International Current Affairs MCQs

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Jordan has become the first country globally to eliminate leprosy, with the World Health Organisation confirming this milestone. This success is attributed to extensive public health campaigns, early detection initiatives, and free treatment programs. Community education played a crucial role in raising awareness and preventing the spread of this historically significant disease. Despite this achievement, Jordanian health officials emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring to avert potential future outbreaks of leprosy.

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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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India and the USA have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand and diversify critical minerals supply chains, aiming to leverage their complementary strengths for resilience in the sector. This agreement focuses on equipment, services, policies, and best practices for the commercial development of critical minerals exploration and processing. The MoU is part of broader efforts to enhance innovation ecosystems and secure supply chains in semiconductors and clean energy, following discussions held during the 6th US-India Commercial Dialogue in October 2024.

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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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The Indo-Turkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) was launched in Hyderabad on October 16, 2024, to strengthen India-Turkiye relations. ITFA aims to enhance cooperation in economy, trade, culture, tourism, science, technology, and education. A key objective is promoting Hyderabad as a major destination for Turkish tourists. The launch coincides with notable historical milestones: 300 years of the Nizams of Hyderabad and 100 years since the Ottoman Sultanate’s abolition. The initiative is expected to boost bilateral ties across multiple sectors between the two countries.

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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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Member countries of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Heads of Delegations and partners of the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG) adopted the Rome Declaration on Water Scarcity in Agriculture during the High-level Rome Water Dialogue. This event occurred alongside FAO’s annual World Food Forum. The declaration aims to tackle water scarcity, which is worsened by the climate crisis. WASAG was launched at the 2016 UN Climate Conference in Marrakesh to help countries with water scarcity challenges. The initiative focuses on supporting nations in managing water scarcity issues effectively.

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Hong Kong’s government banned apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Google Drive on official computers to boost cybersecurity. This step addresses low cybersecurity awareness in the territory. Civil servants can still use these apps on personal devices, but not on government systems. The ban highlights Hong Kong’s commitment to protecting sensitive information and data integrity. This move sets an example for other regions to focus on cybersecurity.

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Salt Typhoon is a name given by Microsoft cybersecurity experts to a Chinese hacking group suspected of infiltrating U.S. telecommunications systems. This group has targeted high-profile individuals, including presidential candidates, as part of a broader intelligence-gathering operation. The incident raises concerns about the vulnerabilities in U.S. data networks and the potential access to sensitive information related to national security and political campaigns. The name reflects Microsoft’s practice of naming hacking groups after weather phenomena.

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At least 10 people died in eastern Indonesia after Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted, prompting nearby village evacuations. It is located on Flores Island, Indonesia. The volcano is in East Nusa Tenggara province. Mount Lewotobi is part of a twin-volcano system, with Lewotobi Laki-laki (male) erupting, while Lewotobi Perempuan (female) remains inactive. Both are stratovolcanoes, formed by repeated layers of lava, making them common globally. Indonesia frequently experiences volcanic eruptions as it lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area prone to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tsunamis due to active tectonic plates.