Geopolitics & West Asia Crisis (Questions 1-10)

Q1. Which of the following correctly describes the recent development in the West Asia conflict on 20 March 2026?
A) Israeli strikes targeted Iran’s South Pars gas field while Iranian retaliation hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub
B) Iran announced unilateral ceasefire
C) US withdrew all forces from Gulf
D) China mediated direct talks between parties
Correct: A.
Explanation: Reports confirm attacks on South Pars (world’s largest gas field shared with Qatar) and Ras Laffan (provides ~40% of India’s LNG imports and 20% global supply), pushing oil above $114/barrel.

Q2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held telephonic talks on 20 March 2026 with which two leaders regarding de-escalation in West Asia and safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz?
A) Saudi King & UAE President
B) Turkish President & Egyptian President
C) Sultan of Oman & Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim
D) Russian President & Chinese President
Correct: C.
Explanation: Modi emphasised peace, stability and free navigation through Hormuz.

Q3. Due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, India’s FTA negotiations with which blocs/entities faced delay as per Commerce Ministry statement on 20 March 2026?
A) UK and EU only
B) GCC countries and Israel
C) ASEAN and Japan
D) RCEP partners
Correct: B.
Explanation: Conflict disrupted talks; UK FTA may start May 2026, EU by Nov 2026.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1–12)

Q1. On 19 March 2026, Iranian Shahed drones struck two oil refineries in which country, causing large fires according to the Kuwait National Petroleum Company?
A) Saudi Arabia?
B) Kuwait?
C) Qatar?
D) UAE
Answer: B.
Explanation: Direct strike on Kuwait refineries escalated the 2026 Iran war and spiked global Brent crude prices beyond $119/barrel.

Q2. Which of the following occurred in Iranian airspace on 19 March 2026 during the ongoing conflict?
A) Israeli F-35 shot down?
B) U.S. Air Force F-35 hit by surface-to-air missile & emergency landing?
C) Chinese drone downed?
D) Russian Su-57 crashed
Answer: B.
Explanation: U.S. CENTCOM confirmed the incident; pilot safe at regional base.

Q3. U.S. forces destroyed a surface-to-surface missile assembly factory belonging to IRGC on 19 March 2026 in which Iranian city?
A) Tehran?
B) Karaj?
C) Isfahan?
D) Shiraz
Answer: A.
Explanation: Targeted strike reported by U.S. Central Command.

Geopolitics & World News (IR) – (Questions 1-9)

Q1. In the ongoing 2026 Iran war, which Iranian official was assassinated by Israel in a Tehran airstrike on/around 18 March 2026?
A) Ali Larijani
B) Esmaeil Khatib (Intelligence Minister)
C) President of Iran
D) Foreign Minister
Correct: B.
Explanation: Israel targeted Iranian intelligence leadership amid escalations; part of broader strikes on energy sites like South Pars. Key for GS2 IR – proxy conflicts & energy security.

Q2. Iran launched a missile attack on which facility in Qatar causing extensive damage to the world’s largest LNG export site?
A) South Pars
B) Ras Laffan Industrial City
C) Ras Tanura
D) Strait of Hormuz terminal
Correct: B.
Explanation: Led to Qatar declaring Iranian officials persona non grata. Highlights force majeure invocations by Gulf nations & global oil/LNG shocks affecting India’s LPG imports.

Q3. India’s LPG consumption slumped by what percentage in early March 2026 due to West Asia war disruptions?
A) 5%
B) 26%
C) 17.7%
D) 40%
Correct: C.
Explanation: Fell to 1.147 MT; direct impact of Hormuz tensions & force majeure. Relevant for GS3 Economy & Environment (energy security).

Geopolitics & World News-India: (Questions 1-10)

1. The Indian Navy on 17 March 2026 deployed warships to escort Indian-flagged merchant vessels through which vulnerable waterway following tensions in West Asia?
A) Strait of Malacca
B) Gulf of Oman (after crossing Strait of Hormuz)
C) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Warships escorted vessels including INS Shivalik, Nanda Devi and Jag Laadki to ensure safe transit amid US-Iran-Israel conflict spillover. This demonstrates India’s proactive maritime security role under Operation Sankalp-like frameworks.

2. Which statement accurately reflects India’s position on the ongoing West Asia conflict as conveyed by Israel’s Ambassador to India on 17 March 2026?
A) India supports perpetual military action against Iran
B) India has mediated a ceasefire
C) Israel does not seek perpetual war with Iran and keeps diplomatic options open
D) Pakistan is backing Iran militarily
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Ambassador Reuven Azar clarified Israel’s stance post the February 2026 strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, highlighting diplomacy if Iran changes course.

3. On 17 March 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged the U.S. to address which specific issue while criticising a US Commission report?
A) Attacks on Indian diplomatic missions
B) Extradition of fugitives
C) Trade tariff disputes
D) Vandalism against Hindu temples in the U.S.
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted distortions in the US Commission on International Religious Freedom report and called for focus on temple attacks in the US.