Category: Current Affairs

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On May 20, 2026, which country’s interior minister visited Tehran to facilitate exchanges between Iran and the US regarding ceasefire negotiations in the 2026 Iran war?
A) Qatar
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Pakistan
D) UAE
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran as a mediator. Iran reviewed a new US proposal amid ongoing 2025–2026 negotiations.

Q2. What significant maritime development occurred in the Strait of Hormuz on May 20, 2026, related to the Iran conflict?
A) Complete closure of the strait
B) Two Chinese supertankers exited carrying 4 million barrels of crude
C) US Navy seized all Iranian tankers
D) India deployed naval escorts for all vessels
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This marked easing of tensions post-ceasefire talks, with a South Korean tanker also transiting safely.

Q3. President Trump delayed an imminent US strike on Iran on or around May 19-20, 2026, at the request of which leaders?
A) Israeli and Egyptian
B) Qatari, Saudi, and UAE
C) Russian and Chinese
D) Turkish and Jordanian
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Diplomatic intervention from Gulf states led to postponement, though military options remained open.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)

1. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola (BDBV) outbreak originated primarily in which province of DRC?
A) North Kivu
B) Ituri Province
C) Kinshasa
D) Equateur
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Ituri Province saw the main outbreak with suspected cases and deaths; cases imported to Uganda. No approved vaccine/treatment for this strain unlike Zaire ebolavirus.

2. WHO declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on:
A) 15 May 2026
B) 16 May 2026
C) 17 May 2026
D) 10 May 2026
Correct Answer: C.

3. Recent US Senate action on Iran involved advancing a measure to:
A) Limit President Trump’s war powers/actions
B) Increase military aid
C) Impose new sanctions on India
D) Support Israel unconditionally
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: In a rebuke amid ceasefire negotiations and tensions.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 18 May 2026, what major development was reported regarding a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego?
A) It was ruled a random accident
B) Three people were killed, including a security guard; two teenage suspects died by suicide; investigated as a possible hate crime
C) No casualties reported
D) It targeted a different religious site
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The attack killed three adult males (including a heroic security guard who prevented entry into the mosque with children inside). It is under investigation as a hate crime.

Q2. Regarding President Trump’s recent state visit to China (prior to 18 May 2026 reports), which statement is accurate?
A) It resulted in major new trade deals immediately
B) China rejected all US proposals
C) The visit featured high-level talks on trade, Iran, Taiwan, and bilateral ties; described as more “vibes” than detailed outcomes by some analysts
D) No meetings with Xi Jinping occurred
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump returned praising the relationship; analysts noted symbolic success but limited concrete public commitments.

Q3. What is the significance of the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership Roadmap (2026–2030) announced around mid-May 2026?
A) Limited only to defence cooperation
B) A comprehensive five-year framework covering semiconductors, green hydrogen, water management, maritime security, critical minerals, and more
C) Focused solely on cultural exchanges
D) A free trade agreement replacement
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: It elevates bilateral ties with institutional mechanisms in tech, energy transition, defence, and economic resilience.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-10)

Q1. Where was the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on 14-15 May 2026 under India’s chairmanship?
A) Beijing
B) New Delhi
C) Johannesburg
D) Brasilia
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India hosted the meeting at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, chaired by EAM S. Jaishankar. It prepared for the 2026 BRICS Summit and discussed global issues including the Iran conflict.

Q2. What key appeal did Iran’s Foreign Minister make at the BRICS meeting?
A) Support for nuclear disarmament
B) Unite against U.S. “bullying” amid ongoing conflicts
C) Expand BRICS membership to include more European nations
D) Focus exclusively on climate change financing
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi urged BRICS nations to resist U.S. and allied actions, highlighting shared experiences of coercion.

Q3. During President Trump’s visit to China (around mid-May 2026), what major agreements were notably absent?
A) Trade deals only
B) Climate accords
C) Breakthroughs on Taiwan, Iran, or reopening the Strait of Hormuz
D) Cultural exchange programs
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump departed Beijing without key resolutions on these geopolitical flashpoints despite discussions with Xi Jinping.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 14 May 2026, where did US President Donald Trump meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for high-stakes talks covering trade, Taiwan, and the Iran/Hormuz crisis?
A) Shanghai
B) Beijing 
C) Washington D.C.
D) Singapore
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The summit marked Trump’s first visit to China in nine years. Discussions focused on stabilizing US-China ties, AI chips, Boeing orders, and urging China to influence Iran on the Strait of Hormuz.

Q2. What warning did Xi Jinping issue during the Trump-Xi summit regarding Taiwan?
A) Potential “conflict” over Taiwan
B) Support for immediate reunification
C) Economic sanctions on the US
D) Invitation for joint military exercises
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Xi emphasized stable ties but warned of risks over Taiwan amid broader geopolitical tensions.

