International

 

International Current Affairs for competitive Exams.

International Solar Alliance (ISA) : Paraguay become the 100th country to join

Paraguay has become the 100th country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member. Paraguay handed over its Instrument of Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi on 26 June 2024.

The ceremony involved Paraguay’s Ambassador to India, Fleming Raul Duarte, and Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary of Economic Diplomacy and States Division at India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

What is International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

The ISA was co-founded by India and France during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris. The ISA aims to promote the deployment of solar energy worldwide, increase energy access, ensure energy security, and drive the transition to sustainable energy sources. The primary goal of the ISA is to contribute to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement through rapid and massive deployment of solar energy technologies.

The ISA Framework Agreement has 119 signatory countries, with 100 having completed the ratification process to become full members. Spain joined as the 99th full member in May 2024.

Q: Which country became the 100th full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in June 2024?

a) Spain
b) Paraguay
c) India
d) France

Ans : b) Paraguay
The ISA was co-founded by India and France during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris. Paraguay has become the 100th country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member in New Delhi on 26 June 2024.

Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange released from UK Prison after deal with US Authorities

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was released from a UK prison on June 24, 2024, ending a years-long legal battle. This came after he struck a plea deal with US authorities.

As per the conditions finalised in a tentative deal with the US Justice Department, Assange will plead guilty to criminal charges but will serve no time in US custody. Assange was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information. The Wikileaks files, which revealed information about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, had been a point of contention.

Assange spent seven years in Ecuador’s London embassy before being taken into custody in the UK. Swedish authorities dropped separate charges of rape and sexual assault against him in 2019.

Julian Assange will return to Australia after his release.

Question: Who is the founder of WikiLeaks?

A) Julian Assange
B) Edward Snowden
C) Chelsea Manning
D) Glenn Greenwald

Answer: A) Julian Assange
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was released from a UK prison on June 24, 2024, ending a years-long legal battle. This came after he struck a plea deal with US authorities.

North Korea and Russia sign pact to provide all available military help if other is attacked

North Korea and Russia agreed to provide immediate military assistance if either faced armed aggression, under a newly signed pact during Putin’s visit to North Korea on 20 June 2024.

The agreement signifies a “comprehensive strategic partnership” between Russia and North Korea. The pact specifies that if either country faces armed invasion, the other will provide military and other assistance per Article 51 of the U.N. Charter and their national laws.

UN Charter Article 51: This article provides the right for collective self-defense actions by member countries.

Historical Context: This agreement revives a mutual defense agreement under a 1961 treaty between North Korea and the Soviet Union, which was annulled in 1990.

Q: What did North Korea and Russia agree to provide under their newly signed pact during Putin visit to North Korea on 20 June 2024?

A) Economic assistance
B) Military assistance
C) Diplomatic support
D) Humanitarian aid

Ans : B) Military assistance
North Korea and Russia agreed to provide immediate military assistance if either faced armed aggression.

Q: Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, provides for the right of:

A) Economic sanctions
B) Collective self-defense actions
C) Environmental protection
D) Humanitarian intervention

Ans : B) Collective self-defense actions
North Korea and Russia signed “comprehensive strategic partnership” under UN Charter Article 51 to provide all available military help if other is attacked

IAF participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska from 4th to 14th June 2024

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska from 4th to 14th June 2024.

Exercise Red Flag is an advanced aerial combat training exercise conducted four times a year by the US Air Force. This was the second edition of Exercise Red Flag 2024.

Participating forces included the Indian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom, Royal Netherlands Air Force, German Luftwaffe, and the US Air Force.

The IAF participated with Rafale aircraft and personnel, including aircrew, technicians, engineers, controllers, and subject matter experts.

Red Flag simulates realistic combat settings with multiple scenarios, featuring a demarcation of forces into Red Force (Air Defence elements) and Blue Force (Offensive Composite elements).

Q: What is the name of the advanced aerial combat training exercise conducted four times a year by the US Air Force, which saw participation from the Indian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom, Royal Netherlands Air Force, German Luftwaffe, and the US Air Force in June 2024?

