International Current Affairs MCQs

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India and Nepal recently inaugurated the start of electromechanical works at the Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project to ensure its timely completion. The Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project is located on the Arun River, a tributary of the Kosi River, in Sankhuwasabha District of eastern Nepal. It is a 900 Megawatt (MW) Run-of-River scheme, which means it uses the river’s natural flow without needing a large reservoir.

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Uganda recently declared the end of the Ebola Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak after completing a 42-day mandatory countdown without new confirmed cases. The declaration came less than three months after the virus was detected in Kampala, the capital. The World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines require 42 days without new cases for a country to be declared Ebola-free. Uganda first declared the SVD outbreak on January 30, following the death of a nurse. There are no approved treatments or vaccines for the Sudan strain of Ebola, as vaccines are still in clinical trials.

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The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) has recently launched VoTAN, which stands for Victims of Terrorism Advocacy Network, to support victims and survivors of terrorism worldwide. VoTAN is the result of efforts by the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, co-chaired by Spain and Iraq, which was formed around six years ago to protect the rights of victims. This global network was a major outcome of the 2022 United Nations Global Congress on Victims of Terrorism. It aims to offer a safe platform for victims to connect, heal, build resilience, and act as educators, peacebuilders, and advocates. The network is financially supported by Spain.

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On May 2, 2025, Australian boatbuilder Incat launched the world’s largest electric-powered ship, named Hull 096. The ship is a 130-metre-long aluminium catamaran designed for South American ferry operator Buquebus. It can carry 2,100 passengers and up to 225 vehicles across the River Plate between Buenos Aires and Uruguay. Hull 096 is powered by over 250 tonnes of batteries with an Energy Storage System (ESS) providing more than 40 megawatt hours of capacity. It was initially planned to run on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) but was later converted to battery power. The launch highlights a major step towards reducing maritime carbon emissions, which account for about three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This comes after the International Maritime Organization (IMO) voted for a global carbon pricing system, with cleaner fuels required by 2028.

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Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the immediate release of $1 billion to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The IMF is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN), created in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference to ensure global monetary stability after the Great Depression. It works to promote international monetary cooperation, ensure financial stability, facilitate global trade, support high employment, and reduce poverty. The IMF monitors the economies of its member countries and gives policy advice. It also provides loans to countries during balance-of-payments crises. The IMF is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States.

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The Indian Defence Minister recently said that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure global nuclear safety. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the main intergovernmental body for cooperation in nuclear science and technology. It works to ensure the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear energy, following global non-proliferation rules. The IAEA Statute was approved on 23 October 1956 and became active on 29 July 1957. Its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria. With 178 member countries, the IAEA plays a key global role in nuclear governance.

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India and the European Union (EU) launched two major research projects on Marine Plastic Litter and Waste to Hydrogen. These initiatives are under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), formed in 2022. The TTC was created by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It aims to strengthen trade and technology partnership between India and the EU. In February 2025, during the TTC’s second meeting, both sides confirmed their focus on green technologies. They agreed to cooperate on recycling electric vehicle batteries, marine plastic waste, and converting waste to hydrogen.

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In Nigeria, 138 people have died from the Lassa fever outbreak since the start of this year. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 717 cases so far. This has raised the case fatality rate to 19.2 percent, which the NCDC says is very alarming. The disease has affected at least 18 out of 36 states in Nigeria. Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which belongs to the arenavirus family. People usually get infected by touching food or household items contaminated with urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. The World Health Organization (WHO) says early diagnosis and quick treatment are very important to survive the disease.

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Israel launched a major military operation called Operation Gideon Chariots in the Gaza Strip. It was initiated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after ceasefire talks in Doha failed. The main goal is to secure the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. A secondary aim is to weaken Hamas’s operational strength through intense military pressure. Northern Gaza, including the Jabaliya refugee camp, has seen heavy bombing under this operation. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 150 people were killed within 24 hours. More than 3,000 people have died since the escalation began in March 2025.

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Researchers from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science and Technology (IASST), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), discovered that Peptidomimetic Drugs can treat Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDs). Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDs) are complex illnesses causing neuron loss and nervous system degeneration, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Peptidomimetic Drugs are synthetic molecules that mimic natural proteins called neurotrophins, which help neuron growth and survival. These drugs have better stability and bioavailability than natural neurotrophins. They target specific cells and reduce side effects, showing promise for safer and effective Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDs) treatments.