Current Affairs - International

India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Netherlands to enhance cooperation in maritime heritage for the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat. The collaboration focuses on museum design, conservation of maritime artefacts, research initiatives, cultural exchange, and tourism development. As part of the agreement, the NMHC will work closely with the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, benefiting from the Netherlands’ extensive maritime expertise. This partnership supports India’s efforts to showcase its 4,500-year-old maritime legacy globally while strengthening bilateral cultural and strategic relations.

The leadership of BRICS rotates annually among its member countries, and a formal handover ceremony marks this transition. During the 4th BRICS Sherpas Meeting in December 2025, Brazil symbolically transferred the presidency to India using a ceremonial gavel crafted from repurposed Amazon wood. With this transition, India is set to lead BRICS in 2026, focusing on priorities such as resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. India’s leadership aims to strengthen Global South collaboration, advance climate action, promote responsible use of artificial intelligence, and push for reforms in global governance institutions.

A team from India achieved global recognition at the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2025 by winning a top honour for an innovative satellite-based internet concept. The project focused on creating a sovereign broadband infrastructure using space-based technology to address connectivity gaps in remote and underserved regions. By targeting millions of people without reliable internet access, the concept demonstrated strong social impact, scalability, and technological innovation. This achievement highlights India’s growing capabilities in space technology, digital innovation, and problem-solving, as well as the strength of its innovation ecosystem on the global stage.

Operation Hawkeye is a joint military operation conducted by the United States and Jordan in Syria to target ISIS infrastructure and fighters. The operation involved extensive overnight airstrikes using precision-guided weapons against more than 70 ISIS targets, including command centers and weapons storage sites. It was launched in response to a deadly ISIS attack in Palmyra that killed two US soldiers and injured others. The operation highlighted strong military cooperation between the US and Jordan and reinforced the policy of responding firmly to terrorist threats to maintain regional and international security.

India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) as a structured institutional mechanism for enhancing economic cooperation. The committee is designed to promote bilateral trade, encourage two-way investments, and systematically address trade and regulatory barriers faced by businesses. It will meet annually, with sessions held alternately in both countries, ensuring continuity and balanced engagement. The JTIC also aims to explore cooperation in emerging and strategic sectors, supporting innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth while reinforcing the Netherlands’ role as a key European gateway for Indian trade and investment.