International Current Affairs MCQs

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NATO will set up a new land command in Finland near the Russian border in 2025 to oversee land operations in northern Europe during conflicts. This move follows Finland’s recent NATO membership after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The new command will work alongside Finland’s existing land force command in Mikkeli.

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Shigeru Ishiba was appointed as the 102nd Prime Minister of Japan by Emperor Naruhito after approval by the lower house of the Japanese Parliament. Ishiba, aged 67, replaces Fumio Kishida, who resigned due to political scandals. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has ruled Japan almost continuously since 1955, elected Ishiba as its leader on 27 October 2024.

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Russian and Chinese navy warships are conducting anti-submarine missions in the northwestern Pacific during a joint patrol after the Beibu/Interaction 2024 exercises. The operations involve complex training sessions and combat exercises, including anti-submarine defense and sea rescues. Key Russian vessels involved in the missions include Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs. China has deployed destroyers such as Xining and Wuxi, along with other ships for these exercises.

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Taiwan’s navy claims China’s military is using an “anaconda strategy” against the island. The strategy is inspired by Union General Winfield Scott’s Civil War plan to suffocate the enemy like an anaconda. China aims to economically and militarily isolate Taiwan, using military movements, psychological tactics, and cyber warfare. The goal is to pressure Taiwan into surrendering without a direct invasion.

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Recent research published in Science Advances introduced a new method for dating karst landscapes, specifically through analyzing iron-rich nodules. These nodules, found in the Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park, Western Australia, provide insights into the climatic conditions that shaped these unique geological formations. The study revealed that the nodules formed during a period of intense weathering approximately 100,000 years ago, which was the wettest time in the region over the last half million years. Understanding this dating method enhances our knowledge of past climate changes and their impact on ecosystems.

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India has provided a Line of Credit worth INR 487.60 crores to Mauritius for a water pipeline replacement project. This is the first ₹ denominated Line of Credit extended by India under the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS). The project will replace approximately 100 km of outdated water pipelines in Mauritius. The State Bank of India will finance the Line of Credit at concessional terms. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar formally offered this credit to Mauritian Minister Maneesh Gobin, and it has been accepted. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to socio-economic development in the Global South.

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Saudi Arabia has launched a digital platform, Musaned, aimed at ensuring wage protection and safeguarding the human rights of expatriate workers as part of its Vision 2030 plans. The platform targets workers from 10 African countries, including Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and nine Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The initiative aims to secure workers’ rights, reduce illegal immigration, and enhance labor policies in line with Saudi Arabia’s broader reform goals.

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Switzerland has joined the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). ESSI was founded in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and is led by Germany. The initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s defence against air strikes and enhance NATO’s integrated air and missile defence system. ESSI has 21 member states, including the UK. Its key component is the Arrow 3 missile defence system, an Israeli-American technology designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles.

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Luong Cuong was elected as Vietnam’s new president on October 21, 2024, by the National Assembly, following To Lam’s tenure. Cuong’s appointment comes amid political turbulence and aims to stabilize the leadership structure in Vietnam, particularly before the 2026 Party Congress. Former president To Lam transitioned to the role of general secretary, emphasizing collective leadership while maintaining significant influence over the country’s governance.

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China opposes Taiwan’s establishment of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in Mumbai. This is Taiwan’s third office in India, following openings in New Delhi in 1995 and Chennai in 2012. India and Taiwan set up representative offices in 1993: the India-Taipei Association in Taipei and TECC in New Delhi. Other countries like the US, Australia, and Russia have similar centers for visa services and cultural exchanges. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and considers the PRC the sole legitimate government. India officially recognizes the PRC but does not recognize Taiwan.