International Current Affairs MCQs

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Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo are advancing south toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. They aim to expand control in the country’s east after capturing Goma. The M23 (March 23 Movement) is an armed rebel group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in North Kivu province. It originated in 2012 from a faction of the Congolese army, citing grievances over a 2009 peace agreement. The recent escalation has caused massive destruction and violence.

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A US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed at Amritsar airport on 5th February 2025. The deportees spent between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 1 crore on expenses and agent fees to reach the US. They traveled through the “dunki route,” an illegal and dangerous immigration path. “Dunki” or “donkey journey” refers to long, risky routes taken due to a lack of legal permits or financial resources. American authorities deported individuals who used this illegal route to enter the US.

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Greece’s parliament elected Constantine Tassoulas as president, a largely ceremonial role. His nomination sparked protests over the 2023 train crash, as critics say parliament failed to investigate political responsibility. The judicial probe into the disaster is still ongoing. Tassoulas, 66, has been a lawmaker since 2000 and served as culture and deputy defense minister. He won 160 votes in the 300-seat parliament and will succeed Katerina Sakellaropoulou in March. His nomination is seen as strengthening Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ power amid rising opposition pressure. He will be sworn in on March 13.

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The UN launched the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative in 2022 to protect people from hazardous weather, water, and climate events through early warning systems by 2027. The initiative aims to safeguard vulnerable populations as climate-related disasters become more frequent and intense. In 2023, early warning systems received record-high funding, but its distribution remains uneven. 54% of national EWS investments are concentrated in five countries—China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) face significant funding gaps. The Global Observatory for Early Warning System Investments was launched in December 2024 by the WMO and UNDRR to track and optimize investments. As of February 12, 2025, the observatory tracks 329 projects across 127 countries, funded by institutions like the World Bank and Green Climate Fund.

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UNESCO launched the “Imagine a world with more women in science” campaign. The campaign marks the 10th anniversary of International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11). It promotes diverse perspectives in science using #EveryVoiceInScience. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared February 11 as International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015. Globally, women make up only one-third of scientists and hold just 1 in 10 Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) leadership roles. In India, 43% of STEM enrolments are women, but only 18.6% are scientists, and 25% lead R&D projects.

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India and the U.S. launched the TRUST (Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative to boost cooperation in critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements. Announced during PM Modi’s visit to Washington, it aims to strengthen supply chains for essential materials. The initiative focuses on critical minerals, advanced materials, and pharmaceuticals. It aims to reduce barriers to technology transfer by streamlining regulations. It seeks to address export controls for smoother trade in strategic resources. It also promotes high-tech commerce, enhancing collaboration in advanced sectors.

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India and the USA launched the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) initiative for Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) during the Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit to the USA. UDA involves using technology and strategies to monitor underwater activities. India is the first country to collaborate with the U.S. on UDA technologies. The initiative strengthens regional security by detecting threats like piracy and terrorism. It also supports economic interests in the blue economy and environmental management, while enhancing India’s regional diplomacy and maritime cooperation.

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China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, highlighted the historical role of the Tea Horse Road in India-China trade through Tibet. It was an ancient trade route connecting China, Tibet, and India. China traded tea in exchange for Tibetan horses, forming a key commercial network. The route had two main pathways through Yunnan province, reaching Lhasa before extending to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It originated during the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE). Buddhist monk Yijing documented the exchange of goods like sugar, textiles, rice noodles, Tibetan gold, saffron, and medicinal herbs.

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Denmark announced the Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI) initiative in February 2025. The GTAI is an initiative to strengthen collaboration between Denmark and India on sustainable energy solutions. The goal is to accelerate the commitment to global carbon neutrality.

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Cyclone Garance hit French overseas territory of La Reunion with winds of 155 kph (96 mph), causing roof damage and power outages. The storm moved from the north to the south of the island. The cyclone alert was downgraded from purple to red, and a stay-at-home order remained in effect.