Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-12)
Q1. On 3 April 2026, Iranian forces shot down a U.S. fighter jet in Iranian airspace during the ongoing 2026 Iran war. Which aircraft was downed?
A. F-16 Fighting Falcon
B. F-15E Strike Eagle
C. F-35 Lightning II
D. A-10 Thunderbolt II
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iranian forces shot down a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle; a search was launched for the crew (one rescued). This marked a significant escalation in the 2026 Iran war.
Q2. During the 3 April 2026 developments in the 2026 Iran war, which U.S. aircraft crashed near the Strait of Hormuz after being hit by Iranian anti-aircraft fire?
A. F-15E Strike Eagle
B. B-52 Stratofortress
C. A-10 Warthog
D. F-22 Raptor
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The pilot ejected safely and was rescued. This incident occurred amid intensified strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
Q3. Iran launched missile and drone strikes on Arab countries on 3 April 2026. Which UAE facility was hit by debris from intercepted missiles, causing casualties?
A. Jebel Ali Port
B. Abu Dhabi Oil Refinery
C. Dubai International Airport
D. Habshan gas facility
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The UAE intercepted 18 ballistic missiles, 4 cruise missiles, and 47 drones; debris from the Habshan gas facility attack killed at least one and injured others.
Q4. On 3 April 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump warned of further action against Iran, stating that the U.S. had “yet to begin destroying what’s left” of Iranian infrastructure. Which specific targets did he mention?
A. Nuclear sites only
B. Bridges and energy infrastructure
C. Military bases exclusively
D. Civilian hospitals
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump highlighted ongoing strikes on civilian infrastructure like bridges and energy sites amid the Iran war escalation.
Q5. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made two key statements on 3 April 2026 regarding the Iran war. Which of the following is correct?
A. He warned that strikes on civilian structures would not compel Iran to surrender and cautioned the UNSC against provocative action on Hormuz
B. He welcomed UN intervention in the Strait of Hormuz
C. He announced a ceasefire proposal
D. He sought bilateral talks with the U.S.
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Araghchi’s statements underscored Iran’s resolve and raised concerns over global oil trade disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz.
Q6. Which ships successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 3 April 2026, marking first transits by Western European and Japanese vessels since the war began?
A. A Chinese tanker and a Russian freighter
B. Maltese-flagged CMA CGM Kribi (French-owned) and a Japanese LNG tanker by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
C. An Indian oil tanker and a U.S. warship
D. A Saudi supertanker only
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: These crossings highlighted partial easing of shipping disruptions amid the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Q7. On 3 April 2026, Myanmar’s military ruler was elected President by a pro-military parliament. Who was elected?
A. Aung San Suu Kyi
B. Nyo Saw
C. Min Aung Hlaing
D. Nan Ni Ni Aye
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: General Min Aung Hlaing secured 429 votes five years after the 2021 coup, perpetuating military rule.
Q8. The UN praised Indian peacekeepers on 3 April 2026 for reopening a critical supply route in which country?
A. Lebanon
B. South Sudan
C. Ukraine
D. Afghanistan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Indian troops in UNMISS reopened the flooded route, underscoring India’s role in UN peacekeeping.
Q9. In response to fuel price spikes from the Iran war, what economic relief measure did Pakistan announce on 3 April 2026?
A. Permanent fuel subsidy for all citizens
B. Export of surplus fuel to India
C. Complete ban on oil imports
D. Free public transport in Islamabad and Punjab for one month plus targeted subsidies
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The measures aimed to mitigate war-induced inflation and energy crisis impacts.
Q10. On 3 April 2026, a U.S.-sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian crude rerouted mid-voyage. From which Indian port did it originally head before diverting to China?
A. Vadinar
B. Mumbai
C. Kochi
D. Paradip
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Ping Shun tanker avoided what would have been India’s first Iranian crude import in seven years due to sanctions.
Q11. On 3 April 2026, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referenced “Operation Sindoor” in remarks on Pakistan. What did Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif state in response?
A. Immediate ceasefire offer
B. A “swift, calibrated, decisive” response to any attack
C. Full support for India’s position
D. Withdrawal of troops from the border
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The exchange heightened India-Pakistan tensions amid regional instability.
Q12. French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung agreed on 3 April 2026 to cooperate on reopening which critical waterway?
A. Suez Canal
B. Panama Canal
C. Strait of Hormuz
D. Malacca Strait
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The agreement addressed West Asia war impacts on global shipping and energy security.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 13-22)
Q13. On 3 April 2026, the BJP released its first list of candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections (scheduled for 23 April 2026). From which constituency was Union Minister L. Murugan fielded?
A. Sattur
B. Avanashi (Reserved)
C. Mylapore
D. Sriperumbudur
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: BJP (part of AIADMK-led NDA) fielded 27 candidates; L. Murugan from Avanashi, Nainar Nagenthran from Sattur; K. Annamalai was not included.
Q14. In the same BJP list for Tamil Nadu polls released on 3 April 2026, who was fielded from Mylapore?
A. L. Murugan
B. Nainar Nagenthran
C. Tamilisai Soundararajan
D. K. Annamalai
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The list reflected NDA seat-sharing arrangements ahead of the polls.
