Current Affairs - International

Jonas Gahr Stoere, leader of Norway’s Labour Party, secured a second consecutive term as Prime Minister following the parliamentary elections held on September 8, 2025. His party won 87 out of 169 seats, narrowly surpassing the majority threshold. Despite the victory, Stoere faces challenges in governing due to a fragmented parliament and the surge of the right-wing Progress Party, which won a record 48 seats. His new term will involve navigating sensitive issues such as climate policy, oil and gas investments, taxation reforms, and foreign policy decisions tied to Norway’s $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund, requiring coalition consensus.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was inaugurated by Ethiopia and is considered Africa's largest hydroelectric project. Located on the Blue Nile River, around 30 km upstream from Sudan, the dam plays a central role in Ethiopia's vision of self-reliance, economic development, and regional influence. The Blue Nile contributes about 85% of the Nile's waters, making the project geopolitically significant for neighboring countries as well. Ethiopia regards the GERD not only as a means of generating power and promoting regional energy trade but also as a symbol of national pride and independence.

The world’s first Digital Tribal University, Adi Sanskriti, was launched in India by Durgadas Uikey, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This initiative represents a pioneering step in promoting tribal education, art, culture, and traditional knowledge through digital platforms. Adi Sanskriti is designed as a comprehensive e-learning and digital academy, offering resources to both national and international audiences. Along with education, it also serves as an online marketplace for tribal crafts and heritage, helping to preserve and promote indigenous traditions while empowering tribal communities in the modern digital economy.

The 3rd round of trilateral consultations involving India, Iran, and Armenia was held in Tehran, the capital of Iran. The discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation with a special emphasis on connectivity projects, including the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace initiative. These talks also touched upon expanding economic ties, enhancing trade, and exploring broader areas of mutual interest. The trilateral platform reflects a shared vision for better connectivity and stability in the region. The next round of consultations is scheduled to take place in Armenia, continuing the momentum of this important dialogue.

India has committed to funding the construction of a modern Accident & Emergency Unit in Mannar, Sri Lanka, with a grant of LKR 600 million. The MoU for this project was signed by Indian envoy Santosh Jha and Sri Lankan Health Secretary Anil Jasinghe. The facility will be a two-storey unit equipped with advanced medical infrastructure, aimed at strengthening emergency care services and easing overcrowding in hospitals. This initiative is part of India’s broader healthcare support to Sri Lanka, which also includes contributions to the Suwa Seriya 1990 ambulance service and multiple hospital upgrade projects, reflecting strong bilateral cooperation in public health.