Explanation

• Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach India by sea in 1498.
• He was a Portuguese explorer who arrived at Calicut (India) via the Cape of Good Hope route.
• His voyage opened the sea route between Europe and Asia.
• This event marked the beginning of European colonial influence in India.
• He later died in India in 1524.

Last verified on 20-06-2026

Explanation

• Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
• Established: 19 December 1966
• Membership: 68 countries
• Asia & Pacific: 49
• Outside region (Non-Asian): 19

• Largest recipient of ADB loans: Pakistan
• Pakistan received highest ADB loans in 2022: $5.58 billion
• ADB loans & grants to Pakistan (2021): $1.31 billion
• Largest shareholder of ADB: Japan

Last verified on 20-06-2026

Explanation

• Habsha is the historic name for Ethiopia.
• It is located in the Horn of Africa.
• The Migration to Abyssinia, also known as the First Hegira.

Last verified on 19-03-2026

Explanation

• George Washington was the first President of the USA.
• He was serving from 1789 to 1797.
• He is often called the "Father of His Country" for his leadership in the founding of the United States.

Additional information:

The short list of Presidents of USA:

• 1st. George Washington
• 2nd. Adams John Adams
• 3rd. Thomas Jefferson
• 15th. James Buchanan
• 16th. Abraham Lincoln
• 17th. Andrew Johnson
• 44th. Barack Obama
• 45th. Donald Trump
• 46th. Joe Biden
• 47th. Donald Trump (Current)

Last verified on 07-06-2026

Explanation

• The novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” (1984) is written by George Orwell.
• It was published in 1949.
• It presents a dystopian future under a totalitarian government.
• The story warns about surveillance, loss of freedom, and state control over truth and society.

Last verified on 06-06-2026

Explanation

• Author: Stephen Hawking
• Book Title: A Brief History of Time
• Main Topic: Universe (origin, structure, evolution, and fate)
• First Published: 1988
• Publisher: Bantam Dell Publishing Group
• Copies Sold: ~10 million
• Languages: 40 languages

Last verified on 01-06-2026

Explanation

• The Islamic Revolution in Iran took place in 1979.
• It overthrew the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
• The revolution was led by Ruhollah Khomeini.
• It is also called the Iranian Revolution of 1979.

Additional information:

• Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi left Iran on 16 January 1979.
• Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran on 1 February 1979.
• The monarchy officially ended on 11 February 1979.
• Iran became an Islamic Republic after a referendum on 1 April 1979.

Last verified on 17-05-2026

Explanation

• The Simla Deputation met the Viceroy of India on 1 October 1906.
• It was led by Sir Aga Khan III.
• The delegation consisted of about 35 members.
• First, the group met the Principal of Aligarh College (MAO College).
• The Principal arranged the meeting through Colonel Dunlop (Secretary to Viceroy), and then the delegation met Lord Minto.
• Since the meeting took place at Simla, it was called the Simla Deputation.

Last verified on 02-05-2026

Explanation

World Thalassemia Day is observed on 8 May.

With the  aim to raise awareness about Thalassemia.

Note: Thalassemia is a disease of the blood, a person gets it from their parents at birth.

Theme 2025: Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients

Theme 2026: Hidden No More: Finding the Undiagnosed. Supporting the Unseen
****

Explanation

• Total Members: 193
• Founded on: 24 October 1945
• Founding Countries: 51
• Headquarters: Manhattan, New York City, USA
• Main Purpose: Maintain world peace and security

• Working languages of Secretariat: English and French
• Main organs of UNO: 6
• Largest organ: General Assembly
• Pakistan joined UNO: 30 September 1947