Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-12)
Q1. What major development was announced regarding the 2026 Iran War on 15 June 2026?
A) Full surrender of Iranian forces
B) A 60-day ceasefire and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran to end hostilities
C) Permanent UN Security Council resolution imposing new sanctions
D) Joint military exercises between Iran and Israel
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iranian officials and US President Trump confirmed the deal, with signing scheduled for 19 June in Geneva (Pakistan mediating). It includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing nuclear/sanctions issues. This has implications for global oil markets and India’s energy security.
Q2. Which strategic waterway saw its first known ship passage (Indian tanker Disha by Petronet) following the US-Iran peace announcement?
A) Suez Canal
B) Strait of Malacca
C) Strait of Hormuz
D) Panama Canal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The ceasefire is expected to ease the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis, benefiting global shipping and reducing oil price volatility.
Q3. India lodged a strong protest with the US over an incident involving Indian seafarers during recent Gulf operations. What was the core issue?
A) Visa restrictions on Indian professionals
B) US naval strikes on merchant vessels killing three Indian seafarers
C) Trade tariff hikes on Indian exports
D) Extradition disputes
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Related to attacks on ships like the tanker Settebello amid regional tensions.
Q4. During PM Narendra Modi’s visit to France (Nice), what key agreements were adopted with President Emmanuel Macron?
A) Defence pact for joint nuclear submarines
B) Free trade agreement eliminating all tariffs
C) Innovation Roadmap 2030 and Dialogue on Economic Security
D) Cultural exchange for only classical music
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: This strengthens the India-France Strategic Partnership, focusing on technology, innovation, and global governance (including G7). PM Modi proceeded to Slovakia.
Q5. Israel expressed concerns over the US-Iran deal primarily due to:
A) Lack of addressing Iran’s nuclear program, missiles, and proxies
B) Increased US troop withdrawal from Europe
C) Economic sanctions relief only for oil
D) Exclusion of Arab states
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Netanyahu noted differences with Trump, fearing the deal leaves Iran’s capabilities intact.
Q6. What cultural site in Kyiv was heavily damaged in Russian strikes on 15 June 2026?
A) St. Sophia’s Cathedral
B) Dormition Cathedral in Pechersk Lavra
C) Chernobyl Museum
D) Taras Shevchenko Monument
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Part of ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war attacks, also hitting Dovzhenko Film Studios and causing civilian deaths.
Q7. Elon Musk achieved what historic financial milestone around mid-June 2026?
A) Becoming the first trillionaire via SpaceX IPO launch
B) Acquiring a major media conglomerate
C) Launching a new cryptocurrency
D) Winning a Nobel Prize in Economics
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Tied to SpaceX developments, raising debates on wealth concentration.
Q8. The US-Iran deal is expected to impact India primarily through:
A) Lower oil prices and eased shipping in Hormuz
B) Higher defence imports from the US
C) Restrictions on Indian diaspora
D) New sanctions on Indian banks
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Benefits for energy imports and trade.
Q9. Which country is mediating aspects of the US-Iran agreement signing?
A) China
B) Pakistan
C) Saudi Arabia
D) Turkey
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the parties.
Q10. PM Modi’s two-nation visit (France-Slovakia) highlights India’s focus on:
A) Multilateral technology and economic partnerships
B) Only bilateral military alliances
C) Climate reparations demands
D) UNSC permanent seat lobbying exclusively
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Innovation and global governance.
Q11. Global Wind Day (15 June) aligns with India’s push in:
A) Coal phase-out by 2030
B) Renewable energy capacity expansion
C) Nuclear only policy
D) Oil exploration moratorium
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Promotes wind energy for climate goals.
Q12. India’s first ship recycling credit note was issued under a scheme promoting:
A) Port privatization
B) Luxury cruise imports
C) Submarine manufacturing
D) Green ship recycling and domestic shipbuilding
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Environmental and maritime economic initiative.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 13-18)
Q13. UPSC declared 2026 Prelims results on/around 15 June. Approximately how many candidates qualified for Mains?
