Current Affairs - International

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.

Pope Francis began his historic four-nation Asia-Pacific tour with a visit to Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country. This significant visit highlighted the importance of inter-religious dialogue and peaceful coexistence in the region. The tour is notable for its focus on addressing global challenges such as religious discrimination and environmental issues like climate change. The visit to Indonesia is particularly historic as it marks the first papal visit to the country in over 40 years, underscoring the Pope's commitment to fostering peace and understanding among different faiths.