Current Affairs - International

On June 18, 2025, India and Ukraine held their first-ever Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on agriculture cooperation via virtual mode. This meeting marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties in the agricultural sector. The dialogue focused on key areas such as digital agriculture, mechanisation, plant breeding, and food processing. Indian officials highlighted the country’s innovations like e-NAM and climate-resilient farming strategies, while Ukraine showed strong interest in collaborative research and technology exchange. This strategic engagement reflects both nations’ commitment to advancing food security, sustainable farming practices, and agricultural technology partnerships at a global level.

India ranked 71st in the World Economic Forum’s Energy Transition Index 2025, a drop from its 63rd position in 2024. This decline occurred despite India’s advances in clean energy access, energy efficiency, and regulatory frameworks. The Index evaluates 118 countries on energy security, sustainability, and equity, and India's lower score reflects persistent challenges like fuel dependency and grid reliability, especially in rural areas. However, the nation continues to invest in clean fuels and reduce energy intensity, positioning itself as a major player in the global energy shift. The drop underscores the complex balance between development and sustainability.

The 51st G7 Summit in 2025 was hosted by Canada, specifically in the mountain resort town of Kananaskis, located in Banff, Alberta. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney led the summit as the host. The event brought together the leaders of the G7 nations to address pressing global concerns, including economic realignments, energy transition, artificial intelligence governance, and ongoing geopolitical tensions such as the Israel–Iran conflict. Canada also launched initiatives like the Ministry of AI and Digital Innovation, reflecting its commitment to global digital leadership. Hosting the summit underscored Canada’s central role in shaping international policy discussions.

The first-ever Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was hosted in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in global wildlife conservation. India led this initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the assembly chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The event brought together representatives from nine big cat range countries, emphasizing India’s commitment to preserving the seven major big cat species. The Assembly ratified critical governance frameworks, elected leadership, and laid down collaborative strategies to reverse population declines, protect habitats, and foster international cooperation in big cat conservation.

Researchers in Finland have innovated a sustainable method to recover silver from electronic waste using natural fatty acids present in cooking oils. This method stands out for its eco-friendliness, as it avoids harsh chemicals and aligns with the rising need for greener technologies amid increasing silver demand and growing concerns over e-waste, particularly in heavily impacted regions such as India. Finland's role in this advancement showcases its contribution to addressing environmental challenges through scientific innovation.