A) 5,000
B) 13,343
C) 25,000
D) 8,000
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: For ~1,016 vacancies; Mains from August.
Q14. BJP leaders are reportedly eyeing early assembly elections in which states?
A) Only southern states
B) Goa, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and UP
C) All northeastern states
D) Delhi and Kerala exclusively
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Political strategy discussions.
Q15. NCERT’s new Class 9 Art textbook sparked controversy by covering the torso of which iconic Indus Valley artefact?
A) Priest-King
B) Mother Goddess
C) Bull seal
D) Dancing Girl (Mohenjodaro)
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Long-standing depiction altered, raising cultural representation debates.
Q16. Recent GI tags were granted to products from Jharkhand, including:
A) Only silk varieties
B) Bhagaiya silk, Kuchai silk, Munda jewellery, and bamboo craft
C) Only jewellery
D) Agricultural crops exclusively
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Boost to tribal craftsmanship.
Q17. Which education-related policy or update involved IITs expanding admissions?
A) Only online mode
B) Complete abolition of entrance exams
C) Beyond JEE to include sports, arts, culture, and Olympiads
D) Foreign quota removal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Diversifying talent intake.
Q18. Supreme Court notice was issued to Centre and Punjab over failure to implement:
A) RTE provisions
B) Farm laws
C) GST compensation
D) CAA rules
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Right to Education compliance.
Sports (Questions 19-22)
Q19. In the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, India defeated Pakistan by how many runs on 14/15 June?
A) 20 runs
B) 64 runs
C) 100 runs
D) By 5 wickets
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Strong performance with contributions from Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti Sharma at Edgbaston.
Q20. India’s Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kumkum Mohod achieved what in Archery World Cup?
A) Silver in mixed team
B) Qualification only
C) Bronze in individual
D) Gold, stunning Olympic champions
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Notable shooting/archery success.
Q21. Neeraj Chopra headlines India’s squad for which upcoming multi-sport event?
A) 2026 Commonwealth Games (Athletics)
B) Asian Games 2027
C) Olympics 2028 only
D) National Games
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Key javelin star leading the contingent.
Q22. Who delivered a standout performance (all-round) for India vs Pakistan in the T20 World Cup?
A) Smriti Mandhana
B) Deepti Sharma
C) Harmanpreet Kaur
D) Richa Ghosh
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Key wickets and contributions.
Arts, Education, Literature & Others (Questions 23-28)
Q23. Controversy in NCERT Art textbook relates to representation of which civilization’s artefact?
A) Mauryan
B) Gupta
C) Indus Valley (Harappan)
D) Mughal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Cultural sensitivity and textbook revisions.
Q24. IITs are widening admission channels to include:
A) Only NEET scores
B) Sports, fine arts, culture, and Olympiads
C) State board marks exclusively
D) Age relaxation only
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Holistic education push.
Q25. Global Wind Day (15 June) underscores India’s efforts in:
A) Renewable transition
B) Fossil fuel subsidies
C) Deforestation
D) Urban heat islands only
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Climate and energy security linkage.
Q26. Recent literary/cultural note: A book mentioned in current affairs contexts includes “China’s War” by:
A) Vijay Gokhale
B) Chetan Bhagat
C) Amish Tripathi
D) Arundhati Roy
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Geopolitical literature relevance.
Q27. UPSC aspirants noted issues around Prelims 2026 related to:
A) Online-only format failure
B) Complete postponement
C) Coaching content similarity allegations (denied/leak claims)
D) No changes in pattern
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Transparency debates post-results.
Q28. India’s ethanol blending push includes exemption for higher blends (22-30%) to promote:
A) Import dependency increase
B) Pure petrol phase-out
C) Diesel alternatives only
D) E20 equivalence in taxation and energy security
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Biofuel policy for environment and agriculture.
