Category: Current Affairs

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.

Geopolitics (Questions 1-7)

Q1. Which U.S. President threatened to acquire Greenland, leading to tensions with Denmark and NATO allies on January 28, 2026?
A) Joe Biden
B) Donald Trump
C) Barack Obama
D) George Bush
Correct Answer: B. Donald Trump
Explanation: President Trump ruled out force but insisted on U.S. control over Greenland, straining transatlantic relations and prompting Europe to rethink dependencies.

Q2. What was the estimated global economic growth for 2026 according to a Reuters poll of economists?
A) 2.5%
B) 3.0%
C) 3.5%
D) 4.0%
Correct Answer: B. 3.0%
Explanation: Despite geopolitical shifts like U.S. tariffs, economists forecasted 3% growth, unchanged from a year ago, with further shocks as the main risk.

Q3. Which U.S. allies are turning to China for trade deals due to Trump’s tariff threats?
A) Japan and South Korea
B) Canada and Mexico
C) European Union countries
D) Australia and India
Correct Answer: C. European Union countries
Explanation: Trump’s tariffs spurred U.S. allies to diversify trade, with some approaching China and India for deals.

Geopolitics & World News/India’s International Relations (Questions 1-11)

Q1. On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during their summit in New Delhi. Which sectors saw tariff elimination under this deal?
A) Metals, plastics, chemicals, and pharmaceutical products
B) Automobiles, textiles, and agricultural goods only
C) Electronics and defense equipment exclusively
D) Services and digital trade only
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The agreement eliminates tariffs on metals, plastics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, boosting bilateral trade.

Q2. During the EU-India Summit on January 27, 2026, leaders emphasized that a “successful India” is in the world’s interest. This statement was made by:
A) PM Narendra Modi
B) US Treasury Secretary
C) European Union leaders
D) Bhutanese PM
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: EU leaders highlighted India’s success as beneficial globally.

Q3. A Mobility Pact was signed between India and the EU on January 27, 2026, primarily to ease movement of:
A) Students and skilled professionals
B) Tourists only
C) Military personnel
D) Agricultural laborers
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The pact facilitates easier mobility for students and skilled workers.

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.