Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On April 22, 2026, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy took action in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing 2026 Iran war. What specific action was reported involving vessels?
A) Sinking three oil tankers
B) Seizing two vessels, with a third disabled off Iran’s coast
C) Escorting all ships through the strait safely
D) Imposing a complete naval blockade on Qatar
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran’s IRGC Navy seized two vessels (one India-bound) and disabled a third after attempts to cross the Strait of Hormuz. This escalated tensions despite the US ceasefire extension and ongoing blockade. The strait is critical for global oil supply (about 20% of world oil trade).

Q2. US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran on or around April 21-22, 2026. What was the primary stated reason?
A) Complete Iranian surrender
B) Withdrawal of US forces from the region
C) To allow more time for diplomacy and Iranian proposal submission
D) UN Security Council resolution
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely to give diplomacy a chance, even as talks stalled and the US maintained its blockade of Iranian ports. Iran viewed the blockade as an “act of war.”

Q3. The 2026 Iran war has led to significant disruption in global energy markets. Which strategic waterway’s status remained a major flashpoint on April 22, 2026?
A) Strait of Hormuz
B) Suez Canal
C) Malacca Strait
D) Panama Canal
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz (seizures and attacks on ships) complicated efforts to reopen the waterway, causing the largest oil supply shock on record by daily output lost.

Indian Polity (Questions 1-11)

Q1. National Civil Services Day is observed every year on 21 April to commemorate which historical event?
A) Birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
B) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 1947 address to probationers of the first batch of Indian Administrative Service calling civil servants the “steel frame of India”
C) Formation of the All India Services under the Government of India Act 1935
D) Launch of the Civil Services Examination by UPSC in 1979
Answer: B.
Explanation: 21 April marks the day Sardar Patel addressed the first batch of IAS probationers in 1947, emphasising the role of civil servants as the “steel frame of India”.

Q2. The Rajya Sabha reconstituted its Panel of Vice-Chairpersons effective from which date in 2026 to ensure smooth functioning of the House?
A) 1 April 2026
B) 15 April 2026
C) 21 April 2026
D) 1 May 2026
Answer: B.
Explanation: The panel of six MPs from different parties was reconstituted effective 15 April 2026 by Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan.

Q3. In a recent directive, the Supreme Court asked a panel to formulate a plan for making prisons accessible to which group?
A) Women prisoners
B) Foreign nationals
C) Juvenile offenders
D) Persons with disabilities
Answer: D.
Explanation: The Supreme Court directed formulation of a plan for disabled-friendly prisons.

Geopolitics and International Relations (Questions 1-9)

Q1. Which country’s President visited India in April 2026, during which four MoUs were signed on shipbuilding skills, MSME cooperation, sports & culture, and economic security dialogue?
A) Japan
B) South Korea
C) Germany
D) Australia
Answer: B.
Explanation: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit elevated bilateral ties, aiming to double trade and launch a ‘digital bridge’. This reflects India’s multi-alignment strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

Q2. India expressed deep concern over attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri raising the issue with which country?
A) Israel
B) Iran
C) Saudi Arabia
D) USA
Answer: B.
Explanation: Ongoing West Asia tensions, including US seizure of an Iranian-flagged vessel and threats of Hormuz closure, directly impact India’s energy imports (2.5–2.7 million barrels/day via the strait).

Q3. The US extended its sanctions waiver for Russian oil purchases through which date in 2026, helping India maintain discounted crude imports amid West Asia disruptions?
A) 30 April 2026
B) 31 March 2026
C) 16 May 2026
D) 15 June 2026
Answer: C.
Explanation: General License 134B allows continued imports from entities like Rosneft, stabilizing prices as Russian oil formed ~44% of India’s imports in March 2026.