International Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, as Israel’s conflict with Iran intensifies and threats grow from various regional actors, global focus has turned to Israel’s nuclear deterrent known as the Samson Option. The Samson Option refers to Israel’s alleged strategy of launching massive nuclear retaliation if the country faces an existential threat. The name comes from the biblical figure Samson, who destroyed himself and his enemies, symbolizing total retaliation. Israel follows a policy called amimut, meaning deliberate ambiguity in Hebrew, where it neither confirms nor denies possessing nuclear weapons.

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Recently, the United States carried out a secret mission called Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting Iran’s underground uranium enrichment sites with 30,000-pound bombs. U.S. submarines also supported the strike by firing dozens of cruise missiles at another key nuclear facility. The attack aimed to deliver a surprise blow to Iran’s nuclear program, which is seen by Israel as a serious threat. The mission was supported by aerial refuelling tankers, fighter jets, and reconnaissance aircraft to ensure secrecy and precision.

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Recently, Suriname became the first country in the Amazon region to get malaria-free certification from the World Health Organisation on 30 June 2025. This recognition comes after nearly 70 years of efforts by the Suriname government and people to eliminate malaria across rainforests and diverse communities. WHO gives this certification after confirming no indigenous malaria transmission for at least three continuous years.

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Recently, Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean country to adopt Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India’s flagship digital payment platform. Both countries agreed to explore further cooperation on India Stack solutions like DigiLocker, e-Sign, and Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Trinidad and Tobago requested India’s support to digitise and upgrade its state land registration systems. The leaders highlighted that digital governance and public service delivery can drive inclusive development.

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Recently, on 3rd July 2025, Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan since it took power in 2021. Russia removed the Taliban from its list of outlawed organisations. The Russian Foreign Ministry accepted credentials from Afghanistan’s newly appointed Ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan. Russia stated that this recognition will support productive bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry called the move historic and hoped it would encourage other countries to follow.

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Recently, 101 Indian students, including 50 women, received the Erasmus+ scholarship for master’s programs in Europe. Erasmus+ stands for European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students Plus. It is the flagship programme of the European Union (EU) for international academic mobility, launched in 1987. It allows students to study at two or more European universities and earn joint, double, or multiple degrees. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.

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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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The United States has recently decided to withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The US cited reasons like alleged anti-Israel bias, UNESCO’s values being “out-of-step” with the “America First” foreign policy, and need for internal reforms. The withdrawal affects UNESCO’s budget, as the US is one of its major funders, putting education, culture, and heritage programs at risk. UNESCO was founded in 1945 to promote peace through global cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.

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Prime Minister of India gifted two BHISHM cubes to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Maldives’ 60th Independence Day. This was a major step in healthcare diplomacy and regional cooperation. BHISHM stands for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri. It is developed under National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the cubes are compact, portable, and self-contained. Each cube includes essential medicines, trauma care, surgical tools, and AI systems. It can handle 200 emergency cases, including trauma and minor surgeries.

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The Lithuanian Parliament approved Social Democrat Inga Ruginiene as Lithuania’s new Prime Minister. Ruginiene is the current Minister of Social Security and Labour. Ruginiene was first elected to Parliament in 2024. Before politics, she served as Chair of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation. This marks a significant political development in Lithuania with a new leadership under a Social Democrat Prime Minister.