21 May: International Tea Day
International Tea Day, celebrated annually on May 21st, is a day to recognize the cultural, economic, and social significance of tea, particularly for the people involved in the tea industry. It was officially proclaimed by the United Nations in 2019, building upon the efforts of various trade unions and organizations who had been raising awareness about tea's impact since 2005.
21 May: Anti-Terrorism Day
The Day is observed to generate awareness in the country among all sections of people, about the danger of terrorism and violence and its effect on the people, society and the country as a whole. It was on this day in 1991 that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi fell to the designs of terrorists.
The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the people from terrorism and violence. On the occasion, debates, discussions, symposia, seminars, lectures, etc. are held in schools, colleges and universities on the dangers of terrorism and violence.
Current Affairs Based on The Assam Tribune and Indian Express
1. Which renowned Indian astrophysicist, known for the Hoyle–Narlikar theory, passed away recently in May 2025?
A. C. V. Vishveshwara
B. Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar
C. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar
D. Meghnad Saha
Answer: C. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar
Explanation :
Jayant Narlikar was a pioneering astrophysicist who co-developed the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravitation and advocated for the steady-state model of the universe. He was instrumental in promoting science education and founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune. He passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 86.
Related Info :
Narlikar worked closely with British scientist Fred Hoyle and was known for making complex scientific ideas accessible to the public. He was honored with Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
2. Whose tenure as the Chief of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has been extended till June 2026?
A. Ajit Doval
B. Tapan Kumar Deka
C. Arvind Kumar
D. Rakesh Asthana
Answer: B. Tapan Kumar Deka
Explanation :
Tapan Deka, a 1988-batch IPS officer from Himachal Pradesh cadre, has had his tenure as IB Chief extended by one year till June 2026. He has extensive experience in counter-terrorism and radicalisation cases. His extension was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Related Info :
Deka previously served as the Operations Head of IB and played a key role during India’s counter-operations against Indian Mujahideen. The tenure extension is under Rule 16(1A) of the All India Services Rules.
3. What is the primary aim of the “historic” WHO Pandemic Agreement adopted on May 20?
A. To create a new vaccine manufacturing facility in Geneva
B. To strengthen global health preparedness and cooperation for future pandemics
C. To replace the International Health Regulations (IHR) with a regional treaty
D. To limit member states’ sovereignty over health decisions
Answer: B. To strengthen global health preparedness and cooperation for future pandemics
Explanation :
The agreement—unanimously adopted by 136 WHO member states—follows over three years of negotiations initiated after the COVID-19 crisis. It aims to ensure better information-sharing, equitable distribution of medical countermeasures, and coordinated public health responses. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus called it a recognition that societies must not again suffer catastrophic losses like those during COVID-19.
Related Info :
The vote in the Committee of the World Health Assembly was 124 in favor, with 0 objections and 11 abstentions. This pact represents the first legally binding global health accord specifically addressing pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
4. What does the “250 Years of India–Kuwait Friendship” exhibition in Kuwait City commemorate?
A. The signing of a military alliance in 1975
B. Bilateral trade agreements established in 1901
C. The long-standing cultural and commercial ties dating back to the early 1800s
D. Kuwait’s independence from British rule
Answer: C. The long-standing cultural and commercial ties dating back to the early 1800s
Explanation :
Inaugurated on May 20 at Kuwait’s National Center for Culture, Arts and Letters, the exhibition showcases rare artifacts—coins, manuscripts, stamps, maps, photographs, and books—tracing India–Kuwait relations from the 19th century to present. Ambassador Adarsh Swaika and Director General Mohammad Al-Jassar highlighted centuries of trade (e.g., the Indian pearl trade) and cultural exchange. A commemorative booklet details shared histories to educate youth in both nations.
Related Info :
The display aims to deepen people-to-people bonds and public understanding of bilateral heritage. India–Kuwait economic ties have expanded recently, with Kuwait emerging as a vital hub for India’s trade in the Gulf.
5. Rifiness Warjri, who scaled Mount Everest on May 18, holds which distinction?
A. First woman from India to climb both Everest and K2
B. The youngest climber from India to summit Everest
C. The third woman from Meghalaya to reach the summit of Everest
D. The first NCC cadet to climb Everest without supplemental oxygen
Answer:
C. The third woman from Meghalaya to reach the summit of Everest
Explanation :
Twenty-year-old Rifiness Warjri, a student at St. Anthony’s College and cadet of the 61 Meghalaya Girls’ Battalion (NCC), reached Everest’s peak at 4:45 am on May 18. She becomes the third woman from Meghalaya to accomplish this feat. An accomplished visual artist, Warjri credits family, fellow climbers (e.g., Shubhor Kharmih, Diamondes Warjri), and her NCC mentors for their support.
