Category: Current Affairs

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 Strait of Hormuz on 4 April 2026 carrying 46,650 MT of LPG with 25 seafarers aboard?
A) MSC Mumbai
B) INS Taragiri
C) Green Sanvi
D) MV Ganga
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: This was the 7th such Indian-flagged carrier to transit safely amid regional tensions.

3. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on 4 April 2026 at IIM Raipur that India has successfully navigated recent global shocks, specifically mentioning which conflict?
A) West Asia military conflict
B) Russia-Ukraine war
C) South China Sea disputes
D) Red Sea crisis
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: He highlighted India’s resilience in managing domestic and external challenges from the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On 3 April 2026, Iranian forces shot down a U.S. fighter jet in Iranian airspace during the ongoing 2026 Iran war. Which aircraft was downed?
A. F-16 Fighting Falcon
B. F-15E Strike Eagle
C. F-35 Lightning II
D. A-10 Thunderbolt II
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iranian forces shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle; a search was launched for the crew (one rescued). This marked a significant escalation in the 2026 Iran war.

Q2. During the 3 April 2026 developments in the 2026 Iran war, which U.S. aircraft crashed near the Strait of Hormuz after being hit by Iranian anti-aircraft fire?
A. F-15E Strike Eagle
B. B-52 Stratofortress
C. A-10 Warthog
D. F-22 Raptor
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The pilot ejected safely and was rescued. This incident occurred amid intensified strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

Q3. Iran launched missile and drone strikes on Arab countries on 3 April 2026. Which UAE facility was hit by debris from intercepted missiles, causing casualties?
A. Jebel Ali Port
B. Abu Dhabi Oil Refinery
C. Dubai International Airport
D. Habshan gas facility
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The UAE intercepted 18 ballistic missiles, 4 cruise missiles, and 47 drones; debris from the Habshan gas facility attack killed at least one and injured others.

Geopolitics & World News Involving India (Questions 1-10)

1. On 1 April 2026 (reported prominently on 2 April), Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a special meeting of which committee to review India’s preparedness amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, including measures for petroleum products (LNG/LPG) and power supply?
A. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
B. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
C. National Security Advisory Board
D. Empowered Group of Ministers on Energy Security
Correct Answer: B. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
Explanation: The CCS reviewed inter-ministerial actions to ensure energy security and mitigate impacts of the US-Israel-Iran conflict on India’s oil imports and supplies.

2. US President Donald Trump, in statements reported on 2 April 2026, claimed Iran sought a ceasefire but ruled it out until the reopening of which strategic waterway, while warning of a possible ‘Stone Age’ strike in 2-3 weeks?
A. Ab el-Mandeb Strait
B. Suez Canal
C. Strait of Hormuz
D. Malacca Strait
Correct Answer: C. Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: Trump’s remarks (denied by Iran as “false”) came amid escalating West Asia tensions; the Strait of Hormuz is critical for global oil supplies, directly affecting India’s energy security.

3. Due to the West Asia crisis and global fuel volatility reported on 2 April 2026, by how much did commercial LPG prices increase per 19-kg cylinder in India?
A. ?100
B. ?195.5
C. ?300
D. ?150
Correct Answer: B. ?195.5
Explanation: The hike (approximately 10%) impacted businesses and led to reverse migration trends in cities like Mumbai; the government capped certain hikes to balance consumer and oil company interests.

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.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1–10)

Q1. On 29 March 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann ki Baat address, stated that India is facing the challenges arising from the Israel-Iran conflict resolutely primarily because of:
A) Domestic oil reserves alone
B) Global relations, assistance from friendly countries, and capabilities built over the past decade
C) Unilateral sanctions on West Asian nations
D) Complete withdrawal from the Strait of Hormuz trade route
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: PM Modi highlighted India’s diplomatic balancing and diversified energy partnerships amid the ongoing West Asia conflict (Day 29 of the war).

