International Current Affairs MCQs

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Bangladesh became the first country in South Asia to join the United Nations (UN) Water Convention. The UN Water Convention is officially called the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. It was adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and came into force in 1996. Initially designed for the pan-European region, it became open to all UN Member States after March 2016. It is a legally binding treaty promoting sustainable management of shared water resources. It helps prevent conflicts, promote peace, and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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In November 2025, Canada lost its measles elimination status due to ongoing outbreaks, as reported by international health experts. The country recorded 5,138 measles cases and two deaths in 2025; both fatalities were premature babies exposed in the womb. Measles elimination status is symbolic, showing a country has stopped continuous local transmission, though imported cases can still occur. Measles is highly contagious, causing high fever and rash, with serious complications like blindness and brain swelling, especially in young children and adults over 30. The disease is preventable through routine vaccination, but falling childhood immunisation rates contributed to the resurgence

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The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) launched the UN-endorsed “Integrity Matters Checklist” to help companies align their climate disclosures with UN standards for credible net-zero commitments. It was developed by GRI in partnership with the United Nations, based on the UN High-Level Expert Group (HLEG) recommendations on Net Zero Commitments. The checklist ensures transparent, science-based, and verifiable climate actions aligned with the Paris Agreement and 2030 Agenda goals. It integrates with GRI 102: Climate Change 2025 Standard, promoting consistency in sustainability reporting. It urges companies to phase out fossil fuels, adopt just transition pathways, and strengthen climate accountability globally.

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Oman Airports has become the world’s first airport operator to deploy Wi-Fi 7 across all its airports. The upgrade was implemented in partnership with Huawei, marking a major leap in airport digital infrastructure. Wi-Fi 7 provides much faster speeds, stronger security, and highly reliable connectivity even during peak traffic. The initiative enhances passenger comfort by enabling smooth streaming, quick downloads, and seamless online services from check-in to boarding. It also boosts operational efficiency with faster, secure systems supporting airport staff and operations. This deployment aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on smart infrastructure, global-standard services, and advanced technology adoption.

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The United States has officially designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) after the meeting between Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) is a special strategic status that gives defence partners military, financial and technological benefits but does not provide NATO-style security guarantees. The MNNA category was created under U.S. law in the 1980s to expand America’s alliance network beyond NATO countries. The main aim of MNNA status is to boost defence cooperation, access to advanced weapons, joint military training and security coordination. The move strengthens U.S. strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, especially given the region’s geopolitical importance.

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Tata Power Company Ltd signed agreements with Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC) for the 1,125 Megawatt (MW) Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project in Bhutan. It is a run-of-river project located in Lhuentse and Mongar districts of Bhutan on the Kurichhu River, a tributary of the Drangmechhu flowing into India. It will be Bhutan’s 2nd-largest hydropower project and the largest Public–Private Partnership (PPP) hydro project in the country. The World Bank is financing the project, and it will be developed jointly under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

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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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Ukraine became the first European country to activate Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite service in partnership with Kyivstar and Veon, starting with SMS services and expanding to voice and data in 2026. Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest mobile operator serving 22.5 million users, ensures communication during power outages and wartime disruptions. The Direct-to-Cell technology allows standard 4G smartphones to connect directly to low-Earth orbit satellites without ground towers.

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Riyadh Metro has been certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest fully driverless metro network. The total network length is 176 kilometres (109 miles) with six lines and 85 stations. The record achievement date is 30 January 2025, with official recognition announced in November 2025. It operates under the Grade of Automation 4 (fully driverless) system with central control rooms. The project is part of the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport led by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. This marks Riyadh’s rise as a global leader in smart and high-tech urban transport.

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Rage bait was named the Word of the Year 2025 by Oxford University Press (OUP). Its online usage rose three times, showing changes in how people seek attention and engagement. It means online content made to provoke anger or outrage to increase views and traffic. The term first appeared in 2002 on Usenet with a different meaning linked to road rage. It later became popular in social media and digital journalism. It beat shortlisted words like aura farming and biohack. Rage bait boosts clicks and reactions, especially in politics and viral trends. Its advanced form is called rage farming, where anger is used repeatedly to drive engagement, often using misinformation.