Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-10)
Q1. On 27 April 2026, India and New Zealand were set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). What is a primary expected benefit for Indian exports under this deal?
A) Complete duty-free access for all Indian exports to New Zealand
B) 50% tariff reduction only on agricultural goods
C) Exclusive access to New Zealand’s dairy market
D) Joint currency mechanism for trade settlements
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The India-New Zealand FTA aims to boost trade and investment with provisions for 100% duty-free access on a significant portion of Indian exports, strengthening bilateral ties and India’s Indo-Pacific economic engagement.
Q2. The 11th edition of Raisina Dialogue 2026 was held in New Delhi. What is its significance for India’s global role?
A) It is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics, technology, and strategic affairs hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs
B) It focuses exclusively on climate change negotiations
C) It is a bilateral summit with the United States
D) It is an annual military exercise
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Raisina Dialogue serves as a major platform for global leaders to discuss geopolitics, technology, and economic challenges, highlighting India’s role as a convenor in a multipolar world.
Q3. Which ongoing global conflict was highlighted in BRICS Chair’s summary (India as Chair in 2026) with “deep concern” due to lack of consensus?
A) Russia-Ukraine war
B) Conflict in West Asia
C) South China Sea disputes
D) Horn of Africa tensions
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India, as BRICS Chair, noted deep concern over the West Asia conflict amid broader geopolitical shifts.
Q4. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz on/around 27 April 2026 involved Iran detaining vessels. This raises concerns related to which international legal framework?
A) Artemis Accords
B) WTO dispute settlement
C) NPT Review Conference
D) Freedom of navigation under UNCLOS
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Actions in the Strait of Hormuz test principles of freedom of navigation as per the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Q5. The 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is scheduled to begin on 27 April 2026 at which venue?
A) UN Headquarters, New York
B) Geneva
C) Vienna
D) New Delhi
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The NPT Review Conference provides insights into global non-proliferation perspectives.
Q6. India is navigating 2026 geopolitics by balancing ties with which major powers amid border tensions and economic links?
A) Pakistan and Afghanistan
B) Only the United States
C) Russia and China
D) South American nations
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India seeks a multipolar approach while managing China border issues and Russia relations.
Q7. Jordan recently signed the Artemis Accords. These accords relate to:
A) Trade liberalization
B) Climate change mitigation
C) Nuclear disarmament
D) Cooperative principles for civil space exploration
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The Artemis Accords outline principles for peaceful and cooperative lunar and space activities led by NASA.
Q8. A shooting incident at a Washington Hilton event on/around 27 April 2026 recalled which historical US presidential attack?
A) 1981 Reagan assassination attempt
B) 1963 Kennedy assassination
C) 2001 9/11 attacks
D) 2016 election-related violence
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The incident heightened security concerns around high-profile US leadership events.
Q9. India’s approach in 2026 includes pursuing diverse FTAs with which groups to counter trade pressures?
A) OPEC countries
B) Only BRICS nations
C) SAARC exclusively
D) EU, UK, Australia, and others
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: India leverages its economic strength for multiple FTAs amid global shifts like US tariffs.
Q10. The India Today Conclave 2026 featured discussions involving diplomats from which set of nations on Iran-related issues?
A) China, Pakistan, North Korea
B) United States, Russia, Israel, and Iran
C) Only European nations
D) African Union countries
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The conclave provided a platform for competing narratives on global faultlines including the Iran conflict.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 11-18)
Q11. The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposes to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to:
A) 850
B) 750
C) 600
D) 1000
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The bill is part of efforts linked to delimitation and women’s reservation activation.
Q12. Which infrastructure project received a ?300 crore upgradation package announced around 27 April 2026?
A) Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train
B) Konark Sun Temple
C) Brahmapur Railway Station in Odisha
D) Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The upgrade aims to modernize railway infrastructure.
Q13. The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal recently gave Odisha and Chhattisgarh a final opportunity for amicable settlement. The deadline extension is till:
A) December 2026
B) April 2026
C) March 2027
D) June 2026
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The tribunal is pushing for resolution of the inter-state water dispute.
Q14. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun drilling into the Jagamohan of which temple to remove sand packed during the British era?
