Current Affairs - International

In April 2026, India extended humanitarian support by delivering 13 tonnes of Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccines to Afghanistan. This assistance was aimed at strengthening the country’s child immunization program, particularly for preventing Tuberculosis (TB), a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The consignment was handed over to the Ministry of Public Health and was part of broader international cooperation efforts involving organisations like WHO and UNICEF. Such initiatives highlight India’s proactive role in regional health support and its commitment to addressing public health challenges in neighbouring nations.

Peter Magyar is the leader who guided the Tisza party to a decisive victory in the Hungarian parliamentary elections. His party secured a majority in the 199-seat parliament with a significant vote share, marking a major political shift in the country. He has prior experience in government roles, including positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Hungary’s representation to the European Union. His political journey also includes serving in the European Parliament and holding leadership roles in state institutions, contributing to his rise as a prominent political figure in Hungary.

The United Kingdom delayed the legislative process to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius due to geopolitical concerns and lack of support from the United States. The proposed agreement included transferring full sovereignty while maintaining a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia for continued military use by the US and UK. The delay also reflects broader strategic considerations in the Indian Ocean region. Historically, the UK has controlled the islands since 1814, and the issue has been subject to international legal scrutiny, including a 2019 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice urging decolonisation.

India decided to withdraw its bid to host the COP33 climate summit in 2028 after reviewing its governmental commitments for that year. The proposal to host the event was initially announced during the COP28 summit in Dubai, where India aimed to strengthen its leadership role among Global South nations. The COP hosting rotates among UN regional groups, and the 2028 summit is designated for the Asia-Pacific region. With India stepping back, South Korea remains the only country to have formally expressed interest. India has previously hosted COP8 in New Delhi in 2002, which led to the Delhi Declaration.

In April 2026, India entered into an agreement with Bhutan to sign the Punatsangchhu-II export tariff protocol and establish a framework for reactive energy accounting. The Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, with a capacity of 1,020 MW, plays a crucial role in bilateral energy cooperation, with Bhutan exporting surplus electricity to India. This agreement strengthens the long-standing partnership between the two countries in the hydropower sector. Additionally, both nations continue to collaborate on other projects such as Punatsangchhu-I, reflecting their shared commitment to sustainable energy development and regional cooperation.