Current Affairs - International

India and Qatar have strengthened their cooperation to combat money laundering and terror financing through a meeting between their Financial Intelligence Units in New Delhi. The discussions focused on enhancing information exchange methods, leveraging technology, and exploring public-private partnerships. Qatar expressed appreciation for India's advanced FINNET 2.0 system, demonstrating the willingness of both nations to collaborate in combating financial crimes. This cooperation highlights the importance of international collaboration in tackling global financial security threats.

India was re-elected as the President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during the Assembly held in New Delhi, with France serving as Co-President for the 2024-2026 term. This leadership role underscores India’s commitment to advancing solar energy for global energy security and climate goals. The ISA Assembly prioritizes energy access, security, and the transition to a carbon-neutral future, with a focus on attracting $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030.

India has emerged as the leading source market for Sri Lankan tourism, with 36,417 Indian tourists visiting the island nation in October. This represents a 27% share of the total 1.35 lakh tourist arrivals for the month. The year-to-date arrivals from India stand at 3.23 lakhs, surpassing the previous year's figure of 3.03 lakhs. India's proximity, cultural affinity, and ease of travel have contributed to its dominance in Sri Lanka's tourism sector. The strong growth in Indian tourist arrivals is a significant boost to Sri Lanka's tourism industry, which aims to recover from the pandemic-induced slowdown.

India ranks 84th in the Henley Passport Index 2024, granting its citizens visa-free access to 58 countries. This ranking highlights the challenges Indian passport holders face in terms of global mobility. However, India's growing emphasis on international relations may lead to improved access in the future. The index, which assesses passport power based on visa-free travel, places Singapore at the top, with its citizens enjoying access to 195 countries. India's ranking underscores the need for strengthened diplomatic ties to enhance travel freedom for its citizens.

Cairn Oil & Gas has made a significant commitment to reducing methane emissions by partnering with UNEP's OGMP 2.0, becoming India's first oil and gas company to join this initiative. OGMP 2.0 provides a comprehensive framework for emissions management, supporting Cairn's ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero by 2030. Cairn's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy focuses on innovative solutions such as carbon capture, waste-to-energy, and low-carbon technologies to promote sustainable practices in the energy sector. This partnership underscores Cairn's leadership in environmental stewardship and its contribution to India's climate change mitigation efforts.