Current Affairs - International

The United Kingdom unveiled a pioneering sanctions regime aimed at addressing illegal migration and organised immigration crime. The initiative seeks to disrupt the financial networks of smugglers and improve border security under the Labour government’s Plan for Change, led by PM Keir Starmer. The measures also emphasize international collaboration and the use of enhanced crime prevention orders to tackle this global challenge effectively.

India and the United States have collaborated to co-produce sonobuoys, advanced devices designed for underwater detection and monitoring. This partnership involves Bharat Dynamics Limited and Ultra Maritime, showcasing a significant step in enhancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The project underlines the strengthening of defence ties between India and the US, aiming to bolster maritime security.

Israel has launched an e-visa system for Indian citizens, allowing them to apply online for travel authorization. This system integrates with Israel's Entry Travel Authorization (ETA), ensuring secure and efficient processing. Aimed at individual tourists, it simplifies the documentation process and facilitates quick approvals, enhancing the travel experience for Indian visitors.

John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as Ghana's President after his victory in the December election. Mahama has emphasized addressing youth unemployment by fostering partnerships with the private sector to create jobs. Born in 1958, he has previously served as Ghana’s President from 2012 to 2017, showcasing his experience in leadership and governance.

The first U.S. human death from the H5N1 bird flu in 2025 occurred in Louisiana. The deceased was over 65 years old and had underlying health issues, which likely contributed to the severity of the illness after exposure to infected wild and backyard birds. This fatality highlights the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases like avian influenza. Although there have been numerous cases of H5N1 infections in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the public health risk remains low, as there has been no person-to-person transmission identified.