A) Exercise Air Show
B) Exercise Friend Force
C) Exercise Green Sea
D) Exercise Red Flag

Ans : D) Exercise Red Flag
An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska from 4th to 14th June 2024.

G7 summit , from June 13th to 15th, 2024 in Apulia, Italy

The recent G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, which took place from June 13th to 15th, 2024. The leaders from the G7 member states (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US) along with representatives from the European Union attended the submit. India was also invited as an Outreach Country to discuss global issues and strengthen bilateral cooperation with Italy.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change and energy security, food security, and migration were prominent topics. Leaders discussed ways to address these challenges and promote a more stable and prosperous world.

Q: In which of the following locations and during what timeframe did the G7 Summit 2024 occur?

a) Tokyo, Japan in 03th to 05th April 2024
b) Apulia, Italy from June 13th to 15th, 2024
c) Berlin, Germany in 10th to 12th May 2024
d) Ottawa, Canada in 23th to 25th December 2023

Ans : b) Apulia, Italy from June 13th to 15th, 2024

Claudia Sheinbaum elected as the first woman President of Mexico

Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected as the first woman President of Mexico. She is also the first President of Jewish heritage in Mexico.

    Sheinbaum received nearly 58% of the vote, according to preliminary results.

      Her opponent, Xochitl Galvez, backed by a coalition of the National Action (PAN), Institutional Revolutionary (PRI), and Democratic Revolution (PRD) parties, received between 26.6% and 28.6% of the votes.

      Q: Who has been elected as the first woman President of Mexico?

      A) Xochitl Galvez
      B) Claudia Sheinbaum
      C) Margarita Zavala
      D) Rosario Robles

      Answer: B) Claudia Sheinbaum

      Gitanas Nausėda, President of Lithuania, has been re-elected for a second five-year term

      Gitanas Nausėda, the incumbent President of Lithuania, has been re-elected for a second five-year term. The election took place on May 12, 2024.

      • Nausėda won in a landslide victory over Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė.
      • Preliminary figures show Nausėda secured 74.5% of the votes, while Šimonytė received 24.1%.
      • During his presidency, Nausėda has strongly supported Ukraine and provided refuge to those fleeing repression in Belarus and Russia.

      Q: Who was re-elected as the President of Lithuania in 2024?

      A) Ingrida Šimonytė
      B) Gitanas Nausėda
      C) Dalia Grybauskaitė
      D) Valdas Adamkus

      Answer: B) Gitanas Nausėda

      WIPO adopted a new treaty related to intellectual property (IP), genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge

      On May 24, 2024, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) member states adopted a groundbreaking new treaty related to intellectual property (IP), genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge.

      1. Historic Breakthrough: The treaty marks a historic breakthrough after decades of negotiations. It is the first WIPO Treaty to address the interface between intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge.
      2. Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: This treaty includes provisions specifically for Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities. It recognizes their role in the protection and management of genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
      3. Disclosure Requirement for Patent Applicants: Once the treaty enters into force with 15 contracting parties, it will establish a new disclosure requirement for patent applicants whose inventions are based on genetic resources and/or associated traditional knowledge. This requirement aims to ensure transparency and fair benefit-sharing.
      4. 25-Year Negotiating Journey: Negotiations for this treaty began at WIPO in 2001, following a proposal by Colombia in 1999. The inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and local communities was notable during these discussions.
      5. WIPO Director General Daren Tang welcomed the adoption of the treaty.

      Q: What key aspect does the new WIPO treaty address for the first time?

      A. International trade tariffs
      B. The interface between intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge
      C. Global internet regulations
      D. International labor laws

      Answer: B. The interface between intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge

      UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a general election on July 4, 2024

      UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a general election date set for July 4, 2024. On 22 May 2024, Sunak requested the dissolution of parliament from His Majesty the King Charles III, who granted the request.

