Current Affairs - International

France has passed a landmark law that will prohibit children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, with full implementation beginning in January 2027. The legislation requires mandatory age verification for both new and existing user accounts and aims to protect minors from harmful online content, cyberbullying, exploitation, and mental health risks. Introduced as part of President Emmanuel Macron’s child safety initiative, France became the first European country to adopt such a nationwide measure. The move reflects a growing global trend toward stricter online safety regulations for children, although concerns remain regarding privacy, data protection, and effective enforcement.

Germany signed a technical cooperation agreement with India's Ministry of Coal through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on July 22, 2026, in New Delhi. The agreement focuses on scientific mine closure, technical cooperation for mines nearing closure, and the exchange of international best practices. During the event, the Ministry also released the AAROH report documenting the scientific closure of 42 coal mines, inaugurated Coal NEER plants for sustainable drinking water, and introduced frameworks such as RECLAIM, L.I.V.E.S., and SUVIKALP to support sustainable mine closure, land repurposing, and community engagement.

The United Kingdom launched the Storm Fighter program on July 17, 2026, through the Royal Air Force (RAF) to develop autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The initiative aims to establish Europe's first sixth-generation air force by integrating "loyal wingman" drones with crewed fighter aircraft such as the Typhoon, F-35B Lightning II, and the future Tempest fighter. Backed by £5 billion in funding over four years, the program seeks to enhance combat capability, improve pilot safety, and strengthen the UK's position in next-generation military aviation and defence technology.

India and Belgium launched their inaugural Strategic Dialogue on July 15, 2026, at the Egmont Palace in Brussels, establishing the first formal mechanism for regular high-level strategic engagement between the two countries. India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while Belgium was represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot. The dialogue focused on strengthening cooperation in clean energy, digital technologies, life sciences, chemicals, logistics, semiconductor supply chains, and defence and security. The initiative reflects the commitment of both nations to deepen bilateral ties and address emerging global and geopolitical challenges through closer collaboration.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) became operational between India and the United Kingdom to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and professional mobility. The agreement provides zero-duty access for 99% of India's export tariff lines, benefiting sectors such as processed foods, textiles, engineering goods, leather, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Along with CETA, the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) exempts Indian professionals from dual social security contributions and extends the exemption period for temporary workers from three to five years. These measures are expected to boost trade, support businesses, facilitate skilled professionals, and help achieve the bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.