Geopolitics (Questions 1-8)
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.
Q4. On 15 January 2026, Pakistani drones were spotted along the Indo-Pak border in which Indian region?
A. Ladakh
B. Jammu and Kashmir (Poonch and Samba districts)
C. Punjab
D. Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Drones were reported in Poonch and Samba, prompting activation of anti-drone systems.
Q5. Amid geopolitical tensions, which country withdrew from the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel landmines, effective early 2026?
A. Finland
B. Russia
C. India
D. Iran
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Finland exited the treaty and planned to develop advanced landmines for defence purposes.
Q6. On 15 January 2026, Air India and IndiGo rerouted flights due to the closure of airspace by which country?
A. Russia
B. Iran
C. Pakistan
D. Ukraine
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Iran closed its airspace amid protests and security measures.
Q7. Reports on 15 January 2026 highlighted ongoing Russian attacks leading to a state of emergency in which sector in Ukraine?
A. Agriculture
B. Education
C. Transport
D. Energy
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: President Zelenskyy declared an emergency in Ukraine’s energy sector due to infrastructure damage.
Q8. Which global event involving AI governance was highlighted as entering a key phase in 2026?
A. UN-backed Global Dialogue on AI Governance
B. NATO AI Summit
C. G20 AI Treaty
D. BRICS Digital Alliance
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The UN initiative marked AI as a shared global concern amid geopolitical tensions.
World News Involving India (Questions 9-14)
Q9. On 15 January 2026, voting took place in municipal corporations across which Indian state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)?
A. Gujarat
B. Maharashtra
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Karnataka
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Elections were held in 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, with over 3.48 crore voters.
Q10. Indian Army Day is celebrated on 15 January to commemorate which event?
A. Independence Day
B. Kargil Victory Day
C. Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief
D. Republic Day
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: It marks the 1949 takeover by Field Marshal Cariappa from the last British Commander-in-Chief.
Q11. Which festival, also known as Thai Pongal, was celebrated on 15 January 2026 in several Indian states, leading to bank and school holidays?
A. Diwali
B. Makar Sankranti/Pongal
C. Holi
D. Onam
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Pongal/Makar Sankranti led to holidays in states like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and others.
Q12. Who was appointed as the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) as announced around 15 January 2026?
A. Praveen Kumar
B. Rakesh Asthana
C. Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor
D. Ajit Doval
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The 1990-batch IPS officer Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor was appointed to the post.
Q13. India’s bioeconomy achieved significant growth by 2026. What was the reported multiplier from 2014 levels?
A. 10-fold
B. 16-fold
C. 20-fold
D. 25-fold
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: It surged 16-fold, driven by sectors like bio-industrial and pharmaceuticals.
Q14. The UGC’s new regulations in 2026 aimed at promoting equity in higher education primarily address which issue?
A. Fee structure
B. Faculty recruitment
C. Admission quotas
D. Caste-based discrimination
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The Promotion of Equity Regulations, 2026, focus on preventing caste-based discrimination in institutions.
Indian Polity (Questions 15-18)
Q15. Stock markets in India remained closed on 15 January 2026 primarily due to which reason?
A. Republic Day
B. Municipal Corporation Elections in Maharashtra
C. Pongal
D. Army Day
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: NSE and BSE declared a trading holiday for elections in Maharashtra.
Q16. The Supreme Court on or around 15 January 2026 heard cases related to which of the following?
A. Electoral rolls revision
B. Film certification stay
C. Both A and B
D. None
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Hearings included challenges to electoral roll revisions and a film certification appeal.
Q17. Banks were closed in several Indian cities on 15 January 2026 due to combined reasons including festivals and elections. Which was NOT a reason?
A. Makar Sankranti
B. Pongal
C. Magh Bihu
D. Republic Day
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Holidays were for Sankranti/Pongal/Bihu and Maharashtra elections.
Q18. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, speaking around Army Day 2026, emphasised indigenous equipment as a:
A. Economic boost
B. Strategic necessity
C. Optional choice
D. Export priority
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: He highlighted it for a future-ready force.
Sports (Questions 19-21)
Q19. In badminton news around 15 January 2026, which Indian player advanced to quarterfinals in India Open Super 750?
A. PV Sindhu
B. Lakshya Sen
C. HS Prannoy
D. Kidambi Srikanth
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Lakshya Sen was the lone Indian in singles draw advancing further.
Q20. U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 saw India start its campaign against which team?
A. USA
B. Australia
C. Pakistan
D. England
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: India opted to bowl against USA in the opening match.
Q21. A unique disruption in India Open badminton on 15 January 2026 involved:
A. Rain delay
B. Bird dropping incident
C. Power failure
D. Player injury
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: A bird dropping halted a match, amusing fans.
Arts, Literature, Education & Culture (Questions 22-25)
Q22.The World Book Fair 2026 in India had which theme?
A. Digital Future
B. Women’s Empowerment
C. Environmental Sustainability
D. Indian Military History: Valour and Wisdom @75
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Inaugurated with focus on military history books and events.
Q23. Which upcoming festival in Moradabad in late January 2026 aimed to highlight regional literature and culture?
A. Udeesha 2026
B. Jaipur Lit Fest
C. Chennai Lit For Life
D. Kolkata Book Fair
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Udeesha 2026, a five-day event starting 22 January.
Q24. The Hindu Lit For Life 2026 edition was scheduled for:
A. January 15-16
B. January 17-18
C. January 22-26
D. February 4-7
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: 13th edition in Chennai focusing on literature’s role in culture.
Q25. Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 emphasised which aspects prominently?
A. Hindi literature and Rajasthani expressions
B. Science fiction only
C. Sports biographies
D. Economic policies
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Spotlight on multilingualism, translations, and regional voices.
Other Relevant Current Affairs (Question 26)
Q26. A crocodile census in Similipal National Park around 2026 reported an increase to how many mugger crocodiles?
A. 50
B. 84
C. 100
D. 120
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Up from 81 in 2025, highlighting conservation efforts.
