Current Affairs - International

On May 22, 2025, Saudi Arabia launched TOURISE, a global platform aimed at shaping the future of tourism by uniting leaders from the tourism, technology, investment, and sustainability sectors. Spearheaded by Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the initiative is part of the kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and become a global tourism leader. Having already surpassed its goal of attracting 100 million visitors by 2024, Saudi Arabia is now focusing on sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced tourism models. TOURISE is intended to foster collaboration, address key industry challenges, and guide the development of future global travel policies.

Algeria officially joined the New Development Bank (NDB) on May 19, 2025, marking a significant step in its international financial and development engagement. The NDB, established by BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), aims to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects globally, especially in emerging economies. Algeria’s accession to the Shanghai-headquartered institution reinforces its commitment to sustainable growth and international cooperation, particularly in South-South partnerships. As a North African nation rich in energy resources and strategically positioned between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, Algeria’s membership boosts the NDB’s global reach and diversifies its regional representation.

Algeria has officially become a new member of the New Development Bank (NDB), which was originally established by the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—during the 6th BRICS Summit held in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014. The bank aims to support infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies. Initially exclusive to BRICS countries, NDB has gradually expanded its membership to include several other nations such as Bangladesh, Egypt, the UAE, Uruguay, and now Algeria. The inclusion of Algeria signifies the bank’s growing global footprint and its effort to promote inclusive economic growth. The NDB headquarters is located in Shanghai.

India assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term during the 67th Governing Body Meeting held in Jakarta. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of DPIIT. At the meeting, India emphasized its dedication to APO’s Vision 2030 and the Green Productivity 2.0 initiative. Key areas of focus during India’s leadership term include driving digital transformation, promoting sustainable development, fostering innovation, and supporting entrepreneurship across member nations, thereby strengthening the region's productivity and economic growth.

India hosted the second edition of the Blue Talks in collaboration with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica. Held in New Delhi, this event was part of the preparatory activities leading up to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which is scheduled to take place in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025. These talks aim to foster dialogue and international cooperation on ocean-related challenges and solutions. India’s active involvement underscores its commitment to marine conservation and sustainable ocean governance, aligning with global efforts to protect marine ecosystems and address climate change.