Current Affairs - International

The Celeste In-Orbit Demonstrator mission by the European Space Agency was launched from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 located in Mahia, New Zealand. The mission focuses on testing a new Low Earth Orbit navigation layer to enhance positioning and timing services. The successful launch and satellite separation highlight the importance of global collaboration in advancing space technology, with New Zealand serving as a key launch location due to its strategic geographic advantages for space missions.

Dr S. Jaishankar attended the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in France in March 2026. The meeting took place at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay and involved discussions on key global issues such as United Nations reforms, supply chain resilience, and challenges faced by the Global South. The gathering also addressed international crises, including tensions in the Middle East, maritime security, and support for Ukraine. France, as a G7 member, hosted the event, facilitating dialogue among leading economies and partner nations to strengthen cooperation on economic, political, and security-related matters at the global level.

India signed an aviation production pact with the European Union to enhance cooperation in industrial aviation manufacturing and safety standards. The agreement, concluded between the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), aims to align India’s aviation manufacturing processes with global norms. It supports initiatives like “Make in India” while promoting regulatory synergy and technical collaboration. The pact also facilitates projects such as helicopter assembly in Karnataka and strengthens India’s position as a key aerospace manufacturing hub in the Indo-Pacific, improving access to European markets through standardised certification processes.

India achieved a remarkable feat in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by doubling its top 50 entries from 12 in 2024 to 27 in 2026. This significant improvement reflects India’s growing academic strength and global competitiveness in higher education. Premier institutions such as the IITs, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, JNU, and BITS Pilani contributed to this surge with strong performances across various disciplines. The rankings evaluate universities based on academic reputation, employer reputation, research output, and international collaboration, highlighting India’s momentum in quality and competitiveness.

The United Kingdom introduced strict screen-time guidelines for young children to address concerns about excessive digital exposure. The advisory recommends no screen use for children under two years and limits screen time to one hour per day for children aged two to five. It also suggests avoiding screens during meals and before bedtime to ensure better sleep and development. This move is part of a broader global trend where governments are taking steps to safeguard children’s well-being, as excessive screen time has been linked to sleep disruption, reduced physical activity, and challenges in social and cognitive development.