Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)
1. On 25 May 2026, what did US President Donald Trump state regarding negotiations with Iran amid the ongoing ceasefire?
A) Immediate lifting of the Hormuz blockade
B) US will not ‘rush into a deal’ with Iran; blockade to remain
C) Full withdrawal of US forces from the region
D) Acceptance of Iran’s 14-point proposal unconditionally
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump emphasized a “great and meaningful” deal or none at all, maintaining pressure on Iran while negotiations continued via mediators like Pakistan.
2. Which country’s military chief and PM visited Beijing on 25 May 2026 for mediation talks related to the 2026 Iran war?
A) Pakistan
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Turkey
D) Egypt
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Pakistani leaders engaged China as part of broader mediation efforts in the Iran conflict.
3. What significant maritime development occurred on 25 May 2026 involving the Strait of Hormuz?
A) Complete closure of the strait
B) A Japanese-owned tanker (Idemitsu Maru) successfully transited post-war resumption
C) Indian Navy assumed full patrol duties
D) UNSC resolution banning all oil shipments
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This marked one of the first successful transits since heightened tensions, highlighting easing but fragile maritime security.
4. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar. What key emphasis was placed in their discussions?
A) Immediate India-US military alliance against China
B) Joint space mission to Mars
C) Need for ‘unimpeded’ maritime trade
D) Complete ban on Russian oil imports by India
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Discussions stressed secure and open sea lanes, especially amid Hormuz tensions.
5. Japan’s Foreign Minister described which grouping as ‘vital’ on 25 May 2026?
A) Quad
B) BRICS
C) SCO
D) ASEAN
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Highlighted the Quad’s importance in Indo-Pacific stability.
6. What action did the US take regarding Russia oil waivers and its implications for India?
A) Extended waivers indefinitely
B) Ended Russia oil waiver, affecting Indian imports
C) Subsidized Russian oil for allies
D) No change in policy
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This impacts India’s energy security and diversification strategy.
7. Pope Leo XIV released an encyclical on 25 May 2026 titled Magnifica Humanitas. What was its primary focus?
A) Climate change
B) Global poverty eradication
C) Warnings about AI risks and need for regulation
D) Interfaith dialogue
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: A major statement on technology ethics in the digital age.
8. On 25 May 2026, US forces conducted strikes in southern Iran claiming:
A) Preemptive regime change
B) Self-defense against missile sites and boats
C) Support for Israeli operations
D) Humanitarian intervention
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Actions occurred despite the ceasefire framework.
9. Which African country saw news of an Ebola outbreak response on 25 May 2026?
A) Nigeria
B) Kenya
C) South Africa
D) Congo
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Local authorities raced to manage the situation.
10. What did India’s green transition continue to rely heavily on, as per analyses on 25 May 2026?
A) Solar only
B) Coal
C) Nuclear exclusively
D) Imported LNG
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Highlighting challenges in phasing out fossil fuels.
11. China’s Hainan FTP initiative was discussed in Indian current affairs context for its relevance to:
A) Trade and economic cooperation
B) Military alliances
C) Border disputes
D) Cultural exchanges
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Focus on free trade port strategies.
12. Memorial Day observances in the US on 25 May 2026 coincided with which ongoing geopolitical tension?
A) Ukraine-Russia
B) Iran-related developments
C) Taiwan Strait
D) Korean Peninsula
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: President Trump participated in ceremonies amid Iran negotiations.
Indian Polity & Governance – (Questions 13-18)
13. On UCC, what assurance did Amit Shah give regarding tribal communities?
A) Full implementation immediately
B) UCC will never be applied to tribal people
C) Optional for all states
D) Only for urban areas
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Protection of tribal customs and practices.
14. Which scheme/dashboard for senior citizens was launched by Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar around this period?
A) JEEVAN Mobile App and SHATAYU Dashboard
B) PM Kisan AI
C) Digital India Health 2.0
D) Atal Pension Yojana 2
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Focused on elderly care and support.
15. RBI’s surplus transfer to the Government was noted at a record level. What was the approximate amount?
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 amid economic management.
16. ISA criticized a US-backed push for:
A) Space mining
B) Deep-sea mining in international waters as ‘unlawful’
C) Arctic oil exploration
D) Renewable energy subsidies
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Concerns over environmental and legal norms.
17. India’s first Geothermal Power Plant project received extension in which region?
A) Rajasthan
B) Gujarat
C) Ladakh
D) Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Push for renewable and indigenous energy.
18. Private sector participation was highlighted in which domain by the Defence Minister?
A) Education
B) Defence Manufacturing
C) Agriculture
D) Railways
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Atal Self-Reliance initiatives.
Sports – (Questions 19-22)
19. In IPL 2026 context around 25 May, which team secured a playoff spot with a win over Mumbai Indians?
A) Kolkata Knight Riders
B) Rajasthan Royals
C) Delhi Capitals
D) Punjab Kings
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Strong performance in league stage.
20. Gulveer Singh set a new national record in which event?
A) 5000m
B) 100m sprint
C) Javelin throw
D) High jump
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: At LA Track Festival.
21. SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 group stage match for India was scheduled against which team on/around 25 May?
A) Nepal
B) Maldives
C) Bangladesh
D) Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Regional football tournament.
22. NCAA DI Baseball bracket selection occurred on 25 May 2026. This relates to which level of sport?
A) Professional MLB
B) International T20
C) College (University) baseball in US
D) Olympic qualifiers
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Key event in American collegiate sports.
Arts, Education, Literature & Miscellaneous – (Questions 23-29)
23. World Thyroid Day is observed on:
A) 25 May
B) 15 May
C) 1 June
D) 8 March
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Global health awareness day.
24. Africa Day is commemorated annually on 25 May to mark the founding of:
A) ECOWAS
B) UNECA
C) African Union (successor to OAU in 1963)
D) SADC
Correct Answer: C.
25. Which fintech company received NPCI certifications for UPI, IMPS, etc., in May 2026?
A) PhonePe
B) Viyona Fintech (Hyderabad)
C) Paytm
D) Razorpay
Correct Answer: B.
26. Deep-sea mining discussions highlighted tensions between environmental regulators and which country’s push?
A) China
B) United States
C) Russia
D) Australia
Correct Answer: B.
27. Sample Registration System (SRS) 2024 Report was released by:
A) NITI Aayog
B) Ministry of Health
C) Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner
D) RBI
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Vital demographic data source.
28. What is the significance of 25 May in the context of World Football Day?
A) First international match in 1924
B) FIFA founding
C) World Cup 1930 final
D) Pele’s birthday
Correct Answer: A.
29. India AI Impact Summit 2026 saw India join which coalition and sign the New Delhi Declaration?
A) Pax Silica coalition (on AI)
B) Global Climate Alliance
C) BRICS Digital
D) QUAD AI
Correct Answer: A.
