International Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
A US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed at Amritsar airport on 5th February 2025. The deportees spent between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 1 crore on expenses and agent fees to reach the US. They traveled through the “dunki route,” an illegal and dangerous immigration path. “Dunki” or “donkey journey” refers to long, risky routes taken due to a lack of legal permits or financial resources. American authorities deported individuals who used this illegal route to enter the US.

Notes:
The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) ballot opens next week. The scheme was created through the India-U.K. Migration and Mobility MoU signed in May 2021. It was launched in February 2023. It allows Indian citizens aged 18-30 to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Applicants must be selected in the ballot before applying for a visa. They can study, be self-employed, and set up a business with certain restrictions. The visa must be used within six months of issuance.

Notes:
Brazil recently joined OPEC+, the alliance of major oil-exporting nations. OPEC+ consists of 22 oil-exporting countries that regulate global crude oil supply. The group meets regularly to decide how much oil to sell in the market. The alliance works together to adjust crude oil production and ensure market stability.

Notes:
Mount Fentale in northern Ethiopia released huge methane plumes starting January 31, 2025. This event, described as a “burp,” involved large amounts of methane escaping from underground gas deposits. The phenomenon was first detected through satellite monitoring and later confirmed by GHGSat. This unprecedented natural event could have significant climate change implications due to the high potency of methane as a greenhouse gas.

Notes:
Cyclone Garance hit French overseas territory of La Reunion with winds of 155 kph (96 mph), causing roof damage and power outages. The storm moved from the north to the south of the island. The cyclone alert was downgraded from purple to red, and a stay-at-home order remained in effect.

Notes:
The Wallace Line is an invisible boundary separating Asian and Australian animal species. It was first identified by English naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th century. The line runs through the Malay Archipelago, between Bali and Lombok, and between Borneo and Sulawesi. Asian side species (Borneo, Bali) resemble mainland Asian animals like tigers and monkeys. Australian side species (Sulawesi, Lombok) resemble Australian wildlife like kangaroos and cuscuses. Scientists now view it as a transition zone rather than a strict boundary. Climate change and habitat destruction threaten these ecosystems and species adaptation.

Notes:
Lithuania exited the Convention on Cluster Munitions, citing security concerns over Russia, drawing criticism from human rights groups. The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) bans the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs. It was adopted on May 30, 2008, and enforced on August 1, 2010. The treaty has 112 member states and 12 signatories yet to ratify it. Major nations like India, the U.S., Russia, China, Ukraine, and Israel have not signed due to strategic concerns. The CCM aims to prevent civilian harm and supports global peace, human rights, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Notes:
China has deployed a Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan province, near the China-Myanmar border. It has a surveillance range of over 5,000 km, enabling China to monitor the Indian Ocean and deep into Indian territory. It can detect and track ballistic missile launches in real-time. Unlike traditional radars, LPARs use electronically controlled antennas for instant scanning. It can track multiple targets, including ballistic missiles, with high precision. LPARs are vital for early warning systems and air defense networks.

Notes:
The government of India launched Operation Brahma to assist earthquake victims in Myanmar. A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on 28th March 2025, killing at least 1,000 people, with over 10,000 feared dead, as per the United States Geological Survey. Under the Neighbourhood First policy and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief framework, India sent two Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft from Hindon Air Force Station, Uttar Pradesh. The Indian Navy prepared four ships carrying 50 tonnes of relief materials. India is coordinating aid efforts through Myanmar’s government, as many affected areas are controlled by Ethnic Armed Organisations.

Notes:
China is set to unveil the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, the world’s highest bridge. The suspension bridge is under construction in Zhenfeng County, Guizhou Province, located 800 miles west of Shenzhen. Guizhou is known for impressive structures, with nearly half of the top 100 tallest bridges in the world situated there. The bridge will stand 625 meters (2,051 feet) above Beipan River, 200 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. It will surpass the Millau Viaduct in France, which held the record at 343 meters (1,125 feet). The bridge is 2,890 meters (9,482 feet) long and weighs 22,000 tons.