Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-12)
Q1. On April 22, 2026, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy took action in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing 2026 Iran war. What specific action was reported involving vessels?
A) Sinking three oil tankers
B) Seizing two vessels, with a third disabled off Iran’s coast
C) Escorting all ships through the strait safely
D) Imposing a complete naval blockade on Qatar
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran’s IRGC Navy seized two vessels (one India-bound) and disabled a third after attempts to cross the Strait of Hormuz. This escalated tensions despite the US ceasefire extension and ongoing blockade. The strait is critical for global oil supply (about 20% of world oil trade).
Q2. US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran on or around April 21-22, 2026. What was the primary stated reason?
A) Complete Iranian surrender
B) Withdrawal of US forces from the region
C) To allow more time for diplomacy and Iranian proposal submission
D) UN Security Council resolution
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely to give diplomacy a chance, even as talks stalled and the US maintained its blockade of Iranian ports. Iran viewed the blockade as an “act of war.”
Q3. The 2026 Iran war has led to significant disruption in global energy markets. Which strategic waterway’s status remained a major flashpoint on April 22, 2026?
A) Strait of Hormuz
B) Suez Canal
C) Malacca Strait
D) Panama Canal
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz (seizures and attacks on ships) complicated efforts to reopen the waterway, causing the largest oil supply shock on record by daily output lost.
Q4. Which country’s ship was reportedly among those seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz on April 22, 2026?
A) China
B) India
C) Russia
D) France
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: An India-bound ship was among the two vessels seized, highlighting implications for Indian shipping and energy security amid the crisis.
Q5. On April 22, 2026, reports emerged of Iranian strikes or incidents involving which of the following regions/groups?
A) Only Israel
B) No incidents reported
C) Solely the UAE
D) Kurdistan Region in Iraq
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Three members of the Kurdistan Freedom Party were injured in a drone attack attributed to Iran in Iraq’s Khabat District. Other regional strikes (Lebanon, etc.) were also noted.
Q6. The US continued its naval blockade of Iranian ports even after extending the ceasefire. What has Iran called this blockade?
A) Humanitarian aid measure
B) Peacekeeping operation
C) An “act of war”
D) Trade agreement
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Iran’s foreign minister described the US blockade as an “act of war,” complicating peace talks.
Q7. India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack anniversary was marked by which statement from the Prime Minister on April 22, 2026?
A) Announcement of new trade deals
B) Tribute to the 26 innocent lives lost in the 2025 attack
C) Call for immediate military action
D) No statement issued
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: PM Narendra Modi paid tributes to victims of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack (Baisaran Valley, 26 tourists killed), underscoring “India does not forget” terror incidents and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.
Q8. Earth Day 2026, observed on April 22, focused on which theme?
A) Save the Oceans
B) Our Power, Our Planet
C) Protect Forests Only
D) Climate Migration
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The 2026 theme “Our Power, Our Planet” emphasized renewable energy, sustainability, and individual/collective action against environmental degradation.
Q9. In the context of the Middle East crisis on April 22, 2026, what happened to a French UNIFIL peacekeeper in Lebanon?
A) Promoted for bravery
B) No incident reported
C) Captured by Israeli forces
D) Died from wounds sustained in an ambush blamed on Hezbollah
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The peacekeeper succumbed to injuries from a prior ambush, amid ongoing Israel-Hezbollah tensions and Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Q10. Which US naval asset was reported heading toward the Strait of Hormuz region to reinforce presence?
A) USS Nimitz
B) USS George H. W. Bush (aircraft carrier)
C) A submarine only
D) No deployment
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The carrier was sailing near Madagascar and expected to bolster US posture amid the Hormuz crisis.
Q11. New Zealand’s opposition Labour Party announced support for which bilateral agreement with India on April 22, 2026?
A) Defence pact
B) Cultural exchange only
C) Free Trade Deal
D) Student visa waiver
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Labour backed the India-NZ FTA (concluded earlier), citing strong ties with the Indian community, despite some coalition opposition.
Q12. Indian Army chief held talks with which US military leadership around this period?
A) US Central Command
B) US Army’s Pacific leadership
C) US Marine Corps only
D) No talks reported
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Discussions focused on regional security, including Indo-Pacific dynamics amid global tensions.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 13-18)
Q13. The Supreme Court of India, on April 22, 2026, commented on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee walking into an ongoing ED raid at I-PAC premises. What was the court’s key observation?
A) It constitutes a clear Centre-State dispute
B) CM has absolute immunity
C) ED raids are unconstitutional
D) Such conduct cannot translate into a Centre-State dispute
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The SC criticized the action but clarified it does not amount to a federal dispute, referencing hypothetical reversals of power.
Q14. Congress moved a privilege notice against PM Narendra Modi over his address on April 18, 2026. What was the alleged issue?
