Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-10)
1. On 4 April 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed that Indian refiners are purchasing Iranian crude oil. What did it explicitly reject regarding these imports?
A) Diversion of cargo due to payment issues
B) Any involvement of sanctions from the US
C) Use of non-Indian flagged tankers
D) Linkage to the ongoing West Asia conflict
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Ministry clarified that there are no payment hurdles and dismissed reports of cargo diversion due to payment issues amid Middle East supply disruptions.
2. Which Indian-flagged vessel safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 4 April 2026 carrying 46,650 MT of LPG with 25 seafarers aboard?
A) MSC Mumbai
B) INS Taragiri
C) Green Sanvi
D) MV Ganga
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: This was the 7th such Indian-flagged carrier to transit safely amid regional tensions.
3. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on 4 April 2026 at IIM Raipur that India has successfully navigated recent global shocks, specifically mentioning which conflict?
A) West Asia military conflict
B) Russia-Ukraine war
C) South China Sea disputes
D) Red Sea crisis
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: He highlighted India’s resilience in managing domestic and external challenges from the ongoing West Asia conflict.
4. In the context of the ongoing US-Iran conflict (sixth week as of 4 April 2026), what did Iranian forces claim regarding US aircraft?
A) Destroyed a US drone only
B) Shot down an Israeli F-35
C) Captured a US carrier
D) Downed two warplanes; search ongoing for a missing airman
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: One pilot was rescued; a weapons specialist remained missing. This contradicted US claims of total air superiority.
5. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on 4 April 2026 that the Centre is concealing foreign surveillance through which specific infrastructure?
A) US satellites over border areas
B) Chinese CCTVs and apps at vital locations
C) Russian spyware in government phones
D) Israeli Pegasus software
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: He called it a “deliberate conspiracy” endangering national security.
6. Which country held the 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations with India on or around 4 April 2026, focusing on energy diversification and the International North-South Transport Corridor?
A) Fiji
B) Iran
C) Kazakhstan
D) Armenia
Correct Answer: A.
7. The ongoing US-Iran war has raised concerns for India primarily due to threats to which critical maritime chokepoint?
A) Bab el-Mandeb
B) Malacca Strait
C) Strait of Hormuz
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Disruptions affect India’s energy imports, including Iranian crude.
8. On 4 April 2026, Raghav Chadha (AAP) rejected allegations of not participating in Opposition walkouts in Parliament. This was in response to claims by which party?
A) TMC
B) Congress
C) BJP
D) Aam Aadmi Party
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: He called it a “coordinated campaign” and “blatant lie.”
9. Which geopolitical development on 4 April 2026 directly links India’s energy security to the West Asia conflict?
A) Confirmation of Iranian crude purchases with no payment issues
B) Signing of a new LNG deal with Qatar
C) Suspension of Russian oil imports
D) Launch of a new refinery in Gujarat
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Refiners secured supplies amid disruptions.
10. The Iran war has implications for India’s relations with which two major powers?
A) Pakistan and Afghanistan
B) China and Russia
C) Israel and Saudi Arabia
D) US and Iran
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: India balances strategic ties with the US/Israel while maintaining energy and Chabahar links with Iran.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 11-17)
11. The Election Commission of India (ECI) transferred the Chief Secretary and DGP of which state on/around 4 April 2026 ahead of Assembly polls?
A) Bihar
B) West Bengal
C) Maharashtra
D) Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Similar transfers occurred in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, sparking debate on Article 324 powers and federalism.
12. The Supreme Court, while hearing the Malda gherao case on 4 April 2026, described the incident involving judicial officers as a “brazen attempt” to undermine what?
A) Electoral process
B) Federal structure
C) Judicial independence
D) Right to protest
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: West Bengal Police arrested the main accused; NIA probe ordered earlier.
13. Under which constitutional article does the ECI derive its power to superintend, direct, and control elections, as debated in the 2026 transfer controversy?
A) Article 324
B) Article 356
C) Article 370
D) Article 14
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: SC’s Mohinder Singh Gill (1978) ruling limits it to conformity with law and natural justice.
14. The Jan Vishwas Bill push by the Commerce Ministry (reported ~4 April 2026) aims at withdrawing pending cases involving minor offences to achieve what?
A) Fast-track defence procurement
B) Increase tax revenue
C) Strengthen anti-corruption laws
D) Reduce judicial load and promote ease of living
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: It focuses on decriminalising minor offences.