Q15. On 3 April 2026, the Congress released its list of candidates for how many of the 28 Tamil Nadu Assembly seats allotted by the DMK?
A. 18
B. 27
C. 23
D. All 28
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai and S. Rajeshkumar retained their seats; new entrant G.K.M. Tamil Kumaran was fielded from Pennagaram.
Q16. The Supreme Court on/around 3 April 2026 described the gherao of seven judicial officers (deployed as Election Registration Officers) in Malda district, West Bengal, as a “calculated, well-planned, deliberate move” to:
A. Support electoral reforms
B. Aid voter inclusion
C. Demoralise the judiciary and disrupt the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
D. Protest against ECI transfers
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Officers were held hostage for over 9 hours without food/water during SIR ahead of WB polls; SC ordered CBI/NIA probe and flagged it as contempt/challenge to constitutional authority.
Q17. In the Malda gherao incident context (reported prominently on 3 April 2026), who was arrested by West Bengal Police as the alleged mastermind while fleeing Bagdogra airport?
A. A former AIMIM candidate (lawyer Moffakkerul Islam)
B. A sitting MLA
C. An ECI official
D. A judicial officer
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: 35 others were arrested; 19 cases filed. The incident occurred during voter list objections in the SIR process.
Q18. On 3 April 2026, the Supreme Court asked the Centre whether cadets rendered unfit due to training-related disabilities should be treated as ex-servicemen for:
A. Pension benefits only
B. Job reservations under the Persons with Disabilities category
C. Free medical treatment
D. Priority in promotions
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The bench noted most affected cadets are under 30 and require employment support.
Q19. AAP removed its Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha as Deputy Leader on 3 April 2026. Chadha responded on X stating:
A. “I fully support the party decision”
B. “Resignation from Rajya Sabha”
C. “I am joining BJP”
D. “Silenced, not defeated”
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Internal AAP differences surfaced after Chadha raised public issues in Parliament.
Q20. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) was notified as an institution “deemed to be a university” under which Act (notification process completed and reported around early April 2026)?
A. UGC Act, 1956 (Section 3)
B. RTE Act, 2009
C. NEP 2020 directly
D. AICTE Act
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: This enables NCERT to offer academic programmes and confer degrees beyond school curriculum development, subject to UGC norms, NAAC, and NIRF.
Q21. The Supreme Court has been monitoring the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls under which constitutional article, granting plenary powers?
A. Article 32
B. Article 226
C. Article 324
D. Article 142
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Context of West Bengal SIR and Malda incident; SC emphasised judicial oversight while upholding ECI’s authority.
Q22. Which of the following correctly reflects the Supreme Court’s stance on the Malda gherao incident (as reported on 3 April 2026)?
A. It was a routine protest
B. It amounted to criminal contempt and complete failure of state administration
C. Officers were not judicially deployed
D. No probe was ordered
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: SC directed central forces for protection and CBI/NIA probe option.
Sports (Questions 23-25)
Q23. In the IPL 2026 match played on 3 April 2026 at Chennai, which team chased down a target of over 200 to defeat Chennai Super Kings?
A. Kolkata Knight Riders
B. Punjab Kings
C. Sunrisers Hyderabad
D. Mumbai Indians
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Punjab Kings secured a win in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
Q24. On 3 April 2026, three Indian women boxers advanced to the semifinals of which championship, confirming medals?
A. World Boxing Championships
B. Olympic Qualifiers
C. Asian Boxing Championships 2026
D. Commonwealth Games
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Strong performance by Indian contingent in the continental event.
Q25. Which team defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 65 runs in an IPL 2026 match reported on 3 April 2026?
A. Sunrisers Hyderabad
B. Punjab Kings
C. Chennai Super Kings
D. Rajasthan Royals
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: SRH’s victory at Eden Gardens highlighted strong batting performance.
Education, Arts, Literature & Other Current Affairs (Questions 26-29)
Q26. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan released a book by Sudha Murty documenting India’s history through Parliament murals (reported in current affairs around early April 2026). What is the title?
A. Wings of Fire
B. Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament
C. Discovery of India
D. My Experiments with Truth
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Published by Lok Sabha Secretariat; covers 124 mural panels tracing civilizational journey from Indus Valley to 1947.
Q27. NCERT’s new “deemed to be university” status (notified March 30, 2026, and highlighted on 3 April) will allow it to:
A. Only publish textbooks
B. Conduct UPSC exams
C. Regulate private universities
D. Design courses, run programmes, and confer degrees
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Major shift expanding NCERT’s role in higher education and teacher training under UGC framework.
Q28. Which of the following best describes the broader geopolitical impact of the 3 April 2026 Iran war developments on India (as per reports)?
A. Complete halt in all oil imports
B. No impact on Strait of Hormuz
C. Rerouting of sanctioned Iranian crude shipments and India’s role as energy stabilizer for neighbours like Bangladesh/Sri Lanka
D. Direct military alliance with Iran
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India continued energy support to neighbours amid rising global fuel prices.
Q29. On 3 April 2026, a retired U.S. Pentagon analyst commented on U.S. policy towards India, describing ties as driven by:
A. Permanent alliance
B. Strategic convenience
C. Ideological partnership only
D. Complete disengagement
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Karen Kwiatkowski’s remarks highlighted transactional nature of Indo-U.S. relations amid global shifts.
