Current Affairs - International

In the Henley Passport Index 2025, India’s passport ranks 85th, marking a slip from its previous position of 80 in 2024. The index evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. India’s fluctuating rank reflects global changes in visa policies, security considerations, and diplomatic engagements. While Singapore tops the index with visa-free access to 193 countries, India’s position highlights challenges in travel freedom for its citizens compared to neighboring countries like China (64th) and Bhutan (89th). The ranking underscores the influence of international relations on global mobility.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) pledged $10 million through its UAE Aid Agency to strengthen community resilience against natural disasters across the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative supports the “Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme” in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Announced at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, this commitment demonstrates the UAE’s proactive role in global humanitarian and environmental initiatives, emphasizing sustainable development, disaster preparedness, and support for vulnerable communities facing climate-related risks.

In 2025, India and Mongolia commemorated 70 years of diplomatic relations with significant agreements and initiatives. During Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s visit to New Delhi, the two nations signed ten MoUs covering areas such as humanitarian aid, heritage restoration, digital cooperation, and resource exploration. India also announced support for Mongolia’s first major oil refinery and offered free e-visas to Mongolian citizens to strengthen people-to-people ties. Cultural and educational collaborations, including linking Nalanda University with Mongolia’s Gandan Monastery and digitising ancient manuscripts, further deepened bilateral relations, highlighting a multifaceted partnership built over seven decades.

The Sharm El-Sheikh Summit took place in Egypt, where U.S. President Donald Trump, along with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, signed the “Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity.” This declaration aimed to promote a ceasefire and a sustainable peace framework for Gaza, focusing on ending hostilities, improving humanitarian access, and ensuring stability in the region. Egypt’s role as host highlighted its longstanding diplomatic influence in Middle Eastern peace initiatives and its continued efforts to facilitate dialogue among regional powers for achieving long-term security and cooperation.

The Maldives has made history by becoming the first country in the world to achieve the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis, as certified by the World Health Organization (WHO). This remarkable public health milestone reflects the country’s strong healthcare infrastructure, universal antenatal coverage, and near-total screening of pregnant women for key infections. With over 95% of expectant mothers receiving antenatal care, Maldives has demonstrated an exemplary model for integrated disease prevention and maternal-child health programs, setting a global benchmark for small island nations in public health success.