International Current Affairs MCQs

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United States (US) and Jordan launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria after an ISIS attack in Palmyra killed two US soldiers and injured others. The operation involved overnight airstrikes on more than 70 ISIS targets using precision-guided weapons. The objective was to weaken ISIS fighters, weapons stockpiles, and infrastructure, disrupting future attacks. It aimed to send a strong deterrent message to terror groups and reaffirm the US policy of security through strength. The joint mission also highlighted US–Jordan military cooperation and commitment to regional counter-terrorism efforts.

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India will soon have over 100 tsunami-ready villages under the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme in the Indian Ocean region. It is an international community-based programme developed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The programme aims to build resilient coastal communities through tsunami awareness and preparedness. Its main objective is to reduce loss of life, livelihoods, and property during tsunamis. Communities must meet 12 indicators covering risk assessment, preparedness, and response. Tsunami-ready villages show hazard mapping, evacuation plans, public display boards, 24-hour warning systems, and regular mock drills.

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The Indian government has asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to study a request from Maldives for help in managing Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ). Hanimaadhoo International Airport is located on Hanimaadhoo Island, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, northern Maldives. The airport was originally developed as a domestic airport in 1986 and upgraded to international status in 2012. India supported its redevelopment and expansion with an $800 million line of credit from EXIM Bank of India.

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Bulgaria recently became the 21st member of the Eurozone, moving closer to full European integration. Bulgaria is located in southeastern Europe on the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with Romania, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, and Serbia, and has a maritime boundary with the Black Sea. The capital city of Bulgaria is Sofia.

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The United States carried out large-scale airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria under Operation Hawkeye. The strikes followed an ISIS ambush in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter. Operation Hawkeye is a US-led counter-terrorism mission using air and precision strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria. The operation was launched by the United States under President Donald Trump and executed through US Central Command (CENTCOM) in December 2025. Its aims are to avenge the Palmyra attack, degrade ISIS networks, prevent regrouping, protect US and coalition forces, and signal that attacks on US personnel will face direct retaliation.

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The United States announced that India will be invited to join the US-led Pax Silica initiative to deepen India–United States strategic and trade ties. Pax Silica aims to secure supply chains of silicon, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing. It is a United States–led economic security and technology partnership under the US Department of State, launched with the first summit in December 2025.

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Veteran President Yoweri Museveni won Uganda’s presidential election with just under 72% of the vote, extending his rule into a fifth decade. His main challenger, Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), received 24% and alleged mass election fraud, calling for protests; his whereabouts were unknown after a military raid on his home. Museveni has been in power since 1986, having amended the constitution twice to remove age and term limits, dominating state institutions.

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The Doomsday Clock was moved to 85 seconds before midnight, the closest ever to global catastrophe, by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS). The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic clock showing how close humanity is to destruction, with midnight representing doomsday. Its hands move based on threats like nuclear weapons, climate change, and disruptive technologies. The clock was created in 1947 by Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS). Since 1947, it has been reset 27 times. BAS is a nonprofit founded in 1945 by Atomic Scientists of Chicago at the University of Chicago.

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The Russian Foreign Ministry informed that the New START nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and the United States has expired on February 5. The two countries are no longer bound by its obligations, though Russia remains open to diplomatic efforts to maintain strategic stability and a future agreement. Moscow remains open to political and diplomatic efforts to maintain strategic stability. New START was signed in 2010 and entered into force in 2011. It limited deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems.

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Israel joined United States President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. Netanyahu signed Israel’s accession and met Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Board was authorized by a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution in November to help form an international stabilization force in Gaza. It will supervise Gaza’s temporary governance and discuss reconstruction in its first meeting on February 19 in Washington. The Board plans to expand its role to address global conflicts.