Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On 23 May 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India to address tensions arising from which US policy?
A) High tariffs on Indian exports
B) Arms embargo on Taiwan
C) Withdrawal from Indo-Pacific alliances
D) Ban on H-1B visas
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Rubio aimed to reassure India amid President Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including high tariffs linked to Russian oil purchases and broader US-India trade frictions.

Q2. What significant diplomatic elevation occurred during the visit of Cyprus President to India around 22-23 May 2026?
A) EU Accession Support Agreement
B) Defence Pact against Turkey
C) Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
D) Energy Corridor Deal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India and Cyprus elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on convergence in regional issues and bilateral cooperation.

Q3. India’s BRICS Presidency in 2026 emphasizes which key global governance reform?
A) UN Security Council expansion
B) WTO Dispute Settlement revival
C) IMF Quota reforms only
D) NATO expansion guidelines
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: As BRICS chair, India pushes for UN reforms and multipolarity amid global shifts.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 22 May 2026, which country’s Army Chief visited Tehran to mediate in the ongoing US-Iran ceasefire talks?
A) Qatar
B) Pakistan
C) Saudi Arabia
D) Turkey
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Pakistan Army field marshal Asim Munir visited Tehran amid efforts by Pakistan and Qatar to broker a deal between the US and Iran. This highlights Pakistan’s role in Middle East diplomacy.

Q2. What was the primary obstacle mentioned by Iranian officials in US-Iran peace talks on 22 May 2026?
A) Excessive US demands
B) Naval blockade of Iran
C) Strait of Hormuz transit rights
D) Uranium enrichment limits
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cited “excessive demands” by the US as the main hurdle, while Iran refused to hand over highly enriched uranium.

Q3. Which US official announced additional troops to Poland on or around 22 May 2026?
A) Tulsi Gabbard
B) Marco Rubio
C) Donald Trump
D) Secretary of Defense
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: President Trump announced sending an additional 5,000 troops to Poland following the election of Karol Nawrocki, whom he had endorsed.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-11)

Q1. On 21 May 2026, which country announced the establishment of a controlled maritime zone in the Strait of Hormuz requiring authorization from the newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Iran
C) Israel
D) UAE
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This move amid regional tensions impacts global oil transit, relevant for India’s energy security as a major importer.

Q2. What did Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko state regarding involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war on 21 May 2026?
A) Belarus will not join the current war and is ready to meet Zelenskyy
B) Belarus will actively support Russia militarily
C) Belarus has declared neutrality
D) Belarus seeks NATO membership
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: This reflects shifting dynamics in Eastern Europe.

Q3. Which US naval asset arrived in the Southern Caribbean prompting Cuba’s promise of “fierce resistance” around 21 May 2026?
A) USS Gerald R. Ford
B) USS Abraham Lincoln
C) USS Nimitz
D) USS George H.W. Bush
Correct Answer: C.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On May 20, 2026, which country’s interior minister visited Tehran to facilitate exchanges between Iran and the US regarding ceasefire negotiations in the 2026 Iran war?
A) Qatar
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Pakistan
D) UAE
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran as a mediator. Iran reviewed a new US proposal amid ongoing 2025–2026 negotiations.

Q2. What significant maritime development occurred in the Strait of Hormuz on May 20, 2026, related to the Iran conflict?
A) Complete closure of the strait
B) Two Chinese supertankers exited carrying 4 million barrels of crude
C) US Navy seized all Iranian tankers
D) India deployed naval escorts for all vessels
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This marked easing of tensions post-ceasefire talks, with a South Korean tanker also transiting safely.

Q3. President Trump delayed an imminent US strike on Iran on or around May 19-20, 2026, at the request of which leaders?
A) Israeli and Egyptian
B) Qatari, Saudi, and UAE
C) Russian and Chinese
D) Turkish and Jordanian
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Diplomatic intervention from Gulf states led to postponement, though military options remained open.