Current Affairs Based on The Assam Tribune
Q1. Which country signed pacts with India covering LPG supply, defence cooperation, shipping and strategic petroleum reserves?
A. Saudi Arabia
B. UAE
C. Qatar
D. Oman
See: Daily Current Affairs 15 May 2026
Answer: B. UAE
Explanation:
India and the UAE signed several important agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi. The pacts covered strategic petroleum reserves, long-term LPG supply, defence cooperation and shipping. UAE also pledged investments worth USD 5 billion in India. The UAE will raise its participation in India’s strategic petroleum reserves to 30 million barrels.
Related Info:
Strategic petroleum reserves are important for energy security during global supply disruptions. India maintains such reserves to handle emergencies related to crude oil supply.
Q2. Hoolock gibbons were seen using an artificial canopy bridge for the first time at which wildlife sanctuary?
A. Kaziranga National Park
B. Manas National Park
C. Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
D. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Answer: C. Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
Explanation:
A hoolock gibbon was seen using an artificial canopy bridge to cross over the railway track at Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Mariani. The bridges were installed more than two years ago in February 2024. Earlier, other primates like capped langurs and pig-tailed macaques had used them, but gibbons were hesitant. This is important for reconnecting separated gibbon families inside the sanctuary.
Related Info:
Hoolock gibbons are India’s only ape species and are found mainly in Northeast India. Canopy bridges help arboreal animals cross fragmented forest areas safely.
Q3. Who was appointed as the pro tem Speaker of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly?
A. Ranjeet Kumar Dass
B. Chandra Mohan Patowary
C. Atul Bora
D. Rameswar Teli
Answer: B. Chandra Mohan Patowary
Explanation:
BJP legislator Chandra Mohan Patowary was administered the oath as the pro tem Speaker of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly. The oath was administered by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya. A pro tem Speaker presides over the House until a regular Speaker is elected. Patowary will also administer oath to the newly elected MLAs.
Related Info:
The post of pro tem Speaker is mentioned under Article 180(1) of the Constitution of India. The pro tem Speaker usually conducts the initial proceedings of a newly elected Assembly.
Q4. Which three districts of Assam won awards in the National Panchayat Awards 2025?
A. Kamrup, Jorhat and Cachar
B. Sonitpur, Nagaon and Dibrugarh
C. Barpeta, Dhemaji and Tinsukia
D. Goalpara, Nalbari and Sivasagar
Answer: B. Sonitpur, Nagaon and Dibrugarh
Explanation:
Assam secured three honours in the National Panchayat Awards 2025. New Napam Gram Panchayat in Sonitpur won first position nationally under the ND-SPSVP category for Best Gram Panchayat. Jumarmur Gram Panchayat in Nagaon secured joint second position in the Clean and Green Panchayat category. Hoogrijan Gram Panchayat in Dibrugarh secured second position in the Self-Sufficient Infrastructure in Panchayat category.
Related Info:
The awards are related to grassroots governance, sanitation, rural infrastructure and sustainable development. They are presented under categories like Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar and Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar.
Q5. V Thangzama, who passed away at the age of 91, was associated with which field?
A. Mizo music and literature
B. Indian classical dance
C. Assamese theatre
D. Environmental activism
Answer: A. Mizo music and literature
Explanation:
V Thangzama was a renowned Mizo songwriter, translator and former civil servant. He composed 44 songs and translated 17 others, many of which became deeply rooted in Mizo society. His works focused on emotional depth, spirituality, unity and Mizo identity. He was also honoured with the Mizo Academy Award in 2013.
Related Info:
He was also connected with public service and church activities in Mizoram. His contribution is remembered as an important part of Mizo cultural heritage.
Q6. Who is the Indian-origin founder of the ‘Punjabi Devils’ biker gang who was sentenced in the US for gun trafficking?
A. Harpreet Gill
B. Jashanpreet Singh
C. Gurdeep Sandhu
D. Manpreet Dhillon
Answer: B. Jashanpreet Singh
Explanation:
Jashanpreet Singh of Lodi, California, was sentenced to over five years in prison for unlawful dealing of firearms and possession of a machine gun. He was the founder of the Punjabi Devils Motorcycle Club, a Stockton-based outlaw motorcycle gang. The group was associated with the Hells Angels. Authorities recovered firearms, machine guns, conversion devices, a silencer and explosive items.
Related Info:
Illegal firearms trafficking is treated as a serious federal offence in the United States. Outlaw motorcycle gangs are often investigated for organised criminal activities.
Q7. What is the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, performed by Shakira and Burna Boy?
A. Waka Waka
B. Hayya Hayya
C. Dai Dai
D. La Copa de la Vida
Answer: C. Dai Dai
Explanation:
Shakira and Burna Boy teamed up for “Dai Dai”, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The multilingual track blends Afrobeats and Latin rhythms. It reflects the global character of football and mentions several competing nations and football powers. The song was released ahead of the World Cup final halftime show.
Related Info:
Shakira is strongly associated with FIFA World Cup music through “Waka Waka” from the 2010 South Africa World Cup. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Daily Current Affairs 16 May 2026 | Based on The Assam Tribune | Download PDF