International Current Affairs Questions and Answers (50)
Total Questions : 25
1.
How does India fare in Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024?
2. Which country will host the 12th World Para Athletics Championships in 2025?
3. Which day is marked annually as the International Day of Human Solidarity?
4. Where does India stand in the 2024 Grid Readiness Index?
5. According to current reports, what is the main purpose of GLP-1 receptor agonists?
6. In what environment is the velvet ant most often found?
7. Which two bodies of water are connected by the Panama Canal that was mentioned in the news?
8. Which country will host the ISSF World Junior Championships in 2025?
9. Which space agency launched the SpaDeX mission?
10. Which state or territory is home to Sagar Island, which has been in the news?
11. Which nation became a full member of BRICS in January 2025?
12. On which day is World War Orphans Day celebrated?
13. Where does India stand in relation to the world's largest metro network?
14. Which nation is home to the Kilauea volcano?
15. What are the "Archaea" that have been in the news lately?
16. The president of which nation, Maia Sandu, has just been sworn in?
17. In what time period did the recently reported Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a) occur?
18. Which nation and India are participating in a combined military exercise known as Surya Kiran?
19. Which area is home to the green crab that has been in the news?
20. Which state is home to the Upper Siang Hydropower Project?
21. Which state or territory is home to Kalpeni Island as reported in the news?
22. What should be the theme of World Hindi Day 2025?
23. Which Indian player won bronze in King Cup International Badminton Tournament 2024?
24. In which country will the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 be held?
25. Which country experienced a norovirus outbreak in December 2024?
The World Economic Forum's 2024 Tourism Development Index (TTDI) ranks India 39th, up from 54th in 2021 (which was later changed to 38th due to changes in methodology). For the dev
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elopment of tourism infrastructure, the Ministry of Tourism offers financial assistance through schemes like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD and Assistance to Central Agencies. To help foreign patients seeking medical care in India, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has launched Advantage Healthcare India (www.healinindia.gov.in). In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, this information was given by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture.
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2. Which country will host the 12th World Para Athletics Championships in 2025?
This will be the first time the World Para Athletics Championships will be held in India, the next in 2025. Apart from hosting the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in March 2025, th
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e Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host the tournament from 26 September to 5 October. At the championship, which will be hosted by Asia for the fourth time, 1,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will compete for the twelfth time. Apart from promoting inclusivity and disability awareness in India, the event is key to the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. India won 17 medals, including six golds, at the 2023 Kobe World Championships, proving its success in para-athletics.
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3. Which day is marked annually as the International Day of Human Solidarity?
Every year on December 20, we commemorate the International Day of Human Solidarity to promote solidarity, cooperation and responsibility in solving global problems such as poverty
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and inequality. Following negotiations at the 2005 World Summit, the UN declared the day on 22 December 2005 and emphasized the need for solidarity in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Solidarity Fund was established to promote human development and combat poverty. The day highlights the value of working together to solve global problems, our common humanity and our unity in diversity. It motivates people to support philanthropic projects, social justice and community service, and inspires governments to honor their international commitments.
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4. Where does India stand in the 2024 Grid Readiness Index?
In the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024), India ranks 49th, up 11 places from the previous year. The Portulans Institute's Network Readiness Index assesses the use of technol
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ogy in individual countries in terms of impact, citizen participation and governance. India's score rose from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024, demonstrating improvements in digital infrastructure and technology. Advances in broadband, mobile networks and artificial intelligence are major drivers of this expansion. These technologies facilitate global research efforts and improve the quality of life. The higher ranking highlights India's progress in digital transformation and its rise as a world leader in technology.
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5. According to current reports, what is the main purpose of GLP-1 receptor agonists?
World Health Organization (WHO) scientists have approved a new class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists. These drugs help control obesity by mimickin
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g the hormone GLP-1, which controls blood sugar, lipid metabolism, and hunger. GLP-1 receptor agonists can be used therapeutically to treat conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and neurological problems. Most GLP-1 agonists are injectable drugs with revolutionary potential, such as tirsepatide and semaglutide. After eating food, the GLP-1 hormone is released in the intestines, which is essential for controlling blood sugar and metabolism.
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6. In what environment is the velvet ant most often found?
The researchers found that the dark markings of the Brazilian velvet ant reflect less than 1% of visible light and absorb almost all of it. Parasitic wasps known as velvet ants are
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characterized by their vivid coloring and strong sting. With their distinctive black and white markings and missing wings, they are found primarily in the Caatinga scrub desert in Brazil. Because they can travel great distances in search of their hosts, velvet ants are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Thanks to their ultra-black coloring, they stand out among other animals and help absorb light.
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7. Which two bodies of water are connected by the Panama Canal that was mentioned in the news?
Donald Trump, the US president-elect, has indicated that his administration will look into regaining ownership of the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal is a 40-mile man-made waterway
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that spans the Isthmus of Panama and connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Along with the Suez Canal, it is one of the two most strategically important man-made waterways in the world. It was built by the United States and completed in August 1914. From 1914 to 1979, the US had exclusive control over the canal; then the Panama Canal Commission took over and on December 31, 1999, Panama gained full control. The channel works like water elevators, controlling the height differences between the two oceans using an advanced lock system.
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8. Which country will host the ISSF World Junior Championships in 2025?
The International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) 2025 World Junior Cup in rifle, pistol and shotgun competitions will be held in India for the first time. This strengthens India
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's record of hosting major ISSF competitions such as the ISSF World Cup Finals earlier this year and the 2023 Senior World Championships in Bhopal. NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo attributed the success of India's hosting to the sports ministry and the unwavering support of the government. India has hosted nine major ISSF championships in the last ten years, proving its contribution to the global promotion of shooting sports. In addition to regular national competitions, India's first shooting league will be held in 2025.
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9. Which space agency launched the SpaDeX mission?
As part of the SpaDeX Mission, ISRO plans to launch 24 science experiments on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) satellite. The goal of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDe
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X) is the development of autonomous space docking technology. The mission will use PSLV-C60 to demonstrate docking with Chaser (SDX01) and Target (SDX02). Future lunar expeditions, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and state-of-the-art space programs depend on this technology. Before detaching for further operations, the spacecraft will split up, align to the same orbit, and then dock to demonstrate power transfer. The mission orbits at an angle of 55 degrees for a length of 470 kilometers.
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10. Which state or territory is home to Sagar Island, which has been in the news?
Climate change is affecting Sagar Island, where the famous Gangasagar Mela is held every January. West Bengal is where Sagar Island is located. Sagardwip and Gangasagar are other n
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ames for the island. It is located on the continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal in the Ganges Delta. The Muriganga Batala River separates the island, which has 43 communities, from Mahisani Island. Sagar, Mahisani and Ghoramara islands are classified as sand groups. Makar Sankranti is observed in honor of the Sun at this important Hindu pilgrimage site. One of the island's main destinations for devotees is the Kapil Muni Temple.
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11. Which nation became a full member of BRICS in January 2025?
Brazil said that Indonesia is now a full member of BRICS. Indonesia called the accession a strategic step for cooperation with developing countries. Indonesia, the fourth most popu
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lous country, has sought to strengthen its ties with the global South. The goal of BRICS is to improve cooperation between the countries of the Global South. Recently BRICS added more members. New members include Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. This growth shows the growing influence of BRICS on developing countries.
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12. On which day is World War Orphans Day celebrated?
To raise awareness of the difficulties faced by young people whose parents have been killed in combat, January 6 is designated World War Orphans Day. Conflict, poverty, displacemen
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t and climate change affect millions of children around the world. The day calls on everyone to work together to provide care, education and protection to these vulnerable children. More than 460 million children live in or have fled conflict zones in Palestine, Sudan, Ukraine and Myanmar. Losing a family puts these children in physical and emotional danger.
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13. Where does India stand in relation to the world's largest metro network?
After China and the United States, India boasts the third largest operational metro rail network in the world. By 2022, India will have more metro projects than Japan and transport
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more than 1 million people a day. The Metropolitan Transport Project marked the beginning of metro construction in India in 1969. On January 5, PM Modi unveiled the Delhi Metro projects worth over ₹12,200 crore.
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14. Which nation is home to the Kilauea volcano?
One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea in Hawaii, is erupting again. It is located in the US Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. With frequ
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ent eruptions, Kilauea is the youngest and most active shield volcano in Hawaii. Vents near its upper caldera or along rift zones are where it erupts. Because it is believed to be the seat of the Hawaiian fire goddess Pele, the central crater, Halemaumau, has mythological significance.
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15. What are the "Archaea" that have been in the news lately?
An important source of information on how to survive in harsh conditions is the study of archaea, the domain of ancient microorganisms. The oldest forms of life include archaea - w
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hich means "ancient things" in Greek - the third domain of life. These microbes are rudimentary. They can affect health because they grow slowly and are present in the human intestines. Production of antimicrobial compounds and antioxidant activity are well-known properties of archaea. Their applications are particularly promising in environmentally friendly wastewater treatment. They can be found in harsh environments such as hot springs, saline or acidic ecosystems, and hydrothermal vents.
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16. The president of which nation, Maia Sandu, has just been sworn in?
On 24 December 2024, Maia Sandu was sworn in as President of Moldova for a second term. She is the first female president since Moldova gained independence in 1991, taking office i
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n 2020. According to the Moldovan constitution, the president can hold office for two four-year terms. Moldova moved away from Russia and sought closer relations with the European Union during his rule. With the aim of further cooperation with Block 27, Moldova submitted an application to join the European Union in 2022.
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17. In what time period did the recently reported Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a) occur?
