Current Affairs - International

The first-ever Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was hosted in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in global wildlife conservation. India led this initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the assembly chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The event brought together representatives from nine big cat range countries, emphasizing India’s commitment to preserving the seven major big cat species. The Assembly ratified critical governance frameworks, elected leadership, and laid down collaborative strategies to reverse population declines, protect habitats, and foster international cooperation in big cat conservation.

Researchers in Finland have innovated a sustainable method to recover silver from electronic waste using natural fatty acids present in cooking oils. This method stands out for its eco-friendliness, as it avoids harsh chemicals and aligns with the rising need for greener technologies amid increasing silver demand and growing concerns over e-waste, particularly in heavily impacted regions such as India. Finland's role in this advancement showcases its contribution to addressing environmental challenges through scientific innovation.

India has been recognized for its efforts in containing the Rinderpest Virus, also known as cattle plague, by joining an elite global group dedicated to this cause. The ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal has been designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility. This designation by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations highlights India's significant contribution to global animal health and its commitment to preventing the re-emergence of this deadly livestock disease.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Eurobank of Cyprus to launch Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in Cyprus. This partnership aims to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions, benefiting both tourists and businesses by offering a faster and more efficient digital payment solution. Additionally, the NSE International Exchange at Gujarat’s Gift City has entered into an MoU with the Cyprus Stock Exchange to enhance financial collaboration and cross-border investment flows. These agreements mark a significant step in strengthening financial ties between India and Cyprus while promoting digital financial infrastructure globally.

India is actively working to become a global hub for arbitration by strengthening its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework, which includes arbitration, mediation, and conciliation. At a high-level conference in New Delhi, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted the government's efforts to create a fast, efficient, and investor-friendly dispute resolution ecosystem. These efforts aim to reduce the burden on courts, attract global businesses, and ensure the timely resolution of commercial disputes. By promoting institutional arbitration over ad hoc processes and encouraging minimal judicial intervention, India is laying the foundation to emerge as a preferred destination for international dispute settlement.