Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics & World News Involving India (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 19 January 2026, heavy fighting was reported in northeastern Syria despite a ceasefire. Which forces were primarily involved in capturing towns like Ayn Issa and Sarrin?
A) Islamic State militants
B) Syrian Army
C) Turkish-backed forces
D) US-led coalition
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Syrian government forces advanced against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), capturing key towns amid ongoing clashes.

Q2. Reports on 19 January 2026 indicated a potential prison break involving Islamic State fighters in Syria. In which governorate was the affected prison located?
A) Al-Hasakah
B) Aleppo
C) Deir ez-Zor
D) Idlib
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The SDF reported loss of control over a prison in Al-Hasakah Governorate holding thousands of IS militants.

Q3. Which international body warned on 19 January 2026 that renewed trade tensions, including US tariffs, could trigger a ‘spiral of escalation’ in the global economy?
A) World Bank
B) OECD
C) WTO
D) IMF
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The International Monetary Fund highlighted risks from geopolitical tensions and tariff threats impacting growth and markets.

Geopolitics (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On 18 January 2026, US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on which group of countries in relation to his push for acquiring Greenland?
A) BRICS nations
B) Eight European NATO allies including Denmark and France
C) ASEAN members
D) African Union countries
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Trump announced 10% tariffs (escalating to 25%) on eight European nations supporting Greenland’s sovereignty, citing national security needs.

Q2. What was the primary reason cited by President Trump for imposing tariffs on European countries on 18 January 2026?
A) Trade imbalance
B) Climate change disputes
C) Resistance to US acquisition of Greenland
D) Migration policies
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The tariffs were linked to Europe’s opposition to US oversight or purchase of Greenland for strategic Arctic interests.

Q3. Which European leader warned of a “dangerous downward spiral” in response to Trump’s tariff threats on 18 January 2026?
A) Olaf Scholz
B) Ursula von der Leyen
C) Keir Starmer
D) Emmanuel Macron
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted risks to transatlantic relations and NATO unity.

Geopolitics & World News Involving India (Questions 1-11)

Q1. On 17 January 2026, which country was reported to be facing widespread protests and a severe crackdown, leading to several Indians returning home via commercial flights?
A) Ukraine
B) Iran
C) Venezuela
D) Gaza
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Amid ongoing protests in Iran with over 2,500 reported deaths due to the crackdown, several Indian students and citizens returned to New Delhi on commercial flights.

Q2. Which initiative by US President Donald Trump invited India to participate on 17 January 2026, related to overseeing post-ceasefire steps in Gaza?
A) Board of Peace
B) Gaza Reconstruction Council
C) Middle East Peace Forum
D) International Gaza Oversight Committee
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: India received an invitation to join Trump’s “Board of Peace” for Gaza, aimed at global conflict resolution and rebuilding efforts.

Q3. On 17 January 2026, US President Trump threatened tariffs on countries opposing US interests in which Arctic territory?
A) Iceland
B) Greenland
C) Svalbard
D) Antarctica
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump imposed or threatened 10-25% tariffs on European nations (including NATO allies) opposing US control or purchase plans for Greenland.

Q1. On 16 January 2026, India began preparations to evacuate its nationals from which country amid ongoing protests and airspace closure?
A) Venezuela
B) Iran
C) Myanmar
D) Ukraine
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Due to nationwide protests in Iran and closure of its airspace, affecting flights like Air India and IndiGo, India initiated evacuation efforts for its citizens.

Q2. Which country’s Foreign Minister visited India on 16 January 2026 to discuss strengthening bilateral ties in the Indo-Pacific amid concerns over China?
A) USA
B) Australia
C) China
D) France
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks to bolster India-China relations.

Q3. India is set to host top leaders from which bloc as chief guests for Republic Day 2026 celebrations?
A) ASEAN
B) European Union
C) BRICS
D) QUAD
Correct Answer: B.

Q1. On 15 January 2026, which country temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran due to security concerns amid ongoing protests in Iran?
A. United States
B. United Kingdom
C. France
D. India
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The UK Foreign Office announced the temporary closure and remote operation of its embassy in Tehran, withdrawing staff for safety reasons.

Q2. Reports on 15 January 2026 indicated that India was preparing to evacuate its citizens from which country due to escalating anti-government protests?
A. Ukraine
B. Venezuela
C. Iran
D. Gaza
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Official sources confirmed preparations for evacuation amid the protests and potential instability in Iran.

Q3. Which international organisation held a Security Council meeting on the situation in Iran on 15 January 2026?
A. NATO
B. BRICS
C. European Union
D. United Nations
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The UN Security Council discussed the Iran situation, with US Ambassador Mike Waltz addressing the meeting.