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(GK Current Affairs & International Relationship)

 

Passage:1

India and US have swapped the opportunity to host the summit, with Delhi passing on the 2024 summit to Washington DC to host for logistical convenience

President Joe Biden will host the 2024 Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, the first time he is hosting foreign leaders at his personal home, the White House announced on Thursday. PM Narendra Modi, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Kishida Fumio will attend the summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the summit. (ANI)

“This will be President Biden’s first time hosting foreign leaders in Wilmington as president—a reflection of his deep personal relationships with each of the Quad Leaders, and the importance of the Quad to all of our countries,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

India and US have swapped the opportunity to host the summit, with Delhi passing on the 2024 summit to Washington DC to host for logistical convenience. All other leaders will be in the US for the UN’s Summit of the Future and the political calendar in the US makes it difficult for Biden to travel. India, the White House confirmed, will host next year’s summit. This will allow Delhi to welcome both the next American president, be it Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, in the new leader’s first year in office.

Jean-Pierre added that the Biden-Kamala Harris administration had made “elevating and institutionalizing the Quad a top priority, from the first-ever Quad Leaders Summit at the White House in 2021, to annual Summits since then”.

The White House also said that Quad foreign ministers had met eight times, and the four governments continue to meet and coordinate at all levels. “The Quad Leaders Summit will focus on bolstering the strategic convergence among our countries, advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and delivering concrete benefits for partners in the Indo-Pacific in key areas. These include health security, natural disaster response, maritime security, high-quality infrastructure, critical and emerging technology, climate and clean energy, and cybersecurity,” Jean-Pierre said.

Questions:

  1. Which of the following best describes the primary strategic objective of the Quad?
    1. To form a military alliance to counter China’s growing military power.
    2. To establish a regional economic bloc to rival China’s economic dominance.
    3. To promote democratic values and norms in the Indo-Pacific region.
    4. To counterbalance China’s growing geopolitical and economic influence in the Indo- Pacific region by presenting a united front of democratic nations.
  2. Which of the following events marked a significant turning point in the evolution of the Quad?
    1. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
    2. The 2017 revival of the Quad.
    3. The first Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2021.
    4. The establishment of the Quad in 2007.
  3. How has the Quad evolved from its initial formation to its current status?
    1. It has transitioned from a loose informal grouping to a formal security alliance.
    2. It has shifted its focus from humanitarian aid to regional security and economic cooperation.
    3. It has expanded its membership to include other Indo-Pacific nations.
    4. It has remained largely unchanged in its objectives and scope.
  4. What is the significance of the Quad’s focus on the Indo-Pacific region?
    1. The region is strategically important due to its abundant natural resources and growing economic potential.
    2. The region is home to several important maritime chokepoints that are critical for global trade.
    3. The region is increasingly contested by various powers, including China, the US, and regional states.
    4. All of the above.
  5. How has the Quad sought to balance its strategic objectives with its diplomatic approach to China?
    1. By adopting a confrontational stance towards China.
    2. By avoiding direct criticism of China's policies.
    3. By engaging in dialogue and cooperation with China on specific issues.
    4. By forming alliances with other regional powers to counter China’s influence.
  6. Which of the following exercises involves all three countries: India, Japan, and the US?
    1. Malabar Exercise
    2. Dharma Guardian
    3. Shinyuu Maitri
    4. AUSINDEX
  7. The joint military exercise between India and Australia focused on counter-terrorism and peacekeeping is known as:
    1. AUSINDEX
    2. PITCH BLACK
    3. TAHWEI
    4. None of the above
  8. Which of the following exercises is primarily focused on air combat training?
    1. Malabar Exercise
    2. Yudh Abhyas
    3. Vajra Prahar
    4. Cope India
  9. How do the bilateral exercises between India and its Quad partners contribute to regional security?
    1. By enhancing interoperability and coordination among the militaries.
    2. By deterring potential adversaries and maintaining a balance of power.
    3. By promoting democratic values and norms in the Indo-Pacific region.
    4. All of the above.
  10. What are the potential challenges and limitations of these bilateral exercises in addressing regional security concerns?
    1. Logistical and operational constraints.
    2. Diverging national interests and strategic priorities.
    3. The risk of escalating tensions with other regional powers.
    4. All of the above.