Related Info :
Warjri’s expedition underscores growing mountaineering interest in India’s North East. Earlier Meghalaya climbers include When and Kharmih (2012) and Wandangmyntti (2013).
6. Which rare flower does the State-Level Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur celebrate?
A. Neelakurinji
B. Shirui Lily
C. Kurinji Rose
D. Sangai Orchid
Answer:
B. Shirui Lily
Explanation :
Inaugurated on May 20 by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Ukhrul district’s Heritage Ground, the five-day festival showcases the rare Shirui Lily (state flower of Manipur), which blooms only in the Shirui Hills. The event features cultural performances by Tangkhul Naga tribes, local handicrafts, traditional games, and exhibits promoting eco-tourism. The Governor emphasized preserving biodiversity and sustainable development to safeguard this endemic species.
Related Info :
On the same day, journalists from the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union and Editors Guild held a “pen-down” strike to protest alleged harassment during the festival’s opening. They vowed to boycott government briefings until their concerns were addressed.
7. Which district in Assam recently fulfilled all targets set under the NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme?
A. Barpeta
B. Hailakandi
C. Dhubri
D. Darrang
Answer:
B. Hailakandi
Explanation :
Hailakandi district achieved 100% performance across 27 indicators under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme. It improved health, education, drinking water supply, agriculture, and social welfare metrics. The district’s success includes better maternal care, school infrastructure, and piped water access.
Related Info :
Union Minister Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary praised the district’s integrated development. Hailakandi also saw progress under PM Awas Yojana and Fasal Bima Yojana schemes.
8. What was the primary objective of the NIRANTAR meeting held on May 20 at Jorhat’s Rain Forest Research Institute?
A. To launch a new wildlife conservation park in Assam
B. To review quarterly performance of the Bamboo Mission
C. To identify research priorities under the National Mission for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience
D. To finalize funding for new urban forestry projects
Answer:
C. To identify research priorities under the National Mission for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience
Explanation :
Constituted under ICFRE (Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education), NIRANTAR held its first quarterly meeting to outline core research priorities, formulate collaborative projects, and facilitate the sharing of resources among forestry institutions. Dr. Kanchan Devi (ICFRE Deputy Director General, Research) chaired the session at RFRI, where presentations included ICFRE’s achievements (Dr. Rakesh Sharma) and RFRI’s ongoing work (Dr. Nitin Kulkarni). Representatives from the Botanical Survey of India, National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, and other ICFRE institutes aligned research agendas with MoEFCC policy needs.
Related Info :
Vertical II–IV of NIRANTAR focus on sustainable forestry, climate adaptation, and coastal resilience. The Climate Change Division and Sustainable Coastal Management Division of MoEFCC joined to integrate research outcomes into national policy.
9. Under which scheme is the Haibargaon railway station being redeveloped?
A. Smart City Mission
B. Digital India Programme
C. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
D. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Answer: C. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
Explanation:
The Haibargaon station is one of 103 stations being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to improve passenger amenities and infrastructure.
It reflects a nationwide effort to modernize railway stations with better connectivity and sustainability.
Related Info:
The station was originally built in 1887 and is located in Nagaon, Assam. It serves around 1,200 passengers daily.
10. What is the new name of Amazon’s rebranded Gen Z online fashion store?
A. Next Gen
B. GenZone
C. StyleHub
D. Serve
Answer: D. Serve
Explanation:
Amazon rebranded its Gen Z-focused fashion platform from “Next Gen” to “Serve” to reflect Gen Z's emphasis on individuality, confidence, and self-expression.
The name also connects with trending Gen Z slang and cultural identity.
Related Info:
The store saw a 3X increase in Gen Z users and a 4X rise in shoppers from Tier II and III cities. It targets youth in places like Patna, Jaipur, and Nagpur.
11. M R Srinivasan was a pioneer in which sector of India’s development?
A. Aviation
B. Nuclear Energy
C. Renewable Energy
D. Space Research
Answer: B. Nuclear Energy
Explanation:
M R Srinivasan played a key role in shaping India’s nuclear energy program and served as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.
He was instrumental in commissioning several major nuclear power plants across the country.
Related Info:
He joined the Department of Atomic Energy in 1955 and led projects like the Madras and Narora power stations. He passed away at the age of 95 in 2025.
Daily Current Affairs 21 May 2025 | Based on The Assam Tribune & Indian Express | Download PDF