International Current Affairs MCQs

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Russia declared a federal-level emergency due to a massive oil spill along the Black Sea coast, caused by storm-damaged tankers near the Kerch Strait. The spill released thousands of tons of mazut (heavy fuel oil), polluting about 55 kilometers (34 miles) of coastline. The spill has raised serious concerns about cleanup efforts and potential long-term environmental damage. The Black Sea, a large inland sea in southeastern Europe, is one of the marginal seas of the Atlantic Ocean, spanning 436,000 square kilometers. It is bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Romania.

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Pakistan constructs its largest nuclear power plant, Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5), with a capacity of 1200 MWe. The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) issued the licence after reviewing safety, radiation protection, and nuclear security standards. C-5 features a Chinese Hualong third-generation Pressurised Water Reactor with advanced safety systems and a lifespan of 60 years. The plant will cost USD 3.7 billion and is Pakistan’s third nuclear plant of this design. Nuclear energy contributes 27% of Pakistan’s electricity, with an installed capacity of 3,530 MW.

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More than 100 people, including child rights activists from Nepal and India, launched the ‘Child Marriage Free Nepal’ campaign in Kathmandu. The campaign, supported by Indian organization Just Right for Children and Nepal’s Backward Society Education, aims to end child marriage by 2030. Nepal has the second-highest prevalence of child marriage in South Asia, with the legal marriage age set at 20. Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli pledged support for the campaign.

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Canada announced that the Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs) of 7.66 lakh international students will expire by the end of next year. The Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC) scheme offers a pathway for foreign nationals and students. It is launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in December 2024. The program aims to address labor shortages and encourage development in smaller rural communities. The scheme targets individuals willing to settle long-term in these areas to promote growth and address local workforce needs.

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John Dramani Mahama was sworn in for a second term as Ghana’s president on January 7 in Accra. Mahama, 66, won the December 7 election by a wide margin, making a political comeback. He replaces Nana Akufo-Addo, who stepped down after two terms. Mahama promised to boost the economy and create jobs to address public discontent. The ceremony was attended by over 20 global leaders, marking a significant event in Ghana’s democratic tradition. Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer and maintains democratic stability in a region facing challenges.

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India has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics, focusing on using big data for monitoring Sustainable Development Goals. India’s involvement will help shape global standards in data science for official statistics. India’s initiatives like the Data Innovation Lab and use of satellite imagery and machine learning will be highlighted. The membership aligns India’s advancements in big data with international goals and positions the country as a leader in data transformation. India aims to modernize statistical processes, enhance data accuracy, and support evidence-based policy decisions through innovative data techniques.

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Zoran Milanovic was re-elected as President of Croatia for a five-year term, securing 74% of the run-off vote. The first round of the presidential election on 29 December 2024 saw Milanovic win 49.1% of votes, necessitating a second round on 12 January 2025. Milanovic, backed by the opposition Social Democratic Party, is a critic of the EU and NATO but condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while criticizing Western military support for Ukraine. The Croatian Democratic Union, the ruling party since 1991, had its candidate, Dragan Primorac, secure 19.2% of votes. The President in Croatia is the Head of State with limited executive powers, while the Prime Minister holds real executive authority. Croatia is located on the Balkan Peninsula along the Adriatic Sea.

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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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Switzerland will end development aid for Bangladesh, Albania, and Zambia due to budget cuts in foreign aid. The Swiss parliament reduced its 2025 foreign aid budget by 110 million Swiss Francs, and another 321 million Swiss Francs for 2026-2028. These cuts will impact both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. However, Switzerland will still fund humanitarian efforts. This decision is part of Switzerland’s financial adjustments and shift in international aid priorities.

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Operation Devil Hunt was launched in Bangladesh to curb rising violence targeting properties linked to former PM Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus ordered the crackdown after attacks in Gazipur district spread nationwide. More than 1,300 people have been arrested, with army, police, and special units involved in the operation. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence in Dhaka was set on fire, escalating tensions. The BNP, led by Khaleda Zia, has called for nationwide rallies from February 11, demanding stronger measures and a clear electoral plan.