Weekly Quiz Answers

1. The UN expected the earthquake death toll to double from the confirmed number of 33,000, as rescue efforts continue to fall short. The massive temblors struck adjoining areas of THESE countries.

A. Iraq and Iran 

B. Lebanon and Jordan   

C. Syria and Turkey

D. Egypt and Libya

Correct Response: C. Syria and Turkey
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-64612502

 

2. In the wake of the downing of a Chinese intelligence collection balloon off the coast of South Carolina the U.S. military shot down three more unidentified objects aloft – over Alaska, northern Canada and Lake Huron. THIS organization was involved in coordinating some of these operations.

A. NATO

B. APEC    

C. AIRCOM

D. NORAD

Correct Response: D. NORAD
https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/12/politics/unidentified-object-canada-alaska-military-latest/index.html

 

 

3. Former astronaut Scott Kelly called on Elon Musk to restore THIS communications capability to the Ukrainian military, “Defense from a genocidal invasion is not an offensive capability. It’s survival. Innocent lives will be lost. You can help. Thank you."

A. Starlink

B. Meta  

C. Iridium

D. SpaceX

Correct Response: A. Starlink
https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/elon-musk-defends-limitations-ukraines-military-starlink-satellites

 

4. Manila accused China of directing a “military-grade laser” at a Philippine coast guard vessel to prevent resupply of troops based at a shoal in THIS contentious body of water.

A. Philippine Sea

B. Strait of Malacca  

C. East China Sea

D. South China Sea

Correct Response: D. South China Sea
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-laser-philippines-military-blinding-coast-guard-rcna70336

 

5. On a surprise visit to THIS country on February 8th, President Vladimir Zelensky presented the House of Commons Speaker a Ukrainian fighter pilot’s helmet inscribed, “We have freedom. Give us wings to protect it,” pressing his campaign for Western combat aircraft.

A. France

B. Germany 

C. Britain

D. Sweden 

Correct Response: C. Britain
https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/08/europe/zelensky-visit-uk-intl-gbr/index.html

 

6. Access to the beleaguered earthquake region in northwest Syria is hampered by the Arab Spring spawned civil war being fought by THIS Syrian leader.

A. Hafez al-Assad

B. Mahmoud al-Ayyubi  

C. Bashar al-Assad

D. Michel Aoun

Correct Response: C. Bashar al-Assad
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-64612502

 

7. It will change our world, so said Bill Gates about THIS AI bot he touted as being as significant as the invention of the Internet.

A. ChatGPT

B. NEVA

C. Forethought

D. mirrAR

Correct Response: A. ChatGPT
https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-co-founder-bill-gates-chatgpt-will-change-our-world-2023-02-10/

 

8. The government of THIS Central American nation released 222 of the 245 prisoners it was holding over criticism of President Daniel Ortega who has held power in Managua since 2007. The released opposition prisoners were departed to the United States.

A. Guatemala

B. Venezuela

C. Cuba

D. Nicaragua

Correct Response: D. Nicaragua
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64582242

 

9. The White House said THIS claim by China was “not true.”

A. The U.S. has flown balloons in its airspace ten times in the last year.

B. American submarines penetrated inside Chinese territorial waters.  

C. American spy planes breached Chinese airspace.

D. U.S. special forces performed reconnaissance on South China Sea facilities.

Correct Response: A. The U.S. has flown balloons in its airspace ten times in the last year.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-64621598

 

10. The President of THIS country is looking for the right moment to revoke the Legion d’Honneur, awarded in 2006 by former President Jacques Chirac to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A. Belgium

B. Germany  

C. France

D. Netherlands 

Correct Response: C. France
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64594769

1. Multiple earthquakes in southern Turkey and THIS neighbor brought down hundreds of buildings and killed more than 2,300 people.

A. Lebanon

B. Syria   

C. Georgia

D. Armenia

Correct Response: B. Syria  
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/64533954

 

2. Ukraine President Zelensky hosted Ursula von der Leyen and other European leaders in Kyiv to discuss pushing forward with THIS. She lowered expectations on timing, telling the press, ““There are no rigid timelines, but there are goals.”

A. Ukraine accession to NATO

B. European main battle tanks to Ukraine

C. Ukraine accession to the EU

D. Reconstruction aid

Correct Response: C. Ukraine accession to the EU
https://www.economist.com/europe/2023/02/03/ukraine-is-not-about-to-join-the-eu

 

3. The IAEA alerted Western governments about THIS new development at the Fordow production plant in Iran.

A. Increased production of military drones for export to Russia

B. Increased capability to produce highly-enriched uranium

C. Discovery of biological weapons precursors

D. A new generation of long range surface-to-surface missiles 

Correct Response: B. Increased capability to produce highly-enriched uranium
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/4/iran-and-the-west-clash-over-iaea-report-on-fordow

 

4. A corporate fraud case in THIS country that has topped $110 billion in losses at the Adani Group has also started to take a political toll with the suspension of parliament in New Delhi and detention of opposition party figures.

