards will be conferred on May 21 at Lummer Dai Bhawan in Tezpur.
Related Info:
Ramchandra Chutia authored 29 books on tribal socio-anthropology and hails from Dhakuakhana in Assam. Dr. A.K. Pandey is an associate professor at Ram Nath Government College, Itanagar, with publications in Assamese and English.
5. What milestone will India highlight at the BRICS Energy Ministers’ meeting in Brazil?
A. 90% increase in power generation capacity over the past decade
B. Commissioning of the Dholera International Airport
C. Introduction of the PSLV-C61 satellite mission
D. Inauguration of 103 redeveloped railway stations
Answer: A. 90% increase in power generation capacity over the past decade
Explanation:
India will showcase a 90 percent increase in power generation capacity achieved over the last decade. Union Power Minister Manohar Lal will head the delegation to the meeting in Brazil. The focus will be on India’s leadership in renewables and green hydrogen initiatives.
Related Info:
India has also made significant strides in biofuels and energy sector innovation over recent years. The country intends to reaffirm its commitment to providing equitable energy access for all.
6. Which satellite is slated to be launched aboard PSLV-C61?
A. INSAT-3E
B. EOS-09
C. RISAT-2B
D. Cartosat-3
Answer: B. EOS-09
Explanation:
PSLV-C61 will carry the 1,696 kg EOS-09 Earth-observation satellite. EOS-09 is designed to capture high-resolution imagery for agriculture, forestry, disaster management and urban planning. The countdown began on May 17, with liftoff scheduled for 5:59 AM on May 18.
Related Info:
EOS-09 follows India’s RISAT-1 radar satellite series and will enhance near real-time data collection capabilities. The mission is crucial for applications such as crop monitoring and natural disaster response.
7. Under which scheme will Prime Minister Modi inaugurate 103 redeveloped railway stations?
A. Swachh Bharat Mission
B. Make in India
C. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
D. Smart Cities Mission
Answer: C. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
Explanation:
The stations have been redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The inauguration will take place in Bikaner on May 22, with upgrades including modern passenger amenities and digital displays. The Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC) will maintain these stations for the next decade.
Related Info:
Phase I of the scheme covers 103 stations at a cost of ₹ 12,992 crore, with 133 stations targeted by March 2025. Future phases aim to modernize over 3,000 stations by 2030.
8. What has been the approximate increase in land prices in the Dholera Special Investment Region over the past decade?
A. Twofold
B. Fivefold
C. Tenfold
D. Twentyfold
Answer: C. Tenfold
Explanation:
Land prices in DSIR rose from about ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 7,000 per square yard in ten years. Major infrastructure projects like the Dholera–Mumbai Industrial Corridor and a planned international airport drove this growth. Developers anticipate further appreciation as these projects near completion.
Related Info:
Dholera is being positioned as a prime real estate and industrial hub, attracting domestic and international investment. The upcoming Ahmedabad–Dholera expressway and airport are expected to boost connectivity and economic activity.