Current Affairs - International

India is set to collaborate with Mongolia by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in geology and exploration. This partnership focuses on securing essential resources like copper and coking coal, which are crucial for power generation, construction, and steelmaking industries. Mongolia’s rich mineral deposits present India with an opportunity to diversify its supply chains, reduce reliance on traditional suppliers, and enhance resource security to support its industrial growth and sustainability.

Sudan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The war has displaced 12 million people, caused famine in five regions, and led to the collapse of infrastructure and healthcare systems. Over 3 million children are at risk of malnutrition, with 772,000 expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition in 2025. Violence has hindered humanitarian aid and disrupted education, leaving long-term developmental consequences for Sudan's children and its future. This crisis underscores the urgent need for international intervention and a political resolution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the AI Action Summit in Paris, France, on February 10-11, 2025. Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit focuses on fostering international collaboration on AI governance, innovation, trust, and combating misinformation. This event highlights France's role in positioning itself at the centre of the global AI landscape, and India’s participation underscores the strengthening partnership between the two nations in advancing AI technologies and addressing global challenges in the field.

India is set to host the 28th CSPOC in 2026, as announced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This conference will emphasize the integration of AI and social media into parliamentary processes. It will also highlight India’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and commitment to inclusive governance. This marks the fourth occasion India will host CSPOC, with previous events held in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010.

India has joined the UN Committee on Big Data and Data Science for Statistics, marking a significant step in shaping global standards for using big data in official statistics. India's Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation highlighted pioneering initiatives such as the Data Innovation Lab, focusing on leveraging alternative data sources for enhancing statistical processes. This effort aligns with India's commitment to monitoring and reporting on sustainable development goals (SDGs) at the global level.