Current Affairs 24 April, 2026 Quiz
Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-12)
1. What significant diplomatic move did Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announce on 24 April 2026 amid ongoing ceasefire talks with the US?
A) Resignation from his post
B) A three-nation tour to Pakistan, Russia, and Oman
C) Immediate closure of the Strait of Hormuz
D) Bilateral talks directly with Israel
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Araghchi’s visit was part of efforts to revive stalled US-Iran peace talks, with US envoys heading to Pakistan. This highlights shuttle diplomacy in the 2026 Iran war context.
2. The US deployed the USS George H. W. Bush to the Middle East on 24 April 2026, marking the first time since which historical event that three American aircraft carriers operated simultaneously in the region?
A) Build-up to the 2003 Iraq invasion
B) Gulf War 1991
C) 2011 Libya intervention
D) 2022 Ukraine crisis
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: This deployment underscores heightened US military posture amid Iran tensions and Hormuz concerns.
3. In the Russo-Ukrainian war, what incident was reported in Odesa, Ukraine on 24 April 2026?
A) Major ground offensive by Ukraine
B) Russian drone strike killing two people
C) Successful Ukrainian counter-attack
D) Peace treaty signing
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The strike on residential buildings injured others, reflecting ongoing conflict dynamics.
4. What action did Iran’s IRGC take in the Strait of Hormuz involving a vessel linked to a billionaire with ties to Trump and Macron?
A) Sank the vessel
B) Allowed free passage
C) Escorted it safely
D) Seized the vessel in a tit-for-tat response
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: This escalated maritime tensions, affecting global energy routes (Strait of Hormuz carries ~20% of global oil trade).
5. US President Trump announced the extension of which ceasefire by three weeks on/around 24 April 2026?
A) Israel-Iran ceasefire
B) Israel-Hezbollah (Lebanon) ceasefire
C) Russia-Ukraine truce
D) US-China trade ceasefire
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The extension aimed at de-escalation, with reports of a Lebanese journalist killed in related strikes.
6. India issued an advisory on 24 April 2026 urging its citizens to:
A) Avoid travel to Iran and for nationals there to leave
B) Travel to Iran for business
C) Support US efforts in the Middle East
D) Invest in Hormuz shipping
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: This reflects India’s cautious approach to the volatile West Asia situation impacting energy security and diaspora safety.
7. White House confirmed that US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to which country to meet Iran’s Foreign Minister?
A) Oman
B) Pakistan
C) Russia
D) Egypt
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Pakistan emerged as a key venue for indirect US-Iran talks, with VP JD Vance possibly joining if successful.
8. Oil prices surged past what level per barrel amid Hormuz tensions reported on 24 April 2026?
A) $80
B) $106
C) $150
D) $70
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Geopolitical risks in energy chokepoints directly influence global markets and India’s import bill.
9. Netanyahu was reported to have been treated for which medical condition, with the report delayed to avoid propaganda?
A) Heart ailment
B) Neurological condition
C) Respiratory issue
D) Early-stage prostate cancer
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The Israeli PM’s health disclosure came amid regional conflicts.
10. India and Egypt held the 11th Joint Defence Committee meeting in Cairo on/around this period, agreeing on a Defence Cooperation Plan for:
A) 2026-27
B) 2024-25
C) 2030-31
D) Immediate joint exercises only
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Focus on joint exercises, co-development, and Navy-to-Navy talks for Indian Ocean freedom of navigation.
11. Maldives repaid a USD 400 million currency swap to India and received an additional:
A) USD 100 million
B) USD 319 million
C) USD 500 million
D) No additional swap
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This reflects improving India-Maldives ties under SAARC frameworks.
12. Trump made comments on not rushing decisions regarding Iran, stating its military was “totally defeated” and leaders were “fighting like cats”. What was his stance on nuclear weapons?
A) Ready to use them
B) Iran already has them
C) US would not use nuclear weapons
D) No comment
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: This was amid ongoing diplomatic and military posturing in the 2026 Iran conflict.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 13-20)
13. On 24 April 2026, seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, announced they were merging with which party, invoking constitutional provisions for one-third/two-thirds merger?
A) Congress
B) BJP
C) Trinamool Congress
D) Remain independent
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This shift (citing ideological differences) impacts Rajya Sabha numbers and anti-defection law provisions (merger exception requires two-thirds).
