Weekly Quiz Answers

1. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the United States this week to meet with President Joe Biden following his speech at THIS event. 

A. UN General Assembly session opens
B. A Joint Session of the U.S. Congress   
C. The NATO Summit set for Ottawa
D. The 2023 Defense Industries Production Convention

Correct Response: A. Opening a new session of the UN General Assembly
https://www.gzeromedia.com/zelenskyy-coming-to-the-white-house

2. A torrential flash flood struck the northeast coast of Libya. The flood, caused by THIS extreme event, broke two dams, killing more than 10,000 people and leaving over 11,000 missing.

A. Mediterranean Storm Daniel
B. Hurricane Henry
C. 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake
D. A hailstorm 

Correct Response: A. Mediterranean Storm Daniel
https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-daniel-libya-flooding-greece-41005b95a6b51320beb33ae8e59e8ae1

3. Gustavo Petro, president of THIS country that lies between Venezuela and the Darien Gap jungle into Panama, has said it was not his job to stop the record U.S.-bound flow of migrants despite an agreement signed with Washington. He noted the flow was “the product of poorly taken measures against Latin American peoples.”  

A. Peru
B. Bolivia 
C. Colombia
D. Paraguay

Correct Response: C. Colombia
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/14/world/americas/migrant-business-darien-gap.html

4. The first prison sentence – 17 years – was handed down to a supporter of THIS former president of Brazil. About 1,500 people were detained in January for attempting to forcefully restore him after his electoral defeat.

A. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
B. Jair Bolsonaro
C. Andrés Manuel López Obrador
D. Alejandro Giammattei

Correct Response: B. Jair Bolsonaro 
https://apnews.com/article/brazil-bolsonaro-supporter-riot-capital-sentenced-prison-df66a030fd62fe873584a4c582863b48

5. A new office opened in Kyiv by THIS organization will help adjudicate the over 100,000 reported war crimes committed since Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

A. UN Security Council (UNSC)
B. International Criminal Court (ICC)   
C. The Hague Court on War Crimes and Genocide (HCWCG)
D. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Correct Response: B. International Criminal Court (ICC)
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/role-international-criminal-court 

6. All 15 of Israel’s Supreme Court justices assembled for a case for the first time in its history. They started hearing petitions against a law passed in July that dramatically limits THIS, and resulted in nationwide protests.

A. Aid to Ukraine 
B. Freedom of speech
C. Government protests
D. Powers of the judiciary

Correct Response: D. Powers of the judiciary
https://time.com/6313113/israel-supreme-court-judicial-overhaul/

7. Iraq is increasing attention on repatriation of members and family members of THIS militant group held in the Al Hol camp in Syria. Baghdad has already brought over 5,000 Iraqis home to defuse the security threat posed by the group which was mostly defeated by a U.S.-led coalition in 2017.

A. Al Qaeda
B. PFLP 
C. ISIS
D. Hezbollah

Correct Response: C. ISIS
https://apnews.com/article/syria-iraq-repatriation-islamic-state-c0b80ba80e2af09b109c38bbd2f54b24

8. After the G20 summit in New Delhi, President Biden visited the Communist Party Headquarters in THIS capital to upgrade the formal relationship to the highest level. The two countries signed business deals on tech and AI. 

A. Havana
B. Hanoi
C. Lisbon 
D. Vientiane

Correct Response: B. Hanoi
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/09/10/world/biden-vietnam-g20-summit

9. Saudi Arabia will host five days of peace talks with THIS Iran-backed rebel Yemeni group. Riyadh has led a coalition fighting them in a civil war since 2014.

A. Yazidis
B. Baluchis 
C. Rohingyas
D. Houthis

Correct Response: D. Houthis
https://www.timesofisrael.com/yemens-iran-backed-rebels-head-for-talks-in-territory-of-foe-saudi-arabia

10. Two merchant ships reached Ukrainian ports by following a new route along the western edges of the Black Sea, spoiling a Russian blockade. The ships were the first to arrive since Moscow backed out of a deal to facilitate THIS export to world markets.

A. Coal
B. Oil 
C. Grain
D. Rubber

Correct Response: C. Grain
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66835210

 

1. A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck a mountainous area in THIS country. The temblor, striking an area not known as prone to quakes, killed over 2,100 people with the death toll expected to rise.

A. Indonesia
B. Turkey   
C. Morocco
D. Japan

Correct Response: C. Morocco
https://www.cnn.com/africa/live-news/morocco-earthquake-marrakech-09-10-23/index.html

2. The European Union, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. and some other G20 partners signed an MoU on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC. It will connect Mideast countries by rail and with India by sea and is meant to counter THIS international infrastructure project. 

A. Shanghai Cooperative Organization (SCO) Rails, Ports and Airways Project
B. BRICS Global Trade Ribbons Initiative
C. ASEAN Trade Office Infrastructure Project
D. China’s Belt and Road Initiative 

Correct Response: D. China’s Belt and Road Initiative
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-india-saudi-eu-unveil-rail-ports-deal-g20-sidelines-white-house-official-2023-09-09/

3. A dinner invitation on the sidelines of the G20 summit sent by President Droupadi Murmi, calling herself President of “Bharat,” is stirring speculation that THIS country may change its name. “Bharat” is an ancient Sanskrit name.

