Current Affairs Based on The Assam Tribune
Q1. India and the UAE recently signed agreements mainly covering which of the following sectors?
A. Agriculture, tourism and education only
B. Strategic petroleum reserves, LPG supply, defence and shipping
C. Space exploration, railway safety and digital currency
D. Fisheries, health and climate finance
See: Daily Current Affairs 17 May 2026
Answer: B. Strategic petroleum reserves, LPG supply, defence and shipping
Explanation: India and the UAE signed a series of important pacts covering strategic petroleum reserves, long-term LPG supply, defence and shipping. Abu Dhabi also pledged investments worth USD 5 billion in India. The agreements were signed during high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Related Info: The UAE will raise its share in India’s strategic petroleum reserves to 30 million barrels. The cooperation is important for India’s energy security, especially amid tensions in West Asia.
Q2. A vessel carrying 20,000 tonnes of LPG recently reached which Indian port after crossing the Strait of Hormuz?
A. Mumbai Port
B. Paradip Port
C. Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla
D. Visakhapatnam Port
Answer: C. Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla
Explanation: A vessel carrying 20,000 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas reached Deendayal Port Authority at Kandla in Gujarat. The vessel had crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia crisis. The Marshall Islands-flagged MV SYMI started its journey from Qatar and docked at Kandla.
Related Info: The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global energy transit route. Any disruption in this route can affect oil and LPG supplies worldwide.
Q3. India and the Netherlands recently elevated their relationship to which level?
A. Comprehensive Economic Partnership
B. Strategic Partnership
C. Defence Alliance
D. Maritime Security Treaty
Answer: B. Strategic Partnership
Explanation: India and the Netherlands elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. The two countries also signed 17 agreements to strengthen cooperation in defence, critical minerals and other sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten discussed key global issues including West Asia and Ukraine.
Related Info: The two countries also called for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Cooperation areas include water resources, semiconductors, innovation, defence, sustainability and mobility.
Q4. The WHO recently declared a global health emergency over an Ebola outbreak in which two countries?
A. Congo and Uganda
B. Kenya and Tanzania
C. Nigeria and Ghana
D. Sudan and Ethiopia
Answer: A. Congo and Uganda
Explanation: The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and neighbouring Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. More than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths were reported. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare variant of Ebola.
Related Info: Ebola spreads through bodily fluids such as blood, vomit or semen. The Bundibugyo virus was first detected in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district during the 2007–08 outbreak.
Q5. The Gauhati Press Club decided to install portraits of which category of journalists?
A. Retired editors of Assam
B. Award-winning sports journalists
C. Martyr journalists of the State
D. Foreign correspondents from Northeast India
Answer: C. Martyr journalists of the State
Explanation: The Gauhati Press Club decided to install portraits of martyr journalists of the State who lost their lives while on duty. As part of the initiative, the portrait of journalist Parag Kumar Das was installed in the meeting hall. The installation took place on the occasion of his death anniversary.
Related Info: Veteran journalist Haidar Hussain received the Parag Kumar Das Journalism Award for 2026. He later donated the cash amount of the award to the Gauhati Press Club.
Q6. The 44th annual meeting of the Astronomical Society of India was held at which institution?
A. IIT Bombay
B. IIT Guwahati
C. Gauhati University
D. Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru
Answer: B. IIT Guwahati
Explanation: The 44th annual meeting of the Astronomical Society of India was held at IIT Guwahati. More than 600 astronomers, researchers, students and science communicators from across the globe participated. The five-day conference included over 140 scientific talks and 355 poster presentations.
Related Info: The event returned to the Northeast after three decades. It was last hosted in the region by Gauhati University in 1996.
Q7. The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement is associated with which group of countries?
A. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
B. France, Germany, Italy and Spain
C. Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand
D. Australia, New Zealand, Canada and UK
Answer: A. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
Explanation: The European Free Trade Association consists of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. India’s TEPA with EFTA became operational from October 1, 2025. The pact targets USD 100 billion in investments and one million jobs over 15 years.
Related Info: TEPA is India’s first comprehensive free trade agreement with a group of advanced European economies. The agreement also covers tariff concessions for nearly 99.6% of India’s exports.
