International Current Affairs MCQs

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China launched Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite, PRSC-EO1. The launch occurred from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using a Long March-2D carrier rocket. The satellite is equipped with electro-optical sensors for collecting Earth observation data.

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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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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.

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Jotham Napat was elected as Vanuatu’s Prime Minister unopposed. His nomination was proposed by Charlot Salwai, a former Prime Minister. Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific, located east of Australia and west of Fiji.

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Brazil recently joined OPEC+, the alliance of major oil-exporting nations. OPEC+ consists of 22 oil-exporting countries that regulate global crude oil supply. The group meets regularly to decide how much oil to sell in the market. The alliance works together to adjust crude oil production and ensure market stability.

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Indonesia launched a new sovereign wealth fund, Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara), to manage state assets worth over USD 900 billion. Danantara is set to become the largest sovereign wealth fund in Southeast Asia. A sovereign wealth fund (SWF) is a state-owned investment fund used to manage national savings. SWFs are funded by surplus revenues from natural resources, state-owned enterprises, or other public wealth sources. These funds invest in stocks, bonds, infrastructure, and real estate to grow national wealth. This marks a significant step in Indonesia’s economic strategy.

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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.

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The Wallace Line is an invisible boundary separating Asian and Australian animal species. It was first identified by English naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th century. The line runs through the Malay Archipelago, between Bali and Lombok, and between Borneo and Sulawesi. Asian side species (Borneo, Bali) resemble mainland Asian animals like tigers and monkeys. Australian side species (Sulawesi, Lombok) resemble Australian wildlife like kangaroos and cuscuses. Scientists now view it as a transition zone rather than a strict boundary. Climate change and habitat destruction threaten these ecosystems and species adaptation.

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China has deployed a Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan province, near the China-Myanmar border. It has a surveillance range of over 5,000 km, enabling China to monitor the Indian Ocean and deep into Indian territory. It can detect and track ballistic missile launches in real-time. Unlike traditional radars, LPARs use electronically controlled antennas for instant scanning. It can track multiple targets, including ballistic missiles, with high precision. LPARs are vital for early warning systems and air defense networks.