A. India
B. Malaysia
C. Indonesia
D. Vietnam

Correct Response: A. India
https://www.reuters.com/world/india/is-india-changing-its-name-bharat-g20-invite-controversy-explained-2023-09-06/

4. Russian President Vladimir Putin is said to plan a meeting with THIS Asian leader in Vladivostok to discuss exchanges of military hardware for technology transfers. 

A. Kim Jong Un
B. Xi Jinping 
C. Kim Il Sung
D. Yook Suk Yeol

Correct Response: A. Kim Jong Un
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66713476

5. The African Union has been invited to join THIS global grouping by Indian Prime Minister Modi, boosting his position as a champion for Global South countries’ voices in world affairs.

A. ASEAN
B. The Quad 
C. Group of 20
D. BRICS 

Correct Response: C. Group of 20
https://www.npr.org/2023/09/09/1198619865/g20-african-union-permanent-member

6. In a move called a “propaganda exercise” by Secretary Blinken, Russian authorities held sham elections in occupied regions of Ukraine it illegally annexed a year ago. Among the regions where legislators are being installed are all of these EXCEPT which one?

A. Donetsk
B. Lviv 
C. Luhansk
D. Zaporizhzhya 

Correct Response: B. Lviv  
https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-occupied-regions-vote-sham/32583647.html

7. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a celebration marking the debut of THIS newest nuclear weapons delivery system. South Korean officials say it probably doesn’t work.

A. Supersonic bomber
B. Attack submarine 
C. Long range artillery battery
D. ICBM

Correct Response: B. Attack submarine  
https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/07/asia/north-korea-submarine-intl/index.html

8. At a press conference in Vietnam President Joe Biden referred to climate change deniers as “lying, dog-faced pony soldiers,” a recycled reference to John Wayne Westerns, as the U.N. warned the world was not meeting THIS agreement’s targets to limit warming. 

A. Paris Climate Accords
B. Conference of the Parties (COP)
C. Group of 7 Climate Agreement
D. UN Geneva Protocol on Climate Change

Correct Response: A. Paris Climate Accords
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/un-says-more-needed-on-all-fronts-meet-climate-goals-2023-09-08/

9. The Group of Twenty meeting, the premier forum for international economic cooperation, in New Delhi was marked by the absence of several heads of state including all of these EXCEPT who?

A. Vladimir Putin
B. Kim Jong Un 
C. Narendra Modi
D. Xi Jinping

Correct Response: C. Narendra Modi
https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/09/07/the-g20-summit-will-be-a-resounding-success-for-india 

10. After the governing party chose Claudia Sheinbaum to square off against the leading opposition party's candidate, Xóchitl Gálvez, THIS country is poised to elect its first female president, who will replace Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

A. Brazil
B. Guatemala
C. El Salvador
D. Mexico

Correct Response: D. Mexico https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/06/world/americas/mexico-women-president-candidates.html

 

1. President Biden will travel to THIS southeast Asian nation, former American foe, to elevate diplomatic relations, a move some fear will add one more thorny issue with its neighbor, China.

A. Cambodia
B. Laos   
C. Myanmar
D. Vietnam

Correct Response: D. Vietnam
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-expects-upgrade-vietnam-ties-risks-china-anger-2023-09-03

2. President Tayyip Erdogan of THIS Black Sea nation will meet with Vladimir Putin to discuss, among other issues, renewing the Ukraine grain export deal intended to ease global food shortages.

A. Romania
B. Georgia 
C. Turkey
D. Greece 

Correct Response: C. Turkey
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/with-grain-deal-focus-putin-meet-erdogan-russia-2023-09-04

3. China’s President Xi Jinping and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will skip this weekend’s meeting of THIS organization representing the world’s major economies as they meet in New Delhi.

A. Group of Seven
B. BRICS+
C. Group of Twenty
D. ASEAN

Correct Response: C. Group of Twenty
https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraine-war-absence-putin-xi-set-dent-g20-summit-2023-09-04

4. Russian officials said the military thwarted an attack by three “semi-submersible unmanned boats” on the Kerch Bridge, a frequent target due to its strategic link to THIS occupied peninsula. 

A. Crimea
B. Azov 
C. Odessa
D. Krasnodar

Correct Response: A. Crimea
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/02/world/europe/russia-ukraine-kerch-strait-bridge.html 

5. An inquiry into charges that South Africa sent a shipment of arms to Russia last December has debunked those charges according to THIS president. He said the charges brought by the U.S. Ambassador had damaged South Africa’s standing.

A. Samia Suluhu
B. Cyril Ramaphosa
C. Adama Barrow
D. Abdelmadjid Tebboun 

Correct Response: B. Cyril Ramaphosa
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/9/4/south-africa-says-no-evidence-of-arms-shipment-to-russia-following-inquiry

6. A military coup on August 30th deposed newly reelected Ali Bongo, president of THIS west African nation, ending the decades long family rule of the Bongo dynasty.

A. Botswana
B. Guyana 
C. Gabon
D. Ghana

Correct Response: C. Gabon
https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/08/what-know-about-gabons-coup

7. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency found that 27% of garments imported from China contained cotton produced in the Xinjiang region, a violation of American bans due to THIS Chinese activity. 

