Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)
1. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola (BDBV) outbreak originated primarily in which province of DRC?
A) North Kivu
B) Ituri Province
C) Kinshasa
D) Equateur
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Ituri Province saw the main outbreak with suspected cases and deaths; cases imported to Uganda. No approved vaccine/treatment for this strain unlike Zaire ebolavirus.
2. WHO declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on:
A) 15 May 2026
B) 16 May 2026
C) 17 May 2026
D) 10 May 2026
Correct Answer: C.
3. Recent US Senate action on Iran involved advancing a measure to:
A) Limit President Trump’s war powers/actions
B) Increase military aid
C) Impose new sanctions on India
D) Support Israel unconditionally
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: In a rebuke amid ceasefire negotiations and tensions.
4. India has stated it will continue buying Russian oil based on:
A) US sanctions waivers only
B) Commercial viability and energy security
C) OPEC directives
D) UN mandates
Correct Answer: B.
5. The Leiden/Annamangalam Copper Plates relate to which dynasty?
A) Pallava
B) Vijayanagara
C) Chera
D) Chola
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: 11th-century Chola plates (returned from Netherlands) detail land grants, maritime links, and religious patronage (e.g., Buddhist vihara).
6. The return of Chola plates occurred during PM Modi’s visit to:
A) France
B) Netherlands
C) Germany
D) UK
Correct Answer: B.
7. Which country reported an imported Bundibugyo Ebola case from DRC?
A) Uganda
B) Kenya
C) Rwanda
D) Tanzania
Correct Answer: A.
8. Trump administration reportedly created a fund for allies claiming targeting by previous administration. The amount mentioned in some reports:
A) $500 million
B) $10 billion
C) $1.776 billion
D) $250 million
Correct Answer: C.
9. The Chola plates highlight Chola connections with:
A) Southeast Asia
B) Central Asia
C) Europe
D) Africa
Correct Answer: A.
10. Geopolitical tensions affecting fuel prices primarily involve blockade/concerns in:
A) Strait of Malacca
B) Strait of Hormuz
C) Panama Canal
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: B.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 11-18)
11. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, promulgated by President Droupadi Murmu, increases the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges (excluding CJI) from:
A) 31 to 34
B) 33 to 37
C) 34 to 38
D) 30 to 35
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The ordinance amends the 1956 Act to raise puisne judges from 33 to 37 (total 38 including CJI) to address case pendency and enable more Constitution Benches.
12. Which Article of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session?
A) Article 72
B) Article 123
C) Article 143
D) Article 352
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Article 123 allows ordinances having the same force as an Act of Parliament, subject to approval within six weeks of reassembly.
13. The US Department of Justice dropped all criminal fraud charges against Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani in a case related to:
A) Arms dealing
B) Tax evasion in the US
C) Alleged bribery for solar energy project contracts in India
D) Environmental violations
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The high-profile case involving alleged $250-265 million bribery scheme was dropped with prejudice after civil settlements.
14. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Supreme Court judge strength increase?
A) Aims to reduce pendency
B) Collegium to recommend new judges
C) Immediate appointment of 4 new judges
D) Total strength becomes 38 including CJI
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The ordinance increases sanctioned strength; actual appointments follow collegium recommendations and government approval.
15. In the context of recent fuel price hikes, who primarily decides retail petrol and diesel prices in India?
A) Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)
B) Ministry of Petroleum
C) Parliament
D) RBI
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: OMCs like IOCL, BPCL, HPCL revise prices daily based on international crude prices and other factors.
16. On 19 May 2026, petrol and diesel prices were hiked by approximately how much per litre?
A) Rs. 2
B) 90 paise
C) Rs. 3
D) Rs. 1.50
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This was the second hike in under a week amid West Asia tensions and rising global crude prices.
17. President’s Rule can be imposed under which Article?
A) 352
B) 370
C) 360
D) 356
Correct Answer: D.
18. The Adani case dismissal is described as “with prejudice,” meaning:
A) Charges cannot be brought again
B) Charges can be refiled easily
C) Only civil penalties apply
D) International arbitration needed
Correct Answer: A.
Economy, Sports, Arts & Others (Q19-25)
19. The Adani Group pledged a major investment in the US as part of resolutions. The figure was around:
A) $1 billion
B) $10 billion
C) $5 billion
D) $50 billion
Correct Answer: B.
20. Which festival in Kashmir is linked to community-led conservation of springs?
A) Panzath Nag Spring Conservation Festival
B) Navroz
C) Bihu
D) Pongal
Correct Answer: A.
21. The Royal Order of the Polar Star is an honour from:
A) Netherlands
B) France
C) Japan
D) Sweden
Correct Answer: D.
Q22. Virat Kohli participated in which event on 19 May 2026?
A) RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit (session on peak performance)
B) Cricket World Cup final
C) Olympic bidding
D) Chess championship
Correct Answer: A.
Q23. World Football Day (19 May 2026) emphasizes:
A) Ban on international matches
B) Cricket dominance
C) Only professional leagues
D) Football’s role in unity, youth empowerment, and global solidarity
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: UN high-level celebration with FIFA.
Q24. First satellite-tagged Ganges Softshell Turtle was released in:
A) Ganga River
B) Kaziranga basin
C) Thar Desert
D) Andaman Sea
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Wildlife conservation effort by Wildlife Institute of India.
Q25. Mission Sikkim Organics was launched by:
A) Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia (during Sikkim Statehood Day)
B) Defence Minister
C) Finance Minister
D) Education Minister
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Organic farming push.
Q26. Panzath Nag Spring Conservation Festival is associated with:
A) Art exhibition in Mumbai
B) Literature festival in Kolkata
C) Sports meet in Delhi
D) Environmental conservation in Jammu & Kashmir
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Local heritage and ecology.
Q27. Which J-pop trio signed with Atlantic Records (around this period news)?
A) Number_i
B) BTS
C) Blackpink
D) Twice
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Global music/arts crossover.
