UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

India’s recent participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit along with talks with China and Russia has triggered a debate on whether India is recalibrating its foreign policy amid changing global dynamics.

US President Donald Trump has imposed high tariffs on several countries including India, Brazil and China. This signals an escalation of trade tensions at the global level which will have a huge impact on the global economy.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an international organization that works to promote political, economic, and security cooperation.

The US Commerce Secretary called the popular H-1B visa program a scam and said that American companies should hire American citizens instead of foreign workers. This statement reflects the policy of the Donald Trump administration in which there is a demand to reduce dependence on foreign workers and give priority to American workers.

With the European Union (EU) offering concessions to US manufacturers on controversial climate-related trade rules, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and deforestation regulation, Indian negotiators are planning to press for similar relief during the talks in Brussels in September.

On August 25, 2025, Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka began a three-day official visit to India. Fiji is an important partner of India among the Pacific Island countries and in recent years, the two countries have focused on strengthening their ties.

Nepal will host its first-ever Arts and Culture Festival from 5th to 27th September 2025.

At the 23rd AIBD (Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development) General Conference held in Phuket, Thailand, India was elected as the Chair of the AIBD Executive Board with the highest number of votes.

On August 21, 2025, India's Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. The visit came at a time when the US has imposed additional sanctions on India regarding energy trade. The purpose of this meeting was not only to strengthen trade relations but also to discuss global energy security, multilateral cooperation and protection of Indian interests.

Israel's approval of the expansion of the 'E1 Settlement Plan' on the occupied West Bank has drawn strong reactions from various countries, given its implications on the two-state solution and the Middle East peace process.