A. Use of forced labor
B. Unregulated GMOs 
C. Military industry production
D. Environmental considerations

Correct Response: A. Use of forced labor
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/us-customs-finds-garments-made-with-banned-chinese-cotton-documents-2023-09-01 

8. The latest U.S. official to visit China for high-level talks was THIS Commerce Secretary who said she didn’t “pull any punches” in stating American concerns. She reportedly told her counterpart that U.S. businesses were losing faith in China as a safe investment destination, and she complained about being hacked by Chinese entities.

A. Raymond Falco
B. Pete Buttigieg
C. Janet Yellen
D. Gina Raimondo

Correct Response: D. Gina Raimondo
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/03/us-commerce-secretary-gina-raimondo-says-she-didnt-pull-any-punches-during-recent-visit-to-china.html

9. Luis Rubiales, head of THIS country’s football federation, is facing additional investigations over corruption following charges and national outrage over his forcible kissing of a Woman’s World Cup winning player at the award ceremony.

A. Argentina
B. Brazil 
C. Mexico
D. Spain

Correct Response: D. Spain
https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/04/football/rubiales-complaints-intl/index.html

10. The abaya, a robe often worn by Muslim women, has been banned in THIS European nation. Emmanuel Macron said “religious symbols of any kind have no place” in their schools. The country has been criticized for banning various items of Muslim dress. 

A. Germany
B. Poland 
C. France
D. Italy 

Correct Response: C. France
https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/01/europe/france-macron-abaya-ban-intl/index.html

1. Two months to the day after he staged a mutiny in Russia, THIS failed leader, his right-hand man, and eight other people died on a private plane that mysteriously crashed with no survivors. 

A. Sergei Shoigu, Russian Defense Minister 
B. Valery Gerasimov, Russian Chief of the General Staff
C. Yevgeny Prigozhin's, Wagner mercenary chief D. Alexey Navalny, Russian opposition leader

Correct Response: C. Yevgeny Prigozhin's, Wagner mercenary chief
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-mercenary-yevgeny-prigozhins-plane-appeared-fine-radar-until-last-30-2023-08-24/

2. Russia fulfilled its threat to place nuclear weapons in THIS regional ally as part of its challenge to NATO and its nearby neighbors. Meanwhile the State Department warned Americans to leave the country due to rising regional tensions.

A. Kaliningrad
B. Moldova 
C. Crimea
D. Belarus

Correct Response: D. Belarus
https://www.gzeromedia.com/russian-nukes-move-into-natos-backyard

3. China announced a ban on fish imports from Japan due to THIS development.

A. Japanese ban on rice imports from China
B. Passage of legislation calling for nationalizing the disputed Senkaku islands
C. Imposition of export taxes on fish production
D. Release of treated radioactive water from a damaged nuclear plant

Correct Response: D. Release of treated radioactive water from a damaged nuclear plant
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3232340/fukushima-water-release-why-chinas-ban-japanese-seafood-could-backfire

4. In a push to reshuffle the world order, the BRICS bloc of developing nations agreed to admit THESE 6 countries aimed at leveling a global playing field they see as rigged against them. 

A. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and UAE
B. Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Madagascar, Namibia, and Angola
C. Mexico, Philippines, Nigeria, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Argentina
D. Mexico, Turkey, Indonesia, Nigeria, Egypt, and Vietnam 

Correct Response: A. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and UAE 
https://www.reuters.com/world/brics-poised-invite-new-members-join-bloc-sources-2023-08-24/

5. A new UAV, the Mohajer-10, was unveiled by President Raisi of THIS Middle East nation. The drone based on the American MQ-9 Reaper can stay aloft for 24 hours, with a range of 2,000 km at an altitude of 7,000 meters. The country has been providing Russia with drones to use for attacks in Ukraine.

A. Jordan
B. Syria 
C. Qatar
D. Iran

Correct Response: D. Iran
https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/iran/2023/08/22/iran-unveils-long-range-drone-based-on-american-mq-9-reaper/

6. President Emmerson Mnangagwa of THIS country claimed victory in elections widely considered plagued by fraud that will keep his party in power, which it has held since the country, formerly called Southern Rhodesia, gained independence from the British.

A. South Africa
B. Zimbabwe 
C. Tanzania
D. Botswana

Correct Response: B. Zimbabwe  
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/26/world/africa/zimbabwe-election-mnangagwa-wins.html

7. An unmanned moon lander operated by THIS space agency and known as the Chandrayaan-3 made history by becoming the first to reach the lunar south pole. The country is the fourth to successfully soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon. 

A. China National Space Administration (CNSA)
B. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) 
C. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
D. Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos)

Correct Response: B. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) 
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/india-chandrayaan-3-landing-moon-south-pole-rcna101296

8. After 15 years of occupation of the separatist South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions, about 20 percent of THIS nation, Moscow has threatened to annex them.

A. Moldova
B. Georgia
C. Armenia
D. Azerbaijan

Correct Response: B. Georgia
https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-annex-georgia-breakaway-regions-south-ossetia-abkhazia-dmitry-medvedev/ 

9. A Russian court extended the pre-trial detention of Evan Gershkovich charged with espionage, who was in Moscow for THIS purpose.

