Current Affairs - International

India and Oman have signed a protocol to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), ensuring alignment with international cross-border taxation standards and simplifying tax procedures. This agreement aims to enhance economic cooperation and prevent tax evasion between the two nations. Additionally, both countries have agreed to accelerate negotiations for an early signing of a proposed Free Trade Agreement, further strengthening bilateral trade relations. Oman, with its capital in Muscat and currency as the Omani Rial, continues to be a key economic partner for India in the Gulf region.

In January 2025, India and Indonesia signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen their bilateral ties. These agreements cover diverse areas including health, maritime security, traditional medicine, digital development, and cultural exchange. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited India from January 23 to 26, 2025, marking his first visit since taking office. This partnership emphasizes cooperation between the two countries in several crucial sectors, aiming to enhance both nations' strategic and cultural relationships, with a particular focus on health, security, and digital growth.

China has developed an advanced seabed radar that can detect aircraft flying at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters from a depth of 1,000 meters. This breakthrough enhances submarine capabilities, allowing them to track aerial targets more effectively and potentially shifting their role from passive observers to active hunters in naval warfare. Unlike conventional radar systems, this technology uses sophisticated acoustic sensors to counteract distortions caused by seawater layers and turbulence. Such advancements could significantly impact modern naval strategy by improving underwater surveillance and threat detection capabilities.

Alexander Lukashenko has been re-elected as the President of Belarus for a seventh term, securing nearly 87% of the vote in an election widely condemned as fraudulent. Opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya received only about 3%, and many opposition figures were either exiled or imprisoned. Western nations, including the European Union and the United States, rejected the election results, citing human rights violations and suppression of political dissent. Meanwhile, Russia and China extended their support to Lukashenko, reinforcing his long-standing authoritarian rule in Belarus.

India is preparing to launch its first human-operated underwater submersible as part of the Deep Ocean Mission. The submersible is initially designed to reach depths of up to 500 meters, with plans to extend its capability to 6,000 meters by the following year. This mission is significant for India’s advancement in marine exploration, resource identification, and the development of marine and space technologies. It aligns with the country’s broader goals of enhancing scientific knowledge, exploring new marine biodiversity, and contributing to sustainable development through its blue economy.