Current Affairs - International

The 2nd Session of the IALA Council took place in Nice, France, with India participating as the Vice President of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA). The IALA Council serves as the principal decision-making body for global standards on marine navigation aids. While this session was held in France, the upcoming 3rd IALA General Assembly in December 2025 will be hosted in Mumbai, India, reflecting India's growing role in maritime governance and international cooperation on navigational safety.

India has achieved a significant milestone in expanding social security coverage, rising from just 19 per cent in 2015 to an impressive 64.3 per cent in 2025. This increase translates to approximately 94 crore citizens now receiving social protection benefits. According to data from the International Labour Organisation’s ILOSTAT, this expansion places India in the 2nd position globally in terms of the number of beneficiaries covered. This achievement highlights the country's focused policy efforts over the past decade to broaden access to welfare and support mechanisms, especially for vulnerable populations, thereby contributing to more inclusive social development.

Iran has confirmed a major energy collaboration with Russia, where eight nuclear reactors will be constructed across the country to boost its civilian nuclear infrastructure. The agreement, reaffirmed by Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI), marks a significant step in Iran’s strategic plan to triple its nuclear energy output. The project is being carried out in partnership with Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom, with four reactors specifically planned in Bushehr Province. This initiative reflects growing energy ties between Tehran and Moscow while helping Iran reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

The 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was hosted by Brazil in its capital Brasilia on 4–5 June 2025, bringing together parliamentary delegations from all 10 member nations, including India. The Indian delegation, led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, participated in discussions on global cooperation. Notably, India was announced as the next host for the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in 2026, continuing the group's tradition of rotational leadership. This forum strengthens parliamentary diplomacy among emerging economies, addressing shared challenges in governance and development.

The World Expo 2025 is being hosted in Osaka, Japan, where the India Pavilion has gained significant recognition by securing a spot among the top five pavilions. The pavilion highlights India’s cultural heritage, advancements in Ayurveda, space technology (ISRO), and sustainable development initiatives. Organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, it reflects India’s global soft power and innovation. The Expo serves as a platform for nations to showcase their achievements, and India’s strong presence underscores its growing influence in areas of tradition, science, and sustainability on the world stage.