Current Affairs - International

India signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement with Israel in September 2025 to strengthen economic cooperation and boost mutual investments. The agreement provides legal certainty to investors, ensures safeguards against expropriation, guarantees transparent regulations, and establishes an independent arbitration mechanism for dispute resolution. Currently, bilateral investments stand at around USD 800 million, but the new pact is expected to significantly increase capital flows, especially in cybersecurity, defence technologies, fintech, and high-tech innovation. The partnership reflects both nations’ shared vision of economic resilience, technological advancement, and long-term collaboration, reinforcing India’s global position in innovation-driven growth.

Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has been re-elected as the President of Guyana with a decisive mandate. His party secured more than double the votes of its nearest rival, marking a stronger position than in the 2020 elections. Guyana, situated on the northern Atlantic coast of South America, has its capital at Georgetown and its Prime Minister as Mark Phillips. Ali’s re-election reflects continued public confidence in his leadership and the PPP’s governance, further shaping Guyana’s political stability and regional influence in South America.

David Lammy, who was serving as the UK’s Foreign Secretary, has been appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister following Angela Rayner’s resignation due to a tax scandal involving underpaid stamp duty. Rayner stepped down from both her Deputy PM role and position as Labour’s deputy leader, creating a significant shift within the party’s leadership structure. In the subsequent reshuffle led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Yvette Cooper was moved to the role of Foreign Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood became the new Home Secretary. Lammy’s elevation reflects his rising influence within the government and the Labour Party.

David Lammy, previously serving as the UK Foreign Secretary, was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary, and Lord Chancellor on 5 September 2025. His elevation came after Angela Rayner resigned amid a tax scandal, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Lammy’s appointment was seen as a strategic move to stabilise the Labour leadership during a politically turbulent period, with the government facing a £40 billion budget shortfall and upcoming economic challenges. By placing trusted allies like Lammy in key roles, Starmer aimed to reinforce authority and navigate internal party dynamics effectively.

A total of 26 nations pledged postwar security guarantees for Ukraine at the Paris summit on September 4, 2025, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron. This collective commitment includes land, sea, and air support options to protect Ukraine after the ongoing war with Russia ends. The coalition, informally called the “coalition of the willing,” seeks to deter renewed Russian aggression, reinforce Ukraine’s sovereignty, and prepare a long-term security framework. While some countries may directly deploy troops, others plan to contribute through training, equipping, or financing. This united stance underscores Europe’s determination to secure stability and prevent future conflicts.