Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-11)

Q1. On 21 May 2026, which country announced the establishment of a controlled maritime zone in the Strait of Hormuz requiring authorization from the newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Iran
C) Israel
D) UAE
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This move amid regional tensions impacts global oil transit, relevant for India’s energy security as a major importer.

Q2. What did Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko state regarding involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war on 21 May 2026?
A) Belarus will not join the current war and is ready to meet Zelenskyy
B) Belarus will actively support Russia militarily
C) Belarus has declared neutrality
D) Belarus seeks NATO membership
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: This reflects shifting dynamics in Eastern Europe.

Q3. Which US naval asset arrived in the Southern Caribbean prompting Cuba’s promise of “fierce resistance” around 21 May 2026?
A) USS Gerald R. Ford
B) USS Abraham Lincoln
C) USS Nimitz
D) USS George H.W. Bush
Correct Answer: C.

Geopolitics & World Affairs (Questions 1-12)

Q1. On May 20, 2026, which country’s interior minister visited Tehran to facilitate exchanges between Iran and the US regarding ceasefire negotiations in the 2026 Iran war?
A) Qatar
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Pakistan
D) UAE
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran as a mediator. Iran reviewed a new US proposal amid ongoing 2025–2026 negotiations.

Q2. What significant maritime development occurred in the Strait of Hormuz on May 20, 2026, related to the Iran conflict?
A) Complete closure of the strait
B) Two Chinese supertankers exited carrying 4 million barrels of crude
C) US Navy seized all Iranian tankers
D) India deployed naval escorts for all vessels
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: This marked easing of tensions post-ceasefire talks, with a South Korean tanker also transiting safely.

Q3. President Trump delayed an imminent US strike on Iran on or around May 19-20, 2026, at the request of which leaders?
A) Israeli and Egyptian
B) Qatari, Saudi, and UAE
C) Russian and Chinese
D) Turkish and Jordanian
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Diplomatic intervention from Gulf states led to postponement, though military options remained open.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)

1. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola (BDBV) outbreak originated primarily in which province of DRC?
A) North Kivu
B) Ituri Province
C) Kinshasa
D) Equateur
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Ituri Province saw the main outbreak with suspected cases and deaths; cases imported to Uganda. No approved vaccine/treatment for this strain unlike Zaire ebolavirus.

2. WHO declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on:
A) 15 May 2026
B) 16 May 2026
C) 17 May 2026
D) 10 May 2026
Correct Answer: C.

3. Recent US Senate action on Iran involved advancing a measure to:
A) Limit President Trump’s war powers/actions
B) Increase military aid
C) Impose new sanctions on India
D) Support Israel unconditionally
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: In a rebuke amid ceasefire negotiations and tensions.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 18 May 2026, what major development was reported regarding a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego?
A) It was ruled a random accident
B) Three people were killed, including a security guard; two teenage suspects died by suicide; investigated as a possible hate crime
C) No casualties reported
D) It targeted a different religious site
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The attack killed three adult males (including a heroic security guard who prevented entry into the mosque with children inside). It is under investigation as a hate crime.

Q2. Regarding President Trump’s recent state visit to China (prior to 18 May 2026 reports), which statement is accurate?
A) It resulted in major new trade deals immediately
B) China rejected all US proposals
C) The visit featured high-level talks on trade, Iran, Taiwan, and bilateral ties; described as more “vibes” than detailed outcomes by some analysts
D) No meetings with Xi Jinping occurred
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump returned praising the relationship; analysts noted symbolic success but limited concrete public commitments.

Q3. What is the significance of the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership Roadmap (2026–2030) announced around mid-May 2026?
A) Limited only to defence cooperation
B) A comprehensive five-year framework covering semiconductors, green hydrogen, water management, maritime security, critical minerals, and more
C) Focused solely on cultural exchanges
D) A free trade agreement replacement
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: It elevates bilateral ties with institutional mechanisms in tech, energy transition, defence, and economic resilience.