Current Affairs - International

NATO, led by Secretary-General Mark Rutte, has announced a new mission aimed at safeguarding undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region. This initiative underscores the importance of these cables, which facilitate over 95% of internet traffic and secure $10 trillion worth of financial transactions daily across 1.3 million kilometres of cable infrastructure.

Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third term as President of Venezuela on January 13, 2025, despite a disputed election in July 2024. His opponent, Edmundo Gonzalez, accused the government of voter fraud and declared himself the rightful winner. Maduro’s inauguration was marked by significant opposition, including protests led by political figures like Maria Corina Machado. Despite facing international sanctions and pressure, Maduro’s government remains entrenched, and he has pledged to lead Venezuela towards peace, prosperity, and democracy, even amid ongoing controversies and protests.

India and Bangladesh held discussions to strengthen border cooperation and achieve a crime-free border. Key topics included addressing smuggling, criminal activities, and trafficking. Both countries emphasized the importance of border fencing and collaboration between the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to ensure enhanced security and effective crime management. These efforts underline the commitment of both nations to fostering safe and secure borders while maintaining strong bilateral ties.

India has been selected to host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) in 2026. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla made the announcement, highlighting that the conference will address topics such as the integration of artificial intelligence and social media into parliamentary processes. This significant event reinforces India’s active participation in global parliamentary cooperation and its leadership in addressing emerging challenges in governance and democracy.

Iran's population is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with one-third of its population projected to be 60 or older by 2050. This rapid ageing is attributed to longer life expectancy and declining birth rates, posing economic challenges and intergenerational financial burdens. The Iranian government has launched public campaigns to encourage higher birth rates, but economic instability and unemployment hinder these efforts.