International Current Affairs MCQs

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India has been excluded from the new United States–led critical mineral diversification plan called Pax Silica. Pax Silica is a strategic initiative led by the United States to build a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain. The initiative covers the full chain from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and logistics. Its main objective is to reduce strategic dependencies and enable like-minded countries to develop and deploy advanced technologies at scale.

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The Government of India recently showcased the country’s pioneering achievements in rural transformation and development leadership at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – India Day event held in Rome, Italy. The event highlighted India’s successful policies, programmes, and innovations aimed at eradicating rural poverty, strengthening livelihoods, and transforming rural economies. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialised agency of the United Nations. Its primary objective is to eradicate poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries by empowering rural communities.

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Chile has elected Jose Antonio Kast as its new president, representing a major shift toward right-wing leadership—the most pronounced since the country’s return to democracy. Kast, leader of the Republican Party, won the runoff election against leftist rival Jeannette Jara, following a polarising campaign focused on crime, migration, and economic stagnation. Since 2010, Chile has alternated between left and right governments; this election follows that pattern but marks a stronger right-wing tilt.

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Australia has implemented the world’s first nationwide ban on social media access for children below the age of 16 years, with the objective of strengthening child online safety and protecting minors from digital harms. The law places the responsibility of enforcement on social media companies rather than on children or their parents. It aims to shield minors from addictive algorithms, cyberbullying, online predators and exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, while promoting healthier boundaries between childhood, family life and the digital environment.

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Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi received Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, “The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia,” from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The award was conferred during a special ceremony at the Addis International Convention Centre. It recognises Modi’s exceptional contribution to strengthening India–Ethiopia partnership and his global leadership. He became the first head of state/head of government globally to receive this honour. He dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion (140 crore) people of India.

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On 18 December 2025, King Tupou VI appointed Lord Fakafanua (age 40) as Tonga’s 20th Prime Minister during a private audience at the Royal Palace, Nuku’alofa. Lord Fakafanua, representing Noble’s Representative, Ha’apai 1, won the secret ballot 16–10 among elected MPs. The secret ballot ensures voting confidentiality, as per the Constitution. The appointment marks a continuation of constitutional procedures and emphasizes balancing loyalty and competence in Cabinet selection.

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Japan approved the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant after nearly 20 years, signaling a shift in post-Fukushima energy policy. The decision emphasises energy security, cost control, and decarbonisation amid volatile global fuel markets. The plant faced shutdown after the March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster; Reactor No. 6 is expected to restart by 20 January 2026. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant is located about 220 kilometres (136 miles) northwest of Tokyo, Japan. It has a total generation capacity of 8.2 gigawatts (GW).

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India will soon have over 100 tsunami-ready villages under the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme in the Indian Ocean region. It is an international community-based programme developed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The programme aims to build resilient coastal communities through tsunami awareness and preparedness. Its main objective is to reduce loss of life, livelihoods, and property during tsunamis. Communities must meet 12 indicators covering risk assessment, preparedness, and response. Tsunami-ready villages show hazard mapping, evacuation plans, public display boards, 24-hour warning systems, and regular mock drills.

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Poland has announced a $2.2 billion multi-layered anti-drone defence system along its eastern border due to security concerns linked to Russia–Ukraine conflict. The move follows repeated suspected Russian drone incursions, which triggered North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) air policing responses. The system will combine electronic warfare tools like drone jamming with machine guns, cannons, and missile units. It is not a physical wall but a technology-based layered defence against aerial threats. Some components will activate only during extreme or wartime conditions, addressing hybrid warfare threats like sabotage and unmanned aerial vehicles.

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Bulgaria recently became the 21st member of the Eurozone, moving closer to full European integration. Bulgaria is located in southeastern Europe on the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with Romania, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, and Serbia, and has a maritime boundary with the Black Sea. The capital city of Bulgaria is Sofia.