Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-12)
Q1. What significant action did Iran take on 23 April 2026 regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
A) Fully reopened the strait without conditions
B) Imposed and collected tolls on transiting ships for the first time
C) Signed a permanent peace deal with the US
D) Allowed unrestricted US naval passage
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran announced it had collected the first revenue from tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting control amid the ongoing crisis and US blockade. This has implications for global energy security and oil prices.
Q2. In the context of the 2026 Iran-US tensions, what did US President Donald Trump order the Navy to do regarding Iranian vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz?
A) Open fire on any such vessels
B) Ignore the activity
C) Negotiate directly with Iran
D) Withdraw all US forces from the region
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Trump directed the US Navy to open fire on Iranian vessels observed laying mines, following reports of mine-laying operations and amid the naval blockade.
Q3. What development occurred in the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire on 23 April 2026?
A) It was permanently terminated
B) Hezbollah fully disarmed
C) US President Trump announced its extension by three weeks
D) Israel launched a full-scale invasion
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump stated that Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend the ceasefire for three additional weeks following high-level talks. However, isolated incidents, including the killing of a Lebanese journalist, continued to raise concerns.
Q4. Which US official was removed from post on 23 April 2026 amid clashes within the administration?
A) Secretary of Defense
B) Navy Secretary John Phelan
C) Secretary of State
D) National Security Advisor
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The Pentagon fired Navy Secretary John Phelan, with no detailed public explanation provided, amid internal tensions linked to the Iran situation.
Q5. What geopolitical concern linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis was highlighted on 23 April 2026 regarding global agriculture?
A) Surplus food production
B) Increased subsidies for farmers
C) Looming food crisis due to disrupted shipping and fertilizer supplies
D) No impact on food chains
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz raised fears of a food crisis by affecting global shipping, energy, and fertilizer supplies critical for agriculture.
Q6. On 23 April 2026, the US conducted a boarding operation on which tanker in the Indian Ocean?
A) A Chinese oil tanker
B) A Russian LNG carrier
C) An Indian-flagged vessel
D) The stateless tanker M/T Majestic, alleged to carry sanctioned Iranian oil
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The US Indo-Pacific Command boarded the M/T Majestic as part of efforts to enforce sanctions amid the Iran crisis.
Q7. What did President Trump rule out in the context of the Iran war on 23 April 2026?
A) All diplomatic talks
B) The use of nuclear weapons
C) Naval blockades
D) Ceasefire extensions
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump explicitly ruled out nuclear weapons use in the ongoing Iran conflict.
Q8. Which country’s forces were reported to have killed a Lebanese journalist in southern Lebanon on 23 April 2026, despite the ceasefire?
A) US forces
B) Israeli forces
C) Hezbollah militants
D) Syrian troops
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Israeli strikes killed journalist Amal Khalil and others; concerns were raised about targeting media and blocking humanitarian access.
Q9. India exposed Pakistan’s terror links at an event in which city on 23 April 2026?
A) New York
B) Washington DC (at the “Human Cost of Terrorism” exhibition)
C) Beijing
D) Moscow
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India’s Ambassador highlighted Pakistan-based elements behind major attacks, drawing parallels to global terrorism.
Q10. What controversy involving Donald Trump and India surfaced on 23 April 2026?
A) Trade sanctions on Indian goods
B) Visa ban on Indian students
C) Joint military exercise cancellation
D) Trump reposting a video calling India (and China) a “hellhole” in the context of birthright citizenship debate
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The repost sparked debate on rhetoric versus the contributions of Indian-Americans.
Q11. Which defence-related development involving India was reported around 23 April 2026?
A) Cancellation of all foreign pacts
B) Withdrawal from QUAD
C) Rajnath Singh in Germany for defence cooperation pacts
D) Sole focus on domestic manufacturing
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India and Germany inked defence pacts, reflecting broader strategic partnerships.
Q12. What global issue linked to the Iran crisis was flagged regarding undersea infrastructure?
A) Oil pipeline explosions
B) Potential risks to undersea internet cables affecting Gulf countries
C) Satellite disruptions
D) No related concerns
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Warnings emerged about possible impacts on data cables in the region amid escalating tensions.
Indian Polity & Elections (Questions 13-20)
Q13. On 23 April 2026, polling for assembly elections took place in which two Indian states?
A) Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
B) Kerala and Karnataka
C) Maharashtra and Gujarat
D) West Bengal and Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Voting began amid reports of clashes between party workers in West Bengal and high turnout in Tamil Nadu (reportedly ~84.69%).
