A new UN-backed initiative, the Sevilla Forum on Debt, was officially launched on 22 October to assist developing nations struggling with unsustainable debt burdens. (Source: UN)
Category: International
UN-Backed ‘Sevilla Forum on Debt’ Launched to Address Global Debt Crisis
JAPAN-INDIA MARITIME EXERCISE (JAIMEX) – 2025
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri participated in the Sea phase of JAIMEX-25 (Japan India Maritime Exercise) from 16 to 18 Oct 2025 and made a port call at Yokosuka, Japan, on 21 Oct 2025 for the Harbour phase. About INS Sahyadri
Mosquitoes Spotted in Iceland for the First Time Amid Rising Temperatures
For the first time ever, Iceland—one of the few places in the world long considered mosquito-free—has recorded the presence of mosquitoes. Scientists confirmed the discovery of three mosquitoes, including two females and one male, found in the garden of Björn Hjaltason, an insect enthusiast from the town of Kjós. Possible Link to Climate ChangeExperts believe rising temperatures may be making Iceland increasingly hospitable to mosquitoes, which are typically cold-blooded and Read More …
Daring Daylight Heist at Louvre Museum: Eight Priceless Treasures Stolen
In a shocking daylight heist on October 19, thieves made off with eight priceless treasures from the Louvre Museum in Paris, the world’s most-visited museum, completing the theft in just seven minutes. Getaway on High-Speed Scooters Historic Apollo Gallery Targeted Museum Closed Amid Security Uproar Background
Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister
Japan’s Parliament elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female Prime Minister on October 21, 2025, a day after her party secured a coalition deal expected to shift the government further to the right. Replaces Shigeru Ishiba After Political Vacuum Fragile Coalition and Legislative Challenges Political Ideology and Policy Stance Career and Background SignificanceSanae Takaichi’s election marks a historic moment in Japan’s political history, breaking the gender barrier at Read More …
US–Australia Critical Minerals Pact to Counter China’s Dominance
US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a critical minerals agreement on October 20, marking a major step in reducing dependency on China for rare earths. The agreement aims to strengthen supply chain security for critical minerals essential to defence, technology, and clean energy industries. $1 Billion Commitment Towards $8.5 Billion Project Pipeline US Tariffs and China’s Restrictions Australia’s Key Project Investments Why Critical Minerals Matter Read More …
Fossils of Extinct Human Paranthropus boisei Discovered Near Lake Turkana
Researchers have unearthed 1.52-million-year-old fossils near Lake Turkana in northern Kenya, belonging to the extinct human relative Paranthropus boisei, revealing key insights into its anatomy and lifestyle. Major Discovery Key Findings About Paranthropus boisei Evolutionary Context Lake Turkana Source: Nature
Iran’s Taftan Volcano Shows Signs of Activity After 7,10,000 Years
In a surprising geological development, a volcano in southern Iran, long believed to be extinct for about 710,000 years, has shown signs of renewed activity. Ground Uplift Detected According to new research published on October 7 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, an area near the summit of the Taftan volcano rose by approximately 3.5 inches (9 centimeters) over a period of 10 months (July 2023 – May 2024). From Read More …
UPOV 1991 Convention
A new report by GRAIN, an international non-profit organization focused on food sovereignty and peasant rights, has warned that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are increasingly being used by developed countries to enforce stringent intellectual property (IP) rules on seeds and biodiversity. The Role of UPOV 1991 Convention Impact on Global South India’s Stand and Legal Framework Broader Implications (Source: DTE)
India Elected Co-Chair of UN-GGIM Asia-Pacific Regional Committee
India has been elected as Co-Chair of the Regional Committee of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) for a three-year term till 2028. Significance of the Election About UN-GGIM-AP India’s Role and Contributions Global Context
India Slips to 85th Rank in 2025 Henley Passport Index
India has fallen to the 85th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free access to 57 countries. In 2024, India’s passport was ranked 80th, allowing travel to 62 destinations without a visa. The decline reflects a reduction in mobility freedom for Indian passport holders compared to previous years. Top-Ranked Passports United States Falls Out of Top 10 Lowest-Ranked Passports About the Henley Passport Index
India and Brazil Discuss Deepening of India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement
During a meeting held in New Delhi on October 16, 2025, the Vice President of Brazil and India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry welcomed the mutual interest of India and MERCOSUR Member States in deepening their existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). The move aims to further promote trade and investment between the two sides. Background: Framework and PTA AgreementsThe Framework Agreement between India and MERCOSUR was signed on June 17, Read More …
India and Indonesia Conduct ‘Samudra Shakti – 2025’ Maritime Exercise
The Indian Navy successfully hosted the fifth edition of the Indo-Indonesian Joint Bilateral Maritime Exercise, ‘Samudra Shakti – 2025’, which concluded on October 17. The exercise is a symbol of growing naval cooperation between the two maritime neighbours. Participating Naval UnitsThe Indian side was represented by INS Kavaratti, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette of the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command (ENC). The Indonesian Navy participated with KRI John Lie, Read More …
India Elected to UN Human Rights Council for 2026–28 Term
India has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–2028 term, marking its seventh tenure on the global rights platform. The new three-year term will begin on January 1, 2026. Break After Consecutive Terms: India last served on the Council in 2024, following two consecutive terms. It took a mandatory one-year gap in 2025 before seeking re-election, in accordance with UNHRC rules that bar a Read More …
8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH)
The 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) was held in Guwahati, Assam. The session was hosted by the Government of India, with the Spices Board of India serving as the Secretariat under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) About Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC): Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH): Current Session Focus: Significance: