Current Affairs Based on The Assam Tribune
Q1. Dr Birendra Kumar Gohain was widely known for his pioneering research on which subject?
A) Mughal architecture
B) Tai-Ahom history and indigenous traditions
C) Indian space science
D) Marine biodiversity
See: Daily Current Affairs 20 May 2026
Answer: B) Tai-Ahom history and indigenous traditions
Explanation:
Dr Birendra Kumar Gohain was a noted author, researcher and former IAS officer from Assam. He made major contributions to the study of Tai-Ahom heritage, indigenous belief systems and socio-cultural life of Northeast India. His books became important references for historical and cultural studies in Assam. He also served as State Information Commissioner of Assam.
Related Info:
The Tai-Ahoms ruled Assam for nearly 600 years.
Chaolung Sukapha, founder of the Ahom kingdom, is known as the architect of “Bor Asom”.
Q2. India and Italy recently agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to which level?
A) Economic Partnership
B) Strategic Trade Alliance
C) Special Strategic Partnership
D) Defence Cooperation Treaty
Answer: C) Special Strategic Partnership
Explanation:
India and Italy decided to upgrade their relations to a Special Strategic Partnership during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Both countries also set a target of achieving annual bilateral trade worth Euro 20 billion by 2029. Cooperation areas include defence, trade, critical technologies and energy.
Related Info:
Italy is a member of the G7 grouping.
India and the European Union are also negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Q3. Which South African civilian honour was awarded to Indian-origin scientist Professor Salim Abdool Karim?
A) Order of the Nile
B) Order of Mapungubwe
C) Order of Merit
D) Order of Freedom
Answer: B) Order of Mapungubwe
Explanation:
Professor Salim Abdool Karim received South Africa’s prestigious Order of Mapungubwe in Gold for his exceptional contribution to medical science and public health. He is internationally recognised for groundbreaking work on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis research. He also played a major role in South Africa’s COVID-19 response strategy.
Related Info:
The Order of Mapungubwe is South Africa’s highest civilian honour.
It is named after the ancient Kingdom of Mapungubwe in southern Africa.
Q4. Freedom fighter Madan Bhuyan, who recently passed away at the age of 101, had participated in which movement?
A) Swadeshi Movement
B) Non-Cooperation Movement
C) Quit India Movement
D) Tebhaga Movement
Answer: C) Quit India Movement
Explanation:
Veteran freedom fighter Madan Bhuyan from Assam actively participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942 and was jailed during the freedom struggle. He later served as a teacher and headmaster and remained associated with the Assam State Freedom Fighters’ Association. He was honoured during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
Related Info:
The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in August 1942.
Its slogan was “Do or Die”.
Q5. The Centre is set to roll out which new rural employment guarantee scheme from July 1?
A) PM Gram Rozgar Yojana
B) Bharat Rozgar Mission
C) VB-G RAM G
D) Rural Livelihood Expansion Scheme
Answer: C) VB-G RAM G
Explanation:
The Centre announced the rollout of the VB-G RAM G scheme from July 1 as a replacement for MGNREGA. The scheme aims to enhance transparency, accountability and planning in rural employment generation. It will provide smart job cards with face-recognition features and guarantee 125 days of wage employment per rural household.
Related Info:
MGNREGA was launched in 2005 to provide guaranteed rural employment.
The Ministry of Rural Development implements the programme.
Q6. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming India visit is expected to focus mainly on which grouping?
A) BRICS
B) ASEAN
C) Quad
D) SCO
Answer: C) Quad
Explanation:
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s India visit is expected to focus on strengthening the Quad partnership and discussions related to energy security, defence and maritime stability. Talks are also expected on Indo-Pacific security and concerns linked to the Strait of Hormuz amid geopolitical tensions.
Related Info:
The Quad consists of India, the USA, Japan and Australia.
It focuses on ensuring a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Q7. Assam secured which position in the 20th Senior National Woodball Championship?
A) Champion
B) Third Place
C) Fourth Place
D) Second Runners-up
Answer: D) Second Runners-up
Explanation:
Assam secured the second runners-up position in the 20th Senior National Woodball Championship held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The Assam men’s stroke team won silver while the women’s team claimed bronze. Players from Assam also earned medals in individual and doubles events.
Related Info:
Woodball is a sport similar to golf and originated in Taiwan.
The championship witnessed participation from players representing 22 states.
Daily Current Affairs 21 May 2026 | Based on The Assam Tribune | Download PDF