International Current Affairs MCQs

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China has recently launched the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) as a new global body to resolve disputes. It aims to offer an alternative to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration by focusing only on mediation. It is the world’s first intergovernmental legal organisation dedicated solely to international dispute resolution through mediation. It will be headquartered in Hong Kong.

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In May 2025, Japan passed a new law called the Act on the Promotion of Research, Development and Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence-Related Technologies. This law aims to make Artificial Intelligence (AI) the core of Japan’s digital leadership and economic growth. Unlike strict global rules, Japan’s approach encourages coordination and voluntary responsibility instead of heavy regulation. This is different from the European Union’s AI Act passed in 2024. The EU law divides AI into risk levels like “Unacceptable” and “Minimal” and places strict rules on high-risk uses. Japan’s flexible model reflects a major shift in global AI policy thinking.

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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.

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The World Bank has approved $250 million for the Inga 3 hydropower project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite global civil society concerns. The Inga 3 hydropower project is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Inga 3 is part of a larger Inga hydropower series on the Congo River at Inga Falls, known for high energy potential. Inga 1 began in 1972 and Inga 2 in 1982, while Inga 3 and Grand Inga are future expansions. The Inga 3 project is planned as a run-of-the-river system with minimal reservoir impact.

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Recently, Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia were elected as non-permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council. Their two-year terms will start in January 2026 and last until the end of 2027. They will join existing non-permanent members Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia, serving through 2026. These new members will replace Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia, whose terms end in December 2025. The Security Council has 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has officially declared the year 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This resolution was proposed by the United States of America and was adopted by all member countries through consensus. The main aim is to recognize and highlight the vital role women farmers play in ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and fighting poverty. It also focuses on promoting gender equality and empowering women in the agriculture sector.

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India has recently expressed deep reservations over the European Union (EU)’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). CBAM is a policy tool by the European Union (EU) to put a fair price on carbon emissions linked to imported carbon-intensive goods like steel, aluminium, and cement. It aims to push industries in non-EU countries to adopt cleaner production methods. CBAM is part of the EU’s “Fit for 55” strategy, which targets a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Its transitional phase runs from 2023 to 2025, and full enforcement will begin in 2026.

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Vietnam has officially joined BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) as a partner country. This makes Vietnam the 10th nation in the BRICS partner category. The partner country category was introduced during the 2024 BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia. Other BRICS partner countries include Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

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On June 23, 2025, Iran launched Operation Bashayer Al-Fath, meaning Annunciation of Victory, targeting the United States’ Al-Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar. This was a response to Operation Midnight Hammer, where the United States attacked three Iranian nuclear sites using GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the missile attack, calling it a response to U.S. aggression and violation of international law. Iran declared it will never compromise on its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national security.

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Recently, the QUAD nations launched their first-ever At Sea Observer Mission to strengthen maritime cooperation. QUAD includes the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. The mission aims to boost maritime security and teamwork in the Indo-Pacific under the Wilmington Declaration. Two officers, including women, from each country have joined the United States Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, now heading to Guam.