Current Affairs - International

China has commissioned its third and most advanced aircraft carrier, Fujian, marking a significant milestone in its naval modernization and maritime power projection. Launched in November 2025 at Sanya Port, Hainan, the Fujian is China’s first flat-deck carrier equipped with the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)—a cutting-edge technology previously used only by the U.S. Navy. With a displacement of around 80,000 tonnes and all-electric propulsion, it enables smoother and faster aircraft launches, enhancing strike range and combat readiness. The Fujian joins Liaoning and Shandong in China’s carrier fleet, showcasing Beijing’s growing ambitions in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region.

The United States conducted the Minuteman III ICBM test (GT-254) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on November 5, 2025. The test involved launching an unarmed missile toward the central Pacific near the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site (Kwajalein Atoll) to validate reliability, accuracy, and readiness of the US land-based nuclear deterrent. The launch also verified the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) using an E-6B aircraft, ensuring redundant command-and-control capability. While the timing drew global attention due to concurrent nuclear policy debates, US officials clarified that it was a routine operational readiness test supporting strategic stability and deterrence credibility.

Kazakhstan is poised to become the newest member of the Abraham Accords, a U.S.-brokered framework that normalizes relations between Israel and Muslim-majority nations. Announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on November 6, 2025, this development expands the accords’ influence beyond the Arab world into Central Asia. Kazakhstan’s entry signifies its intent to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security ties with Israel and other signatories. The move aligns with its foreign policy of dialogue and regional stability, while also advancing the U.S. strategy of deepening engagement with Central Asian nations traditionally within Russia and China’s spheres of influence.

According to the UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2025, titled Off Target, India registered the highest absolute increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during 2023–24, amounting to 165 million tonnes. Despite this rise, India continues to maintain one of the lowest per capita emissions among major global economies. The report highlights that the G20 nations collectively saw an emissions increase of 22 million tonnes in the same period. With the world projected to warm by 2.8°C—far exceeding the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal—India faces growing pressure ahead of the COP30 climate summit to adopt stronger mitigation measures.

India exported 12 metric tonnes of fortified rice kernels (FRK) from Chhattisgarh to Costa Rica, marking a milestone in nutrition-oriented trade and global food diplomacy. Facilitated by APEDA, this initiative highlights India’s growing role in promoting food fortification technology and combating micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. Fortified rice, enriched with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, is already used domestically under the Poshan Abhiyan. This export strengthens Chhattisgarh’s reputation as the “Rice Bowl of India,” while aligning with India’s goal to merge agricultural innovation with global health and trade initiatives, enhancing both economic and diplomatic engagement.