Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-10)

1. On 4 April 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed that Indian refiners are purchasing Iranian crude oil. What did it explicitly reject regarding these imports?
A) Diversion of cargo due to payment issues
B) Any involvement of sanctions from the US
C) Use of non-Indian flagged tankers
D) Linkage to the ongoing West Asia conflict
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Ministry clarified that there are no payment hurdles and dismissed reports of cargo diversion due to payment issues amid Middle East supply disruptions.

2. Which Indian-flagged vessel safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 4 April 2026 carrying 46,650 MT of LPG with 25 seafarers aboard?
A) MSC Mumbai
B) INS Taragiri
C) Green Sanvi
D) MV Ganga
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: This was the 7th such Indian-flagged carrier to transit safely amid regional tensions.

3. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on 4 April 2026 at IIM Raipur that India has successfully navigated recent global shocks, specifically mentioning which conflict?
A) West Asia military conflict
B) Russia-Ukraine war
C) South China Sea disputes
D) Red Sea crisis
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: He highlighted India’s resilience in managing domestic and external challenges from the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On 3 April 2026, Iranian forces shot down a U.S. fighter jet in Iranian airspace during the ongoing 2026 Iran war. Which aircraft was downed?
A. F-16 Fighting Falcon
B. F-15E Strike Eagle
C. F-35 Lightning II
D. A-10 Thunderbolt II
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iranian forces shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle; a search was launched for the crew (one rescued). This marked a significant escalation in the 2026 Iran war.

Q2. During the 3 April 2026 developments in the 2026 Iran war, which U.S. aircraft crashed near the Strait of Hormuz after being hit by Iranian anti-aircraft fire?
A. F-15E Strike Eagle
B. B-52 Stratofortress
C. A-10 Warthog
D. F-22 Raptor
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The pilot ejected safely and was rescued. This incident occurred amid intensified strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

Q3. Iran launched missile and drone strikes on Arab countries on 3 April 2026. Which UAE facility was hit by debris from intercepted missiles, causing casualties?
A. Jebel Ali Port
B. Abu Dhabi Oil Refinery
C. Dubai International Airport
D. Habshan gas facility
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The UAE intercepted 18 ballistic missiles, 4 cruise missiles, and 47 drones; debris from the Habshan gas facility attack killed at least one and injured others.

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.