International Relations Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
KOICA, with which India's Ports Ministry signed a shipbuilding skill development plan on 2 April 2026, is an agency of which country?
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Correct answer: B — Republic of Korea
KOICA is the Korea International Cooperation Agency; the release refers to leveraging the Republic of Korea's expertise.
The MoPSW–KOICA shipbuilding skill development project is aligned with which vision document?
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Correct answer: C — Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
The ministry said the project is aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Where was the fifth India–Mozambique Joint Defence Working Group meeting held on 1–2 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Maputo
The Ministry of Defence said the meeting was held in Maputo, Mozambique.
Which edition of the India–Mozambique Joint Defence Working Group meeting was held in April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Fifth
The release describes it as the fifth JDWG meeting.
India leads the world in issuing Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under which international agreement?
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Correct answer: B — Nagoya Protocol
India is the global leader in issuing IRCCs under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing.
As reported in March 2026, which country is second after India in the number of IRCCs issued under the Nagoya Protocol?
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Correct answer: A — France
India (3,561) is followed by France with 964 certificates, then Spain (320) and Argentina (257).
Consider the following statements: 1. India accounts for over 56% of all IRCCs issued worldwide under the Nagoya Protocol. 2. All 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House have issued IRCCs. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
India has issued 3,561 of 6,311 IRCCs (over 56%); of the 142 registered countries, only 34 have issued IRCCs.
The 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the WTO, which concluded on 30 March 2026, was held in:
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Correct answer: A — Yaoundé, Cameroon
MC14 was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and concluded on 30 March 2026.
Who led the Indian delegation at the WTO's MC14?
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Correct answer: D — Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal led the Indian delegation to MC14.
At MC14, India did not agree to incorporating which agreement into the WTO framework as an Annex 4 agreement?
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Correct answer: A — Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement
India did not agree to incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement as an Annex 4 agreement.
Consider the following statements about the outcomes of WTO MC14: 1. Members reached convergence on extending the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. 2. Ministers agreed to continue fisheries subsidies negotiations with the aim of making recommendations to MC15. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Convergence could not be reached on the e-commerce moratorium; ministers agreed to continue fisheries subsidies negotiations aiming at recommendations to MC15.
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), reviewed at a meeting on the sidelines of WTO MC14, was signed in:
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Correct answer: C — July 2025
The India-UK CETA was signed in July 2025 by PM Narendra Modi and PM Keir Starmer.
With which country's trade minister did Piyush Goyal discuss expediting 'CEPA' negotiations on the sidelines of WTO MC14 in March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Canada
Goyal's meeting with Canada's Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu focused on expediting the recently launched India-Canada CEPA negotiations.
Who is the EU Trade Commissioner whom Piyush Goyal met at WTO MC14 in March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Maroš Šefčovič
Goyal held a bilateral meeting with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on the sidelines of MC14.
Who was elected Mayor of Paris on 29 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Emmanuel Grégoire
The Paris city council elected Emmanuel Grégoire as mayor with 103 votes on 29 March 2026, succeeding Anne Hidalgo.
Emmanuel Grégoire, elected Mayor of Paris in March 2026, succeeded whom?
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Correct answer: A — Anne Hidalgo
Grégoire succeeded Anne Hidalgo as Mayor of Paris; the city council elected him with 103 votes on 29 March 2026.
Who chaired the first meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) on the West Asia situation on 28 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Rajnath Singh
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh chaired the first IGoM meeting at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi.
Where was the first meeting of the IGoM on the West Asia situation held?
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Correct answer: A — Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi
The meeting was held at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi, on 28 March 2026.
Who was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal on 27 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Balendra Shah
Balendra (Balen) Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party was sworn in by President Ramchandra Paudel.
Balendra Shah, who became Nepal's Prime Minister in March 2026, belongs to which party?
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Correct answer: B — Rastriya Swatantra Party
Shah is a senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which won 182 of 275 seats on 5 March 2026.
Consider the following statements about Nepal's new Prime Minister Balendra Shah: 1. He was earlier the Mayor of Kathmandu. 2. He defeated K. P. Sharma Oli in Jhapa-5. 3. He is the first Prime Minister of Nepal from the Madhesi community. Which of the above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
Shah was Kathmandu mayor from May 2022 to January 2026, won Jhapa-5 defeating Oli, and is the first Madhesi PM.