A. Contractor on electronic equipment at the U.S. Embassy
B. Wall Street Journal correspondent 
C. Business advisor from McKinsey global consultants
D. Freelance reporter provided Kremlin coverage for the BBC

Correct Response: B. Wall Street Journal correspondent  
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12440087/Jailed-WSJ-reporter-Evan-Gershkovich-arrives-hearing-extending-detention.html

10. A series of thefts from THIS world-famous museum has shaken its reputation for the scrupulous care of artifacts which originated in other countries, such as the Rosetta Stone and Benin Bronzes. 

A. The Louvre
B. The British Museum 
C. The Rijksmuseum
D. The Prado 

Correct Response: B. The British Museum  
https://www.economist.com/britain/2023/08/21/stealing-from-museums-is-easier-than-you-might-think

1. President Biden hosted the first standalone summit, apart from multilateral meeting sideline events, with Japan’s and South Korea’s leaders at THIS venue. The three signed several agreements focused on responding to mutual threats as regional tensions with China and North Korea are on the rise. 

A. Sunnylands, CA
B. Camp David, MD
C. Greenbrier, WV
D. Hickam AFB, HI

Correct Response: B. Camp David, MD
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-meets-leaders-japan-south-korea-camp-david-rcna100674 

2. The U.S. declared THIS group defeated in 2017 in Syria and Iraq after a multinational campaign. The UN now reports fighters in the region are making a comeback with the organization’s Afghanistan offshoot growing to include about 6,000 fighters.

A. Al Qaeda
B. Hizbollah 
C. ISIS
D. Taliban 

Correct Response: C. ISIS
https://www.gzeromedia.com/the-islamic-states-rise-in-afghanistan 

3. After the U.S. authorized release of THIS weapon to Ukraine, the Netherlands and Denmark announced they would transfer them from their inventory.

A. Abrams Tanks
B. Harpoon anti-ship missiles 
C. F-16 Fighting Falcon jets
D. Improved long-range ATACMS

Correct Response: C. F-16 Fighting Falcon jets
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-zelenskyy-netherlands-f16-9252de3ad10357a41212262c560874aa

4. A summit of THIS five-nation grouping of large developing nations will be held in Johannesburg this week. China’s President Xi Jinping will attend; indicted war criminal Russian President Putin will attend virtually. The group produces 25% of global economic activity and boasts 40% of the world’s population.

A. NATO
B. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) 
C. BRICS
D. WTO 

Correct Response: C. BRICS
https://www.gzeromedia.com/viewpoint-brics-countries-seek-to-expand-global-influence

5. Almost half a century after its last lunar exploration mission THIS country’s bid to land a craft, Luna 25, at the moon’s south pole ended in a crash landing.

A. India
B. China 
C. Brazil
D. Russia 

Correct Response: D. Russia
https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/20/world/luna-25-spacecraft-moon-collision-intl/index.html

6. The State Department announced visa restriction sanctions on 100 officials who supported President Daniel Ortega’s campaign to restrict human rights and undermine democracy in THIS Central American nation.

A. Guatemala
B. Paraguay 
C. Costa Rica
D. Nicaragua

Correct Response: D. Nicaragua
https://apnews.com/article/nicaragua-sanctions-nicaraguan-officials-visas-7cbabf27fd31ba2e981d72b65f1c1459 

7. Sweden raised its terrorism threat level to the second-highest mark following THIS string of public desecrations by a handful of anti-Islam activists, sparking outrage across Muslim countries. Sweden's request to join NATO was held up by Turkey over similar issues.

A. LGBTQ hate speech
B. Mosque disruption
C. Quran burning
D. Terrorizing Arab shops

Correct Response: C. Quran burning
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/sweden-raises-terror-threat-level-2nd-highest-recent-102337854 

8. The official unemployment rate has risen to 33% in THIS African country, a member of the BRICS, the highest in the world. Last month, a United Nations report delivered to Deputy President Paul Mashatile described the situation as a "ticking time bomb."

A. Congo
B. Rwanda
C. South Africa
D. Botswana

Correct Response: C. South Africa
https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-unemployment-jobs-economy-un-ab41fc68f3641819cd0d5557e63b17a6

9. China launched a new round of military exercises aimed at intimidating Taiwan after THIS diplomatic development.

A. Taiwan vice president stopover in the U.S.
B. Success of Taiwanese independence minded political party 
C. Visit of U.S. aircraft carrier group to Taiwan
D. Tokyo-Taipei summit 

Correct Response: A. Taiwan vice president stopover in the U.S. 
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/13/china-condemns-visit-of-troublemaker-taiwan-vice-president-to-us.html

10. The financial troubles of THIS G-7 nation brought new woes to global stock markets as investors were concerned over real estate and debt problems and continued impact on growth forecasts. Observers worry the struggling economy and popular pushback may cause leadership to become increasingly aggressive abroad as distractions.

A. Canada 
B. China
C. India
D. Malaysia

Correct Response: B. China
https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2023/08/16/how-bad-could-chinas-property-crisis-get

1. Five Americans wrongfully held in THIS country have been moved from a notorious prison to house detention in advance of their expected release in a deal that will see the U.S. release about $6 billion of that country’s assets.

