Showing questions for January 17, 2026
- Total: 18 questions
Question 11 Jan 17, 2026
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Which country's president expressed 'sympathy' over a six-day internet shutdown following post-election violence?
TanzaniaTanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, speaking on 16 January 2026, expressed sympathy to diplomats and foreign nationals affected by the internet shutdown that occurred during the country’s worst post-election violence. The October 2025 election, which she won with over 97% of the vote, was marred by the disqualification of major opposition candidates and the imprisonment of the main opposition leader. The ensuing violence and heavy police crackdown reportedly left hundreds dead, according to human rights groups. Hassan blamed foreigners for inciting unrest and pardoned many arrested youths, citing peer pressure as a factor. Her remarks marked the first official acknowledgment of the internet blackout since the election.
Question 12 Jan 17, 2026
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Which Middle Eastern nations urged the Trump administration to refrain from military strikes against Iran amid ongoing protests?
Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and QatarIn January 2026, top officials from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar privately urged the Trump administration to avoid military action against Iran, warning it could destabilize the region and harm the global economy. Their concerns came amid escalating tensions following Iran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests, which activists say has resulted in over 2,600 deaths. These Arab allies also pressed Iranian leaders to end the repression quickly. Despite President Trump’s earlier threats of intervention, his tone appeared to shift, suggesting a possible diplomatic resolution. The White House, however, maintained that 'all options remain on the table.'
Question 13 Jan 17, 2026
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Who did Russian President Vladimir Putin call to discuss the crisis in West Asia amid US threats of strikes on Iran?
Benjamin Netanyahu and Masoud PezeshkianOn 17 January 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to address the escalating crisis in West Asia. Putin emphasized the need for stability and offered Russia’s mediation to de-escalate tensions. Both conversations underscored a shared commitment to resolving issues through political and diplomatic channels rather than military action. The Kremlin described the regional situation as 'extremely tense' and reaffirmed Russia’s active role in promoting dialogue. These calls occurred amid conflicting signals from the Trump administration regarding potential military strikes on Iran.
Question 14 Jan 17, 2026
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What major safety initiative has Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) proposed for the M Chinnaswamy Stadium following last year’s stampede tragedy?
Installation of 300-350 AI-enabled camerasFollowing the tragic stampede on June 4, 2025, which resulted in 11 fan deaths during RCB’s IPL trophy celebrations, the franchise has taken proactive steps to enhance crowd safety. RCB has officially proposed installing 300–350 AI-enabled surveillance cameras at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The franchise committed to bear the full estimated cost of ₹4.5 crore for this one-time initiative. The technology aims to improve real-time monitoring of crowd movement, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure orderly queuing. This move comes ahead of a government task force report due on January 17, 2026, evaluating ongoing safety upgrades at the venue.
Question 15 Jan 17, 2026
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Why did Bangladesh cricketers initially boycott the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches in January 2026?
Due to derogatory comments by BCB director Najmul Islam about player compensation and performanceThe boycott was triggered after BCB director Najmul Islam made disparaging remarks stating that players would not be compensated if Bangladesh withdrew from the T20 World Cup over security concerns, adding they hadn’t justified payouts by failing to win any ICC event. This angered players and the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), leading to a temporary halt in BPL matches. The situation was partially resolved when Najmul was removed from his finance committee role. CWAB president Mohammad Mithun confirmed the boycott was called off 'in the greater interest of the game' after assurances from the BCB. Several players, including Mithun, also reported receiving death threats during the controversy.