Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics & World News India (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 14 March 2026, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers safely crossed the war-hit Strait of Hormuz amid West Asia tensions. Which vessels were they?
A) INS Vikrant and Shivalik
B) Shivalik and Nanda Devi
C) Nanda Devi and INS Trikand
D) Shivalik and Mumbai Engineer
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The vessels carried 92,700 tonnes of LPG from Gulf countries and are heading to Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat (docking expected 16-17 March). This highlights India’s maritime resilience during the US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Q2. US President Donald Trump stated on 13-14 March 2026 that Iran has been “totally defeated” in the military campaign and seeks a deal he would not accept. This statement relates to which ongoing geopolitical flashpoint?
A) Red Sea crisis
B) Russia-Ukraine war
C) US-Israel strikes on Iran
D) South China Sea dispute
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The remark underscores escalation in West Asia, with direct implications for India’s energy security and Indian nationals in the region.

Q3. French President Emmanuel Macron offered to host direct talks in Paris between which two countries on 14 March 2026?
A) Israel and Iran
B) Israel and Lebanon
C) India and Pakistan
D) US and China
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Macron noted Lebanon’s willingness for inclusive negotiations, reflecting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate West Asia tensions.

Geopolitics & World News India (Questions 1–12)

Q1. India co-sponsored a UNSC resolution on 13 March 2026 condemning “egregious” attacks by Iran against which entities?
A) GCC nations and Jordan
B) Israel and USA
C) Russia and China
D) Turkey and Pakistan
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: India joined the resolution in the UN Security Council, reflecting its balanced West Asia policy amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Q2. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held his fourth phone call since the West Asia crisis began with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi on 12 March 2026 (reported 13 March). What key issue was discussed besides bilateral and BRICS matters?
A) Joint military exercises
B) Safe passage for 28 Indian merchant vessels near the Strait of Hormuz
C) Oil price hike compensation
D) Extradition of fugitives
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India is working to secure passage for its vessels stalled due to Iranian restrictions on the Strait.

Q3. US President Donald Trump told G7 leaders (in a 10 March call, reported 13 March) that Iran is “about to surrender” after Operation “Epic Fury”. He described the situation by saying:
A) “Nobody knows who is the leader, so there is no one that can announce surrender”
B) “Iran has already signed a peace treaty”
C) “Israel has withdrawn from Lebanon”
D) “China is mediating”
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Trump boasted about eliminating a “cancer” threatening everyone (Axios report).

Geopolitics (Questions 1-10)

Q1. Who issued Iran’s first public statement as the new Supreme Leader on March 12, 2026, vowing to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz and urging the closure of U.S. military bases in the region?
A) Ali Khamenei
B) Mojtaba Khamenei
C) Ebrahim Raisi
D) Hassan Rouhani
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made this statement amid the 2026 Iran war, escalating tensions over oil supplies.

Q2. Which vital shipping route did Iran’s new Supreme Leader pledge to keep closed in his March 12, 2026, address?
A) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
B) Suez Canal
C) Strait of Hormuz
D) Malacca Strait
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil passes, remains a flashpoint, impacting energy security worldwide.

Q3. On March 12, 2026, Iranian strikes targeted fuel storage tanks in which Gulf nation?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Bahrain
C) UAE
D) Qatar
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The attack in Muharraq Governorate highlights the war’s expansion to energy infrastructure.

Geopolitics & World News India (Questions 1-9)

Q1. The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas invoked which Act in March 2026 to notify the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 amid LNG disruptions?
A) Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act
B) Essential Commodities Act, 1955
C) Energy Conservation Act, 2001
D) Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The Ministry invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to regulate natural gas allocation due to West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Q2. The Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 establishes a four-tier priority system for allocation based on average consumption over what period?
A) Past three months
B) Past one year
C) Past six months
D) Calendar year average
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Priority is determined by six-month average consumption; lower-priority sectors (e.g., petrochemicals, power) face cuts to protect households and fertilizers.

Q3. What percentage of India’s LPG imports and natural gas requirements typically pass through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted in the 2026 West Asia conflict?
A) 50% LPG and 20% gas
B) 90% LPG and 30% gas
C) 70% LPG and 50% gas
D) 100% LPG and 40% gas
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: ~90% of LPG imports and ~30% of natural gas requirements are affected, leading to shortages and black-market prices.