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.
Q4. Which multilateral naval exercise did India skip on 17 January 2026, initiated by South Africa and involving BRICS nations?
A) IBSAMAR
B) MILAN
C) Malabar
D) A South Africa-initiated BRICS wargame
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: India opted out of the exercise featuring several BRICS countries amid shifting geopolitical alignments.
Q5. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026, referenced around 17 January, identified which as the top global risk?
A) Extreme weather events
B) Geoeconomic confrontation
C) Cyber attacks
D) Interstate armed conflict
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Geoeconomic confrontation (trade wars, tariffs) was ranked as the most likely cause of a global crisis in 2026.
Q6. Which airport was crowned the world’s best in 2025 for performance and reliability, as reported in global news on 17 January 2026?
A) Singapore Changi
B) Istanbul International Airport
C) Dubai International
D) Hamad International (Doha)
Correct Answer: A.
Q7. India’s minerals diplomacy gained attention on 17 January 2026 due to the launch of which mission in 2025?
A) National Rare Earth Mission
B) Strategic Mineral Reserve
C) National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)
D) Overseas Mineral Acquisition Fund
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The NCMM aims to secure critical minerals amid China’s export controls.
Q8. At the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue around 17 January 2026, emphasis was placed on which new initiative?
A) Joint nuclear energy projects
B) Private-Sector Dialogue on Economic Security
C) Space cooperation treaty
D) Arctic joint exploration
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The dialogue launched a B2B forum on economic security, supply chains, and critical technologies.
Q9. Delhi’s air quality on 17 January 2026 was reported as hazardous, ranking it among the world’s most polluted cities with AQI exceeding:
A) 300
B) 400
C) 500
D) 600
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Delhi recorded an AQI over 500, placing it in the top 10 most polluted major cities globally.
Q10. PM Narendra Modi addressed which traditional cultural programme in Guwahati on 17 January 2026?
A) Hornbill Festival
B) Bagurumba Dwhou (Bodo cultural event)
C) Bihu Dance Festival
D) Losar Celebration
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Modi participated in and was felicitated at the Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, highlighting Bodo culture.
Q11. The World Bank, in its January 2026 report, projected India’s GDP growth for FY26 at:
A) 6.5%
B) 7.2%
C) 5.0%
D) 8.0%
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Driven by domestic demand, tax reforms, and rural incomes; moderated to lower in FY27 due to potential tariffs.
Indian Polity (Questions 12-17)
Q12. The Mahayuti alliance swept municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra, with results impacting which major body on 17 January 2026?
A) Pune Municipal Corporation
B) Thane Municipal Corporation
C) Nagpur Municipal Corporation
D) Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The alliance claimed victory in 25 of 29 corporations, including BMC, leading to resort politics for mayor selection.
Q13. Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena corporators were huddled in a Mumbai hotel post-elections on 17 January 2026 to finalize:
A) Alliance breakup
B) Mayoral candidate
C) Opposition strategy
D) State assembly polls
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: To prevent poaching and decide on leadership roles after the civic poll sweep.
Q14. PM Modi, in a rally on 17 January 2026, claimed Gen Z reposed faith in BJP’s development model while criticizing which state’s government for infiltration issues?
A) Kerala
B) Punjab
C) West Bengal
D) Bihar
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: In Malda rally, Modi targeted TMC’s alleged patronage leading to demographic changes.
Q15.The Lokpal of India marked its foundation day around 17 January 2026, reiterating commitment to:
A) Judicial reforms
B) Clean and accountable governance
C) Electoral bonds
D) Federal restructuring
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Emphasizing anti-corruption and transparency in public institutions.
Q16. A Supreme Court ruling referenced in current affairs allowed reserved category candidates to claim seats in:
A) Reserved quotas only
B) Unreserved (general) category on merit
C) Lateral entry posts
D) Promotional reservations
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Unreserved seats are open to all on merit, including reserved candidates without concessions.
Q17. The 10-year milestone of which initiative was highlighted in current affairs discussions on 17 January 2026?
A) Digital India
B) Make in India
C) Startup India
D) Skill India
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Over 44,000 new startups registered in 2025, marking progress and challenges.
Sports (Questions 18-22)
Q18. In NFL Divisional Playoffs on 17 January 2026, which team defeated the Buffalo Bills in overtime?
A) Kansas City Chiefs
B) Denver Broncos
C) Baltimore Ravens
D) Houston Texans
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Broncos won 33-30, advancing to the AFC title game.
Q19. Which Indian women’s cricketer earned a T20 recall for the Australia tour, as announced around 17 January 2026?
A) Harmanpreet Kaur
B) Smriti Mandhana
C) Jemimah Rodrigues
D) Bharti Fulmali
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Bharti Fulmali and Shreyanka Patil were recalled for T20Is and ODIs.
Q20. In NBA highlights from games around 17 January 2026, which team defeated the Atlanta Hawks 132-106?
A) Boston Celtics
B) New York Knicks
C) Phoenix Suns
D) Los Angeles Lakers
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Jaylen Brown scored 41 points in the Celtics’ victory.
Q21. Another NBA game saw the Phoenix Suns defeat which team on 17 January 2026?
A) Boston Celtics
B) New York Knicks
C) Atlanta Hawks
D) Portland Trail Blazers
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Suns won against the Knicks amid their slump.
Q22. Hockey Day in Canada was part of sports events scheduled around 17 January 2026 in which league?
A) NBA
B) NFL
C) NHL
D) MLB
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Highlighting NHL games and Canadian hockey culture.
Arts, Culture, Literature & Education (Questions 23-30)
Q23. The Hindu Lit for Life 2026 festival kicked off on 17 January 2026 in which city?
A) Mumbai
B) Delhi
C) Chennai
D) Kolkata
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Day 1 featured discussions on literature, Constitution, and Tamil culture at Lady Andal School.
Q24. A theatrical reading of “The Tamils” by Nirmala Lakshman was performed at Lit for Life 2026 by artists including:
A) Vishwanathan Anand
B) Anita Ratnam
C) Shashi Tharoor
D) Kiran Desai
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Featured renowned artists exploring Tamil history and culture.
Q25. The New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, with events around mid-January, featured book launches at which venue?
A) Pragati Maidan
B) India Gate
C) Bharat Mandapam
D) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Including launches by Asian Literary Society.
Q26. Dr Jitendra Singh released books at India’s first NAMO Book Fest, including titles related to:
A) Space missions
B) Mahatma Gandhi and Gen V Bano
C) Critical minerals
D) Road safety
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Promoting literature on national leaders and themes.
