International Current Affairs for competitive Exams.
On 19 August 2025, India and China agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India and to finalise an updated Air Services Agreement.
The decision came after talks in New Delhi between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
Direct flights, suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic and earlier tensions after the Doklam standoff and 2020 Galwan Valley clash, will now be restored.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Indi from August 18–19, 2025. First visit by Wang Yi since Galwan Valley clashes (2020) and LAC disengagement (2024).
The high-stakes summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska lasted nearly three hours but ended without a deal on the Ukraine–Russia conflict.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th UN General Assembly, joining nations like France, Britain, and Canada in supporting a two-state solution. Nearly 150 UN member states already recognize Palestine.
The move comes amid public pressure and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Recognition is conditional on no Hamas role, Gaza demilitarization, and holding general elections. Albanese said the step is a practical contribution toward peace, coordinated with leaders from Britain, France, New Zealand, and Japan.
US President Donald Trump announced he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 to discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
This will be their first in-person meeting since Trump’s return to the White House in January, and Putin’s first US visit in a decade.
The announcement followed Trump’s unveiling of a peace framework between Armenia and Azerbaijan, part of his push to resolve multiple global conflicts.
On August 6, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, raising the total tariff to 50%. The move was in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which the US claims violates its foreign policy and national security interests.
India condemned the action as “unfair and unreasonable”, defending its energy security strategy. The Ministry of External Affairs warned of taking necessary countermeasures.
📉 Experts predict a 40–50% drop in Indian exports to the US, with sectors like textiles, pharma, and auto parts likely to suffer.
The tariff will take effect from August 27, 2025. India may explore WTO dispute resolution, diplomatic talks, or retaliatory tariffs, potentially reshaping India-US trade relations.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines will arrive in New Delhi on 4 August 2025 for his first State Visit to India, accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and a high-level delegation.
During the visit, he will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meet President Droupadi Murmu, and be called upon by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. President Marcos will also visit Bengaluru.
This visit marks the 75th anniversary of India-Philippines diplomatic ties and aims to boost cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, maritime security, healthcare, and digital technologies under India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
On 31 July 2025, Myanmar’s National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) announced a new Union Government, appointing U Nyo Saw as Prime Minister and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as head of the State Security and Peace Commission.
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an unconditional ceasefire starting 28 July 2025, following five days of deadly border clashes that caused dozens of deaths and displaced tens of thousands.
Deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia reignited in July 2025, rooted in a dispute over land near the Preah Vihear Temple. The conflict escalated on 24 July with airstrikes and rocket attacks, resulting in 35+ deaths and over 168,000 displaced.
Malaysia is hosting peace talks, with support from the U.S., UN, and ASEAN. Cambodia has agreed to a ceasefire, but sporadic violence continues. The situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) — a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
This follows TRF’s involvement in the deadly April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians — the worst attack on Indian soil since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
At the 17th BRICS Summit (July 6–7, 2025) in Rio de Janeiro, Indonesia was officially inducted as a full member, making BRICS a group of 11 nations.
The 17th BRICS Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6–7, 2025, under the theme “Inclusive and Sustainable Global South.”
It was chaired by President Lula da Silva of Brazil.
On July 3, 2025, House Republicans narrowly passed the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ with a 218–214 vote — a major legislative win for President Donald Trump.
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The current 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was born in 1935 and recognized at age 2. He fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising and now lives in exile in Dharamshala, advocating for peace and Tibetan autonomy.
As the 14th Dalai Lama turns 90 in 2025, the question of succession is both spiritual and geopolitical.
🌏 Why It Matters
PM Narendra Modi undertook an 8-day (July 2–9, 2025) visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.
Ghana 🇬🇭:
First Indian PM visit in 30+ years. Awarded Ghana’s highest civilian honour. Announced more scholarships and cooperation in health, agriculture, and defence.
Trinidad & Tobago 🇹🇹:
First Indian PM to visit since 1999. Met leaders and celebrated 180 years of Indian heritage. Focus on digital infra and trade.
Argentina 🇦🇷:
First Indian PM visit in 57 years. Met President Javier Milei, boosting ties in energy, agriculture, tech, and critical minerals.
Brazil 🇧🇷:
Attended 17th BRICS Summit. Discussed climate, governance, and South-South cooperation with President Lula da Silva.
Namibia 🇳🇦:
First visit by Indian PM. Addressed Parliament; agreed on UPI, education, and trade partnerships.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting held on June 26, 2025, in Qingdao, China:
Dates: June 24–25, 2025
Host: The Netherlands (first time ever)
Venue: World Forum, The Hague
Theme: Strengthening deterrence, unity, and industrial resilience
The summit underscored NATO’s evolution from a Cold War alliance to a dynamic force confronting 21st-century threats—from AI and cyber warfare to geopolitical instability. The Hague 2025 may well be remembered as a turning point in NATO’s strategic posture.
