Geopolitics & World News-India: (Questions 1-10)
1. The Indian Navy on 17 March 2026 deployed warships to escort Indian-flagged merchant vessels through which vulnerable waterway following tensions in West Asia?
A) Strait of Malacca
B) Gulf of Oman (after crossing Strait of Hormuz)
C) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Warships escorted vessels including INS Shivalik, Nanda Devi and Jag Laadki to ensure safe transit amid US-Iran-Israel conflict spillover. This demonstrates India’s proactive maritime security role under Operation Sankalp-like frameworks.
2. Which statement accurately reflects India’s position on the ongoing West Asia conflict as conveyed by Israel’s Ambassador to India on 17 March 2026?
A) India supports perpetual military action against Iran
B) India has mediated a ceasefire
C) Israel does not seek perpetual war with Iran and keeps diplomatic options open
D) Pakistan is backing Iran militarily
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Ambassador Reuven Azar clarified Israel’s stance post the February 2026 strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, highlighting diplomacy if Iran changes course.
3. On 17 March 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged the U.S. to address which specific issue while criticising a US Commission report?
A) Attacks on Indian diplomatic missions
B) Extradition of fugitives
C) Trade tariff disputes
D) Vandalism against Hindu temples in the U.S.
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted distortions in the US Commission on International Religious Freedom report and called for focus on temple attacks in the US.
4. India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated on 17 March 2026 that a bilateral trade deal with the U.S. would be signed only after:
A) Immediate removal of all tariffs
B) India stopping Russian oil imports
C) Clarity on country-wise U.S. tariff rates and architecture
D) Completion of Quad summit
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Amid ongoing U.S. investigations that could impose additional tariffs, India remains engaged but cautious on timing.
5. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the Iran situation with counterparts on 16 March 2026 (reported prominently on 17th). Who was the key leader he met?
A) Syed Abbas Araghchi
B) Emmanuel Macron
C) Antonio Costa
D) Charles Michel
Correct Answer: A.
6. Reports on 17 March 2026 indicated India rejected any discussion with Iran over safe passage through which strategic chokepoint in exchange for vessel release?
A) Strait of Malacca
B) Strait of Hormuz
C) Panama Canal
D) English Channel
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India denied reports of negotiations linking Hormuz passage safety with return of three seized tankers.
7. Amid West Asia tensions, how many Indian sailors were repatriated from the Gulf region as per government updates highlighted on 17 March 2026?
A) 89
B) 589
C) 289
D) 1,289
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Evacuation efforts via Armenia and Azerbaijan routes continued due to escalating conflict.
8. Opposition criticised the Centre’s foreign policy on 17 March 2026, linking the fuel/LPG crisis to allocation in the Appropriation Bill for which fund?
A) PM CARES Fund
B) Economic Stabilisation Fund
C) Strategic Petroleum Reserve
D) Defence Modernisation Fund
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil termed the crisis “man-made” while questioning the fund’s role.
9. Which country’s president urged PM Modi to broker a ceasefire in West Asia, as reported on 17 March 2026?
A) France
B) Finland
C) Germany
D) Japan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: At Raisina Dialogue context, Finland backed India’s unique position to urge Trump to engage Delhi for peace.
10. U.S. President Donald Trump accused Iran of using which technology for wartime disinformation, as highlighted in global coverage on 17 March 2026?
A) Quantum computing
B) 5G networks
C) Blockchain
D) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Trump called AI Iran’s “disinformation weapon” amid media tensions over the conflict.
Indian Polity: (Questions 11-20)
11. In the Rajya Sabha elections held/reported on 17 March 2026, the NDA swept all seats in which state, with opposition alleging MLA poaching?
A) Odisha
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Bihar
D) Maharashtra
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: NDA also performed strongly in Odisha amid cross-voting and absences.
12. On 17 March 2026, Parliament reached consensus to revoke the suspension of how many Opposition MPs in Lok Sabha?
A) 5
B) 8
C) 12
D) 15
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Speaker Om Birla facilitated agreement after Opposition regret; names included Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Hibi Eden, etc. Motion moved by Kiren Rijiju.
13. Which bill did Union Minister Piyush Goyal move to withdraw in Lok Sabha on 17 March 2026?
A) Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
B) Appropriation Bill
C) Transgender Persons Amendment Bill
D) Industrial Relations Code Bill
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Withdrawal aimed at enhancing trust-based governance after Select Committee review.
14. The Rajya Sabha discussed and returned which key Money Bill on 17 March 2026 for the financial year 2025-26?
A) Finance Bill
B) Appropriation Bill, 2026
C) Budget Bill
D) Supplementary Demand Bill
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied to queries; authorises withdrawal from Consolidated Fund.
