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.
Q4. Which Indian company was announced by US President Donald Trump as a key partner in a $300 billion refinery project in Texas on/around 14 March 2026?
A) Adani Group
B) Tata Steel
C) Reliance Industries
D) ONGC
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Reliance signed a 20-year offtake agreement for the first major US refinery since 1977, processing Permian Basin light shale oil. This strengthens India-US economic ties amid global energy shifts.
Q5. US strikes targeted military installations on which Iranian strategic island (key oil export terminal) in the context of the 2026 West Asia conflict?
A) Kharg Island
B) Kish Island
C) Qeshm Island
D) Hormuz Island
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Kharg Island (northeastern Persian Gulf, off Khuzestan) is Iran’s primary oil export hub, making the strike a significant escalation affecting global energy supplies.
Q6. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was released from Jodhpur Central Jail on 14 March 2026 after the Centre revoked his detention under which law?
A) UAPA
B) NSA (National Security Act)
C) AFSPA
D) Sedition law
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The Ministry of Home Affairs announced immediate revocation, highlighting issues of preventive detention and civil liberties in India.
Q7. Rising risks of seafarers’ abandonment due to the West Asia conflict were highlighted on 14 March 2026 under which international convention?
A) SOLAS
B) STCW
C) UNCLOS
D) Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Abandonment occurs when owners fail to pay wages or repatriate crews; Indian vessels faced heightened risks near the Strait of Hormuz.
Q8. Reliance Industries’ partnership in the Texas refinery project involves processing which type of US oil?
A) Heavy sour crude
B) Light shale oil (tight oil) from Permian Basin
C) Synthetic oil
D) Venezuelan heavy oil
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Light tight oil is low-sulfur and easily refinable; India has potential reserves in Cambay and KG basins.
Q9. Which Indian naval vessel (Talwar-class frigate) was mentioned in defence-related current affairs around 14 March 2026 for regional stability in the Indian Ocean?
A) INS Vikramaditya
B) INS Arihant
C) INS Trikand
D) INS Kolkata
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Built in Russia, it features stealth technology and participates in multinational exercises.
Q10. The ongoing West Asia crisis led to which Indian state government announcing electricity subsidies for commercial users switching from LPG to electric stoves?
A) Gujarat
B) Kerala
C) Maharashtra
D) Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Announced by CM M.K. Stalin amid LPG supply pressures from the Hormuz disruptions.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 11-20)
Q11. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced in Lok Sabha, deletes which provision of the 2019 Act?
A) Section 4(2) – right to self-perceived gender identity
B) Section 3 – definition of discrimination
C) Section 7 – certificate issuance
D) Section 12 – welfare measures
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Bill redefines “transgender” to include socio-cultural identities (hijra, kinner etc.), intersex variations and victims of forced alteration, but excludes self-perceived/gender-fluid identities; introduces Medical Authority certification. Conflicts with NALSA (2014) judgment on Article 21 autonomy.
Q12. The Supreme Court on/around 14 March 2026 expressed apprehensions that mandatory paid menstrual leave could:
A) Increase women’s workforce participation
B) Hurt women’s careers and equal opportunities
C) Violate Article 14
D) Require constitutional amendment
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Bench (led by CJI Surya Kant in related context) noted potential discrimination in employment, especially for young women.
Q13. INDIA bloc MPs submitted a notice in Parliament for removal of the Chief Election Commissioner on 14 March 2026 under which constitutional provision?
A) Article 324
B) Judges Inquiry Act (analogous procedure)
C) Article 148
D) Article 72
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Opposition raised concerns over electoral integrity; highlights separation of powers and accountability of constitutional bodies.
Q14. Lok Sabha passed the Appropriation Bill 2026 and Supplementary Demand for Grants allocating funds for which new mechanism to tackle global economic shocks?
A) National Infrastructure Pipeline
B) PM Gati Shakti
C) Economic Stabilisation Fund
D) Atmanirbhar Bharat Fund
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Government clarified adherence to 4.4% fiscal deficit target for 2025-26 despite extra spending.
Q15. Who was sworn in as the 43rd Governor of Bihar on 14 March 2026?
A) Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain
B) Ramesh Bais
C) Arif Mohammed Khan
D) P.S. Sreedharan Pillai
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Sworn in by Patna High Court Chief Justice at Lok Bhavan; underscores federal appointments.
Q16. The National Shipping Board (advisory body under Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways) was established under which Act?
A) Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 (Section 4)
B) Inland Vessels Act
C) Ports Act 1908
D) Coastal Shipping Act
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Comprises up to 16 members; advises on green shipping and seafarer welfare.
