International Current Affairs MCQs

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Russian President Vladimir Putin reappointed Mikhail Mishustin as prime minister, continuing a technocratic leadership. Mishustin, credited with maintaining stable economic performance amid Western sanctions, submitted his Cabinet’s resignation as per Russian law during Putin’s fifth term inauguration. Mishustin, 58, a former head of Russia’s tax service, has kept a low political profile and is expected to retain most Cabinet members, although Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s fate remains uncertain.

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The second round of the India-US Dialogue on Africa convened in Washington DC on May 14-15, 2024. Shri Puneet R. Kundal and Shri Sevala N. Mude led the Indian delegation, while Ms. Mary Catherine Phee headed the US team. The dialogue fosters collaboration on developmental projects in Africa, aligning with African priorities. This marks the first dialogue since the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 during India’s presidency.

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Japan and the U.S. signed a contract to develop interceptors for hypersonic missiles by the 2030s, costing over $3 billion. Announced in August, the plan addresses the rapid advancements in missile technology around Japan. Japan allocated ¥75 billion ($480 million) for 2024 development. Hypersonic missiles’ speed and irregular trajectories make them difficult to intercept. Japan’s defense budget increased amid rising tensions with China and North Korea.

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William Lai Ching-te was sworn in as president of Taiwan, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. He praised Taiwan’s democracy and called on China to end its intimidation. Lai and Vice President Hsia Bi-khim took their oaths beneath a portrait of Sun Yat-sen, the Republic of China’s founder, in a ceremony at the presidential building in Taipei.

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Renewing the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) could foster broad U.S.-India trade talks. GSP, initiated in 1971 by UNCTAD, offers preferential tariff treatment to developing countries. It requires adherence to origin rules. GSP is unilateral, so reciprocation isn’t necessary. Major grantors include the EU, Japan, and the US. GSP renewal might boost bilateral trade ties by providing avenues for negotiations between the US and India.

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In response to the crash of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter in East Azerbaijan, the European Union activated its Copernicus EMS mapping service. Named after Nicolaus Copernicus, the programme provides earth observation data since its launch in 1998. The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) Programme provides timely and accurate geo-spatial information to help manage natural disasters, man-made emergencies, and humanitarian crises. The EMS Programme uses satellite remote sensing and other data to provide information on emergency response and disaster risk management.

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The Indian Embassy in Muscat and the National Archives of India (NAI) completed a groundbreaking project archiving historical documents of the Indian diaspora in Oman. Titled “The Oman Collection – Archival Heritage of the Indian Community in Oman,” the project digitized over 7,000 documents from 32 prominent Indian families in Gujarat. Spanning from 1838 to the early 20th century, the collection includes diaries, letters, and photographs, now accessible on NAI’s “Abhilekh Patal” portal.

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Dubai has launched the Dubai Gaming Visa under the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 (DPG 2033) to position itself as a global gaming leader. This long-term residency initiative attracts gamers, content creators, and industry professionals worldwide. The DPG 2033 aims to transform Dubai into a gaming hub, creating 30,000 new jobs and contributing $1 billion to the GDP by 2033.

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The U.S. pledges $135 million in aid to Moldova to counter Russian influence. Moldova, a landlocked country in the northeastern Balkan region of Europe, borders Ukraine and Romania. Its highest point is Mount Bălănești, with major rivers including the Dniester and Prut. Moldova experiences moderate winters and warm summers and possesses natural resources like lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, and limestone.

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NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are collaborating to create a standardized lunar time system for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon. This initiative addresses the need for unified timekeeping to coordinate international and private lunar missions. With upcoming missions from China, India, and private companies, a common lunar time system is essential for successful operation and coordination.