Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)
Q1. What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz in the ongoing 2026 Iran-related tensions?
A) It is a minor shipping route for regional trade
B) It is a critical chokepoint for global oil transit, often called Iran’s “ultimate nuclear weapon” by advisers
C) It connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean
D) It is primarily used for LNG exports from Qatar only
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Amid the 2025–2026 Iran–US tensions and Strait of Hormuz crisis, control of this waterway (through which 20% of global oil passes) is a major strategic lever.
Q2. On 8 May 2026, reports indicated possible resumption of talks between Iran and the US in which city?
A) Geneva
B) Doha
C) Islamabad
D) Beijing
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The Wall Street Journal and other sources noted potential Iran-US negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, amid ceasefire efforts.
Q3. What action did the US Navy take against Iranian tankers in the Gulf of Oman around 8 May 2026?
A) Boarded them for inspection
B) Attacked two tankers (M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda) using F/A-18 Super Hornets
C) Escorted them safely
D) Imposed only diplomatic sanctions
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: US Central Command confirmed the strikes as part of naval actions in the region.
Q4. Which country reported intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles and drones on or around 8 May 2026?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Oman
C) Israel
D) United Arab Emirates
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: UAE defence ministry reported interceptions, with injuries reported.
Q5. How has the Iran conflict impacted global shipping, as highlighted on 8 May 2026?
A) Over 20,000 seafarers (many from Global South) stranded
B) No impact reported
C) Complete closure of Suez Canal
D) Only European shipping affected
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Japanese firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and others highlighted fee disputes and stranding issues.
Q6. What is India’s primary concern regarding the Iran war as a top remittance recipient (news around 8 May 2026)?
A) Loss of oil imports only
B) Potential reversal of Gulf remittance inflows (though analysts see stability)
C) Direct military involvement
D) Loss of diaspora in Iran
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Remittances from Gulf countries are vital; analysts noted they are largely need-based and resilient.
Q7. Which Indian operation was referenced in defence contexts around early May 2026?
A) Operation Vijay
B) Operation Meghdoot
C) Operation Blue Star
D) Operation Sindoor
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: It demonstrated India’s calibrated response to cross-border terrorism.
Q8. On 8 May 2026, which leader downplayed renewed US strikes on Iran?
A) Joe Biden
B) Benjamin Netanyahu
C) Donald Trump
D) Vladimir Putin
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump called them a “love tap” and claimed ceasefire holding.
Q9. What diplomatic development involved Pakistan in the Iran context?
A) Pakistan joined US strikes
B) Islamabad as venue for potential Iran-US talks
C) Pakistan expelled Iranian diplomats
D) No involvement
Correct Answer: B.
Q10. UAE took what action against some Pakistani workers amid the Hormuz crisis?
A) Granted more visas
B) Signed defence pact
C) Increased remittances
D) Expelled some workers
Correct Answer: D.
Indian Polity & Governance (Questions 11-18)
Q11. Who was elected as the new Chief Minister of West Bengal on 8 May 2026?
A) Mamata Banerjee
B) Suvendu Adhikari (BJP)
C) Abhishek Banerjee
D) Derek O’Brien
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: BJP’s historic victory ended TMC’s long rule; Suvendu to take oath on 9 May. Amit Shah congratulated him.
Q12. In Tamil Nadu politics (8 May 2026), which parties extended unconditional support to actor Vijay’s TVK?
A) DMK and AIADMK
B) BJP and Congress
C) CPI and CPI(M)
D) IUML only
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: This boosted TVK’s numbers in a hung assembly scenario, though governor sought clarity on majority.
Q13. What issue delayed the swearing-in of a potential CM in Tamil Nadu?
A) Governor not convinced of majority support for TVK
B) Court stay
C) Election Commission intervention
D) Financial emergency
Correct Answer: A.
Q14. The CEC & Other ECs Appointment Act 2023 was under Supreme Court scrutiny on/around 8 May 2026 for allegedly diluting which judgment?
A) Kesavananda Bharati
B) Minerva Mills
C) SR Bommai
D) Anoop Baranwal
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Concerns over parliamentary process and composition of selection committee.
Q15. Which Cabinet decision raised Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane?
A) Rs 350/quintal
B) Rs 365/quintal
C) Rs 400/quintal
D) No change
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Approved by CCEA chaired by PM Modi.
Q16. What new mission did the Union Cabinet approve for cotton?
A) Mission for Cotton Productivity
B) Cotton Export Mission
C) Organic Cotton only
D) Textile Modernisation
Correct Answer: A.
Q17. India and EU launched a EUR 15.2 million initiative under TTC for:
A) Semiconductor chips
B) Solar panel manufacturing
C) Recycling of Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries
D) Hydrogen technology
Correct Answer: C.
Q18. IITM Pune established India’s first Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory in which city?
A) Delhi
B) Chennai
C) Mumbai
D) Bengaluru
Correct Answer: B.
Economy, Environment & Science (Questions 19-20)
Q19. What is the Swasth Bharat Portal associated with?
A) Export promotion
B) Tourism
C) Defence exports
D) Health-related initiatives
Correct Answer: D.
Q20. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026 is to be hosted in:
A) Nairobi
B) New Delhi
C) Geneva
D) Bangkok
Correct Answer: B.
Sports (Questions 21-24)
Q21. In IPL 2026 (around 8 May), which team achieved a dominant chase win over Delhi Capitals?
A) Mumbai Indians
B) Chennai Super Kings
C) Kolkata Knight Riders
D) Rajasthan Royals
Correct Answer: C.
Q22. India’s U-17 Women’s team qualified for AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup quarter-finals with a win over which team on 8 May 2026?
A) Japan
B) Australia
C) China
D) Lebanon
Correct Answer: D.
Q23. Delhi is set to host which major table tennis event in 2026?
A) World Table Tennis Championships
B) Commonwealth Table Tennis 2026
C) Asian Games Table Tennis
D) Olympics qualifier
Correct Answer: B.
Q24. Concerns were raised about Suryakumar Yadav’s fitness (wrist) during which tournament?
A) Test series
B) T20 World Cup
C) Ranji Trophy
D) IPL 2026
Correct Answer: D.
Arts, Education, Literature & Miscellaneous (Questions 25-29)
Q25. Cell phone bans in schools were discussed in global news on 8 May 2026 with studies showing:
A) Universally negative results
B) Mixed/positive trends in several categories
C) No impact
D) Only increased social media use
Correct Answer: B.
Q26. Which portal or initiative relates to waste/tyre management or environmental rules in recent Indian notifications?
A) Early Solid Waste Management Rules 2026
B) Plastic Ban 2.0
C) River Cleaning App
D) None
Correct Answer: A.
Q27. Hantavirus or other health alerts were in news; Swasth Bharat Portal aims at:
A) Digital health records and awareness
B) Export of medicines
C) AYUSH promotion only
D) Hospital infrastructure
Correct Answer: A.
Q28. India-Japan agreements were signed in areas like:
A) Textiles
B) Only defence
C) Space only
D) Quantum Technology and Health Research
Correct Answer: D.
Q29. Operation Sindoor highlighted India’s strategy to:
A) Compel adversary on terror infrastructure
B) Economic sanctions
C) Cultural exchange
D) Climate diplomacy
Correct Answer: A.
