Current Affairs - International

The Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino Experiment (KATRIN), a major scientific initiative focused on measuring the mass of neutrinos, was conducted in Germany. Researchers involved in this project analyzed data from five experimental runs between 2019 and 2021, examining over 36 million electron events. Their findings established a new upper limit for the mass of neutrinos, determining that the total mass of the three known types is less than 8.8 × 10⁻⁷ times the mass of an electron. This experiment represents a significant step forward in the field of particle physics and highlights Germany’s leading role in advanced scientific research.

Prominent banks from France and the UAE have received in-principle approvals to set up IFSC Banking Units (IBUs) in GIFT City, Gujarat, marking a significant milestone in India’s emergence as a global financial hub. French banks like Natixis and Credit Agricole, and UAE-based institutions such as First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC and Mashreq Bank, are among those expanding their presence. These approvals are part of broader efforts by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to attract top-tier global banking institutions to GIFT City. With this, the total number of IBUs has risen to 31, reflecting the rapid internationalization of India’s financial landscape.

The 2nd Session of the IALA Council took place in Nice, France, with India participating as the Vice President of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA). The IALA Council serves as the principal decision-making body for global standards on marine navigation aids. While this session was held in France, the upcoming 3rd IALA General Assembly in December 2025 will be hosted in Mumbai, India, reflecting India's growing role in maritime governance and international cooperation on navigational safety.

India has achieved a significant milestone in expanding social security coverage, rising from just 19 per cent in 2015 to an impressive 64.3 per cent in 2025. This increase translates to approximately 94 crore citizens now receiving social protection benefits. According to data from the International Labour Organisation’s ILOSTAT, this expansion places India in the 2nd position globally in terms of the number of beneficiaries covered. This achievement highlights the country's focused policy efforts over the past decade to broaden access to welfare and support mechanisms, especially for vulnerable populations, thereby contributing to more inclusive social development.

Iran has confirmed a major energy collaboration with Russia, where eight nuclear reactors will be constructed across the country to boost its civilian nuclear infrastructure. The agreement, reaffirmed by Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI), marks a significant step in Iran’s strategic plan to triple its nuclear energy output. The project is being carried out in partnership with Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom, with four reactors specifically planned in Bushehr Province. This initiative reflects growing energy ties between Tehran and Moscow while helping Iran reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.