International Current Affairs

• The Chandrayaan mission of the Japanese private company ISpace Inc. has suffered a setback.
• In this way, Japan’s dream of landing its own lander on the lunar surface has remained incomplete.
• The name of this lander is Hakuto-R Mission 1. Japanese startup iSpace Inc said its attempt to land on the lunar surface failed after it lost contact with its Hakuto-R mission lander.
• It is believed that the lander rover fell victim to the accident while trying to land fast.
• This satellite of the Japanese company was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida in December 2022 by a SpaceX rocket. So far only America, Soviet Union and China have successfully landed on the moon. Indian and Israeli landing attempts have failed.

• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the third in-person Quad Summit will take place on 24th May 2023 in Sydney.
• The summit will be attended by the leaders of the four Quad countries: US President Joe Biden, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Australian PM Anthony Albanese.
• The Quad’s primary goal is to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region and enhance cooperation on regional challenges such as maritime security, infrastructure development, and economic growth.
• The Quad leaders are expected to discuss various issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, cybersecurity, and economic recovery.
• The Quad leaders will also engage with other partners and regional groupings, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Islands Forum, to strengthen cooperation and shape the Indo-Pacific region’s future.

Qns : Which country is to host the third in-person Quad Summit?
कौन सा देश तीसरे इन-पर्सन क्वाड समिट की मेजबानी करेगा?

(A) China
(B) Japan
(C) India
(D) Australia

Ans : (D) Australia

• Mohammed Shahabuddin was sworn in as the 22nd President of Bangladesh on 24th April, 2023.
• The oath of office was administered by Parliament Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury in a ceremony at Bangabhaban.
• Cabinet Secretary Mohd. Mahbub Hossain conducted the program.
• President Sahabuddin has a background in the judiciary & politics and has actively participated in various movements and protests throughout his career.
• President Sahabuddin led a protest against the brutal killing of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujiburrahman, for which he was imprisoned for three years.

Qns : Who has been elected the new president of Bangladesh in 2023?
2023 में बांग्लादेश का नया राष्ट्रपति किसे चुना गया है?

(A) Mohammed Shahabuddin / मोहम्मद शहाबुद्दीन
(B) Mohammad Abdul Hamid / मोहम्मद अब्दुल हमीद
(C) Syed Nazrul Islam / सैयद नजरुल इस्लाम
(D) Ziaur Rahman / जियाउर रहमान

Ans : (A) Mohammed Shahabuddin / मोहम्मद शहाबुद्दीन

India has launched Operation to bring back its citizens stranded in Sudan. The rescue operation has been named Operation Kaveri.

On 23 April 2023, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in a tweet said that nearly 500 Indians have reached Port Sudan and more are on their way. He said, Indian ships and aircraft are set to bring stranded Indian nationals back home. He added that the Government of India is committed to assisting all its brethren in Sudan.

Violence broke out in capital Khartoum of Sudan and across other regions in Sudan on April 15, 2023 between forces loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy-turned-rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Question: What is “Operation Kaveri”?

A) India’s rescue operation to bring back its citizens stranded in Sudan.
B) A military operation carried out by Sudanese forces.
C) A diplomatic mission to negotiate peace in Sudan.
D) A humanitarian effort to provide aid to refugees in Sudan.

Ans : A) India’s rescue operation to bring back its citizens stranded in Sudan.

1. India has surpassed China to become the world’s most populous nation with 1.4286 billion people, according to the United Nations data.
2. China’s population decreased for the first time since 1960 due to its ageing population and declining birth rates.
3. The global population is expected to reach 8.045 billion by mid-2023.
4. Africa is also seeing a rising population, with estimates of a spike from 1.4 to 3.9 billion inhabitants by 2100.
5. Japan is experiencing a decline in population due to its ageing population.
6. Population growth is influenced by factors such as fertility rates, increasing longevity, and international migration.

Question: According to the United Nations data, which country has become the most populous nation in the world?
a. China
b. India
c. Japan
d. USA
Answer: b. India

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi on 18 April 2023.
• The Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation will host the two-day summit.
• The theme of the summit is Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis.
• The summit will be attended by eminent scholars, Sangha leaders, and Dharma practitioners from all over the world.
• Prominent Buddhist monks from various countries will visit India and take part in the summit for the first time.
• Delegates from almost 30 countries will participate in the event, including 171 delegates from foreign countries and 150 delegates from Indian Buddhist organizations.
• The summit will discuss how to deal with contemporary challenges using Buddhist philosophy and thought.
• The summit aims to enhance cultural and diplomatic relationships with other countries.

