Current Affairs - International

Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, became Nepal’s youngest Prime Minister at the age of 35 after being sworn in on March 27, 2026. Representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), he led his party to a historic victory by securing a majority in the House of Representatives. His rise marks a significant political shift in Nepal, as he defeated established leaders and traditional parties. Additionally, he is the first Prime Minister from the Madhes region, highlighting increased regional representation. His leadership symbolises a move toward youth-driven, reform-oriented governance in Nepal.

The 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization is being held in Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon, from March 26 to 29, 2026. This significant global event brings together trade ministers from WTO member nations to discuss key issues such as WTO reforms, agriculture and food security, fisheries subsidies, and digital trade policies. The conference is chaired by Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana. Hosting such a major international event highlights Cameroon’s role in global trade discussions and provides a platform for addressing the concerns of developing and least developed countries.

In February 2026, China became India’s third-largest export destination, overtaking the Netherlands due to a strong increase in trade volumes. Exports to China surged by 32.4% year-on-year, reaching $1.67 billion, largely driven by demand for electronics and marine products. Despite this growth, imports from China also rose significantly, contributing to a widening trade deficit exceeding $100 billion during the April–February period. Meanwhile, exports to the United States declined due to tariff pressures, further influencing China’s rise in ranking among India’s export markets.

Exercise Lamitiye 2026 marked a significant milestone as it was the first tri-services exercise involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the Seychelles Defence Forces. Conducted in Seychelles, the exercise enhanced military interoperability through activities such as VBSS operations, joint boarding drills, and coordinated troop landings. It also reflected India’s broader strategic vision under the MAHASAGAR initiative, aiming to strengthen regional security and cooperation. The name “Lamitiye,” meaning friendship in Creole, symbolizes the longstanding diplomatic and defence ties between the two nations.

Sri Lanka is the country where NPCI International Payments Limited is expanding UPI merchant acceptance to improve cross-border digital payments. This initiative enables Indian tourists to make seamless transactions using UPI through integration with LankaQR infrastructure. It reflects growing economic and technological cooperation between the two nations. The expansion also supports Sri Lanka’s digital economy by increasing the adoption of secure and efficient payment systems. With UPI handling billions of transactions monthly, this collaboration enhances financial connectivity and strengthens bilateral ties through modern digital infrastructure.