UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Refrain from non-essential travel to Iran, says Ministry

Q1. With reference to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) travel advisory on Iran issued in January 2026, consider the following statements: 1. Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) were included within the scope of the advisory. 2. Indian nationals on resident visas in Iran were asked to register with the Indian Embassy in Tehran. 3. The advisory was issued without a fixed sunset clause and remained valid until further notice. 4. The advisory imposed a legally binding prohibition on commercial flights operated by Indian carriers to Iran. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) were included within the scope of the advisory.
  2. Indian nationals on resident visas in Iran were asked to register with the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
  3. The advisory was issued without a fixed sunset clause and remained valid until further notice.
  4. The advisory imposed a legally binding prohibition on commercial flights operated by Indian carriers to Iran.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. In the context of MEA's communications to Indian nationals abroad, the term 'Travel Advisory' is best defined as:

  • A. A statutory order under the Passports Act, 1967 that suspends the validity of Indian passports for travel to a specified country.
  • B. A non-binding caution issued by the Ministry of External Affairs to Indian nationals regarding travel to or stay in a specified foreign country.
  • C. A diplomatic démarche delivered to the host country protesting against treatment of Indian nationals on its soil.
  • D. A bilateral instrument by which two governments mutually restrict tourist travel between their territories.

Q3. Which one of the following is the principal Indian diplomatic mission designated for consular registration and assistance to Indian nationals under the January 2026 Iran travel advisory?

  • A. Embassy of India, Tehran
  • B. Consulate General of India, Bandar Abbas
  • C. Consulate General of India, Zahedan
  • D. Consulate General of India, Mashhad

Q4. With reference to the contextual factors cited around the MEA's January 2026 Iran travel advisory, consider the following: 1. Sharp devaluation of the Iranian Rial to a record low. 2. Sustained domestic protests across Iranian cities linked to economic distress. 3. An armed Iran–Pakistan border conflict over Balochistan triggering a refugee outflow into Iran. 4. India's unilateral suspension of all operations at the Shahid Beheshti terminal of Chabahar Port as a precautionary measure. Which of the above is/are NOT correctly identified as factors in the context of the advisory?

  1. Sharp devaluation of the Iranian Rial to a record low.
  2. Sustained domestic protests across Iranian cities linked to economic distress.
  3. An armed Iran–Pakistan border conflict over Balochistan triggering a refugee outflow into Iran.
  4. India's unilateral suspension of all operations at the Shahid Beheshti terminal of Chabahar Port as a precautionary measure.
  • A. 3 and 4 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 4 only

Q5. Travel advisories of the kind issued for Iran in January 2026 are formally operationalised by which one of the following organs of the Government of India?

  • A. Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs
  • B. Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs
  • C. Overseas Indian Affairs Division of the Ministry of External Affairs
  • D. Directorate General of Civil Aviation under the Ministry of Civil Aviation
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