International Current Affairs MCQs

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The strongest earthquake in decades recently hit Italy’s Campi Flegrei supervolcano region. Campi Flegrei, located near Naples, is an active volcanic system with multiple centers in a 12-15 km caldera formed 39,000 years ago. Unlike Mount Vesuvius, it is more active and expansive, with a third under the Tyrrhenian Sea. The last eruption in 1538 created Monte Nuovo. Restless since 1950, it poses significant geological risks.

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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 National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) formed a strategic partnership to boost skill development globally. This collaboration, witnessed by MSDE officials including Atul Kumar Tiwari, aims to empower individuals with essential competencies for employability and economic growth. The MoU signed by NSDC CEO Ved Mani Tiwari and ILO’s Sangheon Lee underscores a commitment to talent development through effective policies and the implementation of Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

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South Korea plans a Mars landing by 2045, investing 100 trillion won ($72.6 billion) in space exploration. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced this at the launch of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), which aims to boost South Korea into the top five space powers. KASA will support the aerospace industry, with the first lunar lander planned for 2032. South Korea also plans at least three more space launches by 2027.

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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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The Adani group has ventured into the port business in Tanzania, securing a 30-year lease for Container Terminal 2 at Dar es Salaam Port. This deal, signed with Tanzania Ports Authority, expands Adani’s global footprint. Meanwhile, Indian Ports Global Ltd secured a 10-year deal to manage Iran’s Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port. Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania’s main port, handles 83% of the country’s container volume, with Container Terminal 2 boasting a capacity of 1 million TEUs.

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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.

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Pakistan, Somalia, Denmark, Greece, and Panama were elected as non-permanent members of the UNSC for a two-year term via secret ballot, requiring two-thirds of the 193-member General Assembly. Pakistan marks its 8th term. The 1963 UN Charter amendment increased non-permanent members from 6 to 10 and required 9 affirmative votes for resolutions. Geographic representation includes 5 African/Asian, 1 Eastern European, 2 Latin American, and 2 Western European/other states.

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The European Commission excluded Tanzania from its 18 million Euro conservation grant under the NaturAfrica initiative. NaturAfrica, an EU program, focuses on biodiversity conservation in Africa by creating jobs, improving security, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. It targets key landscapes with short-term actions and addresses biodiversity loss through medium-term strategies. The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, comprises 27 Commissioners and is led by a President elected by the European Parliament.

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Hungary recently unveiled the ‘Bridge of National Unity,’ a 700-metre pedestrian bridge spanning Budapest’s Danube River. Symbolizing unity, it marks a milestone in Hungary’s architectural landscape. Attended by officials and citizens, its significance lies in fostering cohesion, showcasing engineering prowess, and providing leisure space. The bridge enhances connectivity and serves as a vibrant public area.