International Current Affairs MCQs

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched a two-year humanitarian initiative to fight severe malnutrition on Yemen’s Socotra Island. Socotra Island faces a health emergency with a Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate of 10.9% and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) rate of 1.6% among children under five. The program focuses on reducing maternal and child deaths caused by malnutrition through food, health, and awareness support. It includes strengthening healthcare systems by training staff, supplying medicine, and improving epidemic response capacity.

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Researchers in Japan have created a new plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours, helping fight ocean pollution. It was developed by the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo. A lab demo in Wako city showed a plastic piece dissolving in salt water after stirring for one hour. The plastic breaks into safe components that are processed by natural bacteria, leaving no microplastics behind. It is as strong as petroleum-based plastic but is non-toxic, non-flammable, and does not emit carbon dioxide (CO₂). In soil, it breaks down in about 200 hours.

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Interpol coordinated a global cybercrime crackdown called ‘Operation Secure’ from January to April 2025. More than 20,000 malicious Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and domains linked to information-stealing malware were taken down. Law enforcement agencies from 26 countries, including India, joined efforts to locate servers and dismantle cybercriminal infrastructure. Interpol worked with private companies like Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro to share cyber intelligence across Asia.

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Exercise “Tiger Claw” was the first independent Special Forces exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and United States Air Force (USAF). It was conducted from 26 May to 10 June 2025 across North India, ending at the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC) in Chandinagar, Uttar Pradesh. The aim was to strengthen the partnership between both Air Forces and improve interoperability in special operations. The exercise included joint training, mutual exchange of best practices, and development of operational coordination.

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On June 18, 2025, the Indian government launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. In the first phase, 110 Indian students were safely evacuated from northern Iran. Iran’s Deputy Ambassador to India, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, assured full cooperation in ensuring the safety of Indian citizens. Operation Sindhu highlights India’s active role in protecting its citizens during international crises.

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On June 23, 2025, Iran launched Operation Bashayer Al-Fath, meaning Annunciation of Victory, targeting the United States’ Al-Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar. This was a response to Operation Midnight Hammer, where the United States attacked three Iranian nuclear sites using GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the missile attack, calling it a response to U.S. aggression and violation of international law. Iran declared it will never compromise on its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national security.

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Recently, the QUAD nations launched their first-ever At Sea Observer Mission to strengthen maritime cooperation. QUAD includes the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. The mission aims to boost maritime security and teamwork in the Indo-Pacific under the Wilmington Declaration. Two officers, including women, from each country have joined the United States Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, now heading to Guam.

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Recently, the Prime Minister said descendants of Girmitiyas are now known for their success, service, and values instead of struggle. Girmitiyas were Indian indentured labourers who left India in the 19th century to work in British colonies. The term Girmitiya comes from the word “girmit”, an Indian pronunciation of “agreement”. These labourers signed agreements hoping for better wages and jobs. They travelled on old slave ships and lived in poor slave-like barracks. They faced a practice called “blackbirding”, meaning forced or deceptive recruitment for cheap labour abroad.

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On July 6, 2025, Suriname’s Parliament elected Jennifer Geerlings-Simons as the country’s first female President. She was elected unopposed by a two-thirds vote of the National Assembly after forming a coalition following an inconclusive May election. Geerlings-Simons leads the National Democratic Party and will take office on July 16, 2025. Her election comes as Suriname prepares for expected oil wealth from major offshore oil deposits, with production starting in 2028. She aims to stabilise national finances, focusing on improving tax collection, especially in small-scale gold mining.

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On 7th July 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, launched a Specialised Training Program in Cancer Care for BIMSTEC countries at Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai. The initiative was earlier announced by the Prime Minister during the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit. Participants from BIMSTEC countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal are attending the program. The training aims to address rising cancer cases and disparities in quality cancer care across the region. It seeks to build capacity, enhance skills, and foster collaboration and research among BIMSTEC nations.