International Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian government has recently announced that nationals of Pakistan will not be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme was launched in 1992 to allow certain dignitaries from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to travel visa-free within the region. Under this scheme, special visa stickers are issued by each member state to eligible persons of their own country. These stickers are usually valid for one year and reviewed regularly by immigration authorities of SAARC nations. The scheme simplifies travel by removing visa, police reporting, and extra form requirements.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Researchers from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science and Technology (IASST), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), discovered that Peptidomimetic Drugs can treat Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDs). Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDs) are complex illnesses causing neuron loss and nervous system degeneration, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Peptidomimetic Drugs are synthetic molecules that mimic natural proteins called neurotrophins, which help neuron growth and survival. These drugs have better stability and bioavailability than natural neurotrophins. They target specific cells and reduce side effects, showing promise for safer and effective Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDs) treatments.

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India has formally taken over as Chair of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term during the 67th Governing Body Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Indian delegation is led by the Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. India committed to strengthening the APO Vision 2030 and advancing the Green Productivity 2.0 framework. India stressed regional cooperation for digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. More than 100 Indian professionals take part in APO programs annually through the National Productivity Council (NPC) under DPIIT. India is implementing projects focused on Green Productivity and Industry 4.0 for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The APO, based in Tokyo, was founded in 1961 and currently includes 21 member economies.

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A cholera outbreak has killed many people in war-affected Sudan, raising urgent health concerns. Cholera is a dangerous diarrheal disease caused by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It spreads rapidly in areas with poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and weak healthcare systems. The disease causes sudden, severe watery diarrhea and can lead to death within hours if not treated quickly. According to the 2024 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, cholera deaths are rising due to climate change and poor sanitation. Most cases can be treated with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), but quick access is critical. Preventing such outbreaks requires clean water, proper hygiene, and better sanitation.

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India and the United States are deepening ties through the Technology for Resilient, Open and Unified Security and Trust (TRUST) framework. The TRUST framework replaces the earlier U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). It promotes secure, open, and reliable digital cooperation, with a focus on trusted technology supply chains. TRUST aims to boost India’s role as a regional digital hub and net security provider in the Indo-Pacific.

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Lee Jae-myung was sworn in as the 14th President of South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, in Seoul on June 4, 2025. He won the Presidential by-election held on June 3, 2025, after the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, defeated Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party. He secured 51.7% of the vote, while Kim got 39.3%.

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India has won the presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the period 2025-2028 by defeating Austria. India secured 87 out of 141 votes, showing strong global support for its leadership in public administration. India is a member of IIAS through the Department of Administrative Reforms under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. IIAS is a global federation with 31 Member Countries, 20 National Sections, and 15 Academic Research Centres focused on public administration research.