Q.: What is the theme of the first Global Buddhist Summit, New Delhi ?
a) Historical Contributions of Buddhism
b) Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis.
c) Traditional Buddhist Practices
d) Contemporary Buddhist Practices

Ans : b) Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Mozambique and met with the President of Assembly Esperança Bias on 14 April 2023. They discussed counterterrorism, disaster resilience, and green growth.

Dr S Jaishankar virtually inaugurated the Buzi Bridge, which is a part of the 132 km Tica-Buzi-Nova-Sofala Road project built by India.

He also discussed expanding train networks, electric mobility, and waterways connectivity with Mozambican Minister of Transport and Communication Mateus Magala.

He took a ride on a Made in India train with Mr Magala and CMD of Rail India Technical and Economic Service RITES Rahul Mithal.

Dr Jaishankar offered prayers at the Shree Vishvambhar Mahadev Mandir and met community representatives and friends of India at a reception hosted by the High Commissioner in Maputo. He underlined the expanding historic relationship between the two countries.

Question : The Buzi Bridge built by India is located in which country ?
a) Angola
b) Mozambique
c) Zimbabwe
d) Mauritius

Ans : b) Mozambique

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate 3-day International Conference on Defence Finance and Economics in New Delhi on 12 April 2023.
• Conference to provide platform for policymakers, academicians, and officials to share insights and experiences on Defence Finance and Economics in present evolving security challenges
• Delegates from USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Kenya to participate in conference
• Objective of conference is to disseminate best practices, experiences, and expertise of various countries
• Conference to facilitate collaborations with foreign governments, international institutions, and global leaders in promoting government’s vision of Aatmanirbharta in Defence sector

Question : Who will participate in the International Conference on Defence Finance and Economics in New Delhi from 12th April 2023?
a) Delegates from USA, UK, Japan, and Australia
b) Delegates from India, Pakistan, and China
c) Delegates from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Kenya
d) Delegates from Germany, France, and Russia

Answer: c) Delegates from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Kenya

1. The world economy is expected to grow less than 3% this year, and there will be a prolonged period of slower economic activity for the next five years.
2. The slower growth will be a severe blow, particularly for low-income nations, and poverty and hunger might increase.
3. India and China are expected to account for half of global growth in 2023, but other countries face a steeper climb.
4. IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva warned that the pandemic and Russia’s military operation in Ukraine would continue to cause a sharp slowdown in the world economy.
5. Next week’s spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank will convene to discuss the global economy’s pressing issues.

Question: Which two countries are expected to account for half of global growth in 2023?
a) India and Russia
b) China and India
c) United States and China
d) None of the above

Answer: b) China and India

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on April 5 2023 to review bilateral cooperation and boost their relationship.
• Both countries focused on economic and development partnership, trade facilitation measures, cooperation in trade, connectivity, investment, energy, space, and startups during the meeting.
• India announced its support for Bhutan’s upcoming 13th five-year plan and pledged to extend additional standby credit facility and develop long-term sustainable arrangements for the export of agricultural commodities from Bhutan.
• Both countries are considering setting up the first Integrated Check Post along the India-Bhutan border near Jaigaon, which would be a historic first-ever rail link between India and Bhutan.
• Bhutanese King paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and President Droupadi Murmu during his three-day visit to India, accompanied by Bhutanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Dr. Tandi Dorji and other senior officials.
• The visit of the Bhutanese King is expected to further strengthen the close and unique partnership between India and Bhutan. This was highlighted in a tweet by Dr. Jaishankar. Overall, the visit aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and ties between India and Bhutan.

Question : What is the purpose of setting up the first Integrated Check Post along the India-Bhutan border near Jaigaon?
a. To facilitate trade and connectivity between the two countries
b. To strengthen the socio-economic development of Bhutan
c. To ensure a steady supply of critical commodities like petroleum and coal
d. To enhance bilateral ties and boost the India-Bhutan partnership

Answer: a. To facilitate trade and connectivity between the two countries

1. The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has arrived in India on a three-day visit.
2. He was received by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar at the airport in New Delhi, along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Dr. Tandi Dorji, and senior officials of the Bhutan government.
3. The visit is part of the long-standing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and is expected to strengthen the close and unique India-Bhutan partnership.
4. During the visit, the King of Bhutan will meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Dr. Jaishankar and senior officials will also call on the visiting dignitary.
5. India and Bhutan share a unique relationship of friendship and cooperation characterized by understanding and mutual trust.
6. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and advance the close bilateral partnership, including economic and development cooperation.

Question: Who is the king of Bhutan ?
a) Dr. S Jaishankar
b) Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
c) Dr. Tandi Dorji
d) Narendra Modi

Answer: b) Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck