Current Affairs - International

India holds the 85th position in the Henley Passport Index 2025, reflecting a decline of five places compared to the previous year. This rank is based on the number of destinations Indian passport holders can visit without a prior visa, which currently stands at 57. The lower ranking highlights challenges in expanding bilateral visa agreements and slower diplomatic progress relative to rapidly advancing nations in Asia and the Gulf. As global mobility becomes increasingly competitive, India’s passport strength has not kept pace with its expanding economic and geopolitical ambitions, emphasizing the need for greater diplomatic efforts and international partnerships.

Sergio Gor assumed office as the United States Ambassador to India on November 11, 2025, marking a notable moment in the expanding Indo-US relationship. At 38, he brings extensive experience from his previous role as Director of Presidential Personnel in the Trump administration, where he oversaw significant staffing decisions and strategic coordination. His appointment was confirmed by the US Senate in October 2025, and his swearing-in ceremony at the Oval Office was attended by top US leadership, reflecting the importance of the India-US partnership. Gor aims to strengthen cooperation in defence, regional security, trade, technology, and supply chain resilience.

India and Nepal recently signed a Letter of Exchange aimed at enhancing bilateral rail-based trade by expanding freight movement through the Jogbani–Biratnagar rail link. This agreement enables containerised and bulk cargo to move more efficiently and opens additional routes such as Kolkata–Jogbani, Kolkata–Nautanwa, and Visakhapatnam–Nautanwa. By improving multimodal logistics and offering more streamlined pathways for third-country trade, the pact significantly boosts economic cooperation between the two nations. Strengthened rail connectivity is expected to reduce transit time, improve trade volumes, and deepen strategic and economic partnership between India and Nepal.

The UAE achieved a major milestone by executing its first government transaction using the Digital Dirham, a central bank digital currency issued by the Central Bank of the UAE. Completed in less than two minutes through the mBridge settlement platform, the event demonstrated the nation’s readiness to adopt next-generation financial systems. This development supports the country’s broader Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme, which aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and financial inclusion. By embracing secure, regulated digital currency systems and collaborating with other central banks on cross-border digital settlements, the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading global hub for digital finance and technological innovation.

The United States ended its longest government shutdown after a 42-day political standoff, which severely disrupted federal operations and affected hundreds of thousands of government employees. The shutdown was rooted in disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over healthcare subsidy provisions linked to the Affordable Care Act. Progress stalled in the Senate due to the 60-vote requirement, but bipartisan support emerged when eight Democratic senators crossed party lines, allowing the bill to move forward. Following congressional approval, President Donald Trump signed a temporary funding bill that reopened government services. Although the measure provided only short-term relief, it restored essential services and allowed federal agencies to resume normal operations while budget negotiations continued.