Geopolitics & World News-India: (Questions 1-10)

1. The Indian Navy on 17 March 2026 deployed warships to escort Indian-flagged merchant vessels through which vulnerable waterway following tensions in West Asia?
A) Strait of Malacca
B) Gulf of Oman (after crossing Strait of Hormuz)
C) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
D) Suez Canal
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Warships escorted vessels including INS Shivalik, Nanda Devi and Jag Laadki to ensure safe transit amid US-Iran-Israel conflict spillover. This demonstrates India’s proactive maritime security role under Operation Sankalp-like frameworks.

2. Which statement accurately reflects India’s position on the ongoing West Asia conflict as conveyed by Israel’s Ambassador to India on 17 March 2026?
A) India supports perpetual military action against Iran
B) India has mediated a ceasefire
C) Israel does not seek perpetual war with Iran and keeps diplomatic options open
D) Pakistan is backing Iran militarily
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Ambassador Reuven Azar clarified Israel’s stance post the February 2026 strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, highlighting diplomacy if Iran changes course.

3. On 17 March 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged the U.S. to address which specific issue while criticising a US Commission report?
A) Attacks on Indian diplomatic missions
B) Extradition of fugitives
C) Trade tariff disputes
D) Vandalism against Hindu temples in the U.S.
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted distortions in the US Commission on International Religious Freedom report and called for focus on temple attacks in the US.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On March 16, 2026, which country launched drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates, killing a Palestinian man in Abu Dhabi and forcing the temporary closure of a major airport?
A) Israel
B) Iran
C) USA
D) Hezbollah
Answer: B. Iran
Explanation: Iran conducted drone strikes on UAE targets amid the ongoing 2026 Iran war, leading to the closure of Dubai International Airport. This highlights escalating regional tensions.

Q2. The Israeli Air Force completely destroyed which Iranian facility in central Tehran on March 16, 2026, citing its use for space warfare against Israeli satellites?
A) Natanz Nuclear Facility
B) Kharg Island Oil Terminal
C) Iranian Space Research Center
D) Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant
Answer: C. Iranian Space Research Center
Explanation: The strike targeted potential space-based threats, part of intensified Israel-Iran conflict.

Q3. Which senior commander of Kata’ib Hezbollah was killed in an airstrike in Baghdad on March 16, 2026?
A) Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis
B) Abu Ali al-Askari
C) Qasem Soleimani
D) Hassan Nasrallah
Answer: B. Abu Ali al-Askari
Explanation: The targeted killing occurred amid broader attacks on Iran-aligned groups in Iraq.

Geopolitics & World News India (Questions 1–12)

Q1. On March 15, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began a two-day visit to which city primarily to discuss India-EU ties and the energy fallout of the ongoing West Asia conflict?
A) Paris
B) Moscow
C) Berlin
D) Geneva
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began a two-day visit to Moscow to discuss India-Russia ties and the energy fallout of the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Q2. President Donald Trump urged which group of countries on March 15, 2026, to send warships and help keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe” amid the US-Israel-Iran war?
A) Only NATO members
B) Only BRICS nations
C) China, France, Japan, South Korea, UK and others
D) Only Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Correct Answer: C.

Q3. The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has primarily caused shortage of which cooking fuel in India, prompting government restrictions?
A) Natural Gas (PNG)
B) LPG
C) Coal
D) Electricity
Correct Answer: B.
The government barred PNG users from retaining or refilling LPG connections to manage supply.

Geopolitics & World News India (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 14 March 2026, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers safely crossed the war-hit Strait of Hormuz amid West Asia tensions. Which vessels were they?
A) INS Vikrant and Shivalik
B) Shivalik and Nanda Devi
C) Nanda Devi and INS Trikand
D) Shivalik and Mumbai Engineer
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The vessels carried 92,700 tonnes of LPG from Gulf countries and are heading to Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat (docking expected 16-17 March). This highlights India’s maritime resilience during the US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Q2. US President Donald Trump stated on 13-14 March 2026 that Iran has been “totally defeated” in the military campaign and seeks a deal he would not accept. This statement relates to which ongoing geopolitical flashpoint?
A) Red Sea crisis
B) Russia-Ukraine war
C) US-Israel strikes on Iran
D) South China Sea dispute
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The remark underscores escalation in West Asia, with direct implications for India’s energy security and Indian nationals in the region.

Q3. French President Emmanuel Macron offered to host direct talks in Paris between which two countries on 14 March 2026?
A) Israel and Iran
B) Israel and Lebanon
C) India and Pakistan
D) US and China
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Macron noted Lebanon’s willingness for inclusive negotiations, reflecting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate West Asia tensions.

Geopolitics & World News India (Questions 1–12)

Q1. India co-sponsored a UNSC resolution on 13 March 2026 condemning “egregious” attacks by Iran against which entities?
A) GCC nations and Jordan
B) Israel and USA
C) Russia and China
D) Turkey and Pakistan
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: India joined the resolution in the UN Security Council, reflecting its balanced West Asia policy amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Q2. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held his fourth phone call since the West Asia crisis began with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi on 12 March 2026 (reported 13 March). What key issue was discussed besides bilateral and BRICS matters?
A) Joint military exercises
B) Safe passage for 28 Indian merchant vessels near the Strait of Hormuz
C) Oil price hike compensation
D) Extradition of fugitives
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India is working to secure passage for its vessels stalled due to Iranian restrictions on the Strait.

Q3. US President Donald Trump told G7 leaders (in a 10 March call, reported 13 March) that Iran is “about to surrender” after Operation “Epic Fury”. He described the situation by saying:
A) “Nobody knows who is the leader, so there is no one that can announce surrender”
B) “Iran has already signed a peace treaty”
C) “Israel has withdrawn from Lebanon”
D) “China is mediating”
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Trump boasted about eliminating a “cancer” threatening everyone (Axios report).