Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Current Affairs Quiz — May 1, 2026
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Question 1 of 10
Buddha Purnima 2026 was celebrated on May 1. The day commemorates how many key events in Gautama Buddha’s life?
Buddha Purnima (Vaishakha Purnima) commemorates three pivotal events in Gautama Buddha’s life — his birth (in Lumbini, Nepal), his enlightenment or Bodhi (under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, Bihar), and his Parinirvana (death) at Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. Buddhist tradition holds that all three occurred on the same lunar date — the full moon of Vaishakha.
The first sermon at Sarnath is NOT part of this triple commemoration; it is observed separately on Asadha Purnima.
The first sermon at Sarnath is NOT part of this triple commemoration; it is observed separately on Asadha Purnima.
📝 Concept Note
Buddha Purnima is also called Vesak (in Theravada tradition) and is observed in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. UNESCO has recognised Vesak as a day of world significance.
The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya — the site of enlightenment — was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya — the site of enlightenment — was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Buddha Purnima; Vaishakha Purnima; Buddhist pilgrimage; Bodh Gaya; Lumbini; Kushinagar
Question 2 of 10
Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed on May 1, 1960 under which Act of Parliament?
Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed on May 1, 1960 under the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960, which bifurcated the bilingual Bombay State into two linguistic states — Maharashtra (Marathi-speaking) and Gujarat (Gujarati-speaking). The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 had previously reorganised most of India on linguistic lines but had retained Bombay as a bilingual state due to competing linguistic claims; the 1960 Act resolved this final ambiguity in western India’s linguistic reorganisation.
📝 Concept Note
2026 marks the 66th anniversary of both Maharashtra and Gujarat. The States Reorganisation Act 1956 was based on the report of the Fazl Ali Commission (States Reorganisation Commission), which had three members — Justice Fazl Ali (chair), H.N. Kunzru, and K.M. Panikkar.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Bombay Reorganisation Act 1960; Maharashtra Day; Gujarat Day; linguistic reorganisation
Question 3 of 10
The Samyukta Maharashtra movement, which led to Maharashtra’s formation in 1960, was demanding a separate state for which linguistic group?
The Samyukta Maharashtra movement (1956-1960) demanded a separate Marathi-speaking state, opposing the bilingual Bombay State. It was led by figures including Senapati Bapat, S.M. Joshi, P.K. Atre, and Acharya Atre.
The parallel movement for Gujarati-speaking statehood was the Mahagujarat Movement, led by Indulal Yagnik. The two movements together produced the Bombay Reorganisation Act 1960, which created Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The parallel movement for Gujarati-speaking statehood was the Mahagujarat Movement, led by Indulal Yagnik. The two movements together produced the Bombay Reorganisation Act 1960, which created Maharashtra and Gujarat.
📝 Concept Note
The Samyukta Maharashtra movement was distinct from the broader linguistic reorganisation effort because it specifically targeted the bilingual Bombay State, where Marathi and Gujarati communities had competed for the dominant identity. The 1956 States Reorganisation Act had retained Bombay as bilingual; the 1960 Act resolved this final exception.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Samyukta Maharashtra movement; Mahagujarat movement; linguistic reorganisation; Indulal Yagnik
Question 4 of 10
International Labour Day (May 1) traces its origins to a historical event in which city?
International Workers’ Day (May Day or Labour Day) traces its origin to the Haymarket affair of May 4, 1886, in Chicago, USA. Workers had begun a general strike on May 1, 1886, demanding an 8-hour workday. The Haymarket bombing on May 4 led to a violent suppression and trial that became a global symbol of workers’ rights struggle.
The Second International declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day in 1889 in commemoration. India officially recognises it as a national observance.
The Second International declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day in 1889 in commemoration. India officially recognises it as a national observance.
📝 Concept Note
India’s labour movement organisations include INTUC (Congress-aligned), AITUC (CPI), CITU (CPI-M), BMS (RSS-aligned), and HMS (independent). India’s four labour codes — Wages, Social Security, Industrial Relations, and Occupational Safety — were brought into force nationwide on November 21, 2025; state-level rule notifications remain incomplete in many states.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
International Labour Day; Haymarket affair 1886; Second International; Indian labour codes
Question 5 of 10
The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in which year?
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. It marks the spot where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment (Bodhi) under the Bodhi tree.
The original temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE; the current structure largely dates from the Gupta period. The complex includes the Bodhi tree, the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), and several stupas.
Other Buddhist UNESCO sites in India include Sanchi (1989), Ajanta (1983), and Nalanda Mahavihara (2016).
The original temple was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE; the current structure largely dates from the Gupta period. The complex includes the Bodhi tree, the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), and several stupas.
Other Buddhist UNESCO sites in India include Sanchi (1989), Ajanta (1983), and Nalanda Mahavihara (2016).
📝 Concept Note
A useful UPSC mnemonic for Buddhist UNESCO sites in India — Ajanta (1983), Sanchi (1989), Mahabodhi (2002), Nalanda (2016). All four are key sites in India’s Buddhist heritage circuit, alongside Sarnath (first sermon site, near Varanasi) and Kushinagar (Parinirvana site, UP).
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Mahabodhi Temple; UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Bodh Gaya; Buddhist circuit
Question 6 of 10
PM Modi’s Maharashtra Day greeting on May 1, 2026 marked which anniversary of Maharashtra’s statehood?
2026 marks the 66th anniversary of Maharashtra’s formation (May 1, 1960 → May 1, 2026). PM Modi issued a Maharashtra Day greeting acknowledging the state’s contributions to India’s progress in literature, theatre, music, cinema, industry, education, science, and public service.
Maharashtra Day is celebrated annually on May 1 with the principal observance being the parade at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, attended by the CM, government officials, and security personnel.
