Weekly Quiz Answers

1. The United States evacuated its diplomats and their families from THIS country as fighting between rival commanders worsened. The fighting has killed hundreds and many thousands are fleeing, and the country is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster and a broader conflict.

A. Saudi Arabia
B. Sri Lanka
C. South Sudan
D. Sudan

Correct Response: D. Sudan https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-army-okays-foreign-evacuation-khartoum-battle-rages-2023-04-22/

2. The United Nations estimates THIS country will have 1.4286 billion people by the middle of 2023, becoming the world's most populous country. The demographic boom will likely present opportunities and challenges for the South Asian nation. 

A. India
B. China
C. Pakistan
D. Indonesia 

Correct Response: A. India
https://www.wsj.com/articles/indias-population-to-surpass-chinas-by-midyear-b6d6ce57

3. The recent major leak of highly classified U.S. intelligence materials disclosed Afghanistan was a staging ground for terrorist attack planning against America by THIS group.

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

Correct Response: A. ISIS
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/04/22/afghanistan-terrorism-leaked-documents/

4. A comprehensive Defense Review released by THIS AUKUS member highlighted “radically different” security threats and positioned defense policy to deal with a “major conflict in the region that directly threatens our national interest.”

A. United Kingdom
B. Australia
C. India
D. Japan 

Correct Response: B. Australia 
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/24/the-defence-review-says-australia-is-at-little-risk-of-a-land-invasion-but-thats-not-where-the-threats-end

5. Ukraine’s “rightful place” is in NATO according to THIS Secretary General of the alliance on a visit to Kyiv.

A. Stoltenberg
B. von der Leyden
C. Hahn
D. Schmit

Correct Response: A. Stoltenberg
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-stoltenberg-dd2432f52abc743a5f3592cec210a69e

6. Comments by THIS leader on a flight back from a Beijing summit calling for European strategic autonomy and warning about following Washington policy too closely continue to draw criticism from foreign capitals. Referring to the threat to Taiwan he said his country should avoid “getting caught up in crises that are not ours.” 

A. British PM Sunak
B. French President Macron
C. German Chancellor Scholz   
D. Turkish President Erdogan

Correct Response: B. French President Macron
https://www.voanews.com/a/france-seeks-to-calm-diplomatic-storm-over-macron-s-china-taiwan-comments-/7059463.html

7. A Russian warplane bombed the city of Belgorod causing concern because of THIS consideration. 

A. Belgorod is a UNESCO World Heritage city
B. The target in Belgorod was a clearly marked hospital 
C. The city of Belgorod is in Russia
D. Belgorod is a Russian occupied city in the Donbas

Correct Response: C. The city of Belgorod is in Russia
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-belgorod-bomb-4c806ca6765e018ffccef16c233013a7 

8. Officials in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania summoned ambassadors from THIS country for clarification of comments made by its Ambassador to France that former Soviet countries lacked “effective status in international law,” questioning the sovereignty of many European nations.

A. India
B. Belarus 
C. Turkey
D. China

Correct Response: D. China
https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/24/china/china-ambassador-lu-shaye-baltic-soviet-states-europe-intl-hnk/index.html

9. Chile announced the state will take control of THIS industry, essential to the global production of electric vehicles. Chile has the world’s largest reserves and produces the second largest amount of the critical mineral.

A. Cadmium
B. Magnesium 
C. Lithium
D. Cobalt

Correct Response: C. Lithium
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/chiles-boric-announces-plan-nationalize-lithium-industry-2023-04-21/

10. Leaders of THIS 15-nation bloc agreed to introduce bans on assault-style weapons in their countries to curb the spike in gun violence and weapon smuggling. Bahamian Prime Minister and Chairman Phillip Davis said that nearly 99 percent of illegal guns collected in his nation could trace back to the US.

A. C-15
B. African Union
C. Caricom
D. ECWAS

Correct Response: C. Caricom
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/04/19/caribbean-assault-weapon-ban-caricom-rowley/f531ccbe-dee3-11ed-a78e-9a7c2418b00c_story.html

1. Fighting erupted in THIS capital of Sudan between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Artillery battles at the airport and military garrisons contributed to the nearly 100 deaths in a conflict that will make the transition to democracy problematic.

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

Correct Response: D. Khartoum
https://www.cnn.com/africa/live-news/sudan-clashes-04-17-23/index.html

 

2. President Joe Biden traveled to Ireland and Northern Ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of THIS U.S.-negotiated peace agreement that ended decades of violence across the island of Ireland and Britain.

A. Londonderry Peace Agreement
B. Good Friday Agreement
C. Peace for Northern Ireland Agreement
D. The Mitchell Accord

Correct Response: B. Good Friday Agreement
https://www.democracynow.org/2023/4/14/biden_northern_ireland

 

3. Ukraine grain exports that surged in Poland and Hungary, a consequence of the Russian invasion, have led to those countries imposing bans on imports of grains, dairy products, sugar, fruit, vegetables and meats. In response THIS body rejected such unilateral action against Ukrainian exports.

