International

 

International Current Affairs for competitive Exams.

United States impose a 25% tariffs on Steel and Aluminum imports

The United States announced it will impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports starting from February 11, 2025. This decision aims to protect American industries and boost domestic production but has led to negative reactions in financial markets and concerns about global trade tensions.

Key allies like Canada and Mexico are affected and have warned of potential retaliation. The tariffs are expected to impact industries such as automotive and manufacturing that rely on imported metals, while the US administration argues it will strengthen national security and economic stability.

Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s First President and Independence Leader, Passes Away at 95

Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first democratically elected president and independence leader, passed away at age 95 on February 8, 2025. A guerrilla leader and activist, he led SWAPO and played a key role in Namibia’s liberation from apartheid South Africa, becoming president on March 21, 1990.

Recognized as the “Founding Father of the Namibian Nation”, Nujoma promoted national reconciliation and democratic institutions but faced criticism for media suppression, opposition to homosexuality, and a constitutional amendment enabling his third term.

His presidency (1990-2005) shaped Namibia’s post-independence governance, though autocratic tendencies and suppression of the 1999 Caprivi rebellion tainted his legacy. A longtime ally of Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, he backed land reforms in Zimbabwe while adopting a “willing buyer, willing seller” approach at home.

Born in 1929, Nujoma fought apartheid, led a guerrilla war, and petitioned the United Nations for independence. SWAPO won the 1989 elections, making him president in 1990. His leadership laid the foundation for Namibia’s stability and regional partnerships.

PM Modi visit France and the United States from February 10 to 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit France and the United States from February 10 to 12, focusing on artificial intelligence, defense, trade, and strategic partnerships. In Paris, he will co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, discussing ethical AI governance and global regulatory frameworks. He will also visit Marseille to pay tribute to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery and inaugurate a new Indian consulate.

From France, Modi will travel to Washington for his first meeting with US President Donald Trump since Trump’s second-term inauguration. The talks will cover trade, defense collaboration, and immigration issues. This visit highlights India’s global leadership in AI, defense, trade, and people-to-people ties, positioning India as a key voice in global AI governance and reinforcing strategic relations with two important partners.

US Withdraws from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

On February 4, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). This decision came during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, DC. Trump cited the council’s “anti-Semitic” bias and its disproportionate focus on Israel as the primary reasons for the withdrawal.

The US had previously withdrawn from the UNHRC in 2018 under the Trump administration, citing similar concerns. The recent decision also includes ending support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which Trump accused of having ties to Hamas.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar supported the US decision, stating that Israel would also withdraw from the UNHRC, calling it “anti-Israel”. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some human rights organizations expressing concern over the potential impact on global human rights advocacy.

UNGA President Philemon Yang Visits India for Strengthening Multilateral Engagement

Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, is visiting India for four days from 4 February 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that Mr. Yang, previously Prime Minister of Cameroon, assumed office on 10 September 2024. Under his leadership, the UN adopted “A Pact for the Future,” aimed at realizing “multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow.”

During his visit, Mr. Yang will meet with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to discuss key multilateral and regional issues. He will also pay a courtesy call to President Droupadi Murmu and visit Bengaluru.

Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgium’s new Prime Minister

Bart De Wever has been sworn in as Belgium’s new prime minister on February 3, 2025, in an oath-taking ceremony before King Philippe at the Royal Palace.

De Wever’s coalition government consists of five parties, with seven francophone ministers and seven Flemish ministers. The new government’s agenda focuses on budget reform, stricter migration policies, and economic restructuring.

However, there are concerns about gender equality, as only three women are represented in the 15-member cabinet. Additionally, the government faces the challenge of bridging Belgium’s linguistic and political divides.

US imposes tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China

On February 1, 2025, President Donald Trump imposed significant tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. The tariffs include a 25% increase on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% increase on imports from China, citing issues such as illegal immigration and the smuggling of fentanyl as reasons for the decision.

This move has led to swift retaliatory measures from the affected countries, signaling the beginning of a broader trade war.