Q8. Which Manipuri filmmaker’s feature film was selected for screening at Marche du Film 2026?
A. Kenny Basumatary
B. Haobam Paban Kumar
C. Rima Das
D. Jahnu Barua
Answer: B. Haobam Paban Kumar
Explanation: Manipuri filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar’s feature film Joseph’s Son was selected for screening at Marche du Film 2026. The film follows the story of Joseph, a highlander caught amid ethnic clashes while searching for his missing son. It had earlier participated in major international film festivals.
Related Info: Two other Northeast films, Karken by Nending Loder and My Three Sisters by Kenny Basumatary, were also scheduled for screening. Marche du Film is the business wing of the Cannes Film Festival.
Q9. Nepal’s mountaineer Kami Rita Sherpa recently climbed Mount Everest for which record number of times?
A. 25th time
B. 28th time
C. 30th time
D. 32nd time
Answer: D. 32nd time
Explanation: Nepal’s Kami Rita Sherpa broke his own world record by climbing Mount Everest for the 32nd time. The 56-year-old mountaineer, popularly known as the “Everest Man,” reached the 8,848.86-metre peak. His achievement again highlighted the role of Sherpa climbers in Himalayan mountaineering.
Related Info: Kami Rita first climbed Mount Everest in 1994. Between 1994 and 2025, he also climbed K2 and Mt Lhotse once, Manaslu thrice and Cho Oyu eight times.
Q10. Who became the youngest Indian-origin Mayor in the United Kingdom?
A. Dan Ozarow
B. Tushar Kumar
C. Linda Smith
D. Rishi Sunak
Answer: B. Tushar Kumar
Explanation: Tushar Kumar, a 23-year-old Labour councillor, became the Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood in eastern England. He had earlier served as Deputy Mayor and joined the Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council in 2023. He is a former Political Science student of King’s College London. His appointment is significant as he became the youngest Indian-origin Mayor in UK history.
Related Info: Elstree and Borehamwood is a town council area in England. The post highlights the growing role of Indian-origin youth in local governance abroad.
Q11. Northeast Frontier Railway has initiated the installation of Automatic Weather Stations mainly to improve preparedness against which hazards?
A. Earthquakes and cyclones
B. Floods, landslides and adverse weather conditions
C. Forest fires and droughts
D. Tsunamis and heatwaves
Answer: B. Floods, landslides and adverse weather conditions
Explanation: The Northeast Frontier Railway has started installing Automatic Weather Stations at vulnerable locations to improve railway safety and disaster preparedness. These stations will provide real-time weather data for timely preventive measures. The vulnerable sections include Lumding-Badarpur in Assam, Katakhal-Sairang connecting Mizoram, and Jiribam-Khongsang in Manipur. These areas are prone to heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides during the monsoon.
Related Info: A total of nine Automatic Weather Stations are being installed under NFR. These stations can monitor rainfall intensity, temperature, wind speed, humidity and atmospheric pressure.
Q12. The Cluster-based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland project was jointly launched by Jyotiraditya Scindia and which Chief Minister?
A. Pema Khandu
B. Conrad Sangma
C. Neiphiu Rio
D. N Biren Singh
Answer: C. Neiphiu Rio
Explanation: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio launched the Cluster-based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland project. The project aims to develop coffee cultivation, processing, branding and marketing in Nagaland. An amount of Rs 44.06 crore is being provided by DoNER and the North Eastern Council. The initiative will promote “Coffees of Nagaland” as a premium and traceable single-origin brand.
Related Info: Coffee production in Nagaland has increased from 21 MT in 2021-22 to nearly 73 MT in 2024-25. The State aims to achieve 50,000 hectares of coffee cultivation by 2047 under the Viksit Nagaland vision.
Q13. During his Sweden visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged companies to invest in which major sectors in India?