A. NATO
B. UNESCO 
C. EU
D. WTO

Correct Response: C. EU
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65292698

 

4. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was safely evacuated after THIS incident at a campaign rally, a reminder of last July’s assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

A. A man with a gun
B. A man with a smoke bomb 
C. A man with a knife
D. A man with a grenade

Correct Response: B. A man with a smoke bomb  
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/04/15/fumio-kishida-japan-attack-smoke-bomb/

 

5. The swap of hundreds of prisoners held by Saudi Arabia and THIS rebel group signaled the potential for a negotiated settlement of a conflict in Yemen, now in its eighth year.

A. Hamas
B. Houthis
C. Hezbollah
D. ISIS

Correct Response: B. Houthis 
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/15/dozens-of-yemeni-rebels-fly-from-saudi-arabia-in-prisoner-swap

 

6. Germany has quickly cleared the path for Poland to transfer THESE fighter jets that once belonged to Warsaw Pact member East Germany to Ukraine. 

A. Soviet-era MIG-29s
B. Cuban-era MiG-15s
C. East German F-16s
D. North Vietnamese-era MiG-17s

Correct Response: A. Soviet-era MIG-29s https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/04/13/world/russia-ukraine-news/ukraine-and-russia-each-pledge-to-investigate-beheading-video

 

7. A new long-range ballistic missile fired by THIS country fell near the Korean Peninsula, triggering an evacuation warning in nearby Japan. South Korea's military has called it a "grave provocation" and was concerned the missile used solid-fuel, which would greatly reduce launch warning times.

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

Correct Response: B. North Korea
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korea-fires-missile-into-sea-off-east-coast-south-korea-says-2023-04-12/

8. The Eastern Orthodox Easter, called Paschal, was celebrated at the Holy Fire ceremony in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in THIS city amid heavy restrictions on worship this year. Church leaders claim the restrictions are ongoing efforts by authorities aimed at the Christian community in the Old City.

A. Cairo, Egypt
B. Thessaloniki, Greece
C. Jerusalem, Israel
D. Antioch, Turkey

Correct response: C. Jerusalem, Israel 
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-65253216

 

9. The Moscow embassy of THIS country, which is the newest member of NATO, received a letter containing an unknown powder, conveying a biological weapon threat.

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

Correct Response: D. Finland
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/finnish-embassy-moscow-receives-letter-containing-powder-ria-2023-04-14/

 

10. Montana’s legislature passed a ban on THIS popular social media app and the governor is expected to sign the United States’ first restriction against the ByteDance company’s app, a target of charges it threatens national security. 

A. Telegram
B. TikTok
C. Capcut
D. Roblox

Correct Response: B. TikTok 
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65281881

1. The largest barrage of rockets launched by Palestinian groups against Israel since 2006 brought counterattacks in Gaza and THIS country on Israel’s northern border. A broader conflict remains a possibility.

A. Syria
B. Jordan   
C. Iraq
D. Lebanon

Correct Response: D. Lebanon
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-07/israel-hits-gaza-lebanon-after-most-rocket-attacks-in-17-years

 

2. China responded to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with House Speaker McCarthy by military rehearsals of a blockade against the island nation and symbolic sanctions against THIS presidential library where the meeting took place.

A. Carter
B. Nixon 
C. Reagan
D. Bush

Correct Response: C. Reagan
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-07/china-hits-back-at-tsai-trip-by-sanctioning-reagan-library

 

3. President Macron of France met with THIS leader on bilateral and Sino-European relations. Macron urged him to help stop Russia’s war in Ukraine saying he could count on this leader to bring Russia to its senses.

A. Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un of North Korea
B. President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea
C. President Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev of Kazakhstan
D. President Xi Jinping of China 

Correct response: D. President Xi Jinping of China
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-65198757

 

4. A Pentagon documents leak poses grave damage to the United States revealing details on the Ukraine and Russia conflict and exposing American spying on allies including THESE countries.

A. Germany and Turkey
B. South Korea and Israel 
C. UK and France
D. Israel and Japan

Correct Response: B. South Korea and Israel  
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/leaked-documents-show-us-spying-russia-war-ukraine-rcna78876

 

5. Turks will go to the polls for presidential elections with THIS strongman leader challenged by economic turmoil and the aftermath of devastating earthquakes.

A. Armen Sarkissian
B. Recep Tayyip Erdogan
C. Serdar Berdimuhamedow
D. Kemal Kilicdaroglu

Correct Response: B. Recep Tayyip Erdogan
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-20/why-erdogan-s-reelection-bid-in-turkey-isn-t-a-sure-bet

 

6. The National Council of Educational Research and Training in THIS country has altered or removed critical details from Indian textbooks it says were redundant. Critics accuse the ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party of leveraging education to further their Hindu nationalist vision. 

