International Current Affairs MCQs

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The World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies has recently come into force. It is the first WTO multilateral agreement focused on environmental sustainability. It was adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in 2022 at Geneva. The agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It also bans subsidies for fishing targeting overfished stocks and for fishing in unmanaged high seas. The WTO Fish Fund was created to help developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with technical support.

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The Union Minister of Labour and Employment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Government of India and International Labour Organisation (ILO). The MoU is for collaboration to develop the International Reference Classification of Occupations. This classification will improve comparability of data and promote mutual recognition of skills. It aims to address significant skill shortages faced by many countries due to demographic deficits and digitalisation. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN). The headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. ILO received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for its contribution.

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Indonesia suspended import of Indian groundnuts from 3 September 2025 due to Aflatoxin concerns. Suspension threatens new crop arrivals in a month, with groundnut sown on 48 lakh hectares this kharif season. Gujarat expects record 66 lakh tonnes, but prices remain below Minimum Support Price (MSP). Indonesia is India’s top buyer, importing one-third of exports — 2.77 lakh tonnes worth $280 million in 2024–25. Aflatoxins are toxic compounds from fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, linked to liver cancer and health risks.

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An Indian migrant became the first person deported from the UK under the new One-In, One-Out migration deal with France. The One-In, One-Out Scheme is a migration agreement between the United Kingdom (UK) and France. The deal aims to deter dangerous crossings of the English Channel in small boats by migrants without visas or permits. Many migrants pay gangs in northern France to make these risky journeys, which have led to deaths. Under the agreement, France takes back asylum seekers who crossed illegally without family connections in the UK. For each migrant returned to France, the UK grants asylum to one eligible migrant from France with proven family ties. The scheme targets safe and legal migration while discouraging illegal attempts.

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India was elected as a member of the Interpol Asian Committee during the 25th Asian Regional Conference in Singapore. The election followed a multi-stage voting process and aims to strengthen regional cooperation on organised crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism, and drug trafficking. The committee meets annually to discuss regional security issues and guide coordinated actions among member countries. India was represented by a delegation from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the national central bureau for Interpol matters. The committee advises the Asian Regional Conference, identifies regional strategic priorities, and facilitates police cooperation.

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The External Affairs Minister of India hosted a meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) foreign ministers in New York. FIPIC is a multinational grouping launched by India in 2014 for cooperation with 14 Pacific Island nations. Member countries include Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. FIPIC aims to strengthen cooperation in politics, economy, trade, investment, culture, health, education, infrastructure, and disaster management.

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched its first Sovereign Mobility Cloud at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport in 2025. It is enabled by Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud and powered by Microsoft Azure. The platform ensures all transport data is hosted within the UAE and governed under national regulations. It supports high-definition mapping, telematics, fleet operations, traffic management, and digital twins. The initiative provides regulatory sandboxes and test hubs for innovation in autonomous mobility.

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India deepened engagement with Central American Integration System (SICA) countries at the India-SICA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York. Key collaboration areas include trade, digital payments, agriculture, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and information technology (IT). Central American Integration System (SICA) is the institutional framework for regional integration in Central America. It was established in 1991 through the Tegucigalpa Protocol by amending the Charter of the Organization of Central American States (ODECA) of 1962.

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India has been re-elected to Part II of the Council of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Part II includes States contributing most to international civil air navigation facilities. ICAO is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency established in 1944 under the Chicago Convention. Its purpose is to develop safe, secure, and efficient international air transport for peaceful purposes. India has been a founding member of ICAO since 1944, maintaining 81 years of uninterrupted Council presence. India focuses on aviation safety, security, sustainability, equitable connectivity, technology, innovation, and No Country Left Behind initiative.

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Palau, a Pacific island nation, hosted the world’s first live underwater interview in October 2025. President Surangel Whipps Jr conducted the interview with Estonian Olympic swimmer and activist Merle Liivand. The event aimed to raise awareness about ocean protection. Palau is an archipelago of around 340 islands east of the Philippines, highly vulnerable to rising sea levels. Some atolls may be lost in coming years, as acknowledged by the President. Similar past events include Maldives underwater cabinet meeting (2009) and Seychelles submersible interview (2019).