Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-8)

Q1. Which strait is currently in focus due to escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, known as the “Gate of Tears” and linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean?
A) Strait of Hormuz
B) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
C) Malacca Strait
D) Bering Strait
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The Bab el-Mandeb Strait’s strategic importance has increased amid West Asia tensions, affecting global shipping and energy routes to India.

Q2. In the context of the West Asia crisis, what did Prime Minister Narendra Modi state on 30 March 2026?
A) India supports military action against Iran
B) India will mediate between US and Iran
C) “Challenging times” for the region
D) Complete withdrawal of Indian assets from the region
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: PM highlighted “challenging times” amid the ongoing West Asia crisis involving Iran-US tensions.

Q3. India is coordinating with BRICS nations primarily for what purpose amid disruptions in West Asia?
A) Joint military exercises
B) Ensuring energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz
C) Establishing a new trade bloc
D) Cultural exchange programs
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: BRICS coordination focuses on securing energy supply chains through the Strait of Hormuz amid conflict-related disruptions.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1–10)

Q1. On 29 March 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann ki Baat address, stated that India is facing the challenges arising from the Israel-Iran conflict resolutely primarily because of:
A) Domestic oil reserves alone
B) Global relations, assistance from friendly countries, and capabilities built over the past decade
C) Unilateral sanctions on West Asian nations
D) Complete withdrawal from the Strait of Hormuz trade route
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: PM Modi highlighted India’s diplomatic balancing and diversified energy partnerships amid the ongoing West Asia conflict (Day 29 of the war).

Q2. India strongly opposed the incorporation of which agreement into the WTO framework as an Annex 4 Agreement at the 14th Ministerial Conference held in Yaounde, Cameroon?
A) Trade Facilitation Agreement
B) Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
C) China-led Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement
D) Digital Economy Partnership Agreement
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the IFD Agreement risks eroding WTO’s core principles.

Q3. Amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the West Asia conflict, which grouping did India confirm is actively coordinating to ensure uninterrupted energy flows?
A) QUAD
B) BRICS nations
C) G7
D) SCO
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: MEA spokesperson confirmed BRICS coordination; four Indian LPG shipments had already crossed safely.

Geopolitics and World News (Questions 1-10)

1. Which massive anti-Trump protest movement, described as potentially one of the largest in US history, saw over 3,100 events and an estimated 9+ million participants on 28 March 2026?
A) Black Lives Matter resurgence
B) No Kings rallies
C) Women’s March revival
D) Climate Strike Global
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The “No Kings” protests on 28 March 2026 targeted Trump’s authoritarian style, hardline immigration policies, climate denial, diversity cuts, and the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. Events spanned US cities, suburbs, rural areas.

2. On 28 March 2026, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis carried out their first attack on Israel in the current West Asia war. This development is most directly linked to:
A) Escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict
B) Widening of the US-Israel war on Iran
C) Saudi-Iran peace deal revival
D) India’s Neighbourhood First policy
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The strike marked a new phase in the month-old Iran war, heightening regional tensions and impacting energy security for countries like India.

3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level review on 27-28 March 2026 regarding the West Asia crisis. What key Indian assets were reported as being affected by Strait of Hormuz tensions on 28 March?
A) Five India-bound LPG ships anchored north of Dubai-Ras Al Khaimah (two carriers crossing)
B) All Indian naval vessels recalled from the Gulf
C) Complete halt of crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia
D) Suspension of all flights to West Asia
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: BW Tyr (BPCL) and BW Elm (HPCL) were among vessels navigating the volatile Strait amid the Iran war; India is monitoring supply-chain disruptions.

Geopolitics – (Questions 1-11)

Q1. On 27 March 2026, which country granted passage through the Strait of Hormuz exclusively to “friendly nations” including India, Pakistan and three others amid the ongoing West Asia conflict?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Iran
C) United Arab Emirates
D) Israel
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran allowed select friendly nations access to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which handles ~20% of global oil trade, to ease supply pressures on allies during the US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Q2. What is the primary objective of Operation Urja Suraksha launched by the Indian Navy in response to developments in the Strait of Hormuz on 27 March 2026?
A) Safe transit of India-bound crude oil, LNG and LPG shipments
B) Joint naval exercises with France
C) Humanitarian aid to conflict zones
D) Anti-piracy patrols in the Arabian Sea
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The operation focuses on maritime security for India’s energy imports amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Q3. On 27 March 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with his French counterpart on the security of which critical maritime chokepoint?
A) Malacca Strait
B) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
C) Strait of Hormuz
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India and France emphasised joint efforts for security of the Strait of Hormuz during the G7-related engagements.