International Current Affairs MCQs

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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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The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has officially declared the year 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This resolution was proposed by the United States of America and was adopted by all member countries through consensus. The main aim is to recognize and highlight the vital role women farmers play in ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and fighting poverty. It also focuses on promoting gender equality and empowering women in the agriculture sector.

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Israel has launched a military action called “Operation Rising Lion” targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. This included attacks on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities, missile systems, and military command centers. This move marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The recent context shows rising tensions in the Middle East, with fears of broader regional instability due to this bold strike.

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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has started its annual military exercise Baltic Operations 2025 (BALTOPS 25) in Latvia. It is a large-scale multinational drill aimed at boosting cooperation and interoperability among member countries. The focus is on improving rapid-response capabilities across all military branches. It shows NATO’s strong commitment to the security of the Baltic Sea region.

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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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The Bajau tribe, also known as the Sama-Bajau, lives in coastal areas of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines and depends entirely on the sea. They are excellent free divers, diving 20–30 meters deep and holding their breath for 5–13 minutes without equipment. Recent research shows that the Bajau have spleens that are 50% larger than average, helping them dive longer and deeper. This adaptation is linked to a variation in the PDE10A gene.

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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 July 11, 2025, the Maputo Protocol marked its 22nd anniversary, prompting calls for stronger implementation and removal of state reservations. Officially named the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, it was adopted by the African Union (AU) in Maputo, Mozambique on July 11, 2003. The protocol aims to protect and empower women and girls across Africa, with a focus on healthcare, legal rights, and political participation.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently launched the global initiative ‘Global Specs 2030’ to ensure affordable eye care access for all by the year 2030. The initiative focuses on five key action areas: Services, Personnel, Education, Cost, and Surveillance. Services aim to improve access to refractive eye care. Personnel focuses on training and building the capacity of eye care workers. Education promotes public awareness about eye health. Cost targets reducing prices of eyeglasses and services. Surveillance strengthens data collection and eye care research. The Global SPECS Network supports collective advocacy, experience sharing, and professional collaboration.

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Australia and the United Kingdom recently signed the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Treaty, known as the Geelong Treaty, in Geelong, Australia. The treaty strengthens their commitment to AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) under Pillar I, focused on nuclear-powered submarines. It ensures 50 years of bilateral defense cooperation between Australia and the UK. The treaty covers the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and disposal of SSN-AUKUS submarines. This development comes as the United States reviews its role in AUKUS to align with its America First agenda.