Current Affairs - International

Vietnam's parliament approved an $8 billion project for a rail link that will connect the country’s largest northern port city, Haiphong, to the border with China. The proposed rail route will span 390 kilometres, passing through the capital city, Hanoi, and ending in the mountainous city of Lao Cai, which borders China's Yunnan province. This infrastructure development is expected to strengthen trade and improve connections between the two communist-ruled countries.

Brazil has joined OPEC+ as an observer, allowing the country to participate in key global oil discussions while maintaining flexibility over its own production levels. As one of the world’s top oil producers, Brazil’s decision aligns with its goal of using oil revenues to fund a green energy transition. By joining as an observer, Brazil can engage with major oil-exporting nations and influence energy market policies without being bound by production quotas, thus balancing both economic and environmental priorities.

India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Argentina to expand cooperation in the mining sector, specifically focusing on lithium exploration. This agreement aims to enhance bilateral ties between the two countries, with a key focus on the exploration and development of critical minerals like lithium. Argentina, known for its vast lithium reserves, is a vital partner for India in securing resources necessary for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage, crucial components for India’s green energy transition.

The Indian Navy’s 1st Training Squadron, consisting of INS Sujata and ICGS Veera, concluded a three-day visit to Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The visit aimed at strengthening naval ties between India and Cambodia, with discussions on interoperability, joint exercises, and regional security with the Royal Cambodian Navy. Additionally, a Small Arms Simulator was gifted, and cultural exchanges helped improve people-to-people relations between the two nations. This visit reflects the growing defence cooperation and collaboration between India and Cambodia.

On January 29, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared Guinea free from the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), a significant achievement in public health. This success was made possible through mass screenings, vector control using insecticide mini-screens, and door-to-door checks that started in 2012. Despite challenges such as the Ebola outbreak (2013-15) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), Guinea's resilience and consistent efforts were key in overcoming this disease.