Current Affairs Quiz 13 May 2026

Q1. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, consider the following statements:

1. It was launched on 25 December 2000.
2. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
3. It is implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A) Only One
B) Only Two
C) All Three
D) None

Q1. (B) Only Two

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct
  • PMGSY was launched on 25 December 2000 to provide all-weather road connectivity to eligible unconnected rural habitations.
  • It is one of India’s most transformative rural infrastructure programmes.
• Statement 2: Correct
  • PMGSY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
  • Funding pattern:
    • 60:40 between Centre and States for general states.
    • 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
• Statement 3: Incorrect
  • The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
  • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj focuses on local self-governance, not direct implementation of PMGSY.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding National Technology Day:

1. It is observed annually on 11 May.
2. It commemorates the success of Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in 1998.

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

Q2. (C) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct
  • National Technology Day is observed every year on 11 May.
• Statement 2: Correct
  • The day commemorates Pokhran-II, code-named Operation Shakti.
  • India conducted five nuclear tests on 11 and 13 May 1998 at Pokhran.

Additional Facts:

• First celebrated in 1999.
• Initiated under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• The tests established India as a de facto nuclear weapons state.

Q3. Which of the following ministries confers the National Panchayat Awards?

A) Ministry of Rural Development
B) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
C) Ministry of Home Affairs
D) NITI Aayog

Q3. (B) Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Explanation:

• The awards are conferred by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
• They recognize outstanding Panchayats for:
  • Good governance
  • Participatory planning
  • Sustainable development
  • Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs)

Key Facts:

• NPA 2025 recognized 42 Panchayats.
• Financial incentives range from ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore.
• Implemented under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan.

Q4. Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) were primarily associated with:

A) World Trade Organization and United Nations Development Programme
B) International Monetary Fund and World Bank
C) Asian Development Bank and New Development Bank
D) Bank for International Settlements and OECD

Q4. (B) International Monetary Fund and World Bank

Explanation:

• SAPs were policy conditionalities imposed by:
  • International Monetary Fund
  • World Bank
• They became widespread during the 1980s debt crisis.

Core Components of SAPs:

• Austerity – reduction in government spending.
• Privatisation – transfer of public enterprises to private sector.
• Deregulation – removal of state controls over markets and capital flows.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the National Social Assistance Programme:

1. It was launched in 1995.
2. It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
3. It is a non-contributory social assistance programme.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A) Only One
B) Only Two
C) All Three
D) None

Q5. (C) All Three

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct
  • NSAP was launched in 1995.
• Statement 2: Correct
  • Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• Statement 3: Correct
  • It is non-contributory, meaning beneficiaries are not required to contribute financially.

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