Current Affairs - International

Lithuania imposed a state of emergency after numerous smuggler balloons originating from Belarus created repeated airspace disruptions, even forcing temporary closure of Vilnius airport. The government viewed these incursions as a form of hybrid attack, prompting the need for military assistance to support police and border forces. Positioned in the Baltic region with Vilnius as its capital and led by President Gitanas Nausėda, Lithuania responded decisively to protect national security, maintain stability, and reinforce control over its territorial airspace during a period of heightened regional tension.

India will host the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine from 17–19 December 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event will be co-hosted by the Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization, reflecting India’s growing leadership in global traditional medicine systems. With participation expected from over 100 countries, the summit will focus on scientific validation, integrative healthcare, biodiversity protection and digital innovation. India’s long-established Ayush systems and the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar further reinforce the nation’s influential role. A dedicated Ashwagandha session will also highlight India’s contributions to modern traditional-medicine research.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recognised India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as the world’s largest real-time payment system in its June 2025 report titled “Growing Retail Digital Payments (The Value of Interoperability).” This acknowledgment highlights India’s leadership in the global fintech ecosystem and underscores the massive scale of UPI, which accounts for 49% of all global real-time digital transactions. The recognition demonstrates the success of India’s digital infrastructure, government-led initiatives and the collaborative efforts of institutions like NPCI and RBI. It also reinforces UPI’s role as a model for affordable, interoperable and scalable digital payment systems worldwide.

Tanzania has initiated a comprehensive 5-year livestock vaccination programme aiming to vaccinate 19 million cattle, 17 million goats and sheep, and 40 million chickens by 2029. The initiative targets prevention of major animal diseases such as anthrax, Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and Rift Valley Fever, with the goal of halving livestock mortality. By incorporating ear-tagging for traceability and deploying veterinary teams to remote pastoral areas, the programme supports rural livelihoods, enhances food security, strengthens export potential, and boosts climate resilience. This nationwide effort positions Tanzania as a leader in livestock health management in the region.

Sudan granted Russia permission to establish its first naval base on the African continent, marking a significant geopolitical shift in the Red Sea region. The base, positioned near Port Sudan, gives Russia strategic access to one of the world’s most crucial maritime corridors, connecting the Red Sea to the Suez Canal—an area handling nearly 12% of global shipping. The agreement allows Russia to station personnel, deploy naval vessels including nuclear-powered ships, and maintain a long-term presence through a 25-year pact with automatic renewals. Despite Sudan’s internal political instability, both nations view the arrangement as mutually advantageous for military cooperation and regional influence.