Current Affairs - International

India has been selected by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) to host two prestigious shooting events—the Shooting World Cup in 2027 and the World Junior Championship in 2028. This decision was announced by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on July 10, 2025. The move underscores India's growing influence in global shooting sports and is expected to provide invaluable exposure to both junior and senior Indian shooters. Alongside these events, India is also set to launch the Shooting League of India in November 2025. These initiatives aim to elevate the sport's profile nationally and enhance competitive standards.

Nvidia became the first publicly listed company in the world to reach a $4 trillion market valuation on July 9, 2025. This milestone reflects not only Nvidia’s explosive growth—driven by advances in AI and semiconductor technology—but also the dominance of the tech sector in global financial markets. Nvidia’s share price has surged approximately 1,350% since October 2022, significantly outpacing major indexes like the S&P 500. With its massive influence on indexes such as the S&P 500 and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, Nvidia now plays a pivotal role in shaping market trends and investor sentiment across the technology industry.

Namibia is the first country where the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) entered into a technology agreement with the central bank to implement a UPI-like digital payments system. This move is part of a broader initiative to deepen economic ties between India and Namibia. In addition to digital payments, the two nations signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in several other areas, including health, medicine, entrepreneurship development, and bilateral cooperation. Establishing a digital payments framework reflects growing global interest in India's fintech solutions and marks a milestone in strengthening Indo-African economic and technological partnerships.

Bulgaria will officially join the eurozone on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st member to adopt the euro as its official currency. The European Union finance ministers gave final approval for this move on July 8, 2025. Bulgaria will replace its national currency, the lev, at a fixed rate of 1.95583 lev per euro. The adoption of the euro is expected to improve economic stability, enhance integration with Western Europe, and shield the country from external influences. Despite internal political challenges and public concerns, the Bulgarian government views this as a landmark moment in the nation’s economic development.

On July 7, 2025, Trinidad & Tobago became the first Caribbean country and the eighth overall to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services for Indian travellers. This development allows Indian tourists to use UPI apps like BHIM or PhonePe to pay directly in Indian rupees while shopping or dining in Trinidad & Tobago. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) manages UPI and has partnered with various nations to expand its reach globally. The initiative helps Indian travellers avoid cash exchanges and international card fees, making transactions more seamless and cost-effective abroad.