Weekly Quiz Answers

1. As diplomats assembled in Germany for preparatory talks before this year’s climate conference, a group of EU-funded experts say THIS benchmark global warning target is moving out of reach. "We've run out of time because change takes time,” said one climatologist.

A. The 20% cut in glacier acreage melting
B. The 8 inch cut in lowland sea rising
C. The limit of 10 degree Celsius rise in North America’s mean summer temperature
D. The 1.5 degree Celsius threshold

Correct Response: D. The 1.5 degree Celsius threshold
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/climate-nears-point-no-return-land-sea-temperatures-break-records-experts-2023-06-30

 

2. France deployed 40,000 police officers to crack down on riots after THIS incident during a traffic stop in a Paris suburb went viral and sparked massive protests. The days of violence led President Macron to cancel a trip abroad.

A. The harsh response to rowdy fans outside a football stadium 
B. The beatdown of peaceful protesting environmentalists 
C. The fatal overdose of an ambassador 
D. The deadly police shooting of a 17-year-old boy

Correct Response: D. The deadly police shooting of a 17-year-old boy
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/france-deploys-40000-police-to-quell-violence-after-shooting-of-teen-driver

3. The Israeli Defense Force attacked targets in the Jenin refugee camp in THIS occupied territory saying they were after “terrorist infrastructure” while the Palestinian PM called it an effort to “destroy the camp and displace its people.”

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

Correct Response: C. West Bank
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-66085089

 

4. High summer temperatures in Saudi Arabia at THIS Islamic religious observance killed over 230 and caused heat stress in thousands. It is an annual event that attracted about 1.8 million Muslims who were meeting their at least once-in-a-lifetime obligation. 

A. Ramadan
B. Hajj
C. Eid
D. Zakat 

Correct Response: B. Hajj 

https://www.economist.com/interactive/christmas-specials/2022/12/20/how-will-the-haj-change-as-global-temperatures-rise

 

5. A court in Brazil banned THIS former President from holding office for eight years citing his abuse of power while in office.

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

Correct Response: B. Jair Bolsonaro
https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2023/06/30/jair-bolsonaro-is-barred-from-office-for-eight-years

 

6. The U.S. issued an advisory suggesting travelers reconsider going to THIS country as it said the “government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law.”

A. Myanmar
B. Belarus 
C. China
D. North Korea

Correct Response: C. China
https://apnews.com/article/us-china-travel-advisory-8ee10ab5ed3b269ad3cdf4dfe715a22a

 

7. The President of THIS Russian ally confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin had arrived in his country following the Wagner militia group’s failed mutiny.

A. Moldova
B. China 
C. Belarus
D. Kazakhstan

Correct Response: C. Belarus
https://news.sky.com/story/yevgeny-prigozhin-will-keep-a-low-profile-in-belarus-but-wagner-boss-is-a-dangerous-animal-for-president-lukashenko-12912892

 

8. It’s the tenth anniversary of a coup that removed the first democratically elected civilian in Egypt resulting in repressive rule by THIS former General.

A. Mohammed Morsi
B. Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi
C. Hosni Nassar
D. Hafez al-Assad 

Correct Response: B. Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi 
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/reintroducing-fear-barrier-10-years-sisis-coup-continues-squeezing-egypt

 

9. The Barbie movie will be banned by Vietnam in a dispute over a depiction of China’s territorial sea claims on a map depicted in the film showing THIS body of water.

A. Gulf of Tonkin
B. South China Sea 
C. East China Sea
D. Mekong River

Correct Response: B. South China Sea  
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66083761

 

10. A South Korea law passed under President Yoon Suk Yeol last year just came into effect to scrap THIS traditional method and fully adopt an international standard. 

A. "Korean age," a baby is considered one year old as soon as it is born
B. Korean units of measurement, the base unit area is the pyeong
C. Age of consent, teenagers 13 or older
D. “Koryo medicine,” acupuncture, herbal medicine, and moxibustion

Correct Response: A. "Korean age," a baby is considered one year old as soon as it is born https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/south-korea-year-younger-traditional-way-counting-age-scrapped-rcna91609

1. The dramatic revolt against the Kremlin by Yevgeny Prigozhin led Wagner militia group started with their seizure of THIS city, a key hub for Russia’s invasion forces in Eastern Ukraine. 

A. Bakhmut
B. Rostov on Don 
C. Belgorad
D. Krasnodar

Correct Response: B. Rostov on Don 
https://www.reuters.com/business/russias-rostov-seized-by-rebels-is-important-commodity-hub-2023-06-24/

 

2. Russian state TV showed THIS defense minister visiting troops in Ukraine – not known when – following the failed revolt by so-called warlord Prigozhin that called for his removal.

A. Gerasimov
B. Mishushtin 
C. Medvedev
D. Shoigu

Correct Response: D. Shoigu
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-66006142

 

3. The militia group mutiny that challenged Vladimir Putin was ended through negotiation with Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin orchestrated by THIS Moscow ally leader in Belarus. 

