Welcome to this week’s specially curated Current Affairs and UPSC Awareness article by Mangalore IAS Academy. Aspirants, students and knowledge enthusiasts can now test their preparation through an exciting weekly quiz based on these topics. Top scorers will receive E-Certificates, Scholarships, and Exclusive Invitations to Orientation Programmes conducted by the academy.
Mangalore IAS Training Academy is hosting a Simple MCQ Quiz!
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- Top Performers will receive:
- Scholarships
- e-Certificates
- Exciting Rewards & Recognition
- Free Invites for Special Orientation Sessions & Career Guidance Programs
Important Instructions:
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MCQ Quiz Link:
https://forms.gle/bJPRyqtC4JbWnmh16
A great opportunity for students to test their knowledge, explore competitive exam awareness, and win exciting opportunities!
1) India Expands Ethanol Push with E30 Fuel Standards
India has taken another major step towards cleaner and energy-secure transportation by moving beyond the E20 fuel initiative. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has officially introduced new fuel standards under IS 19850:2026 for higher ethanol-petrol blends such as E22, E25, E27 and E30.
The move comes amid rising global crude oil uncertainties and India’s push toward alternative energy solutions. Higher ethanol blending can reduce oil imports, support farmers and lower carbon emissions. These standards are designed for petrol-powered vehicles using positive ignition engines.
Quiz Question
The term "IS 19850:2026", recently seen in the news in India, is related to which one of the following initiatives?
A) Standards for testing 5G telecom towers
B) Quality specifications for higher ethanol-blended petrol
C) Safety guidelines for commercial drone manufacturing
D) Certification for organic agricultural exports
2) DRDO Successfully Tests ULPGM-V3 Missile
India’s defence capabilities received a major boost as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the ULPGM-V3 missile in both air-to-ground and air-to-air combat modes.
The missile has been developed entirely within India’s indigenous defence ecosystem with participation from several MSMEs and defence partners. The successful trials demonstrate India’s growing self-reliance in advanced defence technology and drone-based precision warfare systems.
Quiz Question
The ULPGM-V3 missile system was recently developed by which of the following organizations?
A) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
B) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
C) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
D) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
3) World Bee Day 2026: Protecting Nature’s Tiny Warriors
Every year on May 20, the world celebrates World Bee Day to highlight the importance of bees in maintaining ecological balance and food security.
The 2026 theme — “Bee Together for People and the Planet – A partnership that sustains us all” — focuses on the strong partnership between humans and pollinators. Bees play a crucial role in agriculture, biodiversity and environmental sustainability. The observance is coordinated globally by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Quiz Question
World Bee Day is celebrated globally on May 20 every year. Which international organization is the main coordinator for this global event?
A) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
B) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
C) World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
D) UNESCO
4) Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women Constituted
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has constituted the Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women. Senior BJP leader Daggubati Purandeswari has been appointed as Chairperson.
The committee includes members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, making it a Joint Parliamentary Committee. Prominent members include Hema Malini, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Sudha Murty, PT Usha, and Swati Maliwal.
The committee is aimed at reviewing policies and measures related to women’s welfare and empowerment in India.
Quiz Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women:
1. It is a Joint Parliamentary Committee consisting of members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
2. The Chairperson of the committee is appointed by the Prime Minister of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
5) WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak a Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine. Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause severe symptoms including fever, vomiting, organ failure and internal bleeding.
The outbreak has raised concerns because eastern Congo shares borders with multiple neighbouring countries, increasing the risk of regional spread.
Quiz Question
Consider the following geographic features and locations:
• Lake Kivu
• Goma
• Bunia
Which of the following countries shares a direct international border with the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where these locations are situated?
A) Kenya
B) Uganda
C) South Africa
D) Nigeria
6) SHE-MART: Empowering Rural Women Entrepreneurs
The Government of India has introduced SHE-MART (Self Help Entrepreneur Marts) in the Union Budget 2026–27 to empower women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The initiative aims to establish community-owned retail outlets that improve market access for products created by rural women entrepreneurs. The scheme focuses on branding, sustainable income generation, grassroots empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
SHE-MART is expected to become a transformative force for rural economic development and women empowerment across India.
Quiz Question
Which of the following ministries has launched the SHE-MART Initiative to empower rural women-led Self-Help Groups?
A) Ministry of Women and Child Development
B) Ministry of Rural Development
C) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
D) Ministry of MSME
7) SMILE Scheme for Inclusive Rehabilitation
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SMILE Scheme — Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise — as an umbrella initiative for vulnerable communities.
The scheme includes two major components:
Rehabilitation and welfare of transgender persons
Rehabilitation of individuals engaged in begging
The initiative provides medical support, counselling, education, skill development and livelihood opportunities with support from states, local bodies and NGOs.
The scheme reflects India’s growing focus on dignity, rehabilitation and inclusive social development.
Quiz Question
The 'SMILE' scheme, recently seen in the news, is primarily aimed at the welfare and rehabilitation of which of the following groups?
A) Manual scavengers and waste pickers
B) Single mothers and orphaned children
C) Transgender persons and individuals engaged in begging
D) SC/ST entrepreneurs
8) International Booker Prize Celebrates Global Literature
The prestigious International Booker Prize honours the finest translated fiction published in English in the UK or Ireland.
The 2026 award was won by Taiwan Travelogue written by Yáng Shuang-zi and translated by Lin King.
In 2025, Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi, created history by becoming the first Kannada work to win the prize.
One unique feature of the award is that the prize money is equally shared between the author and translator.
Quiz Question
Consider the following statements regarding the International Booker Prize:
1. The prize money is shared equally between the author and the translator of the winning book.
2. In 2025, Heart Lamp became the first work translated from Kannada to win this prize.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
9) India and Italy Deepen Strategic Partnership
India and Italy have unveiled the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, defence, connectivity, technology and innovation.
A major highlight is the focus on the Indo-Mediterranean connectivity corridor and maritime cooperation initiatives. The partnership also includes collaboration in AI, quantum computing, supercomputing and space technology.
The agreement reflects the growing importance of India-Europe strategic partnerships in the evolving global geopolitical landscape.
Quiz Question
The "Indo-Mediterranean Corridor", recently in the news, is a strategic logistical and connectivity initiative primarily driven by India and which of the following European nations?
A) France
B) Germany
C) Italy
D) Greece