Day 14: International Current Affairs (Past Year) – Part 2 (May 2024 – April 2025)
Here are some more key international current affairs events from the past year that were not covered in Day 13:
Key Developments:
- Haiti Crisis: The human rights situation in Haiti remained extremely concerning in the first quarter of 2025, marked by mass killings, abductions, and sexual violence. Mass displacement and deportations surged amidst the violence.
- Myanmar Earthquake Relief: In the aftermath of the significant 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, UN-led efforts to deliver life-saving aid were hampered by damaged infrastructure and ongoing conflict.
- UNRWA and East Jerusalem Schools: The UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) warned against the potential closure of six schools in occupied East Jerusalem by Israel, putting the education of 800 students at risk (April 2025).
- Angolan Investment Opportunities: The President of Angola invited Indian businesses to utilize Angola’s strategic location for export opportunities (May 2025).
- Colombia Joins Belt and Road Initiative: Colombia officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative, signaling a shift in its international partnerships (May 2025).
- Sudan Conflict: Continued reports of conflict and instability in Sudan, affecting humanitarian efforts.
- Ukraine War Developments: Ongoing developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, including reported captures of villages in the Sumy Oblast by Russian forces (April 2025).
- Red Sea Crisis: Continued impact of attacks in the Red Sea on global shipping and international trade, including US airstrikes targeting Houthi forces in Yemen (March-April 2025).
- Five Nations Join BRICS (Earlier Mentioned): The year 2024 began with BRICS expanding its membership to include Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Ethiopia.
- UK Elections (Earlier Mentioned): The UK held general elections in July 2024, which resulted in the Labour Party winning power.
- Paris Olympics 2024 (Earlier Mentioned): Paris hosted the Summer Olympics in 2024.
Note: This is a further selection of international events from the past year to broaden your understanding.
25 MCQs on International Current Affairs (Day 14)
- In the first quarter of 2025, which Caribbean nation faced a severe human rights crisis with mass killings and displacement?
a) Jamaica
b) Haiti
c) Dominican Republic
d) Cuba
Answer: b) Haiti - Which country was struck by a significant 7.7 magnitude earthquake around March 2025, leading to hampered aid efforts?
a) Nepal
b) Afghanistan
c) Myanmar
d) Pakistan
Answer: c) Myanmar - Which UN agency warned against the potential closure of schools in East Jerusalem in April 2025?
a) UNESCO
b) UNHCR
c) UNRWA
d) UNICEF
Answer: c) UNRWA - In May 2025, the President of which African nation invited Indian businesses for investment opportunities?
a) Nigeria
b) Kenya
c) Angola
d) South Africa
Answer: c) Angola - Which South American country officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative in May 2025?
a) Brazil
b) Argentina
c) Colombia
d) Peru
Answer: c) Colombia - The ongoing conflict and instability have severely impacted humanitarian efforts in which African country?
a) Ethiopia
b) Somalia
c) Sudan
d) Mali
Answer: c) Sudan - In April 2025, Russian forces reportedly captured a village in which Oblast of Ukraine?
a) Donetsk
b) Luhansk
c) Sumy
d) Kharkiv
Answer: c) Sumy - US airstrikes targeting Houthi forces occurred in which country during March-April 2025 as part of the Red Sea crisis?
a) Somalia
b) Eritrea
c) Yemen
d) Djibouti
Answer: c) Yemen - Which five nations joined the BRICS group at the beginning of 2024?
a) Argentina, Nigeria, South Africa, UAE, Ethiopia
b) Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Ethiopia
c) Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, China, South Africa
d) Bangladesh, Russia, India, China, Egypt
Answer: b) Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Ethiopia - Which political party won the general elections in the UK in July 2024?
a) Conservative Party
b) Labour Party
c) Liberal Democrats
d) Scottish National Party
Answer: b) Labour Party - The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar in March 2025 primarily affected which aspect of aid delivery?
a) International funding
b) Availability of medical personnel
c) Damaged infrastructure
d) Political cooperation
Answer: c) Damaged infrastructure - The potential closure of UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem would directly affect the education of students primarily of which nationality?
a) Syrian
b) Lebanese
c) Palestinian
d) Jordanian
Answer: c) Palestinian - Colombia joining the Belt and Road Initiative signifies a closer tie with:
a) The United States
b) The European Union
c) China
d) Russia
Answer: c) China - The invitation from the Angolan President to Indian businesses highlights Angola’s interest in:
a) Importing agricultural products
b) Developing its tourism sector
c) Boosting exports through its strategic location
d) Securing military partnerships
Answer: c) Boosting exports through its strategic location - The ongoing attacks in the Red Sea have had the most significant impact on:
a) Air travel
b) Land transportation
c) Global shipping and trade
d) Internet connectivity
Answer: c) Global shipping and trade - The human rights situation in Haiti in early 2025 was primarily characterized by:
a) Economic recession
b) Political stability
c) Widespread violence and displacement
d) Natural disasters
Answer: c) Widespread violence and displacement - The UN agency leading the aid efforts in Myanmar after the earthquake is:
a) UNHCR
b) UNICEF
c) WFP (World Food Programme)
d) WHO
Answer: c) WFP (World Food Programme) - The potential closure of schools in East Jerusalem is reportedly due to moves by:
a) The Palestinian Authority
b) The United Nations
c) Israel
d) International donors
Answer: c) Israel - Angola’s strategic location makes it potentially useful for exporting to:
a) North America
b) South America
c) Asia
d) Multiple continents
Answer: d) Multiple continents - The Belt and Road Initiative is a major global project led by:
a) The United States
b) The European Union
c) China
d) Russia
Answer: c) China - The fighting in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine, in April 2025 indicates continued:
a) Diplomatic negotiations
b) Economic cooperation
c) Military conflict
d) Cultural exchange
Answer: c) Military conflict - The Houthi forces targeted in the US airstrikes in the Red Sea region are primarily based in:
a) Somalia
b) Sudan
c) Yemen
d) Djibouti
Answer: c) Yemen - The expansion of BRICS in 2024 signifies a shift towards:
a) Greater Western influence
b) A more multipolar world order
c) Increased globalization
d) Strengthened North-South dialogue
Answer: b) A more multipolar world order - The victory of the Labour Party in the UK elections of July 2024 ended a long period of rule by which party?
a) Liberal Democrats
b) Scottish National Party
c) Conservative Party
d) Green Party
Answer: c) Conservative Party
The hosting of the Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024 was a significant event for:
a) Global economics
b) International sports
c) Political alliances
d) Environmental awareness
Answer: b) International sports