Current Affairs - International

On July 24, 2025, India resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens after a five-year suspension that began in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened bilateral tensions following the Galwan Valley clash. This diplomatic move signals a thaw in strained India-China relations and demonstrates India’s renewed focus on soft power and tourism. The decision also aligns with the reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage of significant cultural importance for many Chinese-origin devotees. Resuming visas for Chinese tourists is expected to boost inbound tourism, cultural exchange, and economic activity, especially in hospitality and religious tourism sectors.

India made a significant improvement in the Henley Passport Index 2025 by jumping 8 places, moving from 85th to 77th position. This is the biggest improvement by any country in the current edition of the rankings. With this new position, Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 destinations without a visa. The rankings highlight global mobility, and India’s leap reflects increasing international acceptance and stronger diplomatic ties. While Singapore retained the top spot, India’s movement to the 77th position is a notable development in the context of global travel freedom and international relations.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will begin enforcing a sugar-based excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) from January 2026. This policy introduces a variable tax rate calculated per litre, depending on the sugar content per 100ml of the drink. The more sugar a beverage contains, the higher the tax levied on it. The primary goal of this move is to reduce excessive sugar consumption and encourage manufacturers to reformulate their products with lower sugar levels. By targeting sugar intake through taxation, the UAE is taking a preventive approach to combat rising health issues such as obesity and diabetes.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai earned a place among the world’s top 10 international airports in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025. With a score of 84.23, it is the only Indian airport to achieve this distinction for three consecutive years. This recognition highlights India’s growing reputation in global aviation, reflecting excellence in customer experience, technological innovation, infrastructure, and operational efficiency. Spread over 1,900 acres, CSMIA handles over 55 million passengers annually and offers advanced features like DigiYatra, biometric check-ins, 68 e-gates, and extensive global connectivity, positioning it as a leading aviation hub.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, withdrew from UNESCO in 2025, just two years after rejoining under President Joe Biden. The administration cited ideological conflicts and accused UNESCO of promoting “woke” and divisive agendas that contradict American values. This withdrawal follows a history of strained relations, with previous exits in 1984 and 2017 over perceived anti-Israel bias and financial mismanagement. Although the U.S. contributed about 8% of UNESCO’s budget, the impact is more symbolic, reflecting a shift toward unilateralism and weakening multilateral efforts in areas like education, cultural preservation, and global cooperation, while potentially increasing the influence of nations like China.