Author: Mauvin Sequeira

Geopolitics

Q1. Which country faced U.S. threats of military action but later engaged in diplomatic talks to avoid conflict, as per February 2, 2026 reports?
A) Venezuela
B) Cuba
C) Iran
D) Russia
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Reports highlighted escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, with threats of attack easing after President Trump indicated talks were underway. This reflects ongoing Middle East geopolitical risks impacting oil prices.

Q2.What was the primary focus of the U.S. Executive Order on Cuba announced around February 2, 2026?
A) Lifting trade embargoes
B) Imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba
C) Recognizing Cuban independence
D) Promoting tourism to Cuba
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The EO declared a national emergency and authorized tariffs on imports from countries providing oil to Cuba, using trade as a geopolitical tool.

Q3. According to February 2, 2026 analyses, what geopolitical shift is the U.S. pursuing in the Western Hemisphere?
A) Increasing military involvement in Europe
B) Abandoning tariffs entirely
C) Forming alliances with China
D) Reducing Eastern Hemisphere engagement and dominating the Western Hemisphere
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Analyses noted U.S. efforts to limit Eastern Hemisphere ties while imposing tariffs in the Western Hemisphere, including actions in Venezuela and Cuba.

Geopolitics (Questions 1-8)

Q1. On February 1, 2026, oil prices fell by 3% due to reports of de-escalation between which two countries?
A) US and Russia
B) US and Iran
C) China and India
D) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Reports of US-Iran talks signaled reduced tensions, leading to a drop in oil prices from multi-month highs.

Q2. According to geopolitical analysis on February 1, 2026, China’s foreign policy is characterized by what strategic paradox?
A) Seeking direct confrontation while advancing interests
B) Isolating from multipolar alliances
C) Expanding military power without economic tools
D) Avoiding confrontation while shaping global governance
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: China advances its interests without appearing expansionist, using economic tools over hard power.

Q3. Emerging markets face increased credit risks in 2026 due to geopolitical tensions, including US actions in which Latin American country?
A) Brazil
B) Mexico
C) Venezuela
D) Argentina
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The US removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro could ripple through Latin America.

Geopolitics (Questions 1-10)

Q1. Which militant group was responsible for coordinated attacks across Balochistan, Pakistan, on 31 January 2026, killing 33 people?
A) Taliban
B) Balochistan Liberation Army
C) Lashkar-e-Taiba
D) Al-Qaeda
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The Balochistan Liberation Army carried out attacks, highlighting ongoing separatist tensions in the region.

Q2. On 31 January 2026, multiple explosions attributed to gas leaks occurred in which Iranian cities?
A) Tehran and Isfahan
B) Mashhad and Shiraz
C) Ahvaz, Bandar Abbas, Karaj, and Parand
D) Tabriz and Qom
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: These incidents left at least six dead, raising concerns about infrastructure safety in Iran.

Q3. What was the primary reason for protests in U.S. cities like Minneapolis on 31 January 2026?
A) Climate change policies
B) Gun control reforms
C) Economic inequality
D) Demands for withdrawal of federal immigration agencies
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Protests followed fatal shootings by ICE agents, leading to calls for their removal from states like Minnesota.

Geopolitics (Questions 1 to 10)

Q1. At Davos 2026, what was identified as the “new normal” in geopolitics?
A) Economic stability
B) Geopolitical complexity
C) Global unity
D) Technological isolation
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The World Economic Forum highlighted that geopolitical complexity is the new normal amid heightened tensions.

Q2. Which organization did the EU designate as a terrorist group on January 30, 2026?
A) Hamas
B) Hezbollah
C) Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
D) Taliban
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The EU joined the US, Canada, and Australia in designating Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist organization.

Q3. According to UN News on January 30, 2026, what deepened in Myanmar five years after the coup?
A) Economic growth
B) Crisis and repression
C) Democratic reforms
D) International alliances
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The UN warned that the Myanmar crisis has deepened, with military ballots entrenching repression.

Geopolitics (Questions 1-8)

1. What action did the European Union take against Iran on January 29, 2026, according to world headlines?
A) Lifted sanctions
B) Signed a trade deal
C) Imposed new sanctions
D) Withdrew from nuclear talks
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: EU foreign ministers imposed new sanctions on Iran, citing threats from the Trump administration.

2. On January 29, 2026, Russia launched attacks on which country, killing civilians?
A) Poland
B) Ukraine
C) Belarus
D) Georgia
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Russia launched drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, killing a couple in Kev.

3.  What did President Trump warn Iran about on January 29, 2026?
A) Economic aid
B) Trade partnership
C) Diplomatic alliance
D) Possible military action
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Trump escalated pressure on Iran, warning of U.S. military action if leaders refuse a new nuclear deal.