Where was the IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX) TTX 2026 held on 27 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Kochi
It was held at the Maritime Warfare Centre, Southern Naval Command, Kochi.
India assumes the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) for 2026–2028 after a gap of how many years?
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Correct answer: D — 16
India assumes the IONS Chairmanship for the 2026–2028 cycle after a gap of sixteen years.
Through which two countries were Indian nationals in Iran being assisted to travel to India, as stated on 25 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Armenia and Azerbaijan
MEA said Indians in Iran were being assisted to travel to India via Armenia and Azerbaijan; 1,043 had crossed out with the Mission's help.
According to the inter-ministerial briefing of 25 March 2026, about how many passengers had returned to India from West Asia since 28 February?
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Correct answer: C — 4,26,000
Around 4,26,000 passengers had returned from the region to India since 28 February.
Consider the following statements about Operation Sindhu: 1. It was launched in June 2025 to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran and Israel. 2. More Indians were evacuated from Israel than from Iran under the operation. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Operation Sindhu, launched on 18 June 2025, evacuated 4,415 Indians — 3,597 from Iran and 818 from Israel.
The Japanese ODA package of March 2026 (JPY 275.858 billion) covers projects in which three states?
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Correct answer: A — Maharashtra, Karnataka and Punjab
The four projects are in Maharashtra (Mumbai Metro Line 11, healthcare), Karnataka (Bengaluru Metro Phase 3) and Punjab (horticulture).
Which project received the largest share of the Japanese ODA loans committed to India on 24 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Bengaluru Metro Rail Project Phase 3 (I)
Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 (I) got JPY 102.480 billion, ahead of Mumbai Metro Line 11 (JPY 92.400 billion), Maharashtra health (JPY 62.294 billion) and Punjab horticulture (JPY 18.684 billion).
Consider the following about the Japanese ODA-funded metro projects (March 2026): 1. Mumbai Metro Line 11 (I) covers about 17.51 km with 14 underground stations. 2. Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 (I) covers about 44.65 km with 31 underground stations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Bengaluru Phase 3 has 31 elevated (not underground) stations over about 44.65 km; Mumbai Line 11 has 14 underground stations over about 17.51 km.
Prime Minister Modi spoke with which Iranian President on 21 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Masoud Pezeshkian
PM Modi spoke with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings.
During his call with the Iranian President on 21 March 2026, PM Modi conveyed greetings for which two occasions?
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Correct answer: B — Eid and Nowruz
Modi conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings and hoped the festive season would bring peace to West Asia.
PM Modi spoke with King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa on 20 March 2026. He is the King of:
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Correct answer: D — Bahrain
King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa is the King of Bahrain.
In his call with the King of Bahrain on 20 March 2026, PM Modi said attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure hurt global security of:
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Correct answer: A — Food, fuel and fertiliser
Modi underlined the adverse impact of such attacks on global food, fuel and fertiliser security.
On 19 March 2026, PM Modi spoke by phone with leaders of several countries about West Asia. Which of these was NOT among them?
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Correct answer: B — Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia
On 19 March 2026 the PM spoke with the leaders of France, Malaysia, Oman, Jordan and Qatar; Saudi Arabia was not among them.
In his calls of 19 March 2026, with which two leaders did PM Modi explicitly affirm safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz?
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Correct answer: C — Sultan of Oman and Amir of Qatar
The PMO releases on the calls with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and Amir Sheikh Tamim of Qatar mention safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz; with Jordan the PM backed unhindered transit of goods and energy.
On 18 March 2026, PM Modi condemned attacks on the sovereignty of which country during a call with its Crown Prince?
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Correct answer: A — Kuwait
PM Modi spoke with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and condemned attacks on Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On 17 March 2026, PM Narendra Modi spoke with the President of which country and stressed safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz?
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Correct answer: D — United Arab Emirates
PM Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the two agreed on safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
What did the Embassy of India in Tehran advise Indian nationals in Iran on 16 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Not to approach or cross any land border without prior coordination with the Embassy
The Embassy advised Indians not to approach or attempt to cross any land border of Iran without prior and explicit coordination with it.