Q3. India hosted a BRICS-related meeting in May 2026 amid tensions with Pakistan over its potential membership. What bloc is central to this dispute?
A) QUAD
B) SCO
C) BRICS
D) G20
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India has historically opposed Pakistan’s entry into BRICS; the issue resurfaced during India’s hosting of BRICS events.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-8)

Q1. On May 13, 2026, US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Which of the following was a key agenda item?
A) Climate change accords only
B) Trade, Taiwan, and the ongoing Iran war
C) Space exploration cooperation
D) Arctic military de-escalation
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The summit focused on trade relations, Taiwan tensions, and the 2026 Iran war/Strait of Hormuz crisis, amid Chinese vessels transiting the strait.

Q2. In the context of the 2026 Iran war and Strait of Hormuz crisis, what significant maritime development occurred involving Chinese vessels on May 13, 2026?
A) Multiple Chinese tankers and carriers crossing via Iran’s safe corridor
B) A Chinese naval blockade
C) US seizure of Chinese oil tankers
D) Complete closure of the strait by Iran
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Vessels like the supertanker Yuan Hua Hu (carrying Iraqi crude) and others crossed, ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting.

Q3. Which country conducted drone strikes killing at least 12 people (including children) on a highway in Lebanon on or around May 13, 2026?
A) Syria
B) Iran
C) Israel
D) Turkey
Correct Answer: C.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-10)

Q1. India hosted the Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 in which city, under its Chairship for the year?
A) New Delhi
B) Mumbai
C) Surat
D) Jaipur
Correct Answer: B) Mumbai
Explanation: The meeting (11-14 May 2026) focuses on responsible diamond trade, monitoring, compliance, and preventing conflict diamonds. India assumed KP Chairship on 1 Jan 2026.

Q2. PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to undertake a five-nation visit from 15-20 May 2026 to which countries?
A) UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy
B) USA, UK, France, Germany, Japan
C) Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand
D) Russia, China, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt
Correct Answer: A) UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy
Explanation: The visit includes bilateral talks and the India–Nordic Summit, emphasizing trade, green energy, technology, and strategic partnerships.

Q3. Which initiative did External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurate at the UN highlighting India’s mathematical legacy?
A) Zero to Infinity Exhibition
B) Ancient Indian Science Pavilion
C) Vedic Mathematics Forum
D) From Shunya to Ananta
Correct Answer: D) From Shunya to Ananta
Explanation: Inaugurated around 11 May 2026 at UN Headquarters, New York.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 11 May 2026, India welcomed a conditional ceasefire in which ongoing conflict?
A) Russia-Ukraine war
B) 2026 Iran war (US-Iran/Israel-Iran)
C) Sudanese civil war
D) Israel-Hezbollah conflict only
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India expressed hope for lasting peace in West Asia, unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and advocated de-escalation amid the 2026 Iran war.

Q2. Which country’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister met the US chargé d’affaires in Islamabad to discuss Iran-US ceasefire efforts around 11 May 2026?
A) China
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Pakistan
D) Turkey
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Pakistani efforts mediated responses between Iran and the US.

Q3. According to reports around 11 May 2026, which country secretly joined Israel and the US in airstrikes on Iran during the 2026 war?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) United Arab Emirates
C) Jordan
D) Egypt
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: UAE forces reportedly struck targets including a refinery on Lavan Island.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-8)
Q1. On May 10, 2026, which country’s leader signaled that the conflict with Ukraine was nearing an end during Victory Day celebrations?
A) China
B) Russia
C) Iran
D) Israel
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Putin highlighted progress amid a U.S.-brokered ceasefire context.

Q2. India has been impacted by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to tensions between which two entities?
A) Russia-Ukraine
B) China-Taiwan
C) US-Israel and Iran
D) Saudi ArabiCa-Yemen
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Ongoing US-Iran conflict/ceasefire fragility has affected global energy supplies and shipping, prompting Indian responses.

Q3. PM Narendra Modi, on May 10, 2026, urged citizens to adopt which measures amid West Asia crisis-induced oil price concerns?
A) Increase gold purchases
B) Work from home, carpooling, and use petrol sparingly
C) Boost international tourism
D) Import more crude oil
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Modi promoted swadeshi, domestic tourism, and fuel conservation for national interest and Atmanirbharata.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-8)

Q1. On May 9, 2026, during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, what significant statement did Russian President Vladimir Putin make regarding the Russo-Ukrainian war?
A) He vowed complete victory within months
B) He indicated that the war may come to an end soon
C) He announced a full Russian withdrawal
D) He called for immediate NATO membership for Ukraine
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Putin suggested the conflict could end soon amid ongoing peace negotiations and a temporary ceasefire.

Q2. What was notable about the 2026 Moscow Victory Day Parade?
A) It was the largest in history
B) It was cancelled entirely
C) It was scaled down due to security concerns including Ukrainian drone threats
D) It included Ukrainian participation
Correct Answer: C.

Q3. In May 2026, which Hungarian opposition leader was sworn in as Prime Minister, ending Viktor Orban’s 16-year tenure?
A) Viktor Orban
B) Peter Magyar of the Tisza Party
C) A Fidesz coalition partner
D) An EU-appointed administrator
Correct Answer: B.