International Current Affairs MCQs

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India and Russia agreed to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030 and use national currencies to bypass Western sanctions during the 22nd Annual Summit. Prime Minister Modi urged an end to civilian deaths in Ukraine. Russia will expedite the discharge of Indian recruits in its military. The joint statement emphasized peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and included MoUs on climate change, polar research, legal arbitration, and pharmaceutical certification.

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Bangladesh joined the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) as the fifth Member State, welcomed by India, Mauritius, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Previously an Observer State, Bangladesh’s inclusion was formalized at the 8th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA) meeting, hosted virtually by Mauritius. The CSC, led by India’s NSA Ajit Doval, focuses on maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The 7th NSA-level meeting will be held in India later this year.

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Project 2025, a set of conservative policy proposals, has become a focal point for opponents of Donald Trump, who warn of its potential authoritarian implications. Despite Trump distancing himself, many of his advisers are involved. The roughly 900-page document includes plans for staffing government positions with conservatives and drafting executive orders. Democrats, including President Biden’s campaign, argue it shows Trump would implement hard-right policies if re-elected.

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Ivory Coast recently became the 10th African nation to join the United Nations Water Convention. Adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and effective since 1996, this legally binding instrument promotes sustainable management of shared water resources and supports the Sustainable Development Goals. Initially for the pan-European region, the convention has expanded globally since 2016. Notable members include Chad, Senegal, Iraq, Namibia, and Panama, emphasizing conflict prevention and regional integration.

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Relations between Turkey and India have deteriorated, leading Turkey to ban military equipment exports to India, a major arms purchaser. This decision follows India’s cancellation of a shipbuilding contract with a Turkish company. Although not publicly announced, the ban was revealed during a closed Foreign Affairs Committee debate in the Turkish Parliament on July 10, 2024, by Mustafa Murat Seker, Vice President of Turkey’s top arms procurement agency, SSB.

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India and Japan are planning to establish a Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) for carbon trading and credit adjustment through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC). The JCM will be created under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement and will aim to reduce emissions, promote low-carbon technologies, and encourage economic growth. The JCM will also facilitate the sharing of emission reduction credits, the spread of decarbonizing technologies, and the implementation of mitigation actions.

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India and the United Kingdom have launched the Technology Security Initiative (TSI) to boost collaboration in critical and emerging technologies (CET) and align with the India-UK Roadmap 2030. Coordinated by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of both countries, the TSI will foster partnerships across telecoms, critical minerals, semiconductors, and quantum technology. The UK is a strategic partner for India, concerned about China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, with shared interests in defense technology and maritime security. Joint military exercises and a commitment to doubling bilateral trade by 2030 highlight their cooperation, alongside civil nuclear collaboration and support for India’s infrastructure projects.

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South Africa has enacted its first Climate Change Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, aligning its efforts with the Paris Climate Agreement. The law mandates emission limits for major polluters and requires local strategies to address climate change. A primary goal is to reduce emissions from coal, South Africa’s main energy source, making it one of the top carbon dioxide emitters. The Act establishes emissions targets for key sectors like agriculture, transportation, and industry, with ministries responsible for implementation. It introduces a carbon budget system, where large emitters face extra carbon taxes if they exceed set limits.

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The World Heritage Committee (WHC) has recently included Palestine site of Tell Umm Amer in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. Located on coastal dunes south of Gaza City, Tell Umm Amer, also known as the Monastery of Saint Hilarion, was founded in the fourth century by Hilarion the Great. It represents the first monastic community in the Holy Land and was strategically positioned on key trade routes between Asia and Africa. UNESCO, a UN specialized agency established in 1946, aims to foster international collaboration in education, science, and culture to promote peace and sustainable development.

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During his visit to Vientiane, Laos, from 25 to 27 July 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the first postage stamp of Ram Lalla of Ayodhya. The event took place during ASEAN-related foreign minister meetings. Jaishankar, alongside Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, released two sets of stamps themed “Celebrating the shared cultural heritage of Lao PDR and India.” One stamp depicted Ram Lalla’s idol from Ayodhya, while the other commemorated Lord Buddha from Luang Prabang, Laos’s ancient capital. Although predominantly Buddhist, Laos’s culture is deeply influenced by Hinduism, including the Ramayana, known locally as Ramakien.