Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-11)
Q1. On 21 May 2026, which country announced the establishment of a controlled maritime zone in the Strait of Hormuz requiring authorization from the newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Iran
C) Israel
D) UAE
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This move amid regional tensions impacts global oil transit, relevant for India’s energy security as a major importer.
Q2. What did Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko state regarding involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war on 21 May 2026?
A) Belarus will not join the current war and is ready to meet Zelenskyy
B) Belarus will actively support Russia militarily
C) Belarus has declared neutrality
D) Belarus seeks NATO membership
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: This reflects shifting dynamics in Eastern Europe.
Q3. Which US naval asset arrived in the Southern Caribbean prompting Cuba’s promise of “fierce resistance” around 21 May 2026?
A) USS Gerald R. Ford
B) USS Abraham Lincoln
C) USS Nimitz
D) USS George H.W. Bush
Correct Answer: C.
Q4. Amid ongoing conflicts, which former Cuban leader faced US indictments announced around 21 May 2026?
A) Fidel Castro
B) Raul Castro
C) Miguel Díaz-Canel
D) Che Guevara (posthumous)
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Highlights US-Cuba tensions.
Q5. Israel continued attacks on Lebanon despite agreeing to extend a ceasefire, as reported on 21 May 2026. How many people were reportedly killed in one incident?
A) Two
B) Five
C) Ten
D) None reported
Correct Answer: B.
Q6. PM Narendra Modi chaired the first full Cabinet meeting of 2026 on 21 May 2026 primarily to review ministry performance amid which key challenges?
A) West Asia conflicts, Strait of Hormuz issues, high oil prices, and inflation
B) Only domestic elections
C) COVID resurgence
D) Space mission delays
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: India imports ~90% of its oil; prices over $110/barrel and potential daily losses emphasized energy security.
Q7. President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus began a state visit to India on/around 20-21 May 2026. What is a key focus area?
A) Only tourism
B) Agriculture exclusively
C) Trade, technology, defense, AI, and investment (including India-EU gateway)
D) Sports exchange
Correct Answer: C.
Q8. Sudan Doctors Network reported a drone strike injuring people in which location around 21 May 2026?
A) Khartoum
B) Dilling, South Kordofan
C) Darfur
D) Port Sudan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Amid ongoing civil war and acute hunger crisis affecting millions.
Q9. In the Sudanese civil war context reported around 21 May 2026, what humanitarian crisis affected 20 million people?
A) Acute hunger/starvation
B) Mass displacement only
C) Cholera outbreak
D) Flooding disaster
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Rival factions’ strikes worsened acute hunger for millions.
Q10. The India-Africa Forum Summit-IV was postponed due to which health crisis around 21 May 2026?
A) Malaria outbreak
B) Dengue
C) Polio resurgence
D) Ebola virus outbreak in parts of Africa
Correct Answer: D.
Q11. Which Indian state/region saw discussions on illegal infiltrators policy (“detect, delete and deport”) around this period?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) West Bengal
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Kerala
Correct Answer: B.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 11-16)
Q11. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel mandated uniforms for students in all state colleges and universities on 21 May 2026. What additional directive was given?
A) Only online classes
B) Introduce vocational/short-term courses and decide uniform design
C) Close affiliated colleges
D) Ban protests
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Aimed at discipline, equality, and skill development.
Q12. Tamil Nadu’s Cabinet expanded significantly on 21 May 2026 under CM C. Joseph Vijay. To how many members?
A) 15
B) 25
C) 33
D) 40
Correct Answer: C. 33
Q13. In the PM’s 21 May 2026 Cabinet meeting, emphasis was placed on faster delivery and citizen focus. How long did the meeting last?
A) 1 hour
B) Nearly 4.5 hours
C) 30 minutes
D) Full day
Correct Answer: B.
Q14. BIS notified specifications for higher ethanol blending in May 2026. Up to what percentage?
A) E20
B) E10
C) E30 (E22-E30 blends)
D) E50
Correct Answer: C.
Q15. Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav launched which portal under Ayush Grid?
A) Ayush Export Portal
B) Ayush Hospital Portal
C) Ayush Anudan Portal
D) Ayush Research Portal
Correct Answer: C.
Q16. Which state saw protests demanding re-imposition of President’s Rule (context from recent affairs)?
A) Manipur (Kuki-Zo tribals)
B) Jammu & Kashmir
C) Punjab
D) Haryana
Correct Answer: A.
Sports, Arts, Education & Others (Questions 17-25)
Q17. In MLB on 21 May 2026, which Atlanta Braves player hit two home runs in a 9-3 win over Miami Marlins?
A) Ronald Acuña Jr.
B) Michael Harris II
C) Matt Olson
D) Ozzie Albies
Correct Answer: B.
Q18. “Goals” – the new 2026 FIFA World Cup song featuring LISA, Anitta, and Rema – was released on which date?
A) 20 May
B) 21 May 2026
C) 15 May
D) 25 May
Correct Answer: B.
Q19. WWE Main Event on 21 May 2026 featured matches including:
A) Only Roman Reigns
B) Only tag team
C) Maxxine Dupri vs. Nikkita Lyons and Je’Von Evans in hometown action
D) Royal Rumble qualifiers
Correct Answer: C.
Q20. World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed on:
A) 20 May
B) 15 May
C) 22 May
D) 21 May
Correct Answer: D.
Q21. Shavuot (Jewish observance) began around:
A) 20 May 2026
B) 21 May 2026
C) 25 May
D) 30 May
Correct Answer: B.
Q22. In IPL 2026 action around 21 May, which teenage sensation was noted for rapid records like fastest to 50 sixes?
A) Shubman Gill
B) Ruturaj Gaikwad
C) Yashasvi Jaiswal
D) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Correct Answer: D.
Q23. East Bengal ended a long wait by winning which title on/around 21 May 2026?
A) ISL (Indian Super League) national title
B) Durand Cup
C) Santosh Trophy
D) Ranji Trophy
Correct Answer: A.
Q24. The International Booker Prize 2026 was won by which work?
A) Taiwan Travelogue
B) A work on Indian Partition
C) A Latin American novel
D) African climate fiction
Correct Answer: A.
Q25. BCCI was ruled not a “public authority” under which Act by the CIC (recent affirmation)?
A) Sports Code
B) Prevention of Corruption Act
C) Companies Act
D) RTI Act, 2005
Correct Answer: D.