A) Konark Sun Temple
B) Brihadeeswara Temple
C) Golden Temple
D) Meenakshi Temple
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The effort is for structural stabilization of this UNESCO site.
Q15. The Indian Air Force launched Mehar Baba Competition-3 on 27 April 2026 for innovation in:
A) Satellite communication
B) Hypersonic missiles
C) Fighter jet engines
D) Drone-based radar
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: It encourages defence innovation through public participation.
Q16. Parliament’s Budget session adjourned sine die in April 2026 after the Opposition blocked which bill?
A) Citizenship Amendment Bill
B) Goods and Services Tax Amendment
C) Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill linking women’s reservation with delimitation
D) Farm Laws Repeal Bill
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The session saw key legislative developments and disruptions.
Q17. The RBI revoked the banking licence of which entity effective from the close of business on 24 April 2026?
A) Airtel Payments Bank
B) Paytm Payments Bank Limited
C) Fino Payments Bank
D) Jio Payments Bank
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Action taken under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Q18. Discussions around delimitation in 2026 often reference that once the final plan is approved by Parliament and receives Presidential assent, it:
A) Cannot be challenged in court
B) Can be reviewed by the Supreme Court immediately
C) Requires state assembly ratification
D) Is valid only for 10 years
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: This limits judicial intervention post-approval.
Sports (Questions 19-23)
Q19. On 27 April 2026, India achieved a sweep against Australia in which tournament to qualify for the Thomas Cup quarters?
A) Asia Cup
B) Thomas Cup
C) Hockey World Cup
D) Rugby Premier League
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Strong performance by Indian shuttlers in the team championship.
Q20. Cricket is scheduled to return to the Olympics in 2028 in T20 format after how many years?
A) 128 years
B) 100 years
C) 50 years
D) 76 years
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: It last appeared in the 1900 Olympics.
Q21. The Rugby Premier League announced plans to include:
A) Winter edition only
B) Only international players
C) Exclusive state teams
D) Women’s franchises
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: This promotes gender inclusivity in Indian rugby.
Q22. Young cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been hailed as a potential next big star by Olympic medalist:
A) PV Sindhu
B) Neeraj Chopra
C) Manu Bhaker
D) Mirabai Chanu
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Praise for his explosive batting in IPL and junior cricket.
Q23. S8UL is set to represent India at the Worlds in which esports-related context mentioned on 27 April 2026?
A) Chess Olympiad
B) Esports World Championship representation
C) Formula E racing
D) Archery World Cup
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Growing focus on Indian esports talent.
Arts, Culture, Education & Miscellaneous (Questions 24-29)
Q24. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region saw a reported 27% decline in snow persistence according to a recent ICIMOD report. This impacts:
A) Marine biodiversity
B) Only tourism
C) Desertification in Thar
D) Water security and ecosystems for millions downstream
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Critical for rivers originating in the HKH.
Q25. All six stanzas of which patriotic song were rendered in the Lok Sabha as a symbolic first during the Budget session?
A) Jana Gana Mana
B) Vande Mataram
C) Sare Jahan Se Achha
D) Ai Mere Watan Ke Logon
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Following a government directive for full rendition at official events.
Q26. A bill or discussion around social diversity in higher judiciary appointments often links to:
A) Caste census data for reservations in promotions and appointments
B) Only merit-based selection
C) Age reduction for judges
D) Increasing retirement age exclusively
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Ongoing debates on judicial reforms and equity.
Q27. The Mehar Baba Competition is organized by:
A) Sports Authority of India
B) Ministry of Education
C) Indian Air Force
D) NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: For fostering innovation in defence technologies.
Q28. Jordan’s signing of the Artemis Accords adds to the list of countries supporting US-led civil space exploration. India is already a signatory. True or False?
A) True
B) False
C) Only for lunar missions
D) Not relevant
Correct Answer: A.
Q29. A key 2026 development for Indian sports includes hosting or participating in which major multi-sport event calendar highlight?
A) Commonwealth Games
B) Only Asian Games
C) Winter Olympics exclusively
D) Thomas & Uber Cup (Badminton) and preparations for T20 World Cup
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Packed sports calendar with team championships and global events.
