Author: Mauvin Sequeira

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The Court upheld passive euthanasia, patient autonomy and advance directives, calling “passive euthanasia” an outdated term and emphasising palliative care alongside withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition/hydration.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.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

1. On 31 March 2026, US President Donald Trump indicated that the United States would exit the ongoing Iran war within how many weeks, even without a formal deal with Tehran?
A) 1 week
B) 2–3 weeks
C) 4–6 weeks
D) Indefinitely
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump stated the US could leave Iran in 2–3 weeks after neutralising key Iranian capabilities, signalling a potential end to the 2026 Iran conflict.

2. The 2026 Iran war has severely disrupted oil supplies through which critical waterway, leading to LPG shortages and rising energy costs in India?
A) Strait of Malacca
B) Strait of Hormuz
C) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz (carrying ~20% of global oil) have triggered India’s nationwide cooking fuel crisis and higher import bills.

3. India’s private sector recorded its slowest growth in three years in March 2026 primarily due to:
A) Domestic policy changes
B) Strong rupee appreciation
C) Price shocks from the Middle East (Iran) war dampening demand
D) Record agricultural output
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The Iran conflict caused oil price spikes and supply-chain disruptions, hitting domestic demand while international orders hit a record high.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-8)

Q1. Which strait is currently in focus due to escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, known as the “Gate of Tears” and linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean?
A) Strait of Hormuz
B) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
C) Malacca Strait
D) Bering Strait
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The Bab el-Mandeb Strait’s strategic importance has increased amid West Asia tensions, affecting global shipping and energy routes to India.

Q2. In the context of the West Asia crisis, what did Prime Minister Narendra Modi state on 30 March 2026?
A) India supports military action against Iran
B) India will mediate between US and Iran
C) “Challenging times” for the region
D) Complete withdrawal of Indian assets from the region
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: PM highlighted “challenging times” amid the ongoing West Asia crisis involving Iran-US tensions.

Q3. India is coordinating with BRICS nations primarily for what purpose amid disruptions in West Asia?
A) Joint military exercises
B) Ensuring energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz
C) Establishing a new trade bloc
D) Cultural exchange programs
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: BRICS coordination focuses on securing energy supply chains through the Strait of Hormuz amid conflict-related disruptions.