Q14. What historic voter turnout figure was recorded in Tamil Nadu on 23 April 2026?
A) Around 50%
B) Below 60%
C) 84.69%
D) 95%
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Tamil Nadu saw exceptionally high participation during the assembly elections.
Q15. What issue was reported in West Bengal on election day (23 April 2026)?
A) Complete peace with no incidents
B) Clashes between rival party workers and accusations of voter intimidation
C) Boycott by all major parties
D) Only electronic voting
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Local media reported fights and claims of intimidation involving regional parties.
Q16. What happened to the political consultancy firm IPAC in the context of West Bengal elections around 23 April 2026?
A) It paused operations following Enforcement Directorate action and arrest of a co-founder
B) It expanded operations nationwide
C) It merged with a major party
D) It was banned permanently
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: IPAC halted activities in Bengal ahead of polling due to legal issues.
Q17. Which constitutional or governance concept was under Supreme Court examination around 23 April 2026, involving social reform laws and religious practices?
A) Basic Structure Doctrine only
B) Emergency provisions
C) Constitutional morality and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) justifying reforms
D) Federalism exclusively
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The Court examined the balance between constitutional morality, DPSPs, and interference in religious practices.
Q18. What new rules were notified by the Government of India around this period (relevant to current affairs)?
A) Ban on all online activities
B) Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026
C) Complete deregulation of media
D) Only print media guidelines
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: New rules under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, were highlighted.
Q19. What power sector reform proposal by CERC was in the news around 23 April 2026?
A) Abolition of all regulators
B) No reforms
C) Privatization of all discoms
D) Proposal for Grid Controller of India Ltd (Grid-India) as Market Coupling Operator (MCO) for “one grid, one price”
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Draft regulations aimed at improving electricity trading efficiency.
Q20. What action did the Ministry of Home Affairs take regarding seaports on or around 23 April 2026?
A) Closed all ports
B) Designated 14 new seaports as Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) for e-visa
C) Handed over ports to private entities only
D) No new designations
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This facilitates easier international travel and trade.
Sports & Other Current Affairs (Questions 21-29)
Q21. Which Indian shooter won gold in the Men’s 10m Air Pistol at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Cairo (news highlighted on 23 April 2026)?
A) Shiva Narwal
B) Manu Bhaker
C) Saurabh Chaudhary
D) No Indian winner
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: This marked a strong performance by Indian juniors in shooting.
Q22. What was the result of the IPL 2026 match between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders affected by weather on 23 April 2026?
A) Punjab won convincingly
B) KKR won by 100 runs
C) No result due to rain
D) Match abandoned without toss
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Rain played spoilsport in the IPL encounter.
Q23. What international football event faced broadcast uncertainty in India as of April 2026?
A) AFC Asian Cup
B) FIFA World Cup 2026
C) Olympic qualifiers
D) UEFA Euro
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Concerns grew over how Indian fans would access the tournament.
Q24. What environmental observance was prominently featured in school assembly headlines on 23 April 2026?
A) Earth Day
B) World Environment Day
C) International Yoga Day
D) No specific day
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Earth Day activities and awareness were highlighted alongside other news.
Q25. DRDO’s Prajna system, mentioned in news around 23 April 2026, relates to:
A) Agricultural drones only
B) A defence or strategic system (context of indigenous technology)
C) Purely educational software
D) Medical equipment
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: It was featured in defence and technology updates for school assemblies/current affairs.
Q26. What issue involving Indian students abroad was warned about by Canada’s FINTRAC on 23 April 2026?
A) Scholarship scams
B) Free education programs
C) Exploitation in extortion schemes as “money mules” targeting South Asian communities
D) No warnings issued
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Organized crime groups were reportedly recruiting vulnerable Indian international students.
Q27. In the context of electricity trading reforms (current affairs 23 April 2026), what restructuring is being considered in India?
A) Complete nationalization
B) Shift towards market coupling and “one grid, one price” mechanism
C) Abolition of power exchanges
D) Only coal-based generation
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Discussions focused on efficient power market operations.
Q28. What privileged motion or procedural aspect was noted in parliamentary or assembly contexts around this date?
A) Only no-confidence motions
B) No procedural news
C) Budget passage only
D) Privileged motion
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: It appeared in school assembly and current affairs summaries.
Q29. What broader economic concern linked to the Hormuz crisis was discussed in Indian current affairs on 23 April 2026?
A) Fertilizer shortage and supply shocks affecting Indian agriculture
B) Surplus fertilizer exports
C) Decreased oil imports
D) No economic linkage
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Disruptions raised fears of input cost rises for Indian farmers.
