Current Affairs - International

India has been unanimously elected to the United Nations Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) for the 2025–2027 term. This selection underscores India’s increasing global recognition in the areas of corporate governance and financial transparency. ISAR, functioning under UNCTAD, is instrumental in shaping international financial and non-financial reporting frameworks, and India’s inclusion reflects the global community’s confidence in its expertise. With this role, India will contribute to advancing uniform accounting practices, promoting transparency, and reinforcing accountability, thereby playing a key role in supporting sustainable global economic development and international investment climates.

India launched the Digital Threat Report 2024 to bolster the cybersecurity framework of its Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. This initiative is a collaborative effort by CERT-In under MeitY, CSIRT-Fin, and cybersecurity firm SISA. Released on April 7, 2025, the report outlines emerging cyber threats, including AI-driven attacks and sector-wide vulnerabilities, while emphasizing the importance of unified defence strategies. High-level participation from government and industry leaders underscores the national priority of digital safety in financial systems. By strengthening risk preparedness and fostering collaboration, India aims to ensure the stability and trust of its financial infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary visa ban affecting citizens from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This move targets various visa types such as Umrah, business, and family visit visas. The primary objective of this ban is to manage overcrowding and ensure the safety of pilgrims during the Hajj season, especially in light of the 2024 Hajj tragedy that resulted in over 1,000 deaths due to heat and unauthorized pilgrim influx. By limiting the number of visitors from these countries, Saudi authorities aim to maintain better control over pilgrimage logistics and prevent illegal overstaying and unregistered Hajj participation.

Denmark's Prime Minister has expressed strong opposition to U.S. suggestions regarding the annexation of Greenland, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable even when justified on national security grounds. Greenland holds strategic significance for the U.S. due to its location and rich mineral resources, including rare earth minerals. However, Denmark maintains its sovereignty over Greenland, which is an autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark with its own Parliament. The issue highlights the complexities of international relations and territorial interests.

The Gorkhas are a martial community that originated from Nepal, specifically from the Gorkha Kingdom in western Nepal. They are known for their bravery, loyalty, and fierce fighting skills, which have led to their recruitment into various armies, including the British, Indian, and Nepalese armies. The Gorkhas have a rich history and culture, and their community includes several ethnicities from the hilly regions of Nepal.