ASEAN, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand - Current Affairs Questions and Answers

ANSWER: Meghalaya

Explanation:
The first India-Myanmar Bilateral Military Exercise 2017 (IMBAX 2017) was held at Joint Warfare Centre at the Umroi Joint Training Node in Meghalaya.

It is first of its kind military training exercise between India and Myanmar on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO). It was conducted by Army’s RED HORNS DIVISION under aegis of GAJRAJ CORPS.

The Indo-Myanmar joint Army Exercise is a positive step in the bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations, the statement said.

The conduct of such exercises in future will not only enable mutual capacity enhancement, but will assist in building strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Myanmar, it added.

Meghalaya: Know More

• Meghalaya is a state in Northeast India. The name means "the abode of clouds" in Sanskrit.
• The population of Meghalaya as of 2016 is estimated to be 3,211,474.
• Meghalaya covers an area of approximately 22,430 square kilometers, with a length to breadth ratio of about 3:1.
• The state is bounded to the south by the Bangladeshi divisions of Mymensingh and Sylhet, to the west by the Bangladeshi division of Rangpur, and to the north and east by India's State of Assam. The capital of Meghalaya is Shillong.
• During the British rule of India, the British imperial authorities nicknamed it the "Scotland of the East".
• Meghalaya was previously part of Assam, but on 21 January 1972, the districts of Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills became the new state of Meghalaya.
• English is the official language of Meghalaya. The other principal languages spoken include Khasi, Pnar, Hajong, Tiwa (lalung), Rabha, Garo and Biate.

ANSWER: None of the above

Explanation:
Thailand celebrated the festival of lights called Loi Krathong which is celebrated in honour of Lord Buddha

• The main event includes releasing sky lanterns and aerial krathongs, meaning decorated baskets
• Restrictions on festivities were placed in light of the death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej
• Loi Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar; therefore, the exact date of the festival changes annually
• In the Western calendar it usually falls in the month of November.
• In 2015 it was celebrated on Nov 25
• Thailand is a SE Asian country known for its monuments and beaches
• The capital is Bangkok and the currency is Thai baht
• Prime minister of Thailand is Prayut Chan-o-cha, while official language is Thai

ANSWER: Tran Dai Quang

Explanation:
Vietnam’s national assembly swore in Tran Dai Quang as the 9th president of the nation. He was formally Minister of Public Security.

• From 481 valid votes, 452 choose him as the new president
• A resolution approving the presidency of Quang was also backed by NA deputies to the tune of 93% in the plenary session
• Truong Tan Sang was the 8th president of this nation

ANSWER: Htin Kyaw

Explanation:
Myanmar’s parliament has elected its first non military president to the post since the army took over in a coup in the 1960s. Kyaw was nominated by the National Lague for Democracy party last week an voted into the presidency by parliament. Suu Kyi barred from the presidency because she has sons who are foreign nationals, has made it clear she is “above the president” and Kyaw will act as a proxy.

ANSWER: Force18

Explanation:
This exercise will be held in Pune with 18 ASEAN Plus members including South Korea, Japan, Russia, China and the US, This is in line with the Act East Policy to learn and share best practices of other armies in the world and display commitment for peace in the region. The theme of Force18, which will be held from March 2nd to 8th, is humanitarian mine action and peacekeeping operations. Foreign trainers will be participating in this exercise too.

ANSWER: Myanmar

Explanation:
President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee extended greetings and felicitations to the government and people of Myanmar on the eve of their independence day on January 4th 2016. The current president of this nation is U Thein Sein. Both countries share enduring cultural, religious and linguistic ties.

ANSWER: Malaysia

Explanation:
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit was held in the month of November 2015 at Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur. The theme for the summit was “Our People, Our Community, Our vision” and summit was chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. 10 ASEAN nations attended this summit.

ANSWER: 8

Explanation:
Myanmar has signed a peace accord with 8 ethnic armed groups in the presence of the following nations as international witnesses- India, China, Japan, Thailand, UN and EU. The 8 groups among ethnic minorities which signed the peace accord belong to the Kayin and Chin groups. This pact aims at ending decades of civil war.

ANSWER: MVoter2015

Explanation:
Group of young coders, Team Pop Stack has launched the first election app in Myanmar entitled MVoter2015. Millions of hyperactive FB users are being targeted through this app as social media will play a critical role in the upcoming elections. Myanmar’s 51 million strong population has more than 18 million SIM cards for mobile phones.

ANSWER: National Reform Council

Explanation:
Thai junta formed the National Reform Council for assessing the suitability of the draft new constitution. The National Reform Council has rejected the new constitution with 105 in favour, 135 against and 7 abstentions. This is a major obstacle for the establishment of democracy in Thailand.