A. India

B. Pakistan

C. Malaysia

D. Indonesia

Correct Response: A. India
https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-adani-shares-see-extended-sell-off-credit-warnings-kick-2023-02-06/

 

5. Widespread strikes continue to trouble THIS country as its citizens continue to wait for a post-Brexit dividend.

A. Ireland

B. United Kingdom 

C. Belgium

D. France

Correct Response: B. United Kingdom 
https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/01/business/uk-strikes-recession-imf/index.html

 

6. "Progress is being made, but difficulties remain," said the EU negotiator working with Britain on a major post-Brexit trade impasse that involves THIS part of the UK connected to the European single market.

A. Scotland

B. Wales

C. Gibraltar

D. Northern Ireland

Correct Response: D. Northern Ireland
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-02-06/eus-sefcovic-progress-made-in-talks-with-uk-on-northern-ireland-protocol

 

7. China reacted to the “spy balloon” take down with a statement saying the U.S. “seriously impacted and damaged both sides’ efforts and progress in stabilizing Sino-US relations.” Washington’s response was to cancel the planned visit of THIS official to Beijing.

A. Lloyd Austin

B. Antony Blinken 

C. Janet Yellin

D. Jake Sullivan

Correct Response: B. Antony Blinken 
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/china-accuses-us-indiscriminate-force-balloon-8427218/

 

8. As Ukraine approaches the February 24th anniversary of the unprovoked Russian invasion Kyiv is preparing to react to THIS anticipated move from Moscow.

A. Demobilization of 500,000 conscripts

B. A new wave of offensives

C. A cease-fire proposal

D. Attacks on NATO supply depots

Correct Response: B. A new wave of offensives
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-kyiv-politics-government-406dd65455b16142d8513e34d9898ce2

 

9. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with leaders of the Tigray rebel movement in an effort to end two-years of fighting that has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe in THIS country.

A. South Sudan

B. Eritrea 

C. Ethiopia

D. Somalia

Correct Response: C. Ethiopia
https://apnews.com/article/politics-kenya-government-abiy-ahmed-912e6114dc9e3b87c54cd7242846b8af

 

10. Four men charged with the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise of THIS Caribbean nation have been transferred from Port au Prince to the United States where they will stand trial. 

A. Dominican Republic

B. Jamaica  

C. Haiti

D. Martinique

Correct Response: C. Haiti
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64483529

 

1. Iran claimed a drone attack against a facility in Isfahan was thwarted with only minor damage to what it said was an ammunition plant. U.S. officials have said THIS country, which considers Iran an existential threat, was behind the attack.

A. Saudi Arabia

B. Pakistan   

C. Iraq

D. Israel

Correct Response: D. Israel
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64445306

 

2. Germany reversed its reversal on policy allowing exports of THIS main battle tank to Ukraine following American approval of tank transfer. Berlin also released holds on third country reexports of the tanks, like from Poland.

A. Leopard

B. Chieftan  

C. Abrams

D. Challenger

Correct Response: A. Leopard
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/leopard-2-tanks-from-all-over-europe-are-heading-to-ukraine-as-german-resistance-collapses/ar-AA16HfpF

 

3. Burkina Faso asked THIS former West Africa colonial power to withdraw its 400 troops fighting an Islamist insurgency in the country and replace its ambassador over comments about the worsening security situation. Meanwhile the Russian Wagner mercenary group has improved ties with the new regime that took power in a coup last fall.

A. Germany

B. France  

C. Belgium

D. Britain

Correct Response: B. France  
https://www.yahoo.com/now/burkina-faso-unrest-france-agrees-181405447.html

 

4. Turkish President Erdogan, who has been holding up accession of new NATO members, said THIS nation’s application could move forward while it continued to hold up Sweden’s accession.

A. Denmark

B. Iceland

C. Finland

D. Norway

Correct Response: C. Finland
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/turkey-says-it-could-evaluate-finland-nato-bid-separate-from-sweden/ar-AA16T7bT

 

5. The murder of seven people outside a Jerusalem synagogue, a military raid on a refugee camp and crackdowns across the West Bank signaled a new spike in Israeli-Palestinian violence leading THIS American Secretary of State to travel to Egypt, Israel and the West Bank.

A. Pete Buttigieg

B. Antony Blinken  

C. Jake Sullivan

D. Lloyd Austin

Correct Response: B. Antony Blinken  
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/blinken-urges-israel-palestinian-calm-violence-soars-96758230

 

6. Iranian officials were irked by an Iraqi soccer tournament taking THIS name to describe the Persian Gulf, a faux pas that has long disturbed many in the Farsi speaking side of that body of water.

