International Current Affairs MCQs

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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.

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On July 11, 2025, the Maputo Protocol marked its 22nd anniversary, prompting calls for stronger implementation and removal of state reservations. Officially named the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, it was adopted by the African Union (AU) in Maputo, Mozambique on July 11, 2003. The protocol aims to protect and empower women and girls across Africa, with a focus on healthcare, legal rights, and political participation.

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Recently, Ukraine’s parliament appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as the country’s new Prime Minister, the first in five years. This is part of a major cabinet reshuffle aimed at improving wartime governance as peace with Russia remains uncertain. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy tasked her with boosting domestic weapons production and reviving Ukraine’s loan-dependent economy. The target is to increase domestic weapons use on the battlefield from 40% to 50% in six months. Key goals also include deregulation and expanding economic cooperation with allies.

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Australia and the United Kingdom recently signed the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Treaty, known as the Geelong Treaty, in Geelong, Australia. The treaty strengthens their commitment to AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) under Pillar I, focused on nuclear-powered submarines. It ensures 50 years of bilateral defense cooperation between Australia and the UK. The treaty covers the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and disposal of SSN-AUKUS submarines. This development comes as the United States reviews its role in AUKUS to align with its America First agenda.

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India will be the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the 38th Bogota International Book Fair (FILBo) 2026. This will strengthen people-to-people connections between India and Colombia. Indian Ambassador to Colombia Vanlalhuma highlighted the role of literary exchange in building deeper ties. Since 1988, the Colombian Book Chamber and Corferias have organised FILBo as a major Spanish-speaking cultural event. The announcement was attended by Colombia’s Cultural Minister, FILBo Director, Corferias President, and Book Chamber President. Recently, at the 37th FILBo 2025 (April 25–May 11), India’s National Book Trust showcased a collective exhibit of Indian books for the first time.

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India announced 1,000 e-scholarships for Afghan nationals for the academic year 2025-26. The initiative is part of the Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals (SSSAN) through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Students can pursue online undergraduate and postgraduate courses through the e-VidyaBharati (e-VB) i-learn portal. The scheme continues India’s commitment to Afghan students after similar grants in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Afghan nationals aged 18 to 35 years are eligible to apply.

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India has joined the Health AI Global Regulatory Network (GRN) to strengthen oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the move to share safety protocols and monitor AI performance in clinical settings. ICMR – National Institute for Research in Digital Health and Data Science (NIRDHDS) and IndiaAI will collaborate with HealthAI for global cooperation. GRN members include UK and Singapore. This supports India’s National AI Strategy for public services, startups, and job creation. The initiative promotes responsible AI, data privacy, patient safety, and equitable access to healthcare.

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Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, has won a third term in office. His Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) secured 34 seats in the 63-seat House of Representatives. The opposition, People’s National Party (PNP) led by Mark Golding, won 29 seats. The election was held amid concerns over corruption, economic challenges, and social inequity. Under Holness, Jamaica has recorded a 43% drop in killings in 2025, the largest decline in decades. The improvement is credited to increased firearm seizures and a stronger, coordinated security force across the island. The victory underscores public trust in Holness’ governance and law-and-order measures.

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Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is an intergovernmental organization controlling exports of missiles capable of delivering nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and related technology. It was founded in 1987 by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States to prevent the spread of nuclear-capable missiles. In 1993, MTCR expanded to include chemical and biological weapons-capable missiles. Currently, 35 countries are members; India joined on 27 June 2016. Member states impose export controls on rocket systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), technical components, and software. MTCR guidelines are voluntary, non-binding, with no legal penalties, but US sanctions may apply for violations. India’s membership strengthens its strategic missile and defense technology cooperation with global powers.

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Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia unveiled the UPI–UPU Integration project at the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai. The initiative integrates India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Interconnection Platform. It is developed jointly by the Department of Posts, NPCI International Payments Limited, and UPU, it aims to transform cross-border remittances and expand financial inclusion. The project allows instant, secure, and low-cost money transfers for families across borders. India will contribute USD 10 million for innovation, e-commerce, digital payments, training, and capacity building. India aims for the UPU Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council membership.