15. Socio-political groups Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body (LAB) organised shutdown and rallies in Ladakh on/around 17 March 2026 demanding:
A) UT status with legislature
B) Special economic zone
C) Merger with Jammu
D) Statehood and inclusion in Sixth Schedule
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: First major protests since September 2025 violence; hundreds marched in Leh and Kargil.
16. A notice signed by 193 Opposition MPs sought removal of which official on 17 March 2026, citing partisan conduct?
A) Chief Election Commissioner
B) CAG
C) RBI Governor
D) CVC
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Allegations included remarks against Rahul Gandhi and voter deletions.
17. During Budget Session on 17 March 2026, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted unprecedented development under PM Modi and criticised lack of grants in opposition-ruled states like:
A) Gujarat and Haryana
B) Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal
C) Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
D) Punjab and Himachal
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Part of Demands for Grants discussion in Lok Sabha.
18. Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda wrote to Sonia Gandhi on 16 March (reported 17th) expressing concern over:
A) Economic slowdown
B) CAA implementation
C) Farm laws repeal
D) Chaos in Parliament due to Opposition protests
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Highlighted disruptions during Budget Session.
19. Social Justice Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar announced increase in reservation for persons with disabilities in government jobs from 3% to:
A) 4%
B) 5%
C) 7%
D) 10%
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: School admissions raised to 5%; Divya Kala Melas organised.
20. Opposition challenged government plans to introduce a Bill codifying deputation of IPS officers in which forces, despite Supreme Court observations?
A) CRPF and BSF (Central Armed Police Forces)
B) Army
C) Navy
D) ITBP only
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Rahul Gandhi met injured CRPF officer during discussions.
Sports, Education, Arts & Literature: (Questions 21-30)
21. Karnataka government granted formal clearance on 17 March 2026 for which stadium to host IPL 2026 matches after upgrades?
A) Eden Gardens
B) M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
C) Wankhede Stadium
D) Motera Stadium
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: First major match after nearly ten months; key venue confirmation.
22. Rajasthan Royals tweaked pre-season schedule with full squad camp beginning around mid-March 2026 for IPL 2026. The tournament is scheduled to start on:
A) 15 March
B) 15 April
C) 1 April
D) 28 March
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Expanded to record 84 matches; major pre-season updates reported.
23. Amid IPL 2026 preparations, controversy erupted over Sunrisers Hyderabad signing which Pakistani player, with Sunil Gavaskar commenting?
A) Babar Azam
B) Abrar Ahmed
C) Shaheen Afridi
D) Mohammad Rizwan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Backlash and calls for release highlighted on 17 March.
24. Post India’s T20 World Cup success, Gautam Gambhir expressed desire for which legend as potential head coach in future cycles?
A) Virat Kohli
B) Rohit Sharma
C) MS Dhoni
D) Sachin Tendulkar
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Linked to ongoing cricket discourse and Olympic 2028 ambitions.
25. The ‘State of Working India 2026’ report (released/highlighted 17 March) noted college availability per lakh youth rose from 29 (2010) to:
A) 35
B) 45
C) 60
D) 75
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Significant expansion in higher education access, especially for youth 15-29.
26. According to the State of Working India 2026 report, nearly what percentage of young graduates (15-25 age group) remain unemployed despite rising tertiary enrolment (now 28%)?
A) 20%
B) 40%
C) 60%
D) 15%
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Persistent jobs gap; only 7% secure permanent salaried roles annually. Women’s educational gains noted but salary stagnation persists.
27. Spain-India Dual Year 2026 saw the Education Minister inviting Spanish universities while stressing balance between:
A) AI and human elements
B) Online and offline learning
C) STEM and humanities
D) Public and private funding
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Key diplomatic-education outreach highlighted.
28. Sahitya Akademi Awards 2025 (announced 16 March, covered 17th) for English category went to Navtej Sarna for which work?
A) Jeete Jee Allahabad
B) Crimson Spring
C) Thamiz SirukathaiyinThadangal
D) Korhi Khelar Xadhu
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: 24 awards across languages; ceremony on 31 March; prize ?1 lakh + plaque each.
29. Which Hindi writer received the 2025 Sahitya Akademi Award for memoir Jeete Jee Allahabad?
A) Navtej Sarna
B) Devabrata Das
C) Mamta Kalia
D) Sa Tamilselvan
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Part of 24-language recognition honouring literary excellence.
30. The Bharat Tribes Fest (March 2026) at Sundar Nursery, Delhi, aims to showcase tribal:
A) Only food festivals
B) Arts, music, culture and commerce (including international pavilion)
C) Digital technology
D) Sports events
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Part of March tribal celebrations alongside Living Roots Music Festival; promotes heritage and empowerment.
