International Current Affairs

Eight Indian nationals were sentenced to death in Qatar, accused of spying for Israel. These individuals were former naval officers working for the Al Dahra company on a submarine project for Qatari authorities when they were detained over a year ago.

The Indian Navy veterans, who were arrested in August 2022, are Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Amit Nagpal, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Captain Saurabh Vasisht and Sailor Ragesh Gopakumar.

1. The Ministry of External Affairs of India is exploring legal options and intends to take up the matter with Qatari officials.
2. The exact charges and allegations against the group remain unclear, with limited details provided by both countries.
3. According to an unnamed source, the individuals were involved in training the Qatari navy and were sentenced to death for alleged espionage by Qatar’s Court of First Instance.
4. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed shock at the verdict of the death penalty for the former Navy staffers and is in contact with the family members and legal team, exploring all legal options and providing consular and legal assistance. They also plan to raise the verdict with Qatari authorities.

Q.: Recently eight Indian nationals were sentenced to death in Qatar, in what capacity they were working in Qatar when they were detained?

a) Medical professionals
b) Construction workers
c) Former naval officers
d) Diplomats

Ans : c) Former naval officers

India and the European Union (EU) conducted a joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Guinea to enhance maritime security cooperation in the region.

1. The exercise took place on October 24, 2023, following the third meeting of the EU-India Maritime Security Dialogue on October 5, 2023, in Brussels.
2. The participating vessels included the Indian Navy’s INS Sumedha and three ships from EU Member States: Italian Navy Ship ITS Foscari, French Navy Ship FS Ventôse, and Spanish Navy Ship Tornado.
3. The exercise involved various tactical maneuvers in international waters off the coast of Ghana, including a boarding exercise, a flying exercise using helicopters from the French and Indian ships, and personnel transfers between the ships.
4. After the exercise, a knowledge sharing session occurred in Accra, Ghana, aimed at improving operational knowledge and strengthening ties between Ghanaian officials and representatives from India, the EU, and EU Member States missions to Ghana.
5. These activities emphasized the commitment of India and the EU to support coastal states and the Yaoundé Architecture in ensuring maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
6. The joint efforts highlighted the extensive cooperation between the EU and India in maritime security and their determination to uphold the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Q.: Which Indian Navy vessel participated in the joint exercise with European Union (EU) in the Gulf of Guinea on October 24, 2023?

a) INS Sumedha
b) INS Foscari
c) INS Ventôse
d) INS Tornado

Ans : a) INS Sumedha

United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24th each year to mark the anniversary of the United Nations’ entry into force in 1945. Here are the main points about United Nations Day:

1. Establishment of the United Nations: United Nations Day commemorates the day when the United Nations Charter came into effect. The United Nations was officially founded on October 24, 1945, following the conclusion of World War II.
2. Global Peace and Cooperation: The United Nations was established with the primary objective of promoting international peace and security, fostering cooperation among nations, and addressing global challenges through diplomacy and multilateralism.
3. Charter Signing: The UN Charter, which established the principles and structure of the United Nations, was signed by 51 countries in San Francisco on June 26, 1945. It came into force after being ratified by a majority of those signatory nations.
4. International Cooperation: The United Nations is a global organization that provides a platform for countries to collaborate on issues such as conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, human rights, sustainable development, and climate change.
5. United Nations Member States: The United Nations had 193 member states, making it one of the largest international organizations in the world.

MCQs on United Nations

Q.: When is United Nations Day celebrated?

a) November 24
b) October 24
c) December 24
d) September 24

Answer: b) October 24

Q.: What event does United Nations Day commemorate?

a) The signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
b) The founding of the United Nations in 1935
c) The entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945
d) The first United Nations General Assembly session

Answer: c) The entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945

Q.: What is the primary objective of the United Nations?

a) Promoting global trade
b) Fostering cooperation among nations
c) Enforcing international law
d) Encouraging military conflicts

Answer: b) Fostering cooperation among nations

Q.: When was the UN Charter signed by 51 countries?

a) June 26, 1944
b) June 26, 1945
c) October 24, 1945
d) July 24, 1946

Answer: b) June 26, 1945

Q.: How many member states are part of the United Nations ?

a) 50
b) 100
c) 150
d) 193

Answer: d) 193

Q.: In which city was the United Nations Charter signed in 1945?

a) New York
b) San Francisco
c) Washington, D.C.
d) Geneva

Answer: b) San Francisco

Q.: What is the official color associated with the United Nations and often used on United Nations Day?

a) Green
b) Red
c) Blue
d) Yellow

Answer: c) Blue

Q.: Why was the United Nations founded after World War II?

a) To promote military alliances
b) To divide the world into zones of influence
c) To prevent future global conflicts and promote peace
d) To establish a global currency

Answer: c) To prevent future global conflicts and promote peace

Q.: Where is the primary headquarters of the United Nations located?

a) Geneva, Switzerland
b) New York City, USA
c) Vienna, Austria
d) London, United Kingdom

Answer: b) New York City, USA

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, visited India on October 23, 2023, on an official visit. The visit was welcomed by Arindam Bagchi, an official spokesperson from the Indian External Affairs Ministry.

