Current Affairs - International

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) was signed in April 2022 and ratified in November 2022, marking a significant period of growth in bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two nations. The agreement aims to foster deeper economic integration, reduce tariffs, and promote services exchange and investment flows.

Myanmar shares a 1,643 km long unfenced border with the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. This border has posed significant challenges related to infiltration and smuggling, prompting the Union Home Ministry to prioritize its security. The Ministry has also announced plans to phase out the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar and implement demographic mapping to support fencing efforts. These steps aim to enhance security and stability in the border regions while addressing broader issues of regional development.

South Korea's parliament impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo on December 27, 2024, amid growing dissatisfaction over his refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court. This event followed the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, 2024, after he briefly imposed martial law. The impeachment of Han marked a historic moment as it was the first time an acting president in South Korea was impeached. The political crisis significantly impacted the country, contributing to economic instability, with the Korean won reaching its lowest value in nearly 16 years.

The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) introduced the first digital platform in the region for implementing CORSIA, a framework designed to reduce international aviation emissions through carbon offset mechanisms. This innovation simplifies compliance for UAE carriers, reinforcing the country’s leadership in sustainable aviation practices and commitment to global environmental goals.

Pakistan is preparing to construct its largest nuclear power plant, the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5), with a capacity of 1200 MWe. Approved by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), this facility is aimed at bolstering the country's electricity generation capacity. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission initiated the process in April by submitting a comprehensive Preliminary Safety Assessment Report and other operational documentation. This project reflects Pakistan's commitment to expanding its nuclear energy infrastructure while adhering to safety protocols.