Current Affairs - International

The nuclear-powered ‘Burevestnik’ cruise missile was successfully tested by Russia, as announced by President Vladimir Putin. This missile is a part of Russia’s advanced strategic arsenal aimed at strengthening its nuclear deterrence and global strike capabilities. The test demonstrated impressive performance, with the missile reportedly flying for 15 hours and covering a distance of 14,000 km. Such advancements highlight Russia’s focus on maintaining a technological edge in nuclear and long-range weapons systems, reinforcing its position as a leading global military power.

Catherine Connolly, an independent left-wing politician, has been elected as Ireland’s 10th President following a decisive victory over Heather Humphreys. Representing Galway West since 2016, Connolly has built a strong reputation as a dedicated public servant and an influential voice in Irish politics. Her prior role as Deputy Speaker of the Irish Parliament showcased her leadership and integrity. Known for her grassroots connection and progressive stance, Connolly’s election reflects a shift in Ireland’s political landscape toward inclusivity and independent representation, marking a significant moment in the nation’s democratic and social history.

India was re-elected as the Vice-Chair of the COP10 Bureau under the International Convention against Doping in Sport during the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Representing the Asia-Pacific region, India’s re-election reinforces its leadership in promoting clean sport and ethical governance at the global level. The Indian delegation, led by senior officials from the Sports Ministry and NADA, actively contributed to discussions on anti-doping education, compliance, and policy reform. India’s proposal to integrate the Values Education through Sport (VETS) initiative was also praised for advancing global efforts toward integrity and fair play in sports.

The Sevilla Forum on Debt was launched at UNCTAD16, held in Geneva. This global event, led by Spain with support from UNCTAD and UN DESA, aims to create a permanent and inclusive platform for discussions on sovereign debt challenges faced by nations. The forum’s establishment in Geneva underscores the city’s significance as a hub for international diplomacy and global economic governance. It also represents a major outcome of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), focusing on sustainable financial cooperation and global debt management frameworks.

India has introduced the Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS) in response to fatal cases linked to toxic cough syrups. Spearheaded by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), ONDLS allows real-time tracking of high-risk pharmaceutical solvents, ensuring only verified, safe ingredients are used in drug manufacturing. The system provides end-to-end traceability, mandatory batch-wise entries, and compliance audits by state-level controllers. This initiative strengthens India’s pharmaceutical safety framework, prevents contamination, and addresses public health concerns while aligning with international standards for drug quality and regulatory oversight.