A) Economic data mismatch
B) Foreign policy disclosure
C) Abuse of power / breach of privilege
D) No notice was moved
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The opposition alleged the address involved abuse of power, escalating political confrontation.
Q15. Which state assembly passed a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in 2026, making it the second after Uttarakhand?
A) Maharashtra
B) Gujarat
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Kerala
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Gujarat’s UCC Bill 2026 advanced uniform personal laws, a key governance reform relevant for UPSC polity and society topics.
Q16. The Election Commission of India held review meetings on April 22, 2026, primarily for preparation of elections in:
A) Only Lok Sabha
B) Panchayat elections only
C) Multiple states (upcoming assembly polls)
D) No meetings held
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Reviews focused on readiness for various state elections, a standard polity current affair.
Q17. Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to designate which city as the sole and permanent capital?
A) Amaravati
B) Visakhapatnam
C) Hyderabad
D) Vijayawada
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The amendment resolved long-standing bifurcation-related capital issues.
Q18. The Ministry of Defence signed a ?975 crore contract for TRAWL systems for which tanks?
A) Arjun only
B) T-90 and T-72
C) T-55 only
D) No contract signed
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The contract with Indian firms enhances mine-clearing capability for these main battle tanks.
Sports (Questions 19-23)
Q19. In IPL 2026 on April 22, which player smashed an unbeaten 135 against Delhi Capitals?
A) Virat Kohli
B) Abhishek Sharma
C) Rohit Sharma
D) MS Dhoni
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Abhishek Sharma’s masterclass helped SRH post a big total and win by 47 runs, rewriting his story post a tough T20 World Cup.
Q20. Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 40 runs in IPL 2026. What was a notable performance aspect?
A) Rain-affected match
B) No result due to weather
C) Record sixes by Pant
D) Strong bowling collapse of LSG to 119 chasing 160
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: LSG suffered a shocking collapse, deepening Rishabh Pant’s team’s challenges.
Q21. Assam’s Nishamoni Bora achieved a milestone in sailing on or around this period. What was it?
A) Gold in Olympics
B) Silver in iQ Foil Windsurfing at National Sailing Championship (first female from Northeast)
C) Cricket debut
D) No achievement
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: She won silver in women’s iQ Foil at SAIL Goa 2026, boosting Northeast sports visibility.
Q22. Mumbai Indians secured a big win in IPL 2026 against which team?
A) Chennai Super Kings
B) Kolkata Knight Riders
C) Gujarat Titans
D) No win reported
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: MI posted 199/5 and bowled out GT for 100, a dominant performance.
Q23. India secured medals at which international shooting event around April 2026?
A) Olympic Games
B) ISSF Junior World Cup (four more medals)
C) Asian Games
D) No event
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Continued success in junior shooting strengthened India’s pipeline for future international events.
Arts, Education, Literature & Miscellaneous Current Affairs (Questions 24-30)
Q24. April 22, 2026, marked the anniversary of a significant terror incident in Jammu & Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley. How many civilians were killed in the 2025 Pahalgam attack?
A) 10
B) 50
C) 26
D) 5
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The attack on tourists led to nationwide outrage and India’s strong response via Operation Sindoor.
Q25. A photo exhibition titled “Guardians of Neutrality: India’s Korean Mission” highlighted India’s role in which historical event?
A) Korean War
B) World War II
C) Vietnam War
D) No exhibition
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Held in New Delhi, it showcased India’s balancing act during the Korean War.
Q26. Which day’s observation on April 22, 2026, included discussions on air quality reports and environmental risks in the US and globally?
A) World Health Day
B) Earth Day
C) International Yoga Day
D) No specific day
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Sobering reports on air quality risks aligned with Earth Day themes.
Q27. In education/news around April 2026, NCERT was in focus for potentially being granted which status?
A) Deemed to be University
B) International Board
C) Private entity
D) No change
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Discussions on elevating NCERT’s status to enhance its role in curriculum and research.
Q28. The BioE3 Policy and National Biofoundry Network aim to support India’s ambition for a $1 trillion:
A) Defence economy
B) No such policy
C) Digital economy only
D) Bioeconomy
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: It focuses on biotechnology, environment, and bio-manufacturing for sustainable growth.
Q29. Draft IT (Second Amendment) Rules 2026 by MeitY expand oversight to:
A) Only government websites
B) Users (content and compliance)
C) Foreign companies only
D) No amendments
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The rules broaden regulatory scope for online intermediaries and user-generated content.
Q30. Srimanta Sankaradeva, often in cultural news, is a revered figure associated with:
A) Assamese Vaishnavite Bhakti movement, literature, and performing arts
B) Carnatic music
C) Classical dance only
D) No literary contribution
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: He is a towering figure in Assamese literature, drama (Ankiya Nat), and socio-religious reform—relevant for Indian culture and regional history.
