Geopolitics (Questions 1-9)
Q1. On March 2, 2026, the U.S. and Israel continued joint military strikes on Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. What was the stated goal of these operations as per U.S. President Donald Trump?
A) To negotiate a new nuclear deal
B) To topple the Iranian regime
C) To secure oil supplies in the Gulf
D) To support Hezbollah allies
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: President Trump described the attacks as aimed at regime change in Tehran, urging the Iranian people to take control.
Q2. Which strategic waterway faced disruptions due to the escalating Iran conflict on March 2, 2026, leading to a surge in global oil prices?
A) Suez Canal
B) Panama Canal
C) Strait of Hormuz
D) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed, causing oil prices to jump from $70 to nearly $80 per barrel.
Q3. On March 2, 2026, which U.S. ally in the Gulf reported deaths and damage from Iranian retaliatory strikes?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) United Arab Emirates
C) Kuwait
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Iranian attacks targeted multiple Gulf states, including UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, resulting in casualties.
Q4. What was the immediate economic impact of the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran reported on March 2, 2026?
A) Decline in global stock markets
B) Surge in oil and natural gas prices
C) Strengthening of the U.S. dollar
D) Increase in cryptocurrency values
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Oil prices jumped as the conflict threatened energy flows, with Brent crude nearing $80 per barrel.
Q5. Which country’s embassy in Kuwait was targeted by Iranian strikes on March 2, 2026, amid the widening conflict?
A) United States
B) United Kingdom
C) France
D) India
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Iranian counter-strikes hit the U.S. embassy in Kuwait, escalating regional tensions.
Q6. On March 2, 2026, President Trump indicated the U.S. conflict with Iran could last how long?
A) Days
B) Weeks
C) Months
D) Years
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump stated the conflict could continue for weeks, with sustained assaults if necessary.
Q7. What was the reported impact on U.S. higher education institutions in the Middle East due to the Iran conflict on March 2, 2026?
A) Increased enrollment
B) Virtual classes only
C) New funding grants
D) Campus closures and disruptions
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: American universities with branches in Qatar and UAE faced operational disruptions and security recalibrations.
Q8. On March 2, 2026, which prediction markets saw a sharp increase in odds for Iranian regime collapse by June 30, 2026?
A) From 24% to 42%
B) From 10% to 30%
C) From 50% to 70%
D) From 5% to 15%
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Markets adjusted odds upward amid ongoing strikes, reflecting heightened instability.
Q9. What was a key concern raised by analysts regarding the U.S. economy on March 2, 2026, due to the Iran war?
A) Labor shortages
B) Geopolitical risks and oil price surges
C) Trade surpluses
D) Currency devaluation
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The conflict added uncertainty, with oil shocks testing U.S. economic resilience.
World News India (Questions 10-15)
Q10. On March 2, 2026, India and Canada agreed to aim for a free trade pact by the end of the year. What is the target bilateral trade volume by 2030?
A) $50 billion
B) $30 billion
C) $70 billion
D) $100 billion
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: PMs Modi and Carney announced plans to boost trade from $9 billion to $50 billion.
Q11. What landmark deal was signed between India and Canada on March 2, 2026, involving energy resources?
A) Oil pipeline agreement
B) C$2.6 billion uranium deal
C) Solar technology transfer
D) Natural gas export pact
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The deal ensures long-term uranium supply for India’s nuclear energy needs.
Q12. On March 2, 2026, how did the Iran conflict potentially benefit India economically, according to current affairs analyses?
A) Lower oil prices if sanctions lifted
B) Higher remittances from Gulf
C) Increased defense exports
D) Tech investment inflows
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: A regime change could bring Iranian oil back, easing prices for importers like India.
Q13. What was the estimated value of India’s GDP in 2025-26 at an exchange rate of Rs. 90.98 per US dollar, as discussed on March 2, 2026?
