International Current Affairs MCQs

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US President Donald Trump has banned the creation and issuance of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in the United States. Agencies are prohibited from promoting or issuing CBDCs without legal approval. The executive order defines CBDC as a digital currency directly backed by the central bank. Concerns cited include risks to privacy, sovereignty, and financial stability. The order promotes a private-sector-led digital asset ecosystem, focusing on dollar-backed stablecoins as alternatives. CBDCs differ from cryptocurrencies as their value is fixed by the central bank, with several countries adopting them for centralized digital currency control.

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Serbia’s Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned after massive anti-corruption protests over a deadly canopy collapse in Novi Sad. The collapse in November killed 15 people and sparked public outrage against President Aleksandar Vucic’s rule. Vucevic said his resignation aims to ease tensions and restore dialogue in the country. Novi Sad Mayor Milan Djuric also resigned. The resignation may lead to early parliamentary elections.

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Switzerland will end development aid for Bangladesh, Albania, and Zambia due to budget cuts in foreign aid. The Swiss parliament reduced its 2025 foreign aid budget by 110 million Swiss Francs, and another 321 million Swiss Francs for 2026-2028. These cuts will impact both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. However, Switzerland will still fund humanitarian efforts. This decision is part of Switzerland’s financial adjustments and shift in international aid priorities.

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Panama has formally withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) under US pressure. The Panamanian Embassy in Beijing gave a 90-day notice of its decision. President Jose Raul Mulino rejected US claims about the Panama Canal, calling them “intolerable.” The US alleged Panama agreed to free passage for US government vessels, but the Panama Canal Authority denied any tariff changes. Trump and US officials raised concerns over Chinese investments in the canal. Panama is the first Latin American country to exit the BRI, which operates in over 100 countries.

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A US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed at Amritsar airport on 5th February 2025. The deportees spent between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 1 crore on expenses and agent fees to reach the US. They traveled through the “dunki route,” an illegal and dangerous immigration path. “Dunki” or “donkey journey” refers to long, risky routes taken due to a lack of legal permits or financial resources. American authorities deported individuals who used this illegal route to enter the US.

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US President Trump has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”. He designated February 9 as “Gulf of America Day” through an executive order, requiring the Secretary of the Interior to formalize the change within 30 days.

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The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) ballot opens next week. The scheme was created through the India-U.K. Migration and Mobility MoU signed in May 2021. It was launched in February 2023. It allows Indian citizens aged 18-30 to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Applicants must be selected in the ballot before applying for a visa. They can study, be self-employed, and set up a business with certain restrictions. The visa must be used within six months of issuance.

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The UN launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative in 2022 to protect people from hazardous weather, water, and climate events through early warning systems by 2027. The initiative aims to safeguard vulnerable populations as climate-related disasters become more frequent and intense. In 2023, early warning systems received record-high funding, but its distribution remains uneven. 54% of national EWS investments are concentrated in five countries—China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) face significant funding gaps. The Global Observatory for Early Warning System Investments was launched in December 2024 by the WMO and UNDRR to track and optimize investments. As of February 12, 2025, the observatory tracks 329 projects across 127 countries, funded by institutions like the World Bank and Green Climate Fund.

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UNESCO launched the “Imagine a world with more women in science” campaign. The campaign marks the 10th anniversary of International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11). It promotes diverse perspectives in science using #EveryVoiceInScience. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared February 11 as International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015. Globally, women make up only one-third of scientists and hold just 1 in 10 Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) leadership roles. In India, 43% of STEM enrolments are women, but only 18.6% are scientists, and 25% lead R&D projects.

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India and the U.S. launched the TRUST (Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative to boost cooperation in critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements. Announced during PM Modi’s visit to Washington, it aims to strengthen supply chains for essential materials. The initiative focuses on critical minerals, advanced materials, and pharmaceuticals. It aims to reduce barriers to technology transfer by streamlining regulations. It seeks to address export controls for smoother trade in strategic resources. It also promotes high-tech commerce, enhancing collaboration in advanced sectors.