International Current Affairs MCQs

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched a two-year humanitarian initiative to fight severe malnutrition on Yemen’s Socotra Island. Socotra Island faces a health emergency with a Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate of 10.9% and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) rate of 1.6% among children under five. The program focuses on reducing maternal and child deaths caused by malnutrition through food, health, and awareness support. It includes strengthening healthcare systems by training staff, supplying medicine, and improving epidemic response capacity.

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Israel has launched a military action called “Operation Rising Lion” targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. This included attacks on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities, missile systems, and military command centers. This move marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The recent context shows rising tensions in the Middle East, with fears of broader regional instability due to this bold strike.

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The World Health Assembly (WHA) of the World Health Organization (WHO) recently passed a resolution titled “Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority.” The resolution highlights that skin diseases affect 1.9 billion people worldwide, yet are often underfunded and neglected, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It was strongly supported by the International League of Dermatologic Societies (ILDS), the world’s largest dermatology alliance. The resolution calls for a Global Action Plan focused on prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and long-term care of skin diseases. It urges increased health investment and promotes research, surveillance, and better data collection.

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India has appointed Aliawati Longkumer as its next Ambassador to the North Korea. He is a 2008 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and is currently Charge d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in Asuncion, Paraguay. This move marks India’s diplomatic return to Pyongyang after a four-year gap since the embassy closure in July 2021 due to the pandemic.

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On June 23, 2025, Iran launched Operation Bashayer Al-Fath, meaning Annunciation of Victory, targeting the United States’ Al-Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar. This was a response to Operation Midnight Hammer, where the United States attacked three Iranian nuclear sites using GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the missile attack, calling it a response to U.S. aggression and violation of international law. Iran declared it will never compromise on its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national security.

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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, the Prime Minister said descendants of Girmitiyas are now known for their success, service, and values instead of struggle. Girmitiyas were Indian indentured labourers who left India in the 19th century to work in British colonies. The term Girmitiya comes from the word “girmit”, an Indian pronunciation of “agreement”. These labourers signed agreements hoping for better wages and jobs. They travelled on old slave ships and lived in poor slave-like barracks. They faced a practice called “blackbirding”, meaning forced or deceptive recruitment for cheap labour abroad.

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Typhoon Danas recently made landfall in Taiwan. It made a rare direct landfall in Chiayi County, marking the first recorded typhoon strike in the area. The Central Weather Administration described Danas’s path as “very unusual,” with gusts up to 222 km/h in the southwest.

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Recently, the Women Empowerment Vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI WE) launched a new initiative focused on women in technology and leadership. The initiative is called WE WISE – Women in Innovation, Science and Entrepreneurship. It was launched during the BRICS Women Business Alliance (WBA) Annual Plenary Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The goal is to empower women in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology to build a sustainable global economy.

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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.