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.
Q4. On 14 January 2026, the US announced the launch of the second phase of its Gaza plan. What key element involved Palestinians?
A) Formation of a temporary Palestinian committee
B) Direct elections
C) Full ceasefire enforcement
D) International peacekeeping force
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The US formed a Palestinian committee for temporary governance in Gaza, even as first-phase elements like a complete ceasefire remained unfulfilled.
Q5. Reports on 14 January 2026 highlighted escalating protests in Iran. What did US President Trump state regarding potential military action?
A) Immediate intervention
B) Tamped down threats while warning Iran
C) Full support for protesters with troops
D) No involvement
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump appeared to soften military threats but warned Iran against using force on protesters amid ongoing unrest.
Q6. Which country was urged by India to avoid non-essential travel on 14 January 2026 due to internal unrest?
A) Ukraine
B) Thailand
C) Venezuela
D) Iran
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The MEA advisory reiterated avoiding travel to Iran amid protests and a reported death toll exceeding 2,500.
Q7.A major disaster struck Thailand on 14 January 2026 when a construction crane collapsed on a train. In which province did this occur?
A) Bangkok
B) Nakhon Ratchasima
C) Phuket
D) Chiang Mai
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The incident in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, killed at least 32 people.
Q8. India is set to host which summit in 2026, championing “Planet Sutra” for sustainable AI development?
A) AI Impact Summit
B) Global AI Summit
C) BRICS Tech Summit
D) G20 Digital Economy
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi will focus on aligning AI with climate resilience and resource efficiency.
Q9. On 14 January 2026, gold prices reached a record high. What was the reported all-time high per ounce?
A) US$4,383.76
B) US$4,644.56
C) US$5,000
D) US$3,500
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Gold surpassed the previous peak, hitting US$4,644.56 per ounce amid global uncertainties.
Q10. Russian forces’ territorial gains in Ukraine were reported for the week ending 13 January 2026. How much territory did Russia capture in that period?
A) 14 square miles
B) 79 square miles
C) 215 square miles
D) 2,171 square miles
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Russia gained approximately 14 square miles, a slowdown attributed to weather and strategic factors.
Q11. Namibia’s President expressed readiness for a visit to which country in 2026, as reported on 14 January?
A) India
B) USA
C) Russia
D) China
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: President Nandi-Ndaitwah indicated plans to visit India.
Q12. The US Supreme Court heard arguments on 14 January 2026 regarding state laws on which issue?
A) Abortion rights
B) Transgender participation in women’s sports
C) Gun control
D) Immigration
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Arguments focused on bans in states like Idaho and West Virginia barring transgender girls from school sports.
Q13. Which Indian state reviewed bird rescue operations under “Karuna Abhiyan-2026” during the Uttarayan festival on 14 January?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Punjab
C) Gujarat
D) Rajasthan
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Gujarat’s CM monitored rescues due to injuries from kite strings during Makar Sankranti/Uttarayan celebrations.
Q14. Schools in several northern Indian states remained closed on 14 January 2026 primarily due to:
A) Elections
B) Winter vacations and cold waves
C) Festivals only
D) Protests
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Extended winter breaks in states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab coincided with festivals like Makar Sankranti.
Q15. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 14 January 2026 called for honouring Indian soldiers’ sacrifices in which operation?
A) Operation Vijay
B) Operation Blue Star
C) Operation Rakshak
D) Operation Pawan
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: He highlighted contributions during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka nearly four decades ago.
Indian Polity & Other Current Affairs (Questions 16-17)
Q16.Wholesale price inflation in India for December 2025 was reported at what rate on 14 January 2026?
A) 0.83%
B) 1.26%
C) 2.5%
D) 0%
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: WPI rose to 0.83%, driven by food and manufactured items.
Q17. A controversial statement by DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran on 14 January 2026 compared education for girls in which regions?
A) Urban vs Rural India
B) South India vs East India
C) Tamil Nadu vs North India
D) Kerala vs Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: He claimed girls in Tamil Nadu are encouraged to study, unlike in North India.
Sports (Questions 18-19)
Q18. In NBA news around 14 January 2026, which Denver Nuggets star was ruled out due to a knee injury?
A) Jalen Brunson
B) Nikola Jokic
C) LeBron James
D) Stephen Curry
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Jokic missed a game against Dallas Mavericks.
Q19. New York Knicks faced Sacramento Kings on 14 January 2026; which player was confirmed to play without restrictions?
A) Nikola Jokic
B) Russell Westbrook
C) Jalen Brunson
D) Daryl Mitchell
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Brunson was not on the injury report.
Arts, Culture, Literature & Education (Questions 20-26)
Q20. The World Book Fair 2026 theme announced around January events focused on:
A) AI in Literature
B) Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75
C) Climate Change
D) Women’s Empowerment
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The fair highlights military history with a dedicated pavilion.
Q21. Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 dates are:
A) January 15-19
B) January 17-18
C) February 2026
D) December 2025
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The 19th edition runs from 15-19 January, spotlighting Hindi and regional literature.
Q22. Which upcoming literary event in Chennai features over 100 international voices?
A) Jaipur Lit Fest
B) World Book Fair
C) The Hindu Lit For Life 2026
D) Kochi Biennale
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Lit For Life 2026 emphasises literature’s role in culture and discourse.
Q23. Gujarat’s “Karuna Abhiyan-2026” on 14 January focused on rescuing:
A) Stray animals
B) Birds injured by kite strings
C) Flood victims
D) Forest fire-affected wildlife
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Surge in bird injuries during Uttarayan kite festival.
Q24. Makar Sankranti 2026 auspicious Punya Kaal timing mentioned was:
A) Morning only
B) Full day
C) Midnight
D) 3:13 PM to 5:45 PM IST
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Key time for rituals and charity.
Q25. Defence Minister honoured sacrifices in Operation Pawan, criticising non-recognition by governments in:
A) 1980s
B) 1990s
C) 2000s
D) 2010s
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Referring to IPKF operations in Sri Lanka.
Q26. BRICS India 2026 logo reflects:
A) Unity in diversity among member nations
B) Economic growth only
C) Military alliance
D) Climate action exclusively
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Balanced design symbolising diverse cultures and systems.