Q2. India strongly opposed the incorporation of which agreement into the WTO framework as an Annex 4 Agreement at the 14th Ministerial Conference held in Yaounde, Cameroon?
A) Trade Facilitation Agreement
B) Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
C) China-led Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement
D) Digital Economy Partnership Agreement
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the IFD Agreement risks eroding WTO’s core principles.

Q3. Amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the West Asia conflict, which grouping did India confirm is actively coordinating to ensure uninterrupted energy flows?
A) QUAD
B) BRICS nations
C) G7
D) SCO
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: MEA spokesperson confirmed BRICS coordination; four Indian LPG shipments had already crossed safely.

Geopolitics and World News (Questions 1-10)

1. Which massive anti-Trump protest movement, described as potentially one of the largest in US history, saw over 3,100 events and an estimated 9+ million participants on 28 March 2026?
A) Black Lives Matter resurgence
B) No Kings rallies
C) Women’s March revival
D) Climate Strike Global
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The “No Kings” protests on 28 March 2026 targeted Trump’s authoritarian style, hardline immigration policies, climate denial, diversity cuts, and the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. Events spanned US cities, suburbs, rural areas.

2. On 28 March 2026, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis carried out their first attack on Israel in the current West Asia war. This development is most directly linked to:
A) Escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict
B) Widening of the US-Israel war on Iran
C) Saudi-Iran peace deal revival
D) India’s Neighbourhood First policy
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The strike marked a new phase in the month-old Iran war, heightening regional tensions and impacting energy security for countries like India.

3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level review on 27-28 March 2026 regarding the West Asia crisis. What key Indian assets were reported as being affected by Strait of Hormuz tensions on 28 March?
A) Five India-bound LPG ships anchored north of Dubai-Ras Al Khaimah (two carriers crossing)
B) All Indian naval vessels recalled from the Gulf
C) Complete halt of crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia
D) Suspension of all flights to West Asia
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: BW Tyr (BPCL) and BW Elm (HPCL) were among vessels navigating the volatile Strait amid the Iran war; India is monitoring supply-chain disruptions.

Geopolitics – (Questions 1-11)

Q1. On 27 March 2026, which country granted passage through the Strait of Hormuz exclusively to “friendly nations” including India, Pakistan and three others amid the ongoing West Asia conflict?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Iran
C) United Arab Emirates
D) Israel
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran allowed select friendly nations access to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which handles ~20% of global oil trade, to ease supply pressures on allies during the US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Q2. What is the primary objective of Operation Urja Suraksha launched by the Indian Navy in response to developments in the Strait of Hormuz on 27 March 2026?
A) Safe transit of India-bound crude oil, LNG and LPG shipments
B) Joint naval exercises with France
C) Humanitarian aid to conflict zones
D) Anti-piracy patrols in the Arabian Sea
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The operation focuses on maritime security for India’s energy imports amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Q3. On 27 March 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with his French counterpart on the security of which critical maritime chokepoint?
A) Malacca Strait
B) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
C) Strait of Hormuz
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India and France emphasised joint efforts for security of the Strait of Hormuz during the G7-related engagements.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On 26 March 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to Opposition criticism regarding Pakistan’s reported role in mediating between the US and Iran by calling Pakistan a:
A) Strategic partner
B) “Dalal” (broker)
C) Neutral observer
D) Peace initiator
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Jaishankar stated that Pakistan has played the role of a “dalal” in such matters since 1981, defending India’s independent stand on the West Asia crisis.

Q2. Which country classified India as a “friendly nation” and allowed safe commercial shipping passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war zone on 26 March 2026?
A) Israel
B) United States
C) Iran
D) Saudi Arabia
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Iranian authorities permitted vessels from India (along with China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan) to transit, while blocking adversaries.

Q3. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas statement on 26 March 2026, India has secured crude oil supplies sufficient for how many days amid West Asia tensions?
A) 30 days
B) 45 days
C) 60 days
D) 90 days
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The government confirmed 60 days of crude oil supplies plus existing stocks of 60 days; LPG imports arranged for one month with ongoing procurement.