Current Affairs - International

India signed a ₹7,900 crore agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme to support its MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet. The deal includes spare parts, technical assistance, maintenance training, and the establishment of repair facilities in India. It strengthens India’s maritime defence capabilities and aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting local MSME participation in defence logistics. The MH-60R helicopters, developed by Lockheed Martin, are advanced multi-role platforms for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and naval operations. This agreement reflects the deepening strategic and defence partnership between India and the United States.

Jakarta has overtaken Tokyo to become the world’s most populous city, with an estimated population of 42 million in 2025, according to the UN World Urbanisation Prospects report. This change results from updated UN methodology that standardises urban population measurements and accounts for functional urban areas, including urban sprawl and regional connectivity. Jakarta’s rapid urban growth reflects broader trends in Asian megacities, where nine of the ten largest cities are located. The report highlights the increasing significance of urbanisation globally, with nearly half the world’s population now residing in cities, and projections indicating continued urban concentration by 2050.

Russia successfully deployed a set of undisclosed military satellites using its Angara-1.2 light launch vehicle, highlighting its ongoing efforts to strengthen space-based defence capabilities. The launch took place from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, which is the northernmost spaceport in the world. The operation was executed by a combat crew from the Russian Aerospace Forces, reflecting the strategic importance of military satellites in surveillance, reconnaissance, and secure communications. This development underscores Russia’s commitment to expanding its military presence in space and enhancing national security through advanced satellite technology.

Italy clinched its fourth Davis Cup title by defeating Spain 2–0 in a dominant performance on home soil. The victory was secured through strong singles matches played by Matteo Berrettini and Flavio Cobolli. Berrettini delivered an impressive win over Pablo Carreno Busta, while Cobolli completed the triumph with a hard-fought comeback against Jaume Munar. This achievement also marked a historic milestone, as Italy became the first team since the United States to win three Davis Cups in a row. The result highlights Italy’s growing strength and consistency in international tennis competitions.

The Hayli Gubbi volcano is located in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, a region well known for its intense tectonic activity as part of the larger Erta Ale volcanic range. This volcano, dormant for nearly 12,000 years, recently erupted, sending massive ash plumes high into the atmosphere. Due to strong upper-level winds, the ash drifted thousands of kilometres toward India and Pakistan, affecting major aviation routes that connect East Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. The eruption’s geographic location makes it particularly significant, as disruptions in this corridor impact international flights, necessitating precautionary advisories from aviation authorities and meteorological agencies.