WHO Urges Shift to Potassium-Enriched Salt Substitutes to Combat Hypertension

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines recommending the switch from regular table salt to potassium-enriched salt substitutes as part of efforts to combat hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases. The WHO’s mission to lower sodium intake stems from extensive research highlighting the health risks posed by excess sodium consumption.

Excess sodium can lead to high blood pressure, posing a significant risk for millions globally. Studies indicate approximately 1.9 million deaths annually are linked to high salt consumption, with hypertension as the underlying factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disorders. Interestingly, many people are unaware of their high sodium intake, which averages around 4.3 grams per day, far exceeding the WHO’s recommendation of less than 2 grams.

US Plans 30,000-Bed Migrant Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to build a 30,000-bed migrant detention facility at the US Navy base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, separate from the existing high-security prison.

The facility, managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will house migrants, including those intercepted at sea, whom Trump referred to as the “worst criminal illegal aliens.”

This announcement follows Trump’s signing of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the jailing of undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes. The act is named after a Georgia nursing student murdered by a Venezuelan migrant.

The Cuban government has condemned the move, calling it illegal and inhumane, as Guantanamo Bay has been historically controversial due to allegations of detainee mistreatment.

Micheal Martin elected as Ireland’s Prime Minister

On January 24, 2025, Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, was elected as Ireland’s Prime Minister for the second time by the Dáil (Irish Parliament). His election was supported by a coalition of the two major center-right parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, along with independent lawmakers.

Martin, 64, previously served as Prime Minister from 2020 to 2022 before transferring leadership to Fine Gael as part of a power-sharing agreement. Outgoing Prime Minister Simon Harris is expected to reassume leadership in late 2027 under the coalition deal. Following the November 2024 general election, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael retained power, winning a combined 86 seats in the 174-seat Dáil, just shy of a majority. Sinn Féin, the main opposition party, secured 39 seats, second to Fianna Fáil’s 48 seats.

World Bank Neutral Expert to Decide India-Pakistan Hydro Project Differences

On January 21, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert declared competence to resolve differences between India and Pakistan regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, under the Indus Water Treaty. The Neutral Expert rejected Pakistan’s plea to establish a Court of Arbitration, instead deciding to assess the Points of Difference on merit.

The MEA emphasized that India’s consistent position has been vindicated, asserting that the Neutral Expert alone has the authority under the treaty to address such issues. The Neutral Expert’s decision pertains to all seven questions raised about the hydroelectric projects.

In 2022, the World Bank had appointed a Neutral Expert and a chairman of the Court of Arbitration to address the disagreements over the 1960 Indus Water Treaty.

Donald Trump Takes Oath as President of United States; J.D. Vance Sworn in as Vice President

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. The inauguration took place indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to extremely cold weather. Trump took the oath of office using a Bible given to him by his mother and President Abraham Lincoln’s Bible. Vice President J.D. Vance was also sworn in during the ceremony.

In his inaugural address, Trump declared that the “Golden Age of America” begins now and announced measures such as declaring a national emergency at the southern border. He emphasized his “America First” policy and promised to restore sovereignty, safety, and justice. Trump also previewed a series of executive orders targeting immigration, energy policy, and diversity programs within federal agencies.

The event was attended by prominent figures from politics, business, and technology, including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Tim Cook. The ceremony marked a significant moment in American history as Trump became the second president to return to power non-consecutively.

World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting from January 20-24, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland

The 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting took place from January 20-24, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland. The theme for this year was “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”, reflecting the need for global cooperation in an era of rapid technological advancements.

The meeting brought together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, including 350 governmental leaders such as heads of state and government. Key topics discussed included geopolitical tensions, economic shifts, climate change, and technological innovation. The forum aimed to address these challenges and explore opportunities for sustainable growth and resilience.

One of the highlights was the virtual address by Donald Trump, who returned to the White House for a second term and participated in interactive sessions. The meeting also saw strong representation from India, with several state delegations showcasing their potential to attract global investors.

Overall, the 55th WEF Annual Meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in navigating the complexities of the modern world.

Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on January 19, 2025, marks a significant step towards ending the 15-month-long conflict. The agreement, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, includes a phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

The initial phase involves the release of three Israeli hostages and 30 Hamas prisoners. The ceasefire is expected to bring much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza and allow displaced Palestinians to return home. This ceasefire is seen as a crucial first step towards lasting peace in the region, although its fragility remains a concern.

US Removes Sanctions on Major Indian Nuclear Facilities

Sanctions lifted on Indian entities: The US has removed sanctions on three Indian entities—Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL), and Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).

Reason for lifting sanctions: The sanctions, imposed during the Cold War era, were lifted to enhance US foreign policy goals, support shared energy security needs, and strengthen joint efforts in science and technology between India and the US.

Strengthened India-US collaboration: Recent years have seen increased cooperation in peaceful nuclear activities and related research, benefiting global partner countries.

US action against Chinese companies: The US added 11 Chinese companies to the Entity List for activities deemed contrary to US national security and foreign policy interests.

About the Entity List: It is a US government compilation of foreign individuals, companies, and organizations considered a national security concern.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam begins 5-Day state visit to India

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has arrived in New Delhi on a five-day state visit to India starting from 15 January 2025. He was welcomed by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada at the airport. As part of his delegation, President Tharman is accompanied by ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials.

During his visit, President Tharman will meet with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honor. He will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, along with other Indian dignitaries. President Tharman will visit Odisha from 17th to 18th January.

India and Singapore share a robust partnership built on friendship, trust, and mutual respect. This visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and marks the commencement of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles: Thousands Forced to Evacuate

Wildfires have been wreaking havoc in Los Angeles recently, causing widespread destruction and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. The Palisades Fire, which started on January 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area, has been particularly devastating, destroying over 17,000 acres and 1,000 structures. The Eaton Fire, which also started on January 7, 2025, in Altadena, and the Sunset Fire, which ignited on January 8, 2025, in the Hollywood Hills, have caused significant damage as well.

The fires have been fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, and extremely dry conditions. These factors have made firefighting efforts incredibly challenging, with ground crews and aerial operations struggling to contain the blazes.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and President Biden has approved federal aid for California. Despite the chaos, there have been no immediate reports of deaths or injuries, though the situation remains fluid.

John Dramani Mahama sworn in as President of Ghana

John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as President of Ghana on January 7, 2025. This marked his return to office after winning the December 2024 presidential election with 56.55% of the vote.

Born in 1958 in Ghana’s Savannah region, Mahama previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017.

He pledged that his government would address youth unemployment by fostering strong partnerships with the private sector to create decent and well-paying jobs.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announces his resignation

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on January 6, 2025, citing internal government conflicts. He will remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader.

His resignation follows dissatisfaction with his leadership and the recent departure of the finance minister. The Canadian Parliament will be suspended until March 24 for the leadership race.

Trudeau, who led the party in three general elections (2015, 2019, 2021), leaves behind strained relations with India and internal party challenges for his successor. Chrystia Freeland and David McGuinty are potential candidates for leadership.

Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia Begin Their UNSC Term

New Non-Permanent Members of UNSC: Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia began their two-year term as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 1 January 2025.

Replacements: They replaced Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland.

Ceremony: A flag installation ceremony was held at the UN headquarters in New York, where the new members’ permanent representatives delivered speeches and installed their national flags outside the Security Council Chamber.

UNSC Composition: The UNSC has 15 members – 5 permanent members (United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, France – collectively known as the P5, with veto power) and 10 non-permanent members serving two-year terms.

Romania and Bulgaria fully join Schengen border-free zone

Full Membership: Romania and Bulgaria officially became full members of the Schengen zone on January 1, 2025.

13-Year Wait: This marks the end of a 13-year wait for the two countries to join the borderless area.

Expanded Zone: The Schengen zone now includes 29 members, expanding the borderless area significantly.

Economic Impact: Analysts estimate that joining the Schengen zone will boost Romania’s and Bulgaria’s GDP by at least one percentage point.

Historic Moment: Leaders on both sides hailed the expansion as a historic achievement.

Austria’s Objections: Austria had previously blocked their full entry over migration concerns but dropped its objections after a border protection agreement was reached.

Improved Travel: The removal of land border checks will ease travel and strengthen economic ties between Romania, Bulgaria, and other Schengen countries.

