Indian Polity (Questions 1-11)

Q1. National Civil Services Day is observed every year on 21 April to commemorate which historical event?
A) Birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
B) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 1947 address to probationers of the first batch of Indian Administrative Service calling civil servants the “steel frame of India”
C) Formation of the All India Services under the Government of India Act 1935
D) Launch of the Civil Services Examination by UPSC in 1979
Answer: B.
Explanation: 21 April marks the day Sardar Patel addressed the first batch of IAS probationers in 1947, emphasising the role of civil servants as the “steel frame of India”.

Q2. The Rajya Sabha reconstituted its Panel of Vice-Chairpersons effective from which date in 2026 to ensure smooth functioning of the House?
A) 1 April 2026
B) 15 April 2026
C) 21 April 2026
D) 1 May 2026
Answer: B.
Explanation: The panel of six MPs from different parties was reconstituted effective 15 April 2026 by Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan.

Q3. In a recent directive, the Supreme Court asked a panel to formulate a plan for making prisons accessible to which group?
A) Women prisoners
B) Foreign nationals
C) Juvenile offenders
D) Persons with disabilities
Answer: D.
Explanation: The Supreme Court directed formulation of a plan for disabled-friendly prisons.

Geopolitics and International Relations (Questions 1-9)

Q1. Which country’s President visited India in April 2026, during which four MoUs were signed on shipbuilding skills, MSME cooperation, sports & culture, and economic security dialogue?
A) Japan
B) South Korea
C) Germany
D) Australia
Answer: B.
Explanation: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit elevated bilateral ties, aiming to double trade and launch a ‘digital bridge’. This reflects India’s multi-alignment strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

Q2. India expressed deep concern over attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri raising the issue with which country?
A) Israel
B) Iran
C) Saudi Arabia
D) USA
Answer: B.
Explanation: Ongoing West Asia tensions, including US seizure of an Iranian-flagged vessel and threats of Hormuz closure, directly impact India’s energy imports (2.5–2.7 million barrels/day via the strait).

Q3. The US extended its sanctions waiver for Russian oil purchases through which date in 2026, helping India maintain discounted crude imports amid West Asia disruptions?
A) 30 April 2026
B) 31 March 2026
C) 16 May 2026
D) 15 June 2026
Answer: C.
Explanation: General License 134B allows continued imports from entities like Rosneft, stabilizing prices as Russian oil formed ~44% of India’s imports in March 2026.

Geopolitics (Questions 1-10)

1. On 19 April 2026, which country’s Civil Aviation Organisation announced the resumption of international passenger flights from Mashhad Airport starting the next day?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Iran
C) Oman
D) United Arab Emirates
Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation, via state TV and IRNA, confirmed international flights would resume from Mashhad Airport (northeast Iran) on 20 April 2026 amid regional tensions.

2. What was the primary trigger for India summoning the Iranian envoy on or around 19 April 2026?
A) Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
B) Disruption of flights from Mashhad Airport
C) Firing by Iranian IRGC gunboats on two Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz
D) Sanctions on Indian oil imports
Answer: C.
Explanation: Indian-flagged ships (including Sanmar Herald) came under fire while attempting to cross the strait; India expressed “deep concern” and summoned the envoy. No crew injuries were reported.

3. The Strait of Hormuz, site of the recent attack on Indian vessels, connects which two bodies of water?
A) Red Sea and Arabian Sea
B) Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
C) Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
D) Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea
Answer: B.
Explanation: It is a critical chokepoint for global oil trade; recent incidents highlight its strategic importance for India’s energy security.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-8)

1. On 18 April 2026, Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired upon a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Which Indian-flagged vessel carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil was among those forced to reverse course?
A) A super tanker reported by TankerTrackers.com
B) INS Vikrant
C) MT New Diamond
D) MV X-Press Pearl
Answer: A.

2. India conveyed “deep concern” to Tehran on 18 April 2026 regarding the firing incident involving how many Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Five
Answer: B.

3. Iran reversed its earlier pledge and reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz on 18 April 2026 following statements by which country that the move would not end its blockade?
A) Russia
B) Saudi Arabia
C) China
D) United States
Answer: D.

Geopolitics & World News Involving India (Questions 1-8)

Q1. India officially welcomed the 10-day ceasefire agreement between:
A) Iran and USA
B) Israel and Iran
C) Israel and Lebanon
D) Lebanon and Syria
Answer: C.
Explanation: The ceasefire took effect around 16-17 April 2026; MEA spokesperson confirmed India’s support.

Q2. On 17 April 2026, Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels for the remaining period of the ceasefire. The first vessels to pass through were:
A) Chinese container ships
B) Indian-flagged tankers
C) Three Iranian oil tankers carrying five million barrels of crude
D) US naval vessels
Answer: C.
Explanation: This followed the partial lifting of the US blockade in the region.

Q3. India-Zambia critical minerals negotiations (copper and cobalt) stalled primarily due to:
A) Environmental clearance issues in India
B) India’s withdrawal from the project
C) Chinese intervention
D) Zambia’s refusal to provide long-term mining rights assurances
Answer: D.
Explanation: Zambia is a key producer in the Copperbelt region; India had allocated 9,000 sq km for exploration.