      • This will be Sunak’s first time facing the public in a general election as Prime Minister, after becoming Conservative Party leader in October 2022.
      • The upcoming vote is the third since the Brexit referendum in 2016.
      • Sunak aims to leverage better economic data to appeal to voters affected by cost-of-living increases.
      • Halving inflation from historic highs above 11.0 percent at the end of 2022 was one of Sunak’s five key pledges.
      • Inflation slowed to a near three-year low at 2.3 percent in March 2024, with Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt claiming this as proof of the plan’s success.
      • Political commentators suggest Sunak might be seeking an electoral boost from the improved economic outlook, despite trailing in polls to the Labour party.
      • Critics argue that the improved economic conditions are more due to global economic changes than government policy.

      Q: Who is the Prime Minister of the UK?

      A. Boris Johnson
      B. Keir Starmer
      C. Rishi Sunak
      D. Theresa May

      Ans:C. Rishi Sunak

      Q: Rishi Sunak is the leader of which political party in the UK?

      A. Labour Party
      B. Liberal Democrats
      C. Green Party
      D. Conservative Party

      Ans : D. Conservative Party

      To Lam become new President of Vietnam

      Vietnam’s National Assembly approved To Lam as the country’s next President on 22 May 2024. The appointment followed the resignation of former President Vo Van Thuong amid a corruption crackdown nearly two months earlier.

      • To Lam becomes the third President of Vietnam in less than 18 months, a notable change in a country known for its political stability.
      • As President, To Lam is now the third most powerful figure in Vietnam, following the Party Chief and Prime Minister.
      • To Lam is known as a hardliner, particularly in his dealings with Vietnamese activists, with numerous dissidents and bloggers jailed during his tenure as the Minister of Public Security.

      Q: Who was approved as Vietnam’s next President on 22 May 2024?

      A. Vo Van Thuong
      B. To Lam
      C. Nguyen Phu Trong
      D. Pham Minh Chinh

      Ans : B. To Lam

      Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash

      Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border on May 20, 2024.

      1. The helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed in mountainous terrain; all passengers were killed.
      2. The crash wreckage was found after an overnight search in blizzard conditions.
      3. Raisi’s death was confirmed by Vice President Mohsen Mansouri and state television.
      4. Raisi, elected in 2021, was a hardliner and potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
      5. Raisi was known for tightening morality laws, cracking down on protests, and engaging in nuclear talks.
      6. Supreme Leader Khamenei assured there would be no disruption to state affairs following Raisi’s death.

      Q: What event led to the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in May 2024?

      A) Assassination
      B) Heart Attack
      C) Helicopter Crash
      D) Car Accident

      Answer: C) Helicopter Crash

      Lawrence Wong sworn in as the Singapore Prime Minister

      Singapore’s deputy leader Lawrence Wong was sworn in as the nation’s fourth Prime Minister on 15 May 2024. Fifty-one-year-old Wong succeeds 72-year-old Lee Hsien Loong, who stepped down after two decades at the helm.

      Lee’s resignation marked the end of a family dynasty led by his father Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s charismatic first leader who transformed the colonial trading outpost into a business-friendly, affluent country during 31 years in office.

      Since becoming an independent nation in 1965, Singapore has only had three Prime Ministers, all from the ruling People’s Action Party.

      Q: Who was sworn in as Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister on 15 May 2024?

      A) Lee Hsien Loong
      B) Lawrence Wong
      C) Lee Kuan Yew
      D) Halimah Yacob

      Ans : B) Lawrence Wong

      India and Iran signed a long-term contract for operating the Shahid-Beheshti Port Terminal in Chabahar

      India and Iran signed a long-term contract for operating the Shahid-Beheshti Port Terminal to enhance cooperation and make Chabahar Port a regional trade transit and connectivity hub.

      • The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, witnessed the signing of the 10-year contract with Iran’s Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Mehrdad Bazrpash.
      • India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) will invest approximately $120 million in equipping and operating the port under the contract.
      • Chabahar Port serves as an important transit port for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries and is a flagship project of India-Iran cooperation.
      • India has been involved in developing and upgrading Chabahar Port’s infrastructure to facilitate trade with landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
      • Chabahar Port is situated in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province and provides a shorter trade route between India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
      • India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) operates the Chabahar Port through its subsidiary, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), since December 2018.

