Daily Current Affairs - 2026-05-18
Q1Sivakasi, often called the 'fireworks capital of India', has recently been in news due to safety failures. In which Indian state is Sivakasi located?Options
AKeralaBKarnatakaCTamil NaduDAndhra Pradesh
Options
Correct answer
Tamil Nadu
Explanation
Sivakasi, a major hub for fireworks manufacturing, is located in Tamil Nadu and has been in the news for safety failures in its fireworks industry.
Q2India, in collaboration with which country, is working on ISRO's Venus Orbiter Mission targeted for 2028?Options
AFranceBUSACJapanDSweden
Options
Correct answer
Sweden
Explanation
India and Sweden have partnered for ISRO's Venus Orbiter Mission, which is targeted for launch in 2028.
Q3ISRO recently announced plans to expand its space missions, including opening the Gaganyaan astronaut selection to which group?Options
AOnly military personnelBOnly scientists and engineersCCiviliansDInternational astronauts
Options
Correct answer
Civilians
Explanation
ISRO plans to expand its Gaganyaan astronaut selection process to include civilians, indicating a broader approach to India's space program.
Q4The Union government recently signed reform-linked MoUs with Andaman & Nicobar Islands and West Bengal under which mission related to water supply?Options
ANational Water MissionBHar Ghar Jal MissionCJal Jeevan Mission 2.0DSwachh Bharat Mission
Options
Correct answer
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
Explanation
The Centre signed reform-linked MoUs with Andaman & Nicobar Islands and West Bengal under the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
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Q5Which premier educational institution in Tamil Nadu recently invited applications for Web-Enabled M.Tech & PG Diploma Programs?Options
AAnna UniversityBIIT MadrasCVIT ChennaiDPSG College of Technology
Options
Correct answer
IIT Madras
Explanation
IIT Madras has invited applications for its Web-Enabled M.Tech & PG Diploma Programs, expanding access to higher education.
Q6Which state's government recently implemented a free bus travel scheme for women, drawing praise from passengers?Options
ATamil NaduBKeralaCKarnatakaDTelangana
Options
Correct answer
Kerala
Explanation
The Kerala government's free travel scheme for women has received praise, despite opposition from private bus operators.
Q7What is the name of India's heaviest communication satellite whose successful launch was recently congratulated by the Prime Minister?Options
AGSAT-24BCMS-03CKalpana-1DRISAT-2BR1
Options
Correct answer
CMS-03
Explanation
The Prime Minister congratulated ISRO on the successful launch of CMS-03, India’s heaviest communication satellite.
Q8Which ISRO scientist's saree from the Mangalyaan Mission was recently displayed at the Smithsonian?Options
ARitu Karidhal SrivastavaBMuthayya VanithaCNandini HarinathDAnuradha T.K.
Options
Correct answer
Nandini Harinath
Explanation
ISRO scientist Nandini Harinath's saree from the Mangalyaan Mission was displayed at the Smithsonian, highlighting her contribution to the mission.
Q9Which organization recently organized the Fifth Scientific Steering Committee Meeting on the National One Health Mission in New Delhi?Options
AMinistry of Health and Family WelfareBNITI AayogCDepartment of Animal Husbandry & DairyingDIndian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Options
Correct answer
Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Explanation
The Fifth Scientific Steering Committee Meeting on the National One Health Mission was held in New Delhi, organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Q10Which union minister recently declared that India is now 'Maoist-free'?Options
ARajnath SinghBAmit ShahCNarendra ModiDNirmala Sitharaman
Options
Correct answer
Amit Shah
Explanation
Union Minister Amit Shah recently declared, with pride, that India is now Maoist-free, reaffirming the government's commitment to eliminate left-wing extremism.
Q11What is the primary concern raised by the T.N. Science Forum regarding the Manthikulam area?Options
ALack of educational facilitiesBEnvironmental pollutionCWater scarcityDUnemployment issues
Options
Correct answer
Environmental pollution
Explanation
The T.N. Science Forum has urged authorities to curb environmental pollution in the Manthikulam area, highlighting a critical local issue.
Q12Aviation Minister has instructed officials to complete greenfield ports by which year?Options
A2025B2026C2027D2028
Options
Correct answer
2026
Explanation
The Minister has directed officials to complete all greenfield ports by 2026 as part of infrastructure development.
Q13N. Rangasamy recently resigned from one constituency but retained another. Which Union Territory's politics is this related to?Options
ALakshadweepBDelhiCPuducherryDAndaman & Nicobar Islands
Options
Correct answer
Puducherry
Explanation
N. Rangasamy, a prominent political figure, resigned from the Thattanchavady seat but retained the Mangalam constituency, which refers to politics in Puducherry.
Q14What is the primary function of the 10 rapid exit taxiways currently under construction at Chennai airport?Options
AIncrease parking capacityBReduce runway occupancy time for aircraftCFacilitate cargo handlingDEnhance passenger boarding speed
Options
Correct answer
Reduce runway occupancy time for aircraft
Explanation
Rapid exit taxiways are designed to allow aircraft to vacate the runway quickly after landing, thereby reducing runway occupancy time and increasing airport efficiency.