Current Affairs - International

According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India has risen to the 9th position globally in total forest area. This achievement highlights the country’s ongoing dedication to expanding and conserving its forest cover through sustainable forestry practices and afforestation programs. Additionally, India continues to hold the 3rd position in annual forest area gain, reflecting significant efforts in reforestation and land management policies aimed at balancing ecological preservation with developmental needs.

Sanae Takaichi was elected as Japan’s first female prime minister on October 21, 2025, receiving 237 votes in the 465-seat Lower House. Her election represents both a historic breakthrough for gender representation and a political shift to the right, reflecting her conservative views modeled on Shinzo Abe and Margaret Thatcher. Takaichi advocates stricter immigration policies, traditional family values, and a stronger national security stance, while also signaling fiscal stimulus measures to address economic challenges. Her leadership is significant not only for breaking a political glass ceiling but also for influencing Japan’s domestic and international policy direction.

India has launched the inaugural State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) as part of the Union Budget 2025–26. Developed by the Ministry of Mines, the SMRI evaluates States on operational efficiency, reform-readiness, and sustainable practices in managing non-coal mineral resources. The index aims to promote transparency, accountability, and healthy competition among States, while encouraging sustainable mining practices aligned with climate and social responsibilities. It also categorises States based on their mineral resource endowment to ensure fair benchmarking. This initiative marks a significant step in modernizing India’s mineral governance.

Australia signed an $8.5 billion critical minerals agreement with the U.S., aimed at reducing reliance on China for key minerals like lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements. The pact includes joint investment in mining and processing infrastructure, market stabilization measures, and reforms to speed up projects. It also features U.S. EXIM Bank support and plans for a gallium refinery in Western Australia. This deal strengthens strategic supply chains, supports defence and technology sectors, and reinforces Indo-Pacific security. It highlights the growing collaboration between the U.S. and Australia to secure critical resources while countering China’s dominance in the market.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $3 billion sovereign exposure exchange agreement (EEA) with the World Bank, aimed at enhancing ADB’s capacity to lend to its developing member countries. This is the first such agreement between ADB and the World Bank and the sixth EEA involving ADB since 2020, bringing the total exposure exchanged to $9 billion. These agreements allow multilateral development banks to optimise risk-sharing, expand financial resources, and support economic development projects in member countries, strengthening regional and global development financing frameworks.