Current Affairs - International

Brazil has joined India in opting out of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project. This decision, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, reflects Brazil's cautious stance on joining China's influential global initiative. Instead, Brazil aims to establish stronger economic ties with China through selective collaboration, aligning Chinese investments with its own infrastructure projects. This strategic shift in foreign policy preserves Brazil's autonomy while exploring "synergy" with BRI-linked investment funds. The move has significant implications for global geopolitics and Brazil's relationships with China and other BRICS nations.

India strengthened its energy cooperation with Sri Lanka by gifting rooftop solar systems to various sacred sites across the island nation. This initiative is a significant component of India's $17 million project, focusing on installing 25 MW of solar energy capacity across 5,000 Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Muslim places of worship. This gesture underscores India's commitment to promoting sustainable energy and fostering bilateral ties with its neighbouring countries.

Cyclone Dana, recognized as the inaugural cyclone of the post-monsoon season in 2024, was named by Qatar. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights that the name 'Dana' translates to 'generosity' in Arabic and is associated with valuable pearls. This naming convention reflects the practice of countries assigning names to cyclones based on specific criteria. Cyclone Dana is the third cyclonic event in the North Indian Ocean for 2024 and emphasizes Qatar's involvement in meteorological activities within the region, showcasing its significance in global weather monitoring and naming conventions.

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) organized a conference in Colombo to discuss the initiative of granting Pali the status of a classical language to the Indian government. This conference brought together Buddhist monks and scholars, highlighting ICCR's commitment to promoting Indian culture and strengthening international ties. Colombo, being the location of this important cultural event, underscores the significance of Sri Lanka in fostering Buddhist scholarship and cultural exchange within the region, aligning with ICCR's broader objectives of enhancing cultural relations globally.

India and Germany have strengthened their bilateral ties by signing MoUs and agreements in multiple areas, including green hydrogen, innovation, and technology, during a meeting between PM Modi and Chancellor Scholz in New Delhi. Key agreements include the exchange of classified information, a legal assistance treaty, and skill development cooperation. Notably, bilateral trade between the two nations reached $33 billion in 2023, with German investments approaching $15 billion. This collaboration highlights the growing partnership between India and Germany in various sectors.