Current Affairs - International

Ghana exchanged two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with India to strengthen cooperation in scientific research, education, agriculture and capacity building. The agreements were exchanged during External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar’s visit to Ghana. One MoU involves the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the University of Ghana, focusing on academic cooperation, scientific research and capacity building. The other involves the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Ghana’s CSIR-Crops Research Institute, covering agricultural research and education. These agreements further strengthen the India-Ghana Comprehensive Partnership and contribute to broader South-South cooperation in areas such as technology, development and knowledge sharing.

Tanzania hosted the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Arusha from October 5 to 9, 2026. The Indian Parliamentary Delegation was led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh. The assembly focused on enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all. Indian parliamentarians participated in the Governing Council, General Debate and discussions on global issues. Key areas included artificial intelligence and the future of work, international security, counter-terrorism, maritime security, climate change, critical minerals and sustainable development. The IPU, established in 1889, is the global organisation of national parliaments.

The 28th Session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO 28) was held in Rome, Italy, from September 28 to October 2, 2026. During the session, India highlighted its achievements in forest and landscape restoration, including its ranking of 9th globally in total forest area and 3rd in net annual forest area gain. India also presented initiatives such as the Bonn Challenge, Aravalli Green Wall, MISHTI and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which organised the session, is a specialised United Nations agency headquartered in Rome and works internationally to improve food security, nutrition and agricultural development.

Kuwait hosted the launch of the India-Kuwait Media Connect (IKMC) platform by the Embassy of India on September 30, 2026. The initiative was introduced to strengthen bilateral dialogue and improve information exchange between India and Kuwait. The platform operates under the theme “Partnership, Perspectives and Possibilities” and aims to provide regular media access to information about India-Kuwait relations. It also seeks to highlight India’s progress in areas such as infrastructure, digital capabilities, and economic growth. Paramita Tripathi, Ambassador of India to Kuwait, officially unveiled the IKMC logo. Kuwait’s capital is Kuwait City, and its currency is the Kuwaiti Dinar.

Iowa will host the $15 billion steel plant being built by Mesabi Metallics, the US-based subsidiary of India’s Essar Group. The facility is projected to produce 10 million tonnes of steel annually, with commercial production expected to begin in 2030. The project is expected to create around 1,750 permanent jobs in Iowa and is supported by a $2.5 billion iron ore mine in Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range. The plant aims to compete globally through advanced manufacturing technology, focusing on scale, quality, and cost efficiency. Essar Group, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Mumbai, operates across energy, metals, mining, and infrastructure.