Current Affairs - International

The critically endangered Cuban gar has been recently documented in Cuba, specifically within the Zapata Swamp, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its rich yet fragile ecosystem. This predatory fish faces multiple threats including habitat degradation, overfishing, pollution, and the spread of invasive species. One major invasive competitor, the African walking catfish introduced in 1999, has intensified predation and resource competition, accelerating the decline of the Cuban gar. The ecological imbalance caused by invasives poses a severe risk to Cuba’s endemic species, making conservation efforts increasingly urgent.

India delivered 73 tonnes of essential medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements to Afghanistan to support its struggling healthcare system. This shipment, sent to Kabul, represents one of the largest recent humanitarian efforts by India in the region. Beyond immediate medical relief, India’s aid reflects its longstanding commitment to Afghanistan’s development, including infrastructure, education, energy, and healthcare initiatives. Such humanitarian assistance strengthens regional diplomacy, builds trust, and underscores India’s role as a reliable partner providing non-interventionist support to meet urgent public health needs.

India signed a ₹7,900 crore agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme to support its MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet. The deal includes spare parts, technical assistance, maintenance training, and the establishment of repair facilities in India. It strengthens India’s maritime defence capabilities and aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting local MSME participation in defence logistics. The MH-60R helicopters, developed by Lockheed Martin, are advanced multi-role platforms for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and naval operations. This agreement reflects the deepening strategic and defence partnership between India and the United States.

Jakarta has overtaken Tokyo to become the world’s most populous city, with an estimated population of 42 million in 2025, according to the UN World Urbanisation Prospects report. This change results from updated UN methodology that standardises urban population measurements and accounts for functional urban areas, including urban sprawl and regional connectivity. Jakarta’s rapid urban growth reflects broader trends in Asian megacities, where nine of the ten largest cities are located. The report highlights the increasing significance of urbanisation globally, with nearly half the world’s population now residing in cities, and projections indicating continued urban concentration by 2050.

Russia successfully deployed a set of undisclosed military satellites using its Angara-1.2 light launch vehicle, highlighting its ongoing efforts to strengthen space-based defence capabilities. The launch took place from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, which is the northernmost spaceport in the world. The operation was executed by a combat crew from the Russian Aerospace Forces, reflecting the strategic importance of military satellites in surveillance, reconnaissance, and secure communications. This development underscores Russia’s commitment to expanding its military presence in space and enhancing national security through advanced satellite technology.