Maharashtra Day is celebrated annually on May 1 with the principal observance being the parade at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, attended by the CM, government officials, and security personnel.
📝 Concept Note
2025 was the 65th anniversary; 2030 will be the 70th. The “Diamond Jubilee” or 60th anniversary fell in 2020 (during COVID-19 pandemic, with limited public celebrations).
The “Platinum Jubilee” or 75th will fall in 2035.
The “Platinum Jubilee” or 75th will fall in 2035.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Maharashtra Day; 66th anniversary; Shivaji Park parade; PM Modi greetings
Question 7 of 10
The Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960 was preceded by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. Why was Bombay retained as a bilingual state in 1956 and bifurcated only in 1960?
The 1956 States Reorganisation Act reorganised most Indian states on linguistic lines but retained Bombay as a bilingual state due to competing claims by Marathi and Gujarati communities for the dominant identity. Bombay city itself was contested — Marathi-speakers viewed it as part of a future Marathi state; Gujarati-speakers wanted it to remain part of a broader bilingual unit.
The Samyukta Maharashtra movement (Marathi) and Mahagujarat movement (Gujarati) intensified through 1956-1960. The Central Government finally bifurcated the state through the Bombay Reorganisation Act 1960, with Bombay city going to Maharashtra.
The Samyukta Maharashtra movement (Marathi) and Mahagujarat movement (Gujarati) intensified through 1956-1960. The Central Government finally bifurcated the state through the Bombay Reorganisation Act 1960, with Bombay city going to Maharashtra.
📝 Concept Note
The compromise that gave Bombay city to Maharashtra was a major political event. Marathi-speakers viewed it as a victory for the Samyukta Maharashtra movement.
Gujarati commercial interests in Bombay continued but the political arena became Maharashtrian. This 1960 settlement remains relevant — even today, Mumbai’s identity as Maharashtra’s capital is closely linked to the Marathi linguistic identity established by the 1960 Act.
Gujarati commercial interests in Bombay continued but the political arena became Maharashtrian. This 1960 settlement remains relevant — even today, Mumbai’s identity as Maharashtra’s capital is closely linked to the Marathi linguistic identity established by the 1960 Act.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Bombay city Marathi; Samyukta Maharashtra; Mahagujarat; bilingual states problem
Question 8 of 10
The Parinirvana (death) of Gautama Buddha is associated with which place?
Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana (final liberation/death) at Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, around 483 BCE according to traditional dating. This is one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites — Lumbini (birth, Nepal), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment, Bihar), Sarnath (first sermon, UP), and Kushinagar (Parinirvana, UP).
The Parinirvana Temple at Kushinagar contains a famous reclining Buddha statue (6th century CE) marking the spot of his death.
The Parinirvana Temple at Kushinagar contains a famous reclining Buddha statue (6th century CE) marking the spot of his death.
📝 Concept Note
Distinguish carefully — Lumbini (birth) is in Nepal, not India. Sarnath (first sermon) and Kushinagar (Parinirvana) are both in UP. Bodh Gaya (enlightenment) is in Bihar.
Pilgrim circuits typically combine these in a single tour starting from Varanasi (close to Sarnath) and continuing to Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, and Kushinagar.
Pilgrim circuits typically combine these in a single tour starting from Varanasi (close to Sarnath) and continuing to Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, and Kushinagar.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Kushinagar; Parinirvana; Buddhist pilgrimage; four main sites
Question 9 of 10
India’s Mahagujarat Movement (1956-1960), which led to the formation of Gujarat as a separate state, was led principally by which leader?
The Mahagujarat Movement was led principally by Indulal Yagnik (1892-1972), a freedom fighter and political leader who advocated tirelessly for Gujarati linguistic statehood. The movement gained momentum after the 1956 States Reorganisation Act retained Bombay as a bilingual state.
Yagnik’s Mahagujarat Janata Parishad mobilised mass support, leading eventually to the Bombay Reorganisation Act 1960 that created Gujarat. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had died in 1950, before the movement; Morarji Desai was a Gujarat leader but not the principal mover of the linguistic movement.
Yagnik’s Mahagujarat Janata Parishad mobilised mass support, leading eventually to the Bombay Reorganisation Act 1960 that created Gujarat. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had died in 1950, before the movement; Morarji Desai was a Gujarat leader but not the principal mover of the linguistic movement.
📝 Concept Note
Indulal Yagnik wrote his autobiography “Atmakatha” (autobiography in 6 volumes) — a major source on Gujarat’s political history. He also founded the newspaper “Yugadharm” and was active in social reform alongside political organising.
Yagnik’s centenary was in 1992.
Yagnik’s centenary was in 1992.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Mahagujarat Movement; Indulal Yagnik; linguistic reorganisation; Gujarat statehood
Question 10 of 10
India’s four labour codes consolidate over 29 central labour laws into how many simplified codes?
India consolidated 29 central labour laws into four labour codes — (1) Code on Wages 2019, (2) Industrial Relations Code 2020, (3) Code on Social Security 2020, and (4) Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020. The codes were notified between 2019-2020 but await full implementation as states still need to frame their respective rules.
Effective implementation requires central and state-level coordination. May 1 (Labour Day) is often the symbolic occasion for renewed implementation push.
Effective implementation requires central and state-level coordination. May 1 (Labour Day) is often the symbolic occasion for renewed implementation push.
📝 Concept Note
The four labour codes simplify and modernise India’s labour law architecture but have faced criticism from trade unions for changes including — flexible firing for firms with up to 300 workers (up from 100), restrictions on strikes, and changes to social security funding. Implementation has been delayed because states must align their rules with the codes.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Four labour codes; Code on Wages 2019; Industrial Relations Code; Social Security Code; OSH Code
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