International Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Nepal and China signed an MoU to develop the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network (THMDCN). THMDCN is an economic corridor under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It includes projects like the China-Nepal railway, restoration of border ports, and highway construction. The initiative aims to enhance connectivity and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Notes:
India has been chosen to chair the 68th Session of the UN’s Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, has officially assumed the role. CND is the main policy-making body for global drug-related issues under the UN. It monitors global drug trends, supports balanced policy-making, and oversees major drug conventions. CND operates under the UN Economic and Social Council and governs the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This is India’s first time chairing the CND, showcasing its growing leadership and commitment to global issues.

Notes:
Tata Power has started building the ₹6,900 crore Khorlochhu Hydropower Project in Bhutan, aiming for completion by September 2029. Located on the Kholongchhu River in Trashiyangtse, Bhutan, the 600 MW project supports Bhutan’s electricity needs and India’s renewable energy goals. It is the first joint energy project between India and Bhutan, executed by Khorlochhu Hydro Power Limited (KHPL), a partnership of Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and Tata Power.

Notes:
François Bayrou, a 73-year-old centrist leader, was named French Prime Minister by Emmanuel Macron, succeeding Michel Barnier after a confidence vote ousted him. Bayrou leads the MoDem party, part of Macron’s centrist alliance, and is known as the “third man” in French politics for his centrist approach during the 2007 presidential election. He is the high commissioner of planning, mayor of Pau, and president of the European Democratic Party. Born into a wealthy farming family near the Pyrenees, he taught Latin and Greek before entering politics in the 1980s. He served as education minister and was a member of both the National Assembly and European Parliament.

Notes:
Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Georgian national footballer, was elected unopposed as the President of Georgia on December 14, 2024, amid an opposition boycott. He is pro-Russian and anti-Western, replacing the pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili, who condemned his election. The President’s role in Georgia is mostly ceremonial, with real power held by the Prime Minister. Kavelashvili, founder of the People’s Power Party, was supported by the ruling Georgian Dream Party and won 224 of 225 votes in the electoral college. The opposition boycotted the election, alleging rigging in the October 2024 parliamentary elections. He will take office on December 29, 2024.

Notes:
China unveiled the CR450, the world’s fastest high-speed train, with test speeds of 450 km/h and a commercial speed of 400 km/h. It surpasses the CR400 Fuxing trains (350 km/h) and reflects breakthroughs in speed, energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. Developed through 200,000 km of tests, 3,000 simulations, and 2,000 platform tests. Features include water-cooled traction, high-stability bogies, and a 20% reduction in energy use. Enhances passenger comfort with noise reduction, spacious cabins, and storage for bicycles and wheelchairs. Aligns with China’s plan to expand its rail network to 70,000 km by 2035.

Notes:
Los Angeles declared a state of emergency on January 8, 2025, as wildfires expanded from 10 to over 2,900 acres. Around 100,000 people have been evacuated, with over 1,400 firefighters battling the blazes. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena was evacuated due to the advancing Eaton Fire. The fires, driven by strong winds, are threatening over 13,000 structures, including areas in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Malibu.

Notes:
Joseph Aoun, Lebanon’s army chief, was elected President on 9 January 2025, filling a two-year vacancy since Michel Aoun’s term ended. His election signals reduced influence of Hezbollah, following its war with Israel, and revived Saudi and international involvement in Lebanon. Aoun pledged to ensure state control over arms, rebuild areas affected by war, and prevent Israeli attacks. Aoun’s presidency aims to revive governance and tackle Lebanon’s economic crisis.

Notes:
Nigeria has been admitted as a “partner country” of the BRICS bloc. BRICS was formed in 2009 to counterbalance the G-7 industrialized nations. Nigeria is the ninth partner, joining countries Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. With Africa’s largest population and a major economy, Nigeria aligns with BRICS on South-South cooperation and global governance reform. The bloc is exploring alternatives to the US dollar for international payments.

Notes:
The United States announced its exit from the World Health Organization (WHO), with President Donald Trump citing mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and political influence from member states. Trump criticized the WHO for “unfair payments” and claimed it failed to act independently from countries like China. The U.S. contributes around 18% of WHO’s funding, with its 2024-2025 budget at $6.8 billion. Trump accused the WHO of aiding China’s efforts to mislead about COVID-19 origins, a claim the WHO denies. The withdrawal will take 12 months, ending U.S. financial contributions to the agency.