Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1–10)
Q1. On 29 March 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann ki Baat address, stated that India is facing the challenges arising from the Israel-Iran conflict resolutely primarily because of:
A) Domestic oil reserves alone
B) Global relations, assistance from friendly countries, and capabilities built over the past decade
C) Unilateral sanctions on West Asian nations
D) Complete withdrawal from the Strait of Hormuz trade route
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: PM Modi highlighted India’s diplomatic balancing and diversified energy partnerships amid the ongoing West Asia conflict (Day 29 of the war).
Q2. India strongly opposed the incorporation of which agreement into the WTO framework as an Annex 4 Agreement at the 14th Ministerial Conference held in Yaounde, Cameroon?
A) Trade Facilitation Agreement
B) Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
C) China-led Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement
D) Digital Economy Partnership Agreement
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the IFD Agreement risks eroding WTO’s core principles.
Q3. Amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the West Asia conflict, which grouping did India confirm is actively coordinating to ensure uninterrupted energy flows?
A) QUAD
B) BRICS nations
C) G7
D) SCO
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: MEA spokesperson confirmed BRICS coordination; four Indian LPG shipments had already crossed safely.
Q4. In the context of the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war, India has rekindled energy cooperation with which country for possible resumption of direct LNG sales?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Qatar
C) Russia
D) USA
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: New Delhi and Moscow are preparing for resumed LNG trade after disruptions in Gulf supplies.
Q5. A top Iranian representative connected to Ayatollah Khamenei, while addressing the media from India on 29 March 2026, stated that Iran:
A) Is pursuing nuclear weapons
B) Has no nuclear plans and is ready to end the war
C) Will accept US ground invasion
D) Has closed the Strait of Hormuz permanently
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The statement underscored Iran’s position and India’s potential mediation role.
Q6. Reports on 29 March 2026 indicated that 16 Indian nationals who had been held in an Iranian jail for approximately 80 days were:
A) Still detained
B) Granted asylum in Iran
C) Transferred to Pakistan
D) Released / repatriated via diplomatic channels
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Diplomatic efforts secured their release amid the conflict.
Q7. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the recent Modi–Trump phone call was:
A) A direct conversation between the two leaders
B) Conducted via Elon Musk’s X platform
C) Mediated by the Russian President
D) Held only through video conference with multiple parties
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: MEA denied any third-party participation.
Q8. India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sibi George, met the Deputy Prime Minister of which country on 29 March 2026 to strengthen bilateral and defence cooperation?
A) Maldives
B) Malta
C) Mauritius
D) Myanmar
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Meeting focused on deeper ties.
Q9. Which country received 7,000 metric tonnes of diesel from India via pipeline, as reported in regional news on 29 March 2026?
A) Bangladesh
B) Nepal
C) Sri Lanka
D) Bhutan
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Highlighted India’s energy diplomacy in South Asia.
Q10. Russia described India as a “great power of the 21st century” during which bilateral event around late March 2026?
A) SCO Summit
B) BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meet
C) 2nd International Conference of New Delhi & Moscow
D) G20 Troika Meeting
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The conference underscored deepening strategic partnership.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 11–19)
Q11. On 29 March 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase I of which major infrastructure project?
A) Mumbai Trans Harbour Link
B) Chennai-Salem Greenfield Highway
C) Noida International Airport at Jewar
D) Vizhinjam Port Phase II
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The inauguration is expected to boost NCR regional connectivity.
Q12. The Government of India extended the Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 till which date following overwhelming public response?
A) 5 April 2026
B) 31 March 2026
C) 15 April 2026
D) 30 April 2026
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Extension reflects strong cultural engagement.
Q13. Amid global energy concerns triggered by the West Asia conflict, the Central Government allocated PDS kerosene to how many States/UTs on 29 March 2026?
A) 12
B) 16
C) 28
D) 21
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Measure to cushion domestic fuel prices.
Q14. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan was on a one-day visit to Jharkhand on 29 March 2026 where he attended the 15th convocation of:
A) IIM Ahmedabad
B) IIM Ranchi
C) IISER Mohali
D) NIT Rourkela
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Emphasised higher education and tribal development linkages.
Q15. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the birth of an endangered Great Indian Bustard chick in which wildlife sanctuary after nearly a decade?
