Geopolitics & World News/India’s International Relations (Questions 1-11)
Q1. On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during their summit in New Delhi. Which sectors saw tariff elimination under this deal?
A) Metals, plastics, chemicals, and pharmaceutical products
B) Automobiles, textiles, and agricultural goods only
C) Electronics and defense equipment exclusively
D) Services and digital trade only
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The agreement eliminates tariffs on metals, plastics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, boosting bilateral trade.
Q2. During the EU-India Summit on January 27, 2026, leaders emphasized that a “successful India” is in the world’s interest. This statement was made by:
A) PM Narendra Modi
B) US Treasury Secretary
C) European Union leaders
D) Bhutanese PM
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: EU leaders highlighted India’s success as beneficial globally.
Q3. A Mobility Pact was signed between India and the EU on January 27, 2026, primarily to ease movement of:
A) Students and skilled professionals
B) Tourists only
C) Military personnel
D) Agricultural laborers
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The pact facilitates easier mobility for students and skilled workers.
Q4. On January 27, 2026, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the Doomsday Clock to:
A) 60 seconds before midnight
B) 90 seconds before midnight
C) 100 seconds before midnight
D) 85 seconds before midnight
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Citing rising global tensions, the clock was adjusted closer to catastrophe.
Q5. Which ongoing conflict saw a Russian drone strike on a passenger train in Kharkiv Oblast on January 27, 2026?
A) Israel-Hamas conflict
B) Russo-Ukrainian War
C) Sudan civil war
D) Korean Peninsula tensions
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: At least four people were killed in the strike amid the ongoing war.
Q6. The US deployed an aircraft carrier near Iran amid heightened tensions, as reported around January 27, 2026. This was part of warnings to:
A) Tehran to cut a deal
B) Russia over Ukraine
C) China over Taiwan
D) North Korea
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: President Trump warned Iran amid Middle East deployments.
Q7. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Europe on January 27, 2026, for financing its “war” against itself by purchasing refined Russian oil products from:
A) Brazil
B) China
C) Turkey
D) India
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Criticism focused on India’s role in re-exporting Russian oil despite US tariffs.
Q8. On January 27, 2026, the EU-India Summit was the:
A) 16th EU-India Summit
B) 10th EU-India Summit
C) 20th EU-India Summit
D) First post-Brexit summit
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Leaders held the 16th summit and issued a joint statement.
Q9. Which country grounded its entire fleet of passenger ships belonging to Aleson Shipping Lines after a sinking on January 27, 2026?
A) Indonesia
B) Philippines
C) Japan
D) Vietnam
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank in the Sulu Sea, killing 19.
Q10. In geopolitics, investors reassessed Trump policies on January 27, 2026, leading to pressure on the:
A) Rupee
B) Euro
C) Yuan
D) US Dollar
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Volatility from policies and geopolitical risks affected the dollar.
Q11. The Azerbaijani State Security Service foiled an ISIS-Khorasan Province plot to bomb an embassy in:
A) Baku
B) Tehran
C) Kabul
D) Delhi
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The plot was announced foiled on January 27, 2026.
Indian Polity & Internal Affairs (Questions 12-19)
Q12. On January 27, 2026, public sector banks across India faced disruptions due to a nationwide strike by:
A) Indian Banks Association
B) All India Bank Employees Association
C) United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU)
D) RBI Employees Union
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: The strike demanded immediate implementation of a five-day work week.
Q13. The methodology for caste enumeration in the 2027 Census remains undecided as of January 27, 2026, with clarity expected by:
A) July
B) December
C) March
D) Next budget session
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Preparatory work is anticipated by July.
Q14. Opposition intensified against the UGC’s new 2026 equity regulations in higher education over the definition of:
A) Disability inclusion
B) Economic reservation
C) Gender equity
D) Caste-based discrimination
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Critics alleged bias and lack of safeguards against false complaints.
Q15. Thousands of tribal protesters continued their long march toward Mumbai on January 27, 2026, demanding assurances on:
A) Land rights
B) Water resources
C) Forest produce
D) Education quotas
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: They refused to stop without meeting the Maharashtra CM.
Q16. A massive warehouse fire occurred in Kolkata’s Anandpur area on January 26, 2026, with reports on January 27 fearing at least:
A) Ten dead
B) Seven dead
C) Three dead
D) Fifteen dead
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Several were missing, with no final confirmation late on the 26th.
Q17. PM Narendra Modi thanked which foreign leaders for Republic Day greetings on January 26, 2026?
A) Russian President, Chinese Premier
B) US President, UK PM, German Chancellor
C) French President, Bhutan PM, Cyprus President
D) Japanese PM, Australian PM
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: He expressed anticipation for deeper ties with France.
Q18. The 2026-27 Union Budget preparation faces challenges to bolster growth, as noted on January 27, 2026, under PM:
A) Narendra Modi
B) Rahul Gandhi
C) Amit Shah
D) Nirmala Sitharaman
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Focus on sustaining fast economic growth.
Q19. Which topic saw ongoing debate regarding the absence of an expanded caste column in the Census questionnaire?
A) Linguistic census
B) OBC reservation
C) EWS quota
D) Caste enumeration
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: Opposition parties questioned government intent.
Sports (Questions 20-23)
Q20. India’s Srishti Kiran clinched her fourth consecutive title in which category on January 27, 2026?
A) National badminton
B) WTA doubles
C) Grand Slam junior
D) ITF junior singles
Correct Answer: D.
Explanation: She won the ITF junior singles title.
Q21. In the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026, India completed a clinical win against which team on January 27, 2026?
A) Zimbabwe
B) Australia
C) England
D) Pakistan
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: This placed India atop their Super Six group.
Q22. Which ICC-related issue was in news on January 27, 2026, regarding potential sanctions?
A) India hosting ODI World Cup
B) Bangladesh skipping T20 World Cup 2026 matches in India
C) Pakistan tour cancellation
D) Afghanistan women’s cricket
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: Bangladesh could face sanctions for skipping matches.
Education & Arts/Literature (Questions 24-28)
Q23. IIT Delhi set up a fact-finding panel following controversy over a conference on:
A) Caste and Race
B) Climate Change
C) AI Ethics
D) Gender Studies
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: The conference sparked debate in higher education.
Q24. The UGC Act 2026 Equity Regulation came into force on:
A) December 1, 2025
B) January 1, 2026
C) January 15, 2026
D) February 1, 2026
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: It faced resistance in states like Uttar Pradesh.
Q25. The Republic Day 2026 tableau by the Education Department highlighted India’s:
A) Military education
B) Timeless knowledge heritage and modern development
C) Sports education
D) Vocational training
Correct Answer: B.
Explanation: It showcased India’s education tradition.
Q26. The Padma Awards 2026 included a total of how many awardees?
A) 131
B) 100
C) 150
D) 75
Correct Answer: A.
Explanation: Comprising 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri.
Q27. One of the Padma Awards 2026 recipients mentioned in news was Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu for contributions in:
A) Classical dance
B) Literature
C) Radiation oncology
D) Environmental science
Correct Answer: C.
Explanation: He was among the US-based recipients honored.