A. Pakistan
B. India
C. Tibet
D. Sri Lanka

Correct Response: B. India
https://www.voanews.com/a/in-india-revision-of-history-in-school-texts-stirs-controversy/7043585.html

 

7. Three years of drought are threatening famine and livestock losses in THIS Horn of Africa nation which is recovering from a civil war with the breakaway Tigray region.

A. Somalia
B. Ethiopia
C. Kenya
D. Tanzania  

Correct response: B. Ethiopia 
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/6/in-southern-ethiopia-drought-kills-livestock-and-brings-hunger

 

8. Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to resume direct flights between countries continuing a thaw beginning in one of the Middle East's thorniest rivalries in a deal brokered by THIS country,

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

Correct Response: A. China
https://www.wsj.com/articles/saudi-iranian-foreign-ministers-meet-in-beijing-to-discuss-ties-69fb9aef?mod=world_lead_pos3

 

9. Ethnic Serbs living in THIS Balkan nation, viewed by Serbs as a separatist region, will not vote in an upcoming local election as they reject the authority of Pristina and recognize Belgrade as their capital.

A. Bosnia
B. Albania
C. Kosovo
D. Bulgaria 

Correct Response: C. Kosovo
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/kosovo-serbs-refuse-participate-local-elections-2023-04-07/

 

10. Hussain Besou has been crowned Germany's youngest national chess player at age 11. Besou is a refugee of THIS country whose family fled to Germany in 2016 after their homeland became engulfed in a brutal civil war in 2011. 

A. Afghanistan
B. South Sudan
C. Syria
D. Ukraine

Correct Response: C. Syria
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrian-refugee-who-has-become-germanys-youngest-national-chess-player-11-2023-04-05/

1. In a surprise announcement THIS oil cartel led by Saudi Arabia said it would cut production by 1.15 million barrels per day from May until the end of the year. The result will boost per barrel crude prices by as much as $10, boost a gallon of gas at U.S. pumps by about 26 cents on top of the seasonal blend increases of about 32 cents and boost Russian energy revenues.

A. APEC
B. TPEC 
C. OPEC
D. GPEC

Correct Response: C. OPEC
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/saudis-cut-oil-production-500000-barrels-day-98302307

 

2. Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, will stop in California after visits in Central America and is expected to meet with THIS American politician. Observers warn of a strong reaction from Beijing as was seen last year when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei.

A. Mike Pence
B. Mike Pompeo
C. Kevin McCarthy
D. Charlie McCarthy

Correct Response: C. Kevin McCarthy
https://thehill.com/policy/international/3928471-mccarthy-prepares-to-welcome-taiwans-president-with-an-eye-on-china/

 

3. The International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin for war crimes will create problems for Russia’s friends and other contacts. South Africa, an ICC member, will face scrutiny as it has invited Putin to the annual meeting of the BRICS nations, THIS grouping, in August.

A. Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, China, Saudi Arabia
B. Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, Canada, South Africa 
C. Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
D. Brazil, Russia, India, China, Saudi Arabia

Correct Response: C. Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/31/world/europe/icc-putin-south-africa.html

 

4. In an escalation of Russia’s confrontation with Washington over the Ukraine war, Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich, was charged in THIS city with spying and "collecting classified information" about a "military-industrial complex” for the United States.

A. Beijing
B. Moscow
C. Tehran
D. Damascus

Correct Response: B. Moscow
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-arrests-wall-street-journal-reporter-claims-he-was-spying/ar-AA19g1b2

 

5. Since a women accused of improper wearing of the hijab died in custody last year THIS Middle East country has been mired in nationwide protests mostly by women. The government has doubled down to enforce mandatory hijab wearing with the Interior Minister saying it was essential to Islamic Law.

A. Iran
B. Saudi Arabia
C. Yemen
D. Bahrain

Correct Response: A. Iran 
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-65147339

 

6. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of THIS Southeast Asian nation, an international trade powerhouse, met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi said China would build on relations to develop “new channels by land and sea.”

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

Correct Response: C. Singapore
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-xi-ties-with-singapore-set-benchmark-countries-region-2023-03-31/

 

7. The way was cleared for THIS country to be welcomed into the NATO alliance after Turkey’s parliament voted to approve accession. However, Ankara is still blocking the way for Sweden to join.

A. Finland
B. Denmark 
C. Iceland
D. Switzerland

Correct Response: A. Finland
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/turkish-parliament-approves-finlands-nato-accession-2023-03-30

 

8. Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s notorious war on drugs campaign led to over 6,000 killed by police. Now THIS successor in Manila has rejected the International Criminal Court’s investigation into possible crimes by Duterte, threatening to cut contact with the ICC.

A. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
B. Joko Widodo
C. Mamady Doumbouya
D. Anwar Ibrahim

Correct Response: A. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/28/philippiness-marcos-to-shut-out-icc-after-losing-drug-war-appeal

 

9. The National League for Democracy (NLD) party of Aung San Suu Kyi and 39 other parties in THIS country were dissolved by the ruling military junta after refusing to register under a restrictive new law. Critics in the U.S. and Europe said it further destabilizes the strife-ridden country.

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

Correct Response: D. Myanmar
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/28/aung-san-suu-kyi-national-league-democracy-faces-dissolution-myanmar

 

10. The Nevado del Ruiz volcano, about 80 miles from Bogata in THIS country, shows increasing signs of a major eruption according to President Gustavo Petro.

A. Venezuela
B. Peru 
C. Ecuador
D. Colombia 

Correct Response: D. Colombia
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/31/colombia-raises-threat-level-for-deadly-nevado-del-ruiz-volcano

 

 

1. Russian President Putin announced plans to base tactical nuclear weapons in THIS former Soviet republic which Moscow used as a launching point for the invasion of Ukraine and last year’s doomed strike to take Kyiv.

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

Correct Response: B. Belarus
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/putin-russia-station-tactical-nukes-belarus-98125279

 

2. The United States carried out air strikes against Iran-backed militia groups in THIS country after attack drone strikes killed an American contractor, wounded another and five troops. Subsequent attacks on American facilities opened the door to further retaliation.

A. Iran
B. Syria
C. Lebanon
D. Yemen 

Correct response: B. Syria 
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-carries-out-air-strikes-syria-after-deadly-attack-2023-03-24/

3. Massive protests continued in Israel as Prime Minister Netanyahu sacked his defense minister, the first cabinet member to object to THIS planned action.

A. Overhaul the judiciary to reduce its independence
B. Ending the exemption from military service for certain religious communities
C. Plans to strike Iranian nuclear facilities
D. Annexation of the West Bank

Correct Response: Overhaul the judiciary to reduce its independence
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/27/mass-protests-in-israel-after-netanyahu-fires-defence-minister

 

4. The approximately 1.9 billion Muslims in the world welcomed the beginning of THIS religious event, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a holy month of prayer, fasting and communal meals.

A. Hajj
B. Ramadan 
C. Sawm
D. Shahada

Correct Response: B. Ramadan  
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/03/21/what-ramadan-celebrated-islam/11516555002/

 

5. A leader of the main opposition party in India was ejected from parliament in India and sentenced to jail. The government says Rahul Gandhi was charged for defaming THIS prime minister. Gandhi says he was targeted for investigating the PM’s ties to a troubled corporation. 

A. Narendra Modi
B. Imran Khan 
C. Manmohan Singh
D. Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Correct Response: A. Narendra Modi
https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indian-opposition-leader-gandhi-says-not-bothered-by-parliament-disqualification-2023-03-25

 

6. The Foreign Minister of THIS nation told her Chinese counterpart that Wellington was concerned about developments in the South China Sea, tensions in Taiwan and “the human rights situation in Xinjiang and the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. 

A. New Zealand
B. Australia
C. The Philippines
D. Papua New Guinea 

Correct response: A. New Zealand 
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealand-raises-concerns-with-china-south-china-sea-taiwan-2023-03-25/

 

7. The violent protests across France in response to plans for pension reform has led to the postponement of a visit by THIS newly installed head of state.

A. Prime Minister Trudeau
B. Chancellor Olaf Scholz 
C. Queen Margrethe II
D. King Charles III

Correct Response: D. King Charles III

https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/24/europe/king-charles-france-state-visit-intl/index.html

 

8. At least 34 migrants have gone missing after their boat capsized off the coast of THIS North African country, across the Strait of Sicily. The country where the Arab Spring began is often used as launching point for migrants from North Africa, the Sahel, the Middle East and Afghanistan due to its proximity to Italy.

A. Morocco
B. Egypt
C. Tunisia
D. Algeria 

Correct response: C. Tunisia
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65071983

 

9. The United States and THIS country agreed to new rules for asylum seekers, allowing each country to turn back border crossers within 14 days of arrival.

A. Mexico
B. Honduras 
C. Canada
D. Guatemala

Correct Response: C. Canada
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65047438

 

10. One result of the Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin’s summit was Putin’s announcement that Russia would consider using THIS currency to settle international financial accounts.

A. Zloty
B. Yen
C. Yuan
D. Ruble

Correct Response: C. Yuan
https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/03/26/putin-xi-meeting-analysis-fareeds-take-gps-vpx.cnn

1. President Xi Jinping is traveling to Moscow for a summit with President Vladimir Putin. THIS was the last time the two leaders met when they affirmed “no limits to Sino-Russian cooperation – no forbidden zones.” 

A. 2021 Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
B. G20 Summit in Australia in 2022
C. Olympic Games in Beijing in 2022
D. UN General Assembly Opening 2021

Correct response: C. Olympic Games in Beijing in 2022
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64986486

 

2. Kyiv’s request for war planes is being answered by THIS NATO country which is sending four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine. Warsaw has led the way in support to Ukraine since the unprovoked Russian invasion, taking millions of refugees.

