International Current Affairs

International Current Affairs for competitive Exams.

United Nations General Assembly supported a Palestinian bid for full U.N. membership

The United Nations General Assembly supported a Palestinian bid for full U.N. membership on May 10. The General Assembly recommended the U.N. Security Council to reconsider the matter favorably.

  • The vote reflected global support for the Palestinian bid after the U.S. vetoed it in the Security Council the previous month.
  • The resolution passed with 143 votes in favor, 9 against (including the U.S. and Israel), and 25 abstentions.
  • This resolution doesn’t grant full U.N. membership to Palestine but acknowledges its qualification to join.

Q: What is the outcome of the General Assembly’s resolution on May 10, regarding Palestinian membership?

a) Grants full U.N. membership to Palestine
b) Rejects Palestinian membership entirely
c) Acknowledges Palestine’s qualification to join the U.N.
d) Recommends military intervention in the region

Ans : c) Acknowledges Palestine’s qualification to join the U.N.

United Nations General Assembly supported a Palestinian bid for full U.N. membership Read More »

India surpasses Japan to become the world’s third-largest solar power generator

India surpasses Japan to become the world’s third-largest solar power generator in 2023, according to Ember report. Global Electricity Review 2024 released alongside the world’s first open dataset on electricity generation, covering 80 countries representing 92% of global electricity demand.

  • Solar power’s share in global electricity production reaches a record 5.5% in 2023.
  • India sees the fourth-largest increase in solar generation (+18 TWh) in 2023, following China, the United States, and Brazil, accounting for 75% of overall growth.
  • India expands solar generation capacity significantly from ranking ninth in 2015 to 5.8% share in 2023.
  • Globally, solar power generation increases sixfold between 2015 and 2023, with India experiencing a seventeen-fold increase during the same period.
  • IEA forecasts solar power to constitute 22% of global electricity generation by 2030.
  • COP28 goal to triple global renewables capacity by 2030 could help achieve this trajectory.
  • India aims to triple renewable capacity by 2030, but Ember’s analysis highlights the need for substantial annual capacity additions to meet this target.

Q: According to the Global Electricity Review 2024, which country has overtaken Japan to become the world’s third-largest solar power generator in 2023?

a) China
b) India
c) Brazil
d) United States

Ans : b) India

India surpasses Japan to become the world’s third-largest solar power generator Read More »

Russia’s Vladimir Putin Sworn in as President of Russia for fifth term 

President Vladimir Putin sworn in for for his fifth term  on May 7, 2024 at a ceremony held at Kremlin, Moscow, Russia

  • Putin has been in power since 1999, now starting a new mandate amidst the conflict in Ukraine.
  • Russian forces have regained initiative in Ukraine and seek to advance further in the east.
  • At 71, Putin maintains dominance in domestic politics and confronts Western countries over Ukraine, accusing them of aiming to weaken Russia.

Q: Vladimir Putin has been President of Russia since:

a) 2000
b) 1999
c) 2005
d) 2008

Ans : b) 1999

Russia’s Vladimir Putin Sworn in as President of Russia for fifth term  Read More »

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) from 6th to 9th May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) took place from 6th to 9th May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in Dubai, UAE. It is a premier global trade show that brings together travel professionals, industry leaders, and visionaries.

Theme: Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship:

Record-Breaking Participation: ATM 2024 featured a record-breaking 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries. Approximately 41,000 visitors attended the event, making it a vibrant hub for travel professionals.

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is also participating in Arabian Travel Mart 2024.

Networking and Opportunities: ATM provided a unique opportunity to make long-lasting business relationships. Attendees explored breathtaking destinations, travel technology solutions, airlines, hotels, and more.

Question : What is the Arabian Travel Market?

A) A global trade show for travel professionals and industry leaders.
B) A popular travel blog focused on Middle Eastern destinations.
C) A sustainable tourism initiative in Dubai.
D) A luxury hotel chain in the UAE.

Ans : A) A global trade show for travel professionals and industry leaders.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) from 6th to 9th May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Read More »

Mount Ruang Volcano Eruptions: Recent Activity and Impact

Mount Ruang is a 725-meter (2,400-foot) volcano located on Ruang Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is one of approximately 130 active volcanoes in the country. Ruang island, North Sulawesi, home to 9,800 people, evacuated due to continuous explosive eruptions. Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado closed due to volcanic ash spread.

Recent Eruptions:

  • On April 17, 2024, Mount Ruang erupted.
  • On April 30, 2024, Mount Ruang erupted again, spewing ash almost 2 kilometers (more than a mile) into the sky.
  • The Indonesian geological service raised the alert level of the volcano to the highest level after detecting increased volcanic activity.

Previous Eruptions:

  • Mount Ruang has a history of eruptions dating back to at least 1808.
  • Indonesia situated on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” an area of high seismic activity.

Q: What is the location of Mount Ruang volcano?