A. Orbán
B. Lukashenko
C. Duda
D. Vučić

Correct Response: B. Lukashenko
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/25/world/europe/belarus-lukashenko-russia-wagner.html

 

4. President Joe Biden recently hosted the Prime Minister from THIS Indo-Pacific County for a rare official state visit that coincided with the strengthening of bilateral relations between the countries. The visit will focus on China and how this country can support the counter-offense against “Beijing’s malign influence.”  

A. Australia
B. Philippines
C. India
D. Japan  

Correct Answer: C. India
Source: https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/06/modis-trip-washington-marks-new-heights-us-india-ties 

 

5. The Bank of China fixed the exchange rate between THIS currency and the U.S. dollar at a seven-month low reflecting the country’s economic woes and exchange rate declines following the rise in U.S. interest rates.

A. Lira
B. Yen
C. Yuan
D. Dram 

Correct Response: C. Yuan
https://www.reuters.com/article/china-yuan-midday/chinas-yuan-hovers-at-7-month-low-on-caution-over-cenbanks-surprise-fixing-idUKL1N38I0DS

 

6. Around 50 heads of state and representatives from international institutions, attended THIS two-day Summit hosted by President Macron in Paris where U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked: "It is clear that the international financial architecture has failed in its mission to provide a global safety net for developing countries." 

A. Eco Vision Forum
B. COP 35
C. Global Finance Pact
D. G50

Correct Response: C. Global Finance Pact
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/highlights-what-world-leaders-said-paris-finance-summit-2023-06-22/

 

7. A massive gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant in northwestern China tragically killed 31 people on the eve of THIS three-day Chinese holiday, causing anger in the nation and leading President Xi Jinping to call for better safety measures.

A. Dragon Boat Festival
B. Ghost Festival
C. Lantern Festival
D. Laba Festival

Correct Response: A. Dragon Boat Festival
https://time.com/6289178/deadly-gas-explosion-china/

 

8. Lawmakers in Helsinki approved Petteri Orpo as THIS country’s new prime minister. Orpo, a self-styled fiscal conservative is leader of the National Coalition Party (NCP) and his victory ushered in a right-wing government after the ousting of Prime Minister Sanna Marin, a Social Democrat.

A. Finland
B. Denmark
C. Sweden
D. Norway

Correct Response: A. Finland
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/finlands-parliament-backs-petteri-orpo-as-pm-replacing-sanna-marin/ar-AA1cNjbI

 

9. Over two hundred migrants traveling from Africa to mainland Europe on inflatable boats were rescued on THIS island after their boat sank off the west coast of Africa killing 39. The route taken by these migrants – the Western Africa-Atlantic migration route – is considered one of the routes, with hundreds of migrants dying each year due to improper supplies and rough sea water.  

A. Ibiza
B. Capri
C. Canary Islands
D. Corsica 

Correct Answer: C. Canary Islands, Spain
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65995796 

 

10. Following the implementation of a new online news law by the Canadian government, big platforms will be forced to compensate news publishers for content posted on their sites. THIS company will stubbornly begin to restrict or end news availability across its platforms, stating the law is "fundamentally flawed” ignoring “the realities of how our platforms work." 

A. Apple 
B. Twitter 
C. Meta 
D. Tencent  

Correct Answer: C. Meta
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65969970  

1. Antony Blinken met Chinese President Xi Jinping a year after his proposed trip to Beijing was derailed over THIS incident.

A. Pelosi Taiwan visit
B. Spy balloon shootdown   
C. U.S. labeling Uighur repression as genocide
D. Provocative Chinese intercepts of U.S. aircraft

Correct Response: B. Spy balloon shootdown  
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-15/blinken-heads-to-china-setting-low-expectations-what-to-watch

 

2. President Biden met with THIS NATO Secretary General ahead of a summit of the alliance’s 31 members. They likely also talked about his replacement when the Secretary General steps down in September.

A. Jens Stoltenberg
B. Ben Wallace 
C. Mette Frederiksen
D. Ursula von der Leyen

Correct Response: A. Jens Stoltenberg
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/13/blinken-previews-robust-package-for-ukraine-with-nato-secretary-general-00101734

 

3. A search for survivors from a boat with 400-750 refugees that sank near THIS country was called off. About 100 survivors and 80 people who drowned were recovered in an incident that has raised questions about the sinking while the boat was being shadowed by THIS country’s coast guard.

A. Italy
B. Turkey 
C. Greece
D. France

Correct Response: C. Greece
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/emotional-reunion-amid-despair-greece-searches-shipwreck-survivors-2023-06-16/

 

4. Russian President Vladimir Putin said nuclear weapons had been delivered to the territory of THIS ally, increasing the tensions over Moscow’s threats to use nuclear weapons in its stymied invasion of Ukraine.

