Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)
1. On 31 March 2026, US President Donald Trump indicated that the United States would exit the ongoing Iran war within how many weeks, even without a formal deal with Tehran?
A) 1 week
B) 2–3 weeks
C) 4–6 weeks
D) Indefinitely
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump stated the US could leave Iran in 2–3 weeks after neutralising key Iranian capabilities, signalling a potential end to the 2026 Iran conflict.
2. The 2026 Iran war has severely disrupted oil supplies through which critical waterway, leading to LPG shortages and rising energy costs in India?
A) Strait of Malacca
B) Strait of Hormuz
C) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz (carrying ~20% of global oil) have triggered India’s nationwide cooking fuel crisis and higher import bills.
3. India’s private sector recorded its slowest growth in three years in March 2026 primarily due to:
A) Domestic policy changes
B) Strong rupee appreciation
C) Price shocks from the Middle East (Iran) war dampening demand
D) Record agricultural output
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The Iran conflict caused oil price spikes and supply-chain disruptions, hitting domestic demand while international orders hit a record high.
4. As per reports on 31 March 2026, India flagged “considerable downside risk” to its FY27 GDP growth forecast of 7.0–7.4% because of:
A) US–India trade deal delays
B) Delay in Census 2027
C) Slow implementation of PM-KUSUM
D) Rising energy costs and supply-chain issues from the Iran war
Correct Answer: D.
5. On 31 March 2026, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Russia and China against:
A) Increasing oil exports to India
B) Imposing sanctions on Israel
C) Joining NATO
D) Providing intelligence support to Iran
Correct Answer: D.
6. Which of the following is NOT a direct geopolitical implication of the 2026 Iran war for India as highlighted on 31 March 2026?
A) Record low rupee (touching 95/USD)
B) Copper prices falling sharply due to weak demand
C) India becoming net oil exporter
D) Nationwide LPG rationing
Correct Answer: C.
7. India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), approved by the Union Cabinet and covered in 31 March 2026 current affairs, targets what non-fossil fuel share in installed electric capacity by 2035?
A) 40%
B) 50%
C) 60%
D) 75%
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The revised NDC also includes 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP and a carbon sink of 3.5–4 billion tonnes CO? equivalent.
8. Trump’s statements on 31 March 2026 regarding the Iran war included interest in:
A) Permanent US bases in Hormuz
B) Asking Arab nations to share the financial burden of the war
C) Immediate ceasefire without regime change
D) Reopening Strait of Hormuz unilaterally
Correct Answer: B.
9. The ongoing 2026 Iran conflict has led NATO to:
A) Intercept Iranian missiles while reinforcing defensive posture
B) Withdraw troops from Europe
C) Sign a new pact with Iran
D) Impose sanctions on Israel
Correct Answer: A.
10. India’s “strategic silence” on the Iran war, as analysed on 31 March 2026, is viewed as beneficial to:
A) Only Iran
B) United States, Israel, and Gulf countries while protecting Indian interests
C) China and Russia exclusively
D) Pakistan
Correct Answer: B.
11. Which Indian infrastructure project’s inauguration on 31 March 2026 was indirectly linked in news to regional stability needs amid West Asia tensions?
A) Noida International Airport (Jewar) Phase I
B) Bullet train to Kashmir
C) Northeast gas grid
D) Mumbai Coastal Road
Correct Answer: A.
12. On 31 March 2026, global media highlighted that the Iran war is generating:
A) Uniform oil price decline
B) Global deflation
C) High-inflation, low-growth environment worldwide
D) Increased tourism in West Asia
Correct Answer: C.
Indian Polity & Governance – (Questions 13-21)
13. On 31 March 2026 (Mahavir Jayanti), Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated which museum dedicated to Jain heritage?
A) Vivekananda Cultural Centre
B) National Museum of Ancient India
C) Gandhi Memorial Museum
D) Samrat Samprati Museum at Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
Correct Answer: D.
14. In the Supreme Court case Harish Rana v. Union of India (2026), heard/reported around 31 March 2026, the Court reaffirmed which right under Article 21?
A) Right to education
B) Right to privacy only
C) Right to die with dignity
D) Right to property
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The judgment emphasised patient autonomy and withdrawal of life support.
