International Current Affairs MCQs

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Israel recently utilized the Rampage missile, an advanced air-to-surface weapon, in an attack on an Iranian military base. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli Military Industries Systems, the Rampage is a long-range, supersonic missile designed for precision strikes against fortified targets. It boasts features like supersonic speed, over 190 miles range, 150 kg explosive payload, GPS/INS guidance, and mid-flight path adjustment, enabling it to operate effectively in any conditions.

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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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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.

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UNESCO marked the 70th anniversary of the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Armed Conflict. It’s the first global legal framework solely dedicated to safeguarding movable and immovable heritage during peacetime and conflict. With 135 member states, including India, the Convention and its Protocols (1954, 1999) operate under UNESCO. The 1999 Protocol enhances protection, featuring a list of Cultural Properties under Enhanced Protection.

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The Japan-U.S. GPI Project aims to intercept hypersonic missiles. Modified missiles from U.S. Navy ships target hypersonic weapons in their “vulnerable” glide phase. Hypersonic missiles exceed Mach 5 speeds, nearly 4,000 mph. Glide phase sees weapons separate from boosters, using gravity to accelerate and maneuver toward targets.

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The Australian Federal Budget announced the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) for Indian nationals, starting May 23, 2023. Part of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between Australia and India, MATES enables temporary mobility for Indian graduates and early career professionals aged 18-30 in targeted fields to live and work in Australia for up to two years.

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Renewing the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) could foster broad U.S.-India trade talks. GSP, initiated in 1971 by UNCTAD, offers preferential tariff treatment to developing countries. It requires adherence to origin rules. GSP is unilateral, so reciprocation isn’t necessary. Major grantors include the EU, Japan, and the US. GSP renewal might boost bilateral trade ties by providing avenues for negotiations between the US and India.

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In response to the crash of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter in East Azerbaijan, the European Union activated its Copernicus EMS mapping service. Named after Nicolaus Copernicus, the programme provides earth observation data since its launch in 1998. The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) Programme provides timely and accurate geo-spatial information to help manage natural disasters, man-made emergencies, and humanitarian crises. The EMS Programme uses satellite remote sensing and other data to provide information on emergency response and disaster risk management.

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Spain denied entry to an Israel-bound vessel carrying arms at Cartagena port. Cartagena serves as an intermediate stop for ships, facilitating cargo operations and refueling. Such ports initially provided anchorage for ships to refuel, restock, and repair, evolving into commercial hubs. Aden, Honolulu, and Singapore exemplify these transitional ports. Spain’s refusal underscores global efforts to regulate arms trafficking and highlights the significance of ports in international security.

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General To Lam was elected president of Vietnam by the National Assembly on May 22, 2024, succeeding Vo Van Thuong who resigned amid a corruption crackdown. To Lam, previously the public security minister since 2016, led the anti-corruption campaign known as “blazing furnace.” The Communist Party member will serve until 2026. The National Assembly, with 500 members, elects the president and vice president every five years.