Geopolitics – (Questions 1-11)

Q1. On 27 March 2026, which country granted passage through the Strait of Hormuz exclusively to “friendly nations” including India, Pakistan and three others amid the ongoing West Asia conflict?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Iran
C) United Arab Emirates
D) Israel
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran allowed select friendly nations access to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which handles ~20% of global oil trade, to ease supply pressures on allies during the US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Q2. What is the primary objective of Operation Urja Suraksha launched by the Indian Navy in response to developments in the Strait of Hormuz on 27 March 2026?
A) Safe transit of India-bound crude oil, LNG and LPG shipments
B) Joint naval exercises with France
C) Humanitarian aid to conflict zones
D) Anti-piracy patrols in the Arabian Sea
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The operation focuses on maritime security for India’s energy imports amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Q3. On 27 March 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with his French counterpart on the security of which critical maritime chokepoint?
A) Malacca Strait
B) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
C) Strait of Hormuz
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India and France emphasised joint efforts for security of the Strait of Hormuz during the G7-related engagements.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On 26 March 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to Opposition criticism regarding Pakistan’s reported role in mediating between the US and Iran by calling Pakistan a:
A) Strategic partner
B) “Dalal” (broker)
C) Neutral observer
D) Peace initiator
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Jaishankar stated that Pakistan has played the role of a “dalal” in such matters since 1981, defending India’s independent stand on the West Asia crisis.

Q2. Which country classified India as a “friendly nation” and allowed safe commercial shipping passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war zone on 26 March 2026?
A) Israel
B) United States
C) Iran
D) Saudi Arabia
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Iranian authorities permitted vessels from India (along with China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan) to transit, while blocking adversaries.

Q3. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas statement on 26 March 2026, India has secured crude oil supplies sufficient for how many days amid West Asia tensions?
A) 30 days
B) 45 days
C) 60 days
D) 90 days
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The government confirmed 60 days of crude oil supplies plus existing stocks of 60 days; LPG imports arranged for one month with ongoing procurement.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On 25 March 2026, opposition parties staged a protest outside Parliament over a critical shortage of cooking gas. What was the primary trigger for this shortage?
A) Domestic production halt
B) War on Iran leading to blockage of the Strait of Hormuz
C) Cyclone-induced port closures
D) Railway strike affecting supply chains
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India imports over 40% of its crude through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran blocked in retaliation during the US-Israel war, causing cascading shortages of cooking gas (LPG) and fuel.

Q2. Indian police were deployed at petrol pumps in which state on 25 March 2026 to manage panic buying and long queues amid fears of fuel shortages?
A) Gujarat
B) Maharashtra
C) Rajasthan
D) Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Panic grew in Gujarat due to the Iran-induced disruption in crude oil imports via the Strait of Hormuz.

Q3. The Government of India convened an all-party meeting on 25 March 2026 at 5 PM primarily to discuss:
A) Upcoming state elections
B) Escalating West Asia crisis and its impact on India’s economy, energy security and defence preparedness
C) Union Budget 2026-27
D) Model Code of Conduct violations
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The meeting addressed disruptions to global trade routes, energy supplies, fertiliser availability and regional stability following high-level security reviews chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-10)

1. On 23 March 2026, which country announced a five-day postponement of strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure citing “productive talks”?
A) Israel
B) United States
C) Russia
D) Saudi Arabia
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: U.S. President Donald Trump announced the pause; India is closely monitoring developments (MEA statement, 24 March 2026).

2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of which high-level body on 23-24 March 2026 to review India’s preparedness amid the West Asia conflict?
A) Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
B) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
C) National Security Advisory Board
D) Empowered Group of Ministers on Energy
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: CCS meeting focused on energy security, petroleum, power, and fertiliser supply amid Strait of Hormuz tensions.

3. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on 23 March 2026, stressed greater cooperation with Russia in which multilateral forums amid the evolving multipolar order and Gulf crisis?
A) QUAD and AUKUS
B) BRICS, SCO, G20 and UN
C) G7 and NATO
D) BIMSTEC and SAARC
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Jaishankar highlighted bilateral and multilateral ties through BRICS, SCO, G20 and UN.