Top 25: 2024 International Current Affairs for GA & Interviews

Here are 25 significant international current affairs topics from 2024:

1. Global Election Year: In 2024, over 60 countries, representing half of the world’s population, held elections, leading to significant political upheavals and the rise of far-right movements in various regions.
2. Middle East Reordering: The Middle East underwent transformative events, including unprecedented suffering in Gaza due to Israeli military actions and efforts toward a two-state solution led by Saudi Arabia.
3. US Presidential Election: Donald Trump was re-elected as President of the United States, signaling a shift towards “America First” policies and impacting global geopolitics.
4. European Defense Autonomy: France emphasized the need for European strategic autonomy in defense, especially in light of the changing US political landscape.
5. Global Hunger Crisis: The UN reported a deepening global hunger crisis, with funding from wealthy nations declining, leaving millions without adequate assistance.
6. Iran-Israel Tensions: Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, including Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional security.
7. Artificial Intelligence Regulation: The European Union passed the Artificial Intelligence Act, becoming the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for AI.
8. Sweden Joins NATO: Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO, marking a significant expansion of the alliance.
9. Global Climate Initiatives: The G7 countries agreed to phase out unabated coal power by 2030–2035, aiming to combat climate change.
10. Economic Challenges: Major economies faced slower-than-expected growth, prompting governments to implement measures to achieve GDP growth targets.
11. Technological Advancements: Significant progress in AI and other technologies raised discussions about their impact on global conflicts and the future of work.
12. Global Trade Dynamics: The return of “America First” policies under President Trump led to concerns about potential trade wars, particularly with China.
13. Humanitarian Crises: Ongoing conflicts and natural disasters exacerbated humanitarian needs, with international aid efforts struggling to meet demands.
14. Energy Security: Global energy markets experienced volatility, prompting nations to reassess their energy policies and dependencies.
15. Public Health Concerns: The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to influence public health policies and international travel regulations.
16. International Diplomacy: Shifts in global leadership led to changes in diplomatic relations and international agreements.
17. Environmental Disasters: Natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes, caused significant loss of life and property worldwide.
18. Cybersecurity Threats: Increased cyber-attacks highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity measures globally.
19. Migration and Refugee Movements: Conflicts and economic challenges led to increased migration and refugee movements, impacting global demographics.
20. Global Health Initiatives: Efforts to address health issues beyond COVID-19, such as malaria and HIV, gained renewed focus.
21. Space Exploration Milestones: Nations achieved significant milestones in space exploration, including lunar missions and advancements in satellite technology.
22. Sports and International Events: Global sporting events, such as the Olympics, provided a platform for international unity amid geopolitical tensions.
23. Cultural Heritage Recognitions: UNESCO added various cultural practices to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, acknowledging global cultural diversity
24. Technological Disruptions: Rapid technological advancements disrupted traditional industries, prompting discussions on the future of work.
25. International Legal Developments: The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for leaders accused of war crimes, emphasizing global justice efforts.