International Current Affairs MCQs

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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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The 1020 Megawatt (MW) Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan has been fully completed with the final Unit 6 (170 MW) synchronized to the power grid. It is a 1 Gigawatt (GW) run-of-the-river hydro project located in Wangdue Phodrang district, Bhutan, on the right bank of the Punatsangchhu River. The project was developed by Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Authority under an Inter-Government Agreement (IGA) between Bhutan and India. It was funded by the Government of India with 30% grant and 70% loan at 10% annual interest, repayable in 30 semi-annual installments.

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The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has created two new mechanisms to strengthen global cooperation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance. The initiatives include the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. The Global Dialogue on AI Governance will serve as an inclusive platform for States and stakeholders to discuss critical AI issues affecting humanity. The Scientific Panel on AI will provide rigorous, independent scientific assessments bridging cutting-edge AI research and policymaking. The initiatives aim to harness AI benefits while mitigating risks, ensuring AI serves the common good of humanity.

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India announced 1,000 e-scholarships for Afghan nationals for the academic year 2025-26. The initiative is part of the Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals (SSSAN) through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Students can pursue online undergraduate and postgraduate courses through the e-VidyaBharati (e-VB) i-learn portal. The scheme continues India’s commitment to Afghan students after similar grants in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Afghan nationals aged 18 to 35 years are eligible to apply.

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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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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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Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is an intergovernmental organization controlling exports of missiles capable of delivering nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and related technology. It was founded in 1987 by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States to prevent the spread of nuclear-capable missiles. In 1993, MTCR expanded to include chemical and biological weapons-capable missiles. Currently, 35 countries are members; India joined on 27 June 2016. Member states impose export controls on rocket systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), technical components, and software. MTCR guidelines are voluntary, non-binding, with no legal penalties, but US sanctions may apply for violations. India’s membership strengthens its strategic missile and defense technology cooperation with global powers.

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The U.K.-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB), launched in September 2024, marked its first anniversary on September 8, 2025, in London. It is a joint initiative led by NITI Aayog of India and the City of London of the United Kingdom. The bridge was created under the UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD). It aims to channel sustainable infrastructure investments into India using the U.K.’s expertise in structuring large-scale projects. Focus areas include national highways, regional rapid transport, and renewable energy projects. Stakeholders will build a long-term, stable, and sustainable financing system with manageable risks. It prioritizes green projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia unveiled the UPI–UPU Integration project at the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai. The initiative integrates India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Interconnection Platform. It is developed jointly by the Department of Posts, NPCI International Payments Limited, and UPU, it aims to transform cross-border remittances and expand financial inclusion. The project allows instant, secure, and low-cost money transfers for families across borders. India will contribute USD 10 million for innovation, e-commerce, digital payments, training, and capacity building. India aims for the UPU Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council membership.

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The World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies has recently come into force. It is the first WTO multilateral agreement focused on environmental sustainability. It was adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in 2022 at Geneva. The agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It also bans subsidies for fishing targeting overfished stocks and for fishing in unmanaged high seas. The WTO Fish Fund was created to help developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with technical support.