A. Gulf of Oman

B. Red Sea  

C. North Arabian Sea

D. Arabian Gulf 

Correct Response: D. Arabian Gulf
https://www.albawaba.com/node/it-persian-gulf-or-arabian-gulf-1505042

 

7. A Yazidi community in Canada feels threatened by government plans to repatriate members of THIS terrorist group that conducted genocide and enslavement of Yazidis in northern Iraq in 2014. The group built a Caliphate across parts of Iraq and Syria that had to be dismantled by a U.S.-led military coalition. 

A. Al Qaeda in Iraq

B. Islamic State  

C. Al Shabab

D. Hamas 

Correct Response: B. Islamic State  
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/yazidis-plead-with-canada-not-to-repatriate-isis-members/ar-AA16T4FG

 

8. A bomb blast at a mosque in Peshawar, near the Afghan border in the northwest corner of THIS country, killed about 50 and wounded over 150 people. The local Taliban group there is believed responsible for the attack that targeted police in an insurgent campaign that has been accelerating since the end of a ceasefire in November.

A. Bangladesh

B. Nepal

C. Pakistan

D. Uzbekistan

Correct Response: C. Pakistan

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64451936

 

9. Police in Port au Prince rioted to protest gang violence that has claimed 14 police officers in the last month amid charges the government is not doing enough. About 100 officers set fires, erected barricades and attempted to enter THIS nation’s prime minister’s residence. 

A. Cuba

B. Dominican Republic  

C. Haiti

D. Jamaica

Correct Response: C. Haiti 
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/ny-haiti-police-riots-20230127-hqesl2zajbeixjricl5xyascrm-story.html

 

10. The jetliner that revolutionized international air travel and introduced the era of the “jumbo jet” has finished its five-decade run with the last commercial model of THIS plane coming off the production line.

A. Airbus 380

B. Boeing 707  

C. Embraer 110

D. Boeing 747

Correct Response: D. Boeing 747
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/boeings-747-original-jumbo-jet-prepares-final-send-off-2023-01-29

1. Washington designated THIS Russian militia group that deployed more than 50,000 troops to Ukraine as a “transnational criminal organization.” The group, headed by Yevgeny Prigozhin, has increased its influence in Russia adding to tensions with the Russian military.

A. Militsiya

B. Wagner

C. Pravda

D. Kalmius

Correct Response: B. Wagner
https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/20/politics/us-russia-wagner-group/index.html

 

2. Tanks for Ukraine was among the Ukraine support topics discussed by NATO defense ministers in Ramstein. However, THIS nation’s reluctance to send Leopard tanks or allow others to send them has stalled the provision of main battle tanks to Kyiv.

A. Germany

B. France 

C. Turkey

D. Poland

Correct Response: A. Germany
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/22/russia-ukraine-war-latest-updates/

 

3. After six years as Prime Minister of New Zealand, THIS politician who led the country through Covid and other crises surprisingly resigned saying she had “nothing left in the tank.”

A. Alice Evans

B. Kate Mann

C. Chris Hipkins

D. Jacinda Ardern

Correct Response: D. Jacinda Ardern
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/20/world/asia/jacinda-ardern-burnout.html

 

4. Dina Boluarte said security forces had gained control over riots in Lima and across THIS Andean nation that have claimed about 44 lives. However, protests continue against the new government, installed following an alleged coup by her predecessor. The impact has included the shutdown of Machu Picchu.

A. Ecuador

B. Paraguay  

C. Bolivia

D. Peru

Correct Response: D. Peru
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/22/peru-police-make-violent-raid-on-limas-san-marcos-university

 

5. Organizers of the World Economic Forum in THIS Alpine resort offered that we were in the “turbulent twenties” in referring to global economic shocks that may become more frequent.

A. Gstaad

B. Davos

C. Garmisch

D. Zermatt

Correct Response: B. Davos
https://www.axios.com/2023/01/21/davos-global-crises-economy-inflation-recession

 

6. China’s chief epidemiologist said 80% of the country has had Covid just as “the world’s largest migration” is about to begin during the 40 day celebration of THIS holiday. The mass travel, mostly from large cities to rural areas for family reunions, has raised concerns about a new wave of infections.

A. Communist Party Foundation Day

B. Lunar New Year

C. International Labor Day

D. PRC National Day

Correct Response: B. Lunar New Year
https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/22/china/china-covid-80-lunar-new-year-intl-hnk

 

7. Over a million people marched in demonstrations across France and unions announced new strikes in protest over the government’s effort to increase the standard retirement age from 62 to 64. THIS president, who vowed to press ahead with the change, said it was necessary to keep the retirement system viable. 

A. François Hollande

B. Emmanuel Macron

C. Nicolas Sarkozy

D. Alain Poher

Correct Response: B. Emmanuel Macron
https://apnews.com/article/france-retirement-age-limit-protests-866eb86aea5cf0d39894b96d2888c26f

 

8. A new coalition government crisis looms in THIS country that recently brought Benjamin Netanyahu back to power after the Supreme Court ruled right-wing Shas party leader Aryeh Deri was ineligible for a cabinet post based on his “backlog of criminal convictions.” Shas insists Deri represent the party in the government. 

