International Current Affairs MCQs

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South Korea and the United States will conduct major joint military drills called Ulchi Freedom Shield. It is an annual exercise to strengthen readiness and cooperation to defend the Korean Peninsula and the wider region. The drills originated in the 1960s as the Taeguk Exercise and evolved through Ulchi-Focus Lens before being renamed Ulchi-Freedom Guardian in 2008. This year’s drill will test upgraded responses to increased North Korean nuclear threats. It will also showcase advanced technologies used in modern warfare.

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Malaysia has launched Ryt Bank, the world’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered bank. It is led by YTL Group in partnership with Sea Limited. Ryt Bank combines AI innovation with Malaysia’s values, languages, and lifestyles to shape the nation’s digital future. The bank offers in-app access in Bahasa Malaysia and English, with Mandarin to be added by September 2025. This multilingual approach ensures inclusivity and cultural connection in banking. Ryt AI works as an intelligent assistant, handling bill payments, spending tracking, and financial guidance

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India has joined the Health AI Global Regulatory Network (GRN) to strengthen oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the move to share safety protocols and monitor AI performance in clinical settings. ICMR – National Institute for Research in Digital Health and Data Science (NIRDHDS) and IndiaAI will collaborate with HealthAI for global cooperation. GRN members include UK and Singapore. This supports India’s National AI Strategy for public services, startups, and job creation. The initiative promotes responsible AI, data privacy, patient safety, and equitable access to healthcare.

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Adani Power signed a pact with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power to build the 570 MW Wangchu Hydroelectric Project. Project will follow a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer) model with power purchase and concession agreements signed. It is a run-of-river project on Wangchu River (Raidāk River in India) in Chukha District, Bhutan. Construction will start in first half of 2026 and complete within five years. It will meet Bhutan’s peak winter electricity demand and export surplus power to India in summer.

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Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has been re-elected for a second five-year term with 55 percent of the 65-seat parliament, as announced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Ali’s government, in power since 2020, used 7.5 billion oil revenue to build roads, schools, hospitals, and made state university education free. Guyana, with the largest oil reserves per capita, currently produces 650,000 barrels daily, expected to reach 1 million by 2030. The nation recorded 43.6 percent GDP growth in 2024, with a state budget expected at 6.7 billion in 2025.

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Union Education Minister inaugurated India’s first overseas Atal Innovation Centre at IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus during a two-day UAE visit on September 10-11. The visit aims to deepen India-UAE cooperation in education, innovation, and academic excellence. Two academic programs were launched: Ph.D. in Energy and Sustainability and B.Tech in Chemical Engineering. The initiative is under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), India’s flagship program for innovation and entrepreneurship. The centre will promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and strengthen the Indian diaspora’s access to quality education in the UAE.

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The Union Minister of Labour and Employment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Government of India and International Labour Organisation (ILO). The MoU is for collaboration to develop the International Reference Classification of Occupations. This classification will improve comparability of data and promote mutual recognition of skills. It aims to address significant skill shortages faced by many countries due to demographic deficits and digitalisation. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN). The headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. ILO received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for its contribution.

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Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying signed a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to strengthen Blue Port infrastructure in India. The Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) was created to make FAO’s technical expertise available to member countries on request. Its purpose is to improve food security and reduce poverty with lasting impact. Its goal is to solve technical problems in crop production, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, nutrition, food safety, and rural development under the Country Programming Framework (CPF). Two pilot fishing ports, Vanakbara (Diu) and Jakhau (Gujarat), will receive strategic and operational tools to design and implement investment projects.

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Super Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest tropical cyclone of 2025, hit southern China. Ragasa, called the “King of Storms” by China’s meteorological agency, may bring waves up to seven metres and severe coastal flooding. Authorities issued urgent warnings, advising residents to stay indoors unless part of emergency response teams. Ragasa previously hit Taiwan, injuring six and cancelling 100+ flights, and the Philippines, causing one death and 10,000+ displacements. Experts warn climate change may intensify such storms in the future.

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China has launched a new visa category called the “K Visa” to attract foreign science and technology talent. It was created by revising the Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners. The K Visa will come into effect from October 1, 2025. It is aimed at foreign youth and professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Eligible applicants include graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher from reputed universities or research institutions and STEM researchers or teachers. It allows multiple entries, longer validity, wider activities like education, entrepreneurship, and no need for local sponsorship.