Day 13: International Current Affairs (Past 1 Year) – Part 1 (May 2024 – April 2025)
This section covers some key international current affairs events that have occurred globally over the past year.
Key Developments:
- Cannes Film Festival: The 78th Cannes Film Festival opened in May 2025.
- US-Saudi Arabia Arms Deal: A historic $142 billion arms deal was reportedly signed between the US and Saudi Arabia (context suggests this might be an older reference, needs verification).
- Canada’s Foreign Policy Leadership: Anita Anand became a prominent figure in Canada’s foreign policy. Mark Carney was appointed as Canada’s new Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister in March 2025.
- US-China Trade Relations: Reports of potential de-escalation in the US-China trade war with agreements to slash tariffs and promising trade talks.
- Crypto Payments in Tourism: Bhutan became the first country to integrate crypto payments in tourism.
- India-EU FTA Talks: India and the European Union agreed to restart Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks.
- Largest Iceberg: The world’s largest iceberg A23a ran aground near South Georgia Island (around March 2025).
- Israel’s Military Leadership: Eyal Zamir was appointed as Israel’s new military chief amidst ongoing conflict (around March 2025).
- China’s Defence Budget: China increased its defence budget by 7.2% in 2025 amid rising regional tensions.
- Trump’s Tariffs: Reports of reciprocal tariffs announced by Trump on India and other nations, and also tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China (specific timelines need verification).
- Hungary and ICC: Hungary became the first European country to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
- BRICS Expansion: Egypt and Indonesia (note: search results vary on Indonesia’s membership. Earlier info suggested potential membership) were to join the New Development Bank of BRICS.
- Taliban and Chess: The Taliban reportedly suspended chess in Afghanistan over Sharia law concerns (May 2025).
- Archery World Cup: India had a strong performance at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai (May 2025).
Note: This is a selection of international events. A comprehensive understanding requires broader reading of global news.
25 MCQs on International Current Affairs (Day 13)
- In May 2025, the 78th edition of which major international film festival took place?
a) Berlin International Film Festival
b) Venice Film Festival
c) Cannes Film Festival
d) Toronto International Film Festival - Which country reportedly became the first to integrate crypto payments in tourism?
a) Switzerland
b) Malta
c) Bhutan
d) Maldives - In March 2025, Mark Carney was appointed as the Prime Minister of which country?
a) United Kingdom
b) Australia
c) Canada
d) New Zealand - The world’s largest iceberg A23a ran aground near which island?
a) Greenland
b) Iceland
c) South Georgia Island
d) Antarctica - Eyal Zamir was appointed as the new military chief of which country around March 2025?
a) Syria
b) Iran
c) Israel
d) Lebanon - In 2025, which country increased its defence budget significantly (by 7.2%)?
a) India
b) Japan
c) China
d) United States - Which European country reportedly became the first to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
a) Poland
b) Hungary
c) Czech Republic
d) Slovakia - According to reports, which of these countries was to join the New Development Bank of BRICS?
a) Argentina
b) Nigeria
c) Egypt
d) Saudi Arabia - In May 2025, the Taliban reportedly suspended which sport in Afghanistan?
a) Football
b) Cricket
c) Chess
d) Badminton - India and which major entity agreed to restart FTA (Free Trade Agreement) talks?
a) United States
b) European Union
c) ASEAN
d) BRICS - The 78th Cannes Film Festival opened with tributes and a call for:
a) Economic reforms
b) Technological innovation
c) Freedom
d) Environmental protection - Anita Anand is a prominent figure in the foreign policy of which country?
a) India
b) United Kingdom
c) United States
d) Canada - Reports suggested that the US and which other country agreed to slash tariffs amid trade war de-escalation?
a) Japan
b) South Korea
c) China
d) Germany - India reportedly performed well in Archery World Cup Stage 2 held in:
a) Paris
b) Rome
c) Shanghai
d) Berlin - The largest iceberg A23a had previously been adrift in which sea?
a) Arctic Ocean
b) Antarctic Ocean (Weddell Sea is specifically mentioned)
c) Indian Ocean
d) Atlantic Ocean - China’s increase in defence budget in 2025 was reportedly amidst rising:
a) Economic competition
b) Social unrest
c) Regional tensions
d) Climate concerns - The International Criminal Court (ICC) is focused on prosecuting individuals for:
a) Economic crimes
b) Terrorism
c) Crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide
d) Drug trafficking - The New Development Bank is often referred to as the bank of which group?
a) G7
b) G20
c) BRICS
d) ASEAN - The ban on the sport in Afghanistan was reportedly due to concerns related to:
a) Lack of funding
b) Sharia law
c) Security reasons
d) Gender inequality - The restart of FTA talks between India and the EU aims to:
a) Increase military cooperation
b) Enhance trade and investment
c) Promote cultural exchange
d) Strengthen political ties - Mark Carney previously served as the Governor of the central bank in which two countries?
a) US and Canada
b) UK and Australia
c) Canada and UK
d) Australia and US - The historic $142 billion arms deal was reportedly between the US and:
a) Israel
b) Egypt
c) Saudi Arabia
d) UAE (Note: Context needs verification for the year 2025) - The Cannes Film Festival is held in which country?
a) Italy
b) France
c) Spain
d) Germany - The increase in China’s defence budget could potentially impact the security landscape in:
a) North America
b) South America
c) Asia-Pacific region
d) Europe - The decision of Hungary to withdraw from the ICC has been linked to:
a) Economic sanctions
b) Political pressure
c) The ICC’s investigation into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
d) Border disputes
Answers to the MCQs:
- c
- c
- c
- c
- c
- c
- b
- c
- c
- b
- c
- d
- c
- c
- b
- c
- c
- c
- b
- b
- c
- c (Note: Verify the year for this specific deal)
- b
- c
- c “