A. Moldova
B. Kazakhstan 
C. Georgia
D. Belarus

Correct Response: D. Belarus
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-16/putin-says-belarus-got-first-russian-nuclear-weapons-as-planned

 

5. This week THIS leader will be welcomed for an official State visit to the White House. The Economist said a pragmatic friendship with his country is “indispensable for America, because of its growing economic clout; the soft power of its enormous diaspora (which these days includes the heads of several big American companies) and a shared suspicion of China.”

A. Macron
B. Modi
C. Sunak
D. Kishida 

Correct Response: B. Modi
https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/16/politics/white-house-india-state-dinner-entertainment/index.html

 

6. Over 14,000 refugees have fled the civil conflict between the Army and the Rapid Support Forces militia in THIS country to the Central African Republic, placing major strain on CAR's resources. Basic needs, such as water and public health infrastructure, are not available with the country’s current conditions. 

A. Sudan
B. Kenya
C. Uganda
D. Ethiopia 

Correct Response: A. Sudan
Source: https://www.dailychatter.com/stories/direction-hopelessness/

 

7. Dakar ordered the closure of some consulates after attacks against diplomatic officers. The attacks are said to be protests against the ‘corrupted’ government of THIS country.  

A. Senegal
B. Mali
C. Algeria
D. Nigeria 

Correct Response: A. Senegal
Source: https://www.dailychatter.com/stories/boiling-over-6/

 

8. Australia banned THIS symbol from being able to be displayed publicly. This ban comes as intelligence officials warn of the rise of far-right groups. 

A. American Confederate symbols
B. Blood Drop Cross
C. Crossed Hammers
D. Swastika 

Correct Response: D. Swastika
Source: https://www.dailychatter.com/stories/out-of-sight/ 

 

9. The European Union ordered THIS company to sell part of their advertising section after a two-year investigation found favoritism with its ad server. The action is only the latest EU pushback against it and other U.S. tech firms.

A. Google
B. Apple
C. Microsoft
D. Meta

Correct Response: A. Google
Source: https://www.dailychatter.com/stories/clash-of-the-titans-2/

 

10. THIS country stated it had no legal grounds to stop anti-Muslim protests that included burning copies of the Quran. In response, Turkey is blocking its NATO membership.

A. Norway
B. Sweden
C. Finland
D. Iceland

Correct Response: B. Sweden
Source: https://www.dailychatter.com/stories/a-burning-faith/

 

1. The highest-level visit of a U.S. official to China since 2018 is set for next week when THIS Secretary of State travels to Beijing. He was set to visit last year but that trip, to restore high level contacts, was derailed by the spy balloon incident.

A. Janet Yellin
B. Jake Sullivan   
C. William Burns
D. Antony Blinken

Correct Response: D. Antony Blinken
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/08/blinken-beijing-trip-cuba-00101152

2. Explosions breached the Nova Kakhova dam on the Dnipro River in THIS region of Ukraine. Kyiv blamed Russia for deliberately destroying the dam to prevent use of its roadway in the newly launched counteroffensive. The flooding has dislocated tens of thousands, caused environmental contamination and loosened landmines that are flowing downstream. 

A. Kherson
B. Crimea 
C. Donetsk
D. Zaporizhzhia

Correct Response: A. Kherson
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65818705

3. Ahead of a report and sanctions he misled Parliament over “Partygate” THIS former British Prime Minister resigned amid his charges the investigation was a “kangaroo court.” The so-called Partygate scandal stemmed from Covid-era gatherings at 10 Downing Street that violated pandemic restrictions.

A. Rishi Sunak
B. Boris Johnson  
C. Tony Blair
D. David Cameron

Correct Response: B. Boris Johnson  
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/06/09/boris-johnson-resigns-from-parliament-after-allegedly-misleading-mps/?sh=3c7a951b2d17

4. The White House confirmed that China established intelligence collection activities in THIS nation since at least 2019 in exchange for billions of dollars in support to this cash-strapped economy.

A. Venezuela
B. Nicaragua 
C. Guatemala
D. Cuba

Correct Response: D. Cuba
https://apnews.com/article/china-cuba-spy-base-us-intelligence-0f655b577ae4141bdbeabc35d628b18f

5. Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees living in squalid camps in THIS neighboring country are calling for repatriation to Myanmar, their homeland, where they fled a murderous crackdown.

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

Correct Response: B. Bangladesh  
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/rohingya-refugees-bangladesh-camps-protest-demanding-repatriation-myanmar-2023-06-08

6. The former first minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party was arrested on financial corruption charges. THIS politician was known for leading an unsuccessful referendum for Scotland to leave the United Kingdom.

A. Alasdair Allen
B. Jeremy Balfour
C. Siobhian Brown
D. Nicola Sturgeon

Correct Response: D. Nicola Sturgeon
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/11/world/europe/nicola-sturgeon-scotland-arrest.html

7. Ebrahim Raisi, president of THIS country, visited Nicaragua, Venezuela and Cuba to boost ties with “like-minded and friendly” countries.