15. From 1 April 2026, India’s new Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 make which practice mandatory across the country?
A) Waste segregation at source
B) Ban on all plastic
C) Only composting
D) Centralised incineration only
Correct Answer: A.
16. The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 was under discussion/passage in Parliament around late March 2026. Opposition criticised it for allegedly violating a Supreme Court judgment on:
A) Electoral bonds
B) Women’s reservation
C) Farm laws
D) Deputation of IPS officers in CAPFs
Correct Answer: D.
17. The upcoming delimitation exercise post-Census 2027 will be guided by which constitutional articles (as discussed in 31 March 2026 analyses)?
A) Article 82 and Article 170
B) Article 370 and Article 371
C) Article 14 and Article 21
D) Article 356 only
Correct Answer: A.
18. On 31 March 2026 current affairs, the Supreme Court-appointed advisory committee had earlier recommended withdrawal of which contentious bill passed by Parliament in March 2026?
A) Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026
B) Citizenship Amendment Bill
C) Data Protection Bill
D) Uniform Civil Code Bill
Correct Answer: A.
19. Which of the following is a key feature of India’s updated NDC communicated to UNFCCC (covered 31 March 2026)?
A) No target for non-fossil capacity
B) 100% coal phase-out by 2030
C) Carbon sink increase to 3.5–4 billion tonnes CO? equivalent
D) Emissions intensity increase
Correct Answer: C.
20. The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, ongoing as on 31 March 2026, are being hosted in:
A) Chhattisgarh
B) Maharashtra
C) Rajasthan
D) Odisha
Correct Answer: A.
21. In 31 March 2026 reports, India ranked 6th in the World Air Quality Report 2025. This ranking pertains to:
A) Worst air quality globally
B) Highest forest cover
C) Best renewable energy
D) Overall air quality performance
Correct Answer: D.
Sports – (Questions 22-26)
22. On 31 March 2026, India’s Sheetal Devi was officially named:
A) Para Archer of the Year 2025 by World Archery
B) Best Cricketer by ICC
C) Chess Grandmaster of the Year
D) Olympic Gold medallist
Correct Answer: A.
23. In IPL 2026 Match 4 played on 31 March 2026, which team won against Gujarat Titans with a match-winning debut knock by Cooper Connolly?
A) Chennai Super Kings
B) Punjab Kings (PBKS)
C) Mumbai Indians
D) Kolkata Knight Riders
Correct Answer: B.
24. Sourav Ganguly reacted on 31 March 2026 to Kolkata being snubbed for hosting Test matches in India’s:
A) 2026–27 home season
B) 2025–26 season
C) T20 World Cup
D) Asia Cup
Correct Answer: A.
25. The Adani Invitational golf championship 2026 was scheduled to begin on:
A) 15 April
B) 31 March 2026
C) 1 April 2026
D) Post IPL
Correct Answer: C.
26. Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 aim to promote sports among tribal youth and are part of which broader government initiative?
A) International sports exchange
B) Olympic Gold Quest only
C) Private academy programme
D) Khelo India Youth Games series
Correct Answer: D.
Arts, Culture, Education & Other Current Affairs – (Questions 27-30)
27. The Samrat Samprati Museum inaugurated by PM Modi on 31 March 2026 (Mahavir Jayanti) highlights:
A) Jain heritage and principles of non-violence
B) Buddhist architecture only
C) Mughal miniature paintings
D) Modern digital art
Correct Answer: A.
28. Which indigenous technology for bovine breeding was highlighted in 31 March 2026 current affairs?
A) Traditional AI only
B) CRISPR gene editing only
C) OPU–IVF–ET Technology
D) Imported semen technology
Correct Answer: C.
29. Bio-bitumen technology, discussed in 31 March 2026 analyses, is significant for:
A) Steel production
B) Environment-friendly road construction using biological processes
C) Textile dyeing
D) Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Correct Answer: B.
30. On 31 March 2026, reports mentioned the discovery/concern regarding habitat decline of:
A) Red-crowned roofed turtle
B) Bengal tiger only
C) Asiatic lion
D) Indian rhino
Correct Answer: A.
