International Current Affairs MCQs

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Navin Ramgoolam was sworn in as Mauritius’ Prime Minister for a fourth term after a decade, following his Alliance du Changement coalition’s election victory. The coalition won 60 out of 62 national assembly seats with 62.6% of the vote in the November 10 election. Ramgoolam took his oath at State House, attended by lawmakers, diplomats, and civil servants. In 2006, he launched reforms to reduce bureaucracy and diversify Mauritius’ economy, which has grown as an African-Asian financial hub.

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China’s president has launched the $1.3 billion Chancay megaport in Peru, transforming a small fishing town into a major global port. The port, majority-owned by China’s Cosco shipping company, is located in Peru’s coastal desert. Chancay, a remote area where many lack basic amenities like running water, is being developed into a deep-water port. This megaport aims to capitalize on China’s increasing interest in South America’s resources, linking the region more closely with Asian markets.

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Nepal started exporting electricity to Bangladesh for the first time on November 15, 2024, using India’s electricity grid. The inauguration involved Union Minister Manohar Lal (India), Nepal’s Minister Dipak Khadka, and Bangladesh’s Energy Adviser Fouzal Kabir Khan. This initiative is expected to enhance sub-regional connectivity in the power sector. Nepal, a Himalayan country with significant untapped hydropower potential, has long sought cross-border electricity cooperation. The power export marks a key step in regional energy collaboration.

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Armenia became the 104th full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on November 15, 2024. ISA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization founded by India and France to promote solar energy globally. The alliance aims to mobilize over USD 1000 billion by 2030 for large-scale solar energy deployment. Armenia’s membership was formalized with the exchange of the ratified Framework Agreement between Armenian Ambassador Vahagn Afyan and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

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The Australian government has introduced a bill that aims to ban social media access for children under 16 years of age. This legislation requires platforms like TikTok and Facebook to implement age verification measures. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized the need for social media companies to take responsibility for user safety, citing concerns about the mental health impacts on children. This reform is seen as one of the strictest globally regarding social media access for minors.

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India has been re-elected to the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025-2026 term, reaffirming its dedication to global peace. The PBC, formed in 2005, advises the UN on peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected regions. India, a founding member, actively shapes initiatives within the Commission. The PBC fosters collaboration among UN bodies, member states, and other actors, promoting peace through strategic, integrated approaches. It prioritizes nationally-led efforts and coordinates humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actions, involving briefers from peacekeeping missions.

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Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s vice president, has been elected as the country’s first female president, securing 57% of the votes. She defeated Panduleni Itula of IPC, who received 26%, and SWAPO continues its 34-year dominance. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory ensures SWAPO retains power since Namibia’s independence in 1990. She has held key roles, including foreign minister, and is seen as a unifying figure. SWAPO also won 51 out of 96 National Assembly seats. Namibia faces challenges like high unemployment and inequality, despite political stability.

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The bald eagle, symbolizing U.S. power and strength for over 240 years, is now officially the national bird. President Joe Biden signed legislation amending the U.S. Code to make the designation official. The bald eagle, with its white head, yellow beak, and brown body, has been on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782. The Great Seal includes the eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a shield, the motto E Pluribus Unum, and a constellation of stars. The eagle was already the national emblem, appearing on documents, flags, military insignia, and currency. It is indigenous to North America.

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Australia’s House of Representatives passed the “Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, 2024,” requiring social media platforms to prevent children under 16 from creating accounts. Excessive social media use can lead to loneliness, depression, anxiety, reduced attention spans, and cyberbullying. Globally, China proposed minors’ modes for mobile internet in 2023. The US enforces COPPA (1998), requiring parental consent for children under 13. France mandates parental authorization for children under 15 on social networks.

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Pakistan constructs its largest nuclear power plant, Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5), with a capacity of 1200 MWe. The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) issued the licence after reviewing safety, radiation protection, and nuclear security standards. C-5 features a Chinese Hualong third-generation Pressurised Water Reactor with advanced safety systems and a lifespan of 60 years. The plant will cost USD 3.7 billion and is Pakistan’s third nuclear plant of this design. Nuclear energy contributes 27% of Pakistan’s electricity, with an installed capacity of 3,530 MW.