International Current Affairs MCQs

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The U.S. has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), one year after President Donald Trump announced the exit. The WHO is the United Nations’ specialized health agency coordinating global responses to health threats like mpox, Ebola, and polio. The U.S. owes WHO about $280 million in unpaid dues and voluntary contributions. The U.S. no longer participates in WHO committees, governance, or technical working groups, including global flu monitoring.

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Taiwan completed the first underwater sea trial of its first domestically developed submarine, Narwhal. The submarine programme is part of Taiwan’s effort to strengthen deterrence against China and protect vital sea lanes. Taiwan aims to deploy at least two domestic submarines by 2027, with later models potentially missile-equipped. Taiwan’s military modernisation focuses on asymmetric warfare with mobile systems like submarines, drones, and truck-mounted missiles to counter China’s larger forces.

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The United States has launched Project Vault, a $12-billion critical minerals stockpiling initiative. It was announced by Donald Trump. The project is a public–private programme. It aims to secure supplies of critical minerals and rare earth elements. These minerals are essential for defence, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. The initiative seeks to reduce US dependence on China. It also helps protect industries during global supply disruptions. Project Vault functions like the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It stabilises prices and strengthens national security.

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Spain has announced a nationwide ban on social media access for children below 16 years of age. It became the first European country and the second globally after Australia to take this step. The ban is expected to come into force within a week. Social media companies must enforce strict age verification and compliance. Australia introduced a similar ban in December 2025, leading to removal of over 5.5 lakh underage accounts. The move may influence other European Union countries to adopt stricter digital child protection laws.

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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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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) launched new Arctic mission named Arctic Sentry to strengthen regional security. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance formed in 1949 after signing the North Atlantic Treaty. It currently has 32 member countries and headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Arctic Sentry is led by Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC Norfolk). Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC Norfolk) connects North America and Europe within NATO structure. The main aim is to safeguard member nations, protect territory and maintain Arctic stability.

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Narendra Modi congratulated Mia Amor Mottley on her historic third consecutive election victory. Her party, Barbados Labour Party, won all 30 seats in the House of Assembly with a 30–0 mandate. She declared a national bank holiday and a thanksgiving rally at the National Botanical Gardens. India and Barbados share strong ties through Commonwealth membership, English language and cricket. Both countries cooperate in United Nations, Commonwealth and Non-Aligned Movement forums. Barbados supports India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.

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The United States of America (USA) conducted its first air transport of a micro nuclear reactor using a C-17 military aircraft. The Departments of Energy (DOE) and Defense (DOD) transported the Ward microreactor developed by Valar Atomics from California to Hill Air Force Base without nuclear fuel. This shows rapid nuclear deployment capability for military and civilian use. The reactor can generate up to 5 megawatts, enough for about 5,000 homes. It will start at 100 kilowatts and gradually scale to full capacity.

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Willem-Alexander has sworn in a new minority coalition government in the Netherlands. The new government is led by Rob Jetten, aged 38, who becomes the youngest-ever Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Rob Jetten heads a three-party coalition comprising his centrist party Democrats 66 (D66), the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal, and the centre-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy. The coalition holds 66 out of 150 seats in the lower house of Parliament, making it a minority government. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the Orange Hall of the royal palace near The Hague, 117 days after the national elections.

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Scotland became the first country in the United Kingdom to allow water cremation, also called hydrolysis. The new rules were approved by the Scottish Parliament, marking the biggest funeral law reform since 1902. Hydrolysis uses water and potassium hydroxide at about 150 degree Celsius to break down soft tissues, leaving only bones, which are dried and turned into ashes. In 2023 public consultation, 84 percent supported hydrolysis. The method is already legal in 28 United States states and countries like Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.