A. North Korea
B. Iran   
C. Afghanistan
D. Somalia

Correct Response: B. Iran  
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-66465142

 

2. The Biden Administration moved to restrict U.S. firms from investing in China in THIS sector among others, a step that will deepen the rift between the world’s leading economies.

A. Autonomous electric vehicles
B. Solar energy technology 
C. Quantum computing
D. Rare earth metallurgy

Correct Response: C. Quantum computing
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3704610/biden-fuels-tech-trade-war-with-china-banning-ai-chip-and-quantum-system-investments.html

 

3. Former journalist Fernando Villavicencio, candidate for president of THIS country and outspoken critic of government corruption, drug cartels and gangs, was assassinated while campaigning.

A. Bolivia
B. Peru 
C. Paraguay
D. Ecuador

Correct Response: D. Ecuador
https://www.npr.org/2023/08/11/1193521980/ecuador-assassination-presidential-candidate-election-fernando-villavicencio

 

4. Thousands of people took to the streets in THIS Caribbean capital to demand protection against the surge of violent gangs terrorizing the city. Gangs have seized control of up to 80 percent of the capital following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. 

A. Caracas
B. Havana
C. Kingston
D. Port-au-Prince

Correct Response: D. Port-au-Prince
https://apnews.com/article/haiti-gangs-kidnapping-violence-march-c0588f68c7a209e7c95e3902284b3ff2

 

5. A Russian court convicted THIS leading opposition figure to 19 years in prison on top of the prison sentences he is already serving, for politically motivated new charges. He responded with a lengthy essay vilifying the leaders who corrupted post-Soviet Russia.

A. Yevgeny Prigozhin
B. Alexei Gorinov
C. Alexei Navalny
D. Liya Akhėdzhakova

Correct Response: C. Alexei Navalny
https://news.yahoo.com/navalny-admonishes-corrupt-russian-elite-102747999.html

 

6. The World Bank is halting new lending to Uganda over THIS law many countries and the United Nations have condemned. Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs, Okello Oryem, accused the bank of hypocrisy, stating the bank lends to Middle Eastern and Asian countries with similar laws.

A. Freedom of Liberties Bill
B. Citizenship Criteria Bill
C. Uganda’s Land Allocation Act
D. Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act

Correct Response: D. Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/world-bank-says-ugandas-anti-lgbtq-law-violates-its-values-2023-08-08/

 

7. The United States and Saudi Arabia are said to have agreed to normalization of relations between the Riyadh and THIS nation within the next year. Riyadh had long held that the Palestinian issue needed to be resolved before recognition could occur.

A. Iran
B. Iraq
C. Syria
D. Israel

Correct Response: Israel
https://www.gzeromedia.com/are-saudi-and-israel-getting-close-to-a-normalization-deal

 

8. The Chief Constable of THIS police service, Simon Byrne, apologized for an "industrial scale" data breach releasing the personal information of more than 10,000 officers and staff to the public, a sensitive issue after decades of sectarian violence known as "The Troubles." 

A. Police Service of Northern Ireland
B. South Wales Police
C. Thames Valley Police
D. Royal Military Police

Correct Response: A. Police Service of Northern Ireland
https://apnews.com/article/northern-ireland-police-data-breach-574608151408d2fe0f3f228adba4d078

 

9. Legislators in New Delhi passed the “Digital Personal Data Bill” that will impose fines for mishandling personal data but, critics fear, will increase surveillance by THIS government.

A. Pakistan
B. Malaysia 
C. Bangladesh
D. India 

Correct Response: D. India
https://www.reuters.com/technology/india-passes-data-protection-law-amid-surveillance-concerns-2023-08-09

 

10. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, leader of the military junta that took control in THIS country threatened to kill captive President Bazoum if a coalition of neighboring nations, ECOWAC, intervened to reverse the coup.

A. Nigeria
B. Niger 
C. Botswana
D. Mali

Correct Response: B. Niger  
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/west-african-leaders-meet-niger-options-military-junta-102157735

1. A group of eleven Russian and Chinese warships approached U.S. waters in THIS state, the first time such a naval operation was mounted. The ships, which were shadowed by American ships and aircraft, did not enter U.S. territorial waters but the group was called “highly provocative.”

A. Hawaii
B. Florida   
C. Alaska
D. Oregon

Correct Response: C. Alaska
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/06/us-navy-warships-china-russia-naval-patrol-near-alaska

 

2. Russia continued to pound grain export related facilities in Ukraine as Ukrainian forces struck a warship in the Russian port of Novorossiysk and a tanker near Crimea with THIS weapon system.

A. ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles
B. Aerial drones 
C. Saboteurs
D. Autonomous bomb-laden boats

Correct Response: D. Autonomous bomb-laden boats
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-drones-black-sea-crimea-d6ab9c0d71fe9d3d95e1af5953fe8d8a

 

3. Coup leaders who overthrew President Bazoum of Niger faced a deadline by THIS regional group of West African nations to restore the deposed president or face a military intervention.

A. African Union
B. ARTO 
C. ECOWAS
D. Council of the Sahel

Correct Response: C. ECOWAS
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/6/defiance-fear-in-niger-as-ecowas-deadline-looms

 

4. Japan plans to release treated radioactive water from THIS nuclear power facility that was severely damaged by a 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Prime Minister Kishida plans to brief President Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol about safety concerns. China objects.

