Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)
Combined Competitive Examination (CCE)
Preliminary Examination – General Studies Paper I (Objective, 200 Marks)
Topic: National & International Current Affairs
Sub Topic: Current Events of International Importance
Current Events of International Importance – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Which country hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2023?
A. Indonesia
B. India
C. Brazil
D. Italy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
India hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi in 2023, showcasing its rising diplomatic influence and focus on inclusive global development under the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
Q2. The headquarters of the United Nations is located at:
A. Geneva
B. Vienna
C. Paris
D. New York
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The United Nations headquarters is located in New York City, while Geneva and Vienna host important UN offices.
Q3. Which organization publishes the World Economic Outlook report?
A. World Bank
B. International Monetary Fund
C. WTO
D. OECD
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The IMF releases the World Economic Outlook, providing global economic growth projections and policy analysis.
Q4. The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting is held at:
A. Zurich
B. Davos
C. Bern
D. Geneva
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The World Economic Forum meets annually at Davos, Switzerland, bringing together global political and business leaders.
Q5. Which international organisation released the Global Hunger Index 2024?
A. FAO
B. UNICEF
C. Concern Worldwide
D. UNDP
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Global Hunger Index is published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, assessing hunger levels worldwide.
Q6. Which country officially joined the expanded BRICS grouping in 2024?
A. Argentina
B. Saudi Arabia
C. Mexico
D. Indonesia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Saudi Arabia became part of the expanded BRICS group, strengthening the bloc’s economic and energy influence.
Q7. The headquarters of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) is located in:
A. Beijing
B. Moscow
C. Shanghai
D. New Delhi
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The New Development Bank, established by BRICS nations, is headquartered in Shanghai, China.
Q8. Which country withdrew from the World Health Organization during the COVID-19 period but later rejoined?
A. United Kingdom
B. Brazil
C. United States
D. Australia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The United States announced withdrawal earlier but later rejoined the WHO, reaffirming global health cooperation.
Q9. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is located at:
A. Geneva
B. The Hague
C. Brussels
D. Paris
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the UN, is located in The Hague, Netherlands.
Q10. Which conflict region has significantly affected global energy and food supply chains in recent years?
A. South China Sea
B. Ukraine
C. Taiwan Strait
D. Persian Gulf
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Russia–Ukraine conflict disrupted global supplies of oil, gas, wheat, and fertilizers, impacting inflation worldwide.
Q11. NATO is primarily a:
A. Economic alliance
B. Cultural organization
C. Military alliance
D. Trade bloc
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
NATO is a military alliance formed for collective security among its member nations.
Q12. Which country became the newest member of NATO in 2023–24?
A. Ukraine
B. Sweden
C. Georgia
D. Finland
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Sweden joined NATO, marking a major shift in European security dynamics.
Q13. The Paris Agreement is related to:
A. Nuclear disarmament
B. Climate change mitigation
C. Trade liberalization
D. Human rights
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise and combat climate change through collective action.
Q14. Which international body releases the World Press Freedom Index?
A. Amnesty International
B. Transparency International
C. Reporters Without Borders
D. Human Rights Watch
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The World Press Freedom Index is published by Reporters Without Borders, assessing media freedom globally.
Q15. The term Global South generally refers to:
A. Southern Hemisphere countries only
B. Developing and less-developed countries
C. African nations only
D. Latin American nations only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Global South refers to developing and emerging economies, mainly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Q16. Which country hosted COP28 Climate Conference?
A. Egypt
B. UAE
C. France
D. Germany
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
COP28 was hosted by the United Arab Emirates, focusing on climate finance and energy transition.
Q17. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) primarily focuses on:
A. Trade liberalization
B. Security and regional stability
C. Climate change
D. Maritime law
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
SCO emphasizes security cooperation, counter-terrorism, and regional stability in Eurasia.
Q18. Which country assumed the Presidency of the G20 after India?
A. Brazil
B. South Africa
C. Japan
D. Italy
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Brazil took over the G20 Presidency after India, continuing Global South priorities.
Q19. The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with:
A. Military treaties
B. Global trade rules
C. Climate finance
D. Refugee issues
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The WTO regulates international trade rules and resolves trade disputes.
Q20. Which global index measures corruption perception?
A. Global Competitiveness Index
B. Corruption Perceptions Index
C. Human Development Index
D. World Happiness Index
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Corruption Perceptions Index is published annually by Transparency International.
Q21. Which country launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?
A. Japan
B. China
C. South Korea
D. Russia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
China launched BRI to enhance global infrastructure connectivity and trade routes.
Q22. The Arctic Council primarily focuses on:
A. Trade
B. Environmental protection
C. Nuclear security
D. Migration
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Arctic Council addresses environmental protection and sustainable development in the Arctic region.
Q23. Which international organisation publishes the Human Development Report?
A. World Bank
B. UNDP
C. IMF
D. WHO
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Human Development Report is published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Q24. The term Blue Economy refers to:
A. Marine-based economic activities
B. River water sharing
C. Fisheries only
D. Ocean tourism only
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Blue Economy includes sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and livelihoods.
Q25. Which country mediated the recent Iran–Saudi Arabia diplomatic rapprochement?
A. Russia
B. United States
C. China
D. France
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
China played a key diplomatic role in restoring ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Q26. The International Energy Agency (IEA) primarily works on:
A. Renewable energy only
B. Global energy security
C. Nuclear disarmament
D. Climate litigation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
IEA focuses on energy security, policy coordination, and transition to clean energy.
Q27. Which sea is central to disputes involving multiple Southeast Asian countries?
A. Red Sea
B. South China Sea
C. Baltic Sea
D. Mediterranean Sea
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The South China Sea is strategically important due to trade routes and energy resources.
Q28. The Abraham Accords are related to:
A. Nuclear arms control
B. Middle East peace agreements
C. Trade liberalization
D. Climate cooperation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The Abraham Accords normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries.
Q29. Which country became the first to officially approve a malaria vaccine for children?
A. India
B. Kenya
C. Ghana
D. Nigeria
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Ghana was among the first countries to approve and deploy the malaria vaccine for children.
Q30. The term Multilateralism refers to:
A. One-country dominance
B. Bilateral agreements
C. Cooperation among multiple countries
D. Regional isolation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Multilateralism promotes collective decision-making and cooperation among multiple nations to address global challenges.