Weekly Quiz Answers

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  

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/