International Current Affairs MCQs

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The United States has recently decided to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The US cited reasons like alleged anti-Israel bias, UNESCO’s values being “out-of-step” with the “America First” foreign policy, and need for internal reforms. The withdrawal affects UNESCO’s budget, as the US is one of its major funders, putting education, culture, and heritage programs at risk. UNESCO was founded in 1945 to promote peace through global cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.

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The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) recently adopted Resolution 2788 to strengthen peaceful ways of resolving international disputes. The resolution was adopted unanimously by all 15 UNSC members, showing global consensus. It urges all UN member states to use tools listed in Article 33 of the UN Charter, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, judicial settlement, and regional arrangements. Resolution 2788 reaffirms the UNSC’s role in recommending proper methods for peaceful dispute resolution. It calls on countries to take strong steps to implement UNSC resolutions supporting peaceful settlements.

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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.

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Infrastructure work on Bhutan’s 1125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project began recently. This marks deeper India-Bhutan economic diplomacy with private sector involvement. Tata Power Company Limited from India is partnering with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) in a joint venture. Dorjilung is a run-of-river project located in Lhuentse and Mongar districts of Bhutan on the Kurichhu River. It houses six Francis turbines to produce 4.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually.

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Recently, China faced Typhoon Co-May and tsunami threats from an 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. Typhoon Co-May, locally called Zhu Jie Cao, hit Shanghai with strong winds of 83 km/h and heavy rain. Nearly 2.83 lakh people were evacuated from Shanghai and nearby areas. A level-one emergency response was issued for flood and typhoon control.

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China and Russia began joint naval drills called “Joint Sea-2025” on August 3, 2025, in the Sea of Japan. The exercises aim to strengthen their strategic partnership and counter the United States-led global order. The drills are being held near the Russian port of Vladivostok. Operations include submarine rescue, anti-submarine, air defence, anti-missile, and maritime combat exercises. Four Chinese warships, including guided-missile destroyers Shaoxing and Urumqi, are participating with Russian ships.

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Slovenia became the first European Union (EU) country to ban all weapons trade with Israel. The arms embargo was announced by Prime Minister Robert Golob after a cabinet meeting. The decision was taken due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Slovenia acted independently as the EU failed to agree on a joint position due to internal divisions. No military export permits to Israel have been issued by Slovenia since October 2023.

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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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Malaysia has launched Ryt Bank, the world’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered bank. It is led by YTL Group in partnership with Sea Limited. Ryt Bank combines AI innovation with Malaysia’s values, languages, and lifestyles to shape the nation’s digital future. The bank offers in-app access in Bahasa Malaysia and English, with Mandarin to be added by September 2025. This multilingual approach ensures inclusivity and cultural connection in banking. Ryt AI works as an intelligent assistant, handling bill payments, spending tracking, and financial guidance

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India has joined the Health AI Global Regulatory Network (GRN) to strengthen oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the move to share safety protocols and monitor AI performance in clinical settings. ICMR – National Institute for Research in Digital Health and Data Science (NIRDHDS) and IndiaAI will collaborate with HealthAI for global cooperation. GRN members include UK and Singapore. This supports India’s National AI Strategy for public services, startups, and job creation. The initiative promotes responsible AI, data privacy, patient safety, and equitable access to healthcare.