A) Java, Indonesia
B) Bali, Indonesia
C) North Sulawesi, Indonesia
D) Sumatra, Indonesia

Ans : C) North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Mount Ruang Volcano Eruptions: Recent Activity and Impact Read More »

Jeremiah Manele elected as the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands

Jeremiah Manele was elected as the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands on May 2, 2024, succeeding incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

  1. Manele, a former foreign minister, won 31 votes against Opposition leader Matthew Wales’ 18 votes in the 50-seat parliament.
  2. The national election saw Sogavare’s government lose half of its seats, prompting intense lobbying from both government and opposition parties to win support from independents.
  3. The election outcome was closely watched by China, the U.S., and Australia due to its potential impact on regional security, especially considering Sogavare’s controversial security pact with China in 2022.
  4. Manele pledged to continue the Solomon Islands’ international policy of being “friends to all and enemies to none.”
  5. Manele’s OUR party won 15 seats, and formed a renewed coalition with two micro parties to gain a majority in the parliament.

Question : Who was elected as the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands on May 2, 2024?

a) Manasseh Sogavare
b) Jeremiah Manele
c) Matthew Wales
d) Anthony Albanese

Ans : b) Jeremiah Manele

Jeremiah Manele elected as the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Read More »

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane attended the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, on April 26.

  • A protocol was signed by Defence Ministers of all SCO Member States during the meeting.
  • The Joint Communiqué from the meeting included initiatives such as developing the concept of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, inspired by the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
  • Aramane reiterated India’s commitment to peace, stability, and security in the SCO region.
  • He stressed the importance of adopting a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism for the prosperity of SCO Member States.

Question : Which countries are members of the SCO?

Eight countries are full members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) : India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan;

Question : Who is the Defence Secretary of India?

a) Ajit Doval
b) Giridhar Aramane
c) Rajnath Singh
d) General Anil Chauhan

Ans : b) Giridhar Aramane

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane attended the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan Read More »

Maldives: President Mohamed Muizzu’s ruling PNC win majority in Parliamentary Election

The People’s National Congress (PNC) won a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections held in Maldives on April 21, 2024, securing over 66 seats.

  1. This victory solidifies the PNC’s position in the nation’s political landscape, following the pattern of ruling party success in parliamentary elections since 2013.
  2. The elections were seen as a crucial test for President Muizzu’s party, amidst scrutiny over corruption allegations and policy decisions, as well as challenges from breakaway factions.
  3. The main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), returned with at least 11 seats, and its chairman, Fayyaz Ismail, expressed commitment to working with the government as a responsible opposition.
  4. Parliamentary elections are important in Maldives as the People’s Majlis ratifies government proposals and bills, ensuring smooth administration and protecting the presidential tenure.

Q: Which party secured a landslide win in the parliamentary elections held in Maldives on April 21, 2024?

a) Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)
b) People’s National Congress (PNC)
c) Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)
d) Maldives Reform Movement (MRM)

Ans : b) People’s National Congress (PNC)

Maldives: President Mohamed Muizzu’s ruling PNC win majority in Parliamentary Election Read More »

Smoking Ban in the UK : Bill to gradually phase out smoking

The British government proposed a landmark smoking ban to prevent young people from starting to smoke. The bill aims to make it illegal to sell tobacco products to individuals born after January 1, 2009.

  • The Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed its first hurdle in Parliament.
  • The bill, if enacted, would implement some of the strictest smoking laws globally and create a smoke-free generation in the UK.
  • Under the proposed legislation, individuals turning 15 in the current year or younger would never be legally sold tobacco.
  • The legal age for purchasing cigarettes in England would incrementally rise each year until it becomes illegal for the entire population, with a target implementation year of 2027.
  • The UK’s approach appears to be inspired by a similar law in New Zealand, although the New Zealand law was later repealed.
  • Further steps, including votes in the House of Lords, are required before the bill becomes law, but it could potentially be enacted before the general election expected in the second half of 2024.
  • Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the plans for the smoking ban during a conference speech in October of the previous year.

Q: Which government proposed a landmark smoking ban in April 2024 to prevent young people from starting to smoke?

a) Australian government
b) Canadian government
c) British government
d) New Zealand government

Answer: c) British government

Smoking Ban in the UK : Bill to gradually phase out smoking Read More »

Population decline in Greece reaches alarming levels

Greece is facing a severe population decline, potentially becoming the first country to experience a “population collapse.” Mortality rates have increased due to heart failure, stroke, blood clots, and cancer among otherwise healthy young people.

  • The birth rate has dropped significantly, leading to fewer births than deaths, with just one birth per two deaths recorded in 2021.
  • Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has referred to the situation as a “ticking time bomb.”
  • The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) projects further population decline, with Greece’s population expected to be just over 10 million by 2030.

Q: What term describes the phenomenon where a country’s population declines significantly, leading to fewer births than deaths?

A. Population surge
B. Demographic boom
C. Population collapse
D. Demographic implosion

Answer: C. Population collapse

Q: Which country is facing a severe population decline, potentially becoming the first country to experience a “population collapse”?

a) Italy
b) Greece
c) Japan
d) South Korea

Ans : b) Greece

Population decline in Greece reaches alarming levels Read More »

Scroll to Top