Category: Current Affairs

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.

Geopolitics & World News Involving India (Questions 1-15)

Q1. On 14 January 2026, the Indian Embassy in Iran issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to leave the country due to ongoing developments. What was the primary trigger for this advisory?
A) Economic sanctions on India
B) Anti-government protests and security crackdown in Iran
C) Border tensions with neighbouring countries
D) Natural disaster warnings
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Protests in Iran escalated, with reports of over 2,500 deaths from the crackdown, prompting safety concerns for foreigners, including Indians.

Q2. Which major festival was widely celebrated across India on 14 January 2026, marking the Sun’s entry into Capricorn?
A) Lohri
B) Pongal
C) Makar Sankranti
D) Bihu
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Makar Sankranti 2026 fell on 14 January, celebrated as a harvest festival with regional names like Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Lohri in northern India.

Q3. India officially launched the logo and website for its upcoming chairship of which multilateral grouping in 2026?
A) G20
B) SCO
C) BRICS
D) QUAD
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: India launched the BRICS India 2026 logo, preparing to assume the chairship and focus on priorities like Global South leadership.

Q1. On January 11, 2026, Iran’s parliament speaker warned that which entities would be “legitimate targets” if the US strikes over ongoing protests?
A) US military and Israel
B) Russia and China
C) Saudi Arabia and UAE
D) UK and France
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Amid intensifying protests and crackdown, Iran’s speaker issued this warning in response to potential US intervention threats.

Q2. Which organization was recently barred by Israel from entering Gaza and the West Bank, as highlighted in news on January 11, 2026?
A) UNICEF
B) Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
C) Red Cross
D) WHO
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The decision affects international aid staff and operations in the regions.

Q3. Ukrainian forces reportedly struck which Russian company’s oil platforms in the Caspian Sea overnight before January 11, 2026?
A) Gazprom
B) Rosneft
C) Lukoil
D) Transneft
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Drones targeted Lukoil platforms (Filanovsky, Graifer, Korchagin), continuing attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.

Geopolitics (Questions 1-8)

Q1. Which country experienced escalating protests on January 10, 2026, with reports of over 65 deaths and widespread internet blackout?
A) Syria
B) Iran
C) Venezuela
D) Myanmar
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Nationwide protests in Iran intensified, triggered by economic issues like inflation, leading to a severe crackdown and internet restrictions.

Q2. On January 10, 2026, the US military conducted airstrikes under Operation Hawkeye Strike targeting which group in Syria?
A) Allied Democratic Forces
B) Taliban
C) Islamic State
D) Houthi rebels
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The strikes targeted Islamic State positions, amid ongoing conflicts in the region including Aleppo clashes.

Q3. Myanmar held elections on January 10, 2026, which were criticized internationally as a sham. When did the military coup occur that led to these elections?
A) 2021
B) 2022
C) 2023
D) 2024
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The coup was five years prior (2021), barring opposition and amid civil war, making the elections controversial.