Current Affairs - International

NASA is preparing to launch the Artemis II mission, marking a significant milestone as the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. The mission will carry four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the far side of the Moon without landing. It will be launched aboard the Space Launch System from the Kennedy Space Centre. The mission has faced delays due to technical issues such as helium leaks and fuel system concerns, but repairs have been completed. Artemis II is a crucial step in NASA’s broader lunar exploration program, paving the way for future missions like Artemis III and IV.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international body responsible for setting standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, placed Kuwait and Papua New Guinea on its “grey list” for increased monitoring after its February 2026 plenary meeting. Countries on this list have strategic deficiencies in their financial monitoring systems and must implement specific action plans within a given timeframe to address these gaps. While the grey list expanded, the FATF “black list” remained unchanged and includes Iran, North Korea, and Myanmar. The monitoring aims to safeguard the global financial system while ensuring humanitarian financial flows are not disrupted.

Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran by the Assembly of Experts after the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At the age of 56, he assumed the country’s highest religious and political authority during a period of significant regional tension and conflict involving the United States and Israel. His appointment quickly received support from powerful institutions such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian armed forces, which played a crucial role in stabilising the leadership transition. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the decision as a symbol of national unity and the beginning of a new era for the nation.

Romania officially ratified the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a global initiative aimed at promoting the widespread adoption of solar energy. The Instrument of Ratification was presented by Ms. Sena Latif to Shri P.S. Gangadhar at the Ministry of External Affairs in India. The International Solar Alliance, originally initiated by India, focuses on increasing solar energy deployment worldwide and facilitating cooperation in technology transfer, research, and financing for solar projects. By joining the framework agreement, Romania strengthens international collaboration in clean energy and supports global efforts to address climate change while promoting sustainable development and a transition toward renewable energy sources.

The 40th edition of AAHAR 2026, a major B2B trade exhibition for the food and hospitality industry, was inaugurated by Union Minister Piyush Goyal at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the event took place from March 10 to 14, 2026. Italy participated as the Partner Country for this edition, emphasising stronger collaboration between India and the European Union in sectors such as gourmet foods, hospitality technology, and food processing innovations. The exhibition featured around 1,800 exhibitors from 17 countries and showcased advancements in packaging technology, cold chain solutions, and hospitality infrastructure.