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

Correct Response: C. Iran
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/06/irans-president-travels-nicaragua-cuba-venezuela-anti-us-blitz

8. The European Union is considering a mandatory ban of THIS Chinese telecommunications giant over security threats posed by its 5G networking, as individual EU countries’ restrictions have not moved fast enough. 

A. Huawei
B. Alibaba
C. China Mobile
D. Baidu

Correct Response: A. Huawei
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/huawei-says-proposed-eu-ban-093000421.html

9. The PGA Tour and THIS Saudi funded rival golf league announced a merger that highlighted the Kingdom’s financial weight.

A. Gulf Golf
B. XLV 
C. LIV
D. Kingdom League 

Correct Response: C. LIV
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-11/saudi-arabia-s-golf-deal-puts-biden-and-pga-in-same-awkward-position

10. The former multi-term Italian Prime Minister who dominated politics for decades has died. THIS media mogul who survived numerous scandals in office including “bunga bunga” parties was 86.

A. Silvio Berlusconi
B. Mario Draghi
C. Guisseppe Conte
D. Romano Prodi

Correct Response: A. Silvio Berlusconi
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/12/world/europe/silvio-berlusconi-dead.html

 

1. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart, Li Shangfu, met in THIS city hosting the Shangri-La Dialogue but only shook hands. China declined talks between the defense leaders citing U.S. sanctions imposed on Li over purchases of Russian military hardware.

A. Tokyo
B. Singapore   
C. Bangkok
D. Manila 

Correct Response: B. Singapore  
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/no-formal-talks-between-us-and-china-defence-chiefs-on-day-1-but-a-friendly-handshake

 

2. A week after a Chinese fighter flew dangerously close to an American reconnaissance aircraft in international airspace a Chinese warship made a hazardous pass in front of a U.S. Navy destroyer conducting a routine transit of THIS body of water.

A. South China Sea
B. Taiwan Strait 
C. East China Sea
D. Tsushima Strait 

Correct Response: B. Taiwan Strait  
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-navy-releases-video-chinese-warships-unsafe-interaction-near-taiwan-2023-06-05

 

3. Moscow said a major attack, part of the expected counteroffensive, in THIS annexed region of Ukraine, was repelled a claim disputed by Kyiv.

A. Kharkiv
B. Crimea
C. Donetsk
D. Zaporizhzia 

Correct Response: C. Donetsk
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65806152

 

4. Diplomats will meet in Germany this week to review global climate goals in advance of the next UN landmark summit, number 28, in THIS series set for November.

A. Convention on Climate (COC)
B. International Committee on Climate (ICC)
C. Conference of the Parties (COP)
D. World Atmospheric Conference (WAC)

Correct Response: C. Conference of the Parties (COP)
https://www.dw.com/en/bonn-climate-conference/a-65822759

 

5. North Korea’s launch of THIS type of vehicle failed, dealing a blow to the nuclear-armed state’s efforts to strengthen its military capabilities amid ongoing tensions with the United States and its neighbors. Moscow and Beijing refused to condemn the launch which violated multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions.

A. Hypersonic bomber 
B. ICBM
C. Spacecraft
D. Spy satellite 

Correct Response: D. Spy satellite
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/north-korea-launches-purported-space-vehicle-south-korea-says-rcna86952

 

6. Yoweri Museveni, president of THIS country, signed a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill that will allow the death penalty for some same-sex relations, placing the African country in jeopardy with international donors.

A. Kenya
B. Rwanda
C. South Africa
D. Uganda

Correct Response: D. Uganda
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/05/30/ugandas-president-signs-repressive-anti-lgbt-law

 

7. A deadly rail crash in India killed over 300 people and injured 900 more, shifting the focus from the rapid expansion and modernization under THIS Prime Minister to safety in the 170-year-old system long considered the lifeline of India.  

A. Droupadi Murmu
B. Manmohan Singh
C. Narendra Modi
D. Ram Nath Kovind

Correct Response: C. Narendra Modi
https://www.reuters.com/world/india/deadly-indian-rail-crash-shifts-focus-new-trains-safety-2023-06-03/

 

8. A half-million Poles demonstrated in Warsaw and in other cities, against the government of THIS president over measures to undermine democracy by the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party.

A. Jaroslaw Kaczynski
B. Donald Tusk 
C. Andrej Duda
D. Lech Walesa

Correct Response: C. Andrej Duda
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65803318

 

9. A production cut of one million barrels a day of oil was announced by THIS key OPEC+ member to rally global prices.

A. Russia
B. UAE 
C. Venezuela
D. Saudi Arabia

Correct Response: D. Saudi Arabia
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-prices-jump-more-than-2bbl-after-saudi-pledges-cut-more-output-2023-06-04/

 

10. Hong Kong authorities detained and restricted protesters – such as a woman holding a candle – marking the 34th anniversary of bloody attack on pro-democracy demonstrators in THIS city.

