Weekly Quiz Answers

1. A spectacular attack by land, air and sea coupled with rocket attacks and cyber warfare by THIS terror group caught Israel by surprise early Saturday resulting in over 700 civilian and military deaths, thousands wounded and over 100 Israelis abducted.

A. Hezbollah
B. Islamic Jihad   
C. ISIS
D. Hamas

Correct Response: D. Hamas
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-67037895

 

2. The unprecedented Hamas terror attack on Israel was launched from THIS territory by militias breaking through border barriers, attacking from the sea and flying motorized paragliders.

A. Golan
B. West Bank
C. Gaza
D. Sinai

Correct Response: C. Gaza
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-67037895

 

3. The attack against Israel, the so-called “Al Aqsa Storm,” highlighted the role of THIS major patron of Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist and militia organizations.

A. Syria
B. Iran
C. Yemen
D. Lebanon 

Correct Response: B. Iran 
https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/07/middleeast/israel-hamas-rocket-attack-what-we-know-intl/index.html

 

4. The Sabbath day surprise attack on Israel occurred 50 years and one day after an Arab coalition led by Egypt and Syria launched surprise strikes into Israel starting a three-week war known as THIS.

A. Yom Kippur War
B. The Second Arab Israeli War 
C. The Sinai War
D. Desert Storm

Correct Response: A. Yom Kippur War
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/07/what-was-the-yom-kippur-war/71098719007/

 

5. The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize was won by THIS person. 

A. Jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi
B. Members of the Peace in Tigray committee
C. World Central Kitchen director José Andrés
D. Anti-Putin dissident Alexei Navalny

Correct Response: A. Jailed Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi
https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/06/world/nobel-peace-prize-winner-2023-intl/index.html

 

6. Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed a permanent seat on the UN Security Council for THIS country that has supported Moscow’s oil sales despite calls for Ukraine-invasion sanctions.

A. Brazil
B. Indonesia
C. India
D. South Africa 

Correct Response: C. India
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-06/putin-praises-modi-s-india-as-giant-backs-permanent-un-seat

 

7. A U.S. F-16 fighter shot down an armed Turkish drone over THIS country after it flew close to American forces and their Kurdish partners fighting ISIS. NATO ally Turkey considers all Kurdish forces and facilities in THIS country as legitimate counter terrorism targets.

A. Iraq
B. Iran 
C. Syria
D. Lebanon

Correct Response: C. Syria
https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/05/politics/us-downs-turkey-drone-syria/index.html

 

8. The complicated U.S.-led talks to bring THIS country into the so-called “Abraham Accords” normalization among Arab states and Israel, face new challenges with the unfolding Israel-Hamas war.

A. Iraq
B. Qatar 
C. Saudi Arabia
D. Oman

Correct Response: C. Saudi Arabia
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-05/biden-middle-east-push-complicated-by-saudi-arabia-s-nuclear-ambitions

 

9. Italian PM Meloni and THIS British PM called for “creative Europe-wide solutions” at a European summit on the migrant crisis which this year has seen over 100,000 people landing in Italy and 20,000 in England.

A. Emmanuel Macron
B. Jeremy Hunt
C. Penny Mordaunt
D. Rishi Sunak

Correct Response: D. Rishi Sunak
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67007683

 

10. The United States sent the Ukraine over a million rounds of small arms ammunition, which had been seized from an illegal shipment from THIS country to fighters in Yemen.

A. Syria
B. North Korea 
C. Iran
D. Sudan

Correct Response: C. Iran
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67014218

 

1. Congress passed a short-term funding plan that omitted THIS military aid package, undercutting $6 billion in promised support.

A. Support to Philippines for anti-insurgent training
B. Air defense equipment to South Korea   
C. Anti-drug special forces helicopters to Colombia
D. Military material support to Ukraine

Correct Response: D. Military material support to Ukraine
https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/ukraine/2023/10/01/biden-says-theres-not-much-time-to-keep-aid-flowing-to-ukraine/

 

2. Turkey attacked militant targets in northern Iraq in retaliation for a bombing outside the Interior Ministry in Ankara. The bombing was claimed by THIS group, considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the EU.

A. Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK)
B. Islamic State (ISIS) 
C. Al Qaeda
D. Kurdistan Liberation Organization

Correct Response: A. Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK)
https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/02/middleeast/turkey-airstrike-iraq-kurdish-pkk-ankara-bomb-intl/index.html

 

3. Indonesia launched a high-speed rail service, dubbed “Whoosh,” with support from THIS Chinese infrastructure development project.

A. Ports, Rails and Roadways (PRR) Project
B. The Peoples Path
C. Belt and Road Initiative
D. Global Reach

Correct Response: C. Belt and Road Initiative
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66979810

 

4. Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley retired in a ceremony in which he swore in his successor, THIS U.S. Air Force officer whose mantra has been “Accelerate Change.”

A. Admiral Chris Taylor
B. General Peter Matthews
C. General Charles Brown
D. General Anthony Cordele 

Correct Response: C. General Charles Brown
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/chairman-joint-chiefs-brown-succeeds-milley/

 

5. U.S. Army soldier Travis King, a soldier who escaped military control and fled to THIS country was expelled and returned to the United States.

A. Iran 
B. Venezuela
C. North Korea 
D. Belarus

Correct Response: C. North Korea 
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-soldier-travis-king-arrives-texas-after-release-north-korea-cnn-2023-09-28/

6. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Andrei Troshev, a commander in THIS mercenary group and asked him to oversee the militia’s operations in Ukraine. 

A. Prigozhin Brigade
B. The Victory Group 
C. Bakhmut Battalion 
D. Wagner Group 

Correct Response: D. Wagner Group
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66957307

 

7. The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to two Hungarian scientists for their work in THIS critical area.

A. Genome discoveries in human evolution
B. Development of Covid-19 vaccines
C. Discovery of Hepatitis-C cure
D. Research into viable Malaria treatments

Correct Response: B. Development of Covid-19 vaccines
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/kariko-weissman-win-medicine-nobel-covid-19-vaccine-work-2023-10-02

 

8. France is to withdraw its ambassador and 1,500 troops from THIS country, ending a months-long stand-off since a coup that overthrew Mohamed Bazoum, the elected president, in July. 

A. Burkina Faso
B. Gabon
C. Niger
D. Sudan

Correct Response: C. Niger
https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/09/25/why-emmanuel-macron-is-pulling-french-troops-out-of-niger

 

9. Canada's Parliament speaker, Anthony Rota, resigned after THIS incident in a parliamentary session that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy attended. 

A. Rota introduced a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during WWII as a Ukrainian hero 
B. Rota failed to mediate a divisive debate about funding for Ukraine
C. Rota accidentally disclosed sensitive classified information 
D. Rota revealed allegations of mismanagement of parliamentary resources

Correct Response:  A. Rota introduced a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during WWII as a Ukrainian hero
https://apnews.com/article/canada-house-speaker-nazi-invite-ukraine-zelenskyy-d4ca05841193409e455cee3b19fcee6b

 

10. Funding for the widely successful AIDS relief program, called THIS, is under attack in Congress. Although it has no connection to reproductive healthcare opponents call for legislative language to prohibit AIDS care by organizations that also provide abortion services.

A. AIDS Relief
B. PEPFAR
C. Africa Aid
D. AIDS-WHO

Correct Response: B. PEPFAR 
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/09/29/1201935134/what-would-it-mean-if-pepfar-the-widely-hailed-anti-hiv-effort-isnt-reauthorized

 

1. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced at the House of Commons that “agents of the government” of THIS country carried out an assassination of a Canadian citizen in British Columbia in June.

