Category: Current Affairs

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.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1- 12)

Q1. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in Parliament on 10 March 2026 that India will continue:
A) Military support to Israel
B) Conversations with Iran
C) Complete trade embargo with Iran
D) Evacuation of all Indian nationals from Gulf
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Jaishankar emphasised continued diplomatic engagement with Iran while prioritising safety of Indian diaspora in West Asia amid the ongoing Israel-Iran-US conflict.

Q2. Which new leader was elected as Iran’s Supreme Leader on 10 March 2026 following the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?
A) Mojtaba Khamenei
B) Hassan Rouhani
C) Ebrahim Raisi
D) Ali Larijani
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei (son of late Khamenei) became the third Supreme Leader – the first hereditary succession in the Islamic Republic.

Q3. U.S. President Donald Trump on 10 March 2026 said the Israel-Iran war would end:
A) Within 48 hours
B) Never
C) Only after complete regime change
D) Pretty quickly / very soon
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Trump repeatedly signalled the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign had achieved its main objectives and the conflict could conclude soon, leading to oil price correction.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

1. The 11th Raisina Dialogue 2026 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What is its official theme?
A) Karya – Tradition and Modernity
B) Sanskaar – Assertion, Accommodation and Advancement
C) Viksit Bharat 2047
D) Global South Leadership
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Organised by MEA & ORF, the theme focuses on contested frontiers, global commons, climate, technology, and trade disruptions. Over 2,700 participants from 110 countries attended. 

2. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a suo moto statement in Parliament on 9 March 2026 regarding the West Asia conflict. Which of the following best reflects India’s stated position?
A) India favours peace, return to dialogue, de-escalation, restraint, and respect for sovereignty
B) India supports military intervention by any party
C) India will evacuate all citizens immediately
D) India will impose sanctions on involved nations
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Jaishankar emphasised civilian safety and priority for the Indian community in the region. 

3. Which advanced US missile defence system was deployed in West Asia in March 2026 to counter Iranian ballistic missiles?
A) Patriot
B) THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense)
C) Aegis
D) Iron Dome
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: THAAD uses hit-to-kill technology, intercepts at 150-200 km altitude, and integrates with Patriot and Aegis systems. 

Geopolitics & World News Impacting India (Questions 1-12)

Q1. Who was named Iran’s new Supreme Leader on 8 March 2026 following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?
(A) Ali Larijani
(B) Mojtaba Khamenei
(C) Ebrahim Raisi
(D) Hassan Rouhani
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The Assembly of Experts (clerical body) selected 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader killed in earlier U.S.-Israeli strikes, to succeed his father amid the ongoing West Asia war.

Q2. On 8 March 2026, U.S. and Israeli forces conducted strikes on how many oil facilities in and near Tehran?
(A) Three
(B) Four
(C) Five
(D) Ten
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The strikes destroyed fuel dumps, triggered massive fires choking Tehran in smoke and killed four people (including truck drivers).

Q3. Which Indian-flagged ships and cargo volume are primarily stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the Iran conflict (as per 8 March 2026 reports)?
(A) 5% of tankers; 2 million barrels
(B) 20% of tankers; 10 million barrels
(C) 10% of tankers; over 6 million barrels (SCI ships)
(D) None – all cleared
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Government sources confirmed ~10% Indian-flagged vessels and Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) ships carrying nearly 6 million barrels are affected; thousands of Indian seafarers onboard.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On 7 March 2026, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Today Iran will be hit very hard!” He described Iran as:
A) The rising power of West Asia
B) The loser of the Middle East that had surrendered to its neighbours
C) A strategic partner against terrorism
D) The victim of Israeli aggression
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump’s exact words called Iran the “loser of the Middle East” amid ongoing US-Israel airstrikes on Tehran.

Q2. The Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a US submarine on 4 March 2026 off Sri Lanka’s coast. How many Iranian personnel were killed?
A) 32
B) 50
C) 83
D) 120
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: 83 killed; 32 sailors rescued. The incident occurred while the ship was returning from Visakhapatnam International Fleet Review.

Q3. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the Raisina Dialogue on 7 March 2026, defended the docking of an Iranian warship in Kochi as:
A) A strategic military alliance
B) A routine port call
C) Compliance with US sanctions
D) A humanitarian gesture
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Jaishankar emphasised India’s approach “from a point of humanity” despite US criticism following the IRIS Dena sinking.

Geopolitics & World News Involving India (Questions 1–12)

Q1. On 6 March 2026, security curbs in Kashmir entered their 5th day following protests against the killing of which Iranian leader amid the ongoing West Asia conflict?
(A) President Ebrahim Raisi
(B) Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
(C) Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(D) IRGC Commander
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Protests erupted in Kashmir against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the US-Israel conflict with Iran; this triggered heightened security measures.

Q2. Which incident involving an Iranian vessel occurred off Sri Lanka’s coast on 6 March 2026, prompting India to launch search-and-rescue operations?
(A) US submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship; a second Iranian ship headed towards Sri Lanka
(B) Iranian ship hijacked by pirates
(C) Iranian ship collided with Indian Navy vessel
(D) Iranian ship captured by Israel
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The US sank one Iranian warship; a second vessel was reportedly en route and could be targeted, leading to Indian Navy SAR operations near Sri Lanka.

Q3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation on 6 March 2026 with which world leader to discuss shared concerns over the West Asia crisis and the need for dialogue?
(A) US President Donald Trump
(B) French President Emmanuel Macron
(C) Russian President Vladimir Putin
(D) Chinese President Xi Jinping
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: PM Modi spoke to French President Macron on evolving West Asia tensions and stressed return to diplomacy.

Geopolitics & World News Involving India (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On 5 March 2026, India condoled the death of which Iranian leader?
A) President Masoud Pezeshkian
B) Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
C) Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
D) IRGC Commander Hossein Salami
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi.

Q2. Which Iranian warship was sunk by a US submarine near Sri Lanka on 5 March 2026 while returning from an Indian naval event?
A) IRIS Makran
B) IRIS Jamaran
C) IRIS Dena
D) IRIS Sahand
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The vessel was returning from India; India rejected reports of its ports being used by the US in the Iran conflict.

Q3. What stand did India reiterate on 5 March 2026 regarding the political crisis in Myanmar?
A) Support for UN-led intervention
B) Support for a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process
C) Support for ASEAN-led mediation only
D) Neutrality with no public statement
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This reflects India’s consistent policy on neighbourhood stability (GS2 IR).