Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-10)
1. Regarding the 2026 Iran war and Strait of Hormuz crisis, which of the following statements is correct?
A) Iran has fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz following a complete ceasefire with the US.
B) US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian offer to end the closure of the Strait in exchange for lifting the naval blockade, insisting on nuclear program concessions.
C) Pakistan has publicly mediated a breakthrough in US-Iran talks.
D) The Japanese-flagged tanker Idemitsu Maru was the first to cross the Strait without any diplomatic efforts.
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: On April 29, 2026, reports indicated Trump rejected Iran’s proposal, prioritizing the blockade until nuclear issues are addressed. Pakistan was reportedly working silently behind the scenes on a new formula, while Japan confirmed the first successful crossing of a Japanese tanker since the conflict escalated.
2. What significant development occurred involving the USS Gerald R. Ford in the context of the 2026 US military posture in the Middle East?
A) It is scheduled to exit the Middle East and return to Virginia around mid-May after a record 10-month deployment.
B) It was deployed for the first time near the Strait of Hormuz.
C) It was damaged in an Iranian asymmetric attack.
D) It conducted joint exercises with Israeli forces in the Mediterranean.
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Washington Post reported the carrier’s impending departure after an extended deployment amid the Iran conflict.
3. Which country announced its exit from OPEC and OPEC+ on or around April 29, 2026, potentially weakening the cartel’s influence?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) United Arab Emirates (UAE)
C) Russia
D) Venezuela
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The UAE’s departure was a notable development amid shifting global oil dynamics and energy transitions, with implications for India’s energy security.
4. What was reported about Pakistan’s role in US-Iran ceasefire negotiations as of April 29, 2026?
A) Pakistan openly opposed any deal involving the Strait of Hormuz.
B) Pakistan joined US-led naval operations in the Gulf.
C) Pakistan withdrew diplomatic support for Iran.
D) Pakistan is working silently to break the deadlock, including proposing a new formula for the Strait and Iran’s nuclear program.
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Anadolu Agency via Pakistan Today highlighted quiet diplomatic efforts by Pakistan.
5. King Charles III made a state visit to the US and addressed a joint meeting of Congress on or around April 29, 2026. What was a key theme in related coverage?
A) Calls for immediate military alliance against Iran.
B) Delivering a message to Congress during the state visit.
C) Announcing UK withdrawal from international climate pacts.
D) Focusing solely on trade deals with US states.
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Coverage emphasized the King’s address amid transatlantic relations.
6. In the context of the 2026 Iran war, what did US President Trump reportedly prepare for regarding Iran?
A) Immediate ground invasion.
B) Unilateral lifting of all sanctions.
C) An extended naval blockade.
D) Full diplomatic recognition of the current Iranian regime.
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Reports noted preparations for a prolonged blockade to pressure Iran on its nuclear program.
7. Which incident in London on April 29, 2026, was described by police as a terrorist attack with a possible political motive?
A) A stabbing attack in Golders Green injuring two Jewish men, with an Iran-linked group claiming responsibility.
B) A bombing in central London.
C) A cyber attack on UK infrastructure.
D) A protest turning violent outside Parliament.
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The attack was linked by some reports to antisemitism during the Iran war context.
8. What was the reported cost milestone of the US involvement in the 2026 Iran war by late April?
A) Under $5 billion.
B) No significant costs reported.
C) Over $100 billion.
D) Reaching around $25 billion with a shaky ceasefire holding.
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Coverage noted the financial toll amid stalled progress.
9. Which Indian state assembly elections saw Phase 2 polling on April 29, 2026, covering 142 seats including areas in Kolkata?
A) West Bengal
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Kerala
D) Assam
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: High voter turnout (over 91% in some reports) was recorded in the second and final phase, with ECI directing NIA vigilance against disruptions like bomb use.
10. Exit polls for assembly elections in multiple states (including Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala) were discussed on April 29, 2026. Which party was projected strongly in Tamil Nadu by some polls?
A) AIADMK
B) BJP
C) DMK
D) Congress alone
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Exit polls suggested DMK strength in Tamil Nadu alongside other regional projections.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 11-16)
11. The Election Commission of India (ECI) took what specific step ahead of West Bengal Phase 2 polling on April 29, 2026?
A) Postponed polling indefinitely.
B) Banned all social media campaigning.
C) Allowed foreign observers in sensitive booths.
D) Asked the NIA to ensure bombs are not used to disrupt polls or target workers.
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Security measures were heightened due to past concerns over violence in the state.
12. Which constitutional or legal topic saw continued discussion in Indian media around late April 2026, including potential links to delimitation and women’s reservation?
A) Article 370 abrogation review.
B) 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill related to delimitation and women’s reservation.
C) Complete repeal of the RTI Act.
