International Current Affairs MCQs

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China has completed the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world’s longest expressway tunnel at 22.13 kilometers. It forms part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, connecting northern Xinjiang to Yuli County, reducing travel time through the Tianshan Mountains from three hours to 20 minutes. The project faced challenges such as high-altitude conditions, complex geology, and environmental concerns near glaciers and water sources. This project supports China’s Belt and Road Initiative, fostering regional economic growth and integration.

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The United States announced its exit from the World Health Organization (WHO), with President Donald Trump citing mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and political influence from member states. Trump criticized the WHO for “unfair payments” and claimed it failed to act independently from countries like China. The U.S. contributes around 18% of WHO’s funding, with its 2024-2025 budget at $6.8 billion. Trump accused the WHO of aiding China’s efforts to mislead about COVID-19 origins, a claim the WHO denies. The withdrawal will take 12 months, ending U.S. financial contributions to the agency.

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Micheal Martin has been elected as Ireland’s prime minister for a second term with 95 votes in favor and 76 against in parliament. Martin, leader of Fianna Fail, will head a coalition government with Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and independent lawmakers. This marks the second consecutive coalition between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, replacing the Green Party after its electoral losses. Martin, previously PM from 2020 to 2022, will be succeeded by Fine Gael’s Simon Harris in 2027 under the coalition agreement.

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Serbia’s Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resigned after massive anti-corruption protests over a deadly canopy collapse in Novi Sad. The collapse in November killed 15 people and sparked public outrage against President Aleksandar Vucic’s rule. Vucevic said his resignation aims to ease tensions and restore dialogue in the country. Novi Sad Mayor Milan Djuric also resigned. The resignation may lead to early parliamentary elections.

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declared 2025 as the Year of Community. The year’s theme is “Hand in Hand” and aims to strengthen social ties and community involvement. The initiative encourages volunteering, community service, and shared responsibilities for sustainable growth. Previous themes include the Year of Giving (2017) and Year of Tolerance (2019), reinforcing the UAE’s focus on societal well-being.

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Bart De Wever was sworn in as Belgium’s Prime Minister by King Philippe on 3rd February 2025. He replaced Alexander De Croo, who led a seven-party coalition government. The June 2024 elections did not give a decisive mandate to any party or coalition. Belgium has a complex political system, divided into Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia. De Wever is the first nationalist Flanders leader to become PM.

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The Philippines declared a food security emergency to stabilize high rice prices. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel authorized the release of rice buffer stocks held by the National Food Authority (NFA). The decision was based on recommendations from the National Price Coordinating Council. The Rice Tariffication Law allows the Agriculture Secretary to act during extraordinary price hikes. Rice inflation in the Philippines hit 21.4% in December 2023. The country’s GDP grew by 5.6% in 2024, below the 6-6.5% target. The economy faced setbacks due to extreme weather, geopolitical tensions, and low global demand.

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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.

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The oldest known Jurassic bird fossil was recently found in China’s Fujian Province. The fossil is of a species called Baminornis zhenghensis and is estimated to be 149 million years old. The discovery of Baminornis zhenghensis is considered a landmark discovery and one of the most important bird fossils ever found. It shows that birds and dinosaurs lived alongside each other in China during the Jurassic period.

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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.