Geopolitics & World News Involving India (11 Questions)
Q1. President Donald Trump threatened higher tariffs on which country regarding its purchases of Russian oil?
A) China
B) India
C) Brazil
D) Germany
Correct Answer: B. India
Explanation: Trump warned India of potential tariff hikes if it does not curb Russian oil imports, escalating trade pressures.
Q2. In the context of the US action in Venezuela on 5 January 2026, which leader congratulated President Trump on the operation?
A) Vladimir Putin
B) Xi Jinping
C) Benjamin Netanyahu
D) Emmanuel Macron
Correct Answer: C. Benjamin Netanyahu
Explanation: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the US for the “perfect operation” to restore freedom in Venezuela.
Q3. On 5 January 2026, China’s top diplomat accused the US of acting like a “world judge” in response to which event?
A) Sanctions on Iran
B) Capture of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela
C) Trade deal with India
D) Military aid to Ukraine
Correct Answer: B. Capture of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela
Explanation: China criticized the US seizure of Maduro, emphasizing sovereignty under international law.
Q4. The US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on 5 January 2026 led to a rally in which sector of global stock markets?
A) Energy and oil shares
B) Technology
C) Pharmaceuticals
D) Automotive
Correct Answer: A. Energy and oil shares
Explanation: Energy stocks and oil prices rose due to potential reopening of Venezuelan oil fields to US companies.
Q5. Which international body was scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on 5 January 2026 regarding the situation in Venezuela?
A) NATO
B) UN Security Council
C) G20
D) ASEAN
Correct Answer: B. UN Security Council
Explanation: An emergency session was called to discuss the US military action and capture of Maduro.
Q6. On 5 January 2026, Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty in a US court to charges primarily related to:
A) Human rights violations
B) Corruption in oil deals
C) Election fraud
D) Narco-terrorism and drug trafficking
Correct Answer: D. Narco-terrorism and drug trafficking
Explanation: Maduro faced long-standing US federal charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, and money laundering.
Q7. The US action in Venezuela on 5 January 2026 drew comparisons to which historical US intervention in Latin America?
A) Cuba Missile Crisis
B) Bay of Pigs Invasion
C) Removal of Manuel Noriega in Panama
D) Support for Contras in Nicaragua
Correct Answer: C. Removal of Manuel Noriega in Panama
Explanation: Parallels were drawn due to direct military apprehension of a head of state on drug-related charges.
Q8. Following events in Venezuela on 5 January 2026, which commodity saw a surge as a safe-haven asset?
A) Cryptocurrency
B) Gold
C) Silver
D) Bitcoin
Correct Answer: B. Gold
Explanation: Gold prices climbed amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
Q9. The capture of Maduro’s wife alongside him on 5 January 2026 involved which individual?
A) Delcy Rodriguez
B) Maria Corina Machado
C) Cilia Flores
D) Guaido’s associate
Correct Answer: C. Cilia Flores
Explanation: First Lady Cilia Flores was captured and flown out with Maduro, facing related charges.
Q10. Which country refused to join a proposed Gaza stabilization force on January 5, 2026, dealing a blow to a US plan?
A. Turkey
B. Azerbaijan
C. Qatar
D. Egypt
Correct Answer: B. Azerbaijan
Explanation: Azerbaijan’s decision was reported as a fresh setback to US efforts in post-conflict Gaza stabilization.
Q11. Which opposition leader in Venezuela expressed willingness to share a Nobel Peace Prize with Donald Trump on January 5, 2026?
A. Leopoldo Lopez
B. Delcy Rodriguez
C. Henrique Capriles
D. Maria Corina Machado
Correct Answer: D. Maria Corina Machado
Explanation: Exiled leader María Corina Machado, a Nobel laureate, made the statement during a Fox News appearance.
Indian Polity & Domestic Current Affairs (12 Questions)
Q12. On 5 January 2026, the Supreme Court of India denied bail to which activists in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case under UAPA?
A) Khalid Saifi and Tahir Hussain
B) Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam
C) Devangana Kalita and Natasha Narwal
D) Asif Iqbal Tanha and Gulfisha Fatima
Correct Answer: B. Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam
Explanation: The Court upheld restrictions on bail under special statutes like UAPA, noting prima facie evidence.
Q13. The Supreme Court on 5 January 2026 interpreted that an ‘act of terror’ under UAPA includes:
A) Only the final violent act
B) Only post-incident consequences
C) The build-up and preparation as well
D) Solely funding aspects
Correct Answer: C. The build-up and preparation as well
Explanation: The judgment expanded the scope beyond the final act to include preparatory stages.
Q14. On 5 January 2026, Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was granted parole for the 15th time. How long was this parole?