A. Hong Kong
B. Beijing 
C. Shanghai
D. Wuhan

Correct Response: B. Beijing  
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/5/dozens-arrested-in-hongkong-on-tiananmen-crackdown-anniversary

 

1. Amid massive waves of cruise missile and drone attacks, most downed by air defense systems, Ukraine is proposing major sanctions against THIS nation which has been supplying drones to Moscow. It also acts as an arms supplier to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

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

Correct Response: A. Iran
https://www.voanews.com/a/latest-in-ukraine-zelenskyy-proposes-massive-sanctions-against-iran/7112458.html

 

2. Strongman President Recep Tayip Erdogan won reelection to a third term in a contest called “free but unfair” by critics in Turkey, a country that is a member of all of these organizations except THIS one.

A. NATO
B. EU 
C. OECD
D. OSCE

Correct Response: B. EU  
https://tr.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/policy-history

 

3. The summit of THIS, the world’s largest mountain, was first reached 70 years ago this week by Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay.

A. Denali
B. Kilimanjaro 
C. Everest
D. K2 

Correct Response: C. Everest
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-05-29/nepal-honors-sherpa-guides-climbers-to-mark-70th-anniversary-of-mount-everest-conquest

 

4. Belarus has received tactical nuclear weapons from Russia according to THIS president who said that any nation willing to “join the Union State of Russia and Belarus” would likewise receive nuclear weapons.

A. Alexander Lukashenko
B. Katalin Novák 
C. Klaus Iohannis
D. Sergei Sidorsky

Correct Response: A. Alexander Lukashenko
https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/28/europe/lukashenko-nuclear-weapons-belarus-russia-intl-hnk/index.html

 

5. Fugitive Fulgence Kayishema was arrested in South Africa after 20 years on the run. Kayishema faces charges stemming from the 1994 genocide of members of the Tutsi tribe in THIS country.

A. Rwanda
B. Mozambique
C. Democratic Republic of the Congo
D. Tanzania

Correct Answer: A. Rwanda
https://www.euronews.com/2023/05/26/top-rwandan-genocide-fugitive-appears-in-cape-town-court

 

6. Tens of thousands of people from across Serbia and neighboring Kosovo, Montenegro, and Bosnia rallied in THIS capital in a show of support for President Aleksander Vuvic following major anti-government protests over two mass shootings that killed 18 people earlier this month. 

A. Belgrade
B. Sarajevo
C. Cetinje
D. Prizren 

Correct Response: A. Belgrade
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/serbias-president-vucic-offers-resignation-head-ruling-party-2023-05-27/

 

7. European regulators fined THIS social media parent company a record $1.3 billion for sending users' info to the United States. The ruling pressures Washington to complete a deal allowing multinational companies to continue forwarding data stateside. 

A. Alphabet
B. Amazon
C. ByteDance
D. Meta

Correct Response: D. Meta
https://www.npr.org/2023/05/22/1177472768/eu-europe-meta-facebook-instagram-record-fine-data-privacy

 

8. German police raided 15 properties belonging to THIS climate advocacy group's members over allegations its activists are part of a criminal organization. The raids come days after Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the members’ tactics, gluing themselves onto busy intersections and famous paintings, "nutty." 

A. The Green Revolution
B. The Last Generation
C. Extinction Rebellion
D. Sunrise Movement 

Correct Response: B. The Last Generation
https://apnews.com/article/climate-germany-protests-fd24a7b21e72684c39789ce5eb251c2e

 

9. Phones of members of Mexican President Obrador’s inner circle, including human rights official Alejandro Encinas, were bugged with THIS software. The software, which can be covertly installed on a phone, was first developed by an Israeli cyber group and has notoriously been used for surveillance of anti-regime activists, journalists, and political leaders.

A. Pegasus spyware
B. Norton spyware
C. Huntbar spyware 
D. Onavo spyware  

Correct Answer: A. Pegasus spyware 
https://www.engadget.com/pegasus-spyware-found-on-phones-of-mexican-presidents-close-ally-154511274.html

 

10. Short-haul commercial flights, less than 2.5 hours, to locations served by passenger trains have been banned in THIS country. The ban is an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a country known for its high-speed rail service like the “Train à grande vitesse” (TGV).

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

Correct Answer- D. France  
https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/world/story/france-bans-short-haul-domestic-flights-from-paris-trains-suggested-383097-2023-05-27

1. President Biden met Western leaders in Tokyo but cut short visits to Australia and THIS Pacific nation being courted by both China and the United States to be back in Washington for debt negotiations with Congress. Secretary of State Blinken showed up in Port Moresby to sign a security agreement instead of POTUS.

A. Philippines
B. New Zealand   
C. Solomon Islands
D. Papua New Guinea

Correct Response: D. Papua New Guinea
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65667783

 

2. Leaders of THIS group of leading Western economies meeting in Japan called for the development and adoption of technical standards to keep artificial intelligence "trustworthy" as concerns deepen over its growth. 

