International Current Affairs MCQs

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Bangladesh became the first country in South Asia to join the United Nations (UN) Water Convention. The UN Water Convention is officially called the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. It was adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and came into force in 1996. Initially designed for the pan-European region, it became open to all UN Member States after March 2016. It is a legally binding treaty promoting sustainable management of shared water resources. It helps prevent conflicts, promote peace, and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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In November 2025, Canada lost its measles elimination status due to ongoing outbreaks, as reported by international health experts. The country recorded 5,138 measles cases and two deaths in 2025; both fatalities were premature babies exposed in the womb. Measles elimination status is symbolic, showing a country has stopped continuous local transmission, though imported cases can still occur. Measles is highly contagious, causing high fever and rash, with serious complications like blindness and brain swelling, especially in young children and adults over 30. The disease is preventable through routine vaccination, but falling childhood immunisation rates contributed to the resurgence

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Ukraine recently launched Operation Midas, a major anti-corruption investigation targeting Energoatom officials and connected businessmen. It is a 15-month undercover probe led by NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAPO (Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office). Named after King Midas, symbolising officials illegally turning contracts into gold. The operation exposed a bribery network demanding 10–15% cuts from contractors and nearly $100 million laundered through backdoor companies. It caused political fallout, forced Energy Minister resignations, and triggered audits of all state-owned enterprises.

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Oman Airports has become the world’s first airport operator to deploy Wi-Fi 7 across all its airports. The upgrade was implemented in partnership with Huawei, marking a major leap in airport digital infrastructure. Wi-Fi 7 provides much faster speeds, stronger security, and highly reliable connectivity even during peak traffic. The initiative enhances passenger comfort by enabling smooth streaming, quick downloads, and seamless online services from check-in to boarding. It also boosts operational efficiency with faster, secure systems supporting airport staff and operations. This deployment aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on smart infrastructure, global-standard services, and advanced technology adoption.

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Cambridge Dictionary named ‘parasocial’ as the Word of the Year 2025 due to rising one-sided emotional bonds with celebrities, influencers and Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots. More than 6,000 new words were added in 2025, including ‘delulu’, ‘slop’, ‘skibidi’ and ‘tradwife’. The term ‘parasocial’ first appeared in 1956 when sociologists studied TV viewers’ emotional ties with on-screen personalities. In 2025, parasocial bonds grew with YouTubers, influencers and AI bots, reshaping online trust, fandom and digital behaviour.

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Jakarta is now the world’s most populated city with about 42 million people, according to the United Nations World Urbanisation Prospects 2025 report. Dhaka ranks second with 37 million people, while Tokyo has slipped to third with 33 million. The change happened due to a new standard method to define urban areas. Urban population has doubled since 1950 and now nearly half of the world lives in cities. By 2050, most population growth will happen in cities. The number of megacities has risen to 33, with most in Asia.

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India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, to support Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused floods, landslides, and widespread disruption. Cyclone made landfall on 27 November 2025, causing fatalities and affecting thousands. Indian Air Force (IAF) delivered approx 12 tonnes of aid on 29 November 2025, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food to Colombo. The operation provides food, essentials, and logistical support to manage immediate crises in Sri Lanka.

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Rage bait was named the Word of the Year 2025 by Oxford University Press (OUP). Its online usage rose three times, showing changes in how people seek attention and engagement. It means online content made to provoke anger or outrage to increase views and traffic. The term first appeared in 2002 on Usenet with a different meaning linked to road rage. It later became popular in social media and digital journalism. It beat shortlisted words like aura farming and biohack. Rage bait boosts clicks and reactions, especially in politics and viral trends. Its advanced form is called rage farming, where anger is used repeatedly to drive engagement, often using misinformation.

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Tanzania launched a nationwide livestock vaccination campaign targeting cattle, goats, sheep, and chickens to curb zoonotic and transboundary diseases such as anthrax, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and Rift Valley Fever. The five-year programme (2025–2029) aims to vaccinate 19 million cattle, 17 million goats and sheep, and 40 million chickens. Tanzania has 36.6 million cattle, second largest in Africa; agriculture contributes 30% of GDP and supports 70% of rural population. Vaccination prevents livestock losses, reduces public health risks, and strengthens One Health approach linking human, animal, and environmental health.

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United States (US) and Jordan launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria after an ISIS attack in Palmyra killed two US soldiers and injured others. The operation involved overnight airstrikes on more than 70 ISIS targets using precision-guided weapons. The objective was to weaken ISIS fighters, weapons stockpiles, and infrastructure, disrupting future attacks. It aimed to send a strong deterrent message to terror groups and reaffirm the US policy of security through strength. The joint mission also highlighted US–Jordan military cooperation and commitment to regional counter-terrorism efforts.