Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On January 20, 2026, President Donald Trump intensified demands for control over Greenland, linking it to which personal grievance?
A) Losing the 2024 election
B) Not winning the Nobel Peace Prize
C) Trade imbalances with China
D) NATO funding disputes
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump texted Norway’s PM, associating his Greenland push with frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

Q2. Which European leader criticized Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland as “unacceptable” during the Davos WEF on January 20, 2026?
A) Ursula von der Leyen
B) Olaf Scholz
C) Emmanuel Macron
D) Mark Carney
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: French President Macron warned against “strongman politics” and directly addressed Trump’s coercive tactics.

Q3. Trump’s threats on January 20, 2026, involved potential tariffs on how many European countries opposing his Greenland acquisition?
A) Five
B) Eight
C) Ten
D) All NATO members
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Reports highlighted threats against eight European allies, escalating tensions within NATO.

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.