CURRENT AFFAIRS

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.

Narendra Modi wrapped up a whirlwind three-nation tour — visiting Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman — culminating with his landing in Oman’s Muscat on December 17, 2025. His visit to Oman marks the final leg of the tour, and underscores New Delhi’s renewed push to deepen strategic, economic and cultural ties with West Asia and Africa. 

The Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS), Indian Navy, is on an official visit to the Maldives to attend the closing ceremony of Exercise Ekatha 2025, the latest edition of the annual bilateral maritime exercise between India and the Maldives.