Current Affairs - International

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, the highest civilian award of Ethiopia, during his official visit to Addis Ababa. With this recognition, he became the first global Head of State or Government to receive the prestigious honour, highlighting India’s expanding diplomatic influence, particularly in Africa and the Global South. The award, presented by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, marked PM Modi’s 28th international state honour. It reflects the deep historical, cultural, and educational ties between India and Ethiopia and underscores the strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations.

Italy achieved a historic cultural distinction by becoming the first country to receive UNESCO recognition for its entire national cuisine. The recognition was granted in December 2025 when Italian cuisine was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage during the organisation’s cultural assembly held in Delhi. Unlike earlier recognitions that focused on individual dishes or culinary practices, this acknowledgment covers Italy’s complete food culture, including everyday cooking traditions, regional diversity, and shared social practices. The move highlights food as a living cultural expression that strengthens community bonds, preserves intergenerational knowledge, and reflects national identity on a global stage.

India secured the third position globally in Stanford University’s Global AI Vibrancy Index, reflecting its rapid progress in the artificial intelligence sector. This ranking represents a significant improvement from earlier years, as India had been placed seventh in 2023 before climbing to third in 2024. The index evaluates countries based on their competitiveness in AI, including research output, innovation, talent, and industry adoption. Achieving the third rank places India just behind the United States and China, highlighting its growing influence and capability in the global AI landscape.

India achieved the 3rd position in the Asia Power Index 2025, marking a significant milestone in its regional and global standing. Published by the Lowy Institute, the index evaluates countries based on their ability to influence the Indo-Pacific through economic strength, military capability, diplomacy, and future resources. By crossing the 40-point threshold for the first time, India entered the category of a “Major Power,” placing it just behind the United States and China. This ranking reflects sustained progress in economic growth, defence preparedness, diplomacy, and long-term strategic potential.

The United States has taken a major step in integrating artificial intelligence into healthcare regulation through its Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA qualified AIM-NASH, the first AI-powered tool designed to assist in assessing severe fatty liver disease during drug trials. This qualification enables faster, more consistent evaluation of liver biopsy data, helping reduce delays, variability, and costs in clinical research. By supporting the development of treatments for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the decision highlights the growing role of AI in modern drug development and reflects strong regulatory confidence in AI-assisted diagnostics.