      Q: India and Iran signed a long-term contract for operating which port?

      a) Chittagong Port
      b) Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar
      c) Port of Colombo
      d) Port of Karachi

      Ans : b) Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar

      Q: What new trade route will be opened up by the agreement between India and Iran regarding the Chabahar port?

      a) Between India and China
      b) Between South Asia and Central Asia via Iran
      c) Between India and Japan
      d) Between South Asia and Europe via Iran

      Ans : b) Between South Asia and Central Asia via Iran

      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.

      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

      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

      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.

      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

      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

      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

      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)

      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

      India-France Joint Working Group meeting on Counter Terrorism took place in New Delhi

      The 16th Meeting of India-France Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism took place in New Delhi on 15 April 2024.

      • The meeting focused on assessing counter terrorism challenges, including the use of new technologies by terrorists, internet misuse for terrorism, radicalization, and terror financing.
      • Discussions also covered anti-India separatist activities, countering terror financing, organized crime, and narco-terror networks.
      • Both sides exchanged views on terrorist threats in their respective regions, including state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as activities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.
      • The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary K.D. Dewal, and the French delegation, led by Ambassador Olivier Caron, participated in the meeting.
      • India presented its viewpoints on ‘No Money for Terror’ (NMFT) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), leading to an exchange of positions.
      • Strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation was emphasized through information exchange, capacity building, training programs, exercises, and cooperation in multilateral fora.

      Q: What were the main topics discussed during the 16th Meeting of India-France Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism in New Delhi on 15 April 2024?

      a) Economic cooperation
      b) Climate change
      c) Counter terrorism challenges
      d) Space exploration

      Ans : c) Counter terrorism challenges

      Iran-Israel Tensions: Iran launched attack on Israel, deploying more than 300 drones and missiles

      Iran-Israel Tensions: In recent days, tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated, causing global concern.

      Iran’s Retaliation:

      • On April 13, 2024, Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, deploying more than 300 drones and missiles.
      • Israel’s preparedness, Defence Forces (IDF) with a defense coalition of international partners shot down 99% Of Missiles, Drones From Iranian attack.
      • This assault was in retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus, Syria, on April 1.

      International Response:

      • President Biden condemned Iran’s attack and reaffirmed the United States’ “ironclad” commitment to Israeli security.
      • Other allies, including Germany, Canada, France, and Britain, expressed support for Israel while expressing concerns that Tehran’s actions could further destabilize the Middle East.

      Q: What triggered Iran’s recent attack on Israel?

      A. Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus
      B. Iran’s secret pursuit of nuclear weapons
      C. Iran’s support for Hezbollah
      D. Israel’s interference in Syria’s civil war

      Ans : A. Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus

      Simon Harris became Ireland’s youngest ever prime minister

      Simon Harris became Ireland’s youngest prime minister on April 9, 2024.

      1. Harris, aged 37, previously served as health and higher education minister.
      2. His election as leader of Fine Gael last month made him the successor to Leo Varadkar as the country’s 16th prime minister.
      3. Harris has significant political experience, having been elected to parliament at 24 and appointed to cabinet before turning 30.

      Q: Who became Ireland’s youngest prime minister on April 9, 2024?

      a) Leo Varadkar
      b) Simon Harris
      c) Micheal Martin
      d) Michael McGrath

      Ans : b) Simon Harris

      Abdel Fattah al-Sisi elected president of Egypt for third term

      Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sworn in for third term as Egyptian President on April 2, 2024.

      1. Sisi won the Presidential election with 89.6% of the vote in December last year.
      2. His presidency extends until 2030.
      3. Sisi pledges to prioritize the interests of the Egyptian people.
      4. Egypt has faced significant economic challenges, addressed with foreign loans and investments.