Passage:2

‘A’ has formally asked to join the BRICS group of emerging-market nations as it seeks to bolster its global influence and forge new ties beyond its traditional Western allies, according to people familiar with the matter.

The view of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration is that the geopolitical center of gravity is shifting away from developed economies, according to the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to comment.

MOSCOW (AP) — NATO member ‘A’ has applied for membership in the BRICS bloc of developing economies, a senior Kremlin official said Wednesday, as Russia and China seek to counter the West’s global influence.

Yuri Ushakov, President Vladimir Putin’s foreign affairs aide, told reporters that ‘A’ has submitted an application “for full membership” in the bloc that Russia this year chairs, and it will be considered.

‘A’ President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated several times that his country aspires to become a member of the BRICS alliance, according to Omer Celik, a spokesman for Erdogan’s ruling party. But Celik stopped short this week of confirming that ‘A’ has applied formally.

The BRICS alliance was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. It recently has undergone an expansion, and now includes Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has said it’s considering joining, and Azerbaijan and Malaysia have formally applied

  1. What was the primary motivation behind the formation of the BRICS group?
    1. To establish a formal military alliance.
    2. To create a unified political bloc.
    3. To promote economic growth and development among its members.
    4. To challenge the dominance of the G7 nations.
  2. Which of the following countries was the last to join the BRICS group?
    1. Brazil
    2. Russia
    3. India
    4. South Africa
  3. How does the BRICS group differ from traditional intergovernmental organizations like the EU?
    1. It has a formal treaty and a permanent secretariat.
    2. It focuses on economic cooperation rather than political integration.
    3. It has a strong centralized decision-making process.
    4. It has a unified foreign policy and security strategy.
  4. What is the significance of the BRICS group in the global geopolitical landscape?
    1. It represents a shift in global power dynamics, with emerging economies playing a more prominent role.
    2. It challenges the traditional Western-dominated international order.
    3. It promotes a multipolar world, where power is distributed among multiple centers.
    4. All of the above.
  5. What are some of the challenges facing the BRICS group in achieving its goals?
    1. Diverging national interests and strategic priorities among its members.
    2. Economic slowdown and financial instability in some member countries.
    3. Geopolitical tensions and competition among major powers.
    4. All of the above.
  6. How has the BRICS group sought to expand its influence and impact on the global stage?
    1. By establishing a common currency and a central bank.
    2. By creating a joint military alliance.
    3. By promoting South-South cooperation and advocating for reforms in international institutions.
    4. By imposing sanctions on countries that do not comply with its agenda.
  7. What is the role of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB)?
    1. To provide financial assistance to developing countries, particularly BRICS members.
    2. To promote sustainable development and infrastructure projects.
    3. To challenge the dominance of Western-dominated financial institutions.
    4. All of the above.
  8. Which country recently withdrew from the BRICS group?
    1. Russia
    2. India
    3. Argentina
    4. South Africa
  9. Which country currently holds the BRICS chairmanship?
    1. India
    2. Russia
    3. China
    4. Brazil
  10. Which is the only NATO’s member to apply for the BRICS Membership ?
    1. Turkey
    2. France
    3. Sweden
    4. Norway
  11. Recently where in Russia, the BRICS Summit was organized ?
    1. Moscow
    2. Vladivostok
    3. Kazan
    4. Saint Petersburg

 

Passage:3

Mpox has once again surged to global attention as WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declare it a public health emergency. With the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the epicentre of this outbreak, the virus's spread beyond Africa has raised international alarm, particularly with the emergence of a new clade, 1b. Health authorities are scrambling to contain the virus amid limited vaccine supplies, inadequate testing, and the need to balance responses to multiple public health threats.

Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on Aug 14 by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on Aug 13 by Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya. Ghebreyesus cited the substantial rise in mpox cases, which has the potential to spread across and beyond Africa, as the primary reason for the declaration, combined with the emergence and rapid spread of clade 1b of mpox. Clade 1b of mpox is of particular concern due to its higher transmissibility and potential for more severe clinical outcomes. Kaseya noted that this declaration, the first of its kind by Africa CDC, underscores the urgent need for swift and decisive action. According to an epidemic intelligence report issued by the Africa CDC on Aug 16, there have been 18 737 mpox cases (3101 confirmed and 15 636 suspected) across 12 African countries since the beginning of the year, resulting in 541 deaths. In contrast, throughout 2023, Africa recorded 14 838 mpox cases (1665 confirmed and 13 173 suspected) across seven countries, with 738 confirmed deaths.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo accounts for 95% (17 794) of the reported cases and 99%

(535) of the deaths from mpox in 2024, making it the main focus of the response. The PHEIC and PHECS declarations, along with the confirmation of the first mpox case with clade 1b outside Africa in Sweden and Pakistan, have raised alert levels globally. In making the declaration, WHO's expert advisory committee called for a coordinated international response to prevent further spread and save lives.



  1. What is the primary mode of transmission for Mpox?
    1. Airborne droplets
    2. Mosquito bites
    3. Close contact with infected individuals or animals
    4. Contaminated food and water
  2. What is a characteristic symptom of Mpox?
    1. A distinctive rash that progresses to fluid-filled sores
    2. A persistent cough and runny nose
    3. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
    4. Joint pain without a rash
  3. Which of the following groups was primarily affected by the 2022 Mpox outbreak?
    1. Children under 5
    2. Elderly individuals
    3. Healthcare workers
    4. Gay and bisexual men
  4. How does the new form of Mpox differ from previous outbreaks?
    1. It is less contagious and less severe.
    2. It primarily affects older adults.
    3. It causes milder symptoms and is harder to detect.
    4. It is resistant to antiviral medications.
  5. What is the primary concern regarding the new form of Mpox?
    1. Its potential to cause severe illness in children.
    2. Its ability to spread more easily and rapidly.
    3. Its resistance to current vaccines and treatments.
    4. Its impact on global economies.
  6. When was Mpox first identified?
    1. 1950
    2. 1958
    3. 1970
    4. 2003
  7. Why was the disease initially named "monkeypox"?
    1. Because it was first found in monkeys.
    2. Because it is a type of monkey virus.
    3. Because it is transmitted by monkeys.
    4. None of the above.
  8. Where was the first human case of Mpox recorded?
    1. The United States
    2. Ghana
    3. Democratic Republic of the Congo
    4. Nigeria
  9. In which region is Mpox endemic?
    1. Europe
    2. Asia
    3. Central and West Africa
    4. North America
  10. What was the source of the 2003 Mpox outbreak in the United States?
    1. Infected humans
    2. Infected rodents
    3. Infected primates
    4. Infected prairie dogs
  11. When was the World Health Organization (WHO) established?
    1. 1945
    2. 1946
    3. 1947
    4. 1948
  12. Where is the headquarters of the WHO located?
    1. New York, USA
    2. London, UK
    3. Geneva, Switzerland
    4. Paris, France
  13. Which disease was eradicated globally with the help of WHO?
    1. Polio
    2. Measles
    3. Smallpox
    4. Malaria
  14. Who is the current Director-General of the WHO?
    1. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
    2. Dr. Margaret Chan
    3. Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland
    4. Dr. Hiroshi Nakajima
  15. What is the primary goal of the WHO?
    1. To promote global health and well-being
    2. To eradicate poverty and hunger
    3. To promote sustainable development
    4. To protect human rights

 

Passage:4

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and should come to an end “as rapidly as possible”.

