International Current Affairs MCQs

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President Joe Biden has signed a $95 billion military aid package, featuring $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific. Notably, the bill includes provisions targeting TikTok, giving parent company ByteDance nine months to sell the app before it’s banned in the US. Months of negotiation, lobbying by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and a split in the House Republican conference preceded the signing, posing challenges for House Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership due to conservative opposition to increased aid for Ukraine.

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Drought in Botswana’s Okavango Delta threatens endangered hippos, forcing them to seek water near Maun. The delta, formed by the Okavango River from Angola, lacks an outlet to the sea, draining into the Kalahari Basin. Africa’s third largest alluvial fan, it’s a haven for endangered species like cheetahs and rhinos. Recognized on the World Heritage List in 2014, it’s a vital ecosystem battling the effects of climate change.

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India and the UK are discussing an agreement for an electric propulsion system. Indian warships currently use diesel, gas, or steam turbines. The electric system targets larger warships over 6,000 tonnes. It’s a government-to-government deal involving GE Power Conversion and BHEL. They’ll develop the ‘Integrated Full Electric Propulsion System.’ The UK’s Queen Elizabeth Class carriers already use this. Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) reduces noise and emissions, moving towards complete electrification.

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The Old Kijabe Dam burst in southern Kenya, causing deadly floods attributed to climate change and El Nino. At least 42 people died in the dam breach near Kenya’s Rift Valley town. The Great Rift Valley, part of the East African Rift System, spans 4,000 miles across multiple countries, including Kenya. It’s a significant geological feature, stretching from Jordan to Mozambique’s coast, impacting regions like Eritrea, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

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Zimbabwe introduces the ZiG currency, aiming to stabilize its economy. The ZiG, backed by gold reserves, replaces the depreciated Zimbabwe dollar. Initially launched electronically, physical banknotes and coins are now in circulation. Despite efforts to restore faith, skepticism persists, with some government departments refusing to accept the new currency. This move reflects ongoing struggles to address Zimbabwe’s enduring economic challenges.

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The UK government has implemented groundbreaking laws mandating minimum security standards for internet-connected smart devices, aiming to shield consumers and businesses from hacking and cyber-attacks. Manufacturers are now barred from employing weak default passwords such as “admin” or “12345”. Users will be prompted to change any common passwords upon device start-up, enhancing overall security measures.

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The UN has formed a panel to address critical energy transition minerals, primarily sourced from underdeveloped nations like those in Africa. This initiative aims to curb resource nationalism and environmental damage caused by high demand for these minerals. The panel’s goal is to establish global principles for a smoother transition to renewable energies, aligned with sustainable development goals and climate agreements. It emphasizes equitable benefits for communities and environmental protection.

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India and Indonesia recently held their seventh Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting in New Delhi, focusing on expanding collaboration in defence industry, maritime security, and multilateral cooperation. Both nations expressed satisfaction with the growing scope of defence cooperation. The meeting emphasized defence industry collaboration involving firms like Bharat Forge and Mahindra Defence. They stressed maritime security cooperation and highlighted Indonesia’s role in India’s Act East Policy. The collaboration aims to boost military capabilities and address common security challenges.

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The African Union (AU), comprising 55 member states, condemned the Israeli military’s incursion into Rafah, southern Gaza, urging the international community to halt the “deadly escalation” of the conflict. Established in 2002, replacing the Organization of African Unity (OAU), AU aims to foster unity, cooperation, and development among African nations. Guided by its vision, AU seeks an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa through Agenda 2063, emphasizing African-led initiatives.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin reappointed Mikhail Mishustin as prime minister, continuing a technocratic leadership. Mishustin, credited with maintaining stable economic performance amid Western sanctions, submitted his Cabinet’s resignation as per Russian law during Putin’s fifth term inauguration. Mishustin, 58, a former head of Russia’s tax service, has kept a low political profile and is expected to retain most Cabinet members, although Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s fate remains uncertain.