International Current Affairs MCQs

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Nepal’s Lower House of Parliament endorsed the BIMSTEC Charter, fostering collaboration among member countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand). Established in 1997, BIMSTEC aims for regional development. The charter outlines principles, objectives, and cooperation framework, establishing legal basis, structure, functions. It promotes regional integration, covering economic development, trade, investment, technology transfer, connectivity. Endorsement and ratification by member states are crucial for effective implementation.

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The New Zealand government swiftly implemented reforms to the Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV) scheme to attract essential skills while safeguarding migrants from exploitation. Responding to unsustainable net migration levels, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the crucial role of immigration policies in revitalizing the economy. These changes aim to align immigration settings with national priorities for sustainable growth and address vulnerabilities in the migrant workforce.

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Zimbabwe’s ZiG, a new gold-backed currency, saw a 0.2% strengthening to 13.53 per US dollar following its debut. Despite this, its introduction caused nationwide disruption as banks, retailers, and utilities struggled to adapt. Governor John Mushayavanhu announced an exchange rate of 13.56 per dollar during the unveiling last Friday. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s website published this data, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to establish a stable local currency.

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Mali recently prohibited media coverage of political parties and associations. The landlocked nation is situated in western Africa, primarily within the Sahel region, acting as a transition between the Sahara Desert and humid savannas. It shares borders with Algeria (north), Niger, and Burkina Faso (east), Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea (south), and Senegal and Mauritania (west).

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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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China demands removal of the Sierra Madre ship, rejected by the Philippines. Commissioned in 1944 for WWII, it served in Vietnam before being transferred to the Philippines in 1976. It was positioned deliberately in 1999 at Second Thomas Shoal, part of the disputed Spratly Islands, to reinforce territorial claims. China’s ships and water cannons threaten supply boats in the area. Removal risks weakening Philippines’ claims and bolstering Chinese presence.

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The United States has rejected nearly one-third of shipments from Mahashian Di Hatti Pvt Ltd (MDH) since October 2023 due to salmonella contamination. Salmonella, a bacteria found in animals’ intestines and feces, causes gastrointestinal illness. It spreads to humans through contact with contaminated items or animals. Salmonella can survive for weeks in dry environments and months in water. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with severe cases requiring medical attention.

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The Indian government renews an agreement with Bangladesh to train 1500 Bangladeshi officers from 2025 to 2030. Signed by DARPG India and Bangladeshi Ministry of Public Administration, the pact emphasizes mid-career capacity-building for Bangladesh Civil Servants. During a 3-day visit (28-30 April 2024), led by V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, the agreement was finalized, focusing on field administration programs.

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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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Vietnam urges U.S. reclassification from non-market to market economy. Despite being a vital U.S. trading partner and counterbalancing China’s influence, Vietnam remains non-market for over two decades. U.S. determines status based on various criteria. 12 nations, including Russia and China, fall under non-market classification.