Nawaf Salam, president of the ICJ in The Hague, read out the nonbinding advisory opinion issued by the 15-judge panel on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory on Friday.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful and should come to an end “as rapidly as possible”.

Nawaf Salam, president of the ICJ in The Hague, read out the nonbinding advisory opinion issued by the 15-judge panel on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory on Friday.

The judges pointed to a wide list of policies – including the building and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, use of the area’s natural resources, the annexation and imposition of permanent control over lands and discriminatory policies against Palestinians – all of which it said violated international law.

The court said Israel has no right to sovereignty of the territories, is violating international laws against acquiring territory by force and is impeding Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

It said other nations were obliged not to “render aid or assistance in maintaining” Israel’s presence in the territory. It said Israel must end settlement construction immediately and existing settlements must be removed, according to a summary of the more than 80-page opinion read out by Salam.

I'll create 7 multiple choice questions based on this historical information.

 

  1. When did the United Nations vote to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states?
    1. 1945
    2. 1946
    3. 1947
    4. 1948
  2. What term did Palestinians use to refer to the period of mass displacement following Israel'screation?
    1. The Exodus
    2. Al Nakba
    3. The Migration
    4. The Partition
  3. Which territories were captured by Israel during the Six-Day War of 1967? (Choose the mostcomplete answer)
    1. Only the West Bank and Gaza
    2. The West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem
    3. The West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the Sinai Peninsula
    4. The West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Golan Heights
  4. What significant development occurred in 1979 regarding Egypt-Israel relations?
    1. Egypt occupied the Sinai Peninsula
    2. Egypt and Israel fought a major war
    3. Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty was signed
    4. Egypt recognized Palestine as a state
  5. After the 1948 war and ceasefire, how was Jerusalem divided?
    1. Between Israel and Egypt
    2. Between Israel and Syria
    3. Between Israel and Jordan
    4. It remained an international city
  6. What action did Israel take regarding Gaza in 2005?
    1. Increased settlements
    2. Withdrew troops and settlements
    3. Built a security wall
    4. Annexed the territory
  7. Which territory was returned to Egypt as a result of the 1979 peace treaty?
    1. Gaza Strip
    2. Golan Heights
    3. Sinai Peninsula
    4. West Bank
  8. Which of the following best describes the International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
    1. A criminal court that tries individuals
    2. The principal judicial organ of the UN that settles disputes between States
    3. A court that automatically handles all international law breaches
    4. A regional court system for European nations
  9. How does the ICJ's jurisdiction work?
    1. It has automatic jurisdiction over all international cases
    2. It can only hear cases brought by UN Security Council members
    3. It requires consent from States involved in the dispute
    4. It has jurisdiction only over criminal matters
  10. What distinguishes the ICJ from the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
    1. Only the ICJ is located in The Hague
    2. The ICJ tries individuals while ICC handles state disputes
    3. The ICJ settles disputes between States while ICC tries individuals
    4. The ICJ is part of the UN while ICC isn't
  11. Regarding the composition of ICJ judges, which statement is correct?
    1. Judges serve 5-year terms with no re-election possible
    2. All 15 judges are elected at once
    3. Judges serve 9-year terms with five seats up for election every three years
    4. There is a strict limit on consecutive terms
  12. As of the current information provided, which of these statements about ICJ judges is accurate?
    1. Dalveer Bhandari from India and Dire Tladi from South Africa are both incoming judges
    2. Dalveer Bhandari is the current Indian judge, and Dire Tladi is one of four new judges taking seats in February
    3. All judges are being replaced in February
    4. Dire Tladi is the only new judge joining the ICJ
  13. Who is Ismail Haniyeh?
    1. The President of the Palestinian Authority
    2. The leader of Hamas in Gaza
    3. The Prime Minister of Israel
    4. The leader of Hezbollah
  14. What does Hamas stand for?
    1. Holy Army of Muslim States
    2. Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya
    3. Humanitarian Aid Movement Society
    4. Historical Arab Military Service
  15. Who was the founder of Hamas and what happened to him?
    1. Ismail Haniyeh; still leading Hamas
    2. Ahmed Yassin; assassinated in Gaza in 2004
    3. Yasser Arafat; died of natural causes
    4. Mahmoud Abbas; retired from leadership
  16. Which of these statements best describes Hamas's governance and support?
    1. Rules West Bank with support from Egypt
    2. Governs Gaza Strip since 2007 with Iranian backing
    3. Controls East Jerusalem with Syrian support
    4. Administers refugee camps with UN backing
  17. Which of the following represents Hamas's primary demands?
    1. Recognition as the sole representative of Palestinians
    2. Control over the West Bank only
    3. Release of Palestinian prisoners and lifting of Gaza blockade
    4. Monetary compensation from Israel
  18. How is Hamas classified by various international entities?
    1. As a legitimate political party by all nations
    2. As a terrorist group by Israel, US, EU, and UK
    3. As a peaceful resistance movement globally
    4. As a humanitarian organization by the UN

