Current Affairs - International

IFFCO, one of India's leading cooperative fertilizer companies, is establishing its first overseas nano fertiliser plant in Brazil through a joint venture with NANOFERT. This strategic move aims to produce 4.5 million litres of nano fertiliser annually, enhancing IFFCO’s global presence and contributing to cost reductions. Nano fertilisers are gaining traction for their ability to significantly improve crop productivity while reducing the need for traditional chemical fertilisers. The choice of Brazil, a major agricultural powerhouse, positions IFFCO to tap into a large market and foster sustainable farming practices internationally.

South Korea appointed Ahn Gyu-back as its first civilian Defence Minister since 1961, marking a significant political and institutional shift. This move fulfills President Lee Jae Myung's campaign promise to demilitarize top government roles and follows the ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached for declaring martial law. The civilian appointment is part of a broader effort to restore democratic accountability and public trust in governance. It also reflects South Korea’s evolving political landscape, emphasizing civilian oversight in defence and signalling a more transparent and democratic approach to military and foreign policy matters.

In a major leap toward sustainable development, India achieved its highest-ever rank in the global SDG Index by securing the 99th position in 2025. This is the first time India has entered the top 100 out of 193 countries, with a score of 67. European nations like the Nordic countries continue to rank at the top of the SDG Index 2025, with Finland leading the charge at the top, followed by Sweden and Denmark. A total of 19 nations from the top 20 in the ranking list are from Europe, as per the report. The index, compiled by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and led by economist Jeffrey Sachs, evaluates nations on progress across 17 SDGs such as poverty eradication, health, education, and climate action. India’s improvement is attributed to significant strides in healthcare, digital infrastructure, and education, reflecting its ongoing commitment to the 2030 Agenda.

The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the arsenal of the United States. Developed by Boeing, the bomb is GPS-guided and specifically designed to destroy deeply buried and reinforced enemy bunkers. With a weight of nearly 30,000 pounds and the capability to penetrate over 200 feet of reinforced concrete, the MOP is a strategic weapon in the U.S. military’s inventory. Its size, power, and engineering make it a unique asset for missions requiring the destruction of fortified underground facilities without the use of nuclear force.

Operation Midnight Hammer was the codename for a highly classified U.S. military mission aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The operation featured an intricate combination of stealth B-2 Spirit bombers, Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from submarines, and advanced electronic warfare measures. Carefully planned and executed, the mission targeted key Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—with surgical precision. It demonstrated America's ability to carry out complex strikes involving in-flight refuelling, global coordination, and deception strategies to maintain the tactical surprise. The operation also highlighted the U.S. military's strategic objective of neutralizing threats without provoking a full-scale conflict.