Current Affairs - International

New Zealand's parliament has officially granted personhood status to Mount Taranaki, also known as Taranaki Maunga. This decision is part of a broader effort to address historical injustices faced by the Maori people and to restore their cultural and spiritual connection to the mountain. By recognizing the mountain as a legal entity, the government ensures its protection, giving it rights and responsibilities similar to those of a person. This move follows similar decisions in New Zealand, such as granting personhood to the Whanganui River and emphasizing Indigenous rights and environmental protection.

The first Raisina Middle East Conference took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on January 28-29, 2025. The event featured India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, as the Chief Guest. It was organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The conference aimed to strengthen India-UAE relations, discuss geopolitical and geoeconomic issues and enhance trade and strategic partnerships. It served as a key platform for fostering regional cooperation and global economic integration.

Niger has become the first African country and the fifth globally to eliminate onchocerciasis, a disease caused by the Onchocerca volvulus parasite and transmitted by black flies in riverine areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized this achievement, marking a significant public health milestone. Other countries that have successfully eradicated the disease include Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico. This success highlights Niger’s effective health policies and commitment to combating neglected tropical diseases, improving the lives of its citizens by preventing blindness and skin conditions associated with onchocerciasis.

India achieved the highest passenger load factor globally for domestic flights in 2024, reaching 86.4%. This figure surpassed that of the United States (84.1%) and China (83.2%), highlighting India's strong aviation growth. A total of 163 million passengers boarded domestic flights in the country, with a particularly strong performance toward the end of the year. The global aviation sector also saw a surge, with overall air traffic demand rising by 10.4%, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. India's leadership in this metric underscores its expanding domestic travel market and increasing air traffic demand.

India and Oman have signed a protocol to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), ensuring alignment with international cross-border taxation standards and simplifying tax procedures. This agreement aims to enhance economic cooperation and prevent tax evasion between the two nations. Additionally, both countries have agreed to accelerate negotiations for an early signing of a proposed Free Trade Agreement, further strengthening bilateral trade relations. Oman, with its capital in Muscat and currency as the Omani Rial, continues to be a key economic partner for India in the Gulf region.