Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-10)

1. What was the primary reason cited by India for protesting US actions in the Strait of Hormuz region around 13 June 2026?
A) Disruption of oil supplies to Europe
B) Attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian crew, resulting in deaths of Indian seafarers
C) Blockade of Indian naval vessels
D) Sanctions on Indian exports
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India lodged strong protests via EAM Jaishankar with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over US Navy strikes on vessels like Settebello, killing three Indian mariners. This highlighted risks to Indian seafarers amid US-Iran tensions.

2. Which strategic waterway was central to the US-Iran negotiations and potential deal reported on 13 June 2026?
A) Strait of Hormuz
B) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
C) Malacca Strait
D) Bosporus Strait
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: A US-Iran deal was nearing finalization, aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport, amid ongoing conflict.

3. What did PM Narendra Modi achieve around this period, making him the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history?
A) Completing 12 years in office
B) Winning a third consecutive term
C) Signing a major UNSC reform deal
D) Hosting the G20 Summit
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Modi completed 12 years as PM, a significant political milestone noted in current affairs coverage.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 12 June 2026, what significant development was reported regarding the 2026 Iran-US conflict?
A) Complete withdrawal of US forces from the region
B) Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif stating a ceasefire deal has a “final, agreed upon text”
C) Iran declaring full victory in the Strait of Hormuz
D) UNSC imposing new sanctions on both nations
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Pakistani PM highlighted progress toward ending the war, with Iranian FM Araghchi noting the deal was close, involving ceasefire extension, Strait of Hormuz reopening, and nuclear talks.

Q2. India condemned US strikes on which vessels in the Gulf of Oman around 11-12 June 2026?
A) Chinese fishing boats
B) Pakistani naval vessels
C) Merchant ships/tankers with Indian crew, resulting in sailor deaths
D) Iranian oil tankers exclusively
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Multiple strikes targeted boats with Indian crews; India summoned the US Deputy Chief of Mission. One incident killed three Indian sailors.

Q3. What did Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi state about the Strait of Hormuz post-conflict?
A) It would remain fully international waters
B) It would come under Iranian and Omani sovereignty with fees
C) It would be closed indefinitely
D) Control handed to UN peacekeeping forces
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This reflects post-war shifts in control and potential economic implications for global energy routes.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1–10)

1. Which of the following statements about recent developments in the Middle East is correct?
A) Russia has announced full withdrawal from all conflict zones
B) The United States has threatened military action against Iran and resumed strikes
C) Iran has captured Kharg Island
D) No new US military involvement has been reported
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Multiple reports on 11 June 2026 highlighted US threats of invasion and resumption of strikes on Iran.

2. Russian troops facing supply disruptions in a conflict zone were reported to be without which essential resource?
A) Ammunition
B) Fuel
C) Water
D) Medical supplies
Correct Answer: C.

3. The statement “US WILL TAKE KHARG ISLAND” was associated with which expert’s analysis?
A) Lt Col Daniel Davis
B) Matt Lauer
C) Rob Fox
D) Spencer Pratt
Correct Answer: A.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-10)

Q1. What triggered the latest US strikes on Iran around 10 June 2026?
A) Iranian nuclear tests
B) Downing of a US Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz
C) Cyber attacks on US bases
D) Oil embargo on Europe
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: US retaliatory strikes followed the incident; Iran responded with attacks on US-linked targets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, etc., escalating tensions.

Q2. According to recent developments, which country’s Revolutionary Guards claimed strikes on the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain?
A) Israel
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Iran
D) Yemen
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Part of tit-for-tat actions in the 2026 Iran-related crisis.

Q3. SIPRI Yearbook 2026 highlighted India’s nuclear developments. What milestone did it report for the first time?
A) Testing of new ICBM
B) Deployment of ~12 nuclear warheads (mated with delivery systems, including on SSBNs)
C) Signing of NPT
D) Reduction in arsenal size
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India’s stockpile ~190 warheads; shift toward operational deployment while maintaining no-first-use.