International Current Affairs MCQs

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India recently launched a joint initiative with the UN World Food Programme (UN WFP) to improve rice fortification and supply chain management in Nepal. The UN WFP is the food assistance branch of the United Nations, founded in 1961. It is the world’s largest humanitarian agency focused on eradicating hunger and improving food security. WFP’s work aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger by 2030. India has been a WFP member since 1963. World Food Programme (WFP) is headquartered in Rome, Italy.

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South Korea and the United States will conduct major joint military drills called Ulchi Freedom Shield. It is an annual exercise to strengthen readiness and cooperation to defend the Korean Peninsula and the wider region. The drills originated in the 1960s as the Taeguk Exercise and evolved through Ulchi-Focus Lens before being renamed Ulchi-Freedom Guardian in 2008. This year’s drill will test upgraded responses to increased North Korean nuclear threats. It will also showcase advanced technologies used in modern warfare.

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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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The Government of Nepal has decided to ban all unregistered social media sites in the country. Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the decision. Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is instructed to disable unregistered social media platforms. On August 28, 2025, MoCIT issued a 7-day ultimatum for domestic and international platforms to register, requiring a local office and contact person under the Directive for Regulation of Social Media Use, 2080. 26 sites, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, YouTube, Viber, Botim, will be banned.

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Brazil has become the first country to invest in the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), a multilateral fund for global tropical forest conservation. The fund aims to attract contributions from both wealthy and developing countries to support climate policy. TFFF is envisioned as a $125 billion fund combining sovereign and private-sector contributions, paying countries based on preserved tropical forests.

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India has signed a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean. Polymetallic sulphides form around hydrothermal vents and contain copper, zinc, gold, and silver essential for clean energy and high-tech applications. India becomes the first country to hold two International Seabed Authority (ISA) contracts for polymetallic sulphides. The earlier agreement covered the Central and Southwest Indian Ridges. India now holds the largest ISA-allotted exploration area for deep-sea minerals. It is also seeking exploration licences in the Pacific Ocean.

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The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the second edition of the Brazil–India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech (Maitri 2.0) in New Delhi. The programme aims to foster innovation-driven growth and strengthen collaboration between Indian and Brazilian agritech ecosystems. It builds on the 77-year-long agricultural partnership between India and Brazil and aligns with cooperation under BRICS and the G20. ICAR has grown from 74 patents in 1996 to 1,800+ annually, with 5,000 licensing agreements supporting innovations. Maitri 2.0 is a two-way learning platform for co-creation, digital technologies, value-chain development, and sustainable farming.

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Super Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest tropical cyclone of 2025, hit southern China. Ragasa, called the “King of Storms” by China’s meteorological agency, may bring waves up to seven metres and severe coastal flooding. Authorities issued urgent warnings, advising residents to stay indoors unless part of emergency response teams. Ragasa previously hit Taiwan, injuring six and cancelling 100+ flights, and the Philippines, causing one death and 10,000+ displacements. Experts warn climate change may intensify such storms in the future.

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China has launched a new visa category called the “K Visa” to attract foreign science and technology talent. It was created by revising the Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners. The K Visa will come into effect from October 1, 2025. It is aimed at foreign youth and professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Eligible applicants include graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher from reputed universities or research institutions and STEM researchers or teachers. It allows multiple entries, longer validity, wider activities like education, entrepreneurship, and no need for local sponsorship.