International Current Affairs MCQs

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The Defence Secretary co-chaired the 5th India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting in Manila. This meeting is significant as it coincides with 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and the Philippines and 10 years of India’s Act East Policy. Diplomatic relations began in 1949, and ties strengthened with India’s Look East Policy in 1992 and Act East Policy in 2014. Recent developments include a $374.9 million contract for BrahMos missiles, an MoU on Defence Industry cooperation, and growing bilateral trade. In 2022, an agreement on customs cooperation was signed, and in 2023, a MoU on financial technology partnership was established.

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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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India has recently become an affiliate member of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF). The IMDRF was established in 2011 to promote international medical device regulatory harmonization. Its members include regulatory authorities from countries like the U.S., Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan, and WHO. Membership reduces complexity for manufacturers and promotes public health through collaboration. It supports innovation and timely access to new medical devices. India will participate in IMDRF Open Sessions to share experiences and discuss regulatory strategies. This will strengthen India’s medical device regulatory system and ensure public health protection.

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Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico’s first woman president. She pledged to strengthen women’s rights and maintain Mexico as a secure destination for international investment. Sheinbaum, aged 62, is a scientist and former mayor of Mexico City. The oath-taking ceremony took place in Mexico’s Congress, marking the beginning of her six-year term.

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Kazakhstan, the world’s leading uranium producer, is considering its first nuclear power station to enhance energy capacity. The location, near Lake Balkhash, is significant due to past Soviet-era nuclear tests that exposed millions to radiation. The recent referendum reflects Kazakhstan’s cautious approach to nuclear energy amidst historical sensitivities around radiation and safety.

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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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The TREES initiative, established to assist smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, focuses on creating “forest gardens” to enhance food security and combat desertification. Since 2014, it has supported over 50,000 households across countries like Senegal, Kenya, and Uganda. By integrating trees into agricultural practices, TREES aims to improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and strengthen community resilience against climate change, contributing to global biodiversity and ecosystem restoration efforts.

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The Nature Restoration Law (NRL) is a European Union law aimed at addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. It is the first comprehensive law of its kind in the EU. The NRL is part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and sets binding targets for restoring degraded ecosystems, focusing on carbon capture and disaster prevention. Member States must restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea by 2030. By 2050, all ecosystems needing restoration should be included.

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Archaeologists discovered two medieval cities, Tugunbulak and Tashbulak, in eastern Uzbekistan’s mountains on the Silk Route. Traditionally, the Silk Route was thought to pass through plains and river valleys, but these cities show that trade also occurred in mountainous regions. The Silk Route, or Silk Road, was an ancient trade network connecting China to Europe and the Mediterranean, spanning over 6,000 kilometers. It facilitated trade in silk, spices, metals, ceramics, and other valuable goods. The route was key to cultural, economic, and political exchanges across civilizations for centuries.

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Typhoon Kong-rey hit Taiwan, marking the largest typhoon impact in nearly 30 years. It made landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast with initial winds over 200 km/h. Authorities closed schools, offices, and financial markets, evacuating thousands from high-risk areas. Supermarkets faced shortages as residents prepared. The storm injured over 70 people, caused one death, and led to power outages for about 500,000 households. Severe weather conditions delayed emergency responses in affected areas.