After the US–Israeli strikes of 28 February 2026, the Indian Embassy in Tehran first advised Indians in Iran to:
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Correct answer: A — Remain indoors as far as possible and avoid unnecessary movement
The Embassy advised Indians to remain indoors wherever possible and avoid unnecessary movement, and repeated this on 3 March.
Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), India's partner in TEPA?
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Correct answer: B — Denmark
EFTA's four members are Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland; Denmark is an EU member.
What legally binding investment commitment does the India–EFTA TEPA contain, as highlighted by Piyush Goyal on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — $100 billion and 1 million jobs
TEPA carries a $100-billion investment commitment with the potential to create 1 million jobs in India.
Consider the following statements about the India–EFTA TEPA: 1. It was signed in New Delhi on 10 March 2024. 2. It came into force on 1 April 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: TEPA came into force on 1 October 2025, as per PIB.
Who was the President of Iran with whom PM Modi spoke by telephone on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Masoud Pezeshkian
PM Modi spoke with Iran's President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, who briefed him on the situation in Iran and the region.
Which two priorities did PM Modi highlight in his call with Iran's President on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Safety of Indian nationals and unhindered transit of energy and goods
Modi highlighted the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in the region, including Iran, and the importance of unhindered transit of energy and goods.
How much emergency oil did IEA member countries agree to make available on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 400 million barrels
The 32 IEA members agreed to release 400 million barrels, the largest stock release in the agency's history; 1.2 billion barrels is the size of their public stocks.
What is India's status in the International Energy Agency, as stated by the Petroleum Ministry on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Associate Member
The Petroleum Ministry welcomed the IEA decision 'as an Associate Member of the International Energy Agency'.
Consider the following statements about the International Energy Agency: 1. It was created in 1974. 2. The March 2026 release was its first-ever coordinated emergency stock release. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the March 2026 action was the sixth collective action, after 1991, 2005, 2011 and two in 2022.
How many member and signatory countries does the International Solar Alliance have, as stated on its Foundation Day on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 125
Pralhad Joshi said the ISA has emerged as a global platform with 125 member and signatory countries.
The International Solar Alliance was jointly launched by India and which country at COP21 in Paris in 2015?
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Correct answer: B — France
India and France launched the ISA on 30 November 2015 on the sidelines of COP21 in Paris.
Consider the following statements about the International Solar Alliance: 1. Its Framework Agreement entered into force on 6 December 2017, making it a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation. 2. Its secretariat is located at the National Institute of Solar Energy campus in Gurugram, Haryana. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Framework Agreement, concluded at Marrakesh in November 2016, came into force on 6 December 2017 after the 15th ratification, and the secretariat is at the NISE campus, Gwal Pahari, Gurugram.
Who is the Chairman of Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party, whom PM Modi congratulated by phone on 9 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Rabi Lamichhane
PM Modi spoke to RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balendra Shah.
Nepal's House of Representatives, elected on 5 March 2026, has how many members?
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Correct answer: C — 275
The House of Representatives has 275 members: 165 directly elected and 110 through proportional representation.
The centenary of India–New Zealand sporting ties in 2026 traces back to which event of 1926?
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Correct answer: D — The Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand
The ties trace back to the historic 1926 Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand.
Who led the New Zealand sports delegation that met Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on 9 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Chris Bishop
The delegation was led by Chris Bishop, Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation; Ross Taylor and Raelene Castle were members, and Patrick John Rata is New Zealand's High Commissioner to India.
Who was chosen as Iran's new Supreme Leader in March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Mojtaba Khamenei
The Assembly of Experts chose Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ali Khamenei, on 8 March 2026.
Which Iranian body chose the new Supreme Leader in March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Assembly of Experts
The Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 clerics, chose Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader.
How many members does Iran's Assembly of Experts, which chose the Supreme Leader in March 2026, have?
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Correct answer: C — 88
Reuters and Al Jazeera describe the Assembly of Experts as an 88-member body of clerics.
