Current Affairs - International

The UAE introduced the 10-year Blue Residency visa, aimed at individuals making notable contributions to environmental protection. This initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, expands upon previous visa schemes like the Golden Visas for diverse talents introduced in 2019 and the Green Visas for skilled workers introduced in 2022.

The Australian Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth accused India of child labour in a recent report. This accusation comes in the context of ongoing negotiations between India and Australia for a trade agreement, highlighting the importance of labour rights in international trade discussions.

India and Iran signed a significant 10-year bilateral contract to enhance operations at the Chabahar Port, highlighting India's strategic interests in strengthening trade links with Central Asia and parts of Europe. This agreement underscores the port's importance in facilitating regional connectivity and economic activities, marking a pivotal step in India's engagement with Iran and the broader region.

India is collaborating with Oman on shark and ray research in the Arabian Sea. This joint initiative aims to enhance understanding, conservation efforts, and capacity building in elasmobranch research, focusing on the Arabian Sea region. The collaboration includes workshops, knowledge sharing, and research activities led by experts from both countries.

India has achieved the milestone of having 1 million Uber drivers, making it the third country after the United States and Brazil to reach this mark. This growth in Uber's driver base reflects the increasing popularity and adoption of ride-hailing services in India's transportation landscape.