Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-10)
Q1. On 14 May 2026, where did US President Donald Trump meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for high-stakes talks covering trade, Taiwan, and the Iran/Hormuz crisis?
A) Shanghai
B) Beijing
C) Washington D.C.
D) Singapore
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The summit marked Trump’s first visit to China in nine years. Discussions focused on stabilizing US-China ties, AI chips, Boeing orders, and urging China to influence Iran on the Strait of Hormuz.
Q2. What warning did Xi Jinping issue during the Trump-Xi summit regarding Taiwan?
A) Potential “conflict” over Taiwan
B) Support for immediate reunification
C) Economic sanctions on the US
D) Invitation for joint military exercises
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Xi emphasized stable ties but warned of risks over Taiwan amid broader geopolitical tensions.
Q3. India hosted a BRICS-related meeting in May 2026 amid tensions with Pakistan over its potential membership. What bloc is central to this dispute?
A) QUAD
B) SCO
C) BRICS
D) G20
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India has historically opposed Pakistan’s entry into BRICS; the issue resurfaced during India’s hosting of BRICS events.
Q4. The ongoing 2026 Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions prompted warnings from which Indian official about potential fuel price hikes?
A) Finance Minister
B) Petroleum Minister
C) External Affairs Minister
D) RBI Governor
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: RBI Governor highlighted India’s energy import dependence and risks to oil prices/fertilizers due to Middle East instability.
Q5. Which country’s Deputy Foreign Minister attended the BRICS National Coordinators Meeting in New Delhi around 13-14 May 2026?
A) Russia
B) Iran
C) Brazil
D) South Africa
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran engaged actively amid its ongoing conflict.
Q6. In the context of the Iran war, what US action in the Strait of Hormuz involves securing neutral shipping?
A) Operation Project Freedom
B) Operation Desert Storm
C) Freedom Sentinel
D) Hormuz Alliance
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: US Navy operations to guide vessels through the chokepoint.
Q7. Recent Israel-Lebanon tensions (despite ceasefire) saw strikes killing civilians, including children, on or around 14 May 2026. Which country hosted peace talks?
A) US
B) Egypt
C) Qatar
D) France
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Trump administration hosted Israeli and Lebanese diplomats.
Q8. What major defence/indigenous manufacturing event was inaugurated in New Delhi on 14 May 2026?
A) DefExpo
B) Aero India
C) Kalam & Kavach 3.0
D) Naval Innovation Summit
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Focused on Aatmanirbharta, tri-service integration, and iDEX.
Q9. Which initiative did the Supreme Court launch alongside an AI-powered chatbot on or around 14 May 2026?
A) One Nation One Data
B) One Case One Data
C) Digital Judiciary Mission
D) e-Court 4.0
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Aimed at judicial efficiency.
Q10. India–UAE CEPA has led to rising imports of which commodity, impacting the current account deficit?
A) Oil
B) Automobiles
C) Electronics
D) Gold and silver
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Government doubled duties in response.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 11-19)
Q11. Who was named the Congress candidate for Kerala Chief Minister on 14 May 2026?
A) K. Sudhakaran
B) V.D. Satheesan
C) Rahul Gandhi
D) Pinarayi Vijayan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Congress high command announced V.D. Satheesan amid leadership changes post-elections.
Q12. The Election Commission of India (ECI) rolled out which phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in multiple states on 14 May 2026?
A) Phase 1
B) Nationwide Summary Revision
C) Phase 3 (in 16 States, 3 UTs)
D) Voter List Cleanup
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Focused on electoral roll accuracy.
Q13. Protests occurred outside the NTA office on 14 May 2026 related to which exam controversy?
A) NEET 2026 paper leak
B) UPSC CSE
C) JEE Advanced
D) CLAT
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Credibility crisis in competitive examinations.
Q14. In Tamil Nadu, who won a floor test with 144 votes amid AIADMK divisions?
A) MK Stalin
B) O. Panneerselvam
C) Edappadi Palaniswami
D) Vijay
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Political realignments.
Q15. West Bengal government made which song mandatory in school morning assemblies?
A) Vande Mataram
B) Jana Gana Mana
C) Sare Jahan Se Achha
D) Saare Jahaan Se Achha
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s composition.
Q16. Which temple in Karnataka reported record revenue of ?167.89 crore in 2025-26?
A) Tirupati Balaji
B) Kukke Subrahmanya Temple
C) Sabarimala
D) Golden Temple
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Popular Nagaradhana temple.
Q17. The government hiked MSP for which season’s crops while farm groups flagged trade deal impacts?
A) Kharif
B) Rabi
C) Zaid
D) Summer
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Agricultural policy updates.
Q18. Sikkim is noted as India’s first fully paperless judiciary state. This relates to which GS paper?
A) GS1
B) GS3
C) GS2 (Polity/Governance)
D) GS4
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Digital governance and judicial reforms.
Q19. RBI Governor warned of rupee weakening below what level against USD amid global pressures?
A) 80
B) 95
C) 85
D) 100
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Linked to oil imports and CAD.
Environment, Disasters & Society (Questions 20-21)
Q20. Severe storms devastated which Indian state on 14 May 2026, killing over 100 people?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Bihar
C) Rajasthan
D) Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Deadly storms with strong winds and dust.
Q21. Nicobarese communities opposed creation of wildlife sanctuaries linked to which mega project?
A) Vizhinjam Port
B) Great Nicobar Project
C) Mumbai Coastal Road
D) Bullet Train
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Environmental and tribal concerns.
Sports & Miscellaneous (Questions 22-26)
Q22. In IPL 2026 on 14 May, which team defeated Punjab Kings with Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 75?
A) Chennai Super Kings
B) Mumbai Indians
C) Royal Challengers Bengaluru
D) Kolkata Knight Riders
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Jasprit Bumrah captained MI; PBKS playoff hopes dented.
Q23. Captaincy changes were under consideration for which IPL franchises after poor 2026 seasons?
A) MI, CSK, RCB
B) PBKS only
C) SRH, RR, GT
D) DC, LSG, KKR
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Post-season reviews.
Q24. Lalit Modi commented on PBKS’s “downward spiral” and backed which teams for IPL 2026 playoffs?
A) MI and RCB
B) SRH and DC
C) CSK or RR
D) KKR and LSG
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Playoff race analysis.
Q25. Which education-related controversy gained attention around mid-May 2026?
A) NEET paper leak protests
B) UPSC age limit change
C) IIT fee hike
D) RTE implementation
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Governance of competitive exams.
Q26. The Habitat Film Festival (18th edition) in Delhi focused on which theme starting mid-May 2026?
A) Climate Change
B) Resilience
C) Women Empowerment
D) Digital India
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Cultural event.