United States President Donald Trump announced on 23 June 2025 that Iran and Israel have agreed to a complete and total ceasefire, set to begin within hours. This came shortly after an Iranian missile strike on a US airbase in Qatar.
According to Trump’s statement on Truth Social:
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any such agreement, stating:
On June 17, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of strengthening India-Canada relations during a bilateral meeting with Canadian PM Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. He highlighted the shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and rule of law, and the potential for cooperation in sectors like trade, clean energy, critical minerals, and fertilizers.
The conflict between Iran and Israel has entered its fourth day on June 16, 2025, marked by heavy military exchanges and rising civilian casualties.
Nuclear tensions are rising:
The IAEA confirmed no damage to Iran’s Fordow and Khondab nuclear sites. However, Iranian lawmakers are drafting legislation that could lead to withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), escalating global concerns.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-nation visit to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia on June 15, 2025.
In a major escalation, Israel has launched a military operation codenamed “Rising Lion” targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the strikes were meant to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, calling it a preemptive measure to secure Israel’s survival.
The 51st G7 Summit is set to take place in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17, 2025. This marks the second time Kananaskis has hosted the prestigious gathering, the first being in 2002. The summit is particularly significant as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the G7.
The G7 consists of seven of the world’s most advanced economies:
Additionally, several guest nations have been invited, including India, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and Ukraine. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed his attendance following an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Under Canada’s presidency, the summit will focus on:
The discussions will aim to strengthen international cooperation and address pressing global challenges.
South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is set to become the country’s next president following a snap election in June 2025. He defeated incumbent President Kim Moon-soo, leader of the ruling People Power Party, who conceded defeat and accepted the public’s decision. Lee won by over 2 million votes, with more than 99% of ballots counted.
His victory comes six months after martial law was declared, which had caused national turmoil. The election is seen as a turning point, offering a chance for political stability in South Korea following months of crisis.
In Poland, Karol Nawrocki, an independent candidate supported by the opposition Law and Justice party, won the presidential runoff election, securing around 51% of the vote, according to the final results announced on June 2, 2025. He defeated Rafal Trzaskowski, the ruling Civic Coalition candidate and Mayor of Warsaw, who received over 49% of the vote.
This was Nawrocki’s first presidential campaign, and despite trailing in polls and exit surveys, he achieved a narrow victory. Born in 1983 in Gdansk, Nawrocki will succeed President Andrzej Duda, whose second and final term ends on August 6, 2025.
Elon Musk stepped down as chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on May 28, 2025, thanking U.S. President Donald Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending. Musk emphasized that DOGE will continue to grow as a long-term reform initiative.
His resignation came a day after publicly criticizing Trump‘s major spending bill, saying it undermines the department’s cost-cutting efforts. Musk stated, “A bill can be big or it can be beautiful. But it cannot be both.”
Despite being a key Trump ally and campaign donor in 2024, Musk increasingly faced internal conflicts and admitted DOGE had become a scapegoat for broader administrative issues. While DOGE cut tens of thousands of jobs and downsized departments, Musk began distancing himself in April, acknowledging unmet goals.
His focus also shifted back to his companies, as Tesla faced attacks and SpaceX suffered mission failures, including the Starship explosion over the Indian Ocean during its ninth test flight.
On 26 May 2025, Nicusor Dan assumed office as the President of Romania after winning the presidential runoff election held on 18 May, where he secured 53.6% of the votes. He defeated George Simion, the leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, and succeeded interim President Ilie Bolojan.
In his inaugural address, the 55-year-old independent candidate emphasized the importance of reform within the framework of the rule of law, urging citizens to apply positive pressure on institutions and promising to stay receptive to public voices.
According to the Romanian Constitution, presidential elections are held every five years, with a limit of two consecutive terms.
Romania, located in southeastern Europe, is the twelfth-largest country in Europe with a population of approximately 1.9 crore (19 million).
On 23 May 2025, Singapore’s new Cabinet was sworn in after the People’s Action Party (PAP) achieved a strong victory in the recent general election, winning 87 out of 97 seats and securing 65.57% of the popular vote.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who took office in May 2024 following Lee Hsien Loong, emphasized his administration’s commitment to adapting to global change, boosting the economy, and strengthening international relations.
The reshuffled Cabinet includes several Indian-origin leaders in prominent roles:
The election results reflect increased public support for the PAP compared to the 2020 elections, where it secured 61.24% of the vote.