A. Group of Seven (G7)
B. Group of Eight (G8)
C. Group of Ten (G10)
D. Group of Twenty (G20)

Correct Response:  A. Group of Seven (G7)
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/g7-standards-to-keep-ai-trustworthy 

3. In January the leader of the Wagner mercenary group offered to disclose Russian troop positions in exchange for Ukrainian withdrawal from THIS beleaguered city according to leaked US intelligence documents.

A. Mariupol
B. Bakhmut
C. Kharkiv
D. Donetsk

Correct Response: B. Bakhmut 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/05/14/prigozhin-wagner-ukraine-leaked-documents/

4. President Bashar al-Assad was welcomed back into THIS organization after 12 years of isolation as a result of his brutal repression of the Arab Spring uprising in Syria.

A. Organization of Islamic Cooperation
B. League of Arab States 
C. Arab Union
D. OPEC 

Correct Response: B. League of Arab States  
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/syria-and-assad-regime-welcomed-back-into-arab-league-after-years-of-civil-war

5. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a guest at the G-7 summit in Japan where he participated in a hasty meeting of THIS grouping of nations that seek a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” meaning China pushback. The meeting planned for Australia was scotched by a change in President Biden’s travel. 

A. AUKUS
B. Quad 
C. PacIndCom
D. Indo Treaty Organization

Correct Response: B. Quad  
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/05/20/quad-leaders-joint-statement/ 

6. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization issued THIS dire warning.

A. Polar ice melt is increasing and 57 nations now face rising sea levels that threaten urban area inundation.
B. A 66% chance average global temperature will be 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels at some point in the next five years. 
C. Rising temperatures will increase drought induced reductions of about 45% in Sub-Saharan nations.
D. Melting among the nearly 15,000 glaciers in the Himalayan Plateau will decrease water supply to over 500 million people who rely on meltwater in Indian rivers.

Correct Response: B. A 66% chance average global temperature will be 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels at some point in the next five years.  
https://cosmosmagazine.com/earth/climate/planet-will-likely-clear-1-5c-barrier-for-the-first-time-before-2027/

7. Ukraine claimed it downed most of the Russian drones, cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles in the latest air strike onslaught against Kyiv and other cities but acknowledge the attacks damaged a battery of THIS system, a key to its air defense.

A. NASAM
B. Kinzhal
C. ATACMS
D. Patriot 

Correct Response: D. Patriot
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/air-defence-systems-repelling-attacks-ukraine-early-tuesday-officials-2023-05-16

8. President Zelensky was a surprise guest at the G-7 meeting in THIS city where he asked the wealthiest nations to bolster aid to Ukraine.

A. Tokyo
B. Bangkok 
C. Hiroshima
D. Kyoto 

Correct Response: C. Hiroshima
https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/20/politics/zelensky-g7-summit-biden-leaders/index.html

9. Heavy fighting continued into the sixth week in THIS capital city between the army and the Rapid Security Forces group, which has forced over one million Sudanese to flee. 

A. Addis Ababa
B. Khartoum
C. Nairobi
D. Dodoma

Correct Response: B. Khartoum 
https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20230521-sudan-s-army-paramilitary-rsf-sign-seven-day-ceasefire-amid-intense-fighting

10. President Guillermo Lasso dissolved the National Assembly in Quito after facing looming impeachment over alleged mismanagement in THIS country. The turmoil is the latest episode in the region that saw Peru's former President removed from office. 

A. Ecuador
B. Bolivia
C. Uruguay
D. Brazil

Correct Response: A. Ecuador
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/ecuador-president-dissolves-legislature-bringing-elections-forward-2023-05-17/

1. The first serious challenger to Turkey’s strong man Recep Tayyip Erdogan faced off in presidential elections. THIS head of an anti-Erdogan coalition promised to return the country to a pro-Western, democratic position.

A. Kemal Kilicdaroglu
B. Safet Arikan
C. Hikmet Bayur
D. Ali Babacan 

Correct Response: A. Kemal Kilicdaroglu
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-votes-pivotal-elections-that-could-end-erdogans-20-year-rule-2023-05-13/

2. Israeli air strikes killed Iyad al-Hasani, a senior leader of THIS second-largest terrorist group in the Gaza Strip, which fired a wave of rockets for the first time toward Jerusalem.

A. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade
B. Hamas
C. ISIS
D. Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Correct Response: D. Palestinian Islamic Jihad
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/12/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-fighting-islamic-jihad.html

3. Ukraine President Zelensky met THIS leader in Berlin to thank Germany for its support – including this week’s new pledge of $2.95 billion in aid – and to press for the transfer of fighter jets as Kyiv readies a counteroffensive against Russian forces.

A. Viktor Orban
B. Alexander Lukashenko
C. Olaf Scholz
D. Andrzej Duda

Correct Response: C. Olaf Scholz
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/14/world/europe/ukraine-zelensky-berlin.html

4. The Islamabad High Court granted popular opposition leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan bail for corruption charges after unlawful arrest, which exacerbated the political and economic crisis in THIS south Asian country. 