14. Record voter turnout was reported in the first phase of which state’s 2026 Assembly elections on 23-24 April period?
A) Tamil Nadu (84.69%) and West Bengal (>92%)
B) Only Uttar Pradesh
C) Kerala
D) Maharashtra
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: High participation highlighted democratic vibrancy, with CEC praising both states; isolated violence noted in Bengal.
15. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began drilling at Konark Sun Temple (Odisha) to remove sand filled during which era?
A) Mughal
B) Chola
C) Post-Independence
D) British-era
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Effort aims at structural stability and heritage preservation of the UNESCO site (GS-1 Art & Culture).
16. India is set to host the 9th India International Water Week 2026 with focus on:
A) River interlinking only
B) Climate Resilient Water Management
C) Desert irrigation
D) Urban flooding exclusively
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Addresses sustainable strategies amid environmental concerns.
17. In the context of anti-defection law, the AAP-BJP merger in Rajya Sabha relies on which constitutional/article provision for exemption?
A) Article 356
B) Article 75
C) Tenth Schedule (merger of two-thirds members)
D) Article 370
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Prevents disqualification if two-thirds of a legislative party merge with another.
18. India approved ?30 billion for Maldives under which mechanism?
A) Bilateral grant
B) World Bank aid
C) IMF loan
D) SAARC swap
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Part of neighbourhood economic diplomacy.
19. Which state saw a tragedy in Thrissur (firecracker unit explosion) leading to scaling down of Pooram festival?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Kerala
C) Karnataka
D) Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Safety concerns post-incident affecting cultural events (GS-1 Culture).
20. Karnataka High Court struck down a ban on online gaming, highlighting issues under which ministry’s rules?
A) Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)
B) Home Ministry
C) Finance Ministry
D) Education Ministry
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Relates to regulatory framework for online gaming (Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act context).
Sports, Arts, Education & Other Current Affairs (Questions 21-30)
21. In IPL 2026 Match 34 on 24 April 2026, which team defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium?
A) Mumbai Indians
B) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
C) Chennai Super Kings
D) Kolkata Knight Riders
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Virat Kohli and others contributed; key for playoff race.
22. India leads the medals tally at the ISSF Junior World Cup (Cairo) with how many medals including golds?
A) Three
B) Five
C) Fifteen
D) Nine
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Prachi Gaikwad won gold in junior women’s 50m Rifle (sports diplomacy & youth excellence).
23. France’s Christo Popov won the men’s final at which badminton championship?
A) Thomas Cup
B) All England
C) Uber Cup
D) European Badminton Championships
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Relevant to India’s Thomas & Uber Cup 2026 preparations.
24. ASI conservation at Konark Sun Temple relates to which broader UPSC topic?
A) GS-1 Indian Heritage & Culture
B) GS-3 Economy
C) GS-2 Polity
D) GS-4 Ethics
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Preservation of 13th-century architecture symbolizes cultural continuity.
25. India targets hosting the Asian Games in which year, as per recent announcements?
A) 2030
B) 2032
C) 2038
D) 2028
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Bid reflects sports infrastructure push.
26. Which Indian state recorded its highest-ever Assembly election polling percentage on 23 April 2026 (~84.69%)?
A) West Bengal
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Gujarat
D) Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Over 4.85 crore voters participated.
27. Recent news on online gaming regulation in India involves a new framework under the:
A) 2025 Act for promotion and regulation
B) IT Act 2000 only
C) Competition Act
D) No new rules
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Addresses technology, addiction, and economic aspects.
28. Dinesh Saundappa scripted history with a 34.5-meter freedive. This falls under which sports category?
A) Team sport
B) Traditional athletics
C) Adventure/extreme sports
D) E-sports
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Highlights emerging Indian achievements in niche disciplines.
29. India-Egypt defence ties emphasize co-production aligning with which Indian initiatives?
A) Atmanirbhar Bharat & Make in India
B) Digital India only
C) Swachh Bharat
D) Beti Bachao
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Joint framework for defence equipment (GS-2 IR).
30. The 2026 Iran war context has impacted global markets primarily through risks in:
A) Semiconductor supply
B) Strait of Hormuz energy transit
C) Agricultural exports
D) Tourism
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Critical chokepoint for oil; affects India’s energy security and inflation.