Consider the following statements about Iran's leadership change in March 2026: 1. The Assembly of Experts described Mojtaba Khamenei as the third Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 2. Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen by Iran's Guardian Council. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Assembly's statement called him 'the third Leader'; he was chosen by the Assembly of Experts, not the Guardian Council.
According to the Commerce Ministry on 6 March 2026, India's FTA network now consists of how many FTAs spanning how many countries?
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Correct answer: B — 9 FTAs, 38 countries
The ministry said India's network has reached nine FTAs spanning 38 countries.
Consider the following statements about the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): 1. It was signed on 10 March 2024. 2. It entered into force on 1 October 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Commerce Ministry said the EFTA TEPA was signed on 10 March 2024 and entered into force on 1 October 2025.
INS Tarangini, which reached Colombo on 6 March 2026 after training Sri Lanka Navy cadets, is what type of vessel?
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Correct answer: A — Sail training ship
INS Tarangini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship; it trained 3 officers and 26 trainees of the Sri Lanka Naval and Maritime Academy.
Who was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural keynote at the 11th Raisina Dialogue on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Alexander Stubb
Finnish President Alexander Stubb was chief guest and gave the inaugural keynote; PM Modi inaugurated the Dialogue.
During President Stubb's visit, India–Finland relations were elevated to which status?
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Correct answer: A — Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability
The two countries elevated ties to a 'Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability'.
By which year do India and Finland aim to double their bilateral trade?
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Correct answer: C — 2030
The two sides aim to double bilateral trade by 2030, capitalising on the India–EU FTA.
Consider the following outcomes of the Finnish President's visit to India in March 2026: 1. A Joint Task Force on 6G linking the University of Oulu and the Bharat 6G Alliance. 2. Co-hosting of the World Circular Economy Forum in India in 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are listed outcomes: a 6G Joint Task Force (University of Oulu and Bharat 6G Alliance) and co-hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in India in 2026 with Finland's SITRA.
India's nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, praised by the WHO Director-General on 5 March 2026, targets how many adolescent girls?
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Correct answer: C — 12 million
Dr Tedros praised the campaign targeting 12 million adolescent girls as the world's largest free vaccination drive.
HPV vaccination, discussed by J.P. Nadda at the WHO briefing, is mainly meant to prevent which cancer?
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Correct answer: A — Cervical cancer
The briefing was on India's commitment to eliminating cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and screening.
The Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank on 4 March 2026 off which coastal town?
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Correct answer: D — Galle, Sri Lanka
According to the Ministry of Defence, the ship was operating about 20 nautical miles west of Galle, Sri Lanka.
Where was the distress call from IRIS Dena received on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — MRCC Colombo
The distress call was received at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, as reported by the Sri Lanka Navy.
Which Indian Navy ship, operating nearby, reached the IRIS Dena search area by 1600 hrs on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — INS Tarangini
INS Tarangini was deployed to aid the rescue effort and arrived in the search area by 1600 hrs; INS Ikshak later sailed from Kochi.
According to AP, how many people did the Sri Lanka Navy rescue after IRIS Dena sank?
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Correct answer: B — 32
AP reported that the Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 people and recovered 87 bodies.
Consider the following statements about the IRIS Dena incident of 4 March 2026: 1. The ship was in the search-and-rescue region under India's responsibility when it sent the distress call. 2. The ship had recently taken part in International Fleet Review 2026, an exercise hosted by India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Ministry of Defence said the ship was in the SAR region under Sri Lanka's responsibility, so Sri Lanka led the search; BBC reported its participation in International Fleet Review 2026 hosted by India.
Which ministry set up a special control room on 4 March 2026 for Indians affected by the West Asia and Gulf crisis?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of External Affairs
The Ministry of External Affairs set up the control room, working from 9 am to 9 pm.
According to the MEA in March 2026, roughly how many Indian citizens live in West Asia?
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Correct answer: A — Nearly one crore
The MEA said nearly one crore Indian citizens reside in West Asia and their safety is of utmost priority.
What is the toll-free number of the MEA special control room set up on 4 March 2026 for the West Asia situation?
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Correct answer: A — 1800118797
The control room can be reached on the toll-free number 1800118797 and on three Delhi landline numbers from 9 am to 9 pm.