International Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Recently, Colombia officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during a meeting of Latin American leaders in Beijing. Colombia’s capital is Bogotá. It is called the “Gateway of South America” because it connects South America with Central and North America. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also called One Belt, One Road (OBOR), plans to build many roads, railways, and ports across several countries. It aims to boost China’s economic leadership by creating infrastructure in nearby regions. The initiative is known as the “21st Century Silk Road.”

Notes:
In Nigeria, 138 people have died from the Lassa fever outbreak since the start of this year. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 717 cases so far. This has raised the case fatality rate to 19.2 percent, which the NCDC says is very alarming. The disease has affected at least 18 out of 36 states in Nigeria. Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which belongs to the arenavirus family. People usually get infected by touching food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The World Health Organization (WHO) says early diagnosis and quick treatment are very important to survive the disease.

Notes:
India is projected to become the world’s top potato producer, overtaking China, according to scientists from the International Potato Center (Centro Internacional de la Papa – CIP). This was highlighted at a recent symposium on ‘Root and Tuber Crops Research and Development in India and South Asia’. Experts estimate that India’s potato production may grow from 60 million tonnes now to 100 million tonnes by 2050. The International Potato Center (CIP), founded in 1971, is a global research organization focusing on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP promotes nutritious food, sustainable businesses, and climate resilience in over 20 countries.

Notes:
New sites from China, Brazil, Mexico, and Spain have been recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). GIAHS was launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2002. It addresses threats to traditional farming like climate change and loss of biodiversity. The program supports farmers by promoting traditional knowledge, conservation, and sustainable development. FAO’s network now includes 95 heritage systems in 28 countries worldwide. The new sites include a traditional agroforestry system growing erva-mate in Brazil. Three Chinese sites are recognized for pearl mussels, white tea, and pears. Mexico’s site conserves important food crops and biodiversity. Spain’s Lanzarote island has a unique farming system on volcanic land.

Notes:
Recently, a United States federal court blocked President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs, stating that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not allow him to impose sweeping import taxes. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) was legislated on 28 October 1977. It gives the US president the power to regulate financial transactions after declaring a national emergency. The IEEPA allows the president to act against unusual and exceptional threats to national security, foreign policy, and the economy, especially if the threat comes from outside the country. It empowers the president to freeze assets and restrict transactions.

Notes:
China recently launched the Tianwen-2 probe to collect samples from the asteroid 2016HO3 and explore the distant main-belt comet 311P. It was launched using the Long March 3-B rocket. The mission will continue till the end of 2027. Earlier in 2021, China’s Tianwen-1 mission landed on Mars with an orbiter, lander, and the Zhurong rover. Tianwen-3 is planned for launch around 2028 to collect and return samples from Mars. Tianwen-4 is expected to explore Jupiter around 2030.

Notes:
Luis Montenegro has been reappointed as the Prime Minister of Portugal after the recent general elections. He leads the centre-right Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Democratic Alliance (AD). He aims to focus on improving Portugal’s economy, public services, and the national health system. His return marks a period of political adjustment under a minority government.

Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed $10 billion to boost India’s urban development and metro expansion. It will support India’s Urban Challenge Fund to increase private investment in cities. It promotes inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific region. Its headquarters is in Manila, Philippines.

Notes:
Lee Jae-myung was sworn in as the 14th President of South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, in Seoul on June 4, 2025. He won the Presidential by-election held on June 3, 2025, after the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, defeated Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party. He secured 51.7% of the vote, while Kim got 39.3%.

Notes:
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades since its establishment. ECOWAS was created on May 28, 1975, through the Lagos Treaty signed in Lagos, Nigeria. It was formed to promote regional cooperation, economic integration, and peace across West Africa. The bloc aims for a single economic union with a common currency and shared policies in trade, energy, transport, and more.