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11. Which one of the following countries has begun its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of UNSC from January 1, 2025?
[A] Sudan
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Indonesia
[D] Pakistan
Correct Answer: D [Pakistan]
Notes:
On January 1, 2025, Pakistan began its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This represents Pakistan’s eighth term on the 15-member council, taking over from Japan as the representative from Asia. Ambassador Munir Akram highlighted Pakistan’s dedication to engaging in an “active and constructive” manner to tackle global issues. Pakistan secured its seat with 182 votes in the 193-member General Assembly, surpassing the required two-thirds majority. The term commenced on January 1, 2025, and will conclude on December 31, 2026.
12. Who has been re-elected as US House Speaker?
[A] Yassamin Ansari
[B] Mike Johnson
[C] David Schweikert
[D]Nick Begich III
Correct Answer: B [Mike Johnson]
Notes:
Mike Johnson, a Republican representative from Louisiana, successfully retained his position as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives during a contentious and critical vote on the inaugural day of the new Congress. In spite of resistance from far-right members of his party and the significant challenges posed by a unified Republican control, Johnson was able to achieve re-election with backing from President-elect Donald Trump. This re-election was accompanied by several obstacles, including a narrow majority, fractures within the Republican Party, and increased political pressures as the GOP gears up for bold policy endeavors under Trump’s guidance.
13. The Islamic State (IS) group has recently on new year’s day 2025, a truck attack in New Orleans, this place located in which country?
[A] US
[B] Canada
[C] France
[D] South Africa
Correct Answer: A [US]
Notes:
The Islamic State (IS) group’s has recently been associated with a wave of violent incidents, indicating a concerning revival. On January 1, 2025, a truck assault in New Orleans led to the deaths of 15 individuals and left around 30 others injured. The perpetrator, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a citizen of the United States, exhibited an Islamic State flag during the attack. This event has heightened concerns regarding the group’s persistent influence and its ability to incite acts of domestic terrorism. On January 1, 2025, IS claimed responsibility for an attack on a military base in Puntland, Somalia, resulting in over 20 military personnel deaths.
14. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is on the brink of closure due to which country’s new legislation?
[A] Iran
[B] Iraq
[C] Israel
[D] US
Correct Answer: C [Israel]
Notes:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is on the brink of closure due to new Israeli legislation. This agency provides essential services to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The impending halt of its operations poses threat to the livelihood of many families, including those like the Hashash family in Balata Camp, who rely heavily on UNRWA for healthcare, education, and food assistance.
UNRWA was founded in 1949 to help Palestinian refugees. It runs almost 100 schools and many health centers in the West Bank. The agency assists more than 5 million registered refugees by offering essential services like food assistance, medical care, and education. In Balata Camp, UNRWA operates four schools and a health center, employing about 200 staff members.
In October 2023, Israel’s Parliament approved laws that could hinder Unrwa’s operations. These laws would prevent the agency from obtaining Israeli permits needed to provide aid in Gaza and the West Bank.
15. Which city has recently been identified as the world’s most polluted city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Kuala Lumpur
[C] Hanoi
[D] Jakarta
Correct Answer: C [Hanoi]
Notes:
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has been recognized as the most polluted city in the world, with PM2.5 levels hitting 266 micrograms per cubic meter. This serious air quality issue has caused major health worries for the people living there and has led to government measures. On January 3, 2025, AirVisual noted that Hanoi had the highest PM2.5 levels worldwide, showing extreme air pollution.
