International Current Affairs MCQs

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Typhoon Danas recently made landfall in Taiwan. It made a rare direct landfall in Chiayi County, marking the first recorded typhoon strike in the area. The Central Weather Administration described Danas’s path as “very unusual,” with gusts up to 222 km/h in the southwest.

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On 7th July 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, launched a Specialised Training Program in Cancer Care for BIMSTEC countries at Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai. The initiative was earlier announced by the Prime Minister during the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit. Participants from BIMSTEC countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal are attending the program. The training aims to address rising cancer cases and disparities in quality cancer care across the region. It seeks to build capacity, enhance skills, and foster collaboration and research among BIMSTEC nations.

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On July 11, 2025, the Maputo Protocol marked its 22nd anniversary, prompting calls for stronger implementation and removal of state reservations. Officially named the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, it was adopted by the African Union (AU) in Maputo, Mozambique on July 11, 2003. The protocol aims to protect and empower women and girls across Africa, with a focus on healthcare, legal rights, and political participation.

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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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Recently, Chinese Premier Li Qiang launched construction of a huge hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, near India’s Arunachal Pradesh border. The project has raised concerns due to its massive scale, lack of transparency, and no consultation with lower riparian countries like India and Bangladesh. The project is worth 1.2 trillion yuan or 167.8 billion US dollars and includes five cascade hydropower plants in Medog County, just 30 km from the Indian border. It aims to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, over three times that of China’s Three Gorges Dam.

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Infrastructure work on Bhutan’s 1125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project began recently. This marks deeper India-Bhutan economic diplomacy with private sector involvement. Tata Power Company Limited from India is partnering with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) in a joint venture. Dorjilung is a run-of-river project located in Lhuentse and Mongar districts of Bhutan on the Kurichhu River. It houses six Francis turbines to produce 4.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually.

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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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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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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.