Current Affairs - International

The 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025 was held in Dubai, UAE, where India achieved an impressive result by securing two gold and two silver medals. The event brought together students from 90 countries, and India’s sixth-place global ranking highlighted the effectiveness of its national Olympiad program led by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). Dubai, as the host city, provided the stage for showcasing global academic talent, and India’s performance not only demonstrated the strength of its school-level science education but also reinforced its reputation in the international academic arena.

Yuliia Svyrydenko has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Ukraine, marking a significant leadership change during wartime. Formerly serving as the Economy Minister, Svyrydenko replaces Denys Shmyhal, who has now taken over as Defence Minister. This reshuffle represents the first major political transition since the onset of the war in 2022 and is part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s broader strategy to strengthen Ukraine’s wartime governance. Svyrydenko is recognised for her strategic role in advancing Ukraine’s international economic ties, including her involvement in critical mineral deal negotiations with the United States, showcasing her leadership credentials in a pivotal period.

On July 13, 2025, Israel successfully launched its most advanced communications satellite, Dror-1, into space using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, USA. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Dror-1 is designed to meet Israel’s communication needs for the next 15 years across military, government, and civilian sectors. The satellite, weighing 4.5 tonnes and equipped with large antennas, will operate in geostationary orbit, delivering secure and high-capacity communication services. The launch highlights Israel’s technological capabilities in space and its partnership with private firms like SpaceX to enhance national infrastructure through advanced satellite systems.

The 7th Regional Committee Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for the Asia-Pacific region is scheduled to be held in Colombo. This meeting will focus on accelerating solar energy adoption, fostering cross-border solar interconnections, and promoting emerging clean technologies across the region. The ISA, co-founded by India and France in 2015, is headquartered in Gurugram, India, and plays a key role in uniting countries to harness solar power for sustainable development. Hosting the meeting in Colombo underscores Sri Lanka’s growing role in regional renewable energy initiatives and its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Saudi Arabia signed a significant 5-year agreement with India in July 2025 to supply 3.1 million metric tons of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer annually. The deal, finalised during Union Minister JP Nadda’s visit, was made with Saudi firm Maaden and includes major Indian partners like IPL, KRIBHCO, and CIL. This agreement marks a considerable increase from the 1.9 million metric tons supplied the previous year and aims to enhance India's fertilizer security. In addition to DAP, both nations discussed expanding into other fertilizers like Urea, along with joint investment opportunities and cooperation in health and pharmaceuticals.