International Current Affairs MCQs

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the ‘Walk to Mars’ campaign ahead of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. The nationwide initiative encourages people to collectively cover 54 million kilometres, symbolising the UAE’s 54th year. It coincides with the 100-day countdown to the Games, the region’s largest multi-sport event. Participants can walk, run, cycle, or swim, promoting daily movement, health, and fitness under the theme “Every Step Makes a Difference.”

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United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, a major military campaign in the Caribbean and South America. The operation targets “narco-terrorists” and is led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Its objectives are to defend the US homeland, remove narco-terrorists from the region, and disrupt drug trafficking networks supplying cocaine to the US.

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Oman is making history with the launch of its first-ever communications satellite OmanSat-1, marking a major leap in national digital sovereignty and space capability. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) signed an agreement with Airbus Defence and Space to design, manufacture and launch the satellite. OmanSat-1 is built on Airbus’ OneSat platform with full digital flexibility to reconfigure while in orbit and will operate in the high-capacity Ka frequency band covering Oman, Middle East, East Africa and Asia. The mission aims for a fully Omani-operated satellite ecosystem to deliver secure high-speed communications and boost technological expertise and the national space economy.

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India, Australia and Canada launched a new trilateral technology and innovation framework called the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership. The agreement was made on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The partnership focuses on enhancing cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, complementing existing bilateral initiatives. It emphasises green energy innovation and resilient supply chains, especially in critical minerals. ACITI aims to support net-zero emission goals, secure and diversify global supply chains, and build a sustainable and resilient tech ecosystem. The three countries will explore fast development and mass adoption of artificial intelligence for public benefit.

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India has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for 2026–27. The 34th session of the IMO Assembly was held in London, where the elections took place. India received the highest vote tally in the category of ten countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade. It secured 154 out of 169 valid votes cast during the election.

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The Government of India recently showcased the country’s pioneering achievements in rural transformation and development leadership at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – India Day event held in Rome, Italy. The event highlighted India’s successful policies, programmes, and innovations aimed at eradicating rural poverty, strengthening livelihoods, and transforming rural economies. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialised agency of the United Nations. Its primary objective is to eradicate poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries by empowering rural communities.

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Chile has elected Jose Antonio Kast as its new president, representing a major shift toward right-wing leadership—the most pronounced since the country’s return to democracy. Kast, leader of the Republican Party, won the runoff election against leftist rival Jeannette Jara, following a polarising campaign focused on crime, migration, and economic stagnation. Since 2010, Chile has alternated between left and right governments; this election follows that pattern but marks a stronger right-wing tilt.

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United States (US) and Jordan launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria after an ISIS attack in Palmyra killed two US soldiers and injured others. The operation involved overnight airstrikes on more than 70 ISIS targets using precision-guided weapons. The objective was to weaken ISIS fighters, weapons stockpiles, and infrastructure, disrupting future attacks. It aimed to send a strong deterrent message to terror groups and reaffirm the US policy of security through strength. The joint mission also highlighted US–Jordan military cooperation and commitment to regional counter-terrorism efforts.

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General Mamady Doumbouya has been elected president of Guinea with 86.72% of the vote in provisional results. He seized power in a 2021 coup, ousting President Alpha Conde. His victory grants him a seven-year mandate and avoids a runoff. The election follows a constitutional change allowing junta members to run. Guinea is rich in bauxite and untapped iron ore, and Doumbouya has promoted resource-nationalist policies.

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The United Nations has declared 2026 as the ‘International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists’. Rangelands cover around half of the Earth’s land surface, including grasslands, savannas, shrublands, deserts, wetlands, and mountain areas. Key examples of rangelands are the steppes of Central Asia, African savanna, Alps and Pyrenees in Europe, Andes in South America, and the Great Plains of the United States. Rangelands preserve unique flora and fauna and provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon storage and water regulation. Pastoralists raise animals, contribute to food security, and carry diverse cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge.