Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics and World News (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On February 28, 2026, which countries launched joint military strikes on Iran, leading to the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?
A) US and UK
B) US and Israel
C) Israel and Saudi Arabia
D) US and Qatar
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The US and Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian targets, including leadership sites, as confirmed by multiple sources like CNN and Reuters.

Q2. What was the name of the US military operation launched against Iran on February 28, 2026?
A) Operation Epic Fury
B) Operation Desert Storm
C) Operation Enduring Freedom
D) Operation Infinite Justice
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Pentagon named the strikes “Operation Epic Fury,” targeting Iranian officials and military sites.

Q3. In response to the US-Israeli strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US military bases in how many Middle Eastern countries?
A) 5
B) 8
C) 3
D) 10
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Iran targeted US bases in Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, and Qatar.

Geopolitics (Questions 1-10)

Q1. What was the outcome of the indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian officials on Iran’s nuclear program held on February 27, 2026?
A) A breakthrough agreement was reached.
B) No breakthrough, amid U.S. military buildup.
C) Iran agreed to full nuclear disarmament.
D) The talks were extended indefinitely.
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The talks concluded without a breakthrough, escalating tensions with warnings of potential U.S. strikes and military presence in the Middle East.

Q2. Why did President Trump ban AI giant Anthropic from all federal agencies on February 27, 2026?
A) Due to data privacy violations.
B) Alleged ties to foreign governments.
C) Refusal to give the Pentagon unrestricted access to its technology.
D) Overpricing of services.
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The ban stemmed from Anthropic’s refusal to comply with Pentagon demands, highlighting U.S. AI safety disputes.

Q3. What prompted analysts to raise oil price forecasts for 2026, as reported on February 27?
A) Increased global demand from China.
B) Supply risks from U.S.-Iran tensions.
C) New OPEC production cuts.
D) Discovery of major oil reserves.
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Geopolitical tensions, including potential U.S.-Iran conflict, added a risk premium of $4-$10 per barrel to oil prices.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 26 February 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day State Visit to Israel. Which of the following was not among the key outcomes announced in the joint press conference with PM Benjamin Netanyahu?
A) Pursuit of a Free Trade Agreement
B) Collaboration on defence technology and AI/cybersecurity
C) Israel allowing 50,000 additional Indian workers in construction & caregiving
D) India’s immediate recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as capital
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: India reiterated historical support for a two-state solution but did not announce immediate recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as capital. Over a dozen bilateral agreements were signed focusing on trade, defence, AI, and “horizon scanning” technologies.

Q2. During the joint statement on 26 February 2026, both India and Israel:
A) Condemned only the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and remained silent on Kashmir
B) Lauded US President Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan and referenced both the 7 Oct 2023 attack and the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack
C) Announced immediate joint military exercises in the West Bank
D) Agreed to suspend the IMEC corridor project
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The joint statement explicitly referenced the 7 Oct 2023 Hamas attack and the April 2025 Pahalgam civilian attack while welcoming Trump’s Gaza Peace Initiative.

Q3. Where and on what date did the third round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations take place on 26 February 2026?
A) Vienna, 25 Feb
B) Geneva, 26 Feb
C) Muscat, 27 Feb
D) New York, 24 Feb
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The third round occurred in Geneva on 26 February 2026; Oman-mediated talks showed “significant progress” and technical discussions were scheduled for Vienna the following week.