Current Affairs - International

India expanded its Visa-on-Arrival facility in November 2025 specifically for nationals of the UAE, allowing them entry through Cochin, Calicut, and Ahmedabad in addition to six existing airports. This policy move strengthens bilateral relations, supports tourism, and enhances business connectivity between the two nations. With a significant Indian expatriate population living in the UAE and frequent travel for medical care, trade, and cultural ties, the expansion reduces procedural barriers and improves travel convenience. It also aligns with India’s goal of deepening regional partnerships, promoting economic cooperation, and supporting people-to-people engagement through simplified immigration procedures.

Turkey has been chosen to host COP31 in 2026 following a diplomatic compromise with Australia that resolved a long-standing dispute over the hosting rights. Under this arrangement, Turkey will oversee the logistical responsibilities and hold the summit’s Presidency, while Australia will take charge of leading intergovernmental negotiations. This decision helps maintain the continuity of global climate discussions during a crucial period when the world is focusing on strengthening climate finance, advancing adaptation mechanisms, supporting vulnerable island nations, and keeping the 1.5°C climate target within reach. The agreement also demonstrates how collaborative diplomacy can prevent procedural deadlocks in major international forums.

Switzerland and Ireland have been selected as the country partners for the Hornbill Festival 2025, marking an important step in expanding the festival’s global reach. Their participation follows meetings between Nagaland’s Chief Minister and the ambassadors of both nations, during which cultural collaboration and deeper bilateral engagement were discussed. These partnerships will enrich the festival with diverse artistic expressions, including folk music, public art, and cultural exchanges. By welcoming global partners, the Hornbill Festival enhances its position as an international cultural convergence, strengthens cultural diplomacy, boosts tourism, and supports Nagaland’s economic and creative ecosystems.

Seychelles became the newest member of the Colombo Security Conclave during the 7th NSA-level meeting held in New Delhi on 20 November 2025. Its entry significantly strengthens regional cooperation across the Indian Ocean, especially in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and disaster relief. As a strategically located island nation, Seychelles adds depth to collective efforts in monitoring sea lanes, preventing trafficking, and boosting maritime domain awareness. Its participation also reinforces diplomatic relations with India and other member nations, while reflecting the Conclave’s growing relevance and expansion as a multilateral security framework in the Indo-Pacific region.

Parasocial was chosen as the Cambridge Dictionary Word of the Year for 2025 due to its growing relevance in modern culture. The term, first introduced in 1956 by sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl, originally described the emotional connections viewers developed with television personalities. Over time, the concept has expanded to include one-sided emotional relationships people form with celebrities, online creators, fictional characters, and even AI systems. Its selection highlights the increasing impact of digital environments on human interaction, as more individuals form meaningful yet unreciprocated bonds with media figures and virtual entities.