A. Afghanistan
B. Burma
C. India
D. Pakistan

Correct Response: D. Pakistan
https://abcnews.go.com/International/former-pakistani-prime-minister-imran-khan-granted-2/story?id=99282760

5. The worry that expiration of THIS public health measure restricting immigration would produce a tidal wave of southern border crossings has yet to materialize. 

A. 26 U.S.C. § 115
B. Covid Protection Act
C. Title 42
D. The Rio Grande Protocol

Correct Response: C. Title 42
https://www.today.com/video/border-crossings-have-dropped-since-title-42-expired-officials-say-174325829869

6. China expelled THIS country’s Consul-General in Shanghai after one of its diplomats was declared persona non grata following charges China tried to intimidate a lawmaker over criticism about Beijing’s treatment of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang Province.

A. Canada
B. Japan 
C. United States
D. France

Correct Response: A. Canada
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3220456/can-china-and-canada-keep-latest-row-under-control-after-diplomats-expelled

7. In the aftermath of former President Felipe Calderon's war on powerful drug cartels, THIS Central American country, now ruled by Andrés Manuel López Obrador, is launching a database to help record the over 112,000 disappeared people. 

A. Guatemala
B. Venezuela
C. Colombia
D. Mexico 

Correct Response: D. Mexico
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexico-launch-database-over-100000-disappeared-people-2023-05-12/

8. A non-binding resolution in the French parliament called on the European Union to label THIS Russian mercenary group fighting in Ukraine and the African Sahel region as a terrorist organization.

A. Moscow Brigade
B. Wagner Group 
C. Octobrists
D. Great Patriot Group

Correct Response: B. Wagner Group  
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/10/france-calls-on-eu-to-list-wagner-as-terrorists-uk-considering

9. Pretoria stepped back from comments by President Ramaphosa of THIS country that it would withdraw from the International Criminal Court following its issuance of a war criminal warrant for Vladimir Putin, ahead of a BRICS conference. Meanwhile, the U.S. accused it of shipping war materials to Russia. 

A. Libya
B. Zimbabwe 
C. Syria
D. South Africa

Correct Response: D. South Africa
https://www.politico.eu/article/south-africa-cyril-ramaphosa-international-criminal-court-vladimir-putin-arrest-warrant/

10. Liverpool hosted the 67th edition of THIS song contest that will attract over 200 million viewers of performances from 37 counties.

A. The Voice
B. Eurovision
C. Europe Has Talent
D. Global Voices 2023

Correct Response: B. Eurovision
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/MUSIC-EUROVISION/dwpkdykkzvm/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=Daily-Briefing&utm_term=051223

1. Moscow said the United States was behind an attack it claimed was launched by Ukraine on Wednesday against THIS target.

A. Sabotage of Donets River train bridge leading into Belograd
B. Cyber attack on the Central Bank of Russia causing a temporary disruption on transactions   
C. Drone attack on the Kremlin citadel
D. Car bomb attack outside the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg

Correct Response: C. Drone attack on the Kremlin citadel
https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-accuses-us-being-behind-alleged-kremlin-drone-attack-2023-05-04/

 

2. Ukraine President Zelensky was in the International Criminal Court in THIS city last week to press for investigations and prosecutions of Russian war crimes. 

A. Geneva
B. The Hague 
C. Stockholm
D. Berlin 

Correct Response: B. The Hague  
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/04/world/europe/zelensky-ukraine-hague-netherlands.html

 

3. King Charles III was crowned King of the United Kingdom at THIS British landmark.

A. Westminster Abbey
B. Abbey Road 
C. #10 Downing Street
D. Buckingham Palace

Correct Response: A. Westminster Abbey
https://news.sky.com/story/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-kings-coronation-how-to-watch-timings-and-procession-route-12784163

 

4. The Wagner mercenary group chief, THIS Russian, threatened to withdraw his forces from the fierce battle over Bakhmut, Ukraine, citing major troop losses and a shortage of ammunition. By the weekend Moscow pledged more ammo and he reversed course. 

A. Sergei Shoigu
B. Yevgeny Prigozhin
C. Mikhail Mishustin
D. Alexei Navalny 

Correct Response: B. Yevgeny Prigozhin
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-mercenary-chief-prigozhin-says-his-forces-will-leave-bakhmut-next-week-2023-05-05

5. The Coronation of Charles III in the United Kingdom drew the spotlight to other European monarchs. Which country DOES NOT have a monarch as head of state?

A. Italy
B. Spain 
C. Netherlands
D. Norway 

Correct Response: A. Italy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarchies_in_Europe

 

6. Russia will celebrate Victory Day on Tuesday marking THIS event and President Putin will use the occasion to rally support for his faltering “special military operation” in Ukraine.

