Current Affairs - International

The 24th edition of the Airport Show and the 12th Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF) concluded successfully at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Dubai has maintained its global reputation as a leading aviation hub, with Dubai International Airport holding the title of the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the 11th year in a row. The event also highlighted the contributions of women in the aviation sector through the Women in Aviation Middle East Conference. This large-scale gathering underscored Dubai’s continued leadership in global aviation innovation and infrastructure.

GISEC Global 2025, the Middle East and North Africa region's largest cybersecurity event, is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event attracts more than 750 companies and 25,000 visitors from across the globe. It serves as a key platform for showcasing cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence, data privacy, and threat intelligence. India is prominently participating under the leadership of the Data Security Council of India (DSCI). With over 350 hours of AI-focused cybersecurity content, the event underscores Dubai’s role as a hub for global tech innovation and cyber defence collaboration in the region.

In the 2025 Human Development Report released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India has been placed at the 130th position out of 193 countries and territories. The report, titled "A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI", evaluates countries based on various human development parameters such as health, education, and income. The top three countries in the index are Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, while South Sudan is ranked last. India’s position highlights the ongoing challenges and the need for continued progress in improving human development outcomes across the country.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is partnering with France to develop a 1-gigawatt AI data centre, which is projected to be the largest of its kind in Europe. This multi-billion-euro initiative is part of a broader vision shared by both countries to become global leaders in artificial intelligence. The AI data centre will also serve as a hub within a larger AI campus, promoting not just cutting-edge technological infrastructure but also the cultivation of AI talent and innovation. This collaboration highlights the strategic importance of international alliances in advancing the global AI ecosystem.

Italy hosted the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Milan, where significant discussions took place between India and Italy regarding their Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with her Italian counterpart Giancarlo Giorgetti to explore deeper cooperation in digital innovation, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and climate sustainability. With bilateral trade exceeding $14.5 billion in FY2023–24, both nations emphasized strengthening multilateral ties and leveraging their technological capabilities for mutual growth. This meeting marked a continued effort to implement structured economic collaboration under the Joint Strategic Action Plan and reinforce shared global commitments.