UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia

Q1. With reference to the Strait of Hormuz, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and lies between Iran and Oman.
  2. Roughly one-fifth of the world's total petroleum liquids consumption transits through the strait.
  3. No operational pipeline exists anywhere in the Gulf that can move crude to international markets while bypassing the strait.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Approximately how many million barrels of oil per day flowed through the Strait of Hormuz in 2024, making it the world's most important oil transit chokepoint?

  • A. About 5 million barrels per day
  • B. About 10 million barrels per day
  • C. About 20 million barrels per day
  • D. About 35 million barrels per day

Q3. The Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026 derives its legal authority from which one of the following statutes?

  • A. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006
  • B. The Essential Commodities Act, 1955
  • C. The Petroleum Act, 1934
  • D. The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. It is administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
  2. Its Section 3 empowers control over the production, supply and distribution of essential commodities.
  3. Powers to issue control orders under the Act may be delegated to State Governments and Union Territories.
  4. Petroleum and petroleum products fall entirely outside the scope of 'essential commodities' under the Act.
  • A. 1 and 3
  • B. 2 and 4
  • C. 1 only
  • D. 4 only

Q5. Consider the following countries with respect to India's crude oil imports in 2025. Which of the above is/are correctly identified as among India's leading crude oil suppliers?

  1. Russia — India's single largest crude oil supplier in 2025.
  2. Iraq — among India's top crude oil suppliers.
  3. Saudi Arabia — among India's top crude oil suppliers.
  4. Indonesia — among India's top crude oil suppliers.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q6. India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves, built to cushion the country against crude supply disruptions, are constructed and managed by which one of the following entities?

  • A. Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC)
  • B. Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB)
  • C. Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL)
  • D. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)

Q7. The Inter-Ministerial Group (IGoM) constituted in 2026 to review the impact of West Asia developments on India's petroleum supply security was chaired by the Union Minister holding which portfolio?

  • A. Defence
  • B. Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • C. External Affairs
  • D. Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Q8. Operation Kaveri, frequently cited as a template for India's consular crisis response, refers to the evacuation of Indian nationals from which one of the following?

  • A. Ukraine during the Russia–Ukraine war
  • B. Sudan during clashes between rival military factions
  • C. Israel during the Israel–Hamas conflict
  • D. Yemen during the Saudi-led intervention

Q9. Operation Sankalp, the Indian Navy's maritime security operation to ensure safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, was commenced in which year?

  • A. 2008
  • B. 2017
  • C. 2019
  • D. 2023

Q10. As stated at the 5th Inter-Ministerial Group meeting on West Asia, India held how many days of LPG rolling stock?

  • A. 15 days
  • B. 30 days
  • C. 45 days
  • D. 60 days

Q11. Which Union Ministry notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026 in the Extraordinary Gazette?

  • A. Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
  • B. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • C. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • D. Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
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