Azerbaijan Airline Crash in Kazakhstan

On December 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight, J2-8243, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in the tragic loss of 38 lives and leaving 29 survivors. The Embraer 190 aircraft was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when it encountered severe turbulence and loud bangs, leading to a catastrophic crash.

Key Details:

  • Flight Path: The plane was diverted from its original route due to heavy fog in Grozny and attempted an emergency landing in Aktau.
  • Survivor Accounts: Passengers reported hearing multiple loud bangs and experiencing a loss of cabin pressure before the crash.
  • Investigation: Authorities from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Initial speculations suggest possible external interference, with some sources indicating that Russian air defenses might have mistakenly shot down the aircraft.
  • Casualties: The crash claimed 38 lives, including both pilots, and left many survivors with serious injuries.

China Approves World’s Largest Dam on the Brahmaputra River

China has recently approved the construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, located in Tibet near the Indian border. This ambitious project, estimated to cost around $137 billion, has raised significant concerns in India and Bangladesh.

Key Details:

  • Location: The dam will be built at a significant gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra River makes a U-turn before flowing into Arunachal Pradesh and subsequently into Bangladesh.
  • Scale: The project is expected to exceed one trillion yuan ($137 billion), surpassing even China’s Three Gorges Dam, currently the world’s largest.
  • Purpose: The primary aim is to develop clean energy and respond to climate change and extreme hydrological disasters. The hydropower facility is estimated to generate over 300 billion kWh of electricity annually, enough to supply energy to approximately 300 million people for a year.
  • Concerns: India and Bangladesh have expressed apprehensions about potential impacts on water flow and regional stability. There are fears that China could control the water flow and release large amounts of water during conflicts.
  • Safety Measures: China has assured that extensive geological studies and advanced technology have been employed to ensure the project’s safety and minimize ecological impact. The dam will also incorporate measures for disaster prevention and relief.

International Reactions:

  • India’s Response: India has raised concerns about the potential impact on water flow and the ability of China to control water during hostilities. India is also constructing its own dam on the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • China’s Assurance: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has stated that the project will not negatively affect the lower reaches and that China will continue to maintain communication with countries at the lower reaches through existing channels.

Kristrun Frostadottir Becomes Iceland’s Youngest Prime Minister

Iceland’s new government, led by Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir of the Social Democratic Alliance (SDA), took office on 21 December 2024.

Youngest Prime Minister: Frostadottir, born in 1988, is Iceland’s youngest prime minister. She was elected to parliament in 2021 and became SDA leader in 2022.

Three-Party Coalition: The coalition includes the SDA, the Liberal Reform Party (LRP), and the People’s Party (PP). The SDA and LRP each hold four ministerial portfolios, while the PP has three.

First Meeting: The new cabinet held its first formal meeting at the presidential residence, Bessastadir, with President Halla Tomasdottir in attendance.

Cabinet Priorities: Frostadottir outlined priorities of stabilising Iceland’s economy by reducing interest rates, enforcing stricter public finance controls, and fostering value creation.

Election Victory: The SDA emerged as the biggest winner in Iceland’s parliamentary election held on November 30.

Russian President Putin ready to compromise on Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to compromise over Ukraine in possible talks with US President-elect Donald Trump to end the war.

No Conditions for Talks: Putin has no conditions for talks with Ukrainian authorities and is willing to negotiate with anyone, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Legitimate Authorities: Any deal must be signed by Ukraine’s legitimate authorities, recognized by the Kremlin as the Ukrainian parliament.

Russia’s Position: Putin dismissed claims that Russia is in a weak position and asserted that the country has grown stronger since the 2022 conflict.

Rejection of Temporary Truce: Putin rejected the idea of a temporary truce with Kyiv, stating that only a lasting peace deal would be acceptable.

Open to Talks with Trump: Putin is open to meeting with Trump but noted that he has not spoken to him for years.

Trump’s Promise: Trump has promised to end the conflict swiftly but has not outlined his approach.

