International Current Affairs MCQs

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Sweden has become the world’s first cashless country, replacing physical money with digital payments through phones and cards. Travellers can easily pay anywhere — from shops to northern lights tours — using digital transactions. The transformation began with the launch of Swish, a mobile payment app introduced in 2012. Swish enables real-time money transfers between individuals, businesses, and organizations using just a phone number. Its fast adoption made digital payments common across shops, cafés, museums, and even churches. This shift marks a major milestone in Sweden’s journey toward a fully digital and cash-free economy.

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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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Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and India’s Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu jointly inaugurated the Hanimaadhoo International Airport on November 10, 2025, a project completed with India’s financial assistance. President Muizzu hailed the airport as a “gateway to prosperity” and a “symbol of economic transformation” for the northern Maldives, boosting tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and regional development. The project symbolizes 60 years of India–Maldives diplomatic ties, and aligns with India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “MAHASAGAR” visions for regional cooperation.

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the ‘Walk to Mars’ campaign ahead of the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. The nationwide initiative encourages people to collectively cover 54 million kilometres, symbolising the UAE’s 54th year. It coincides with the 100-day countdown to the Games, the region’s largest multi-sport event. Participants can walk, run, cycle, or swim, promoting daily movement, health, and fitness under the theme “Every Step Makes a Difference.”

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United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, a major military campaign in the Caribbean and South America. The operation targets “narco-terrorists” and is led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Its objectives are to defend the US homeland, remove narco-terrorists from the region, and disrupt drug trafficking networks supplying cocaine to the US.

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Seychelles has become the sixth member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). The decision was made at the 7th National Security Adviser-level meeting in New Delhi. India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval hosted the meeting. Seychelles previously participated as an observer state; Malaysia attended as a guest. The move strengthens CSC’s role in ensuring Indian Ocean Region stability. Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) is a regional security grouping. Current members are India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles

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Oman is making history with the launch of its first-ever communications satellite OmanSat-1, marking a major leap in national digital sovereignty and space capability. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) signed an agreement with Airbus Defence and Space to design, manufacture and launch the satellite. OmanSat-1 is built on Airbus’ OneSat platform with full digital flexibility to reconfigure while in orbit and will operate in the high-capacity Ka frequency band covering Oman, Middle East, East Africa and Asia. The mission aims for a fully Omani-operated satellite ecosystem to deliver secure high-speed communications and boost technological expertise and the national space economy.

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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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India has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for 2026–27. The 34th session of the IMO Assembly was held in London, where the elections took place. India received the highest vote tally in the category of ten countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade. It secured 154 out of 169 valid votes cast during the election.