International Current Affairs MCQs

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Britain, Canada, and Australia formally recognized Palestinian statehood on 22 September 2025, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York. Portugal also confirmed recognition, while France pledged to vote for Palestinian state recognition at the UN this week. The move increases diplomatic pressure on Israel and isolates Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu internationally. Recognition is largely symbolic, supporting Palestinian self-determination but not immediately affecting Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Tens of thousands have died in Gaza, and humanitarian conditions remain dire. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized sustaining hope for a two-state solution despite challenges.

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India was elected as a member of the Interpol Asian Committee during the 25th Asian Regional Conference in Singapore. The election followed a multi-stage voting process and aims to strengthen regional cooperation on organised crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism, and drug trafficking. The committee meets annually to discuss regional security issues and guide coordinated actions among member countries. India was represented by a delegation from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the national central bureau for Interpol matters. The committee advises the Asian Regional Conference, identifies regional strategic priorities, and facilitates police cooperation.

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India deepened engagement with Central American Integration System (SICA) countries at the India-SICA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York. Key collaboration areas include trade, digital payments, agriculture, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and information technology (IT). Central American Integration System (SICA) is the institutional framework for regional integration in Central America. It was established in 1991 through the Tegucigalpa Protocol by amending the Charter of the Organization of Central American States (ODECA) of 1962.

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On October 8, 2025, Russia’s lower house of parliament approved withdrawing from the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) with the United States. The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) is a pact between the United States and Russia signed in 2000. It came into force in 2011 to reduce weapons-grade plutonium from dismantled Cold War nuclear warheads. Both countries had large plutonium stockpiles that were expensive to store and posed a nuclear proliferation risk. The PMDA required each country to dispose of 34 tonnes of plutonium. The plan involved converting it into Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel or using it in fast-neutron reactors for electricity.

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In October 2025, China inaugurated the world’s first solar thermal power station in the Gobi Desert, Gansu Province. The plant is built by China Three Gorges Corporation and uses two 200-meter-high towers feeding a single turbine system. 27,000 mirrors concentrate sunlight, storing heat up to 570°C for electricity generation after sunset or cloudy weather. The dual-tower setup is 25% more efficient than single-tower designs and reduces mirror requirements, saving costs. It complements solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind farms, addressing intermittency in solar/wind energy.

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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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California has officially recognised Diwali as a state holiday. It is the third state in the USA after Pennsylvania and Connecticut to declare Diwali as a state holiday. The Governor of California signed the bill introduced by Assembly member Ash Kalra. The law grants paid time off to state employees and allows schools to observe the festival. Community leaders called the recognition a milestone honouring Indian Americans’ contributions to the state’s economy, government, and society. The move reflects growing cultural inclusivity and recognition of diverse communities in the United States.

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Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in Indonesia recently erupted, spewing volcanic ash up to 10 km high, leading authorities to raise the alert to its highest level. It is an active stratovolcano and part of the twin-peaked Lewotobi volcanic complex, along with Lewotobi Perempuan, meaning “female” in Indonesian, while “Laki-laki” means “male.” The volcano is located on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, about 30 km southeast of Maumere city, Indonesia. It lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone known for frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

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United States President Donald Trump recently criticized the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for considering a carbon emissions price on global shipping, calling it a “Global Green New Scam Tax.” The IMO is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency responsible for shipping safety, security, and prevention of marine pollution. It has 176 Member States and 3 Associate Members, headquartered in London. IMO sets global standards for shipping safety, security, and environmental performance, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14. Its Assembly and Council govern the organization, while five major committees, including the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), develop policies and regulations.