International Current Affairs MCQs

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United States lawmakers passed the first major national cryptocurrency law, called the Genius Act, in July 2025. The bill focuses on regulating stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency backed by assets like the US dollar. It requires stablecoins to be backed 1-to-1 by US dollars or low-risk assets. The crypto industry welcomed the bill as a way to boost mainstream acceptance and clarify rules.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently launched the global initiative ‘Global Specs 2030’ to ensure affordable eye care access for all by the year 2030. The initiative focuses on five key action areas: Services, Personnel, Education, Cost, and Surveillance. Services aim to improve access to refractive eye care. Personnel focuses on training and building the capacity of eye care workers. Education promotes public awareness about eye health. Cost targets reducing prices of eyeglasses and services. Surveillance strengthens data collection and eye care research. The Global SPECS Network supports collective advocacy, experience sharing, and professional collaboration.

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India recently launched a joint initiative with the UN World Food Programme (UN WFP) to improve rice fortification and supply chain management in Nepal. The UN WFP is the food assistance branch of the United Nations, founded in 1961. It is the world’s largest humanitarian agency focused on eradicating hunger and improving food security. WFP’s work aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger by 2030. India has been a WFP member since 1963. World Food Programme (WFP) is headquartered in Rome, Italy.

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Moldova became the 107th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a global initiative launched in 2015 by India and France during COP21 in Paris. Moldova handed over the Instrument of Ratification in New Delhi. It aims to unlock solar investments by 2030 and lower technology and finance costs. It promotes solar energy use in agriculture, health, transport, and power sectors.

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India will be the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the 38th Bogota International Book Fair (FILBo) 2026. This will strengthen people-to-people connections between India and Colombia. Indian Ambassador to Colombia Vanlalhuma highlighted the role of literary exchange in building deeper ties. Since 1988, the Colombian Book Chamber and Corferias have organised FILBo as a major Spanish-speaking cultural event. The announcement was attended by Colombia’s Cultural Minister, FILBo Director, Corferias President, and Book Chamber President. Recently, at the 37th FILBo 2025 (April 25–May 11), India’s National Book Trust showcased a collective exhibit of Indian books for the first time.

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South Korea and the United States will conduct major joint military drills called Ulchi Freedom Shield. It is an annual exercise to strengthen readiness and cooperation to defend the Korean Peninsula and the wider region. The drills originated in the 1960s as the Taeguk Exercise and evolved through Ulchi-Focus Lens before being renamed Ulchi-Freedom Guardian in 2008. This year’s drill will test upgraded responses to increased North Korean nuclear threats. It will also showcase advanced technologies used in modern warfare.

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Dubai has launched the “One Freezone Passport”, a single license system for operating across all free zones. It was announced by the Dubai Free Zones Council to remove the need for multiple permits. The system reduces costs and simplifies operations for investors and entrepreneurs. The reform supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to double GDP by 2033. It attracts foreign direct investment and strengthens sectors like logistics, technology, and manufacturing.

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India announced 1,000 e-scholarships for Afghan nationals for the academic year 2025-26. The initiative is part of the Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals (SSSAN) through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Students can pursue online undergraduate and postgraduate courses through the e-VidyaBharati (e-VB) i-learn portal. The scheme continues India’s commitment to Afghan students after similar grants in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Afghan nationals aged 18 to 35 years are eligible to apply.

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Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia unveiled the UPI–UPU Integration project at the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai. The initiative integrates India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Interconnection Platform. It is developed jointly by the Department of Posts, NPCI International Payments Limited, and UPU, it aims to transform cross-border remittances and expand financial inclusion. The project allows instant, secure, and low-cost money transfers for families across borders. India will contribute USD 10 million for innovation, e-commerce, digital payments, training, and capacity building. India aims for the UPU Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council membership.

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Union Education Minister inaugurated India’s first overseas Atal Innovation Centre at IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus during a two-day UAE visit on September 10-11. The visit aims to deepen India-UAE cooperation in education, innovation, and academic excellence. Two academic programs were launched: Ph.D. in Energy and Sustainability and B.Tech in Chemical Engineering. The initiative is under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), India’s flagship program for innovation and entrepreneurship. The centre will promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and strengthen the Indian diaspora’s access to quality education in the UAE.