A. Cyprus

B. Lebanon  

C. Greece

D. Israel

Correct Response: D. Israel
https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-fires-deri-with-a-heavy-heart-after-high-court-nixes-convicted-minister/

 

9. Japan hit a record high trade deficit of $156 billion on the back of THIS surging import expense, which is in short domestic supply.

A. Rice

B. Automotive parts  

C. Energy

D. Rare earth metals 

Correct Response: C. Energy
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/japan-marks-record-trade-deficit-soaring-energy-imports-96526142

 

10. China’s Vice Premier met in Zurich with THIS U.S. Treasury Secretary and agreed to improve communications over economic issues.

A. Pete Buttigieg

B. Janet Yellen

C. Jake Sullivan

D. Gina Raimondo

Correct Response: B. Janet Yellen
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-treasurys-yellen-chinas-liu-meet-zurich-first-in-person-talks-2023-01-18/

1. Japan-US economic and political relations were on the table as THIS prime minister visited the White House.

A. Yoshihide Suga

B. Yukio Hatoyama

C. Yoshihiko Noda

D. Fumio Kishida

Correct Response: D. Fumio Kishida
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/12/japan-united-states-biden-summit/

 

2. Russian President Putin said their troops were making advances after claiming to have taken the contested town of Soledor in eastern Ukraine. Putin labeled Russian military activities in Ukraine by THIS term.

A. Anti-fascist combat

B. Special military operations  

C. Ukraine De-Nazification

D. Counter insurgency 

Correct Response: B. Special military operations
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-launched-missile-strikes-against-ukraine-saturday-2023-01-15/

 

3. In 2023 THIS country will take the title of most populous country from China. 

A. Indonesia

B. Pakistan  

C. India

D. Nigeria

Correct Response: C. India
https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2023/01/09/india-will-become-the-worlds-most-populous-country-in-2023-so-what

 

4. Russia and THIS ally began military drills that has Kyiv worried about possible plans for a new ground attack across Ukraine’s northern border. Leaders in Minsk allowed Russia to use its territory last February as launching point for the first phase of the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

A. Romania

B. Moldova  

C. Belarus

D. Crimea

Correct Response: C. Belarus
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/16/belarus-russia-to-start-defensive-in-nature-air-force-drills

 

5. The foreign ministers of France and Germany were in Addis Ababa to support a peace agreement between the rebels in the Tigray region and THIS government to end a civil war that has killed as many as six hundred thousand. 

A. Eritrea

B. Ethiopia  

C. Mozambique

D. Somalia

Correct Response: B. Ethiopia  
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/amhara-forces-leave-northern-ethiopias-tigray-region-army-says-2023-01-13/

 

6. A panel of experts at the United Nations announced that THIS upper atmosphere protective layer shielding the planet from harmful UV rays is recovering thanks to banning of harmful chemicals under the Montreal Protocol of 1987.

A. Stratosphere

B. Ozone  

C. Van Allen Belt

D. Troposhere

Correct Response: B. Ozone  
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/09/the-earths-ozone-layer-is-slowly-recovering-un-report-finds-.html

 

7. Christine Lambrecht, a member of Olaf Scholz’s SPD party, is resigning over a series of missteps, mismanagement and public relations gaffes. Lambrecht, THIS country’s Defense Minister, was due to meet other defense ministers this week to discuss aid to Ukraine.

A. Netherlands

B. Sweden  

C. Germany

D. Belgium 

Correct Response: C. Germany

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64288267

8. The Biden Administration wants to push through a $20 billion arms deal for Turkey, including 40 F-16 fighter jets to be conditioned on Ankara’s ratification of Sweden’s and Finland’s NATO ascension. The deal faces stiff opposition from Congress over THIS Turkish president’s conduct.

A. Meral Akşener

B. Vahagn Khachaturyan  

C. Katerina Sakellaropoulou

D. Recep Tayyip Erdogan 

Correct Response: D. Recep Tayyip Erdogan
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/13/us/politics/us-turkey-f16s.html

 

9. The World Economic Forum, also known by THIS resort town where it is held, is in a transformation as globalized world icon to a meeting where international elites are grappling with the aftermath of Covid, the war in Europe, the surge of autocracies, great power conflicts and more.

A. Davos

B. Buenos Aires  

C. Aspen

D. Whistler 

Correct Response: A. Davos
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/14/world/davos-world-economic-forum.html  

 

10. Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida toured several G-7 countries ahead of hosting its May summit in Hiroshima. He consulted on security concerns in the Indo-Pacific after Tokyo announced a boost in defense spending, new deployments of American military forces and a bilateral military pact with Britain in response to regional security threats from THIS country.

