Geopolitics and World News (Questions 1-11)
Q1. Which country experienced widespread anti-government protests on 12 January 2026, with reports of over 500 protester deaths according to human rights groups?
A) Syria
B) Iran
C) Venezuela
D) Cuba
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Mass protests in Iran escalated, with a US-based rights group reporting over 500 deaths and thousands arrested amid a crackdown.
Q2. On 12 January 2026, the US conducted large-scale airstrikes against which terrorist group in Syria?
A) Al-Qaeda
B) Islamic State (ISIS)
C) Taliban
D) Hezbollah
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: US Central Command launched strikes on multiple Islamic State targets in Syria.
Q3. Which country was warned by US President Donald Trump on 12 January 2026 regarding potential unrest following changes in Venezuela?
A) Iran
B) Nicaragua
C) Cuba
D) Bolivia
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump issued a warning to Cuba, a close ally of the deposed Venezuelan leader, as it faced loss of oil supplies.
Q4. The establishment of a permanent Combined Ground Component Command was announced on 12 January 2026 between the US and which country?
A) Japan
B) Australia
C) Philippines
D) South Korea
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: This is a key step toward South Korea assuming wartime operational control of allied forces.
Q5. On 12 January 2026, the US Department of Justice launched a criminal probe into which institution’s chair, Jerome Powell?
A) World Bank
B) Federal Reserve
C) IMF
D) Treasury Department
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The probe raised concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve.
Q6.Which new US Ambassador to India assumed charge on 12 January 2026 and mentioned inviting India to the Pax Silica initiative?
A) Sergio Gor
B) Eric Garcetti
C) Kenneth Juster
D) Nancy Powell
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Sergio Gor took charge and highlighted strengthening ties, including potential trade deals and technology cooperation.
Q7. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited India on 12 January 2026, meeting PM Modi in which city first?
A) Delhi
B) Bengaluru
C) Ahmedabad
D) Mumbai
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The visit started in Ahmedabad, focusing on cultural ties and later tech cooperation in Bengaluru.
Q8. Which major event related to US-Venezuela relations was highlighted in news on 12 January 2026?
A) New sanctions lifted
B) Regime change and interim president’s requests
C) Full diplomatic restoration
D) Military alliance
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Following the ouster of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s interim leadership sought US assistance.
Q9. Protests spread nationwide in the US on 12 January 2026 over the fatal shooting by an ICE agent of whom?
A) Renee Good
B) A journalist
C) A politician
D) An activist leader
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The shooting of Renee Good, a mother of three, sparked anti-ICE protests.
Q10. Which international court case involving Myanmar opened hearings on 12 January 2026?
A) Maritime disputes
B) Border issues with Bangladesh
C) Genocide against Rohingya
D) Trade violations
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The ICJ heard the full genocide case accused by Gambia against Myanmar.
Q11. Which countries launched the joint naval exercise “Exercise WILL FOR PEACE 2026” off the coast of South Africa on or around 12 January 2026?
A) India, Russia, South Africa
B) China, Russia, Iran
C) USA, UK, Australia
D) India, Japan, USA
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The exercise involves China, Russia, and Iran under the expanded BRICS Plus framework, aimed at enhancing maritime security.
Indian Polity and World News India (Questions 12-22)
Q12. India celebrated which day on 12 January 2026, commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary?
A) National Youth Day
B) National Education Day
C) Republic Day
D) Teachers’ Day
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: National Youth Day honors Swami Vivekananda, emphasizing youth empowerment and his contributions to Indian philosophy.
Q13. ISRO launched which mission on 12 January 2026, marking its first space mission of the year?
A) Chandrayaan-4
B) PSLV-C62
C) Gaganyaan
D) Aditya-L2 follow-up
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: PSLV-C62 successfully placed an Earth Observation Satellite and co-passenger satellites into orbit.
Q14, Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was hospitalized on 12 January 2026 for which reason?
A) Routine check-up
B) COVID-related
C) Surgery
D) Falling unconscious
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: He was admitted to AIIMS after falling unconscious twice.
Q15. The Enforcement Directorate approached the Supreme Court on 12 January 2026 regarding obstruction in investigation by which state’s CM?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Kerala
C) West Bengal
D) Maharashtra
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Allegations against Mamata Banerjee in a coal pilferage scam probe.
Q16. Which bill or policy related to pesticides was in news in January 2026?
A) Pesticides Management Bill, 2025
B) Organic Farming Act
C) GM Crops Ban
D) Fertilizer Subsidy Reform
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Discussed in current affairs contexts for regulation.
Q17. Which day is observed biennially to honour the Indian diaspora, with the 2026 convention held in Odisha?
A) Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
B) Republic Day
C) Independence Day
D) Gandhi Jayanti
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Theme: “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat”; commemorates Gandhi’s return in 1915.
Q18. The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference 2026 focused on which region on 11-12 January?
A) Central Gujarat
B) North Gujarat
C) South Gujarat
D) Kutch-Saurashtra
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Inaugurated by PM Modi in Rajkot.
Q19.The Supreme Court of India, in a case flagged around January 2026, highlighted misuse of which Act in consensual adolescent relationships?
A) Juvenile Justice Act
B) POCSO Act
C) IPC Section 377
D) Domestic Violence Act
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: In State of UP vs Anurudh & Anr., the Court urged reforms to POCSO for cases involving 16-18 year olds in romantic relationships.
Q20. Which state hosted the Regional AI Impact Conference 2026 on 12-13 January?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Gujarat
C) Karnataka
D) Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: In Lucknow, focusing on AI’s societal impact.
Q21. DRDO successfully tested which missile on 12 January 2026 in Maharashtra?
A) Agni-V
B) Third-Generation MPATGM
C) BrahMos-II
D) Prithvi-III
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile with top-attack capability.
Q22. The Indian Army placed an order for which UAV in January 2026?
A) Heron Mk-II
B) Predator drone
C) Solar-powered MAPSS
D) Tapas BH-201
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Rs 168 crore for Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System from NewSpace Research.
Q23. Which policy change in India was discussed on 12 January 2026 regarding smartphone security standards?
A) Enforcing ITSAR legally
B) Banning imports
C) Subsidies for local brands
D) Data localization mandate
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Government considering mandatory Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements.
Sports (Questions 24-26)
Q24. Which major sports league was in playoff mode with divisional rounds around 12 January 2026?
A) NBA Finals
B) NFL Playoffs
C) Cricket World Cup
D) FIFA preparations
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: NFL Divisional Round and wild-card games dominated sports news.
Q25. PV Sindhu lost in the semi-final of which tournament around January 2026?
A) Indonesia Open
B) India Open
C) Malaysia Open Super 1000
D) All England
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: To China’s Wang Zhi Yi.
Q26. The FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy began its India tour on:
A) 10 January
B) 12 January
C) 15 January
D) 20 January
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Three-day tour; tournament in USA, Canada, Mexico.
Arts, Literature & Culture (Questions 27-29)
Q27. The Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 was announced to focus on which language prominently?
A) English
B) Hindi
C) Bengali
D) Tamil
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The 19th edition spotlighted Hindi literature and Rajasthani culture.
Q28. Swami Vivekananda is often credited with introducing which philosophy to the West at the 1893 Parliament of Religions?
A) Buddhism
B) Jainism
C) Vedanta and Yoga
D) Sikhism
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: His Chicago speech made him famous globally; relevant on National Youth Day for UPSC ethos questions.
Q29. Hindustan Institute hosted which zone youth festival in January 2026?
A) South Zone (Kalai Koodam)
B) North Zone
C) East Zone
D) West Zone
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Featuring music, dance, theatre, literary, and fine arts
