current affairs 2022 mcqs

Current Affairs 2022: A Year in Review

1. Russia-Ukraine War

• How did the Russia-Ukraine war unfold in 2022?
  One of the most significant global events in 2022 was the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The conflict led to widespread devastation, massive civilian displacement, and a global outcry against Russia’s actions. Ukraine received substantial military and financial aid from Western countries, particularly the United States and European Union. The war had far-reaching economic consequences, leading to global energy crises, disruptions in food supply chains, and heightened geopolitical tensions.

1. COP27 Climate Summit

• What were the outcomes of COP27 in Egypt?
  The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The summit focused on pressing climate issues, especially the financial burden that climate change imposes on developing nations. A landmark achievement was the agreement to create a “Loss and Damage” fund to help vulnerable countries cope with the adverse effects of climate change. However, there was frustration over the lack of progress in accelerating commitments to reduce carbon emissions, with many criticizing wealthier nations for not taking more urgent action.

1. Economic Recovery and Inflation

• What economic challenges dominated 2022?
  As the world began to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 was marked by severe inflationary pressures. Supply chain disruptions, energy price hikes due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and post-pandemic recovery costs contributed to rising inflation rates globally. Central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, raised interest rates to control inflation, but this sparked concerns about potential recessions. Developing countries faced heightened economic instability due to currency devaluation and soaring import costs, particularly for energy and food.

1. Rise of Omicron and Global Vaccination Campaigns

• How did the world manage COVID-19 in 2022?
  Although the global pandemic entered a less severe phase, COVID-19 remained a major health issue in 2022. The Omicron variant, which had emerged in late 2021, continued to spread rapidly, though it caused milder symptoms compared to earlier variants. Governments shifted strategies from lockdowns to living with the virus, focusing on widespread vaccination campaigns. Booster doses became essential, and global efforts were made to distribute vaccines to lower-income nations. However, vaccine inequity persisted, with calls for more robust global cooperation.

1. Political Unrest in Sri Lanka

• What led to political turmoil in Sri Lanka?
  Sri Lanka witnessed a severe economic crisis in 2022, which spiraled into political chaos. The country faced massive shortages of essential goods, such as fuel, food, and medicine, due to poor economic management, corruption, and the collapse of its tourism industry after the pandemic. Protesters took to the streets, demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country in July 2022. His departure marked the end of the powerful Rajapaksa family’s rule over Sri Lankan politics. The crisis raised concerns about economic mismanagement in other developing nations.

1. U.S. Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade

• What was the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade?
  In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed federal protection for abortion rights. This ruling led to widespread protests and sparked a major national debate over reproductive rights. The decision returned the power to regulate abortion to individual states, leading to a patchwork of laws across the country. Some states enacted near-total bans on abortion, while others moved to protect access. The ruling also had global ramifications, with reproductive rights advocates fearing it might inspire similar movements in other nations.

1. China’s Zero-COVID Policy

• What were the implications of China’s Zero-COVID policy in 2022?
  China maintained its stringent Zero-COVID policy throughout 2022, aiming to completely eliminate the virus through lockdowns, mass testing, and strict quarantine measures. Major cities, including Shanghai, experienced extended lockdowns, leading to disruptions in global supply chains and growing public discontent. The policy significantly impacted China’s economy, with slower growth rates and rising unemployment. By the end of the year, there were signs that China might ease some of these restrictions due to public pressure and the policy’s detrimental economic effects.

1. U.K. Political Crisis

• Why did the U.K. experience political instability in 2022?
  The United Kingdom witnessed unprecedented political turmoil in 2022, marked by the resignation of two prime ministers within a span of months. Boris Johnson stepped down as prime minister in July following a series of scandals and loss of support from his party. Liz Truss succeeded him, but her tenure lasted only six weeks, the shortest in British history. Her economic policies, particularly a controversial mini-budget that spooked financial markets, led to her resignation. Rishi Sunak took over as the third prime minister in October 2022, inheriting a country facing economic challenges and political divisions.

1. Iran Protests

• What triggered the protests in Iran in 2022?
  A wave of protests erupted in Iran in September 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died while in custody of Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code for women. The protests quickly grew into a broader movement against the government, with demonstrators calling for greater freedoms and women’s rights. The government responded with a violent crackdown, but the protests persisted, becoming one of the most significant challenges to the Iranian regime in years. The protests also garnered global solidarity, with demonstrations held in major cities around the world.

1. 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

• What was unique about the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
  The 2022 FIFA World Cup, held in Qatar, was historic for several reasons. It was the first time the tournament was held in the Middle East and in a predominantly Muslim country. The event also took place in winter to avoid Qatar’s extreme summer heat. While the tournament showcased world-class football, it was marred by controversies surrounding human rights issues, particularly the treatment of migrant workers involved in building the stadiums. Despite the criticism, Qatar invested billions to deliver a memorable event, with Argentina ultimately claiming the trophy in a thrilling final against France.