Current Affairs - International

South Korea's parliament impeached Acting President Han Duck-soo on December 27, 2024, amid growing dissatisfaction over his refusal to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court. This event followed the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, 2024, after he briefly imposed martial law. The impeachment of Han marked a historic moment as it was the first time an acting president in South Korea was impeached. The political crisis significantly impacted the country, contributing to economic instability, with the Korean won reaching its lowest value in nearly 16 years.

The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) introduced the first digital platform in the region for implementing CORSIA, a framework designed to reduce international aviation emissions through carbon offset mechanisms. This innovation simplifies compliance for UAE carriers, reinforcing the country’s leadership in sustainable aviation practices and commitment to global environmental goals.

Pakistan is preparing to construct its largest nuclear power plant, the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5), with a capacity of 1200 MWe. Approved by the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), this facility is aimed at bolstering the country's electricity generation capacity. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission initiated the process in April by submitting a comprehensive Preliminary Safety Assessment Report and other operational documentation. This project reflects Pakistan's commitment to expanding its nuclear energy infrastructure while adhering to safety protocols.

Russia declared an emergency after the oil tanker Volgoneft 212 split during a severe winter storm on December 15, 2024, causing a significant oil spill in the Black Sea. The tanker, carrying over 4,000 tons of fuel, partially sank, tragically resulting in the death of one crew member. While two other ships, Volgoneft 239 and Volgoneft 109, encountered similar incidents, their crews were successfully rescued. This environmental disaster highlights the vulnerabilities of maritime transport during extreme weather conditions and underscores the importance of robust safety measures.

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 focuses on localizing 50% of its defence spending to reduce reliance on imports and bolster its indigenous defence industry. This aligns with India's Make in India initiative, promoting joint ventures and technological collaborations in areas such as shipbuilding, AI, and cybersecurity. The growing defence cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia highlights the mutual goal of self-reliance and technology sharing, strengthening their bilateral ties.