A. Fukushima
B. Matsuyama 
C. Hamamatsu
D. Fukuoka

Correct Response: A. Fukushima

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-start-fukushima-water-release-early-late-aug-media-2023-08-06/

 

5. Pakistan may delay November elections after THIS former prime minister, leading opposition figure and former cricket star player was sentenced to three years in prison for public corruption.

A. Humayun Dilawar
B. Imran Khan 
C. Shehbaz Sharif
D. Zaigham Kharn

Correct Response: B. Imran Khan  
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/05/world/asia/imran-khan-pakistan-arrested.html

 

6. About 36,000 scouts are being evacuated from the 25th World Scout Jamboree in THIS country ahead of Typhoon Khanun. It follows the withdrawal of U.S. and UK contingents from the event after hundreds fell ill from rising temperatures and, according to head of UK Scouts, concerns about cleanliness and food.

A. India
B. Taiwan 
C. South Korea
D. Philippines

Correct Response: C. South Korea
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-koreas-heatwave-hit-scout-jamboree-bracing-typhoon-2023-08-07/

 

7. The military junta that rules Myanmar pardoned THIS Nobel laureate on some of the trumped-up charges she faced but she will remain under house arrest. She was de facto leader of the government until her ouster in 2021, as the country entered a protracted civil war.

A. Cheah Praik Yeong
B. Vivien Khoo
C. Aung San Suu Kyi
D. Kyal Sin

Correct Response: C. Aung San Suu Kyi
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66357403

 

8. The U.S. and THIS resource-rich country, vital to the electric vehicle market and strategically located in the Indo-Pacific, announced an "Open Skies" civil aviation deal granting streamlined airplane transportation. 

A. Democratic Republic of the Congo
B. India
C. Kazakhstan
D. Mongolia

Correct Response: D. Mongolia 
https://www.reuters.com/world/mongolia-us-prepare-sign-open-skies-deal-ahead-talks-official-2023-08-02/?n=@

 

9. A Ukrainian official labeled as “constructive” peace talks among 40 countries hosted in THIS country, despite the absence of Russia, the country that launched an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. 

A. France
B. Saudi Arabia
C. Turkey
D. China

Correct Response: B. Saudi Arabia
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/08/07/russia-ukraine-war-news/

 

10. The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, defending champions, were knocked out of the World Cup in a stunning shootout conclusion, losing to THIS country’s national team.

A. Sweden
B. Netherlands 
C. Italy
D. Japan

Correct Response: A. Sweden
https://sports.yahoo.com/uswnt-loses-to-sweden-on-penalties-crashes-out-of-world-cup-in-round-of-16-114845305.html

1. Moscow has backed out of a deal allowing Black Sea grain shipments from Ukraine, the “breadbasket of Europe.” Almost half of all Ukraine grain exports were shipped from THIS key port city until the latest Russian move.

A. Kyiv
B. Odessa
C. Sevastopol
D. Mariupol

Correct Response: B. Odessa
https://www.gzeromedia.com/graphic-truth-where-can-ukraine-grain-go-now 

2. Wagner militia group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was seen in St. Petersburg at a summit for THIS region’s leaders hosted by President Vladimir Putin.

A. Southeast Asia
B. The Levant
C. Africa
D. Central America

Correct Response: C. Africa
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66333403

3. The sharp-tongued foreign minister of THIS country, who warned of “conflict and confrontation” with the United States, was removed from his post after a mysterious month-long absence from public view.

A. China
B. Iran
C. North Korea
D. Russia

Correct Response: A. China
https://apnews.com/article/china-foreign-minister-us-qin-gang-439166c1be01049c940ac48d6dc065fc

4. Democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was deposed in a military coup in THIS country, a strategic outpost for U.S. military counter terrorism operations in the Sahel region of Africa. The U.S. and EU suspended their substantial aid to the country, demanding the reinstatement of Bazoum.

A. Mali
B. Ghana
C. Niger
D. Liberia

Correct Response: C. Niger
https://www.gzeromedia.com/niger-niger-burning-bright

5. Despite massive protests, Israel’s parliament passed the first part of a judicial reform that strips the Supreme Court's power to review government decisions that do not pass THIS standard.

A. “Reasonableness” test
B. Citizen’s Review Board
C. Doctrine of Proportionality
D. Presumption of Regularity

Correct Response: A. “Reasonableness” test
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-turmoil-judicial-overhaul-vote-netanyahu-rcna96121

6. A suicide bomber struck a political rally in the north of THIS country, killing at least 45 people. The rally, held by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) party, a member of the government coalition, was aimed at building support for elections scheduled for later this year.

A. Afghanistan
B. Bangladesh
C. Pakistan
D. Iraq

Correct Response: C. Pakistan
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66321749

7. The Biden Administration’s efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel are facing head winds. The follow up to THIS agreement in 2020 which brought recognition between Israel and Arab states Bahrain, UAE and Morocco is facing discord over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and Saudi Arabia’s defense and nuclear support conditions.

