Current Affairs

The 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly was held from October 27–30, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with participation from 124 countries and over 40 ministers. Centered on the theme “One Sun, One World, One Grid,” the event focused on strengthening global cooperation for solar energy expansion.

President Droupadi Murmu delivered the first-ever presidential keynote at an ISA Assembly, highlighting India’s leadership in sustainable solar growth. Minister Pralhad Joshi showcased India’s clean energy achievements, including attaining 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources and becoming the third-largest solar power producer globally.

The Assembly reviewed progress on solar financing, technology transfer, and grid integration while launching new initiatives in solar R&D, training, and green hydrogen. As the ISA’s host nation, India reaffirmed its pivotal role in promoting affordable and universal solar access, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making solar energy central to global climate action.

On 27 October 2025, Argentine President Javier Milei led his party La Libertad Avanza to a landslide victory in the midterm elections. The party secured 41% of the vote, winning 13 of 24 Senate seats and 64 of 127 lower-house seats, a major gain from its earlier tally of 7 Senate and 37 lower-house seats.

Milei celebrated the result as a rejection of Argentina’s past economic failures, following two years of his radical spending cuts and free-market reforms.

The 47th ASEAN Summit 2025, held in Kuala Lumpur under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, marked a historic expansion as East Timor (Timor-Leste) became ASEAN’s 11th member. Hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the summit gathered leaders from ASEAN nations along with major partners including the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

Key discussions focused on regional stability, economic integration, climate action, and digital connectivity. Notably, US President Donald Trump attended in person, while Indian PM Narendra Modi joined virtually, reaffirming India’s commitment to the Act East Policy and maritime cooperation.

Major outcomes included progress in US-China trade dialogue, efforts toward a Thailand–Cambodia peace deal, and commitments to green growth, health security, and maritime safety. The summit also outlined ASEAN’s Vision 2045, emphasizing a resilient, sustainable, and people-centered regional community.

ASEAN Member Countries

As of 2025, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has 11 member countries, after the inclusion of East Timor (Timor-Leste).

Here’s the complete list:

On 21 October 2025, Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female Prime Minister, elected by both Houses of Parliament with narrow majorities. A former TV anchor, Takaichi began her political career in 1993 and joined the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in 1996.

She has previously served in the Cabinet under Shinzo Abe, including as Economic Security Minister (2022–2024). The 64-year-old lawmaker from Nara Prefecture now faces major challenges such as slow economic growth, inflation, and yen depreciation.

Rodrigo Paz, leader of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), won Bolivia’s 2025 presidential election with 54.5% of the vote, defeating former interim President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga (45.5%) in the October 19 runoff. He will assume office on November 8, 2025.

Paz’s victory marks the end of nearly two decades of socialist dominance by the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS), once led by Evo Morales. A 58-year-old economist educated in the U.S., Paz ran on a centrist and reform-oriented platform, pledging “capitalism for all”—balancing market reforms with social welfare.

Bolivia is currently facing a severe economic crisis with high inflation and fuel shortages, which fueled voter dissatisfaction. Paz now faces the challenge of governing without a legislative majority, requiring alliances to stabilize the economy, rebuild investor trust, and strengthen democracy.

Afghanistan and Pakistan reached an immediate ceasefire on October 18, 2025, after a week of deadly border clashes that left dozens dead and hundreds injured. The truce was brokered in Doha with mediation by Qatar and Turkiye, marking a key step toward easing tensions along the 2,600 km border.

The agreement calls for:

• Immediate end to hostilities
• Monitoring mechanisms for compliance
• Follow-up peace talks for lasting stability

The conflict began on October 11, 2025, when Pakistan launched airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika, blaming Afghan-based groups for cross-border attacks—claims denied by Afghanistan.