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

Correct Response: D. Poland
https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/16/europe/poland-fighter-jets-ukraine-intl/index.html

 

3. Russian military forces took THIS provocative action in the Black Sea last week. 

A. Downed a U.S. Reaper UAV
B. Blinded a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft pilot with a laser 
C. Rammed a U.S. Sixth Fleet destroyer patrolling south of Ukraine
D. Blocked departure of UN authorized grain shipment from Odessa

Correct Response: A. Downed a U.S. Reaper UAV
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/us-releases-video-russian-fighter-jet-colliding-drone-black-sea-rcna75221

 

4. North Korea launched another ICBM, just prior to a South Korea-Japan summit. In response THIS leader in Seoul ordered the military to continue ongoing major US-ROK exercises and to improve security cooperation with Washington.

A. Yoon Suk Yeol
B. Fumio Kishida
C. Park Jin
D. Li Qiang 

Correct Response: A. Yoon Suk Yeol
https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missile-launch-us-military-drills-fbbe3be09a9bd812baa541ea9b84832e

 

5. President Vladimir Putin visited Crimea and THIS city which was devastated by the Russian military during a three-month siege following the February 2022 invasion. 

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

Correct Response: D. Mariupol
https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/19/europe/putin-mariupol-visit-icc-intl-hnk/index.html

 

6. Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic relations, which were severed in 2016, after talks facilitated by THIS country.

A. United States
B. United Kingdom 
C. France
D. China 

Correct Response: D. China
https://thehill.com/policy/international/3895412-five-things-to-know-about-the-iran-saudi-deal-brokered-by-china/

 

7. A warrant issued by THIS body charged Vladimir Putin with personal responsibility for war crimes connected with the abduction of Ukrainian children.

A. ICC
B. UNSC 
C. Geneva Ukraine Tribunal
D. Government of Ukraine 

Correct Response: A. ICC
https://apnews.com/article/icc-putin-war-crimes-ukraine-9857eb68d827340394960eccf0589253

 

8. The French National Assembly will consider a no-confidence vote in the government of Emmanuel Macron who acted unilaterally in dealing with THIS issue that has led to large, widespread protests.

A. Protesting immigration deal with Britain
B. Protesting new taxes on second homes 
C. Protesting changes to retirement benefit age
D. Protesting military support to Ukraine

Correct Response: C. Protesting changes to retirement benefit age
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230319-pension-protests-heap-pressure-on-macron-ahead-of-crucial-vote-for-france

 

9. Skyrocketing inflation in THIS economically troubled Southern Cone nation topped 100% in February meaning the cost of goods has doubled in a year. Meanwhile the government in Buenos Aires has tried capping the prices for good and some other products with little success.

A. Brazil
B. Uruguay 
C. Argentina
D. Chile

Correct Response: C. Argentina
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64960385

 

10. At least 22 people, including three monks, were massacred at a monastery in THIS nation. The military junta that seized power two years ago, deposing Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and precipitating a civil war, admitted there were troops in the area.

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

Correct Response: D. Myanmar
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/least-22-people-killed-suspected-massacre-myanmar-monastery-2023-03-17/

 

1. President Biden was to meet Rishi Sunak and Anthony Albanese of the UK and Australia in San Diego to discuss their agreement to boost regional security in the Indo-Pacific including provisions for Australia to acquire nuclear powered submarines under THIS arrangement.

A. NATO
B. TPP 
C. QUAD
D. AUKUS

Correct Response: D. AUKUS
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-13/us-allies-prepare-mega-submarine-deal-under-aukus-agreement

2. President Xi Jinping in unusually frank remarks accused the U.S. of leading a containment policy against China and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said the U.S. must “hit the brakes” or face “conflict and confrontation.” The remarks came as THIS body gave Xi Jinping a remarkable third term as President of China.

A. National People’s Congress
B. Politburo of the Communist Party of China 
C. 20th Party Congress of the CCP
D. Assembly of the People of China

Correct Response: A. National People’s Congresshttps://www.cnn.com/2023/03/13/china/china-xi-jinpong-first-speech-third-term-intl-hnk/index.html 

3. Half a million Israelis protested THIS move by the government. It was the 10th week of demonstrations against the Netanyahu regime’s move. 

A. Introduction of conscription
B. Confiscation of Israeli Arabs’ property
C. Overhaul and erode judicial authority
D. Expand Abraham accord relationships

Correct Response: C. Overhaul and erode judicial authority
https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/12/middleeast/israel-protests-benjamin-netanyahu-intl/index.html 

4. Petr Pavel, a former general in the NATO command structure, was inaugurated President of THIS country. Pavel will visit Slovakia, customarily the first visit since the two countries separated in 1992, and then NATO capitals showing his commitment to alignment with the West.

