Current Affairs - International

Norway's Parliament issued an official apology for the century-long assimilation policies, known as "Norwegianisation," that discriminated against the Sami, Kven, and Forest Finn communities. This apology acknowledges the historical injustices faced by these indigenous and minority groups, who were subjected to forced cultural assimilation and discrimination.

The Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus, a member of the flavivirus family, is named after Japan, where the disease was first identified. It primarily affects rural and agricultural areas across Asia and is transmitted through Culex mosquitoes. While the virus cycles between mosquitoes, pigs, and wading birds, humans can become incidental hosts, leading to serious neurological complications. Prevention strategies, including vaccination and mosquito control, are vital in mitigating the public health impact of JE, especially in endemic regions.

The Diplomatic Conference for the adoption of the Design Law Treaty (DLT) was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This treaty aims to streamline and harmonize procedures for registering industrial designs globally, promoting a more predictable and user-friendly environment for intellectual property protection. The adoption of this treaty reflects the commitment of member states to fostering innovation and protecting design rights on an international scale.

India has been re-elected to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission for the 2025–2026 term, reaffirming its commitment to promoting global peace and stability. As a founding member and a leading contributor to peacekeeping missions, India has deployed around 6,000 personnel across various UN missions. The country’s significant sacrifices include 180 peacekeepers who lost their lives in service, highlighting its dedication to peacebuilding efforts worldwide.

The 4th Foreign Office Consultations between India and Bosnia & Herzegovina took place in Sarajevo, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties in politics, economics, science, and culture. The discussions emphasized trade, investment, technology partnerships, and cultural exchanges, including student programs and tourism promotion. Both nations reviewed regional developments and global cooperation through platforms like BRICS, the UN, and NAM. Celebrating 30 years of diplomatic ties in 2025, the two sides committed to deepening their relationship and agreed to host the next consultation in New Delhi, further enhancing their strategic partnership.