Current Affairs - International

Operation Tamarisk was a clandestine operation where agents from the U.S., U.K., and France rummaged through Soviet waste to uncover valuable secrets. The operation involved sifting through discarded materials, including food scraps, letters, and even used toilet paper, which was sometimes used by Soviet troops as a substitute for official documents.

COP30, the next major UN climate conference, will be hosted by Brazil in 2025. This announcement follows the commitments made at COP29 in Baku, which included a $1.3 trillion climate finance goal and the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund starting in 2025. Brazil's selection reflects its critical role in global environmental discussions, particularly concerning the Amazon rainforest and climate change mitigation efforts.

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.