International Current Affairs MCQs

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Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, was sworn in for her second term amid tight security in Dodoma, the capital. The election was marred by violent protests and opposition rejection of the results. She was declared winner with 98% votes, as several opposition leaders were jailed or barred from contesting. In her victory speech, she called the election free and democratic, labelling protesters as unpatriotic.

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India recently joined the Brazil-led Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) as an observer ahead of COP30, reaffirming its commitment to climate action and forest conservation. The TFFF is a global initiative that financially rewards countries for preserving tropical forests, crucial for mitigating climate change. It offers $4 per hectare of protected forest annually as a performance-based conservation incentive. It is a budget-neutral financing model, not dependent on new taxes or donor grants. It functions through the Tropical Forest Investment Fund (TFIF), which invests sponsor funds sustainably, avoiding deforestation-linked sect

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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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Iceland has officially declared the possible collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) as a national security and existential threat, becoming the first country to do so. AMOC carries warm tropical waters to the Arctic, moderating Europe’s climate and making winters milder. Iceland’s Climate Minister Johann Pall Johannsson presented AMOC as a potential existential threat before the National Security Council, a first for any climate-related phenomenon. AMOC, a key climate tipping element, could collapse irreversibly if pushed beyond a threshold, possibly triggering a modern ice age in Northern Europe.

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India recently addressed the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) Roundtable at UNFCCC COP30 in Belém, Brazil, highlighting global efforts on industrial decarbonisation. LeadIT was launched in 2019 by India and Sweden with support from the World Economic Forum. It is the first global high-level initiative targeting net-zero emissions from heavy industries by 2050. It brings together countries and companies to promote public-private partnerships, finance, and best-practice sharing for an inclusive, just transition. LeadIT 2.0 (2024-26), launched at COP28, focuses on inclusive transition, low-carbon technology transfer and financial support to emerging economies. Its secretariat is hosted by the Stockholm Environment Institute, with 18 member countries and 27 companies.

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The United States has officially designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) after the meeting between Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) is a special strategic status that gives defence partners military, financial and technological benefits but does not provide NATO-style security guarantees. The MNNA category was created under U.S. law in the 1980s to expand America’s alliance network beyond NATO countries. The main aim of MNNA status is to boost defence cooperation, access to advanced weapons, joint military training and security coordination. The move strengthens U.S. strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, especially given the region’s geopolitical importance.

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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