Current Affairs - International

Australia has announced a new policy to limit the number of international students to 270,000 in 2025, affecting various educational sectors. The cap is divided among public universities, private institutions, and vocational education, with specific exclusions for certain student categories. This decision follows earlier measures such as visa fee increases and higher savings requirements, which have already led to a decline in study visa approvals. Critics argue that this move could harm Australia's reputation in the global higher education market.

The Indian embassy successfully rescued 47 Indians from cyber scam centres in Laos, specifically in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone. These individuals were lured into working for cybercriminals. The embassy has been actively involved in the safe return of these citizens, with 30 already back in India and 17 more expected soon. This incident underscores the growing concerns about cyber scams targeting Indian nationals abroad, leading authorities to warn citizens to exercise caution and conduct proper due diligence to avoid falling victim to such scams.

Elon Musk's Starlink company encountered legal challenges in Brazil, where its assets were frozen by the Brazilian Supreme Court due to an ongoing feud related to Twitter, now rebranded as X. The conflict arose when Judge Alex de Moraes demanded that Starlink appoint a new legal representative in Brazil, with threats to suspend the platform if the order was not complied with. This situation is part of a broader conflict concerning free speech and disinformation, highlighting tensions between Musk and Brazilian authorities. The incident reflects the global debate on content moderation and the balance between curbing disinformation and upholding free speech.

Pakistan, holding the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), extended an invitation to India to attend the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad. This invitation comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, yet the SCO serves as an important platform for regional diplomacy and dialogue. The Indian External Affairs Ministry has yet to comment on whether Prime Minister Modi will attend the meeting. This invitation highlights the significance of the SCO as a venue for engaging in diplomatic discussions despite the strained relations.

India provided the first payment for hybrid power projects on three islands in Sri Lanka—Delft, Nainativu, and Analaitivu—through an $11 million grant. These projects, replacing a previously suspended Chinese venture, aim to meet the energy needs of the islands, which are located near Tamil Nadu and are not connected to Sri Lanka's national grid. The initiative is expected to be completed by April 2025, highlighting India's strategic involvement in Sri Lanka's energy infrastructure.