15. Which recent governance initiative for civil servants was virtually launched by PM Modi (context relevant to 4 April 2026 coverage)?
A) Mission Karmayogi Phase II
B) Karmayogi Sadhana Saptah 2026
C) iGOT portal upgrade
D) Lateral entry scheme expansion
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Celebrates five years of Mission Karmayogi.
16. The CBDT launched ‘Kar Saathi’ (AI-powered assistant) in April 2026 primarily to:
A) Simplify tax filing procedures
B) Track black money
C) Issue PAN cards faster
D) Audit corporate taxes
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Part of ease-of-doing-business measures.
17. UIDAI partnered with MapmyIndia in April 2026 to integrate authorised Aadhaar centres into which app?
A) Aarogya Setu
B) UMANG App
C) Mappls App
D) DigiLocker
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Aims to expand service access.
Defence & Strategic Affairs (Questions 18-21)
18. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned which third indigenous Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) on 3 April 2026 (widely covered on 4 April)?
A) INS Aridhaman (S4)
B) INS Arihant
C) INS Arighat
D) INS Chakra
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Strengthens India’s nuclear triad (only non-P5 nation with full triad).
19. INS Taragiri, commissioned alongside INS Aridhaman, belongs to which project and class?
A) Project 15B destroyer
B) Project 75I submarine
C) Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate
D) Scorpene-class
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Over 75% indigenous content; armed with BrahMos and Barak-8.
20. The commissioning of INS Aridhaman completes India’s nuclear triad, enabling second-strike capability under which policy?
A) Flexible Response
B) Massive Retaliation
C) First Use
D) No First Use (NFU)
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Equipped with K-4 and K-15 SLBMs.
21. Which key feature distinguishes INS Aridhaman from conventional submarines?
A) Nuclear reactor (83 MW pressurized light-water) for unlimited endurance
B) Diesel-electric propulsion
C) Air-independent propulsion only
D) Lithium-ion batteries
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Advanced stealth and sonar systems.
Education, Arts, Literature & Other Current Affairs (Questions 22-26)
22. The Ministry of Education notified NCERT as an “institution deemed to be a university” under which section of the UGC Act (notification effective around early April 2026)?
A) Section 22
B) Section 12
C) Section 3 (distinct category)
D) Section 2(f)
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Allows NCERT and its six regional institutes to offer degrees and PhD programmes while conforming to UGC norms.
23. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan released which book by Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty on 1 April 2026 (covered in current affairs around 4 April)?
A) Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament
B) Wise and Otherwise
C) The Mother I Never Knew
D) Three Thousand Stitches
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Lok Sabha Secretariat publication documenting 124 mural panels in Parliament, tracing India’s civilizational journey.
24. The book ‘Tides of Time’ highlights India as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ through references to ancient systems like Vaishali and:
A) Panchayati Raj
B) Kudavolai system
C) Mandal Commission
D) Directive Principles
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Emphasises traditions of dialogue and diversity.
25. Microsoft signed an MoU with which university in April 2026 to establish an AI Skill Center?
A) DU
B) IIT Delhi
C) JNU
D) Chandigarh University
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Focuses on digital skills and employability in Mohali.
26. A major current affairs highlight on 4 April 2026 involved the safe transit of an Indian LPG tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. This demonstrates India’s strategy of:
A) Energy security diversification amid global shocks
B) Complete shift away from West Asian oil
C) Exclusive reliance on Russian crude
D) Suspension of all seaborne imports
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Part of pragmatic foreign policy.
Sports (IPL 2026) (Questions 27-29)
27. In IPL 2026 matches played/updated on 4 April 2026, which team defeated Mumbai Indians by 6 wickets at Arun Jaitley Stadium?
A) Punjab Kings
B) Rajasthan Royals
C) Gujarat Titans
D) Delhi Capitals
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: DC chased down the target comfortably.
28. Which teenage sensation from Rajasthan Royals drew calls for fast-tracking to India’s senior T20 team after explosive performances in early IPL 2026 matches?
A) Yashasvi Jaiswal
B) Shubman Gill
C) Vaibhav Suryavanshi
D) Riyan Parag
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: His rapid fifties highlighted prodigious talent.
29. On 4 April 2026, which IPL match venue hosted a day/night game involving Gujarat Titans (as per schedule/results)?
A) Wankhede Stadium
B) Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
C) Eden Gardens
D) M.A. Chidambaram Stadium
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Part of the packed April 2026 IPL schedule.