      Q: Who has been elected president for a third term in Egypt?

      a) Abdel Fattah al-Sisi
      b) Hosni Mubarak
      c) Anwar Sadat
      d) Mohammed Morsi

      Ans : a) Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

      Hindustan Aeronautics Limited delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the Guyana Defence Force

      Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the Guyana Defence Force on 1st April 2024.

      1. The planes were transported to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport aboard two Boeing C-17 Globemaster military transport planes.
      2. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced the delivery on social media, expressing gratitude to HAL.
      3. President Ali had previously visited an HAL facility in India and expressed interest in the Dornier 228 aircraft.
      4. The delivery of the Dornier 228 planes will enhance Guyana’s defense capabilities and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

      Q: What type of aircraft did Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) deliver to the Guyana Defence Force in April 2024?

      a) Boeing C-17 Globemaster
      b) Dornier 228
      c) Airbus A320
      d) Lockheed Martin F-16

      Ans : b) Dornier 228

      Bassirou Diomaye Faye is elected President of Senegal

      The Constitutional Council of Senegal, the westernmost country in Africa, has confirmed the victory of opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye in the presidential election.

      1. The validation by the top court was based on provisional results announced earlier, which accounted for 100% of the polling stations.
      2. Faye secured over 54% of the votes in the delayed presidential poll held last Sunday, while the ruling coalition candidate, Amadou Ba, received over 35%.
      3. Faye is set to be inaugurated as the fifth president of Senegal on April 2, replacing the outgoing President Macky Sall.

      Q: Who won the Senegal’s presidential election recently?

      a) Macky Sall
      b) Amadou Ba
      c) Ousmane Sonko
      d) Bassirou Diomaye Faye

      Correct answer: d) Bassirou Diomaye Faye

      Indian Navy rescued 23 Pakistani nationals from Somali pirates in Arabian Sea

      On March 29, 2024, the Indian Navy conducted a successful 12-hour-long operation in the Arabian Sea, rescuing 23 Pakistani nationals from Somali pirates.

      1. The operation showcased the Indian Navy’s tactical expertise and strategic coordination, leading to negotiations with the pirates and their subsequent surrender without any violence.
      2. This event marks a significant victory for the Indian Navy in its efforts to combat piracy and ensure the safety of maritime activities in the region.
      3. Prior to the rescue operation, on March 28, based on intelligence regarding a potential piracy incident involving the Iranian Fishing Vessel ‘Al Kambar 786’, two Indian Naval ships, INS Sumedha and INS Trishul, were diverted from their maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea to intercept the hijacked fishing vessel.
      4. The incident took place approximately 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra.

      Q: Where did the Indian Navy conduct the operation to rescue the Pakistani nationals from Somali pirates in March 2024?

      a) Bay of Bengal
      b) Indian Ocean
      c) Arabian Sea
      d) South China Sea

      Ans : c) Arabian Sea

      Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was rammed by a cargo ship and collapsed into the Patapsco River.

      The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was rammed by a cargo ship and collapsed into the Patapsco River on 26 March 2024. Six individuals presumed dead after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, due to a cargo ship collision.

      1. The cargo ship, Dali, flying the Singapore flag, collided with a pillar of the bridge while departing from the Port of Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
      2. All 22 crew members aboard the Dali were Indian, highlighting India’s significant role in global seafaring.
      3. Emergency responders managed to rescue two individuals from the water.
      4. Maryland Governor Wes Moore praised the quick response of the bridge’s crew, referring to them as “heroes” and acknowledging that their prompt actions saved lives by halting traffic flow just moments before the collision.
      5. US President Joe Biden plans to request funds from Congress for the reconstruction of the bridge.
      6. The Federal Transportation Safety Agency will initiate an investigation into the safety record of the cargo ship and the construction and design of the bridge.
      7. The collapse has led to the suspension of all operations at the Port of Baltimore, a major maritime terminal in the United States.
      8. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, constructed in the 1970s, was a crucial crossing point for Baltimore Harbor.

      Q: What caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland in March 2024 ?

      a) Earthquake
      b) Cargo ship collision
      c) Structural failure
      d) High winds

      Ans : b) Cargo ship collision

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