Current Affairs - International

India introduced the new Letter of Authorisation (LoA) regime to promote sustainable high-seas fishing, improve fishermen’s incomes, and strengthen the country’s Blue Economy. The initiative enables Indian fishing vessels to operate in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond while ensuring responsible exploitation of marine resources. It also aims to reduce pressure on coastal fisheries, increase seafood exports, create employment opportunities, and support fishing cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations. With a coastline exceeding 11,000 km and a vast EEZ of nearly 24 lakh square kilometres, the initiative seeks to unlock India's untapped deep-sea fishing potential and enhance its position in the global seafood market.

The Embassy of India launched a dedicated online appointment portal to simplify access to Passport, Visa, and Attestation services for applicants across the UAE. The portal enables users to book appointments for services provided at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. This initiative improves the efficiency, accessibility, and convenience of consular services for applicants.

India and Australia elevated their bilateral strategic partnership by launching the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS), which officially replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber-Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation. This comprehensive framework focuses on five pillars: supply chain resilience, critical technology research, cybersecurity cooperation, digital resilience through India's Digital Public Infrastructure, and defence research collaboration between DRDO and Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group. The partnership is chaired by the Indian Deputy National Security Advisor and the Australian Deputy Secretary, with nodal lead agencies including the National Security Council Secretariat, Ministry of External Affairs, and Ministry of Defence overseeing specific pillars.

The United States officially terminated the interim peace agreement with Iran and revoked the general license that had allowed Iran to sell crude oil and petrochemical products. The decision followed military escalations, including attacks on U.S. military bases in the Gulf and retaliatory operations by U.S. Central Command. The move also imposed a deadline for winding down existing oil transactions, leading to increased geopolitical tensions. Following the announcement, global oil prices rose sharply, and shipping activity around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz was significantly affected due to heightened security concerns.

Saudi Arabia launched the pilot phase of its Tourist Package Visa service to simplify international travel by integrating return airfare, accommodation at licensed hotels, and electronic tourist visa processing into a single transaction. The package also provides access to cultural experiences, entertainment events, and local attractions, making travel planning more convenient. In the initial phase, the service is available to travellers from several countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, and Mexico. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia's efforts to promote tourism and enhance the overall visitor experience.