Current Affairs - International

China is introducing the K Visa starting October 1, 2025, to attract young STEM professionals and researchers worldwide. This visa offers flexible work rights, multiple entries, longer validity, and does not require a local employer or sponsor, distinguishing it from traditional Chinese work visas. The initiative is positioned as an alternative to the U.S., where recent H-1B visa restrictions and high fees have created challenges for global talent. By facilitating education, research, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange, the K Visa aims to strengthen China’s innovation ecosystem and make the country an attractive destination for skilled professionals seeking international opportunities.

The 25th Interpol Asian Regional Conference, where India was elected as a member of the Interpol Asian Committee, took place in Singapore. This committee plays a crucial role in advising the Asian Regional Conference on pressing issues such as organised crime, cybercrime, terrorism, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. India’s delegation, led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), secured its place through the election, reflecting its increasing influence in global law enforcement collaboration. The choice of Singapore as the host city further highlights its role as a strategic hub for international cooperation and security dialogue in the Asian region.

Maitri 2.0 is the second edition of the India-Brazil Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech, launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The initiative is designed to promote collaboration between Indian and Brazilian innovators to strengthen the agri-food ecosystem. It emphasises sustainable agriculture, the use of digital technologies, and improved value chains to make food systems more resilient. Brazil’s strong agricultural base and India’s innovation potential make this partnership strategically important, as it enables knowledge sharing, joint research, and the adoption of best practices to address global food security challenges.

Super Typhoon Ragasa made landfall on Calayan Island in Cagayan province, Philippines, bringing destructive winds of 215 kph and gusts up to 295 kph. The impact raised the risk of storm surges exceeding 3 meters, endangering coastal communities. While neighboring regions such as Taiwan, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, and Macau prepared for heavy rains, flight cancellations, and evacuations, the Philippines bore the brunt of the initial landfall. This event highlights the vulnerability of island nations to tropical cyclones and underscores the importance of preparedness and disaster management in mitigating the impact of such devastating natural disasters.

The European Commission, along with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, unveiled “A New Strategic EU–India Agenda” in Brussels to strengthen EU–India cooperation across trade, technology, defence, and climate. The initiative aims to elevate India–EU relations while addressing concerns over India’s military exercises with Russia and oil imports from Moscow. It aligns with ongoing FTA negotiations, the EU’s interest in a rules-based international order, and the growing trade volume between the two regions, which has increased nearly 90% over the last decade. The agenda also focuses on climate, technology, and strategic autonomy, balancing economic and geopolitical priorities for both India and the EU.