CURRENT AFFAIRS

The United States has launched a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and transferring him and his wife to the US, where they have been charged in New York with drug trafficking and weapons-related offences. The operation marks a dramatic escalation in US–Venezuela tensions and raises serious questions about sovereignty, regime change, and international law.

Bangladesh is currently going through a period of deep political crisis and widespread violence. Against this backdrop, the return of Tarique Rahman, the acting president of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), after 17 years of exile, has given a new twist to the country's politics. However, this development, along with the intensification of anti-India rhetoric, has raised serious questions not only about internal stability but also about regional diplomacy.

Recently, Israel formally recognized the Republic of Somaliland, which declared itself independent, as an independent and sovereign nation.

India’s crude oil sourcing pattern has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. Once heavily dependent on West Asian suppliers, India has increasingly diversified its oil import basket—most notably with Russia emerging as the largest supplier since 2022. This shift reflects India’s pragmatic energy diplomacy, balancing geopolitical risks, sanctions regimes, and economic imperatives such as cost control and inflation management.

Bangladesh is witnessing widespread political unrest, violence, and institutional disruption amid the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman after 17 years in exile. The crisis has been accompanied by rising anti-India rhetoric and the growing influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, raising serious concerns for regional stability and India’s strategic interests.

Nearly 15 years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan is preparing to restart the Kashiwazaki–Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, triggering public protests and opposition from Fukushima survivors who warn of unresolved nuclear safety risks. The move is part of Japan’s strategy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and meet rising energy demand while advancing its decarbonisation goals.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved USD 206 million in emergency financing for Sri Lanka under its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) to address urgent balance of payments needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah.

The United States launched “Operation Hawkeye Strike” in Syria, targeting Islamic State (IS) infrastructure and weapons storage sites, in direct retaliation for an attack on US forces near Palmyra.

India and New Zealand have concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to double bilateral trade to USD 5 billion within five years and attract USD 20 billion in New Zealand investment over 15 years.

The Prime Minister of India paid his first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan in 2025, holding wide-ranging talks with King Abdullah II. The visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of India–Jordan diplomatic relations, signalling an intent to upgrade traditionally warm ties into a future-oriented strategic partnership.