Current Affairs - International

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi and Puliyankudi Limes to the United Kingdom. This historic consignment consisted of 350 kg of Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka, and 150 kg of Puliyankudi Lime from Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, totaling 500 kg. The successful export signifies a major milestone in expanding the global reach of India’s unique GI-tagged horticultural products, strengthening trade ties and promoting regional produce in international markets.

During his visit to South Korea on October 29, 2025, Donald Trump was awarded the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the country’s highest national honour. He also received a replica of the golden Cheonmachong crown, symbolising unity and peaceful reigns. This recognition was granted for his diplomatic efforts in fostering peace on the Korean peninsula, particularly his historic engagements with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The event, held in Gyeongju, highlighted strengthened U.S.–South Korea relations and marked Trump as the first American president to receive this distinguished award.

India and Nepal have entered into major power agreements to strengthen their energy partnership. The deals were signed between India’s POWERGRID Corporation and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in New Delhi, in the presence of both countries’ energy ministers. These agreements aim to construct two 400 kV cross-border transmission lines connecting Inaruwa (Nepal) to New Purnea (India) and Lamki/Dododhara (Nepal) to Bareilly (India). The initiative will enhance electricity trade, improve grid reliability, and promote regional energy integration. This collaboration highlights Nepal’s hydropower potential and India’s growing clean energy demand under its Neighborhood First policy.

Stanford University’s 2025 World’s Top 2% Scientists List identifies the top-performing researchers worldwide based on a composite citation and impact metric developed by Professor John Ioannidis. The data, sourced from Elsevier’s Scopus database, evaluates career-long and annual scientific performance across various disciplines. This year’s list highlights 6,239 Indian scientists among the world’s top 2%, reflecting India’s growing presence in global research and innovation. Notably, several of these scientists come from emerging and lesser-known institutions, showcasing the expanding quality and diversity of scientific contributions across the Indian research landscape.

Russia has introduced Poseidon, a nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed underwater drone capable of creating massive radioactive tsunamis near enemy coastlines. Announced by President Vladimir Putin, the Poseidon—formerly known as Status-6—is a next-generation strategic weapon intended to deter large-scale attacks. It features a compact nuclear reactor that is about 100 times smaller than those found in standard submarines, giving it remarkable endurance and stealth capabilities. The weapon underscores Russia’s focus on developing autonomous and nuclear-based defence systems, marking a significant escalation in global undersea warfare and strategic deterrence technologies.