CURRENT AFFAIRS

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.

Global geopolitics is changing and traditional power alignments are changing due to conflicts, economic instability and changing alliances. India needs to deal with these changes to safeguard its interests.

The Government of India has issued an important notification through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) imposing a complete ban on the import of certain jute products and ropes from Bangladesh by land route. Now these products will be imported only from Nhava Sheva port in Maharashtra.