Current Affairs - International

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.

India and Oman have signed a protocol to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), ensuring alignment with international cross-border taxation standards and simplifying tax procedures. This agreement aims to enhance economic cooperation and prevent tax evasion between the two nations. Additionally, both countries have agreed to accelerate negotiations for an early signing of a proposed Free Trade Agreement, further strengthening bilateral trade relations. Oman, with its capital in Muscat and currency as the Omani Rial, continues to be a key economic partner for India in the Gulf region.

In January 2025, India and Indonesia signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen their bilateral ties. These agreements cover diverse areas including health, maritime security, traditional medicine, digital development, and cultural exchange. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited India from January 23 to 26, 2025, marking his first visit since taking office. This partnership emphasizes cooperation between the two countries in several crucial sectors, aiming to enhance both nations' strategic and cultural relationships, with a particular focus on health, security, and digital growth.

China has developed an advanced seabed radar that can detect aircraft flying at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters from a depth of 1,000 meters. This breakthrough enhances submarine capabilities, allowing them to track aerial targets more effectively and potentially shifting their role from passive observers to active hunters in naval warfare. Unlike conventional radar systems, this technology uses sophisticated acoustic sensors to counteract distortions caused by seawater layers and turbulence. Such advancements could significantly impact modern naval strategy by improving underwater surveillance and threat detection capabilities.