A. Abraham Accord
B. JCPOA
C. Abu Dhabi Protocol
D. Cairo Pact

Correct Response: A. Abraham Accord
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-30/arab-states-sour-on-israel-in-blow-to-us-aim-of-saudi-peace-pact

8. The first woman to hold Italy’s Prime Minister office met with President Biden at the White House. Despite concerns about the right-wing party THIS PM heads, the two were in agreement on policies toward Ukraine and China.

A. Donatella Versace
B. Giorgia Meloni
C. Chiara Ferragni
D. Monica Belluci

Correct Response: B. Giorgia Meloni
https://news.sky.com/story/giorgia-meloni-italian-pm-hits-out-at-false-propaganda-around-her-right-wing-government-after-talks-with-joe-biden-12930038

9. The newly passed Hijab and Chastity Bill in THIS country threatens severe punishment, up to ten years in prison, for violations. It ramps up gender segregation in many public spaces and aims to intimidate “celebrities” who violate the law. Protestors continue to mark the beating death in custody of Mahsa Amini who was held last year for violating head covering rules.

A. Pakistan
B. Sudan
C. Saudi Arabia
D. Iran

Correct Response: D. Iran
https://www.gzeromedia.com/iran-unveils-law-targeting-hijab-free-celebrities

10. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson visited Brazil's Science Minister at their space research center INPE to propose expanding satellite partnerships to monitor THIS critical environmental issue.

A. Emerging wildfires
B. Illegal Amazon deforestation
C. Illegal border crossings
D. Port pollution

Correct Response: B. Illegal Amazon deforestation
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/nasa-chief-offers-brazil-satellite-imaging-to-help-stop-amazon-deforestation/ar-AA1em2Gs

1. NATO leaders’ summit participants in Vilnius resisted Ukraine’s push to become a member of the alliance, some fearing it would mean invoking THIS provision for mutual defense – an attack on one is an attack on all – and drawing NATO into direct conflict with Russia.

A. Section 27 of the North Atlantic Treaty
B. Article XXI of the Second NATO Charter
C. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty
D. Section 5 of the NATO Articles of Confederation

Correct Response: C. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/14/europe/biden-ukraine-comments-nato-analysis-intl/index.html

 

2. On the eve of the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, THIS president agreed to set aside their veto and clear a path in parliament for Sweden's application to NATO. The apparent change of heart came after Sweden pledged deeper cooperation on counterterrorism and support of Turkey's EU membership bid.

A. Nataša Pirc Musar
B. Abdullah Gül
C. Viktor Orbán
D. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
Correct Response: D. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
https://apnews.com/article/nato-turkey-sweden-erdogan-90c8dc9eca976cabebeaa5bfee4d1904

3. North Korea launched a solid fuel propelled ICBM, a Hwasong-18 the core of Pyongyang’s nuclear attack force that fell into the Sea of Japan as a demonstration. North Korea said the launch was a response to THIS provocation.

A. Visit of a U.S. aircraft carrier to South Korea
B. Flights of U.S. reconnaissance aircraft in North Korea exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan 
C. Augmentation of troops on the South Korean side of the DMZ
D. Closing a joint North-South Korea reconciliation office.

Correct Response: B. Flights of U.S. reconnaissance aircraft in North Korea exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan  
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/16/japan-s-korea-us-hold-joint-drills-after-n-koreas-icbm-launch

 

4. Egypt launched a new bid at a neighbors’ summit to halt fighting between THESE two warring factions and contain the humanitarian crisis it unleashed. The raging conflict has displaced over three million people.  

A. Israel's Defense Forces and Palestine's Liberation Army
B. Sudan’s Armed Forces and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces
C. Afghanistan’s Armed Forces and ISIS
D. Ukraine’s Armed Forces and Russia’s Wagner Group

Correct Response: B. Sudan’s Armed Forces and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/egypt-launch-fresh-sudan-mediation-attempt-during-summit-2023-07-13/

 

5. Yoon Suk-yeol, president of THIS country made a surprise visit to Ukraine including visits to Russian atrocity sites. Yoon agreed to expand humanitarian support to $150M but could not extend sale of lethal materials – his country holds one of the world’s largest stockpiles of munitions – until the country amends its laws.

A. Japan
B. Taiwan 
C. Thailand
D. South Korea

Correct Response: D. South Korea
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/15/south-koreas-president-yoon-in-ukraine-to-meet-zelenskyy

 

6. The president of THIS BRICS nation was in Paris for top-level honors including a place of prominence in Bastille Day celebrations and sales of fighter jets and submarines. He and President Macron exchanged new camaraderie but did not gain any new position in support of Ukraine from the visitor.

A. Indonesia
B. Belarus 
C. India
D. Brazil

Correct Response: C. India
https://apnews.com/article/france-india-warplanes-bastille-day-macron-modi-081f753a6c239e74af7c119f2f025213

 

7. The president of THIS nation, Emerson Mnangagwa, up for election in August announced a law prohibiting criticism of the government. The so-called Patriotic Bill, announced in the capital of Harare, could strip violators of citizenship or face jailing.

A. Kenya
B. Zimbabwe
C. South Africa
D. Sudan

Correct Response: B. Zimbabwe
https://news.yahoo.com/zimbabwe-president-signs-law-prohibits-101357596.html

 

8. Pita Limjaroenrat failed to secure sufficient support from lawmakers to become THIS Southeast Asian country's next prime minister, stumbling in his first attempt to restore a pro-democracy government and end nearly a decade of conservative military rule. 

