Geopolitics & World News India (Questions 1-9)

Q1. The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas invoked which Act in March 2026 to notify the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 amid LNG disruptions?
A) Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act
B) Essential Commodities Act, 1955
C) Energy Conservation Act, 2001
D) Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The Ministry invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to regulate natural gas allocation due to West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Q2. The Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 establishes a four-tier priority system for allocation based on average consumption over what period?
A) Past three months
B) Past one year
C) Past six months
D) Calendar year average
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Priority is determined by six-month average consumption; lower-priority sectors (e.g., petrochemicals, power) face cuts to protect households and fertilizers.

Q3. What percentage of India’s LPG imports and natural gas requirements typically pass through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted in the 2026 West Asia conflict?
A) 50% LPG and 20% gas
B) 90% LPG and 30% gas
C) 70% LPG and 50% gas
D) 100% LPG and 40% gas
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: ~90% of LPG imports and ~30% of natural gas requirements are affected, leading to shortages and black-market prices.

Geopolitics & International Relations (Questions 1- 12)

Q1. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in Parliament on 10 March 2026 that India will continue:
A) Military support to Israel
B) Conversations with Iran
C) Complete trade embargo with Iran
D) Evacuation of all Indian nationals from Gulf
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Jaishankar emphasised continued diplomatic engagement with Iran while prioritising safety of Indian diaspora in West Asia amid the ongoing Israel-Iran-US conflict.

Q2. Which new leader was elected as Iran’s Supreme Leader on 10 March 2026 following the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?
A) Mojtaba Khamenei
B) Hassan Rouhani
C) Ebrahim Raisi
D) Ali Larijani
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei (son of late Khamenei) became the third Supreme Leader – the first hereditary succession in the Islamic Republic.

Q3. U.S. President Donald Trump on 10 March 2026 said the Israel-Iran war would end:
A) Within 48 hours
B) Never
C) Only after complete regime change
D) Pretty quickly / very soon
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Trump repeatedly signalled the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign had achieved its main objectives and the conflict could conclude soon, leading to oil price correction.

Geopolitics & World News – (Questions 1-12)

1. The 11th Raisina Dialogue 2026 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What is its official theme?
A) Karya – Tradition and Modernity
B) Sanskaar – Assertion, Accommodation and Advancement
C) Viksit Bharat 2047
D) Global South Leadership
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Organised by MEA & ORF, the theme focuses on contested frontiers, global commons, climate, technology, and trade disruptions. Over 2,700 participants from 110 countries attended. 

2. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a suo moto statement in Parliament on 9 March 2026 regarding the West Asia conflict. Which of the following best reflects India’s stated position?
A) India favours peace, return to dialogue, de-escalation, restraint, and respect for sovereignty
B) India supports military intervention by any party
C) India will evacuate all citizens immediately
D) India will impose sanctions on involved nations
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Jaishankar emphasised civilian safety and priority for the Indian community in the region. 

3. Which advanced US missile defence system was deployed in West Asia in March 2026 to counter Iranian ballistic missiles?
A) Patriot
B) THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense)
C) Aegis
D) Iron Dome
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: THAAD uses hit-to-kill technology, intercepts at 150-200 km altitude, and integrates with Patriot and Aegis systems.