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.
Q4. India purchased its first Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cargo in years on/around 26 March 2026 following:
A) A complete US sanctions lift
B) Temporary US sanction relief
C) UN mediation
D) Bilateral trade pact with Pakistan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Temporary easing of US sanctions on Iranian oil and fuels enabled the purchase.
Q5. Where was External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participating in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting on 26 March 2026, with West Asia and Strait of Hormuz as key agenda items?
A) New Delhi
B) Beijing
C) Moscow
D) France
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: France invited India; Jaishankar held bilaterals with US, Canada, Germany, etc.
Q6. On 26 March 2026, Israel claimed to have eliminated which senior Iranian military figure in an overnight strike?
A) Supreme Leader’s advisor
B) IRGC navy commander Commodore Alireza Tangsiri
C) Foreign Minister
D) President’s chief of staff
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The strike targeted the commander overseeing Strait of Hormuz operations.
Q7. US President Donald Trump postponed his planned visit to China (rescheduled for May 2026) primarily due to:
A) The ongoing Iran war
B) Trade disputes
C) Domestic elections
D) Climate summit
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Iran conflict led to the postponement of the Xi Jinping summit.
Q8. India’s private sector growth hit a 3-year low in March 2026 mainly because of:
A) Domestic policy changes
B) Demand sapped by Middle East war price shocks
C) Monsoon failure
D) RBI rate hike
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Reuters survey highlighted West Asia conflict impact on oil prices and demand.
Q9. Which historical analogy did reports draw regarding Pakistan’s mediation role in US-Iran talks (as discussed on 26 March 2026)?
A) Nixon’s China opening
B) Bangladesh liberation
C) Both A and B
D) Cold War detente
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Media noted parallels with Nixon-era secret talks and 1971 events.
Q10. Iran rejected the US 15-point ceasefire proposal and instead demanded:
A) Immediate troop withdrawal only
B) War reparations and sovereignty over Strait of Hormuz
C) Nuclear recognition
D) UN sanctions removal
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran issued its own conditions while continuing exchanges with Israel.
Q11. Seven fishermen from which Indian state were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on 26 March 2026 for alleged poaching?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Kerala
C) Gujarat
D) Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Two mechanized trawlers were impounded near Neduntheevu.
Q12. Nayara Energy raised petrol and diesel prices by ?5 and ?3 per litre respectively on 26 March 2026 due to:
A) Domestic tax changes
B) Global oil price surge post-West Asia war
C) Subsidy withdrawal
D) refinery shutdown
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Reflects international crude volatility amid the conflict.
Indian Polity & Governance – (Questions 13-19)
Q13. The government informed Rajya Sabha on 26 March 2026 that questions related to caste will be notified:
A) After Census 2027 completion
B) Never, due to privacy concerns
C) Only in urban areas
D) Before the second phase of Census 2027
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Clarification on enumeration for the upcoming Census.
Q14. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met tribal leaders on 26 March 2026 opposing which major infrastructure project?
A) Mumbai Coastal Road
B) Great Nicobar Project
C) Bullet Train
D) Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: He assured them he would raise concerns in Parliament and visit the islands.
Q15. India updated its climate goals on 26 March 2026, pledging that by 2035, 60% of installed electric capacity will be from:
A) Non-fossil fuel sources
B) Coal only
C) Nuclear only
D) Imported LNG
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Enhanced clean-energy ambition announced.
Q16. Data released on 26 March 2026 showed a significant increase in China border patrols by Indo-Tibetan Border Police after:
A) 2017 Doklam standoff
B) 2020 Galwan Valley clash
C) 2022 LAC disengagement
D) 2024 trade pact
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Post-Galwan (20 Indian soldiers killed) patrolling intensified.
Q17. Experts flagged on 26 March 2026 that a non-functional NavIC satellite has limited India’s ability to use the system for:
A) Security and strategic purposes
B) Commercial GPS only
C) Weather forecasting
D) Agriculture monitoring
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Raises concerns over continued reliance on foreign navigation systems.
Q18. The Rajya Sabha passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 (following Lok Sabha clearance) on:
A) 26 March
B) 25 March
C) February
D) Not passed yet
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Cleared amid uproar; key recent polity development.
Q19. Which bill was listed for introduction in Parliament around late March 2026 (related to corporate reforms)?
A) Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026
B) Citizenship Amendment Bill
C) Farm Laws Repeal
D) None
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Part of ongoing legislative agenda.
Sports & Other Current Affairs – (Questions 20-28)
Q20. On 26 March 2026, the BCCI announced the senior men’s team 2026-27 home season schedule, including how many ODIs (ensuring more matches for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma)?
A) 3
B) 6
C) 9
D) 12
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Nine ODIs announced as part of the 22-match home fixtures.
Q21. The BCCI 2026-27 home schedule announcement on 26 March 2026 covers matches against:
A) Only Australia
B) Multiple teams including Zimbabwe to Australia
C) Only England
D) Pakistan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Full international home season fixtures unveiled.
Q22. India’s recent T20 World Cup success (back-to-back titles) was referenced in sports commentary around March 2026; the next goal mentioned by captain Suryakumar Yadav is:
A) Test Championship
B) No further goals
C) Asia Cup only
D) Olympic gold in 2028
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Cricket returns to Olympics in LA 2028.
Q23. Asian Games 2026 cricket schedule (announced earlier but relevant) has men’s medal matches on:
A) September 17
B) October 3
C) November
D) Not confirmed
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Part of ongoing cricket calendar relevance.
Q24. Ram Navami 2026 falls on 26 March; many Indian schools/colleges observe it as a holiday under:
A) Only central government directive
B) Summer break start
C) No holiday
D) State-wise festival holidays
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Cultural/religious holiday context for education current affairs.
Q25. International Film Festival 2026 reportedly kicked off around this period at:
A) Bharat Mandapam
B) Mumbai
C) Kolkata
D) Not held
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Arts/culture event mentioned in school assembly/current affairs roundups.
Q26. India’s clean-energy pledge of 60% non-fossil power by 2035 is part of its updated:
A) NDC under Paris Agreement
B) Domestic coal policy
C) Nuclear expansion only
D) Import strategy
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Environment & international commitment.
Q27. Which factor was NOT cited as impacting India’s energy security on 26 March 2026?
A) Strait of Hormuz disruptions
B) Domestic production increase in LPG
C) Complete independence from imports
D) Ongoing West Asia conflict
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India still relies on imports but has buffers.
Q28. For UPSC aspirants, the 26 March 2026 events primarily test which GS papers?
A) Only GS-1
B) GS-2 (IR & Polity) + GS-3 (Economy & Security)
C) Only GS-4 Ethics
D) Prelims CSAT only
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Multi-dimensional current affairs linkage (typical UPSC integration).
