Current Affairs - International

Singapore honoured legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg by renaming the island where he tragically died as “Zubeen Garg Island” on Google Maps. Garg, aged 52, passed away during a scuba diving accident while on a yacht outing in Singapore. This tribute reflects his significant impact on music, both in Assam and Bollywood, with iconic songs such as “Ya Ali” from Gangster. The renaming not only commemorates his legacy but also underscores the global reach of his artistic contributions. Such gestures highlight the recognition of influential cultural figures beyond their home countries.

India and China have agreed to restart direct air services between designated cities by late October 2025, marking a step toward the normalization of bilateral relations. These flights were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and disrupted further due to border tensions. The resumption is part of a broader effort to restore diplomatic, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, including tourism and education. Civil aviation authorities from both countries have revised the Air Services Agreement to facilitate this connectivity. Major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Beijing, and Shanghai are expected to benefit, strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), making her set to become Japan’s first-ever female Prime Minister. She secured victory in a runoff election against Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, following the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Takaichi’s election marks a historic moment in Japanese politics, as she breaks a long-standing gender barrier in the country’s top political office. Her leadership is expected to shape Japan’s domestic policies and international relations, while also inspiring greater representation of women in political and administrative leadership roles.

China’s national observatory issued an orange alert for Typhoon Matmo as it approached the country’s southern coastline. The storm was forecasted to make landfall between Guangdong and Hainan provinces, bringing with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the risk of flooding and landslides. Typhoon Matmo, also known locally as Paolo in the Philippines, had already been one of the 16 tropical cyclones affecting the region that year. The alert represents China’s second-highest level of weather warning, underscoring the seriousness of the threat and the country’s preparedness efforts to mitigate the storm’s potential impact on coastal areas.

India was re-elected to Part II of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council during the 42nd ICAO Assembly held in Montreal, Canada, on September 27, 2025. This re-election underscores India’s vital contribution to international air navigation services, aviation safety, and global air transport development. As a member in Part II, India continues to play a crucial role in shaping aviation policies, promoting international cooperation, and advancing sustainable aviation practices. The recognition highlights India’s technical expertise, expanding aviation infrastructure, and its leadership within the global civil aviation community under the United Nations framework.