International Current Affairs MCQs

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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.

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Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda was sworn in for a second five-year term, taking the presidential oath at the Lithuanian parliament, Seimas. The 60-year-old economist proposed increasing Lithuania’s defense budget to 4% of GDP to fund long-range air defense, a missile shield for the Baltic Sea coast, and border fortifications.

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President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has won his fourth term with 99% of the votes, according to the National Electoral Commission, with 79% of votes counted. Kagame, in power since 2000, previously won the 2017 election with a similar margin. Approximately 9.5 million Rwandans voted, with 65% of the population under 35. Opponents Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana received 0.53% and 0.32%, respectively.

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Ivory Coast recently became the 10th African nation to join the United Nations Water Convention. Adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and effective since 1996, this legally binding instrument promotes sustainable management of shared water resources and supports the Sustainable Development Goals. Initially for the pan-European region, the convention has expanded globally since 2016. Notable members include Chad, Senegal, Iraq, Namibia, and Panama, emphasizing conflict prevention and regional integration.

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India has been elected Vice-Chair of the Supply Chain Council under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Agreement, focused on Supply Chain Resilience. The IPEF, with 14 member countries, also elected chairs and vice-chairs for the Crisis Response Network and Labor Rights Advisory Board. The Supply Chain Council’s Chair is the USA. IPEF, led by the USA, was launched by President Joe Biden on 23 May 2022 in Tokyo.

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Singapore and the United States have signed a 30-year civil nuclear cooperation agreement, called the 123 Agreement. This deal will allow Singapore to access detailed information and expertise on U.S. nuclear energy technologies, which are typically under export control. The agreement aims to enhance Singapore’s capabilities in nuclear energy and strengthen ties between the two countries in this field.

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India is co-hosting a conference on online radicalization with the European Union (EU). The collaboration underscores the need to address online radicalization internationally. The EU is a significant political and economic union of 27 member states, mainly in Europe. With over 449 million people and contributing about one-sixth of the global GDP in 2022, the EU is a key global partner in this initiative.

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Pakistan successfully tested its Shaheen-II surface-to-surface ballistic missile. Shaheen-II is a medium-range, solid-fueled missile with an estimated range of 1,500–2,000 km. It is 17.2 m long, weighs 23,600 kg at launch, and can carry conventional or nuclear payloads. The missile’s accuracy is estimated at 350 m circular error probable (CEP), with a separating warhead designed to improve precision. It is transported and launched by a 6-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL). Ballistic missiles follow a rocket-powered, then unpowered, trajectory to deliver payloads, including conventional or nuclear munitions.

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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the 19th CII India Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi on August 21, 2024.
The three-day event, running from August 20-22, 2024, includes senior officials and business leaders from Africa and India. The conclave aims to boost trade and investment, encourage Indian investment in Africa, and explore business opportunities. This year’s focus includes agriculture, food processing, defence, healthcare, digital partnerships, power, energy, financial partnerships, infrastructure, and skill development. The theme of the conclave is “Creating One Future.”