International Current Affairs MCQs

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Member countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) have adopted the first-ever WHO Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly, Geneva. This agreement is the result of over three years of negotiations following the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to improve global cooperation for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response through fair access to vaccines, medicines, and tests. A Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS) will be developed to ensure countries sharing virus samples receive timely support. Under PABS, pharma companies will give WHO 20% of real-time production for equitable distribution, especially to developing nations.

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Recently, a United States federal court blocked President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs, stating that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not allow him to impose sweeping import taxes. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) was legislated on 28 October 1977. It gives the US president the power to regulate financial transactions after declaring a national emergency. The IEEPA allows the president to act against unusual and exceptional threats to national security, foreign policy, and the economy, especially if the threat comes from outside the country. It empowers the president to freeze assets and restrict transactions.

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China recently launched the Tianwen-2 probe to collect samples from the asteroid 2016HO3 and explore the distant main-belt comet 311P. It was launched using the Long March 3-B rocket. The mission will continue till the end of 2027. Earlier in 2021, China’s Tianwen-1 mission landed on Mars with an orbiter, lander, and the Zhurong rover. Tianwen-3 is planned for launch around 2028 to collect and return samples from Mars. Tianwen-4 is expected to explore Jupiter around 2030.

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A cholera outbreak has killed many people in war-affected Sudan, raising urgent health concerns. Cholera is a dangerous diarrheal disease caused by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It spreads rapidly in areas with poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and weak healthcare systems. The disease causes sudden, severe watery diarrhea and can lead to death within hours if not treated quickly. According to the 2024 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, cholera deaths are rising due to climate change and poor sanitation. Most cases can be treated with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), but quick access is critical. Preventing such outbreaks requires clean water, proper hygiene, and better sanitation.

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Luis Montenegro has been reappointed as the Prime Minister of Portugal after the recent general elections. He leads the centre-right Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Democratic Alliance (AD). He aims to focus on improving Portugal’s economy, public services, and the national health system. His return marks a period of political adjustment under a minority government.

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The Prime Minister recently discussed with Paraguay’s President expanding the Preferential Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR. MERCOSUR stands for the Southern Common Market in Spanish. It is a South American regional economic group formed in 1991 by the Treaty of Asunción. Its goal is to allow free movement of goods, services, capital, and people among members.
Original members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Bolivia and Venezuela joined later, but Venezuela has been suspended since 2016. Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname are associate members. MERCOSUR’s headquarters is in Montevideo, Uruguay.

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Lee Jae-myung was sworn in as the 14th President of South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, in Seoul on June 4, 2025. He won the Presidential by-election held on June 3, 2025, after the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, defeated Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party. He secured 51.7% of the vote, while Kim got 39.3%.

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The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has officially declared the year 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This resolution was proposed by the United States of America and was adopted by all member countries through consensus. The main aim is to recognize and highlight the vital role women farmers play in ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and fighting poverty. It also focuses on promoting gender equality and empowering women in the agriculture sector.

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Exercise “Tiger Claw” was the first independent Special Forces exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and United States Air Force (USAF). It was conducted from 26 May to 10 June 2025 across North India, ending at the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC) in Chandinagar, Uttar Pradesh. The aim was to strengthen the partnership between both Air Forces and improve interoperability in special operations. The exercise included joint training, mutual exchange of best practices, and development of operational coordination.

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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.