A. North Korea

B. China  

C. Russia

D. All of the above

Correct Response: B. China  
https://www.reuters.com/world/kishida-says-g7-should-show-strong-will-russias-ukraine-invasion-2023-01-14/

 

1. Thousands of rioters attacked the Presidential Palace, Congress and Supreme Court in THIS capital city, in support of Jair Bolsonaro, known as “Tropical Trump.” Newly installed President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Bolsonaro “encouraged” the insurrection.

A. Rio de Janeiro

B. Buenos Aires   

C. Brasilia

D. Valparaiso

Correct Response: B. Buenos Aires  
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/09/brazil-assault-insurrection-bolsonaro-lula/

 

2. The Prime Minister of Sweden addressed THIS country’s demands – actions against Kurdish groups – after both sides reached agreed over the vote on NATO membership. He said additional conditions being asked could not be met. President Erdogan had accused Sweden of harboring Kurdish rebels.

A. Hungary

B. Germany  

C. Turkey

D. Greece

Correct Response: C. Turkey
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/1/8/sweden-cannot-fulfil-turkeys-demands-for-nato-application-pm

 

3. The UK Foreign Minister is opening talks with the EU over unresolved post-Brexit issues especially the trade troubles arising from THIS part of the UK sharing a land-border with an EU country.

A. Wales

B. Scotland  

C. Gibraltar

D. Northern Ireland 

Correct Response: D. Northern Ireland
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-01-08/seeking-n-ireland-solution-uk-foreign-minister-hosts-eu-talks

 

4. America and Germany will provide armored fighting vehicles to Ukraine for its war resisting the Russia invasion, for the first time after President Macron of THIS NATO country told President Zelenskyy they would send light tanks and APCs.

A. United Kingdom

B. Sweden  

C. France

D. Spain 

Correct Response: C. France
https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-getting-first-western-armored-combat-vehicles-france-germany-us-2023-1

 

5. President Biden visited El Paso to see the US-Mexico border and talk to local officials about the immigration troubles. Critics blame THIS Trump-era public health rule for the increase in migrants seeking entry.

A. Rule 18

B. DHS Pub. 132  

C. Title 42

D. INS Code 12099

Correct Response: C. Title 42
https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/08/politics/joe-biden-border/index.html

 

6. Ukrainian forces using U.S. provided Himar rockets killed scores, possibly hundreds of Russian troops in the city of Makiivka where they were being housed in a school. Russian military officials blamed those targeted for THIS activity which allowed Ukraine forces to fix their location.

A. Mass use of mobile phones for calls home

B. Formations in the open visible to Ukrainian drones  

C. Conversations about their disposition with female Ukrainian agents in bars

D. Visits by high-ranking Russian officers to the dormitories  

Correct Response: A. Mass use of mobile phones for calls home
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/02/ukraine-strike-russian-held-makiivka-reportedly-kills-troops

 

7. An EU crisis coordination meeting concluded member nations were “strongly encouraged” to demand Covid-19 tests for arrivals from THIS country that recently modified its “Zero Covid” policy. The move resulted in an unexpected jump in visits just as the country is subjected to a wave of new Covid infections.

A. India 

B. Indonesia  

C. China

D. Saudi Arabia

Correct Response: C. China
https://www.euractiv.com/section/coronavirus/news/eu-countries-encouraged-to-demand-covid-tests-from-china-passengers/

 

8. Newly installed national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir, identified as a nationalist provocateur by the Washington Post, made a visit to a sensitive site in Jerusalem which contains the Muslim al-Aqsa mosque. The visit to the religious site called THIS by Jews led to an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss the potential for new violence.

A. Wailing Wall

B. Temple Mount 

C. Holy Sepulchre

D. Mount Zion

Correct Response: B. Temple Mount 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/05/temple-mount-al-aqsa-ben-gvir-israel/

 

9. China’s public health officials are bracing for increases in Covid-19 infections as about 200 million people travel across the country to return to homes during THIS 40-day holiday celebration.

A. Anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party

B. Lunar New Year  

C. Labor Day

D. Qingming Festival

Correct Response: B. Lunar New Year  
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/06/world/asia/china-covid-rural-villages-countryside.html

 

10. The U.S. has placed new sanctions and measures against Iran’s defense industry in response to Tehran exporting THESE weapons.

A. Surface to air missiles to Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon

B. Drones to Russia for use to attack cities in Ukraine  

C. Tanks to Syria to fight in the civil war against rebels  

D. Surface to surface missiles to Houthi rebels in Yemen

Correct Response: B. Drones to Russia for use to attack cities in Ukraine
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/06/us-sanctions-iran-over-drones-used-in-russias-war-on-ukraine.html

1. An evening address to Congress on December 21st was a highlight for THIS foreign leader who met with President Joe Biden.