By examining rocks and fossils from Mount Ashibetsu in Japan, a recent study published in Science Advances improved the timing and duration of Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a). OAE
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1a occurred when Earth's waters lost oxygen during the Cretaceous period (145–66 million years ago). Massive volcanic eruptions that released CO₂ caused global warming and depleted oceans of oxygen, triggering them. This resulted in the production of black shales that are rich in organic carbon, anoxic sea basins, and the extinction of marine organisms, especially plankton.
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18. Which nation and India are participating in a combined military exercise known as Surya Kiran?
The 18th Exercise Surya Kiran, organized by the Nepal Army at Saljhandi, Nepal from 31 December 2024 to 13 January 2025, is attended by a 334-strong contingent of the Indian Army.
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India and Nepal alternate hosting the annual event, which was held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand in 2023 in its 17th year. Surya Kiran aims to improve the professional skills of soldiers of the Indian and Nepali armies while strengthening their ties.
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19. Which area is home to the green crab that has been in the news?
An invasive green crab population in California's Elkhorn Slough is being managed by a resurgent sea otter population. Shore crabs, another name for green crabs, are one of the top
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100 invasive species in the world. They come from the Baltic and Atlantic seas. They also expanded into South Africa, Australia and South America. They overfish prey species and damage seagrass meadows by feeding on molluscs, worms and small crustaceans. Green crabs disrupt coastal ecosystems because they compete with native species.
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20. Which state is home to the Upper Siang Hydropower Project?
China's 60,000 MW Yarlung Tsangpo Dam in Tibet is strategically protected by India's 11,000 MW Upper Siang Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh. The Siang River, the upper Br
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ahmaputra, is where the project is located. To the natives, it has cultural significance as Aane Siang or Mother Siang. In the face of China's dam-building plans, the initiative seeks to improve India's strategic location and effectively manage its water resources. The Adi tribe living in this area depends on riverside farming (pani kheti) as there are not many farming options in the steep landscape.
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21. Which state or territory is home to Kalpeni Island as reported in the news?
Divers at Kalpeni Island in Lakshadweep may have found the wreckage of a European warship from the 17th or 18th century. With an area of 2.79 km², Kalpeni Island is part of
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the Lakshadweep archipelago in the Arabian Sea. It is located southeast of Kavaratti Island and 287 kilometers from Kochi, Kerala. Together with the islets of Tilakkam, Pitti and Cheriyam, Kalpeni forms a single atoll. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs and a 2.8 km wide lagoon that is ideal for diving and snorkeling. With a climate similar to Kerala, the culture of the island reflects the heritage of the Maliku population.
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22. What should be the theme of World Hindi Day 2025?
World Hindi Day is celebrated on 10th January every year to raise awareness about the importance of Hindi around the world. The inaugural World Hindi Conference, held in 1975 in Na
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gpur, India, was first recognized in 2006. The aim is to promote Hindi as a global language and encourage its use worldwide. "A Global Voice of Unity and Cultural Pride" is the theme of World Hindi Day 2025, which focuses on linguistic and cultural exchange. September 14 is National Hindi Day, commemorating the declaration of Hindi as India's national language in 1949. National Hindi Day honors its national significance, while World Hindi Day focuses on its international promotion.
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23. Which Indian player won bronze in King Cup International Badminton Tournament 2024?
In the first ever King Cup International Badminton Open 2024, Lakshya Sen won the bronze medal. He won almost ₹36 thousand by defeating French player Alex Lanier in straight game
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s. Sen narrowly lost to current junior world champion Chu Zhe'an of China in the semi-finals 19-21, 19-21. Sen got off to a quick 6-1 start in the third-place playoff and took control after Lanier tied the game at 10-10. Sen controlled the second game, taking a 15-8 lead to win by nine points. His impressive finish demonstrated his tenacity, expertise and continued rise on the world badminton stage.
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24. In which country will the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 be held?
In February 2025, India will host the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES). WAVES will bring together leaders and innovators from around the world across the e
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ntire Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector. It seeks to bring together innovators, industry leaders and stakeholders to talk about issues, drive business and shape the future of the industry. The summit will showcase India's innovations in animation, gaming, entertainment technology and filmmaking. WAVES-India aims to make India a global M&E player by promoting investment, creativity and innovation. It emphasizes the adoption of technological breakthroughs and the development of a skilled workforce to support India's creative economy.
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25. Which country experienced a norovirus outbreak in December 2024?
With 91 cases in early December compared to 69 in late November, the incidence of norovirus in the United States (US) has increased significantly. Norovirus, often referred to as t
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he "stomach flu" or "winter vomiting," is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis. It spreads rapidly through contaminated food, water, surfaces or close contact and affects people of all ages. 90% of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks and about 50% of cases worldwide are caused by noroviruses. Because there are many different strains of norovirus, people can become infected more than once. To prevent its spread, preventive measures emphasize cleanliness and appropriate food handling.
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