International Current Affairs MCQs

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Scientists, policymakers, and activists from India have raised concerns about proposed amendments to Annex I of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The treaty was adopted on 3 November 2001 by the Thirty-First Session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. It recognises farmers’ contributions to global crop diversity. It sets up a worldwide system giving farmers, plant breeders, and scientists access to plant genetic materials. It ensures benefit-sharing from the use of these materials.

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Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) is expected to be operational by 2027 as recently announced by the Union Minister. It is a joint initiative by India and Myanmar to boost cargo transport between Eastern Ports of India and India’s North-Eastern Region (NER) via Myanmar. The project provides a multi-modal transportation system using both waterways and roadways. The framework agreement for Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project was signed in 2008.

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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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Australia and the United Kingdom recently signed the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Treaty, known as the Geelong Treaty, in Geelong, Australia. The treaty strengthens their commitment to AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) under Pillar I, focused on nuclear-powered submarines. It ensures 50 years of bilateral defense cooperation between Australia and the UK. The treaty covers the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and disposal of SSN-AUKUS submarines. This development comes as the United States reviews its role in AUKUS to align with its America First agenda.

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Recently, China faced Typhoon Co-May and tsunami threats from an 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. Typhoon Co-May, locally called Zhu Jie Cao, hit Shanghai with strong winds of 83 km/h and heavy rain. Nearly 2.83 lakh people were evacuated from Shanghai and nearby areas. A level-one emergency response was issued for flood and typhoon control.

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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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The European Union (EU) has offered concessions to United States manufacturers on climate-related trade rules, including the carbon tax and deforestation regulations. Ahead of the next India-EU trade talks in Brussels, Indian negotiators plan to seek similar relief for Indian exporters. A senior government official highlighted that Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and other climate-related rules remain the most challenging issues in the India-EU trade deal. CBAM is an European Union (EU) tariff on carbon-intensive imports to prevent carbon leakage. It aims to put a fair price on carbon emissions from imported goods and promote cleaner production globally.

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The 1020 Megawatt (MW) Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan has been fully completed with the final Unit 6 (170 MW) synchronized to the power grid. It is a 1 Gigawatt (GW) run-of-the-river hydro project located in Wangdue Phodrang district, Bhutan, on the right bank of the Punatsangchhu River. The project was developed by Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Authority under an Inter-Government Agreement (IGA) between Bhutan and India. It was funded by the Government of India with 30% grant and 70% loan at 10% annual interest, repayable in 30 semi-annual installments.

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The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has created two new mechanisms to strengthen global cooperation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance. The initiatives include the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. The Global Dialogue on AI Governance will serve as an inclusive platform for States and stakeholders to discuss critical AI issues affecting humanity. The Scientific Panel on AI will provide rigorous, independent scientific assessments bridging cutting-edge AI research and policymaking. The initiatives aim to harness AI benefits while mitigating risks, ensuring AI serves the common good of humanity.

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Australia developed the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, a 38-foot-long unmanned military drone, as a “robot wingman” for fighter jets. It operates autonomously alongside manned fighter jets to enhance capabilities and reduce pilot risks. Australia has invested about $650 million in partnership with Boeing to develop and produce the drones domestically, the first aircraft designed in Australia in over 50 years. About 70% of components are made in Australia; production includes new factories in Toowoomba, Queensland State. The program aims to strengthen sovereign defense capabilities and reduce reliance on the U.S. for military equipment.