A. Poland
B. Slovenia 
C. Czech Republic
D. Hungary

Correct Response: C. Czech Republic
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/former-nato-general-petr-pavel-takes-oath-become-czech-president-2023-03-09/

5. Following years of disruptions in diplomatic connections THESE two nations agreed to restore relations.

A. Iran and Iraq
B. Iran and Saudi Arabia
C. Syria and Lebanon
D. Lebanon and Israel  

Correct Response: B. Iran and Saudi Arabia 
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64906996

6. Suella Braverman defended THIS government's new Illegal Migration Bill, which effectively prevents asylum seekers from trying to cross the English Channel amid criticism from human rights campaigners and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.  

A. Ireland
B. Britain
C. France
D. Belgium 

Correct Response: B. Britain
https://www.politico.eu/article/suella-braverman-insists-uk-small-boats-bill-lawful-amid-criticism-illegal-migration-bill-united-nations-refugee-agency-european-convention-human-rights-tory/

7. North Korea reportedly fired two cruise missiles from a submarine simulating an attack on South Korean and American forces as the two allies conducted the largest military exercises in five years. Meanwhile THIS North Korean leader directed his military to prepare to respond to the "frantic war preparation moves" of their enemies.

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

Correct Response: B. Kim Jong Un
https://www.yahoo.com/news/north-korea-test-fires-two-225921858.html

8. THIS European president announced the preparation of a bill to enshrine the right to abortion in their country's constitution, honoring the life and legacy of Gisèle Halimi, who worked to legalize abortion.

A. Emmanuel Macron
B. Pedro Sánchez
C. Andrés Manuel López
D. Alexander Lukashenko 

Correct Response: A. Emmanuel Macron
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/08/world/europe/abortion-france-macron.htm

9. The British arm of failed Silicon Valley Bank was rescued by THIS UK financial giant, avoiding insolvency and protecting thousands of tech startups and investors. 

A. BNP Paribas
B. HSBC 
C. Citibank
D. Chase

Correct Response: B. HSBC  
https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2023/mar/13/silicon-valley-bank-uk-tech-sector-rescue-help-jeremy-hunt-rishi-sunak-business-live

10. The Lahore High Court conditionally allowed the holding of the Aurat (“women” in Urdu) March in connection to International Women's Day to bring attention to women's rights in the northeastern part of THIS country in South Asia. 

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

Correct Response: D. Pakistan
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/lahore-high-court-lhc-conditionally-allows-1655166.html

 

 

1. Russia is making advances against THIS embattled eastern Ukraine city after months of grueling, costly combat despite fierce resistance by Ukrainians. Meanwhile, amid reports that Russian troops have resorted to fighting with shovels, Wagner militia group chief Prigozhin questioned Kremlin support as either “just ordinary bureaucracy or a betrayal.”

A. Kherson 
B. Bakhmut
C. Mariupol
D. Odessa 

Correct Response: B. Bakhmut
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russian-troops-fight-shovels-ammo-shortage-bakhmut-prigozhin-wagner-rcna73501

 

2. The world's largest democracy with a population of more than 1.3 billion, India, has been eager to position itself as a leader of emerging and developing nations (commonly referred to as the Global South) and has been hosting THIS premier forum for international economic cooperation compromising 19 countries and the European Union, which concluded in talks ultimately with no consensus on the Ukraine war. 

A. G20 (Group of Twenty) Summit
B. G8 (Group of Eight) Summit
C. G7 (Group of Seven) Summit
D. SDG Summit 

Correct Response: A. G20 (Group of Twenty) Summit
https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/01/india/india-g20-foreign-ministers-meeting-intl-hnk/index.html

 

3. After years of pandemic-forced cancellations, Athens recently hosted carnival celebrations, with scores of young people and college students on a night train that tragically collided with a freight train on their return trip, killing 47 people, the worst train crash in THIS country's history. Anger mounts over the country's dismal rail safety record in the European Union as it remains unclear how the accident would influence voting during its upcoming general election. 

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

Correct Response: D. Greece
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/02/world/europe/greece-train-crash.html

 

4. There have been reports of toxic gas attacks in 26 girls’ schools in THIS Middle Eastern country with regime retribution suspected over anti-government protests.

A. Iran
B. Saudi Arabia
C. Lebanon
D. Syria 

Correct Response: A. Iran
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64816750 

 

5. Last week THIS nuclear watchdog group reported Iran had enriched uranium to 83.7%, close to weapons grade material, as its Director General Rafael Grossi met with Iranian officials to discuss monitoring of facilities. The restoration of monitoring equipment may not be enough to satisfy Western nations about to discuss Tehran’s nuclear developments.

A. IATP
B. G-20
C. IAEA
D. P5+1

Correct Response: C. IAEA
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iaea-says-discussions-with-iran-after-report-enrichment-2023-02-19/

 

6. The popular chocolate Toblerone will no longer carry the image of the Matterhorn on its packaging after the company moved from THIS Alpine country to Slovakia. Its former home forbids the use of national symbols on milk-based products not produced inside its borders.

