Geopolitics (Questions 1-6)
Q1. Which country did President Donald Trump threaten with a 100% tariff on imported goods if it pursued a deal with China, as reported on January 25, 2026?
A) Mexico
B) Canada
C) Brazil
D) India
Correct answer: B.
Explanation: Reports from January 25 highlighted Trump’s threat to Canada amid geopolitical tariff risks.
Q2. According to geopolitical analyses on January 25, 2026, what paradox governs Chinese foreign policy in advancing interests while avoiding direct confrontation?
A) Economic isolation
B) Strategic paradox
C) Military expansion
D) Diplomatic neutrality
Correct answer: B.
Explanation: China’s policy seeks to advance geopolitical interests without direct confrontation.
Q3. On January 25, 2026, reports indicated U.S. military pressure intensifying in which region, with naval buildup and commanders arriving in Israel?
A) Middle East
B) Eastern Europe
C) Indo-Pacific
D) Arctic
Correct answer: A.
Explanation: This was amid tensions with Iran, including reports of Khamenei in a bunker.
Q4. What metal was forecasted to rise in price due to geopolitics and central bank buying, with Goldman Sachs raising its 2026 forecast to $5,400 per ounce?
A) Silver
B) Platinum
C) Gold
D) Copper
Correct answer: C.
Explanation: Geopolitical factors and buying fueled gains in gold prices.
Q5. In geopolitical news on January 25, 2026, Congress stepped up shadow diplomacy to reassure allies amid Trump’s threats to which alliance?
A) ASEAN
B) NATO
C) BRICS
D) QUAD
Correct answer: B.
Explanation: Bipartisan members reassured NATO allies.
Q6. Venezuela’s situation on January 25, 2026, highlighted the intertwining of energy systems with geopolitics, focusing on what currency-related issue?
A) Petrodollar question
B) Cryptocurrency adoption
C) Euro conversion
D) Yuan dominance
Correct answer: A.
Explanation: It revealed insights into modern geopolitics through currency power.
World News India (Questions 7-13)
Q7. In her Republic Day address on January 25, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu described India as a messenger of what in a conflict-ridden world?
A) Prosperity
B) Peace
C) Innovation
D) Trade
Correct answer: B.
Explanation: The address emphasized India’s role in spreading peace.
Q8. Which leaders were set to visit India as guests of honour for the 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2026, as announced on January 25?
A) U.S. President and EU President
B) UK Prime Minister and French President
C) Russian and Chinese Presidents
D) EU Presidents Costa and von der Leyen
Correct answer: D.
Explanation: They were to participate in celebrations and a high-level summit.
Q9. On January 25, 2026, news highlighted India nearing a free trade agreement with which entity that could slash duties on automobiles and EVs?
A) United States
B) European Union
C) China
D) ASEAN
Correct answer: B.
Explanation: The EU-India FTA was in focus.
Q10. President Murmu’s speech on January 25, 2026, mentioned the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as advancing what?
A) Women’s empowerment
B) Economic reforms
C) Defense capabilities
D) Environmental policies
Correct answer: A.
Explanation: It aims to enhance women’s participation.
Q11. On January 25, 2026, Iran’s unveiling of a mural warning of retaliation was linked to potential U.S. military strikes, as per top news headlines in India. What was the context?
A) Nuclear talks failure
B) Anti-regime protests
C) Oil embargo
D) Missile tests
Correct answer: B.
Explanation: Up to 36,000 may have been killed in protests.
Q12. Finnish President Alexander Stubb endorsed an EU-India free trade agreement at Davos, as reported on January 25, 2026, reflecting Europe’s view of what?
A) Global power recalibration
B) Climate alliances
C) Tech partnerships
D) Defense pacts
Correct answer: A.
Explanation: It shows a shift in global power perceptions.
Q13. Former BCCI president IS Bindra’s passing was reported on January 25, 2026, in Indian news archives. What was his notable role?
A) Cricket administrator
B) Politician
C) Business tycoon
D) Film producer
Correct answer: A.
Indian Polity (Questions 14-19)
Q14. What is the theme for National Voters’ Day 2026, observed on January 25?
A) My Vote, My Duty
B) My India, My Vote
C) Inclusive Democracy
D) Electoral Integrity
Correct answer: B.
Explanation: The tagline is “Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.”
Q15. National Voters’ Day on January 25, 2026, commemorates the foundation day of which institution?
A) Supreme Court
B) Reserve Bank of India
C) Parliament
D) Election Commission of India
Correct answer: D.
Explanation: It has been observed since 2011.
Q16. The 16th National Voters’ Day on January 25, 2026, focused on what aspect of democracy?
A) Judicial credibility
B) Voter participation
C) Federal structure
D) Economic policies
Correct answer: B.
Q17. In polity current affairs on January 25, 2026, the Election Commission uploaded a list related to what?
A) Voter turnout statistics
B) Candidate affidavits
C) SIR ‘logical discrepancy’
D) Booth-level officers
Correct answer: C.
Explanation: This was part of transparency efforts.
Q18. The International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 concluded on January 24, but was in news on January 25. Where was it held?
A) Mumbai
B) New Delhi
C) Bangalore
D) Chennai
Correct answer: B.
Q19. On January 25, 2026, current affairs highlighted judicial credibility as the bedrock of what, as per Justice Bhuyan?
A) Functional democracy
B) Economic growth
C) Social harmony
D) International relations
Correct answer: A.
Explanation: Emphasized in GS Paper II context.
Sports (Questions 20-22)
Q20. In NBA highlights on January 25, 2026, which team defeated the Thunder 103-101, with Immanuel Quickley scoring 23 points?
A) Warriors
B) Raptors
C) Heat
D) Pelicans
Correct answer: B.
Q21. Stephen Curry scored 26 points as the Warriors defeated which team 111-85 on January 25, 2026?
A) Suns
B) Spurs
C) Timberwolves
D) Thunder
Correct answer: C.
Q22. Zion Williamson led with 24 points as the Pelicans beat the Spurs 104-95 on January 25, 2026. Where was the game played?
A) New Orleans
B) San Antonio
C) Minnesota
D) Oklahoma City
Correct answer: B.
Arts (Question 23)
Q23. The FOG Design+Art fair was scheduled for January 22-25, 2026, at which venue?
A) Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
B) Yale University
C) Paramount Plus Studio
D) Georgia Public Broadcasting
Correct answer: A.
Explanation: It celebrates design and visual arts.
Education (Question 24)
Q24. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon named whom as the 2026 National Custodian of the Year on January 25?
A) Josh Shapiro
B) Lauren Hutton
C) Donella Wagner
D) Mike Dunleavy
Correct answer: C.
Explanation: From Raintree Elementary School in Louisiana.
Literature (Question 25)
Q25 On January 25, 2026, literature news highlighted new book releases including works by which author, known for “Lincoln in the Bardo”?
A) Karl Ove Knausgaard
B) George Saunders
C) Jennette McCurdy
D) Laura Dave
Correct answer: B.
Explanation: Part of 25 books coming in January, focusing on fiction.