A. Malaysia
B. Saudi Arabia  
C. India
D. China

Correct Response: C. India
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/18/world/canada/canada-india-sikh-killing.html

 

2. Five Americans illegally detained by Iran for years were freed after the U.S. agreed to THIS term.

A. Agreeing to limit U.S. Navy ship transits of the Hormuz Strait
B. Dropping sanction limits on imports of chips to Iran
C. Increasing the quota for Iranian students to U.S. colleges
D. Unfreezing of Iranian monetary assets held by South Korea 

Correct Response: D. Unfreezing of Iranian monetary assets held by South Korea
https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-prisoner-swap-sanctions-assets-4e1fa477f8e6af45fb764acd259c2f1a

 

3. Ukraine continued attacks behind Russia’s front lines with a strike on THIS military target in Sevastopol, a week after attacks damaged two Russian Navy ships in the port city.

A. Russian long range missile storage facility
B. Black Sea Fleet headquarters 
C. Crimean military district communications center
D. Russian army drone factory 

Correct Response: B. Black Sea Fleet HQ
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/ukraine-strikes-headquarters-russia-black-sea-fleet-crimea-rcna116848

 

4. President Biden will host leaders from 20 nations from THIS region in an effort to woo them away from China’s advances diplomatically, economically, militarily and politically.

A. South Atlantic
B. Caribbean
C. South Pacific
D. Horn of Africa

Correct Response: C. South Pacific
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3235655/us-back-force-pacific-biden-hosts-regional-leaders-summit-vows-reopen-embassies-following-chinas

 

5. Balkan tensions are rising as 30 Serb gunmen killed a police officer in THIS country that broke away from Serbia in 2008 but remains unrecognized by Belgrade.

A. Macedonia
B. Moldova
C. Kosovo
D. Slovenia

Correct Response: C. Kosovo
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/kosovo-police-officer-killed-wounded-attack-north-raising-103442682

 

6. Thousands of Armenian refugees are fleeing THIS conflicted region following Azerbaijan’s attack and capture of the territory, home to over 120,000 ethnic Armenians. Yerevan warned that those who remained faced ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijanis who said they would be re-integrated as “equal citizens.”

A. Moldova
B. Chechnya 
C. Baluchistan
D. Nagorno-Karabakh

Correct Response: D. Nagorno-Karabakh
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66905581

 

7. President Biden hosted THIS world leader who had spoken at the opening of the UN General Assembly earlier in the week, to discuss military aid and stamping out corruption and to pledge continuing support. He also made a stop to thank Canadians for their support.

A. Benjamin Netanyahu
B. Volodymyr Zelenskiy
C. Recep Tayyip Erdogan
D. Narendra Modi

Correct Response: B. Volodymyr Zelenskiy 
https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraines-zelenskiy-press-skeptical-republicans-aid-washington-visit-2023-09-21

 

8. President Biden hosted THIS world leader who had spoken at the opening of the UN General Assembly earlier in the week, to discuss normalization of relations with Arab states and preservation of democratic values.

A. Benjamin Netanyahu
B. Volodymyr Zelenskiy
C. Recep Tayyip Erdogan
D. Narendra Modi

Correct Response: A. Benjamin Netanyahu
https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/22/middleeast/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-cnn-interview-intl/index.html

 

9. China and THIS war-torn Middle East nation will upgrade their ties to a strategic partnership as President Bashar al Assad paid a visit to China.

A. Yemen
B. Bahrain 
C. Syria
D. Oman

Correct Response: C. Syria
https://www.reuters.com/world/xi-china-is-willing-work-with-syria-upgrades-ties-2023-09-22

 

10. The lower house of parliament in THIS EU nation introduced use of Catalan, Basque and Galician languages for official business in exchange for political compromise on a new speaker. The move is seen as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’ effort to cultivate regional parties.

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

Correct Response: D. Spain
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-lawmakers-don-earphones-regional-languages-make-debut-lower-house-2023-09-19

 

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