Category: Current Affairs

Geopolitics & World News: (Questions 1-10) 1. On 13 April 2026, US President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade of which strategic waterway following the collapse of high-level peace talks with Iran in Islamabad? A) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait B) Strait of Hormuz C) Malacca Strait D) Bosporus Strait Correct Answer: B. Explanation: The blockade was imposed after talks mediated by Pakistan failed over Iran’s uranium enrichment and vessel traffic regulation in the Strait of Hormuz (which carries ~20% of global oil trade). Iran called it “piracy” and threatened retaliation. 2. The failed US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad (13 April 2026) were ... Read more

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1–15) Q1. Where did the high-stakes US-Iran ceasefire talks conclude without a deal on April 12, 2026, after nearly 21 hours of negotiations? A) Geneva, Switzerland B) Islamabad, Pakistan C) Doha, Qatar D) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Answer: B. Explanation: Pakistan facilitated the talks; Deputy PM Ishaq Dar urged both sides to uphold the ceasefire. Q2. Who led the US delegation in the Islamabad talks with Iran on April 12, 2026? A) President Donald Trump B) Secretary of State C) Vice President JD Vance D) National Security Advisor Answer: C. Explanation: Vance stated the US had ... Read more

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1–12) 1. On 11 April 2026, where did high-level US-Iran peace talks on resolving the West Asia conflict begin? A) Doha, Qatar B) Islamabad, Pakistan C) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia D) Muscat, Oman Correct Answer: B. Explanation: US Vice-President J.D. Vance led the American delegation for talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad. The negotiations focused on nuclear issues, sanctions relief, and the Strait of Hormuz amid a fragile ceasefire. 2. Who led the US delegation at the US-Iran talks held on 11 April 2026? A) President Donald Trump B) Secretary of State C) Vice-President J.D. ... Read more

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10) 1. On 10 April 2026, high-stakes US-Iran peace talks began in which city amid a fragile two-week ceasefire? A) Doha, Qatar B) Islamabad, Pakistan C) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia D) Ankara, Turkey Correct Answer: B. Explanation: JD Vance led the US delegation to Islamabad for direct talks with Iran on nuclear issues, sanctions, and Strait of Hormuz access. 2. What warning did Iran issue ahead of the 10 April 2026 Islamabad talks regarding potential non-compliance by the US? A) Withdrawal from NPT B) Closure of all oil routes permanently C) Large-scale strikes if conditions not ... Read more

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12) 1. On 9 April 2026, India welcomed a two-week ceasefire in West Asia between which two countries, brokered by Pakistan? A) Israel and Iran B) USA and Iran C) Israel and Lebanon D) USA and Pakistan Correct Answer: B. Explanation: India’s MEA stated it welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire and hoped it would lead to lasting peace in West Asia, with unimpeded navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. 2. Which country’s Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval during his visit to India (7-9 April 2026) and ... Read more

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1–12) 1. On 8 April 2026, what major development occurred in the US-Iran conflict? A) Iran launched full-scale attack on US bases B) US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz C) UNSC imposed fresh sanctions on Iran D) Israel and Iran signed a permanent peace treaty Correct Answer: B. Explanation: Following Trump’s deadline and threats, Pakistan-brokered talks led to a two-week ceasefire. Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage under coordination with its armed forces. Relevant for UPSC GS-2 (IR) and security. 2. ... Read more

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-10) Q1. On April 7, 2026, India issued an advisory to its nationals in Iran amid escalating tensions. What was the primary trigger mentioned in the advisory? A) Israel-Iran ceasefire violation B) US President Donald Trump’s deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz C) Pakistan’s mediation offer D) UN Security Council resolution on West Asia Correct Answer: B. Explanation: Amid Trump’s ultimatum threatening to “decimate Iran in one night” if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened, India urged citizens to stay indoors for 48 hours, avoid sensitive sites and coordinate travel. The advisory was ... Read more

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-11) Q1. Which Indian-flagged LPG tanker successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on or around April 6, 2026, carrying 15,400 tonnes of LPG, marking the eighth such transit by an India-flagged vessel since early March amid regional tensions? A. MV Green Asha B. MV Blue Horizon C. MV Pacific Star D. MV Ocean Pride Correct Answer: A. MV Green Asha Explanation: This transit highlights India’s efforts to secure energy supplies amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Q2. On April 6, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held urgent talks ... Read more

1. On 5 April 2026, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned of potential radioactive contamination risks following U.S.-Israeli strikes on which Iranian facility? A) Natanz nuclear site B) Bushehr nuclear power plant C) Fordow fuel enrichment plant D) Arak heavy water reactor Correct Answer: B. Explanation: The strikes occurred near Bushehr on 4 April 2026; Araghchi highlighted risks to Gulf neighbours amid the sixth week of the Iran-Israel-US conflict. This has direct implications for global oil security and India’s energy imports. 2. The United States rescued a downed F-15 airman from Iranian territory on 5 April 2026 with intelligence ... Read more

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 ... Read more