International Current Affairs MCQs

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Researchers in Japan have created a new plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours, helping fight ocean pollution. It was developed by the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo. A lab demo in Wako city showed a plastic piece dissolving in salt water after stirring for one hour. The plastic breaks into safe components that are processed by natural bacteria, leaving no microplastics behind. It is as strong as petroleum-based plastic but is non-toxic, non-flammable, and does not emit carbon dioxide (CO₂). In soil, it breaks down in about 200 hours.

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India has recently expressed deep reservations over the European Union (EU)’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). CBAM is a policy tool by the European Union (EU) to put a fair price on carbon emissions linked to imported carbon-intensive goods like steel, aluminium, and cement. It aims to push industries in non-EU countries to adopt cleaner production methods. CBAM is part of the EU’s “Fit for 55” strategy, which targets a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Its transitional phase runs from 2023 to 2025, and full enforcement will begin in 2026.

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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has started its annual military exercise Baltic Operations 2025 (BALTOPS 25) in Latvia. It is a large-scale multinational drill aimed at boosting cooperation and interoperability among member countries. The focus is on improving rapid-response capabilities across all military branches. It shows NATO’s strong commitment to the security of the Baltic Sea region.

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India performed better than the global average in air operations and safety, according to the audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in November 2022. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency formed under the Chicago Convention of 1944. It works to promote safe, secure, and efficient international air transport for peaceful purposes. It sets global aviation safety and environmental standards and supports economic development of air transport.

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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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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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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, Bangladesh announced August 8 as “New Bangladesh Day” to mark the anniversary of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. This government took charge three days after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5 last year following a student-led uprising. August 5 will be observed as “July Uprising Day”.

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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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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.