International Current Affairs MCQs

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Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan recently resumed as the Torkham border, a key northwestern crossing, reopened after a 10-day closure. The crossing, connecting Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province to Afghanistan’s Nangarhar through the historic Khyber Pass, is vital for both countries’ economies. However, it has been a longstanding flashpoint due to its strategic significance and border porosity, leading to closures during clashes and, notably in 2021, being briefly seized by the Taliban during their offensive in Afghanistan.

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The US government recently shut down China-backed hacking group “Volt Typhoon,” active since at least 2021. Specializing in espionage and targeting critical infrastructure, Volt Typhoon utilized stealth, living-off-the-land techniques, and preinstalled utilities. The group compromised small office/home office devices, maintaining persistence with stolen credentials. Known for routing traffic through hacked network equipment, such as home routers, Volt Typhoon made detection challenging.

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France became the first country in the European Union (EU) to issue digital Schengen visas. The visas are for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, and will be integrated into accreditation cards for approximately 70,000 international visitors. The country plans to fully digitize its Schengen visa application process by 2026.

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The Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth-largest inland water body, has nearly disappeared due to a major Soviet water diversion project in 1960. The diversion of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers for irrigation projects led to the sea’s gradual drying up. Located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the Aral Sea depression formed millions of years ago and drained several countries. Harsh Central Asian climate and unsustainable human interventions caused its decline, leaving it on the brink of complete disappearance.

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In February 2024, India contributed $1 million to the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) Fund for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation. India has been a regular contributor to the fund since its inception, contributing a total of $15.1 million. The IBSA Fund’s projects aim to help partner countries in the Global South achieve their national priorities and other internationally agreed development goals.

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Vietnam targets annual hydrogen production of 100,000-500,000 metric tonnes by 2030, a key element in its energy transition. The nation plans to scale up output to 10-20 million tonnes by 2050, incorporating green hydrogen, showcasing a strong commitment to sustainable energy initiatives and contributing to global decarbonization efforts.

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Maldives recently inked a defense pact with China, securing non-lethal weapons and training. Noteworthy collaborations include the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and social housing projects. The nation has previously engaged in the Belt and Road Initiative. These agreements signify strengthened ties and mutual developmental efforts between Maldives and China.

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Sweden became the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 2024 after completing its accession process in Washington. Sweden’s application to join NATO came two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine raised security concerns. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that Sweden’s accession makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer, and the whole Alliance more secure.

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China has officially revealed new territorial claims in the northern Gulf of Tonkin, a shared area with Vietnam. The crescent-shaped Gulf, located in the South China Sea, borders Vietnam’s northwestern coast, China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the Leizhou Peninsula and Hainan Island. Known as “Beibu Gulf” in Chinese and “Bac Bo Gulf” in Vietnamese, it connects with the South China Sea and Hainan Strait. Notably, the Gulf of Tonkin gained historical significance due to the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Incident during the Vietnam War.

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India signed the protocol for the establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) with the Dominican Republic at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santo Domingo. Ramu Abbagani, India’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic, and Roberto Álvarez, the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed the agreement. India and the Dominican Republic don’t currently have a bilateral institutional mechanism for trade and commerce. India primarily imports gold from the Dominican Republic, and exports pharmaceuticals, marine products, motor vehicles, and two and three wheelers to them.