Passage:5

China commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which is known in India as Panchsheel and a cornerstone of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's vision of a world order. In marking the anniversary and heaping praise on Panchsheel, China and its President, Xi Jinping, revealed their hypocrisy. There's a reason why China is talking about Panchsheel now, an agreement that it trampled upon with its war against India in 1962.

It is to increase its influence on the global south that China is parroting the Five Principles of Peaceful Existence. It signed the first agreement with India in 1954.

However, unlike the 60th anniversary celebrations in 2014, India officially stayed away from the Panchsheel ceremony in China this year.

National strategy experts have called out China's fakery in commemorating the Panchsheel anniversary.

They pointed out that the commemoration is ironic because China itself has "flagrantly violated all the Panchsheel principles".

The first of the Panchsheel principles is mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. China has, from the very beginning, blatantly flouted that.

Experts also pointed out how China still continues to violate these principles with its continuing territorial claims and massing of troops along the border.

PANCHSHEEL, ONE OF BIGGEST BLUNDERS, SAY EXPERTS

The Panchsheel Agreement, signed on April 29, 1954, is formerly known as The Agreement on Trade and Intercourse with Tibet Region. It was signed by the Indian envoy to Beijing, N Raghavan, and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Zhang Han-Fu.

It gave major concessions to the Chinese side, and ended up trading Tibet's independence, which made India share immediate borders with China.

There has been vehement opposition to the agreement in India since the very beginning. "Born in sin" is how Congress leader Acharya Kriplani described the Panchsheel Agreement of 1954 Kriplani said during a debate in the Lok Sabha in 1959 that with the Panchsheel, India "put the seal of our approval on the destruction of an ancient nation [Tibet]".

  1. What is the other name for the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence?
    1. Panchsheel
    2. Panchayati Raj
    3. Panchamrit
    4. Panchjanya
  2. Who was the primary proponent of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence?
    1. Mahatma Gandhi
    2. Jawaharlal Nehru
    3. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
    4. Subhas Chandra Bose
  3. Which principle of Panchsheel emphasizes the idea of non-interference in each other's internal affairs?
    1. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
    2. Mutual non-aggression
    3. Mutual non-interference
    4. Equality and mutual benefit
  4. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence were primarily influenced by which philosophy?
    1. Hinduism
    2. Islam
    3. Buddhism
    4. Confucianism
  5. What was the primary goal of the Panchsheel Treaty?
    1. To establish a military alliance
    2. To promote economic and cultural cooperation
    3. To create a political union
    4. To resolve territorial disputes
  6. How did the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence contribute to India's foreign policy?
    1. By promoting a non-aligned stance in the Cold War
    2. By fostering friendly relations with neighboring countries
    3. By advocating for disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation
    4. All of the above