Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

1. On 9 April 2026, India welcomed a two-week ceasefire in West Asia between which two countries, brokered by Pakistan?
A) Israel and Iran
B) USA and Iran
C) Israel and Lebanon
D) USA and Pakistan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India’s MEA stated it welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire and hoped it would lead to lasting peace in West Asia, with unimpeded navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

2. Which country’s Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval during his visit to India (7-9 April 2026) and sought the return of exiled former PM Sheikh Hasina?
A) Nepal
B) Bangladesh
C) Myanmar
D) Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The BNP-led interim government conveyed its “Bangladesh First” policy based on mutual trust.

3. Following the US-Iran ceasefire, what specific position did India reiterate regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
A) Support for imposing tolls on passage
B) Demand for complete closure
C) Not in favour of tolls for passage
D) Proposal for joint India-Pakistan control
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India emphasised unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce through the Strait.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1–12)

1. On 8 April 2026, what major development occurred in the US-Iran conflict?
A) Iran launched full-scale attack on US bases
B) US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz
C) UNSC imposed fresh sanctions on Iran
D) Israel and Iran signed a permanent peace treaty
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Following Trump’s deadline and threats, Pakistan-brokered talks led to a two-week ceasefire. Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage under coordination with its armed forces. Relevant for UPSC GS-2 (IR) and security.

2. Who led the US delegation for the first round of US-Iran negotiations scheduled in Islamabad after the ceasefire announcement?
A) Vice President JD Vance, along with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff
B) Secretary of State Marco Rubio
C) National Security Advisor
D) President Donald Trump personally
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Negotiations were set to begin on Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan. Highlights Pakistan’s mediation role and India’s neighbourhood dynamics.

3. What did US President Donald Trump announce on 8 April 2026 regarding countries supplying weapons to Iran?
A) Immediate military action
B) 50% tariffs on any and all goods from such countries with no exemptions
C) Sanctions relief only for allies
D) Free trade agreement suspension
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Posted on Truth Social; directly linked to ongoing ceasefire and sanctions relief talks. Tests understanding of economic statecraft in IR.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On April 7, 2026, India issued an advisory to its nationals in Iran amid escalating tensions. What was the primary trigger mentioned in the advisory?
A) Israel-Iran ceasefire violation
B) US President Donald Trump’s deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz
C) Pakistan’s mediation offer
D) UN Security Council resolution on West Asia
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Amid Trump’s ultimatum threatening to “decimate Iran in one night” if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened, India urged citizens to stay indoors for 48 hours, avoid sensitive sites and coordinate travel. The advisory was issued as the deadline approached on April 7.

Q2. Which country’s request led US President Donald Trump to suspend planned strikes on Iran for two weeks on April 7, 2026?
A) UAE
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Pakistan
D) Qatar
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Army chief requested a two-week extension; Trump agreed to a double-sided ceasefire to allow finalisation of a 10-point proposal, citing progress in long-term peace talks.

Q3. The Strait of Hormuz, central to the April 7, 2026 West Asia crisis, is strategically important because it handles:
A) 20% of global oil trade
B) 30% of global LNG trade
C) Both A and B
D) Only military shipping routes
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The strait is a chokepoint for ~20% of global petroleum and significant LNG; disruption directly impacts energy security, explaining global market volatility and India’s advisory.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-11)

Q1. Which Indian-flagged LPG tanker successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on or around April 6, 2026, carrying 15,400 tonnes of LPG, marking the eighth such transit by an India-flagged vessel since early March amid regional tensions?
A. MV Green Asha
B. MV Blue Horizon
C. MV Pacific Star
D. MV Ocean Pride
Correct Answer: A. MV Green Asha
Explanation: This transit highlights India’s efforts to secure energy supplies amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Q2. On April 6, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held urgent talks with which Iranian official regarding bilateral relations and developments in the Strait of Hormuz region?
A. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi
B. President Masoud Pezeshkian
C. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
D. IRGC Commander Hossein Salami
Correct Answer: A. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi
Explanation: The call was part of India’s proactive diplomacy to safeguard its energy interests and Indian nationals during the US-Iran tensions.

Q3. How many Indian fishermen evacuated from Iran amid the West Asia conflict safely reached Chennai on or around April 6, 2026?
A. 278
B. 512
C. 345
D. 410
Correct Answer: C. 345
Explanation: The evacuation underscores India’s consular efforts to protect its citizens in conflict zones.