D) Introduction of a new emergency provision.
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Analysis linked it to ongoing electoral and representation reforms.
13. In the context of Indian foreign policy, what unified approach did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh seek from SCO members?
A) On climate change targets only.
B) Joint space exploration missions.
C) A unified approach to end the menace of terrorism.
D) Complete economic integration.
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: This reflects India’s consistent stance on counter-terrorism at multilateral forums.
14. NITI Aayog released a roadmap titled DPI@2047. What does DPI primarily refer to in this context?
A) Defence Production Initiative
B) Digital Public Infrastructure
C) District Prosperity Index
D) Disaster Preparedness Index
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The roadmap focuses on inclusive growth through digital infrastructure for livelihoods and prosperity by 2047.
15. The Supreme Court or High Courts were in news for actions related to which of the following on or near April 29, 2026?
A) Acquitting convicts in an Assam murder case due to probe lapses.
B) Banning all assembly elections.
C) Directing immediate delimitation in all states.
D) Declaring federalism unconstitutional.
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The apex court highlighted gaping holes in the 2008 Assam murder case probe.
16. Discussions around the RTE Act in Indian education context emphasized what key idea?
A) Complete privatization of schools.
B) Elimination of all reservations.
C) Social inclusion.
D) Focus only on higher education.
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Analysis linked it to broader equity in schooling.
Sports (Questions 17-21)
17. In badminton, what was the result of India’s match against China in the Thomas Cup group stage around April 29, 2026?
A) India won 3-0.
B) India lost 2-3.
C) Match abandoned due to weather.
D) India won 5-0.
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India faced a close defeat in the group stage.
18. In IPL 2026, a notable young talent made headlines by helping Rajasthan Royals chase a high target against Punjab Kings. Who was the 15-year-old sensation mentioned?
A) Sachin Tendulkar’s son
B) A 15-year-old bowler from Delhi
C) Sooryavanshi
D) No such event; it was a senior player.
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The young player stunned observers in the high-scoring chase.
19. Kumar Sangakkara, as Rajasthan Royals head coach, commented on a win over Punjab Kings. What was the general tone?
A) Criticism of team performance.
B) Focus only on individual brilliance.
C) Announcement of retirement.
D) Credit to the entire team for stepping up under pressure.
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: He praised collective effort.
20. In table tennis, what did the Indian women’s team achieve around April 29, 2026?
A) Lost to China heavily.
B) Beat Ukraine at the World Team Championships.
C) Withdrew from the event.
D) Won the overall title.
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Positive result for India (W) in the championships.
21. Which cricket-related unwanted record was created by Delhi Capitals earlier in IPL 2026?
A) Dramatic collapse to very low scores (Under 10/6 in powerplay).
B) Highest team total.
C) Most sixes in an innings.
D) Perfect win record.
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The “curse of April 27” saw a historic low powerplay score.
Arts, Education, Literature & Miscellaneous Current Affairs (Questions 22-28)
22. Heavy rains and hailstorms affected which Indian city on April 29, 2026, disrupting normal life?
A) Mumbai
B) Bengaluru
C) Delhi
D) Hyderabad
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Thunderstorms and hail threw life out of gear in the city.
23. In education/news, which US state board gave preliminary approval to a required reading list that includes Bible material, set to start in public schools later?
A) California
B) Florida
C) New York
D) Texas
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The Texas State Board of Education’s move sparked discussions on curriculum diversity.
24. NITI Aayog’s DPI@2047 roadmap aims at what long-term vision for India?
A) Military dominance by 2047.
B) Complete self-reliance in oil by 2047.
C) Inclusive, productivity-led growth through digital public infrastructure.
D) Elimination of all welfare schemes.
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: It focuses on phases for livelihoods and prosperity.
25. Which environmental or wildlife survey was initiated by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department around this period?
A) Tiger census.
B) Third synchronised survey of the Nilgiri Tahr.
C) Great Indian Bustard count.
D) Coral reef mapping.
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Conservation efforts for the endemic species.
26. In arts/literature context, what event related to high school students was scheduled or held around April 29, 2026?
A) Final competition for Poetry Out Loud Nationals.
B) International Booker Prize announcement.
C) Sahitya Akademi awards only for fiction.
D) No notable event.
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Advancing state champions to nationals.
27. India signed or advanced an FTA with which country around this period, aiming for 100% duty-free access and significant investment?
A) China
B) Iran
C) Russia
D) New Zealand
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The deal was highlighted in bilateral ties.
28. Which global health or conflict-related organisation was mentioned in broader current affairs contexts (e.g., historical triggers)?
A) Only WHO.
B) Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), founded in response to the 1970s Nigeria war and famine.
C) Amnesty International only.
D) None.
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Background discussions on humanitarian responses in ongoing global crises.
