Weekly Quiz Answers

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/

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