Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-8)

1. What major diplomatic development involving the US and Iran was highlighted in headlines around 16 June 2026?
A) A full military alliance
B) A peace deal/framework agreement reducing immediate conflict risks, including references to the Strait of Hormuz
C) Complete withdrawal of all sanctions without conditions
D) Joint military exercises with Israel
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Reports indicated a US-Iran memorandum/peace framework under Trump, aimed at de-escalation, though details remained murky with ongoing concerns over Lebanon and Hormuz shipping.

2. On or around 16 June 2026, Israeli airstrikes were reported in southern Lebanon amid ceasefire concerns. Which group claimed assurances from Iran regarding Israeli withdrawal?
A) Hezbollah
B) Hamas
C) Houthis
D) Al-Qaeda
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Hezbollah stated it received assurances from Iran linking Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon to negotiations.

3. President Donald Trump arrived in France for the G7 Summit around mid-June 2026. What key bilateral meeting was anticipated?
A) With Russia
B) With Indian PM Narendra Modi (after a gap)
C) With China
D) With North Korea
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump was expected to meet PM Modi on the sidelines, focusing on trade and other issues.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-12)

Q1. What major development was announced regarding the 2026 Iran War on 15 June 2026?
A) Full surrender of Iranian forces
B) A 60-day ceasefire and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran to end hostilities
C) Permanent UN Security Council resolution imposing new sanctions
D) Joint military exercises between Iran and Israel
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iranian officials and US President Trump confirmed the deal, with signing scheduled for 19 June in Geneva (Pakistan mediating). It includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing nuclear/sanctions issues. This has implications for global oil markets and India’s energy security.

Q2. Which strategic waterway saw its first known ship passage (Indian tanker Disha by Petronet) following the US-Iran peace announcement?
A) Suez Canal
B) Strait of Malacca
C) Strait of Hormuz
D) Panama Canal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The ceasefire is expected to ease the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis, benefiting global shipping and reducing oil price volatility.

Q3. India lodged a strong protest with the US over an incident involving Indian seafarers during recent Gulf operations. What was the core issue?
A) Visa restrictions on Indian professionals
B) US naval strikes on merchant vessels killing three Indian seafarers
C) Trade tariff hikes on Indian exports
D) Extradition disputes
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Related to attacks on ships like the tanker Settebello amid regional tensions.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On 14 June 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, inaugurated which event in Nice, France?
A) Indo-French Tech Summit
B) Bharat Innovates 2026
C) G7 Innovation Forum
D) AI Action Summit
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The event brought together Indian deep-tech startups (especially in AI and biotech), venture capital funds, and focused on innovation, trust in technology, and “Design in India, Develop in India.”

Q2. PM Modi’s June 2026 Europe visit (France and Slovakia) primarily focuses on:
A) Defence pacts only
B) Technology, bilateral ties, innovation, and G7 outreach
C) Climate change negotiations exclusively
D) Cultural heritage restoration
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The visit includes bilateral meetings, the Bharat Innovates event, and participation as an outreach partner at the G7 Summit in France.

Q3. Which geopolitical development involving the US, Iran, and Pakistan was highlighted around 14 June 2026?
A) Lifting of US naval blockade on Iran and reopening of Strait of Hormuz under a peace deal
B) New sanctions on Iran
C) Joint military exercises
D) Withdrawal of US forces from the region
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: President Trump announced progress on a deal (with Pakistani PM involvement), aiming to ease tensions and restore shipping.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-10)

1. What was the primary reason cited by India for protesting US actions in the Strait of Hormuz region around 13 June 2026?
A) Disruption of oil supplies to Europe
B) Attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian crew, resulting in deaths of Indian seafarers
C) Blockade of Indian naval vessels
D) Sanctions on Indian exports
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India lodged strong protests via EAM Jaishankar with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over US Navy strikes on vessels like Settebello, killing three Indian mariners. This highlighted risks to Indian seafarers amid US-Iran tensions.

2. Which strategic waterway was central to the US-Iran negotiations and potential deal reported on 13 June 2026?
A) Strait of Hormuz
B) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
C) Malacca Strait
D) Bosporus Strait
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: A US-Iran deal was nearing finalization, aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport, amid ongoing conflict.

3. What did PM Narendra Modi achieve around this period, making him the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history?
A) Completing 12 years in office
B) Winning a third consecutive term
C) Signing a major UNSC reform deal
D) Hosting the G20 Summit
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Modi completed 12 years as PM, a significant political milestone noted in current affairs coverage.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 12 June 2026, what significant development was reported regarding the 2026 Iran-US conflict?
A) Complete withdrawal of US forces from the region
B) Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif stating a ceasefire deal has a “final, agreed upon text”
C) Iran declaring full victory in the Strait of Hormuz
D) UNSC imposing new sanctions on both nations
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Pakistani PM highlighted progress toward ending the war, with Iranian FM Araghchi noting the deal was close, involving ceasefire extension, Strait of Hormuz reopening, and nuclear talks.

Q2. India condemned US strikes on which vessels in the Gulf of Oman around 11-12 June 2026?
A) Chinese fishing boats
B) Pakistani naval vessels
C) Merchant ships/tankers with Indian crew, resulting in sailor deaths
D) Iranian oil tankers exclusively
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Multiple strikes targeted boats with Indian crews; India summoned the US Deputy Chief of Mission. One incident killed three Indian sailors.

Q3. What did Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi state about the Strait of Hormuz post-conflict?
A) It would remain fully international waters
B) It would come under Iranian and Omani sovereignty with fees
C) It would be closed indefinitely
D) Control handed to UN peacekeeping forces
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This reflects post-war shifts in control and potential economic implications for global energy routes.