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.
Q4. What did India’s EAM emphasize at the BRICS meeting regarding UN reforms?
A) Strengthening veto powers
B) Focusing only on economic issues
C) Reducing Security Council size
D) That UN structures reflect an “earlier era” and need better representation for Asia, Africa, and Latin America
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: S. Jaishankar highlighted the need for UNSC reform for contemporary global realities.
Q5. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected a resolution related to:
A) Trade with China
B) War Powers to end Trump’s attacks on Iran
C) BRICS expansion
D) UN funding
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: It was an effort to rein in U.S. military actions in the Iran context.
Q6. Which country’s leader hosted or was central to discussions on the Iran war during a state visit in mid-May 2026?
A) China (Trump-Xi summit)
B) Russia
C) Brazil
D) South Africa
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Discussions covered Iran but yielded limited agreements.
Q7. BRICS 2026 chairmanship theme (under India) emphasizes:
A) Security alliances only
B) Resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability (among others)
C) Military cooperation
D) Space exploration exclusively
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India’s presidency focuses on multilateralism and inclusive governance.
Q8. The Strait of Hormuz issue was prominently discussed in which context in May 2026?
A) G7 meeting
B) Quad meeting
C) ASEAN summit
D) Trump-Xi summit and BRICS amid Iran tensions
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: It relates to oil routes and the Iran conflict.
Q9. India called for stronger multilateralism under its BRICS chairmanship while meeting which dignitaries?
A) Member and partner countries, including calls on PM Modi
B) Only core BRICS members
C) Bilateral with the US only
D) Commonwealth nations
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The meeting included expanded BRICS participants.
Q10. Ongoing tensions highlighted at BRICS included concerns over:
A) Only economic slowdown
B) Space race
C) Iran war, energy prices, and global governance reforms
D) Arctic exploration
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: These were key agenda items amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Indian Polity, Governance & Economy (Questions 11-20)
Q11. India banned sugar exports until what date in 2026?
A) December 2026
B) September 2026
C) June 2026
D) March 2027
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The DGFT notification aimed to protect domestic supplies and cool prices amid production concerns and El Nino risks.
Q12. NEET-UG 2026 exam (held on 3 May) was cancelled due to:
A) Alleged paper leak
B) Technical glitches
C) Low attendance
D) Court stay on syllabus
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: A “guess paper” with many matching questions circulated; re-exam planned. Multiple arrests reported.
Q13. A Delhi High Court judge initiated contempt proceedings against:
A) Central government officials
B) Supreme Court judges
C) Election Commission
D) AAP leaders including Arvind Kejriwal
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The judge stated refusal to be intimidated.
Q14. PM Narendra Modi rubbished reports of imposing restrictions or cess on:
A) Sugar exports
B) Digital transactions
C) Foreign travel
D) Fuel prices
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: He clarified no such plans amid economic pressures.
Q15. Farmers and opposition leaders were detained during a march to:
A) Parliament
B) Maharashtra CM’s residence (protest over Konkan issues)
C) Supreme Court
D) RBI headquarters
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Related to mango/cashew farmers’ concerns.
Q16. The Union Cabinet approved a scheme worth Rs 37,500 crore for:
A) Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects
B) NEET reforms
C) Sugar subsidies
D) BRICS infrastructure
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: To promote cleaner coal technologies.
Q17. Which state government lifted the hijab ban, reigniting debates?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Karnataka
C) Maharashtra
D) Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: It sparked political discussions.
Q18. A major storm in mid-May 2026 caused over 100 deaths primarily in:
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Rajasthan
C) Kerala
D) West Bengal
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Districts like Prayagraj heavily affected; CM ordered swift relief.
Q19. INCOIS expanded monitoring for:
A) Heatwaves
B) Urban flooding only
C) Desertification
D) Kallakkadal swell surges
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Installed systems near Kollam for better forecasting.
Q20. MeitY launched the IP Catalyst initiative to:
A) Promote startups in IPR
B) Boost intellectual property awareness and support (with digital platform)
C) Regulate AI
D) Control social media
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Focus on innovation and IP ecosystem.
Sports, Arts, Education & Miscellaneous (Questions 21-25)
Q21. In IPL 2026, which team secured a rare win denting CSK’s playoff hopes (Mitchell Marsh standout)?
A) RCB
B) MI
C) LSG
D) PBKS
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Marsh’s performance was key.
Q22. Indian chess player R. Praggnanandhaa defeated whom in a classical game (Romania event)?
A) Javokhir Sindarov
B) Magnus Carlsen
C) Ding Liren
D) Hikaru Nakamura
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Notable classical victory.
Q23. NEET-UG cancellation affected approximately how many aspirants?
A) 5 lakh
B) 50,000
C) 10 lakh
D) Over 22 lakh
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Massive impact on medical aspirants.
Q24. India’s water crisis is increasingly viewed as a challenge of:
A) Only rainfall scarcity
B) Governance
C) Infrastructure only
D) International rivers
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Links to SDG 6 and Viksit Bharat.
Q25. Which wrestler/world champion was featured at Memphis in May 2026 BBQ event?
A) Bill Goldberg
B) John Cena
C) Roman Reigns
D) The Undertaker
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Cultural/sports crossover event.
