Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-12)
1. What incident prompted the United States to launch self-defense missile strikes against targets in Iran on 9 June 2026?
A) Iranian missile attack on a US base in Iraq
B) Downing of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz
C) Cyber attack on US critical infrastructure
D) Seizure of a US tanker in the Persian Gulf
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: A US helicopter went down near the Strait of Hormuz (claimed by the US to be hit by an Iranian drone); both crew were rescued, leading to US Central Command strikes.
2. In the context of the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis, which country’s actions in Lebanon included issuing an evacuation warning for Tyre after an airstrike?
A) United States
B) Israel
C) Saudi Arabia
D) Russia
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Israel conducted strikes in Tyre, Lebanon, killing several and prompting evacuation warnings amid the broader regional conflict involving Iran.
3. How many Indian seafarers were rescued after their ship (MT Marivex) was hit in the US-Iran related incident off Oman?
A) 12
B) 18
C) 24
D) 36
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: 24 Indian sailors were rescued with coordination from the Indian Navy and Embassy after the tanker was struck.
4. India’s response to renewed attacks in West Asia (June 2026) emphasized:
A) Military support to one side
B) Ensuring no civilians are harmed and calling for de-escalation and dialogue
C) Imposing new sanctions on Iran
D) Withdrawing diplomatic missions
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India expressed deep regret over civilian risks and urged quick de-escalation through dialogue.
5. According to recent reports, what is India’s approximate nuclear warhead count highlighted in the SIPRI Yearbook context around June 2026?
A) 120
B) 172
C) 190
D) 250
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: SIPRI noted India’s nuclear arsenal expansion to around 190 warheads in 2025.
6. The 2026 Iran war and related Strait of Hormuz campaign primarily threaten global:
A) Oil and energy shipments through the chokepoint
B) Wheat supplies
C) Semiconductor trade
D) Rare earth minerals
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil transport.
7. Which neighboring country did India urge to view each other as partners rather than rivals amid regional tensions?
A) Pakistan
B) China
C) Bangladesh
D) Myanmar
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Diplomatic messaging stressed partnership with China.
8. The Great Nicobar Project is highlighted for enhancing:
A) Himalayan tourism
B) Maritime security and serving as a strategic focal point
C) Inland river connectivity
D) Desert solar power
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: It includes infrastructure like a civil-military airport to boost India’s maritime presence.
9. What US action regarding Israel was reported in some coverage around the Iran-related ceasefire strains?
A) Full military alliance activation
B) Sanctions on Israeli settlements
C) Trump reportedly influencing restraint on retaliatory strikes
D) Joint naval blockade
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Reports indicated efforts to manage escalation.
10. Armenia’s recent elections reinforced its:
A) Pro-Russia alignment
B) Pro-European course
C) Neutral non-aligned status
D) Partnership with Turkey
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Geopolitical analyses noted this trend.
11. The 2026 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted by US, etc.) faces geopolitical issues related to:
A) Visa and immigration scrutiny for teams
B) Venue construction delays only
C) Player boycotts over climate
D) Broadcasting rights exclusively
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Enhanced scrutiny noted in coverage.
12. Which organization’s report or forum was linked to discussions on critical minerals and global energy transition around this period?
A) OPEC
B) Global Energy Forum / BBVA Research Geopolitics Monitor
C) WTO
D) IMF only
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Relevant events and monitors covered these.
Indian Polity, Governance & Economy (Questions 13-20)
13. The explosion at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) plant occurred in which city, resulting in multiple fatalities?
A) Bhilai
B) Visakhapatnam
C) Bokaro
D) Rourkela
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: 8 workers killed in a ladle blast/fire at the Visakhapatnam steel plant.
14. NFHS-6 data highlighted the lowest fertility rate in which Indian UT?
A) Puducherry
B) Lakshadweep
C) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
D) Chandigarh
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Andaman & Nicobar recorded India’s lowest fertility rate.
15. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) completed how many years around June 2026?
A) 5
B) 8
C) 10
D) 12
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: 10 years of the safe motherhood scheme.
16. Amit Shah was associated with the launch of which system for land ports?
A) Digital Land Port Management System
B) e-Vehicle Tracking
C) National Highway App
D) Border Trade Portal only
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Key governance initiative.
17. Bhavya Portal was launched in relation to:
A) 100 Industrial Parks
B) Ayushman Bharat expansion
C) Digital education
D) Nuclear safety
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: For industrial development.
18. Lucknow became India’s:
A) Solar energy capital
B) New IT hub capital
C) 8th Regional Meteorological Centre
D) EV manufacturing leader
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: IMD-related upgrade.
19. Which state/UT recently came under the full ambit of Ayushman Bharat via an MoU?
A) West Bengal
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Kerala
D) Punjab
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Bengal joined the health scheme.
20. World Bank noted India likely achieved over ___% growth in early 2026.
A) 6
B) 8
C) 7.6
D) 9
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Resilient growth despite global headwinds.
Sports, Arts, Education & Miscellaneous (Questions 21-30)
21. India won its record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title by defeating which team on 9 June 2026?
A) Nepal
B) Bangladesh (3-1)
C) Sri Lanka
D) Pakistan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Victory in Goa.
22. India also won the 3rd edition of which youth hockey tournament around this time?
A) Men’s U-18 Asia Cup Hockey
B) Senior Asia Cup
C) Junior World Cup qualifier
D) Olympic test event
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Sporting success.
23. NASA announced the crew for which Artemis mission (precursor to lunar landing) around early June 2026?
A) Artemis II
B) Artemis III
C) Artemis I (revisit)
D) Commercial Crew
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Including international astronaut.
24. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was appointed as:
A) Next Vice Chief of the Air Staff
B) Army Commander
C) Navy Chief
D) DRDO Chairman
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Key defence appointment.
25. Dr. V S Mehta received which award from AIIMS?
A) Padma Vibhushan
B) Best Surgeon
C) Lifetime Achievement Award (neurosurgeon)
D) National Research Award
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Recognition in medicine.
26. Which project or initiative relates to content creators’ labs in schools and colleges (Budget-related)?
A) ABGC labs
B) Atal Tinkering
C) DIKSHA expansion
D) PM e-VIDYA
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Creative education push.
27. Place in News: Armenia’s capital is:
A) Baku
B) Yerevan
C) Tbilisi
D) Astana
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Geopolitical relevance.
28. Zojila Tunnel project connects Kashmir with:
A) Himachal
B) Kargil (Ladakh)
C) Uttarakhand
D) Sikkim
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Strategic all-weather connectivity.
29. Which portal or scheme relates to maternal health (10 years milestone)?
A) PMSMA
B) POSHAN Abhiyaan
C) Beti Bachao
D) Janani Suraksha
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.
30. SIPRI Yearbook primarily tracks:
A) Trade tariffs
B) Climate emissions only
C) Global arms trade and nuclear arsenals
D) Agricultural output
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Authoritative on military expenditure and disarmament.
