Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics & World News (IR) – (Questions 1-9)

Q1. In the ongoing 2026 Iran war, which Iranian official was assassinated by Israel in a Tehran airstrike on/around 18 March 2026?
A) Ali Larijani
B) Esmaeil Khatib (Intelligence Minister)
C) President of Iran
D) Foreign Minister
Correct: B.
Explanation: Israel targeted Iranian intelligence leadership amid escalations; part of broader strikes on energy sites like South Pars. Key for GS2 IR – proxy conflicts & energy security.

Q2. Iran launched a missile attack on which facility in Qatar causing extensive damage to the world’s largest LNG export site?
A) South Pars
B) Ras Laffan Industrial City
C) Ras Tanura
D) Strait of Hormuz terminal
Correct: B.
Explanation: Led to Qatar declaring Iranian officials persona non grata. Highlights force majeure invocations by Gulf nations & global oil/LNG shocks affecting India’s LPG imports.

Q3. India’s LPG consumption slumped by what percentage in early March 2026 due to West Asia war disruptions?
A) 5%
B) 26%
C) 17.7%
D) 40%
Correct: C.
Explanation: Fell to 1.147 MT; direct impact of Hormuz tensions & force majeure. Relevant for GS3 Economy & Environment (energy security).

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

1. The Indian Navy on 17 March 2026 deployed warships to escort Indian-flagged merchant vessels through which vulnerable waterway following tensions in West Asia?
A) Strait of Malacca
B) Gulf of Oman (after crossing Strait of Hormuz)
C) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Warships escorted vessels including INS Shivalik, Nanda Devi and Jag Laadki to ensure safe transit amid US-Iran-Israel conflict spillover. This demonstrates India’s proactive maritime security role under Operation Sankalp-like frameworks.

2. Which statement accurately reflects India’s position on the ongoing West Asia conflict as conveyed by Israel’s Ambassador to India on 17 March 2026?
A) India supports perpetual military action against Iran
B) India has mediated a ceasefire
C) Israel does not seek perpetual war with Iran and keeps diplomatic options open
D) Pakistan is backing Iran militarily
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Ambassador Reuven Azar clarified Israel’s stance post the February 2026 strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, highlighting diplomacy if Iran changes course.

3. On 17 March 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged the U.S. to address which specific issue while criticising a US Commission report?
A) Attacks on Indian diplomatic missions
B) Extradition of fugitives
C) Trade tariff disputes
D) Vandalism against Hindu temples in the U.S.
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted distortions in the US Commission on International Religious Freedom report and called for focus on temple attacks in the US.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On March 16, 2026, which country launched drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates, killing a Palestinian man in Abu Dhabi and forcing the temporary closure of a major airport?
A) Israel
B) Iran
C) USA
D) Hezbollah
Answer: B. Iran
Explanation: Iran conducted drone strikes on UAE targets amid the ongoing 2026 Iran war, leading to the closure of Dubai International Airport. This highlights escalating regional tensions.

Q2. The Israeli Air Force completely destroyed which Iranian facility in central Tehran on March 16, 2026, citing its use for space warfare against Israeli satellites?
A) Natanz Nuclear Facility
B) Kharg Island Oil Terminal
C) Iranian Space Research Center
D) Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant
Answer: C. Iranian Space Research Center
Explanation: The strike targeted potential space-based threats, part of intensified Israel-Iran conflict.

Q3. Which senior commander of Kata’ib Hezbollah was killed in an airstrike in Baghdad on March 16, 2026?
A) Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis
B) Abu Ali al-Askari
C) Qasem Soleimani
D) Hassan Nasrallah
Answer: B. Abu Ali al-Askari
Explanation: The targeted killing occurred amid broader attacks on Iran-aligned groups in Iraq.