International Current Affairs MCQs

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The Kokrajhar–Gelephu rail line between India and Bhutan has been declared a Special Railway Project (SRP) by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). It is the first-ever railway connectivity for Bhutan, giving the project huge strategic importance. The 69 km line will connect Kokrajhar in Assam (India) with Gelephu in Bhutan. Another link, the 16 km Banarhat–Samtse line, will connect West Bengal with Bhutan. The project supports India’s Act East Policy and strengthens bilateral ties with Bhutan.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev at World Food India 2025. They discussed creating a BRICS Grain Exchange to boost agricultural trade among BRICS member countries. The exchange aims to strengthen trade ties among BRICS member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It will facilitate smoother agricultural trade flows, enable price discovery, and reduce dependence on Western-dominated commodity markets. The platform will enhance food security by ensuring stable supplies of wheat, rice, and other staples. It will promote trade diversification and reduce reliance on Chicago and London commodity benchmarks.

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In October 2025, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina appointed General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new Prime Minister (PM). He succeeded Christian Ntsay, who had served as PM since 2018. The appointment followed rising protests over power outages and water shortages. This marks a leadership shift, with a military officer replacing a civilian politician. Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo began military education at Antsirabe Military Academy, Madagascar in 1991. He served under High Transitional Authority (HAT) after the 2009 crisis. Madagascar’s capital is Antananarivo and currency is Malagasy Ariary (MGA).

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Fiji launched its first-ever National Child Safeguarding Policy in October 2025. The policy sets a national benchmark for child safety across all sectors. It ensures all child-related services are delivered safely, respectfully, and in a child-friendly manner. It introduces a mandatory Child Protection Code of Conduct for all institutions and organisations. It requires child-safe recruitment and vetting processes, including criminal background checks. It includes risk mitigation strategies tailored to protect children from harm. It strengthens child safety, accountability, and institutional responsibility in Fiji.

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Border clashes recently erupted between Pakistan and Afghanistan along the Durand Line. The Durand Line is the 2,640-kilometer international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It was established in 1893 through an agreement between Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, Foreign Secretary of British India, and Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, Emir of Afghanistan. The border has been disputed historically, contributing to tensions and periodic clashes. The recent clashes highlight the ongoing security and diplomatic challenges in the region. The Durand Line remains a key geopolitical flashpoint affecting Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a 10 million US dollars contribution to strengthen community resilience against natural disasters across Asia and the Pacific. The initiative was launched through the UAE Aid Agency during the 2025 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. It will support Emirates Nature–World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) under the Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme, developed with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The programme focuses on restoring mangroves and coral reefs, promoting eco-livelihoods, and strengthening disaster preparedness in Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, and Solomon Islands.

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India and the United Kingdom (UK) launched the Ramanujan Junior Researchers Programme to foster collaboration between young scientists. The programme was named after Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. It honors his 1913 collaboration with British mathematician G.H. Hardy. The programme is supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and announced after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India. Young Indian physicists and mathematicians can conduct joint research at the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences (LIMS). LIMS, at the Royal Institution, London, is renowned for full-time theoretical research and associations with Nobel Prizes and major discoveries. The initiative emphasizes international scientific dialogue and exchange of talent between India and the UK

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared 2026 as the “Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation” during the 22nd ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The decision highlights growing collaboration in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy. The summit’s theme was “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, aligning with India’s focus on digital inclusion, food security, and resilient supply chains. ASEAN remains the main pillar of India’s Act East Policy, advancing shared goals under ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

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China has started pre-service trials for its new high-speed train CR450, announced on October 21, 2025. The CR450 is hailed as the world’s fastest bullet train. During trials on the Shanghai–Chongqing–Chengdu high-speed railway line, it reached a top speed of 281 miles per hour (450 km/h). The CR450 marks a major step in China’s next-generation high-speed rail technology. It aims to improve travel efficiency and connectivity across major Chinese cities. Once operational, it will surpass the speed record of China’s current CR400 series trains.

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Recently, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung awarded U.S. President Donald Trump the “Grand Order of Mugunghwa,” South Korea’s highest national honour. The award recognises Trump’s role as a peacemaker on the Korean Peninsula. The ceremony was held in Gyeongju during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. Trump received a replica of the golden “Cheonmachong” crown, symbolising peace and unity from the Silla dynasty. He became the first U.S. president to receive this honour, acknowledging his diplomatic outreach to North Korea.