International Current Affairs MCQs

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Sierra Leone’s President has declared a national emergency on substance abuse due to the surge in the use of the dangerous synthetic drug “kush.” The tropical West African country, bordered by Guinea, Liberia, and the Atlantic Ocean, faces this challenge. Its landscape comprises lightly wooded hills and mangrove swamps along the coast, with major rivers like the Rokel, Taia, Moa, and Sewa flowing through its terrain.

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Mexico ended diplomatic ties with Ecuador after Ecuadorian police raided the Mexican embassy in Quito on April 5, 2024, seeking to arrest former VP Jorge Glas, granted asylum by Mexico. President Lopez Obrador denounced the breach of Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, asserting sovereignty violation. Brazil and UN Secretary-General Guterres criticized Ecuador’s actions. The Convention, established in 1961, governs diplomatic norms including the establishment of embassies in receiving states.

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The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) unveiled its inaugural ‘Vision for Regional Security’ in Riyadh, marking a historic milestone since its establishment in 1981. Comprising Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, the GCC fosters unity among member states through shared political and cultural identities. The council’s presidency rotates annually, reflecting its commitment to collective objectives rooted in Arab and Islamic traditions.

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Zimbabwean scientist innovates by converting carbon dioxide into valuable fuels, aiming to reduce emissions. Their research focuses on creating materials to capture and convert CO2 from fossil fuel burning into energy sources like formic acid and methanol. Formic acid, derived from carbon monoxide and alcohol with a catalyst, is utilized across industries including pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing. It’s naturally present in ants and is a colorless liquid with a sharp odor.

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The United Kingdom has passed the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, permitting the deportation of some asylum-seekers to Rwanda to deter illegal entry via small boats. Proposed by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022, the bill follows a treaty enhancing migrant protections. Flights deporting migrants for processing in Rwanda are set to commence in 10 to 12 weeks, marking a significant step in UK immigration policy.

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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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Former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele elected as Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister, securing 31 votes out of 49 in a secret ballot. His victory suggests continued close ties with China. Manele pledges integrity and prioritization of national interests in his inaugural address, defeating opposition leader Matthew Wale, who garnered 18 votes.

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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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Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced an AI-generated avatar, Victoria Shi, as its digital spokesperson. Shi, clad in professional attire, presents updates on consular affairs via social media. While her appearance is AI-generated, the content she delivers is human-written and verified. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba lauds Shi’s introduction as a groundbreaking move, highlighting time and resource savings. Ukraine showcases its embrace of innovative tech in diplomatic operations.

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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.