Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)
Q1. On 23 May 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India to address tensions arising from which US policy?
A) High tariffs on Indian exports
B) Arms embargo on Taiwan
C) Withdrawal from Indo-Pacific alliances
D) Ban on H-1B visas
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Rubio aimed to reassure India amid President Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including high tariffs linked to Russian oil purchases and broader US-India trade frictions.
Q2. What significant diplomatic elevation occurred during the visit of Cyprus President to India around 22-23 May 2026?
A) EU Accession Support Agreement
B) Defence Pact against Turkey
C) Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
D) Energy Corridor Deal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India and Cyprus elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on convergence in regional issues and bilateral cooperation.
Q3. India’s BRICS Presidency in 2026 emphasizes which key global governance reform?
A) UN Security Council expansion
B) WTO Dispute Settlement revival
C) IMF Quota reforms only
D) NATO expansion guidelines
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: As BRICS chair, India pushes for UN reforms and multipolarity amid global shifts.
Q4. Recent US moves under Trump have prompted India to pursue limited rapprochement with which country?
A) Pakistan
B) China
C) Russia exclusively
D) Japan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: To balance pressures from US tariffs and China outreach.
Q5. The ongoing US-Iran conflict saw progress reports on 23 May 2026 regarding:
A) Nuclear disarmament
B) Complete ceasefire
C) Regime change talks
D) A 14-point peace framework
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Negotiators were “getting closer” with gaps remaining; Pakistan’s Army chief visited Tehran.
Q6. PM Modi’s recent Europe visit (mid-May 2026) focused on:
A) Energy security and strategic partnerships with Netherlands, Sweden, etc.
B) Only trade deals
C) Climate funding exclusively
D) Military bases
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Included Nordic Summit and deals in semiconductors, green hydrogen, and defence.
Q7. India successfully tested which missile on 22 May 2026 from Odisha?
A) Akash
B) Prithvi-II
C) BrahMos
D) Agni-1
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: 700-km range ballistic missile test by Strategic Forces Command.
Q8. Which country signed an FTA with India in late April 2026?
A) New Zealand
B) Canada
C) EU
D) UK
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Part of India’s trade diversification strategy.
Q9. Russia’s growing dependence on China was highlighted during Putin’s visit to Beijing in May 2026. India’s concern relates to:
A) Space race
B) Only economic competition
C) Impact on RIC troika and arms supply
D) Arctic claims
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Affects India’s strategic autonomy and defence imports.
Q10. The Shangri-La Dialogue is scheduled for:
A) June in Tokyo
B) May 2026 in Singapore
C) July in Bali
D) August in Delhi
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Key Asia-Pacific security forum.
Q11. Recent India-Africa Dialogue focused on:
A) Shared Futures and expanding partnership
B) Only debt relief
C) Military alliances
D) Space cooperation exclusively
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Hosted by ICWA.
Q12. Trump’s portrait on Delhi rickshaws relates to:
A) US 250th anniversary celebrations in India
B) Election campaign
C) Trade protest
D) Cultural exchange only
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Symbolic outreach.
Indian Polity – (Questions 13-20)
Q13. The Supreme Court referred which issue related to UAPA to a larger bench around mid-May 2026?
A) Bail curbs
B) Sedition clauses
C) Property seizure
D) Extradition powers
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Constitutional validity of stringent bail provisions.
Q14. President’s Rule demands were reported in which state in May 2026?
A) West Bengal
B) Bihar
C) Manipur
D) Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
Q15. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026 increased the strength to:
A) 34
B) 38
C) 40
D) 31
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: To handle rising caseload.
Q16. SC emphasized that peaceful protest is a right as long as it does not:
A) Break peace or occupy public spaces excessively
B) Involve any slogans
C) Last more than 3 days
D) Target government buildings
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Balance between dissent and public order.
Q17. RBI approved a record surplus transfer to the government in 2026 of approximately:
A) Rs 1 lakh crore
B) Rs 2.86 lakh crore
C) Rs 5 lakh crore
D) Rs 50,000 crore
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Boost to fiscal space.
Q18. Variable Rate Repo (VRR) is used by RBI for:
A) Forex intervention
B) Long-term bonds
C) Short-term liquidity infusion
D) Gold purchases
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Monetary policy tool.
Q19. Local governance (urban local bodies) spends less than what % of GDP in India?
A) 1%
B) 5%
C) 10%
D) 15%
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Highlighting federalism gaps.
Q20. Election Commission is undertaking revision of electoral rolls amid controversies in which state polls?
A) Panchayat only
B) Only Lok Sabha
C) Multiple states including recent assembly outcomes
D) None
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Ongoing political debates.
Sports, Arts, Education, Literature & Others – (Questions 21-30)
Q21. Which traditional Kerala art form was highlighted in recent cultural news?
A) Tholpavakoothu (shadow puppetry)
B) Kathakali
C) Mohiniyattam
D) Theyyam
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Recognized in cultural heritage promotions.
Q22. PM Modi gifted items showcasing India’s cultural heritage during his Europe tour, including:
A) Tech gadgets
B) Only books
C) Diverse traditional artefacts
D) Sports equipment
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Diplomatic soft power.
Q23. Centre directed states to enhance surveillance for which health threat in May 2026?
A) Ebola (drawing from African outbreak)
B) COVID variant
C) Dengue only
D) Polio
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Precautionary measures via IDSP.
Q24. In sports, which Indian achievement or event aligns with recent defence/self-reliance narrative (linked to Agni test)?
A) Cricket World Cup win
B) Indigenous missile development by DRDO
C) Olympic hosting
D) Chess championship
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Q25. World Cities Report 2026 highlighted urban challenges; India’s local bodies employ what % of public workforce?
A) 40%
B) 25%
C) 10%
D) 5%
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Underscoring governance needs.
Q26. Sample Registration Survey (SRS) is used for:
A) Vital statistics like birth/death rates
B) Economic census
C) Agricultural output
D) Trade data
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Key demographic tool.
Q27. Chola copper plates were in news related to:
A) Environmental impact
B) Modern mining
C) Currency
D) Historical inscriptions and heritage
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Cultural/educational significance.
Q28. India’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (IBAM) counters which EU policy?
A) ETS exclusion
B) Green Deal only
C) CBAM
D) Plastic ban
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Protecting exports via domestic carbon pricing.
Q29. Dual-use satellites relate to concerns in:
A) Modern space warfare and blurring civilian-military lines
B) Only communication
C) Weather forecasting
D) GPS
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Geopolitical technology risks.
Q30. Panzath Nag festival in news for:
A) Education reform
B) Literary festival
C) Sports event
D) Community-led conservation
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Local environmental efforts.