A) Desert National Park, Rajasthan
B) Keoladeo National Park
C) Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
D) Kutch region, Gujarat
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Significant conservation milestone.
Q16. India has approved a $3 billion investment to develop 100 new airports and 200 heliports while extending the UDAN scheme till:
A) FY 2028-29
B) FY 2027-28
C) FY 2030-31
D) FY 2035-36
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Major push for regional air connectivity.
Q17. DMK unveiled its poll manifesto on 29 March 2026 promising pension hike, free electricity, and Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to:
A) Senior citizens only
B) Women
C) Farmers
D) Unemployed youth
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Key welfare promises ahead of state polls.
Q18. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav chaired the 87th meeting of the Narmada Control Board to discuss:
A) Phase 4 of the Narmada project
B) Sardar Sarovar Dam height
C) Indira Sagar Project
D) Omkareshwar Lift Irrigation
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Focus on further irrigation and power benefits.
Q19. On 29 March 2026, the government announced continuation of which scheme for another 10 years to support regional aviation?
A) RCS-UDAN
B) Atmanirbhar Bharat Package
C) Gati Shakti Mission
D) PM Awas Yojana
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Combined with new airport development.
Sports, Arts, Education & Other Current Affairs (Q20–29)
Q20. In the ongoing IPL 2026, which match was played on 29 March 2026 at Wankhede Stadium featuring Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders?
A) Opening match
B) 2nd T20 of the season
C) Final
D) Women’s Premier League match
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: High-voltage contest; fans were stunned by a brilliant catch by Anukul Roy to dismiss Rohit Sharma.
Q21. Veteran cueist Pankaj Advani stormed into the semi-finals of the 9-ball Pool National Championships on 29 March 2026 by defeating Piyush Kushwaha of Madhya Pradesh with a score of:
A) 9-2
B) 9-3
C) 9-1
D) 9-4
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Advani continues his dominance across cue sports.
Q22. Several Karnataka MLAs across party lines created controversy by demanding complimentary VIP tickets and separate seating for IPL 2026 matches at:
A) M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
B) Eden Gardens
C) Wankhede Stadium
D) Motera Stadium
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Sparked debate on VIP culture in public events.
Q23. Jasprit Bumrah reportedly checked into the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence ahead of IPL 2026 primarily for:
A) Contract negotiations
B) Fitness assessment and recovery
C) Coaching assignment
D) Retirement announcement
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Preparation for the league season.
Q24. The Vice President of India attended the 15th convocation ceremony of IIM Ranchi on 29 March 2026. This event falls under which broad UPSC topic?
A) Higher Education & Skill Development
B) Sports Infrastructure
C) Defence Modernisation
D) Space Technology
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Highlights government focus on premier management education.
Q25. The Government extended the Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 till 5 April 2026. This initiative primarily promotes:
A) Tribal art, culture, and handicrafts
B) Urban infrastructure
C) Digital literacy
D) Renewable energy adoption
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Showcases India’s rich tribal heritage (Arts & Culture).
Q26. On 29 March 2026, reports indicated that the film Dhurandhar 2 starring Ranveer Singh had crossed a box-office collection of:
A) ?500 crore
B) ?1,255 crore
C) ?800 crore
D) ?2,000 crore
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Strong performance in the entertainment industry (Arts).
Q27. Which major Indian airport project’s Phase I inauguration by PM Modi on 29 March 2026 is expected to significantly enhance NCR air connectivity and economic growth?
A) Noida International Airport, Jewar
B) Navi Mumbai International Airport
C) Bhogapuram Airport
D) Jewar Phase II only
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Key infrastructure milestone.
Q28. In the context of conservation news on 29 March 2026, the birth of a Great Indian Bustard chick in Kutch is significant because the species had not been recorded breeding successfully in the area for nearly:
A) 2 years
B) A decade
C) 5 years
D) 15 years
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Major boost to Project Great Indian Bustard.
Q29. RBI is reportedly weighing the introduction of an e-cheque system, as highlighted in current affairs analyses on 29 March 2026. This relates to which domain?
A) Digital Public Infrastructure & Banking Technology
B) Cryptocurrency regulation
C) Gold monetisation
D) Export credit refinance
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Step towards further digitisation of payments.