A. Bibi Netanyahu

B. Volodymyr Zelensky   

C. Rishi Sunak

D. Emmanuel Macron

Correct Response: B. Volodymyr Zelensky
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64065527

2. China launched a new round of provocative military operations around Taiwan including sending over 70 combat aircraft into the Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone. Beijing conducted exercises aimed at intimidating Taiwan last summer in response to the visit of THIS U.S. official to Taipei.

A. Senator Mitch McConnell

B. Vice President Kamala Harris  

C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi

D. Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Correct Response: C. Speaker Nancy Pelosi
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64094261 

3. In the weeks since relaxing some “Zero Covid” measures THIS country has seen more than 250 million people were infected with Covid-19. As many as 1.5 million deaths may result from the pandemic in coming months based on worst-case modeling by the “Economist.”

A. India

B. Russia  

C. Brazil

D. China

Correct Response: D. China
https://www.economist.com/china/2022/12/15/our-model-shows-that-chinas-covid-death-toll-could-be-massive

4. North Korea’s provocations marked by recent long range missile testing continued with THIS incursion on South Korean territory.

A. Mini-submarine deployed special forces

B. Artillery fire against ROK contested islands  

C. Five drones across the military demarcation line

D. DPRK jets penetrating the DMZ 

Correct Response: C. Five drones across the military demarcation line
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64094143

 

5. The White House said THIS Russian mercenary group headed by Putin protégé Yegeny Prigozhin bought arms from North Korea to bolster its military operations in Ukraine where it has deployed 10,000 contractors and 40,000 convicts.

A. Victory Brigade

B. Wagner Group

C. 2014 Militia

D. Prigozhin Brigade

Correct Response: B. Wagner Group
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-says-russias-wagner-group-bought-north-korean-weapons-ukraine-war-2022-12-22/

 

6. Saudi Arabia hosted about 2.5 million pilgrims at THIS religious obligation for Muslims every year before the pandemic struck. The country aims to increase that number to 6 million by 2030.

A. Ramadan

B. Hajj 

C. Zakat

D. Shahada

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

 

7. Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced formation of a far-right coalition government led by THIS party he heads. Changes to the Basic Law that define the formation of government are being made to soften eligibility requirements for some of Netanyahu’s partners to serve. 

A. Labor

B. Likud  

C. Noam

D. Shas

Correct Response: B. Likud  
https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-push-set-to-resume-with-clock-ticking-for-netanyahu-to-swear-in-government/

 

8. Care International, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Save the Children stopped operations in THIS country after the government banned women from working with them as well as a ban on women attending universities.

A. Pakistan

B. Myanmar  

C. Bangladesh

D. Afghanistan

Correct Response: D. Afghanistan
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-64090549

 

9. In his Christmas message THIS Pope issued a plea for the Lord to “inspire the minds of those who have the power to silence the thunder of weapons and put an immediate end to this senseless war,” and he pointed to conflicts and humanitarian strife around the world.

A. Benedict XVI

B. Francis  

C. John Paul II

D. Gregory III

Correct Response: B. Francis  
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-64091253

 

10. President Joe Biden said the Iran nuclear deal, known as THIS, was dead but the U.S. would not make a public announcement according to a campaign event amateur video made public last week. 

A. Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

B. Geneva Protocols  

C. International Atomic Energy Commission Pact

D. Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Correct Response: A. Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/article-725427

 

1. The 2022 World Cup final produced a dramatic victory for Argentina in a penalty shoot-out over THIS national team. The final match showcased global talents Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

A. Italy

B. France

C. Brazil

D. Nigeria

Correct Response: B. France
https://www.cnn.com/sport/live-news/world-cup-final-argentina-france-12-18-22/index.html

 

2. The end of the most stringent of “Zero-Covid” measures in THIS country is seeing widespread disease outbreaks in major cities yet many people remain vaccine skeptics. The country has rejected effective Western vaccines in favor of those like the Sinovac CoronaVac.

A. Russia

B. China  

C. India

D. Brazil

Correct Response: B. China  
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/i-dont-trust-it-vaccine-hesitancy-lingers-even-china-covid-cases-surge-2022-12-19/

3. Indian troops battled forces from THIS rival it said had “encroached into Indian territory” along the Arunachal Pradesh mountain region in the northeast of India. The two nuclear armed states have sought to deescalate in the area since the 2020 clash that killed over 20 troops.

A. Afghanistan

B. Pakistan  

C. China

D. Kazakhstan

Correct Response: C. China
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63953400

 

4. Tariffs imposed during the Trump Administration on steel and aluminum imports by the United States were found to violate global trade rules according to THIS organization. The Biden Administration said it has no plans to change the tariff scheme which was originally based on national security concerns.

A. International Labor Organization

B. UN Committee on Global Trade  

C. World Trade Organization

D. Group of Twenty

Correct Response: C. World Trade Organization
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-63920063

 

5. Vladimir Putin is visiting Minsk to urge THIS former Soviet republic and ally to participate in an expanded ground campaign on a new front against Ukraine.