A. Coal mining, textiles and leather
B. Manufacturing, green hydrogen, clean energy and technology sectors
C. Tourism, handicrafts and fisheries
D. Real estate, film production and agriculture only
Answer: B. Manufacturing, green hydrogen, clean energy and technology sectors
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Swedish and European companies to expand their presence in India. He highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, green hydrogen, clean energy, electronics, deep tech manufacturing, AI, mobility, urban transformation and healthcare. He stated that India’s “reform express” is moving at full speed due to reforms, performance and transformation. He also mentioned India’s young population, expanding middle class and infrastructure development as major strengths.
Related Info: The discussions included India-EU economic cooperation and the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Modi also suggested holding India-Europe CEO roundtables annually and creating an India Desk at the European Round Table for Industry.
Q14. Who was promoted as Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India?
A. Shaktikanta Das
B. M Rajeshwar Rao
C. Gunveer Singh
D. T Rabi Sankar
Answer: C. Gunveer Singh
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India promoted Gunveer Singh as Executive Director. Before this appointment, he was Chief General Manager-in-Charge of the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems. As Executive Director, he will look after the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems. He has over three decades of experience in the RBI in payment systems, supervision, risk monitoring and government banking.
Related Info: The Department of Payment and Settlement Systems plays an important role in regulating and developing India’s digital payment ecosystem. Gunveer Singh has also served as a payment systems expert at the Central Bank of Oman.
Q15. A Houthi-controlled court in Yemen sentenced 19 people to death for allegedly aiding which coalition?
A. NATO-led coalition
B. Saudi-led coalition
C. African Union coalition
D. European Union coalition
Answer: B. Saudi-led coalition
Explanation: A Houthi-controlled court in Yemen sentenced 19 people to death after convicting them of collaborating with the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition has been fighting the Iran-backed Houthi rebels for over a decade. The verdict was issued by the Specialised Criminal Court in Sanaa. The case is linked to Yemen’s long-running civil war, which began after the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014.
Related Info: Yemen’s civil war intensified after the Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015. Courts in Houthi-controlled areas have often been criticised by rights groups for harsh and unfair trials.
Q16. India and Sweden adopted a Joint Action Plan for which period during Prime Minister Modi’s Sweden visit?
A. 2025–2028
B. 2026–2030
C. 2027–2032
D. 2030–2040
Answer: B. 2026–2030
Explanation: India and Sweden elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership and adopted a Joint Action Plan for 2026–2030. The roadmap focuses on AI, critical minerals, innovation, trade, cultural exchanges, security resilience and emerging technologies. Both countries also agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade and investment in the next five years. The partnership will be guided by pillars such as strategic dialogue, economic partnership, trusted connectivity and sustainability-linked cooperation.
Related Info: PM Modi was awarded Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross. India and Sweden also launched the India-Sweden Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0.
Q17. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Norway’s highest civilian honour during his visit to Norway. What is the name of the honour?
A. Order of the White Rose
B. Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
C. Royal Order of the Polar Star
D. Order of the Dannebrog
Answer: B. Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit by King Harald V of Norway. This is Norway’s highest civilian honour and was awarded for Modi’s contribution to strengthening India-Norway relations and leadership. It was Modi’s 32nd international honour. The visit was also significant as it was his maiden visit to Norway and the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years.
Related Info: A day earlier, Modi received Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star. The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit honours exceptional service in advancing Norway’s interests and international relations.
Q18. Where was the Assam Cricket Museum formally inaugurated?
A. Nehru Stadium, Guwahati
B. Barsapara Stadium Complex, Guwahati
C. Eden Gardens, Kolkata
D. ACA Stadium, Dibrugarh
Answer: B. Barsapara Stadium Complex, Guwahati
Explanation: The Assam Cricket Museum was inaugurated at the 91 Yards Club, ACA Stadium Complex, Barsapara, Guwahati. The museum was inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and ACA president Taranga Gogoi. A special documentary titled “The Golden Innings – Legacy of Assam Cricket” was also released. The museum preserves rare memorabilia, photographs, equipment, records, trophies and mementos related to Assam cricket.
Related Info: The museum aims to document the history and culture of cricket in Assam. It was conceptualised by Devajit Saikia as a tribute to pioneers and visionaries associated with Assam cricket.
Daily Current Affairs 18-19 May 2026 | Based on The Assam Tribune | Download PDF