Showing questions for January 31, 2026
- Total: 17 questions
Question 11 Jan 31, 2026
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Which three ancient bronze sculptures is the United States returning to India after provenance research confirmed their illegal removal from temples?
Shiva Nataraja, Somaskanda, and Saint Sundarar with ParavaiThe Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in Washington DC is returning three significant bronze sculptures to India following rigorous provenance research. These include the 'Shiva Nataraja' from the Chola period circa 990 CE, 'Somaskanda' also from the Chola period (12th century), and 'Saint Sundarar with Paravai' from the Vijayanagar period (16th century). Museum researchers confirmed in 2023, in collaboration with the French Institute of Pondicherry's Photo Archives, that these bronzes had been photographed in Tamil Nadu temples between 1956 and 1959 before their illegal removal. The sculptures exemplify South Indian bronze casting artistry and were originally sacred objects used in temple processions. One sculpture, the Shiva Nataraja, will be placed on long-term loan to the museum for public exhibition.
Question 12 Jan 31, 2026
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Which border crossing between Gaza and Egypt is Israel planning to reopen for limited movement of people according to the US-brokered ceasefire plan?
Rafah crossingIsrael announced it would reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt for limited pedestrian movement starting Sunday. The crossing has been nearly completely closed since Israel seized it in May 2024 as part of its strategy to prevent Hamas arms smuggling. Initially, approximately 50 medical evacuees will be permitted to exit Gaza and 50 returnees allowed to enter, with both Israel and Egypt vetting individuals for exit and entry. European Union border patrol agents will supervise the crossing while Israel maintains control over the adjacent corridor for additional screening. The reopening represents one of the first steps in the second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement, which also addresses challenging issues like demilitarizing Gaza and establishing an alternative government for reconstruction efforts.
Question 13 Jan 31, 2026
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What was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's stance regarding Russia's willingness to end the war as it approached its fourth anniversary?
He stated he does not believe Russia wants to end the warUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed strong skepticism about Russia's intentions to end hostilities as the invasion approached its four-year anniversary in February 2026. He explicitly stated, 'I do not believe that Russia wants to end the war. There is a great deal of evidence to the contrary.' Despite Trump's announcement about a potential one-week pause in attacks on Ukraine's power grid, Zelenskyy emphasized there was no official ceasefire agreement or direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia on this matter. He offered a reciprocal approach, stating Ukraine would halt attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure if Moscow stopped bombing Ukrainian power facilities. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine originally proposed an energy ceasefire during talks in Saudi Arabia the previous year, but the proposal gained no traction at that time.
Question 14 Jan 31, 2026
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Which tennis player became the youngest man in the Open era to reach finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments after defeating Alexander Zverev in a five-set Australian Open semifinal?
Carlos AlcarazCarlos Alcaraz achieved this historic milestone at just 22 years of age after an epic 5-hour 27-minute battle against Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semifinals. The match featured dramatic momentum swings with Alcaraz winning 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 despite facing physical challenges including cramps and an upper right leg problem in the third set. He overcame being two points away from victory in the third set and being behind in the fifth set after dropping the first game. Alcaraz will face either Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic in the final, with the opportunity to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. His victory came despite requiring medical timeouts during crucial moments of the match.
Question 15 Jan 31, 2026
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Which Australian pair became the first team since 1989 to win consecutive Australian Open mixed doubles titles by defeating Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard?
Olivia Gadecki and John PeersOlivia Gadecki and John Peers created history by winning back-to-back Australian Open mixed doubles titles, a feat not achieved since Jim Pugh and Jana Novotna in 1988-89. The wild-card Australian pair defeated the French duo 4-6, 6-3, 10-8 in a thrilling final at Rod Laver Arena, coming back from 7-5 down in the final-set tiebreaker. Gadecki, at 23 years old, was born 13 years after the last consecutive title winners, making her achievement particularly remarkable. The Australians were also the first reigning champions to return to the final the following year since Mladenovic and Daniel Nestor in 2015. After the victory, Peers expressed being 'speechless' and thanked Gadecki for playing with him again, highlighting their great chemistry on court throughout the tournament.