A. Moldova

B. Crimea  

C. Belarus

D. Romania

Correct Response: C. Belarus
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-heads-belarus-amid-fears-new-assault-ukraine-2022-12-19

 

6. The nearly 200 countries represented at the United Nation’s COP15 conference in Montreal reached a landmark agreement in THIS critical area of global survival.

A. Climate change

B. Sea level rise  

C. Meteorology

D. Biodiversity

Correct Response: D. Biodiversity
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2022/12/19/cop15-biodiversity-wildlife-extinction/

 

7. World leader Binance reported $6 billion in withdrawals over several days last week as THIS phenomenon continued to collapse.

A. International currency exchange

B. SWIFT banking system  

C. Crypto

D. Exchange traded funds

Correct Response: C. Crypto
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/16/1143086648/binance-cz-ftx-crypto-bankruptcy-fallout-alameda-bitcoin

 

8. President Biden met with leaders representing 49 nations in the first summit of its kind in eight years as the United States sought to reassert its influence in an area where China has advanced its soft power efforts. Biden pledged to support THIS organization’s permanent membership in the G-20.

A. African Union

B. Association of South East Asian Nations

C. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group

D. Organization of American States

Correct Response: A. African Union
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-63982818

 

9. Millions of fans of the K-pop super band BTS were sent into a frenzy, according to the BBC, at news that Jin, the band’s oldest member, entered the military in THIS country. Observers opined that Jin would likely not be assigned to serve on the DMZ. 

A. Japan

B. Malaysia  

C. South Korea

D. Bangladesh

Correct Response: C. South Korea
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63944860

 

10. The legend of Santa Claus is traced to the monk St. Nicholas believed to have been born around 280 A.D. near modern-day Myra on THIS country’s Mediterranean coast. 

A. Turkey

B. Romania

C. Netherlands

D. Lebanon

Correct Response: A. Turkey
https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/santa-claus

1.  The 2022 Time Man of the Year is THIS head of state.

A. Vladimir Putin

B. Xi Jinping   

C. Volodymur Zelensky

D. Joe Biden

Correct Response: C. Volodymur Zelensky
https://time.com/person-of-the-year-2022-volodymyr-zelensky/

 

2. Britney Griner was released from “wrongful” detention in Russia when the United States exchanged her for THIS jailed arms merchant.

A. Alexei Navalny

B. Viktor Bout 

C. Roman Abramovich

D. Oleg Deripaska 

Correct Response: B. Viktor Bout 
https://news.yahoo.com/newly-freed-russian-arms-dealer-171635086.html?ref=upstract.com

 

3. The United States has custody of Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud, alledged to have built the bomb that destroyed Pan Am flight 103 over THIS town in 1988 that killed 259 on the plane and 11 on the ground.

A. Lockerbie, Scotland

B. Bergerac, France

C. Loughrea, Ireland

D. Koblenz, Germany 

Correct Response: A. Lockerbie, Scotland
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lockerbie-bombing-abu-agila-masud-pan-am-103-us-custody-scotland-libya/

 

4. European Union Parliament officials are being investigated for taking cash and gifts from THIS Gulf nation in exchange for influence in their policy making. The country has also been accused of using bribes to obtain the 2022 World Cup.

A. Kuwait

B. Qatar  

C. Bahrain

D. UAE

Correct Response: B. Qatar  
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eus-borrell-belgiums-european-parliament-corruption-probe-is-very-worrisome-2022-12-12

 

5. Dina Boluarte was sworn in THIS nation’s first women president following the ouster of Pedro Castillo, who had ordered the dissolution of the Congress in advance of his impeachment.

A. Agentina

B. Uruguay  

C. Nicaragua

D. Peru

Correct Response: D. Peru
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/10/perus-new-president-swears-in-her-cabinet-with-anti-corruption-pledge

 

6. Newspaper chief and pro-democracy icon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to a five year prison term for seemingly trumped up charges of fraud, stemming from Beijing’s crackdown of the THIS former British Crown Colony’s pro-democracy movement.

A. Taiwan

B. Hainan  

C. Hong Kong

D. Macau

Correct Response: C. Hong Kong
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/11/hong-kong-jails-pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai.html

 

7. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited THIS Middle East nation for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other Arab leaders. Its embrace of China appears to be a snub to President Biden amid increasing friction between Washington and Riyadh.

A. Iran

B. Iraq  

C. Saudi Arabia

D. United Arab Emirates

Correct Response: C. Saudi Arabia
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/08/1141202088/xi-jinping-saudi-arabia-china

 

8. American military forces carried out a helicopter raid in Syria that killed two leaders of THIS terrorist organization. The United States has led a coalition against this radical group since it evolved from militant groups in Iraq and established a caliphate. 