A. Thailand
B. Cambodia
C. Malaysia
D. Indonesia

Correct Response: A. Thailand
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66172289

 

9. Belarussian troops are beginning to be trained by troops from THIS mercenary group that was headed by Yevgeny Prigozhin until he launched a mutiny against Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian president Zelensky is closely monitoring the move to improve Belarus’ troops.

A. Prigozhin Group
B. Wagner Group
C. October Army
D. Sword of the State

Correct Response: B. Wagner Group
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/14/wagner-trains-soldiers-in-belarus-after-foiled-mutiny-in-russia

 

10. Europeans are dealing with deadly high temperatures throughout the continent. The temperature was expected to hit 117 degrees Farenheit on the island of Sardinia, part of THIS country.

A. France
B. Italy 
C. Spain
D. Portugal

Correct Response: B. Italy  
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/italy-health-warning-europe-heatwave-saturday-intl/index.html

1. President Biden was to meet King Charles and British PM Sunak on his way to the NATO summit in THIS Baltic capital, which is expected to focus on solidarity with Ukraine. 

A. Vilnius, Lithuania
B. Tallinn, Estonia 
C. Riga, Latvia
D. Warsaw, Poland

Correct Response: A. Vilnius, Lithuania
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/biden-meet-with-king-charles-pm-sunak-ahead-nato-meeting-2023-07-10

 

2. The world is big enough for both countries to thrive, according to THIS U.S. official, the latest Biden Administration Secretary to meet Chinese officials with the aim of reducing tensions between the two largest economies.

A. Lloyd Austin
B. Antony Blinken 
C. Janet Yellen
D. Julie Su 

Correct Response: C. Janet Yellen
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/10/yellens-latest-trip-helps-set-a-new-normal-for-us-china-ties.html

 

3. Pro-democracy advocates say an enticement giving out 700,000 plane tickets to boost tourism by THIS former British colony will not cover up human rights abuses that routinely occur there since China imposed the National Security Law three years ago. 

A. Taiwan 
B. Hong Kong
C. Singapore 
D. Brunei

Correct Response: B. Hong Kong
https://www.dw.com/en/have-chinas-security-laws-changed-hong-kong-forever/a-66081635

4. Due to a combination of the El Niño weather event and carbon emissions, scientists say THIS reading was the highest in any instrumental record dating back to the end of the 19th century.

A. World's hottest average global temperature
B. World’s largest per-square-meter hurricane 
C. World’s coldest average global temperature during the summer
D. World's most lethal day for lost biodiversity during the summer

Correct Response: A. The world's hottest average global temperature
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-66104822

5. China placed a ban on imports from THIS country over plans to release nuclear power plant water contained after a 2011 earthquake and tsunami into the ocean. A UN nuclear official said it would have a “negligible impact” on the environment but China not backing down on the ban.

A. South Korea 
B. India
C. Japan 
D. Singapore 

Correct Answer: C. Japan
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66132261  

 

6. A candidate for THIS resurgent far-right party in Germany has won a mayoral election for the first time since the party's founding a decade ago. It is being called a watershed moment in Germany's politics.

A. Deutsche Reichspartei
B. Nationaldemokratische Partei Deutschlands (NPD)
C. Alternative für Deutschland (AfD)
D. Nationalist Front

Correct Response: C. Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/07/03/alternative-for-germany-mayor-election/

 

7. In a move to become a global powerhouse in sports, THIS country announced its plans to launch a new sports investment company that will be a part of the country’s $650 billion sovereign wealth fund. Many human rights activists have criticized these investments, such as the LIV golf association, stating that they are an effort to distract from the country's human rights records.  

A. Kuwait
B. United Arab Emirates 
C. Qatar 
D. Saudi Arabia   

Correct Answer: D. Saudi Arabia
Source: https://www.gzeromedia.com/saudi-vs-qatar-a-sporting-rivalry  

 

8. President Biden approved the shipment of THIS munition to Ukraine sparking criticism from allies and opponents who claim unexploded bomblets pose hazards to civilians long after fighting ends. About 100 countries, including Ukraine, are prohibited by treaty from producing, using, or transferring these weapons.

 
A. Cluster Bomb 
B. ATACMS 
C. Patriot
D. Land mines

Correct Answer: A. Cluster Bomb  Source: https://www.gzeromedia.com/biden-to-supply-cluster-munitions-to-ukraine

 

9. The unresolved question about asylum policies led to the government of THIS country to fall.

A. Belgium
B. Germany 
C. Netherlands
D. France

Correct Answer: C. Netherlands
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/8/dutch-govt-falls-over-failure-to-agree-on-asylum-seeker-policy

 

10. Following the suicide death of THIS major Chinese pop icon, a major debate has been sparked about the state of mental health in the country. Professionals say that, as China’s economy has quickly advanced, there has been more pressure put on individuals in school and the workplace, resulting in as many as one in seven residents having to deal with mental illness.  

A. Coco Lee
B. Teresa Teng
C. Sam Hui 
D. Jay Chou  

Correct Answer: A. Coco Lee Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-66125051