Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Q1. Who was the Chief Guest at India’s 77th Republic Day parade held on 26 January 2026?
A. Emmanuel Macron
B. Ursula von der Leyen
C. Joe Biden
D. Olaf Scholz
Answer: B. Ursula von der Leyen
Explanation: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, attended as the chief guest, highlighting EU-India ties.

Q2. What was the official theme of the 77th Republic Day celebrations in 2026?
A. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
B. Unity in Diversity
C. 150 Years of Vande Mataram
D. India of the Future
Answer: C. 150 Years of Vande Mataram
Explanation: The theme commemorated 150 years of the iconic national song ‘Vande Mataram’ by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Q3. The Republic Day parade in 2026 was held at which location in New Delhi?
A. Rajpath
B. Kartavya Path
C. India Gate Lawns
D. Red Fort
Answer: B. Kartavya Path

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.

Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)

Q1. On January 24, 2026, Donald Trump made a U-turn on his earlier comment about NATO troops in Afghanistan by praising them as:
A) Strategic partners in Asia
B) Great and very brave soldiers of UK
C) Essential allies in Europe
D) Key contributors to peace
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump reversed his claim that NATO allies avoided front lines, specifically calling UK soldiers “great and very brave.”

Q2. Discussions at Davos 2026 shifted focus from AI to which geopolitical issue, as per investor concerns?
A) Middle East conflicts
B) South China Sea tensions
C) Greenland and Arctic uncertainties
D) Ukraine reconstruction
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Geopolitics, particularly around Greenland amid Trump/Musk mentions, emerged as a key uncertainty over technology.

Q3. Which country was highlighted in geopolitical analyses for advancing interests while avoiding direct confrontation in 2026?
A) Russia
B) China
C) Iran
D) North Korea
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: China’s foreign policy in 2026 showed a paradox of pursuing geopolitical goals cautiously.

Geopolitics (Questions 1-6)

Q1. Which country saw escalating violence resulting in the deaths of three journalists, including a CBS News contributor, due to Israeli airstrikes on January 23, 2026?
A) Ukraine
B) Lebanon
C) Iran
D) Syria
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The incident intensified international focus on the conflict and press freedom in Gaza.

Q2. Which leader’s invitation to the Board of Peace was revoked by President Trump on January 23, 2026?
A) Indian PM Narendra Modi
B) Chinese President Xi Jinping
C) Russian President Vladimir Putin
D) Canadian PM Mark Carney
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: This action stirred discussions on shifting global alliances.

Q3. What was the key topic of trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US held in Abu Dhabi starting January 23, 2026?
A) Climate change agreements
B) Territorial concessions
C) Trade tariffs
D) Nuclear disarmament
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The talks aimed at potential steps toward ending the ongoing conflict.

Geopolitics (Questions 1-9)

Q1. On 22 January 2026, US President Donald Trump announced a ‘framework’ deal related to which territory during the World Economic Forum in Davos?
A) Iceland
B) Greenland
C) Falkland Islands
D) Crimea
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump backed off threats of military action or tariffs, announcing a framework for Arctic security involving Greenland after talks with NATO leaders.

Q2. Which initiative did US President Trump formally establish at Davos on 22 January 2026 aimed at resolving global conflicts, including Gaza?
A) Board of Peace
B) Global Peace Alliance
C) Arctic Security Council
D) International Reconciliation Forum
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Trump signed documents for the ‘Board of Peace’, with several countries like Israel, UAE, and Pakistan joining; India was considering an invitation.

Q3. The United States formally notified its withdrawal from which organization, effective 22 January 2026?
A) United Nations
B) NATO
C) World Health Organization
D) World Trade Organization
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The withdrawal, initiated earlier, took effect one year later, citing mishandling of health crises like COVID-19.