International Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Chinese ship “Istanbul Bridge” became the first commercial vessel to sail from Ningbo-Zhoushan (China) to Felixstowe (UK) via the Arctic in 18 days. This voyage marks the operational launch of the Polar Silk Route. The Polar Silk Route is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It is envisioned as a “blue economic corridor” through the Arctic Ocean. The route develops navigable Arctic sea passages connecting East Asia, North America, and Western Europe via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) along Russia’s coast. It provides a shorter and more cost-effective shipping corridor between Asia and Europe compared to the Suez Canal route.

Notes:
On October 8, 2025, Russia’s lower house of parliament approved withdrawing from the Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) with the United States. The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) is a pact between the United States and Russia signed in 2000. It came into force in 2011 to reduce weapons-grade plutonium from dismantled Cold War nuclear warheads. Both countries had large plutonium stockpiles that were expensive to store and posed a nuclear proliferation risk. The PMDA required each country to dispose of 34 tonnes of plutonium. The plan involved converting it into Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel or using it in fast-neutron reactors for electricity.

Notes:
Palau, a Pacific island nation, hosted the world’s first live underwater interview in October 2025. President Surangel Whipps Jr conducted the interview with Estonian Olympic swimmer and activist Merle Liivand. The event aimed to raise awareness about ocean protection. Palau is an archipelago of around 340 islands east of the Philippines, highly vulnerable to rising sea levels. Some atolls may be lost in coming years, as acknowledged by the President. Similar past events include Maldives underwater cabinet meeting (2009) and Seychelles submersible interview (2019).

Notes:
Uruguay has become the first country in Latin America to legalise euthanasia through the Dignified Death Bill. The law allows mentally sound adults with terminal, irreversible diseases to request assisted suicide from a healthcare professional. Uruguay, known for socially liberal laws like marijuana legalisation, same-sex marriage, and abortion, now adds euthanasia.

Notes:
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is currently holding meetings in Paris to discuss state-sponsored terrorism and funding of banned outfits operating in Pakistan. FATF is an independent intergovernmental body that sets global standards against Money Laundering (ML) and Terrorist Financing (TF). It was established in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris and expanded in 2001 to include terrorism financing. FATF headquarters is in Paris, France. India became a FATF member in 2010.

Notes:
Afghanistan has announced plans to construct a dam on the Kunar River, blocking its flow into Pakistan. The Kunar River is a major tributary of the Kabul River, which later merges with the Indus River in Pakistan. The river originates from the glaciated Hindu Kush Mountains in Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It flows into Afghanistan and joins the Kabul River there. The two main tributaries of the Kunar River are Bashgal (Landiasind) River and Pech River. The proposed dam may affect water flow and relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared 2026 as the “Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation” during the 22nd ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The decision highlights growing collaboration in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy. The summit’s theme was “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, aligning with India’s focus on digital inclusion, food security, and resilient supply chains. ASEAN remains the main pillar of India’s Act East Policy, advancing shared goals under ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Notes:
The Global Virus Network (GVN) has recently expanded by adding three new Centers of Excellence in the Americas. This move strengthens its global response to emerging viral threats. GVN is a voluntary consortium of virology laboratories and scientists working to prevent and control viral diseases worldwide. It represents over 25 countries with experts covering every class of human virus. No single institution can handle all viral areas, so GVN unites global expertise. It brings top medical virologists together to tackle major scientific problems. Its strength lies in global collaboration, deep research, and commitment to solving viral challenges.

Notes:
Oman has been elected to the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme for the 2025–2029 term. The election took place during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The Environment Authority of Oman represented the Sultanate at the session. This achievement aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The MAB Programme promotes scientific collaboration to conserve biodiversity, manage protected areas, and support climate research. It also empowers youth and researchers through grants and promotes sustainable environmental practices globally.

Notes:
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.