International Current Affairs MCQs

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NATO has begun the 2026 edition of the Cold Response military exercise in the Arctic. The exercise has a stronger focus on civilian preparedness and total defence. Cold Response is a large-scale biennial NATO military exercise conducted in the European Arctic, mainly in northern Norway and nearby regions. It tests NATO’s ability to defend its territory under extreme Arctic conditions. The exercise simulates collective defence scenarios under Article 5 of NATO, including amphibious operations, air support, logistics, and coordination between allied forces. The aim is to strengthen NATO’s collective defence capability in the Arctic region.

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Bull sharks have recently been reported in the Karun River near the city of Ahvaz, drawing attention because these sharks can survive in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The Karun River is the largest and only navigable river in Iran. The river originates in the Zagros Mountains and flows through south-western Iran. It eventually joins the Shatt al-Arab, which is created by the confluence of the Tigris River and the Euphrates River.

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Japan has launched the world’s first dedicated high-speed freight bullet train, marking a major innovation in logistics and transportation. The initiative has been undertaken by the East Japan Railway Company, which has converted a passenger bullet train into a cargo-only Shinkansen. The project is based on the E3 Series Shinkansen, whose interiors have been redesigned by removing seats and creating open cargo space with reinforced flooring and securing systems.

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Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle recently struck Australia, making landfall near Exmouth in Western Australia around March 27, 2026, as a powerful Category 4 storm. The cyclone brought destructive winds gusting up to 260 km/h, significant rainfall, and caused widespread damage and power outages along the north-west coast. The storm impacted Western Australia, particularly the Exmouth and Shark Bay areas.

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Mongolia parliament appointed Uchral Nyam-Osor as the new Prime Minister, the third in nine months. He replaced Zandanshatar Gombojav, who resigned amid political deadlock and party conflicts. Uchral secured 88 out of 107 votes and promised bureaucratic reforms and price stabilisation.

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Min Aung Hlaing was elected President of Myanmar, consolidating his political power five years after the Myanmar coup 2021. His rise follows a controversial election dominated by the Union Solidarity and Development Party, widely criticised as a sham by Western nations. He overthrew the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, triggering protests that escalated into a nationwide civil war. He secured victory with 429 votes against rival Nyo Saw, backed by military-appointed lawmakers. His presidency is seen as an attempt to legitimise military rule under a civilian façade.

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On World Health Day 2026, the Council on Energy Environment and Water advanced a South Asia Hub of the Global Heat Health Information Network. Global Heat Health Information Network is an independent, member-driven platform of scientists, practitioners, and policymakers focused on protecting populations from health risks caused by extreme heat in a changing climate. It was launched in 2016 and is led by the World Health Organization, World Meteorological Organization, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It aims to strengthen the capacity of governments, organisations, and professionals to safeguard people from preventable health impacts of extreme ambient heat.

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Excavations at Tell el-Farama in northern Sinai revealed a rare round temple in the ancient city of Pelusium. Pelusium was located at the easternmost mouth of the Nile, about 32 km southeast of Port Said in Egypt. It was originally known as Sainu or Per-Amun and served as a key fortress and customs post on Egypt’s eastern frontier. The city was famous for flax production and held strong economic importance.

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China has completed an 11.18 km high-speed underwater tunnel beneath the Yangtze River, enabling bullet trains to run up to 350 kmph. The Yangtze (Chang Jiang) is the longest river in Asia and third-longest in the world after the Nile and Amazon. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and drains into the East China Sea near Shanghai. It is a major transport corridor linking cities like Shanghai, Wuhan, and Chongqing.

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Yoweri Museveni has been elected as the President of Uganda for a seventh term. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. Museveni has been in power since 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. He secured more than 71% of the vote, while opposition leader Bobi Wine received nearly 25%. The election was marked by reports of internet shutdowns and intimidation of opposition groups.