International Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Australia launched the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) scheme, offering Indian university graduates and early professionals the chance to work in Australia for up to two years. The scheme is part of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between India and Australia. MATES opens in December for applicants aged 30 or younger with an eligible degree in fields like renewable energy, AI, FinTech, and AgriTech. Applicants must have proficient English (IELTS 6 overall, 5 in each module) and have graduated within two years from top Indian universities. The program starts with 3,000 places annually, and participants can bring dependents with work rights.

Notes:
China’s president has launched the $1.3 billion Chancay megaport in Peru, transforming a small fishing town into a major global port. The port, majority-owned by China’s Cosco shipping company, is located in Peru’s coastal desert. Chancay, a remote area where many lack basic amenities like running water, is being developed into a deep-water port. This megaport aims to capitalize on China’s increasing interest in South America’s resources, linking the region more closely with Asian markets.

Notes:
Japan has agreed to provide its integrated antenna system, UNICORN, to the Indian Naval Ships. UNICORN stands for Unified Complex Radio Antenna, and it’s a conical structure that houses antennas on warships. The system is designed to increase the stealth characteristics of naval platforms. On November 15, 2024, India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) to co-develop and co-produce the UNICORN mast for Indian Navy ships. The agreement was signed at the Embassy of India in Tokyo by the Ambassador of India to Japan, H.E. Shri Sibi George, and Mr. Ishikawa Takeshi, Commissioner of Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) under Japan MoD. This is India’s first military technology transfer pact with Japan. It’s also the first case of co-development and co-production of defense equipment between the two countries.

Notes:
El Cajas National Park in Ecuador’s highlands near Cuenca is severely affected by wildfires due to a prolonged drought. The Ecuadorian government declared a 60-day national emergency to combat forest fires threatening the park’s ecology and water resources. The park spans 285.44 km², with altitudes ranging from 3100m to 4450m, and was declared a National Park on November 5, 1996. It features páramo vegetation, jagged hills, valleys, and 270 lakes, with Luspa as the largest. Rivers Tomebamba and Yanuncay originate here, feeding the Amazon Basin and draining to the Pacific.

Notes:
The Australian government has introduced a bill that aims to ban social media access for children under 16 years of age. This legislation requires platforms like TikTok and Facebook to implement age verification measures. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasized the need for social media companies to take responsibility for user safety, citing concerns about the mental health impacts on children. This reform is seen as one of the strictest globally regarding social media access for minors.

Notes:
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a former Defence Minister, and Hamas officials for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC is the only permanent international criminal tribunal, established by the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998. The Rome Statute defines the ICC’s jurisdiction, structures, and functions, coming into force on 1 July 2002. The ICC investigates and tries individuals accused of grave crimes like genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression.

Notes:
Kurram district in Pakistan is experiencing sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni Muslims. Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Kurram borders Afghanistan’s Logar and Nangarhar provinces. Its strategic position includes important border crossings along the Durand Line, such as the Peiwar Kotal Pass, a key route to Kabul. The Durand Line is the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, established by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand to protect British Empire interests from Tsarist Russia.

Notes:
Yamandú Orsi, a left-wing politician and former mayor, won Uruguay’s presidential election, marking a return of the centre-left government after five years of conservative leadership. Supported by former president José Mujica, Orsi emphasizes environmental policies, social inclusion, and a balanced approach to economic growth.

Notes:
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s vice president, has been elected as the country’s first female president, securing 57% of the votes. She defeated Panduleni Itula of IPC, who received 26%, and SWAPO continues its 34-year dominance. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory ensures SWAPO retains power since Namibia’s independence in 1990. She has held key roles, including foreign minister, and is seen as a unifying figure. SWAPO also won 51 out of 96 National Assembly seats. Namibia faces challenges like high unemployment and inequality, despite political stability.

Notes:
Oxford University Press named ‘brain rot’ as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024. It describes cognitive decline caused by consuming trivial social media content. The term gained popularity amid trends like digital detoxes to counter mental fatigue. It reflects concerns about technology’s impact on human thought and habits. Public voting chose ‘brain rot’ over contenders like ‘heat domes’ and ‘neurospicy.’ Over 37,000 people participated in the voting, highlighting its cultural relevance. The term’s casual tone appeals to younger audiences and raises awareness about mental health. Past winners include ‘goblin mode’ (2022) and ‘climate emergency’ (2019).