Current Affairs - International

Switzerland has announced that it will end its development aid programs for Bangladesh, Albania, and Zambia due to budget reductions in its foreign aid plans. The Swiss parliament has cut 110 million Swiss Francs from the 2025 foreign aid budget and an additional 321 million from the 2026-2028 allocations. While these cuts will affect bilateral and multilateral cooperation, Switzerland will continue to provide funding for humanitarian efforts. This decision reflects the country's financial adjustments and shifting priorities in international assistance.

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.