Current Affairs - International

The United States, under President Donald Trump, withdrew from UNESCO in 2025, just two years after rejoining under President Joe Biden. The administration cited ideological conflicts and accused UNESCO of promoting “woke” and divisive agendas that contradict American values. This withdrawal follows a history of strained relations, with previous exits in 1984 and 2017 over perceived anti-Israel bias and financial mismanagement. Although the U.S. contributed about 8% of UNESCO’s budget, the impact is more symbolic, reflecting a shift toward unilateralism and weakening multilateral efforts in areas like education, cultural preservation, and global cooperation, while potentially increasing the influence of nations like China.

The GENIUS Act was signed by US President Donald Trump to establish the first federal regulatory framework specifically for stablecoins pegged to the US dollar. Stablecoins are digital currencies designed to hold a steady value by linking them to traditional fiat currencies like the USD. The GENIUS Act brings such digital assets under federal regulation in the United States, requiring compliance with auditing and supervision standards set by US law. This move positions the United States as a pioneer in the formal regulation of blockchain-based stablecoins.

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) partnered with the Ministry of Rural Development to implement the Bima Sakhi Yojana, a targeted initiative designed to empower rural women through structured insurance career opportunities. This collaboration supports broader national goals such as financial inclusion, women-led development, and rural economic upliftment. Under the scheme, women are trained and enrolled as insurance agents, gaining access to performance-based stipends and long-term career benefits. Integrated with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the program also aligns with efforts to reduce poverty and promote entrepreneurship among rural women.

India and Nepal signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for five High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs), focusing on key sectors like education and health. These projects, funded under Indian Grant Assistance, aim to strengthen grassroots-level development in Nepal and will be executed through local authorities and municipalities. The total estimated cost for these initiatives is NPR 390 million. This collaboration highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral ties between India and Nepal through development cooperation and people-centric projects that directly benefit communities in Nepal.

On July 21, 2025, a replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at the Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, a prominent Buddhist temple in Kalutara district, Sri Lanka. This initiative serves as a powerful symbol of the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural connections between India and Sri Lanka, particularly through their shared Buddhist heritage. The pillar honours Emperor Ashoka’s vital role in the spread of Buddhism, especially his contribution to Sri Lankan Buddhist civilisation through his children, Arhat Mahinda and Arhat Sangamitta. Sponsored by Tibetan Buddhist leader Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, the project exemplifies India’s commitment to preserving and promoting regional Buddhist ties.