A) 20 days
B) 30 days
C) 40 days
D) 50 days
Correct Answer: C. 40 days
Explanation: He walked out of Sunaria jail after receiving 40-day parole despite serving a sentence for serious crimes.
Q15. Explosions occurred in which Indian state on 5 January 2026, injuring two people in Bishnupur district?
A) Manipur
B) Jammu & Kashmir
C) Nagaland
D) Assam
Correct Answer: A. Manipur
Explanation: Two consecutive blasts, suspected IEDs, took place in Ngaukon area.
Q16. On 5 January 2026, which airline’s board began scouting for a new CEO to replace Campbell Wilson?
A) Indigo
B) Air India
C) Vistara
D) SpiceJet
Correct Answer: B. Air India
Explanation: Amid scrutiny over safety issues post a crash, leadership changes were initiated.
Q17. On 5 January 2026, India issued a travel alert advising caution for citizens traveling to which country due to protests?
A) Pakistan
B) Myanmar
C) Iran
D) Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: C. Iran
Explanation: Nationwide protests turned deadly, prompting the advisory.
Q18. Which dera chief’s parole on 5 January 2026 highlighted ongoing controversies in Indian judicial processes for high-profile convicts?
A) Rampal
B) Baba Ramdev
C) Asaram Bapu
D) Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
Correct Answer: D. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
Explanation: His repeated paroles despite convictions for rape raised questions on equality before law.
Q19. Which Indian state emerged as the leading investment destination in the first nine months of FY26, as per a January 2026 report?
A. Maharashtra
B. Gujarat
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Odisha
Correct Answer: C. Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Andhra Pradesh accounted for 25.3% of proposed capital investments.
Q20. Punjab announced the launch of which health scheme on January 15, 2026?
A. Ayushman Bharat
B. Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna
C. Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme
D. Punjab Health Card
Correct Answer: B. Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna
Explanation: It offers free cashless treatment up to ?10 lakh per family for all residents.
Q21. The Indian Army declared 2026 as the ‘Year of’ what theme?
A. Modernisation
B. Atmanirbhar Bharat
C. Networking & Data Centricity
D. Border Infrastructure
Correct Answer: C. Networking & Data Centricity
Explanation: Aimed at digital integration and real-time decision-making.
Q22. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched which initiative at IIT-Madras in early January 2026?
A. IITM Global Research Foundation
B. Global Campus Program
C. International Student Exchange
D. Overseas Research Hub
Correct Answer: A. IITM Global Research Foundation
Explanation: To position IIT-Madras as the world’s first multinational university.
Q23.India overtook which country to become the world’s largest rice producer in 2026 data released around January 5?
A. Vietnam
B. Indonesia
C. Thailand
D. China
Correct Answer: D. China
Explanation: India’s output reached 150.18 million tonnes vs. China’s 145.28 million.
Sports (3 Questions)
Q24. Which former Australian cricketer woke from a coma around early January 2026?
A) Shane Warne
B) Damien Martyn
C) Ricky Ponting
D) Glenn McGrath
Correct Answer: B. Damien Martyn
Explanation: He recovered after a battle with meningitis.
Q25. Bangladesh Cricket Board announced on January 5, 2026, that it would not send its team to India for which event?
A. Asia Cup
B. Bilateral series
C. Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
D. Champions Trophy
Correct Answer: C. Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Explanation: Requesting ICC to relocate their matches due to strained relations.
Q26. Nikola Jokic was ruled out for the Denver Nuggets game on January 5, 2026, against which team?
A. Philadelphia 76ers
B. Boston Celtics
C. Los Angeles Lakers
D. Golden State Warriors
Correct Answer: A. Philadelphia 76ers
Explanation: Injury report confirmed his absence.
Arts, Education, Literature & Other Current Affairs (4 Questions)
Q27. The Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, announced details around early January, will feature over 500 speakers discussing topics like AI and climate. In which month is it scheduled?
A. January
B. February
C. March
D. April
Correct Answer: A. January
Explanation: From January 15-19, 2026, recognized as the world’s largest free literary gathering.
Q28. Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda released which edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia in early January 2026?
A. 9th
B. 10th
C. 11th
D. 8th
Correct Answer: B. 10th
Explanation: The official compendium of drug standards in India.
Q29. National Bird Day was observed on January 5, 2026, to highlight the role of birds in:
A. Migration patterns
B. Cultural symbolism
C. Ecological balance
D. Aviation safety
Correct Answer: C. Ecological balance
Explanation: Emphasizing their crucial role in sustaining ecosystems.
Q30. Which community radio initiative was highlighted in current affairs around January 2026 for tribal areas?
A. Radio Akashvani
B. Radio Sangam
C. All India Radio Tribal
D. Community FM
Correct Answer: B. Radio Sangam
Explanation: Broadcasting awareness, agriculture tips, and cultural programs in local languages.
