Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

1. On 25 May 2026, what did US President Donald Trump state regarding negotiations with Iran amid the ongoing ceasefire?
A) Immediate lifting of the Hormuz blockade
B) US will not ‘rush into a deal’ with Iran; blockade to remain
C) Full withdrawal of US forces from the region
D) Acceptance of Iran’s 14-point proposal unconditionally
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump emphasized a “great and meaningful” deal or none at all, maintaining pressure on Iran while negotiations continued via mediators like Pakistan.

2. Which country’s military chief and PM visited Beijing on 25 May 2026 for mediation talks related to the 2026 Iran war?
A) Pakistan
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Turkey
D) Egypt
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Pakistani leaders engaged China as part of broader mediation efforts in the Iran conflict.

3. What significant maritime development occurred on 25 May 2026 involving the Strait of Hormuz?
A) Complete closure of the strait
B) A Japanese-owned tanker (Idemitsu Maru) successfully transited post-war resumption
C) Indian Navy assumed full patrol duties
D) UNSC resolution banning all oil shipments
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This marked one of the first successful transits since heightened tensions, highlighting easing but fragile maritime security.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On May 24, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held bilateral talks in New Delhi with India’s External Affairs Minister. Who is the Indian counterpart?
A) Piyush Goyal
B) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
C) Rajnath Singh
D) Nirmala Sitharaman
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Rubio and Jaishankar discussed resetting bilateral ties, trade deal progress, and Quad cooperation. Jaishankar emphasized India’s “India First” approach and diversified energy supplies.

Q2. What major development did US President Donald Trump announce regarding Iran around May 23-24, 2026?
A) Complete US withdrawal from the Middle East
B) An agreement with Iran “largely negotiated” including opening the Strait of Hormuz
C) New sanctions on Pakistan
D) Military alliance with Israel against Iran
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This relates to efforts to end the 2026 Iran war and secure maritime transit amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Q3. The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2026, in New Delhi. Which countries participate?
A) US, India, Japan, Australia
B) US, India, China, Russia
C) India, Japan, South Korea, Australia
D) US, UK, India, France
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Rubio’s visit includes this meeting to renew Quad engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On 23 May 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India to address tensions arising from which US policy?
A) High tariffs on Indian exports
B) Arms embargo on Taiwan
C) Withdrawal from Indo-Pacific alliances
D) Ban on H-1B visas
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Rubio aimed to reassure India amid President Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including high tariffs linked to Russian oil purchases and broader US-India trade frictions.

Q2. What significant diplomatic elevation occurred during the visit of Cyprus President to India around 22-23 May 2026?
A) EU Accession Support Agreement
B) Defence Pact against Turkey
C) Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
D) Energy Corridor Deal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India and Cyprus elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on convergence in regional issues and bilateral cooperation.

Q3. India’s BRICS Presidency in 2026 emphasizes which key global governance reform?
A) UN Security Council expansion
B) WTO Dispute Settlement revival
C) IMF Quota reforms only
D) NATO expansion guidelines
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: As BRICS chair, India pushes for UN reforms and multipolarity amid global shifts.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 22 May 2026, which country’s Army Chief visited Tehran to mediate in the ongoing US-Iran ceasefire talks?
A) Qatar
B) Pakistan
C) Saudi Arabia
D) Turkey
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Pakistan Army field marshal Asim Munir visited Tehran amid efforts by Pakistan and Qatar to broker a deal between the US and Iran. This highlights Pakistan’s role in Middle East diplomacy.

Q2. What was the primary obstacle mentioned by Iranian officials in US-Iran peace talks on 22 May 2026?
A) Excessive US demands
B) Naval blockade of Iran
C) Strait of Hormuz transit rights
D) Uranium enrichment limits
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cited “excessive demands” by the US as the main hurdle, while Iran refused to hand over highly enriched uranium.

Q3. Which US official announced additional troops to Poland on or around 22 May 2026?
A) Tulsi Gabbard
B) Marco Rubio
C) Donald Trump
D) Secretary of Defense
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: President Trump announced sending an additional 5,000 troops to Poland following the election of Karol Nawrocki, whom he had endorsed.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-11)

Q1. On 21 May 2026, which country announced the establishment of a controlled maritime zone in the Strait of Hormuz requiring authorization from the newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Iran
C) Israel
D) UAE
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This move amid regional tensions impacts global oil transit, relevant for India’s energy security as a major importer.

Q2. What did Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko state regarding involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war on 21 May 2026?
A) Belarus will not join the current war and is ready to meet Zelenskyy
B) Belarus will actively support Russia militarily
C) Belarus has declared neutrality
D) Belarus seeks NATO membership
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: This reflects shifting dynamics in Eastern Europe.

Q3. Which US naval asset arrived in the Southern Caribbean prompting Cuba’s promise of “fierce resistance” around 21 May 2026?
A) USS Gerald R. Ford
B) USS Abraham Lincoln
C) USS Nimitz
D) USS George H.W. Bush
Correct Answer: C.