A. Italy
B. Andorra
C. Switzerland
D. Liechtenstein

Correct Response: C. Switzerland
https://www.itv.com/watch/news/toblerone-to-drop-matterhorn-from-packaging-due-to-strict-rules-on-swissness/by1dq9n

 

7. The leaders of THIS Asian nation and THIS European nation, both aligned with Moscow, issued a joint statement after a summit on Wednesday calling for peace in Ukraine.

A. Japan and Serbia
B. China and Hungary
C. South Korea and Poland
D. China and Belarus

Correct Response: D. China and Belarus
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/1/china-belarus-presidents-call-for-ukraine-cease-fire-talks

 

8. Reports from Tallinn indicate the Reform Party’s Kaja Kallas, THIS Baltic state’s prime minister since 2021 and advocate of support to Ukraine, won a convincing victory over a far-right party that sought to end aid to Kyiv.

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

Correct Response: A. Estonia
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/politics/article/estonia-s-pro-ukraine-prime-minister-kallas-wins-17821874.php

 

9. South Korea and THIS WWII occupier worked out an arrangement for compensation of victims of forced labor, clearing an obstacle to better relations, a move hailed as positive by President Biden.

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

Correct Response: D. Japan
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/new-plan-end-south-korea-japan-wartime-forced-labor-disputes-rcna73500

 

10. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a security think tank, released a study showing THIS country has a "stunning lead in high-impact research" on 37 out of 44 critical and emerging technologies in the global competition with the US and other Western democracies. The study also showed this country hosts seven of the world's top 10 research institutions. 

A. Russia
B. China
C. United Arab Emirates
D. Germany

Correct Response: B. China
https://www.reuters.com/technology/china-leads-us-global-competition-key-emerging-technology-study-says-2023-03-02/

1. At least 62 migrants died and dozens more are missing from a wooden boat that wrecked amid a storm on a reef off THIS country’s coast. The over 160 migrants – mostly Afghans, Pakistanis and Iraqis – on the boat were seeking refuge in Europe.

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

Correct Response: C. Italy
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/migrant-boat-shipwreck-italy-coast-death-toll-rcna72415

2. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was to meet with both King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss an agreement on the sticky post-Brexit issue of trade borders with THIS part of the United Kingdom.

A. Scotland
B. Wales  
C. Northern Ireland
D. Gibraltar 

Correct Response: C. Northern Ireland
https://news.yahoo.com/brexit-latest-eu-von-der-122850574.html 

3. President Putin's suspension of his country's participation in the last remaining U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control treaty, New START, raises stakes over negotiations with THIS country that has the third largest in the world's growing nuclear arsenal, and a unique "no first use" pledge. 

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

Correct Response: C. China
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putins-nuclear-treaty-move-raises-stakes-over-chinas-growing-arsenal-2023-02-22/

4. Israeli fighter jets struck THIS U.S.-designated terror group's affiliated weapons-manufacturing facility following the firing of six rockets from the Gaza Strip, the coastal Palestinian enclave ruled by the group, and an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank, leaving at least 11 Palestinians dead.

A. Hamas
B. Al-Qaeda
C. Harakat al-Sabireen
D. ISIS

Correct Response: A. Hamas
https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-strikes-hamas-sites-as-conflict-widens-114307fe?mod=djem10point

5. The European Union Commission announced it has temporarily banned THIS popular social media app from the phones used by employees as a cybersecurity measure joining similar moves in the U.S. by more than half of the states and Congress. 

A. Instagram
B. Facebook
C. Twitter
D. TikTok

Correct Response: D. Tik Tok
https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/tiktok-banned-eu-commission-phones-cybersecurity-rcna71953

6. During the first bilateral security talk in four years, China and THIS Asian nation discussed their concerns about the other’s respective military power. These two nations also depend on each other for trade and manufacturing and are two of the world’s economic powerhouses.

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

Correct Response: D. Japan
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-china-hold-first-security-talks-four-years-2023-02-22/

7. Despite issuing a 12-point peace plan for Ukraine, that fails to call for Russian withdrawal, THIS country is reported to be considering supplying Moscow with artillery, ammunition, drones and other war materials. The White House has warned of serious consequences if it arms Russia.

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

Correct Response: D. China
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-china-artillery-ammunition-us-intelligence-rcna72353

8. The tightest election result from Saturday in THIS, the most populous country in Africa, continued to be counted as Cinderella candidate Peter Obi won the Lagos district vote. Obi’s Labor Party is challenging the two-party contest that has dominated since military rule ended in 1999.

A. South Africa
B. Egypt
C. Nigeria
D. Ghana

Correct Response: C. Nigeria
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/nigeria-set-to-announce-more-election-results/ar-AA17YMjb 

9. In another threat against the U.S. and its NATO allies THIS former Russian President (2008-2012) and Putin protégé said for the third time in two weeks that Moscow would use nuclear weapons if the West continued to arm Ukraine.

