Current Affairs - International

The United Kingdom is set to relaunch FTA negotiations with India in early 2025, as announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after meeting with Indian PM Modi. This move aims to strengthen bilateral ties and boost economic growth, with the bilateral trade between the two countries currently valued at GBP 42 billion annually. The negotiations, which began in January 2022, will pick up from the progress made in the 14th round of discussions. A successful trade deal is expected to benefit both economies, with India being the fifth-largest economy globally and a crucial trade partner for the UK.

The 2nd India-CARICOM Summit was chaired by the Prime Minister of India in Georgetown, Guyana. This summit marked a key milestone in strengthening relations between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The event focused on various areas of collaboration such as agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare, and highlighted India's commitment to furthering ties with CARICOM nations. The summit also underscored the importance of shared goals in capacity building, cultural exchange, and sustainable development within the region.

The haka protest was staged in New Zealand by Maori lawmakers in response to the Treaty Principles Bill, which proposes a reinterpretation of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi. The protest, involving the traditional Maori dance, was a powerful symbol of the community’s opposition to the bill, as it could dilute the specific rights granted to the Maori people. The haka, historically used in battle, is now a strong cultural expression used to assert unity and strength, particularly in protests related to Maori rights and protections.

Armenia has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as its 104th full member as of November 15, 2024. The exchange of the instrument of ratification was conducted between Armenia’s Ambassador to India, Vahagn Afyan, and Abhishek Singh from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The ISA, headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, focuses on promoting solar energy globally. Dr. Ajay Mathur serves as its Director General. This marks a significant step for Armenia in strengthening its commitment to renewable energy initiatives.

Kenya, under President William Ruto, cancelled multimillion-dollar deals with Indian tycoon Gautam Adani on November 21, 2024. These included the Nairobi Airport Modernisation Project and a contract for power transmission lines. The decision followed U.S. indictments accusing Adani of securities fraud and a bribery scheme linked to a solar energy project in India. Public protests and worker strikes in Kenya further fueled the decision, citing potential job losses and poor labour conditions. This move underscores Kenya’s commitment to transparency and public accountability in international agreements.