Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-8)

Q1. On 28 May 2026, what major escalation was reported involving the US and Iran?
A) US diplomatic breakthrough in nuclear talks
B) US strikes on southern Iran targets near Bandar Abbas, with Trump threatening Oman
C) Joint US-Iran naval exercise in the Gulf
D) Iran joining Abraham Accords
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Reports highlighted US military strikes on Iranian targets amid ongoing tensions and diplomatic talks, with Trump issuing strong statements. This reflects volatile Middle East geopolitics relevant for UPSC GS-2.

Q2. What development was noted regarding Israel-Lebanon on 28 May 2026?
A) Ceasefire agreement signed
B) Hezbollah fully disarmed
C) Israel intensified attacks on southern Lebanon and expanded evacuation orders
D) UN peacekeeping force withdrawal
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Escalation in conflict with increased strikes and evacuation orders highlights ongoing regional instability.

Q3. Which external actor was reported training Colombian mercenaries for involvement in Sudan conflict (May 2026 context)?
A) Russia
B) UAE
C) China
D) Saudi Arabia
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Reports on UAE-linked activities supporting RSF in Sudan underscore proxy dynamics in African conflicts.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-10)

Q1. At the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi, India and the US signed a bilateral framework on cooperation in which sector?
A) Defence manufacturing
B) Critical minerals and rare earths
C) Space technology
D) Cybersecurity
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The deal aims to diversify supply chains amid concerns over China’s dominance and export controls on strategic metals.

Q2. Which new Hamas military chief was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on or around 26-27 May 2026?
A) Yahya Sinwar
B) Mohammed Odeh
C) Ismail Haniyeh
D) Khaled Meshaal
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Odeh was the newly appointed Al-Qassam Brigades commander and a key figure linked to the October 7 attacks; this was the second such elimination in about 11 days.

Q3. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on 27 May 2026 reportedly killed at least how many people amid ongoing ceasefire tensions?
A) 31
B) 50
C) 55
D) 75
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Strikes targeted areas despite an existing ceasefire, with intensified ground operations reported.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-12)

1. Who hosted the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2026?
A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
B) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
C) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
D) Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: EAM S. Jaishankar hosted the meeting with US Secretary Marco Rubio, Australian FM Penny Wong, and Japanese FM Toshimitsu Motegi. The ministers also called on PM Modi.

2. What key bilateral agreement did India and the US sign during the Quad-related engagements in May 2026?
A) Defence technology pact
B) Free Trade Agreement
C) Framework for supply, mining, and processing of critical minerals and rare earths
D) Climate Change Accord
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in critical minerals supply chains.

3. Which US official visited the Taj Mahal in Agra and Amber Fort in Jaipur on 25 May 2026 ahead of the Quad meeting?
A) President Donald Trump
B) Secretary of State Marco Rubio
C) Vice President
D) Defence Secretary
Correct Answer: B.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

1. On 25 May 2026, what did US President Donald Trump state regarding negotiations with Iran amid the ongoing ceasefire?
A) Immediate lifting of the Hormuz blockade
B) US will not ‘rush into a deal’ with Iran; blockade to remain
C) Full withdrawal of US forces from the region
D) Acceptance of Iran’s 14-point proposal unconditionally
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump emphasized a “great and meaningful” deal or none at all, maintaining pressure on Iran while negotiations continued via mediators like Pakistan.

2. Which country’s military chief and PM visited Beijing on 25 May 2026 for mediation talks related to the 2026 Iran war?
A) Pakistan
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Turkey
D) Egypt
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Pakistani leaders engaged China as part of broader mediation efforts in the Iran conflict.

3. What significant maritime development occurred on 25 May 2026 involving the Strait of Hormuz?
A) Complete closure of the strait
B) A Japanese-owned tanker (Idemitsu Maru) successfully transited post-war resumption
C) Indian Navy assumed full patrol duties
D) UNSC resolution banning all oil shipments
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This marked one of the first successful transits since heightened tensions, highlighting easing but fragile maritime security.