A. Dmitry Medvedev
B. Yevgeny Prigozhin
C. Sergei Shoigu
D. Sergei Lavrov

Correct Response: A. Dmitry Medvedev
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-threatens-armageddon-if-west-fails-to-halt-arming-of-ukraine/ar-AA17Zdtv

10. As the first Leopard tanks arrived in Ukraine from Poland to bolster Kyiv’s fight with Russia, President Zelenskyy continued to ask for fighter jets from the West. President Biden said that THIS warplane in question was not needed by Ukraine and would not now be sent.

A. F-15 Eagle
B. F-14 Tomcat    
C. F-16 Falcon
D. A-10 Thunderbolt

Correct Response: C. F-16 Falcon
https://news.yahoo.com/white-house-clarifies-bidens-words-071936136.html

1. President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv to mark this week’s one-year anniversary of the unprovoked Russian invasion. Biden met with THIS Ukrainian leader.

A. Petro Poroshenko

B. Volodymyr Zelenskyy

C. Leonid Kravchuk

D. Leonid Kuchma 

Correct Response: B. Volodymyr Zelenskyy
https://www.msnbc.com/way-too-early/watch/biden-makes-surprise-visit-to-ukraine-to-mark-one-year-after-russia-s-invasion-163668037872

 

2. China's Ministry of Commerce announced sanctions on key defense manufacturers Lockheed and Raytheon over arms sales to Taiwan as part of Bejing's pledge to take "countermeasures" in response to THIS event. 

A. American Patriot missile sales to Taiwan

B. U.S. Navy ships operating in the South China Sea

C. Shoot down of a PRC spy balloon

D. Secretary of State Blinken cancelled visit to China

Correct Response: C. Shoot down of a PRC spy balloon
https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/16/business/china-sanctions-lockheed-raytheon-hnk-intl/index.html

 

3. The leaders of countries including France, Germany and the United States are in THIS city for a security summit where they discuss boosting support for Ukraine and possible stronger sanctions on Russia.

A. Munich

B. Geneva

C. New York

D. Paris

Correct Response: A. Munich
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/msc-2023-top-diplomats-discuss-future-of-ukraine/a-64749223

 

4. The United States accused Russia of violating the last remaining significant nuclear weapons limitations treaty, known as THIS, when it refused access to inspectors at its facilities.

A. New START

B. SALT 

C. SHORT

D. INF   

Correct Response: A. New START
https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-not-complying-with-inspection-obligation-under-nuclear-arms-treaty-us-2023-01-31/

 

5. Scottish politics were shaken with the surprise resignation of THIS official who had been a leading voice for independence from the United Kingdom.

A. Rishi Sunak

B. Alexander Abercromby

C. Mairi Gougeon

D. Nicola Sturgeon

Correct Response: D. Nicola Sturgeon
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-16/scotland-s-snp-delays-referendum-planning-after-sturgeon-resignation

 

6. The top foreign policy advisor and former foreign minister from THIS Asian country will visit Russia during an eight-day international tour that included the Munich Security Conference. The U.S. warned them against providing lethal aid to Russia in its war against Ukraine.

A. India

B. Pakistan

C. North Korea 

D. China 

Correct Response: D. China 
https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/14/china/wang-yi-russia-diplomatic-tour-munich-blinken-intl-hnk

 

7. Israel has passed a law to revoke the citizenship of members of THIS group residing in Israel if convicted of terrorism or who also get financial aid from the Palestinian Authority (PA). 

A. Kurds

B. Arabs

C. Turks 

D. Iranians

Correct Response: B. Arabs
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64654634

 

8. A court in THIS country in Central America stripped 94 political opponents of their citizenship, including award-winning writer Sergio Ramírez, poet Gioconda Belli and Catholic bishop Silvio Báez, bringing the total to 316. It drew sharp criticism from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. 

A. Nicaragua

B. Honduras

C. Columbia

D. Panama

Correct Response: A. Nicaragua
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64663711

 

9. The U.S Agency for International Development held a Summit in Washington D.C. in December chaired by Administrator Samantha Power and President Biden. The goal of the Summit was to revitalize the U.S's relations with community leaders from THIS continent where Russia and China are gaining influence.

A. Africa

B. Southeast Asia

C. Latin America

D. Central Asia

 

Correct Response: A. Africa
Source: https://www.usaid.gov/usaid-at-the-us-africa-leaders-summit

 

10. North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the "time is now" for Turkey and Hungary to ratify applications by THESE two states to join the defense alliance.

A. Ireland and Kosovo

B. Belarus and Bosnia-Herzegovina 

C. Georgia and Azerbaijan

D. Finland and Sweden

Correct Response: D. Finland and Sweden
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-could-mull-finland-sweden-nato-bids-separately-minister-2023-02-16/