Q. What is President Vladimir Putin ready to do regarding Ukraine in possible talks with US President-elect Donald Trump?

a) Withdraw Russian troops
b) Compromise to end the war
c) Impose stricter sanctions
d) Form a military alliance

Answer: b) Compromise to end the war
Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to compromise over Ukraine in possible talks with US President-elect Donald Trump to end the war.

Sri Lanka to offer visa-free travel to Indian nationals from Jan 2025

From January 2025, Indians will be among nationals from 39 countries eligible for free visas to travel to Sri Lanka, as announced by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath during an interaction organized by the India Foundation in New Delhi. A parliamentary gazette notification will formalize this policy in January. The minister expressed hope that India would reciprocate by offering free visas to Sri Lankan nationals.

Highlighting the strong bilateral ties, he noted that India is the largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka. The announcement came during a three-day state visit (15-17 December) by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his delegation.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Loses Vote of Confidence: Understanding Germany’s Federal Election System

On December 16, 2024, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of confidence, triggering a snap election set for February 23, 2025. Germany’s new hybrid electoral system combines single-member constituencies with proportional representation, fixing the Bundestag at 630 seats (down from 735). If a party wins more constituency seats than its proportional vote share, some seats will remain vacant, starting with the narrowest-margin victories.

The system retains the 5% national vote threshold for parliamentary entry, with a rule allowing parties to bypass this if they win at least three constituency seats. This mechanism has helped smaller parties like the Left in the past. Current polls predict a highly unpredictable election, with major parties like CDU/CSU leading (34%) but facing competition from the far-right AfD (17%), and smaller parties like the Free Democrats and Left struggling to meet thresholds.

Friedrich Merz of the CDU is a frontrunner to become chancellor, likely needing a coalition due to the fragmented political landscape. The far-right AfD is unlikely to form part of any coalition, as mainstream parties view it as undemocratic.

Britain Joins the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

On December 15, 2024, Britain officially became the first European nation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), becoming the 12th member of this significant trade bloc. This move marks a major milestone in Britain’s post-Brexit trade strategy, aiming to strengthen its global trade links and deepen ties with the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Points

  • Strategic Expansion: By joining the CPTPP, Britain aims to expand its trade horizons and diversify its economic partnerships.
  • Economic Benefits: The UK government estimates that the pact could boost the economy by £2 billion ($2.5 billion) annually in the long run.
  • Trade Opportunities: Membership provides British businesses with lower tariffs and fewer barriers when trading with CPTPP member countries, including Japan, Australia, Canada, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.
  • Influence and Growth: Britain’s accession allows it to influence the future development of the CPTPP, including decisions on potential new members like China and Taiwan.

Romania and Bulgaria to join EU’s Schengen area on January 1, 2025

On December 12, 2024, EU interior ministers announced that Romania and Bulgaria will fully join the border-free Schengen Area starting January 1, 2025. This decision marks the end of a long journey for both countries, which have been EU members since 2007.

The Schengen Area currently comprises 29 countries, including 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries. Joining the Schengen Area means that Romania and Bulgaria will no longer have border controls with other Schengen countries, allowing for free movement of people, goods, and services.

The decision to allow full membership came after Austria lifted its long-standing veto, which was based on concerns about migration and border management. Both Romania and Bulgaria have made significant progress in addressing these issues, leading to their acceptance into the Schengen Area.

Mohamed al-Bashir appointed as caretaker Prime Minister of Syria

Mohamed al-Bashir has been appointed as the caretaker Prime Minister of Syria on 10 December 2024. This appointment, effective until March 1, 2025, marks a significant step in Syria’s transition. Al-Bashir, a prominent rebel leader and former head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led Syrian Salvation Government in Idlib, played a crucial role in the recent offensive that led to President Bashar al-Assad’s fall.

Born in 1986 in the Jabal Zawiya region of Idlib, al-Bashir holds a degree in electrical and electronic engineering from the University of Aleppo and has studied Sharia and law. He joined the revolutionaries in 2021 and has held various key positions, including the Minister of Development and Humanitarian Affairs.

As caretaker Prime Minister, al-Bashir has pledged to ensure a smooth transition of power and work towards Syria’s stability and reconstruction. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a peaceful and stable future for the country.

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