A. The annexation of Crimea
B. The 1917 Russian Revolution 
C. WWII victory
D. The Russo-Japanese War 

Correct Response: C. WWII victory
https://apnews.com/article/russia-victory-day-bedd00b6b6fe76f71764417e24631743

 

7. The Covid-19 global emergency status was declared over on Friday by THIS organization.

A. UN Security Council
B. WHO 
C. UNESCO
D. WTO

Correct Response: B. WHO  
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/covid-is-no-longer-global-health-emergency-who-2023-05-05/

 

8. Philippines President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. has agreed to the United States' "bilateral defense guidelines," crystalizing Mutual Defense Treaty commitments in THIS strategically significant sea. 

A. Andaman Sea
B. South China Sea
C. East China Sea
D. Philippine Sea

Correct Response: B. South China Sea
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-issues-guidelines-defending-philippines-south-china-sea-attack-2023-05-04/

 

9. Zimbabwe is planning to launch a digital currency backed by THIS central bank asset to address currency depreciation caused by longstanding economic challenges.

A. Crypto
B. Silver
C. Lithium
D. Gold

Correct Response: D. Gold
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/zimbabwe-plans-launch-digital-currency-backed-gold-98938043

10. A new Border and Protection Law passed in Vilnius will enable volunteers to use force to help detain migrants trying to enter THIS Baltic state, a move the government says will promote border security. But human rights advocates fear it will empower violent "far-right extremists."  

A. Estonia
B. Latvia
C. Lithuania
D. Kaliningrad

Correct Response: C. Lithuania
https://www.euronews.com/2023/04/26/far-right-extremists-could-police-lithuanian-border-under-new-law-warn-activists

1. Fighting continued in Khartoum as Sudan’s army battled THIS paramilitary group despite a ceasefire.

A. Rapid Support Forces
B. Wagner Group   
C. Sudan Patriot Corps
D. People’s Revolutionary Front

Correct Response: A. Rapid Support Forces
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65440528

2. As Russia launched several days of air strikes against civilians in Ukraine THIS leader finally called President Volodymyr Zelensky as promised when he met with President Putin last month.

A. Rishi Sunak
B. Xi Jinping
C. Emmanuel Macron
D. Narendra Modi

Correct Response: B. Xi Jinping
https://thehill.com/policy/international/3972326-chinas-xi-holds-first-phone-call-with-ukraines-zelensky-since-offering-plan-for-peace-with-russia/

3. A suspected drone strike on a fuel depot in THIS Russian-occupied peninsula signaled increasing boldness in attacks a month after the ninth anniversary of President Putin's annexation of the region. Ukraine lacks longer-range missiles that can reach this area but has been developing drones to overcome this hurdle.

A. Crimea
B. Donbas
C. Kharkiv
D. Transnistria

Correct Response: A. Crimea
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/29/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war-crimea-fire.html

4. Iran and Saudi Arabia will reopen their embassies in Riyadh and Tehran a month after agreeing to restore diplomatic relations in a deal negotiated by THIS country.

A. United Kingdom
B. Vatican City 
C. China
D. India 

Correct Response: C. China
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-iran-reopen-embassies-within-days-2023-04-28/

5. Subdued protests marked commemoration ceremonies honoring the 75th anniversary of Israel’s establishment as the country continues its fight over a proposal to reform THIS branch. 

A. Executive
B. Judicial
C. Legislative
D. Head of State

Correct Response: B. Judicial
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/04/25/israel-memorial-day-protests-netanyahu/

6. The largest Kurdish party in THIS country announced support for Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in the May 14th election to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Kurds make up a fifth of the population and Erdogan has been moving to ban the Kurdish party.

A. Poland
B. Hungary 
C. Turkey
D. Iraq

Correct Response: C. Turkey
https://www.politico.eu/article/turkish-presidential-elections-pro-kurdish-party-kemal-kilicdaroglu-opposition-candidate-recep-tayyip-erdogan/

7. King Charles III of England will be crowned this week along with THIS former Duchess of Cornwall at Westminster Abbey.

A. Katherine
B. Rosemary
C. Camilla
D. Elizabeth

Correct Response: C. Camilla
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65342840

8. President Biden’s summit with THIS country’s president produced the “Washington Declaration” which provided U.S. reassurance on defense consultation in exchange for a pledge not to pursue its own nuclear weapons. 

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

Correct Response: B. South Korea  
https://www.npr.org/2023/04/28/1172695196/south-korea-washington-declaration-criticism

9. The mayor of THIS city said, “Confusing art with pornography is ridiculous—even offensive,” describing the firing of the Tallahassee Classical School principal over display of a photo of Michelangelo’s statue David for students. The mayor is hosting the principal on a visit. 

A. Paris
B. Rome 
C. London
D. Florence 

Correct Response: D. Florence
https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/florence-welcomes-us-principal-ousted-over-david-statue.html

10. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said THIS country should apologize and "assume responsibility" for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, the first time a leader of a European nation has suggested such a national apology.  

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

Correct Response:  C. Portugal
https://www.reuters.com/world/portugal-should-apologise-confront-past-role-slavery-says-president-2023-04-25/