International Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Australia passed strict anti-hate crime laws on February 6, 2025, introducing mandatory minimum sentences. Sentences range from 12 months for minor hate crimes, like Nazi salutes, to six years for terrorism offences. The law criminalizes threats or violence based on race, religion, nationality, gender, and other identities. Recent attacks on synagogues, cars, and Jewish community buildings prompted stronger laws. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese initially opposed mandatory sentences but later supported them. New South Wales plans to align its hate speech laws with Western Australia and Victoria.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
US President Trump has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”. He designated February 9 as “Gulf of America Day” through an executive order, requiring the Secretary of the Interior to formalize the change within 30 days.

Notes:
PM Modi, during his U.S. visit, introduced “MIGA”, inspired by Trump’s “MAGA.” ‘Maga’ refers to ‘Make America Great Again,’ while ‘Miga’ stands for ‘Make India Great Again.’ He called MIGA and MAGA a “mega partnership for prosperity.” India is focused on heritage and development, aiming for Viksit Bharat 2047. India is not neutral but supports peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India and the U.S. aim to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
India has sent 26 tons of humanitarian aid to Honduras after Tropical Storm SARA. The assistance includes medical supplies like surgical items, glucometers, oximeters, gloves, syringes, and IV fluids. It also contains disaster relief materials such as blankets, sleeping mats, and hygiene kits. The aid aims to help the country recover from the impact of the storm.

Notes:
US President Donald Trump announced the Gold Card, a new immigration initiative offering a direct path to US citizenship for $5 million. It is described as a “premium version” of the Green Card, granting long-term residency and naturalization. The Gold Card will replace the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program, which required job creation. The program aims to attract wealthy investors and generate government revenue.

Notes:
Mount Fentale in northern Ethiopia released huge methane plumes starting January 31, 2025. This event, described as a “burp,” involved large amounts of methane escaping from underground gas deposits. The phenomenon was first detected through satellite monitoring and later confirmed by GHGSat. This unprecedented natural event could have significant climate change implications due to the high potency of methane as a greenhouse gas.

Notes:
The government of India launched Operation Brahma to assist earthquake victims in Myanmar. A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on 28th March 2025, killing at least 1,000 people, with over 10,000 feared dead, as per the United States Geological Survey. Under the Neighbourhood First policy and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief framework, India sent two Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft from Hindon Air Force Station, Uttar Pradesh. The Indian Navy prepared four ships carrying 50 tonnes of relief materials. India is coordinating aid efforts through Myanmar’s government, as many affected areas are controlled by Ethnic Armed Organisations.