Geopolitics (Questions 1-10)
Q1. Who issued Iran’s first public statement as the new Supreme Leader on March 12, 2026, vowing to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz and urging the closure of U.S. military bases in the region?
A) Ali Khamenei
B) Mojtaba Khamenei
C) Ebrahim Raisi
D) Hassan Rouhani
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made this statement amid the 2026 Iran war, escalating tensions over oil supplies.
Q2. Which vital shipping route did Iran’s new Supreme Leader pledge to keep closed in his March 12, 2026, address?
A) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
B) Suez Canal
C) Strait of Hormuz
D) Malacca Strait
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil passes, remains a flashpoint, impacting energy security worldwide.
Q3. On March 12, 2026, Iranian strikes targeted fuel storage tanks in which Gulf nation?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Bahrain
C) UAE
D) Qatar
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The attack in Muharraq Governorate highlights the war’s expansion to energy infrastructure.
Q4. Which airport was hit by Iranian drones on March 12, 2026, causing material damage but no casualties?
A) Kuwait International
B) Dubai International
C) Hamad International
D) King Fahd International
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Part of Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf allies of the U.S. and Israel.
Q5. What was the first India-bound crude tanker to successfully transit the Strait of Hormuz amid the 2026 Iran war, reaching Mumbai on March 12?
A) MT New Diamond
B) MT Empress
C) MV Wakashio
D) Shenlong
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Carrying 1.35 lakh tonnes of Saudi crude, it underscores India’s energy resilience.
Q6. In the ongoing 2026 Iran war, which U.S. military asset crashed in Iraq on March 12?
A) F-35 fighter jet
B) KC-135 refueling plane
C) MQ-9 Reaper drone
D) B-52 bomber
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Rescue operations were underway amid heightened regional threats.
Q7. Hezbollah launched over 200 rockets and 20 UAVs at northern Israel on March 12, 2026, in coordination with which conflict?
A) 2026 Lebanon War
B) Gaza Ceasefire
C) Yemen Houthi Strikes
D) Syrian Civil War
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Part of the integrated Iran-Hezbollah operations against Israel.
Q8. Which U.S. city saw a vehicle ramming attack on a synagogue on March 12, 2026, investigated as potential terrorism?
A) New York
B) Los Angeles
C) West Bloomfield, Michigan
D) Chicago
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Temple Israel attack with over 100 preschoolers inside raised domestic security concerns.
Q9. An ISIS-linked suspect carried out a deadly shooting at which U.S. university on March 12, 2026?
A) Harvard
B) Old Dominion University, Virginia
C) Stanford
D) University of Texas
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Killed one instructor and wounded two students.
Q10. Amid the Iran war, oil prices surged above what benchmark on March 12, 2026?
A) $100 per barrel
B) $110 per barrel
C) $120 per barrel
D) $150 per barrel
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Driven by Hormuz disruptions, affecting global economies including India.
World News & India (Questions 11-17)
Q11. On March 12, 2026, PM Modi spoke with Iran’s President Pezeshkian to express concern over what?
A) Nuclear deal revival
B) Chabahar Port development
C) Bilateral trade targets
D) Escalation of tensions and civilian casualties in West Asia
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: India emphasized de-escalation and protection of Indian interests.
Q12. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held how many recent calls with Iran’s Foreign Minister on shipping safety and energy security?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Focused on India’s maritime and energy vulnerabilities amid the crisis.
Q13. India’s LPG supply faced a shock on March 12, 2026, due to disruptions in which chokepoint?
A) Strait of Malacca
B) Strait of Hormuz
C) Panama Canal
D) Bering Strait
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: 90% of LPG imports affected, leading to conservation calls.
Q14. On March 12, 2026, India invoked the Essential Commodities Act to address shortages of what fuel?
A) Petrol
B) Diesel
C) LPG
D) CNG
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: To prioritize domestic supply amid war-induced imports halt.
Q15. What long-range swarm drone, capable of 1,000 km strikes, is India developing as of March 12, 2026?
A) Rustom-2
B) Sheshnaag-150
C) Nagastra
D) Prachand
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Enhances India’s indigenous defense capabilities.
Q16. DRDO and Indian Navy successfully tested which indigenous system on March 12, 2026?
A) BrahMos-II
B) Akash-NG
C) ADC-150
D) QRSAM
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Advanced anti-drone or coastal defense system.
Q17. Tourism to which high-altitude Sikkim lake resumed on March 12, 2026, after GLOF damage repair?
A) Tsomgo
B) Gurudongmar
C) Khecheopalri
D) Yuksom
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Revived after South Lhonak Lake disaster.
Indian Polity (Questions 18-23)
Q18. On March 12, 2026, the Supreme Court for the first time applied its 2018 framework to allow what for Harish Rana?
A) Capital punishment commutation
B) Passive euthanasia
C) Active euthanasia
D) Organ donation protocol
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Withdrawal of life support for the 32-year-old in vegetative state for 13 years.
Q19. The Supreme Court ruled on March 12, 2026, that parental income cannot be the sole criterion for determining what?
A) SC/ST creamy layer
B) EWS reservation
C) OBC creamy layer
D) Minority status
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Broadens access to OBC benefits beyond economic tests.
Q20. NITI Aayog released the second edition of which index on March 12, 2026, assessing 18 major states?
A) SDG Index
B) Innovation Index
C) Export Preparedness Index
D) Fiscal Health Index 2026
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Evaluates fiscal performance for evidence-based policymaking.
Q21. India’s revised GDP series, released recently, uses what base year as of March 2026?
A) 2011-12
B) 2020-21
C) 2022-23
D) 2014-15
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Updates economic data for accurate growth measurement.
Q22. Which body rejected a PIL on PM CARES Fund transparency on March 12, 2026, due to petitioner’s lack of understanding?
A) High Court
B) Supreme Court
C) NITI Aayog
D) CAG
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: CJI Surya Kant questioned the petitioner on legal terms.
Q23. On March 12, 2026, the Supreme Court referred challenges to anti-conversion laws of how many states to a three-judge bench?
A) 12
B) 10
C) 8
D) 15
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: At least 12 states’ laws under scrutiny.
Sports, Arts, Education & Others (Questions 24-30)
Q24. The TATA IPL 2026 schedule for the first 20 matches was released on March 12, 2026, starting from which date?
A) March 22
B) April 10
C) April 5
D) March 28
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Building excitement for the new season.
Q25. The World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 commenced on March 11-12 in which city?
A) Mumbai
B) New Delhi
C) Bengaluru
D) Chennai
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Showcasing India’s para-sports prowess.
Q26. On March 12, 2026, Harbhajan Singh expressed hope for a new champion in which league’s 2026 season?
A) IPL
B) Pro Kabaddi
C) ISL
D) I-League
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Wishing for fresh winners amid ongoing dominance.
Q27. India’s team postponed a T20 World Cup practice session on March 12, 2026, due to what astronomical event?
A) Solar eclipse
B) Lunar eclipse
C) Meteor shower
D) Comet sighting
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Avoiding “inauspicious hours” per tradition.