A. Al Qaeda 

B. Hamas  

C. ISIS

D. Hezbollah 

Correct Response: C. ISIS
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/pentagon-says-two-isis-leaders-093113193.html

 

9. More history was made at the World Cup as THIS nation’s team advanced to the semi-finals to become the first African country to advance that deep in the tournament. 

A. Morocco

B. Egypt

C. Tunisia

D. Algeria

Correct Response: A. Morocco
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/morocco-rewrite-africas-world-cup-history-2022-12-12/

 

10. The release of “Harry and Meghan” put the spotlight back on troubles within the British Royal family and included Prince Harry’s recollections of the plight of his mother, THIS former wife of King Charles, at the hands of the press. She died in a 1997 car accident while being pursued by paparazzi.

A. Anne

B. Catherine  

C. Helen

D. Diana

Correct Response: D. Diana
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/08/arts/television/harry-meghan-netflix.html

1. Talking about talking. President Biden suggested he would meet President Putin under certain circumstances to talk about ending the conflict in Ukraine. Moscow’s response was to demand THIS.

A. Rejection of Ukraine’s application to join NATO 

B. Recognition of the Ukraine regions Russia annexed by America and the West.

C. Rejection of accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO

D. Resumption of oil and gas purchases by Western European countries 

Correct Response: B. Recognition of the Ukraine regions Russia annexed by America and the West.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/02/us/politics/biden-putin-ukraine-talks.html

 

2. The first Biden Administration State Dinner was held to honor THIS visiting leader and to recognize America’s earliest strategic ally.

A. Rishi Sunak

B. Olaf Scholz

C. Giorgia Meloni

D. Emmanuel Macron 

Correct Response: D. Emmanuel Macron
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/france-president-emmanuel-macron-us-relations-60-minutes-2022-12-04/

 

3. Iran announced construction of its second nuclear power plant as negotiations to restore provisions of THIS nuclear agreement with the P5+1 group continued to stall. The 2015 pact to put Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities in a box in exchange for economic sanctions relief was shelved by President Trump in 2018.

A. Iran Nuclear Control Plan

B. Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

C. Comprehensive Persian Gulf Nuclear Disarmament Treaty

D. The Geneva Agreement 

Correct Response: B. Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/iran-announces-start-of-construction-on-new-nuclear-power-plant

 

4. China relaxed some Zero-Covid including easing testing requirements and quarantine rules following THIS development.

A. Protests spread across the country to at least 20 cities

B. Covid spread numbers started to bottom out

C. China’s Ministry of Health released a new, effective vaccine

D. Economic data suggested Zero-Covid policies were harming growth 

Correct Response: A. Protests spread across the country to at least 20 cities
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/scattered-easing-covid-curbs-across-china-after-week-unrest-2022-12-02

 

5. Iranian officials sent mixed signals about the disbanding or limitation on power of THIS government function as Tehran continues a harsh crackdown of continuing nationwide protests. Hundreds have been killed and imprisoned.

A. Ministry of Intelligence 

B. Revolutionary Guard Corps  

C. Extra judicial capital punishment committees

D. Morality police

Correct Response: D. Morality police
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iran-morality-police-status-unclear-after-closure-comment-94440851

 

6. In an effort to limit Russian economic benefits and punish Moscow over the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the G-7, EU and Australia agreed to THIS.

A. Cap oil sales as $60 a barrel

B. Imposition of tariffs on Russian grain exports  

C. Ban exports of Russian military equipment

D. Freeze assets of Russian oligarchs

Correct Response: A. Cap oil sales as $60 a barrel
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/01/iran-kidnapping-assassination-plots/

 

7. Britain’s opposition party, the Labour Party, announced a plan for “the biggest ever transfer of power” away from the central government including abolishing THIS institution.

A. MI-6

B. House of Commons  

C. The Exchequer

D. House of Lords

Correct Response: D. House of Lords
https://news.yahoo.com/uks-labour-vows-abolish-house-110533476.html

 

8. Turkey has launched strikes against Kurdish militia forces in THIS country complicated the United States partnership with those forces in the battle against ISIS.

A. Iraq

B. Iran  

C. Syria

D. Lebanon

Correct Response: C. Syria
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/turkey-attacks-syrian-kurds-the-u-s-partner-in-fight-against-isis

 

9. The African National Congress party’s Executive Committee is meeting to discuss its response to charges of corruption against President and party leader Cyril Ramphosa in THIS country.

A. Mozambique

B. South Africa  

C. Rwanda

D. Ghana

Correct Response: B. South Africa  
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-63857112

 

10. The United States team at the World Cup in Qatar was eliminated from the tournament in the round of 16 by THIS team.

A. Japan

B. England  

C. Netherlands

D. Argentina

Correct Response: C. Netherlands
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/03/1140471235/us-netherlands-world-cup