Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-12)

1. Regarding the 2026 Iran war and Strait of Hormuz crisis, which of the following statements is correct?
A) Iran has fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz following a complete ceasefire with the US.
B) US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian offer to end the closure of the Strait in exchange for lifting the naval blockade, insisting on nuclear program concessions.
C) Pakistan has publicly mediated a breakthrough in US-Iran talks.
D) The Japanese-flagged tanker Idemitsu Maru was the first to cross the Strait without any diplomatic efforts.
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: On April 29, 2026, reports indicated Trump rejected Iran’s proposal, prioritizing the blockade until nuclear issues are addressed. Pakistan was reportedly working silently behind the scenes on a new formula, while Japan confirmed the first successful crossing of a Japanese tanker since the conflict escalated.

2. What significant development occurred involving the USS Gerald R. Ford in the context of the 2026 US military posture in the Middle East?
A) It is scheduled to exit the Middle East and return to Virginia around mid-May after a record 10-month deployment.
B) It was deployed for the first time near the Strait of Hormuz.
C) It was damaged in an Iranian asymmetric attack.
D) It conducted joint exercises with Israeli forces in the Mediterranean.
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Washington Post reported the carrier’s impending departure after an extended deployment amid the Iran conflict.

3. Which country announced its exit from OPEC and OPEC+ on or around April 29, 2026, potentially weakening the cartel’s influence?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) United Arab Emirates (UAE)
C) Russia
D) Venezuela
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The UAE’s departure was a notable development amid shifting global oil dynamics and energy transitions, with implications for India’s energy security.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-10)

1. What was Iran’s proposal on 28 April 2026 regarding the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions with the US?
A) Complete closure of the strait until nuclear talks conclude
B) Offer to reopen the strait in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade and suspending bombing threats
C) Proposal for joint US-Iran control of the waterway
D) Demand for immediate UN intervention without concessions
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran offered to end its control/disruption of the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifted its blockade of Iranian ports and suspended bombing threats, while postponing deeper nuclear program talks. The US (under President Trump) appeared unwilling to accept this. The strait is critical for global oil flows; its closure has triggered UN warnings of a global food and energy emergency.

2. On 28 April 2026, which country announced its exit from OPEC amid the energy crisis linked to the Iran conflict?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Russia
C) United Arab Emirates (UAE)
D) Iraq
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The UAE’s departure from OPEC (and OPEC+) is seen as a major blow to the oil producers’ cartel, reflecting shifting alliances and responses to the economic fallout from the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

3. Which Indian airlines informed the government on or around 28 April 2026 about potential operational halts due to rising costs?
A) Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet
B) Vistara and Go First
C) Only Air India
D) Jet Airways and Akasa Air
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet highlighted severe cost increases from the Strait of Hormuz closure and the broader Iran war impact on fuel and logistics, warning of possible stoppage of operations.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 27 April 2026, India and New Zealand were set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). What is a primary expected benefit for Indian exports under this deal?
A) Complete duty-free access for all Indian exports to New Zealand
B) 50% tariff reduction only on agricultural goods
C) Exclusive access to New Zealand’s dairy market
D) Joint currency mechanism for trade settlements
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The India-New Zealand FTA aims to boost trade and investment with provisions for 100% duty-free access on a significant portion of Indian exports, strengthening bilateral ties and India’s Indo-Pacific economic engagement.

Q2. The 11th edition of Raisina Dialogue 2026 was held in New Delhi. What is its significance for India’s global role?
A) It is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics, technology, and strategic affairs hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs
B) It focuses exclusively on climate change negotiations
C) It is a bilateral summit with the United States
D) It is an annual military exercise
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The Raisina Dialogue serves as a major platform for global leaders to discuss geopolitics, technology, and economic challenges, highlighting India’s role as a convenor in a multipolar world.

Q3. Which ongoing global conflict was highlighted in BRICS Chair’s summary (India as Chair in 2026) with “deep concern” due to lack of consensus?
A) Russia-Ukraine war
B) Conflict in West Asia
C) South China Sea disputes
D) Horn of Africa tensions
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India, as BRICS Chair, noted deep concern over the West Asia conflict amid broader geopolitical shifts.

Geopolitics (Questions 1–10)

Q1. On 26 April 2026, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed 14 people and injured 37 amid accusations of ceasefire violations by both Israel and Hezbollah. What specific action did Israel take regarding southern Lebanon towns?
A) Imposed a naval blockade
B) Issued forced evacuation orders for seven towns north of the Litani River
C) Announced full military withdrawal
D) Signed a new bilateral peace treaty
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Reports confirmed evacuation warnings for towns north of the Litani River, escalating tensions in the 2026 Lebanon war ceasefire context.

Q2. Which country’s Tuareg rebels reached an agreement on 26 April 2026 allowing the Russian African Corps to withdraw from Kidal amid the Mali War?
A) Mali
B) Niger
C) Burkina Faso
D) Sudan
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: This development occurred in the ongoing Mali conflicts involving rebel groups and external forces.

Q3. A drone attack on 26 April 2026 targeted a UNHCR aid truck in which Sudanese region as part of the Darfur campaign?
A) Khartoum
B) North Darfur
C) South Kordofan
D) Blue Nile
Correct Answer: B.