Current Affairs 18 January, 2026 Quiz
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.
Q4. On 18 January 2026, tensions escalated involving which Middle Eastern region due to a new US-proposed “Board of Peace”?
A) Yemen
B) Lebanon
C) Syria
D) Gaza
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Trump announced a Gaza Board of Peace for reconstruction, inviting India and others, amid objections over inclusions like Turkey and Qatar.
Q5. Which country accepted an invitation to join Trump’s Gaza-specific Board of Peace as reported on 18 January 2026?
A) Hungary
B) India
C) Brazil
D) South Africa
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Hungary’s Viktor Orban accepted, prompting EU concerns over trade deal approvals.
Q6. Reports on 18 January 2026 highlighted ongoing protests and deaths in which country, with Trump calling for regime change?
A) Venezuela
B) Iran
C) Sudan
D) Guatemala
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: About 3,000 deaths reported in Iran’s protests
Q7. Which Arctic island was central to US-European tensions on 18 January 2026?
A) Iceland
B) Svalbard
C) Greenland
D) Faroe Islands
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump’s persistent demands for Greenland led to tariffs and protests in Nuuk.
Q8. The EU responded to US tariffs on 18 January 2026 by considering activation of which instrument?
A) Anti-dumping duties
B) Anti-coercion instrument
C) Carbon border tax
D) Digital services tax
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: French President Macron sought this tool against perceived US economic coercion.
Q9. On 18 January 2026, which international forum was upcoming where Trump was set to speak amid tariff controversies?
A) UN General Assembly
B) NATO Summit
C) G20 Summit
D) World Economic Forum (Davos)
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Trump was scheduled for WEF 2026 starting 19 January.
Q10. Geopolitical markets on 18 January 2026 showed high odds for US strikes on which country by June?
A) Russia
B) China
C) Iran
D) North Korea
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Prediction markets placed 56% probability on US strikes against Iran amid escalating tensions.
World News Involving India (Questions 11-14)
Q11. On 18 January 2026, US President Trump invited India to join which new international body?
A) Arctic Council
B) Board of Peace for Gaza
C) Quad Expansion
D) BRICS Security Forum
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: India was invited to the Gaza Board of Peace for stabilization and reconstruction.
Q12. PM Narendra Modi on 18 January 2026 laid the foundation for which major infrastructure project in Assam?
A) Brahmaputra Bridge
B) Tezpur Airport Expansion
C) Guwahati Metro
D) Kaziranga Elevated Corridor
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: The ?6,957-crore project aims to protect wildlife and boost tourism.
Q13. Which trains did PM Modi flag off virtually on 18 January 2026?
A) Vande Bharat Express
B) Amrit Bharat trains
C) Gatimaan Express
D) Rajdhani Express
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Two in Assam and three connecting Kolkata.
Q14. India’s rank in the Henley Passport Index 2026, as highlighted around 18 January events?
A) 55th
B) 80th
C) 90th
D) 100th
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Improved to 80th, with visa-free access to 55 destinations.
Indian Polity (Questions 15-19)
Q15. PM Modi accused which party on 18 January 2026 of handing over Assam’s land to infiltrators?
A) Congress
B) BJP
C) AAP
D) TMC
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: During a rally in Kaliabor, alleging vote-bank politics.
Q16. A large-scale voter verification drive ahead of state elections drew criticism on 18 January 2026 for:
A) Digital glitches
B) Long hours and tight deadlines for workers
C) Voter suppression
D) Fake entries
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Election workers reported overburdening.
Q17. Which aviation regulator imposed a ?22.2 crore penalty on IndiGo, referenced in polity discussions on 18 January 2026?
A) AAI
B) MoCA
C) BCAS
D) DGCA
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: For flight disruptions due to crew overstretching (event from prior, but in news).
Q18. PM Modi accused the TMC government in West Bengal on 18 January 2026 of aiding infiltrators for:
A) Economic gains
B) Vote-bank politics
C) Regional autonomy
D) Cultural exchange
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Alleging compromise on national security.
Q19. The Vibrant Villages programme along the India-China border was in news on 18 January 2026 for:
A) Slow progress and resident concerns
B) Completion of all villages
C) Full population shift
D) Military integration
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Three years later, residents questioned delays in development.
Sports (Questions 20-23)
Q20. In NFL playoffs on 18 January 2026, which team advanced after defeating the Houston Texans?
A) Kansas City Chiefs
B) New England Patriots
C) Buffalo Bills
D) Baltimore Ravens
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Patriots won 28-16 in the Divisional Round.
Q21. Which quarterback threw four interceptions in the Texans’ loss on 18 January 2026?
A) Patrick Mahomes
B) Josh Allen
C) C.J. Stroud
D) Lamar Jackson
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Stroud’s turnovers proved costly.
Q22. In NHL on 18 January 2026, which team defeated the Dallas Stars?
A) Tampa Bay Lightning
B) Florida Panthers
C) Colorado Avalanche
D) Vegas Golden Knights
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Lightning won highlighted matchup.
Q23. NBA game on 18 January 2026 saw the Memphis Grizzlies defeat which team 126-109?
A) Denver Nuggets
B) Charlotte Hornets
C) Orlando Magic
D) Chicago Bulls
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Ja Morant led with 24 points and 13 assists.
Arts, Culture, Literature & Education (Questions 24-29)
Q24. The Hindu Lit for Life 2026 festival on 18 January featured discussions by which prominent vocalist-writer?
A) AR Rahman
B) T.M. Krishna
C) Shreya Ghoshal
D) Bombay Jayashri
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Day 2 highlighted T.M. Krishna on cultural discourse.
Q25. Which major book fair concluded on 18 January 2026 with over 20% increased footfall due to free entry?
A) Kolkata Book Fair
B) Mumbai Lit Fest
C) Chennai Book Fair
D) New Delhi World Book Fair 2026
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: 53rd edition at Bharat Mandapam, with 1,000+ publishers.
Q26. Philosopher A.C. Grayling delivered the inaugural address at which event around 18 January 2026?
A) Jaipur Literature Festival
B) The Hindu Lit for Life 2026
C) Bangalore Literature Festival
D) Kolkata Lit Meet
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Emphasizing literature’s role against authoritarianism.
Q27. BLR Hubba festival in Bengaluru on 18 January 2026 showcased which aspects?
A) Tech innovations only
B) Political debates
C) Sports exclusively
D) Art, culture, food, and memories
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: At Freedom Park, featuring installations and vegan markets.
Q28. International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq spoke at which festival on 18 January 2026?
A) New Delhi World Book Fair
B) The Hindu Lit for Life
C) Jaipur Literature Festival (postponed)
D) Hay Festival
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Prominent speaker on Day 2.
Q29. The New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 (ending 18 January) was organized by which body?
A) National Book Trust
B) Sahitya Akademi
C) Ministry of Culture directly
D) ICCR
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Under Ministry of Education, featuring global publishers and events.