A) $3.2 trillion
B) $3.6 trillion
C) $3.8 trillion
D) $5.0 trillion
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: This projection aligns with India’s growth trajectory amid global uncertainties.
Q14. On March 2, 2026, PM Modi emphasized collaboration with Canada in which priority sector?
A) Defense
B) Tourism
C) Agriculture
D) Civil nuclear energy
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The uranium deal supports small modular reactors and advanced nuclear tech.
Q15. What was the focus of the new GDP series released by India’s Ministry of Statistics on March 2, 2026?
A) Base year revised to 2022-23
B) Inclusion of cryptocurrency
C) Exclusion of remittances
D) Quarterly deflation adjustments
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The series improves estimation using modern data, with upward revision to 7.6% growth.
Indian Polity (Questions 16-20)
Q16. On March 2, 2026, discussions on constitutional morality emphasized its role in Indian governance. What does it primarily ensure?
A) Political alliances
B) Justice without fear or favor
C) Economic policies
D) Foreign relations
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Senior advocate Kapil Sibal highlighted that constitutional morality transcends political friction for impartial justice.
Q17. Concerns over the Sixteenth Finance Commission’s recommendations on March 2, 2026, focused on what issue?
A) Rising cess and equity balance
B) Defense budget allocation
C) Foreign aid distribution
D) Pension reforms
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The commission’s award period (2026-27 to 2030-31) raised questions on effective devolution and equalization.
Q18. On March 2, 2026, what was a key pillar underpinning India’s economic credibility as per RBI Governor?
A) Cryptocurrency regulation
B) Universal Basic Income
C) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
D) Space commercialization
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Structural reforms like IBC support India’s post-pandemic average growth of 7.8%.
Q19. In current affairs on March 2, 2026, how is India affected by turmoil in Tehran?
A) Energy dependence and diaspora concerns
B) Increased tourism
C) Tech export boom
D) Currency appreciation
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: India’s ties with Iran, Gulf remittances ($118.7 billion in 2023-24), and strategic interests are impacted.
Q20. The Union Budget 2026-27 announced a scheme for which sector on March 2, 2026, to address climate stress?
A) Textile manufacturing
B) Wheat export
C) Dairy farming
D) Coconut promotion
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The scheme aims to rejuvenate plantations with high-yield varieties and expand coastal cultivation.
Sports (Questions 21-23)
Q21. In NBA highlights on March 2, 2026, which team defeated the Bucks, with Payton Pritchard scoring notably?
A) Celtics
B) Lakers
C) Warriors
D) Knicks
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Celtics won, with Pritchard going off in the game.
Q22. On March 2, 2026, NFL rumors heated up about a trade for which Las Vegas Raiders player?
A) Aidan O’Connell
B) Davante Adams
C) Maxx Crosby
D) Zamir White
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trade rumors for edge rusher Maxx Crosby intensified, with several teams interested.
Q23. What challenge did the NCAA advise schools about for March Madness on March 2, 2026?
A) Player injuries
B) Travel disruptions due to charter shortages
C) Broadcast delays
D) Fan attendance limits
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Shortages, spring break, and potential shutdowns could affect tournament travel.
Arts, Education, and Literature (Questions 24-26)
Q24. A survey discussed on March 2, 2026, revealed English teachers assign an average of how many whole books per year?
A) 1.5
B) 2.7
C) 4.2
D) 5.0
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Parents are pushing for more literature in schools amid concerns over reading habits.
Q25. On March 2, 2026, Queens College founded a new school to reshape arts representation. What is it called?
A) School of Fine Arts
B) Arts and Media Institute
C) School of Arts (SoA)
D) Creative Studies Center
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Established in 2022, SoA aims to organize and promote arts across campus.
Q26. In literature news on March 2, 2026, a fitness influencer’s TikTok confession led to what?
A) A book ban campaign
B) Community help in learning to read
C) A new publishing deal
D) Literary award nomination
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: His admission of illiteracy prompted online support for reading education.
