Current Affairs - International

During the Prime Minister's visit, India and Singapore upgraded their bilateral relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership." This enhancement involves signing four MOUs focused on semiconductors, connectivity, and digital technologies. The partnership aims to strengthen trade, investment flows, and cooperation in defence, maritime security, and green initiatives. Additionally, both countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of their bilateral relations and discussed broader regional issues. The collaboration aligns with India’s Act East Policy and underscores the deepening ties between the two nations.

The UAE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India to strengthen cooperation in public sector audits. This agreement, involving India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and the UAE Accountability Authority, focuses on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and adopting best practices to improve audit methodologies and governance. The MoU is intended to bolster bilateral relations between the two countries while enhancing transparency and accountability in their government operations. This collaboration represents a significant step towards improved governance and audit practices in both nations.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often simply referred to as Congo, experienced a tragic jailbreak attempt at Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa, resulting in the death of at least 129 prisoners and injuries to 59 others. This country, located in Central Africa, is the second-largest by land area on the continent and the 11th-largest globally. Its capital is Kinshasa, and its official language is French, with the Congolese Franc being the currency used.

The South African government has introduced the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to increase tourism from India and China. The scheme aims to simplify the visa process and address existing barriers that discourage tourism. Currently, Indian tourists make up a small percentage (3.9%) of international visitors to South Africa. By implementing this scheme, South Africa hopes to stimulate economic growth by 0.6% annually.

The Prime Minister's visit to Brunei emphasized strengthening India-Brunei relations through various engagements, including the inauguration of the new chancery premises of the High Commission of India. This visit highlighted the historical, cultural, and economic connections between the two nations and demonstrated India's commitment to the 'Act East' Policy. Brunei is a small, oil-rich country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, and the Prime Minister's visit marked an important milestone in India-Brunei relations.