International Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is working to convince President Donald Trump’s administration to continue vital funding by emphasizing that a donation would benefit the US vaccine industry. Gavi is an independent public-private partnership created in 2000 to improve access to new and underused vaccines for children in the world’s poorest countries. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Gavi unites public and private sectors to ensure equal access to vaccines for all children. It includes governments, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank, vaccine manufacturers, and private philanthropists. Gavi provides financial support, technical expertise, and market-shaping efforts to help lower vaccine costs.

Notes:
Nepal has introduced a new draft law to allow only experienced climbers, who have scaled peaks above 7,000 metres, to attempt Mount Everest. This step comes in response to rising deaths, overcrowding, and environmental damage on the world’s tallest mountain. By restricting access, Nepal hopes to improve climber safety and promote responsible tourism. The law aims to ensure that only skilled mountaineers with proven high-altitude experience undertake such risky expeditions. The move also supports environmental conservation by addressing waste buildup and uncontrolled tourist flow in the fragile Everest ecosystem. This reflects Nepal’s growing commitment to sustainable mountaineering practices.

Notes:
On May 2, 2025, Australian boatbuilder Incat launched the world’s largest electric-powered ship, named Hull 096. The ship is a 130-metre-long aluminium catamaran designed for South American ferry operator Buquebus. It can carry 2,100 passengers and up to 225 vehicles across the River Plate between Buenos Aires and Uruguay. Hull 096 is powered by over 250 tonnes of batteries with an Energy Storage System (ESS) providing more than 40 megawatt hours of capacity. It was initially planned to run on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) but was later converted to battery power. The launch highlights a major step towards reducing maritime carbon emissions, which account for about three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This comes after the International Maritime Organization (IMO) voted for a global carbon pricing system, with cleaner fuels required by 2028.

Notes:
In a recent statement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed concern over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan and urged both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest intergovernmental group after the United Nations, with 57 member countries across four continents. It was founded on 25 September 1969 in Rabat, Morocco, following the arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The OIC works to protect Islamic values and the sovereignty and independence of its member states. It also aims to promote peace, security, and cooperation in political, economic, and social matters. The OIC acts as the unified voice of the Muslim world on global issues. Its headquarters is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and its official languages are Arabic, English, and French.

Notes:
On May 5, 2025, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) appointed Salem Saleh Bin Braik as the new Prime Minister. This follows the sudden resignation of Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, who stepped down due to constitutional limits and lack of power to implement key reforms. The leadership change is significant as Yemen continues to struggle with civil war and economic crisis. Salem Bin Braik has served as Finance Minister since 2019 and previously held the post of Vice Finance Minister along with other administrative roles. He was appointed just hours after bin Mubarak resigned.

Notes:
Recently, Cambodia and China launched their largest-ever Golden Dragon joint military exercise. Golden Dragon is a yearly bilateral military drill between China and Cambodia started in 2016 to boost strategic and defense cooperation. The 2025 edition focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations and humanitarian relief, showcasing peace and capacity-building goals. It is being held at the Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, which was inaugurated in April 2025 with the arrival of Chinese warships. The exercise includes high-tech tools like reconnaissance and attack drones, surgical robots, and robot dogs, showing a move towards tech-driven warfare.

Notes:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea, highlighting an urgent health concern. The outbreak was detected after samples of the poliovirus were found in healthy children during routine screening in Lae city. Polio is caused by the highly infectious poliovirus, which spreads through contact with faeces or respiratory droplets of an infected person. It mainly affects children under five years old and can lead to permanent paralysis. Papua New Guinea was polio-free since 2000, but low immunisation rates have led to its return. WHO has called for an immediate vaccination campaign to contain the spread.

Notes:
The Indian Defence Minister recently said that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure global nuclear safety. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the main intergovernmental body for cooperation in nuclear science and technology. It works to ensure the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear energy, following global non-proliferation rules. The IAEA Statute was approved on 23 October 1956 and became active on 29 July 1957. Its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria. With 178 member countries, the IAEA plays a key global role in nuclear governance.

Notes:
Israel launched a major military operation called Operation Gideon Chariots in the Gaza Strip. It was initiated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after ceasefire talks in Doha failed. The main goal is to secure the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. A secondary aim is to weaken Hamas’s operational strength through intense military pressure. Northern Gaza, including the Jabaliya refugee camp, has seen heavy bombing under this operation. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 150 people were killed within 24 hours. More than 3,000 people have died since the escalation began in March 2025.

Notes:
Iran and Azerbaijan launched a joint special forces drill called “Aras-2025” on May 18, 2025. The exercise involves Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Azerbaijani troops. It is being held in the Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan regained from Armenia in September 2023. The drill aims to boost border security and address potential threats.