Current Affairs - International

UNESCO launched the Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects during MONDIACULT 2025, a pioneering global initiative aimed at combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property. The project was developed in response to calls from Member States for coordinated international efforts to protect cultural heritage. Financially supported by Saudi Arabia, the museum is implemented in collaboration with INTERPOL, which plays a crucial role in tracing, recovering, and preventing the illegal trade of stolen artifacts. This partnership underscores the importance of global cooperation in safeguarding humanity’s shared cultural legacy through technology and law enforcement.

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services will soon be available in Japan through a partnership between NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and NTT DATA. NTT DATA operates CAFIS, the country’s largest card transaction network, linking banks, ATMs, and merchants nationwide. This collaboration will allow Indian travelers to make payments at Japanese merchant outlets by scanning QR codes and paying directly in Indian Rupees (INR). The initiative strengthens digital connectivity between India and Japan, promotes cashless transactions abroad, and highlights India’s growing global influence in digital payment innovation and fintech integration.

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.