International Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Swati Vijay Kulkarni has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Algeria, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Kulkarni, a 1995 batch Indian Foreign Service Officer, is currently an Additional Secretary in the MEA.
She will assume her new role in Algeria soon. Diplomatic relations between India and Algeria began in July 1962 and have been friendly, with both nations supporting each other on various issues. High-level visits and the Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM), established in 1981, facilitate bilateral cooperation between the countries.

Notes:
The Quad countries—India, the US, Australia, and Japan—launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative to tackle cancer. It aims to combat cervical cancer through expanded screenings and HPV vaccinations. This collaborative effort among India, the United States, Australia, and Japan addresses a significant health crisis in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing initially on cervical cancer, a largely preventable disease. India will contribute $10 million to the WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health and provide $7.5 million in HPV tools and vaccines. An AI-based treatment protocol is being developed, along with support for radiotherapy and capacity building in the Indo-Pacific region.

Notes:
Israel is requiring control of the Philadelphi corridor as a condition in ceasefire talks with Hamas. The Philadelphi corridor is a narrow strip of land about nine miles long and 100 meters wide along the Gaza-Egypt border, including the Rafah crossing. It was designated as a demilitarized zone after Israel withdrew its settlements and troops from Gaza in 2005. The corridor stretches from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel. After the Israeli withdrawal, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority were responsible for the area.

Notes:
NASA scientists suggest China’s Three Gorges Dam may affect Earth’s rotation due to shifting massive amounts of water.
Located on the Yangtze River in Hubei Province, it’s the world’s largest hydroelectric power station. The dam, completed in 2012, is 2,335 meters long and 185 meters high. Its reservoir holds 40 cubic kilometers of water, generating up to 22,500 megawatts of electricity. It uses water from the Qutangxia, Wuxia, and Xilingxia gorges to spin turbines. The dam also boosts shipping capacity and helps reduce flood risks downstream.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Nagaland signed Wales as a Country Partner for the 25th Hornbill Festival. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, during his visit to Wales, announced the agreement with the Welsh Government, British Council, and Wales Arts International. The partnership concludes the “Wales in India 2024” celebration and aims to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance people-to-people contact, and create opportunities for youth.

Notes:
Vuhledar, meaning “gift of coal,” is a coal mining town in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, with a pre-war population of around 14,000. Built in the 1960s by the Soviet Union, it has significant coal reserves and has been a focal point in the ongoing conflict. Its strategic location allows control over supply lines and positions in the eastern and southern fronts. The town has faced extensive devastation due to fierce battles, with Russian forces recently claiming control after encircling Ukrainian defenders, highlighting its importance in the broader conflict over the Donetsk region.

Notes:
Kazakhstan, the world’s leading uranium producer, is considering its first nuclear power station to enhance energy capacity. The location, near Lake Balkhash, is significant due to past Soviet-era nuclear tests that exposed millions to radiation. The recent referendum reflects Kazakhstan’s cautious approach to nuclear energy amidst historical sensitivities around radiation and safety.

Notes:
Russian and Chinese navy warships are conducting anti-submarine missions in the northwestern Pacific during a joint patrol after the Beibu/Interaction 2024 exercises. The operations involve complex training sessions and combat exercises, including anti-submarine defense and sea rescues. Key Russian vessels involved in the missions include Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs. China has deployed destroyers such as Xining and Wuxi, along with other ships for these exercises.

Notes:
President Droupadi Murmu received an Honorary Doctorate in Political Science in Algeria on 15 October 2024. She is on a three-nation African tour to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi from 13-19 October 2024. President Murmu is the first Indian President to visit these three countries. She emphasized education’s role in reducing inequalities and promoting equal opportunities. She encouraged Algerians to utilize India’s ITEC program and other scholarships. Murmu highlighted the importance of youth in strengthening the bond between India and Algeria.