Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)
Q1. On 18 May 2026, what major development was reported regarding a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego?
A) It was ruled a random accident
B) Three people were killed, including a security guard; two teenage suspects died by suicide; investigated as a possible hate crime
C) No casualties reported
D) It targeted a different religious site
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The attack killed three adult males (including a heroic security guard who prevented entry into the mosque with children inside). It is under investigation as a hate crime.
Q2. Regarding President Trump’s recent state visit to China (prior to 18 May 2026 reports), which statement is accurate?
A) It resulted in major new trade deals immediately
B) China rejected all US proposals
C) The visit featured high-level talks on trade, Iran, Taiwan, and bilateral ties; described as more “vibes” than detailed outcomes by some analysts
D) No meetings with Xi Jinping occurred
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump returned praising the relationship; analysts noted symbolic success but limited concrete public commitments.
Q3. What is the significance of the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership Roadmap (2026–2030) announced around mid-May 2026?
A) Limited only to defence cooperation
B) A comprehensive five-year framework covering semiconductors, green hydrogen, water management, maritime security, critical minerals, and more
C) Focused solely on cultural exchanges
D) A free trade agreement replacement
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: It elevates bilateral ties with institutional mechanisms in tech, energy transition, defence, and economic resilience.
Q4. Which country ordered China-linked shareholders to divest stakes in a rare earths firm on or around 18 May 2026?
A) Australia
B) India
C) USA
D) Japan
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: To protect its critical minerals sector under foreign investment rules.
Q5. What was a key outcome or context of the Philippines Senate’s actions around 18 May 2026?
A) Election results declared
B) Full diplomatic break with China
C) New trade pact with India
D) Impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte resumed
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Related to political turmoil.
Q6. In the context of ongoing Middle East tensions reported around this period, what has been a point of discussion involving the US, China, and Iran?
A) Complete resolution of the Iran war
B) Diplomatic efforts, warnings, and talks on nuclear issues and regional stability
C) No involvement of major powers
D) Only humanitarian aid
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump warned Iran; summits addressed related issues.
Q7. Elon Musk lost a lawsuit on or around this period against:
A) US Government
B) Tesla shareholders
C) OpenAI and Sam Altman
D) Twitter/X
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Jury verdict in favour of OpenAI.
Q8. Which global health emergency was highlighted in news around 18 May 2026?
A) Ebola outbreak in Congo declared a global emergency by WHO
B) New COVID variant
C) Polio resurgence in Europe
D) Zika in South Asia
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Ongoing outbreak concerns.
Q9. India’s PM was awarded which honour by Sweden (context around recent visits)?
A) Nobel Peace Prize
B) Royal Order of the Polar Star
C) Legion of Honour
D) Order of the British Empire
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Recognition of bilateral ties.
Q10. What issue involving undersea cables was flagged in geopolitical risk discussions?
A) Threats to global internet, including potential impacts on India, from tensions in Strait of Hormuz
B) New 6G rollout
C) Domestic fibre optic expansion
D) Satellite internet dominance
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Highlights vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 11-18)
Q11. What major ordinance was promulgated by the President of India around 18 May 2026?
A) Electoral bond revival
B) Abolishing Article 370 remnants
C) New farm laws
D) Increasing the number of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37 (excluding CJI)
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: To address judicial workload.
Q12. In Manipur, what demand was made by thousands of Kuki-Zo tribals around this period?
A) New state creation
B) Re-imposition of President’s Rule
C) Complete autonomy
D) Merger with neighbouring state
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
Q13. Tripura achieved what distinction in deregulation phases?
A) First state to complete all priority areas under Deregulation Phase-I and II
B) Highest GDP growth
C) New capital announcement
D) Nuclear power plant approval
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Ease of doing business milestone.
Q14. Cabinet approvals around mid-May 2026 included:
A) Bullet train extension only
B) Ahmedabad–Dholera Rail Project and Nagpur Airport modernisation
C) Airport privatisation halt
D) River interlinking ban
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Infrastructure push.
Q15. Which historical artefacts were in news regarding potential restitution?
A) Taj Mahal marbles
B) Ajanta frescoes
C) Chola copper plates
D) Indus Valley seals
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Cultural heritage discussions.
Q16. Palamu Tiger Reserve is located in which state?
A) Jharkhand
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Odisha
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Conservation news context.
Q17. What community-led conservation practice was highlighted in Jammu & Kashmir?
A) Panzath Nag Spring Festival (cleaning springs and traditional fishing)
B) Annual tiger census
C) Plastic ban enforcement
D) Solar adoption drive
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: In Anantnag district.
Q18. UPSC announced provisional answer keys for CSE Prelims 2026 after the exam on:
A) 24 May 2026 (with objection window)
B) Immediately on exam day
C) After Mains
D) No keys released
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: New transparency measure.
Sports (Questions 19-21)
Q19. Who became the first English-born winner of the PGA Championship in over a century on/around 18 May 2026?
A) Rory McIlroy
B) Aaron Rai
C) Scottie Scheffler
D) Jon Rahm
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Victory at Aronimink Golf Club.
Q20. Aaron Rai’s win is significant as he is the first Englishman since:
A) 1919 or earlier
B) 2000
C) 1950
D) Never before
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Historic milestone.
Q21. Pat Cummins’ performance helped which team enter IPL 2026 playoffs?
A) CSK
B) RCB
C) SRH
D) MI
Correct Answer: C.
Environment, Arts, Education & Misc. (Questions 22-26)
Q22. A tragic incident on 18 May 2026 at Dubare Elephant Camp, Kodagu, Karnataka, involved:
A) A Tamil Nadu tourist (33) killed after being trampled during a clash between two captive elephants
B) Wild elephant rescue success
C) New safari launch
D) Poaching arrest
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: During bathing session in Cauvery River; safety review ordered.
Q23. Hoolock Gibbon conservation is linked to which region?
A) Andaman Islands
B) Western Ghats
C) Northeast India
D) Thar Desert
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Endangered primate news context.
Q24. International Museum Day is observed on:
A) 8 March
B) 18 May
C) 5 June
D) 22 April
Correct Answer: B.
Q25. Deaths in news: Tom Kane (voice of Yoda etc.) passed away at age:
A) 64
B) 74
C) 82
D) 55
Correct Answer: A.
Q26. Which Indian state/region saw reports of encroachments on heritage sites like Bara Imambara?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Rajasthan
C) Kerala
D) Odisha
Correct Answer: A.
