International Current Affairs MCQs

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The Eastern Economic Forum 2024 was held in Vladivostok, Russia. It is an annual international event, started in 2015, aimed at boosting economic development in Russia’s Far East. The forum encourages investment and cooperation between Russia and Asia-Pacific nations. It gathers government officials, business leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss economic opportunities and enhance regional connectivity. The event helps shape economic diplomacy and build partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region. The Russian Far East borders two oceans, the Pacific and the Arctic, and five countries: China, Japan, Mongolia, the United States, and North Korea.

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Brazil and India have settled a WTO trade dispute over sugar subsidies, reflecting their strategic partnership. This resolution is part of their wider collaboration, which includes working together on ethanol technology and addressing global sugar surplus issues. Their relationship encompasses strategic dialogues, trade forums, and other cooperative mechanisms, highlighting their joint efforts to manage global sugar trade challenges and price issues.

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The third INDUS-X Summit concluded in the US, advancing joint defence innovation between India and the US. It was launched in 2023 during the Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to the US. The goal is to expand strategic tech partnerships and defence cooperation between governments, businesses, and academic institutions in both countries. INDUS-X will serve as a defence innovation bridge, involving joint challenges, innovation funds, and industry-startup collaborations. Focus areas include co-producing jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles. It is led by iDEX (India) and DIU (US).

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Jordan’s King Abdullah II appointed Jaffer Hassan as the new Prime Minister, replacing Bishar Khasawane. Hassan was instructed to support the Palestinians. He will focus on reducing the economic impact of the Gaza War. Hassan will also address the decline in tourism, a vital sector for Jordan’s economy. Jordan is located in the Middle East, between Asia, Africa, and Europe. It’s bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and the West Bank of Palestine.

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The joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas, initiated in 2004, focuses on enhancing military cooperation between India and the US. The latest edition, Yudh Abhyas 2024, took place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan from September 9 to 22. This exercise aims to improve interoperability and conduct counter-terrorism operations. Both nations have emphasized the importance of joint training and sharing best practices to strengthen their military capabilities in a sub conventional context under the UN Charter’s Chapter VII.

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The Hakwata community in Chipinge, Zimbabwe, has benefited from a 200 kW solar mini-grid, providing electricity to nearly 80 households, schools, and businesses. The project, funded by the UNDP and the UK’s FCDO, demonstrates significant development in an area previously reliant on expensive generators and lacking access to the national grid.

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The UN General Assembly adopted the “Pact for the Future” to reshape global governance. It reaffirms UN Member States’ commitment to sustainable development, peace, and stronger governance. It emphasizes building peaceful, inclusive societies and addressing conflict root causes. The Pact highlights the role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing UN goals. It prioritizes youth inclusion in decision-making at national and global levels. The Pact calls for stronger partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and local authorities.

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Iran unveiled its latest ballistic missile, named “Jihad,” in a military parade in Tehran. The missile was developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Aerospace Force. This marks the introduction of a new liquid-fuel missile platform in Iran’s defense technology. The Jihad missile highlights Iran’s ongoing military advancements despite international sanctions. Iran’s missile development has raised concerns among Western nations about its potential destabilizing effects in the region.

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India officially joined the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement on September 25, 2024. The agreement, known as the “High Seas Treaty,” protects marine biodiversity in international waters. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar signed the agreement at the UN General Assembly in New York. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the agreement in July 2024. The Union Ministry of Earth Science will implement the BBNJ agreement in India.

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India was recently elected to the GloBE Network’s Steering Committee during a session in Beijing. The GloBE Network, launched in June 2021, is a G-20 initiative to combat global corruption. It now has 121 member countries and 219 member authorities, including India’s CBI and ED, with the Ministry of Home Affairs as the central authority. The Steering Committee consists of one chair, one vice-chair, and 13 members. The network facilitates sharing best practices and criminal intelligence to fight corruption, supported by UNODC. India’s G-20 Presidency in 2023 emphasized leveraging the GloBE Network.