Current Affairs - International

East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, officially became the 11th member of ASEAN on October 26, 2025, during the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This marked the culmination of a 14-year application process and symbolised the country’s successful integration into the regional community. With a population of about 1.4 million and a growing democratic system, East Timor’s membership represents ASEAN’s commitment to inclusivity and the strengthening of democratic values. It also opens new opportunities for East Timor in trade, education, and regional cooperation while enriching ASEAN’s collective political and cultural diversity.

India will host the Asia Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting and workshop for the first time from October 28 to 31, 2025. The event, organised by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, will bring together around 90 global aviation safety experts and representatives from ICAO member states. Hosting this event reflects India’s growing leadership in global aviation safety, its commitment to international standards, and its strengthening role in regional air crash investigation and collaboration.

A total of 72 nations signed the United Nations Cybercrime Convention in Hanoi, marking the creation of the first-ever global treaty aimed at combating cyber threats. This landmark agreement, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2024 after years of negotiation, establishes a universal legal framework to address crimes such as hacking, ransomware, online fraud, child exploitation, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. By fostering international cooperation, facilitating evidence sharing, and offering capacity-building support for developing countries, the treaty represents a significant step toward harmonizing global cyber laws and strengthening collective digital security.

South Korea has introduced its most powerful ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5, nicknamed the “Monster Missile.” This 36-tonne, 16-meter-long road-mobile missile is designed for deep-penetration and bunker-busting missions. The Hyunmoo-5 is a central component of South Korea’s Kill Chain and Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) doctrines, aimed at deterring and responding to potential threats. The development of this missile highlights South Korea’s growing emphasis on self-reliant defence capabilities and advanced missile technology in response to evolving regional security challenges on the Korean Peninsula.

India will host the first Asia Pacific Accident Investigation Group (APAC-AIG) meeting and workshop, marking a significant milestone in its aviation safety leadership. Organised by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the event will feature around 90 representatives from ICAO member states and international aviation experts. Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, will inaugurate the event. Hosting this meeting demonstrates India’s growing role in global aviation governance and its commitment to enhancing air safety standards and cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.