Current Affairs - International

Ashok Raj Sigdel was sworn in as the 45th Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) of Nepal. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas, with key figures in attendance, including President Ranchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha. Sigdel's appointment is significant for Nepal's military leadership, and his tenure will be closely observed for strategic defence and security initiatives.

Nepal officially joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as its 101st member. The ratification was delivered by Nepal's Charge d'Affaires, Dr Surendra Thapa, during a meeting in New Delhi with Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The ISA, headquartered in Gurugram, India, aims to promote solar energy globally. Nepal’s membership follows that of Paraguay, which was the 100th member to join the alliance.

India and the UAE have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for civil nuclear cooperation, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. This agreement, involving the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), aims to enhance collaboration in nuclear energy, operations, and maintenance. It is the first MoU of its kind between the two entities and builds on prior agreements to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This landmark deal signifies a deepening of ties and commitment to advancing nuclear energy capabilities.

According to Counterpoint Research, India has emerged as the world’s second-largest market for 5G smartphones, surpassing the United States. This development highlights India's rapid technological progress and the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity. China remains the largest market with a 32% share, while India holds a substantial 13% share, placing it in second position. The United States has moved to third place with a 10% market share. This shift reflects the growing influence of emerging economies in the global tech landscape.

The first India-GCC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which is a significant step towards enhancing cooperation between India and the Gulf nations, will take place in Riyadh. This historic event will focus on strengthening partnerships in trade, investment, and energy sectors. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s participation underlines the importance of this engagement, making Riyadh the chosen venue for this diplomatic milestone.