Current Affairs - International

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recognised India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as the world’s largest real-time payment system in its June 2025 report titled “Growing Retail Digital Payments (The Value of Interoperability).” This acknowledgment highlights India’s leadership in the global fintech ecosystem and underscores the massive scale of UPI, which accounts for 49% of all global real-time digital transactions. The recognition demonstrates the success of India’s digital infrastructure, government-led initiatives and the collaborative efforts of institutions like NPCI and RBI. It also reinforces UPI’s role as a model for affordable, interoperable and scalable digital payment systems worldwide.

Tanzania has initiated a comprehensive 5-year livestock vaccination programme aiming to vaccinate 19 million cattle, 17 million goats and sheep, and 40 million chickens by 2029. The initiative targets prevention of major animal diseases such as anthrax, Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and Rift Valley Fever, with the goal of halving livestock mortality. By incorporating ear-tagging for traceability and deploying veterinary teams to remote pastoral areas, the programme supports rural livelihoods, enhances food security, strengthens export potential, and boosts climate resilience. This nationwide effort positions Tanzania as a leader in livestock health management in the region.

Sudan granted Russia permission to establish its first naval base on the African continent, marking a significant geopolitical shift in the Red Sea region. The base, positioned near Port Sudan, gives Russia strategic access to one of the world’s most crucial maritime corridors, connecting the Red Sea to the Suez Canal—an area handling nearly 12% of global shipping. The agreement allows Russia to station personnel, deploy naval vessels including nuclear-powered ships, and maintain a long-term presence through a 25-year pact with automatic renewals. Despite Sudan’s internal political instability, both nations view the arrangement as mutually advantageous for military cooperation and regional influence.

The 50th Anniversary event of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) 2025 took place in New Delhi, reflecting the growing role of the Global South in global biosecurity discussions. The event’s theme, “Strengthening Biosecurity for the Global South,” emphasised the need for enhanced cooperation, capacity-building, and preparedness among developing nations. The BWC itself is a critical international agreement that prohibits the development, acquisition, stockpiling, transfer, and use of biological and toxin weapons, forming a key pillar of global disarmament efforts. Its foundation traces back to the 1925 Geneva Protocol, making its anniversary a significant milestone for international security.

Mount Semeru is situated in Indonesia, a nation recognised for having one of the highest concentrations of active volcanoes in the world—over 120 in total. This is due to its position along major tectonic plate boundaries, including the Indo-Australian and Sunda Plates, which contribute to frequent seismic and volcanic activity. As part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia experiences continuous geological dynamism. Mount Semeru, the tallest peak in Java at 3,676 meters, exemplifies this active landscape. Its periodic eruptions impact nearby communities, making its monitoring crucial for disaster preparedness and regional safety.