Q17. Which scheme’s second supplementary demands included provisions for legacy waste remediation in 202 urban local bodies?
A) Smart Cities Mission
B) AMRUT 2.0
C) Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (DRAP programme)
D) PMAY
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) targets 214 dumpsites with 5P framework and aims for zero dumpsites by Sep 2026.
Q18. The Supreme Court directed the government to frame a “no-fault” compensation policy for which issue on/around 14 March 2026?
A) COVID-19 vaccine side effects/deaths
B) Road accidents
C) Nuclear incidents
D) Air pollution deaths
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Affirms Article 21 right to health; requires public disclosure of AEFI data.
Q19. INDIA bloc MPs’ notice targeted removal of which constitutional functionary besides the Speaker?
A) CAG
B) Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
C) UPSC Chairman
D) Attorney General
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Reflects ongoing debates on electoral reforms.
Q20. Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain’s appointment as Bihar Governor highlights which constitutional article?
A) Article 153
B) Article 164
C) Article 161
D) Article 155
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Standard federal appointment process.
Sports (Questions 21-23)
Q21. Paralympic champion Sumit Antil won gold in men’s javelin throw (F43/F44/F64) at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026 held in:
A) Dubai
B) New Delhi
C) Paris
D) Tokyo
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: With a throw of 69.25 metres (back-to-back gold after Dubai event); Indians swept the podium (Pushpendra Singh silver, Poonam Ram bronze).
Q22. Which state’s cricket team unveiled its new IPL 2026 match jersey around mid-March 2026?
A) Mumbai Indians
B) Chennai Super Kings
C) Punjab Kings
D) Kolkata Knight Riders
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Part of ongoing IPL preparations.
Q23. Chennai Super Kings informed Madras High Court it would stop using songs from which actor’s films in promos unless licensed?
A) Shah Rukh Khan
B) Rajinikanth (Jailer, Coolie etc.)
C) Akshay Kumar
D) Allu Arjun
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Copyright dispute with Sun Pictures.
Arts, Culture, Education & Literature (Questions 24-26)
Q24. “Purple Fest” organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at Rashtrapati Bhavan on/around 14 March 2026 celebrated talents of:
A) Transgender persons
B) Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) – over 8,000 participants
C) Senior citizens
D) Tribal artists
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Featured cultural performances and awareness stalls; promotes dignity and inclusion under RPwD Act.
Q25. Kurumba tribal painting (prehistoric art form >3000 years old) from which states uses natural pigments like Vengai tree resin and themes of honey hunting?
A) Rajasthan & Gujarat
B) Odisha & Jharkhand
C) Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Karnataka (Nilgiris region)
D) Assam & Meghalaya
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Ritualistic minimalist linear motifs; faces extinction threat – relevant for preservation of indigenous arts.
Q26. First export consignment of GI-tagged Joha rice (aromatic, nutraceutical-rich) from Assam was dispatched to which countries around 12-14 March 2026?
A) USA & Canada
B) Japan & South Korea
C) UK & Italy
D) Australia & New Zealand
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Facilitated by APEDA; Joha received GI tag in 2017.
Environment, Science, Economy & Other (Questions 27-30)
Q27. A study published around 14 March 2026 revealed that Earth’s magnetic pole reversals may last up to:
A) 2,000–12,000 years
B) 70,000 years (longer than previously thought)
C) 1,000 years
D) 500,000 years
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Based on North Atlantic sediment cores; reversals weaken the field, increasing radiation exposure (GS1 Geography).
Q28. The captive breeding programme for the Great Indian Bustard (critically endangered, state bird of Rajasthan) entered its fourth year with chicks hatched in:
A) Rajasthan
B) Gujarat
C) Maharashtra
D) Karnataka
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Partnership with Wildlife Institute of India; total ~70 chicks; in-situ/ex-situ conservation.
Q29. NMDC (Navratna CPSE under Ministry of Steel) became the first to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore in FY 2025-26. Its headquarters are in:
A) New Delhi
B) Bengaluru
C) Kolkata
D) Hyderabad
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Supports India’s 300 MT steel target by 2030.
Q30. The first National Conference on Geodesy (GeodCon-26) highlighted India’s National Geospatial Policy 2022 for leadership in which technologies?
A) Blockchain & AI only
B) Remote sensing, GIS, LiDAR, GPS (geospatial self-reliance)
C) Quantum computing
D) Nuclear fusion
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Promotes innovation and data access (education/science & technology linkage).
