International Current Affairs

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