Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics & World News Involving India (Questions 1-10)

1. On 1 April 2026 (reported prominently on 2 April), Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a special meeting of which committee to review India’s preparedness amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, including measures for petroleum products (LNG/LPG) and power supply?
A. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
B. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
C. National Security Advisory Board
D. Empowered Group of Ministers on Energy Security
Correct Answer: B. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
Explanation: The CCS reviewed inter-ministerial actions to ensure energy security and mitigate impacts of the US-Israel-Iran conflict on India’s oil imports and supplies.

2. US President Donald Trump, in statements reported on 2 April 2026, claimed Iran sought a ceasefire but ruled it out until the reopening of which strategic waterway, while warning of a possible ‘Stone Age’ strike in 2-3 weeks?
A. Ab el-Mandeb Strait
B. Suez Canal
C. Strait of Hormuz
D. Malacca Strait
Correct Answer: C. Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: Trump’s remarks (denied by Iran as “false”) came amid escalating West Asia tensions; the Strait of Hormuz is critical for global oil supplies, directly affecting India’s energy security.

3. Due to the West Asia crisis and global fuel volatility reported on 2 April 2026, by how much did commercial LPG prices increase per 19-kg cylinder in India?
A. ?100
B. ?195.5
C. ?300
D. ?150
Correct Answer: B. ?195.5
Explanation: The hike (approximately 10%) impacted businesses and led to reverse migration trends in cities like Mumbai; the government capped certain hikes to balance consumer and oil company interests.

Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 1-10)

Q1. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the upcoming Census 2027?
A) The first phase (Houselisting) begins on 1 April 2026 with digital self-enumeration
B) Caste enumeration will be part of the first phase
C) Delimitation of constituencies will be based on the 2011 Census data
D) The exercise will not trigger any delimitation process
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The first phase of Census 2027 (Houselisting & Housing Census) starts 1 April 2026 with a 15-day self-enumeration window.

Q2. In the context of the Harish Rana v. Union of India (2026) case, the Supreme Court reaffirmed which right under Article 21?
A) Right to privacy only
B) Right to die with dignity, including withdrawal of life support and CANH
C) Right to free legal aid
D) Right against self-incrimination
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The Court upheld passive euthanasia, patient autonomy and advance directives, calling “passive euthanasia” an outdated term and emphasising palliative care alongside withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition/hydration.

Q3. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 received Presidential assent on:
A) 25 March 2026
B) 30 March 2026
C) 31 March 2026
D) 1 April 2026
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: President Droupadi Murmu gave assent on 30 March 2026 (gazette notification); the Bill was passed by both Houses earlier amid Opposition concerns over dignity provisions.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

1. On 31 March 2026, US President Donald Trump indicated that the United States would exit the ongoing Iran war within how many weeks, even without a formal deal with Tehran?
A) 1 week
B) 2–3 weeks
C) 4–6 weeks
D) Indefinitely
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump stated the US could leave Iran in 2–3 weeks after neutralising key Iranian capabilities, signalling a potential end to the 2026 Iran conflict.

2. The 2026 Iran war has severely disrupted oil supplies through which critical waterway, leading to LPG shortages and rising energy costs in India?
A) Strait of Malacca
B) Strait of Hormuz
C) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz (carrying ~20% of global oil) have triggered India’s nationwide cooking fuel crisis and higher import bills.

3. India’s private sector recorded its slowest growth in three years in March 2026 primarily due to:
A) Domestic policy changes
B) Strong rupee appreciation
C) Price shocks from the Middle East (Iran) war dampening demand
D) Record agricultural output
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The Iran conflict caused oil price spikes and supply-chain disruptions, hitting domestic demand while international orders hit a record high.