Current Affairs 21 January, 2026 Quiz
Geopolitics & World News (Questions 1-10)
Q1. On 21 January 2026, US President Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos amid tensions over which territory?
A) Greenland
B) Falkland Islands
C) Crimea
D) Taiwan
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Trump spoke at Davos, ruling out force but insisting on US control over Greenland for security reasons, while backing off immediate tariffs on Europe.
Q2. What major geopolitical issue dominated discussions at the World Economic Forum on 21 January 2026?
A) US-China trade war escalation
B) US threats of tariffs on Europe over Greenland
C) Russia-Ukraine ceasefire
D) Middle East peace talks
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Trump’s pursuit of Greenland led to tariff threats on European nations, causing market volatility and transatlantic tensions.
Q3. On 21 January 2026, President Trump warned Iran about potential assassination threats, stating what response?
A) Diplomatic sanctions
B) Economic blockade
C) Devastating retaliation
D) UN referral
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump issued a severe warning of devastating retaliation if Iran attempted to assassinate him, amid surging US military presence in the region.
Q4. Which international body was highlighted in discussions over the Greenland crisis on 21 January 2026?
A) UN Security Council
B) European Union
C) ASEAN
D) BRICS
Correct Answer: B.
Q5. The US Department of State on 21 January 2026 announced sanctions related to which group?
A) Hamas
B) ISIS
C) Al-Qaeda
D) Taliban
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Sanctions targeted Hamas and its covert funding networks.
Q6. At Davos on 21 January 2026, European leaders defended what in response to US policies?
A) Energy independence
B) European independence
C) Trade barriers
D) Military spending
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Ursula von der Leyen defended European independence amid US pressures over Greenland and tariffs.
Q7. Which event marked the one-year anniversary of Trump’s second term on 21 January 2026?
A) State of the Union address
B) Davos speech
C) Press briefing at White House
D) NATO summit
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Trump marked the anniversary in a White House press briefing.
Q8. On 21 January 2026, markets rebounded after Trump called off tariffs related to which issue?
A) Greenland
B) Venezuela oil
C) Russian sanctions
D) Chinese tech
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Stocks rallied after Trump reached a framework deal on Greenland, avoiding tariffs on Europe.
Q9. French President Emmanuel Macron at Davos on 21 January 2026 described a shift towards what?
A) Multipolar world
B) Digital economy
C) World without rules
D) Green energy transition
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Macron warned of a shift towards a “world without rules” amid global tensions.
Q10. Russia responded to the Greenland crisis on 21 January 2026 by stating what?
A) Support for US claim
B) No plans to seize Greenland
C) Military exercises in Arctic
D) Sanctions on Denmark
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied any Russian intentions to seize Greenland.
World News Involving India (Questions 11-17)
Q11. On 21 January 2026, the EU announced progress on which partnership with India?
A) Climate change pact
B) Security and defence partnership
C) Digital trade agreement
D) Migration policy
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: EU agreed to sign a new security and defence partnership with India, covering maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism.
Q12. On 21 January 2026, intelligence alerts put Delhi on high alert for potential terrorist attacks code-named what ahead of Republic Day?
A) 15-15
B) Temple Threat
C) R-Day Strike
D) 26-26
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Alerts warned of a coordinated ’26-26′ attack possibly targeting temples like Ayodhya and Jammu.
Q13. Which Indian political development was reported around 21 January 2026?
A) New BJP national president elected
B) Parliament session begins
C) Supreme Court ruling on elections
D) Budget announcement
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Nitin Nabin (45) was elected unopposed as BJP’s youngest national president.
Q14.India withdrew families of diplomats from which neighbouring country on 21 January 2026 due to security concerns?
A) Pakistan
B) Bangladesh
C) Myanmar
D) China
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Dependents were withdrawn from missions in Bangladesh ahead of elections.
Q15. The Supreme Court on 21 January 2026 mooted an expert panel for what purpose?
A) Defining Aravalli Range
B) Electoral reforms
C) River linking
D) Mining regulations
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: To define the ecologically sensitive Aravalli Range and roadmap for activities like regulated mining.
Q16. An IAF training aircraft incident was reported on 21 January 2026 in which location?
A) Mumbai
B) Prayagraj
C) Delhi
D) Hyderabad
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: A microlite aircraft force-landed in a pond in Prayagraj; pilot safe.
Q17. ED raids on 21 January 2026 targeted locations in South India related to what case?
A) Coal scam
B) Bank fraud
C) 2G spectrum
D) Sabarimala gold misappropriation
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Raids in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka over alleged gold theft money laundering at Sabarimala.
Indian Polity & Other Current Affairs (Questions 18-20)
Q18. The Election Commission of India hosted which international conference around January 2026?
A) Global Election Summit
B) IICDEM 2026
C) Democracy Forum
D) Voter Rights Meet
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 in New Delhi.
Q19. India ranked what in the Responsible Nations Index 2026 launched around 21 January?
A) 16th
B) 1st
C) 10th
D) 50th
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Singapore led; India at 16th in this new global framework.
Q20. Delhi-NCR schools shifted to hybrid mode on 21 January 2026 due to what?
A) Cold wave
B) Deteriorating air quality (GRAP Stages 3-4)
C) Heatwave
D) Floods
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: To minimise exposure to toxic smog under Graded Response Action Plan.
Sports (Questions 21-23)
Q21. In NBA action highlighted on 21 January 2026, which team defeated the Nets?
A) Lakers
B) Celtics
C) Knicks
D) Warriors
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: Knicks won convincingly over Nets.
Q22. In NHL on 21 January 2026, which team won in overtime against Maple Leafs?
A) Red Wings
B) Penguins
C) Bruins
D) Rangers
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Detroit Red Wings, with Dylan Larkin scoring the winner.
Q23. Navy men’s basketball achieved what on 21 January 2026?
A) Championship win
B) Season sweep over Holy Cross
C) Record points
D) Upset victory
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: 85-68 victory for a season sweep.
Arts, Culture, Literature & Education (Questions 24-28)
Q24. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale ongoing in January 2026 emphasised art about what?
A) Finished products
B) Process and unfinished works
C) Digital art only
D) Historical paintings
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Themed “For the Time Being,” focusing on process in contemporary art.
Q25. Udeesha 2026, a literature and cultural festival, is scheduled to start on 22 January in which city?
A) Delhi
B) Varanasi
C) Chennai
D) Moradabad
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Five-day event celebrating literature, art, and music.
Q26. The Hyderabad Literary Festival 2026 is set to begin on which date?
A) 21 January
B) 30 January
C) 24 January
D) 15 January
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: From 24-26 January, featuring literature and performances.
Q27. SALA (South Asian Literature & Art Festival) announced a mentorship program for writers targeting which event?
A) 2025 Festival
B) SALA 2026
C) Jaipur Lit Fest
D) Global Writers Meet
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Six-month program for prose/poetry writers to present at SALA 2026.
Q28. Banaras Lit Fest 2026 features an International Art Camp scheduled for which dates?
A) January 30 – February 1
B) January 22-26
C) February 15-19
D) March 1-5
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Bringing artists from across India for dialogue and creation.