About IAEA

• The IAEA is an organization focused on nuclear cooperation and aims to promote the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
• India has been a founding member of the IAEA since 1957 and has been a part of the IAEA’s Board of Governors from its inception.
• The IAEA’s membership includes several countries such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, the UK, and the US.
• The headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is located in Vienna, Austria.

MCQs on IAEA

Q.: Who is the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) who visited India on October 23, 2023?

a) Rafael Grossi
b) Arindam Bagchi
c) Joe Biden
d) Leonardo da Vinci

Ans : a) Rafael Grossi

Q.: In which city is the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) located?

a) New York
b) Vienna
c) Geneva
d) London

Ans : b) Vienna

Indian Navy’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) arrived at Sri Lanka’s Katunayake Air Force base on October 19, 2023.

1. The ALH deployment is for the purpose of training Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) pilots and assisting Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) ships.
2. This deployment signifies a significant step in strengthening defense cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
3. The training program’s goals include familiarizing SLAF pilots with the ALH and providing them with valuable co-pilot experience.
4. Additionally, the training team is set to conduct rigorous Deck Landing Practice on SLN ships to enhance pilot skills during deck landings.
5. A previous deployment of the indigenous ALH in Sri Lanka in March 2022 successfully improved SLAF pilots’ co-piloting skills during deck landings.
6. The initiative aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy,’ demonstrating a commitment to enhance regional capacities.
7. The training emphasizes fostering closer interoperability and streamlined execution of joint maritime operations, promoting regional security and collaboration.

Q.: What is the primary purpose of deploying the Indian Navy’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) to Sri Lanka?

a) To support commercial aviation
b) To participate in joint military exercises
c) To train Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) pilots
d) To conduct search and rescue missions

Ans : c) To train Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) pilots

The 2023 New Zealand general election was held on October 14, 2023. The National Party won the election, taking enough seats to form a coalition with its allies on the right wing of politics. The former CEO of Air New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, became the Prime Minister-elect after incumbent Prime Minister Chris Hipkins conceded defeat.

Luxon has emerged as a leader amid the cost of living crisis and three-decade high inflation in New Zealand. He is a conservative politician who has promised tax cuts for middle-income earners and a crackdown on crime. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Luxon for his party’s win in the New Zealand General election.

Q.: Who became the Prime Minister-elect after the 2023 New Zealand general election?

A) Chris Hipkins
B) Christopher Luxon
C) Andrew Fisher
D) George Reid

Ans : B) Christopher Luxon

India has initiated “Operation Ajay” to facilitate the return of its citizens from Israel who wish to come back. External Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said first special charted flight with 230 passengers onboard reached India on 12 October 2023.

1. Special charter flights and other arrangements are being put in place to facilitate the return of Indian citizens from Israel.
2. A 24-hour Control Room has been set up in New Delhi to monitor the situation and provide information and assistance to Indian nationals in view of ongoing developments in Israel and Palestine.
3. The Indian Embassy in Israel has been providing assistance through a 24-hour helpline and urges citizens to remain calm and vigilant while following security advisories.
4. The Representative Office of India in Ramallah has established a 24-hour emergency helpline.

Q.: What is the main objective of “Operation Ajay” launched by India?

a) To assist Indian citizens in the USA
b) To facilitate the return of Indian citizens from Israel
c) To support Indian citizens in the UK
d) To provide medical aid in Africa

Ans : b) To facilitate the return of Indian citizens from Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan held talks in New Delhi on October 9, 2023, to review and deepen bilateral ties. Various facets of bilateral ties were discussed, including trade and investment, defense, maritime security, development partnership, higher education, and people-to-people ties.

1. Both leaders addressed a joint press meeting, where PM Modi announced the elevation of India-Tanzania ties to a Strategic Partnership.
2. The two countries are working on increasing trade in local currencies and have agreed on a five-year roadmap in the field of defense.
3. India has contributed significantly to Tanzania’s skill development, capacity building, and various sectors like water supply, agriculture, health, and education.
4. Both nations emphasized their commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation.
5. Several agreements in various areas were exchanged following the discussions.

Q.: What areas of bilateral cooperation were discussed during the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in October 2023?

a) Trade and investment only
b) Defense and maritime security only
c) Development partnership, higher education, and people-to-people ties only
d) Trade and investment, defense and maritime security, development partnership, higher education, and people-to-people ties

Ans : d) Trade and investment, defense and maritime security, development partnership, higher education, and people-to-people ties