International Current Affairs MCQs

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The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) formed a strategic partnership to boost skill development globally. This collaboration, witnessed by MSDE officials including Atul Kumar Tiwari, aims to empower individuals with essential competencies for employability and economic growth. The MoU signed by NSDC CEO Ved Mani Tiwari and ILO’s Sangheon Lee underscores a commitment to talent development through effective policies and the implementation of Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

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South Korea plans a Mars landing by 2045, investing 100 trillion won ($72.6 billion) in space exploration. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced this at the launch of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), which aims to boost South Korea into the top five space powers. KASA will support the aerospace industry, with the first lunar lander planned for 2032. South Korea also plans at least three more space launches by 2027.

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Halla Tomasdottir has been elected as Iceland’s seventh President and will take office on 1 August 2024, succeeding Guana Johannesson. The presidential election, held on 1 June 2024, saw Tomasdottir win with 34.3% of the votes, defeating former Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir (25.2%). Iceland’s president serves a largely ceremonial role in its parliamentary democracy, with real executive power held by the Prime Minister.

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Hungary recently unveiled the ‘Bridge of National Unity,’ a 700-metre pedestrian bridge spanning Budapest’s Danube River. Symbolizing unity, it marks a milestone in Hungary’s architectural landscape. Attended by officials and citizens, its significance lies in fostering cohesion, showcasing engineering prowess, and providing leisure space. The bridge enhances connectivity and serves as a vibrant public area.

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A deadly fire in Kuwait claimed 49 lives, sparking scrutiny of the Kafala system. Introduced in the 1950s across West Asia, it binds migrant workers to employers who control their entry, employment changes, and exit from the country. This arrangement aimed to manage labor influx during economic booms but has faced criticism for exploitation and hindering workers’ rights to mobility and safety.

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The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) signed an agreement to upgrade the Biocontainment Facility at Chaudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Animal Health (CCSNAIH), Baghpat. The project, costing ₹160 crores, will take 20 months. CCSNAIH, an apex lab since 2010, conducts quality control testing for veterinary vaccines, including HS and RD. The agreement was signed in the presence of Secretary Alka Upadhyaya.

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Russia has approved a draft logistics agreement with India, advancing military cooperation under the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS). This agreement aims to streamline logistics support for joint military operations, providing facilities for troops, warships, and aircraft during peacetime and wartime missions. It enhances India’s maritime influence, supports Arctic research collaboration, and helps balance logistics agreements with Quad countries, countering regional influences from the US and China.

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Finland is the first country to offer preemptive bird flu vaccinations to specific workers exposed to animals. Vaccines will target workers at fur and poultry farms, lab technicians, veterinarians, and those in bird sanctuaries and animal by-product plants, aged 18 and over. Finland secured vaccines for 10,000 people through an EU procurement of 40 million doses from CSL Seqirus. Vaccinations start next week, following past bird flu outbreaks in fur farms.

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Japan introduced new banknotes featuring advanced holography, creating 3D rotating portraits of historic figures as an anti-counterfeit measure. This innovative technology marks the world’s first use of such holography on currency. The redesign, Japan’s first in 20 years, aims to enhance security and prevent counterfeiting.

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Bangladesh joined the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) as the fifth Member State, welcomed by India, Mauritius, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Previously an Observer State, Bangladesh’s inclusion was formalized at the 8th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA) meeting, hosted virtually by Mauritius. The CSC, led by India’s NSA Ajit Doval, focuses on maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The 7th NSA-level meeting will be held in India later this year.