General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - April 2025

Apr 2025

Jul 29, 2026

India second in BIMCO–ICS seafarer workforce, Philippines leads

According to the BIMCO–ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026 released on 27 July 2026, India is the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, with 311,936 maritime professionals. The Philippines remains the top supplier. India accounts for 12.16 percent of the global seafaring workforce. China, Russia and Indonesia follow India in the rankings. The report highlights a growing Indian maritime sector and underscores the importance of training and retention of skilled seafarers to support global shipping and India's blue economy. It also notes gender diversity challenges and the need for improved career progression pathways for Indian seafarers. The findings have implications for policy, education, and employer recruitment strategies.

India is the second-largest seafarer supplier with 311,936 professionals.
India accounts for 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce.
Philippines remains the top supplier; others include China, Russia and Indonesia.
Highlights focus on training, retention and career progression for Indian seafarers.
Notes gender diversity challenges in the Indian maritime sector.

Jul 28, 2026

India–China border trade to resume via Nathu La Pass from 1 August 2026

India and China have agreed to resume border trade via Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim from 1 August 2026. The route had remained closed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions. The reopening is expected to boost economic activity and strengthen trade links between the two countries. Nathu La is one of the main passes connecting India with the Tibet Autonomous Region. Officials described the move as a confidence-building step that could improve people-to-people contact and regional commerce along the border. The announcement comes in the last 48 hours as part of ongoing border-management discussions.

Border trade via Nathu La Pass resumes from 1 August 2026
Route connects India with Tibet Autonomous Region
Trade route closed since 2020
Aims to boost economic activity and regional commerce
Part of broader border-management talks

Jul 27, 2026

Bangladesh Invited as Special Guest to BRICS Summit 2026

India invited Bangladesh to attend the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi as a special guest, with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman invited to participate. The summit is scheduled for 12–13 September 2026 under India’s BRICS chairmanship. The invitation reflects India’s broader regional outreach to select non-BRICS countries. Bangladesh’s inclusion could influence regional cooperation, trade ties, and economic dialogue within the BRICS framework. Analysts note the move could bolster South Asia strategic ties and offer new avenues for development projects and collaboration in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology. The guest status signals a broader, outward-facing approach to BRICS outreach.

Bangladesh invited to BRICS Summit 2026 as special guest.
Summit to be held in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026.
Tarique Rahman invited to participate.
Part of India’s outreach to selected non-BRICS countries.
Potential impact on regional trade and cooperation.

Jul 26, 2026

India Supplies 4.5 Tonnes of Medical Aid to Kenya to Boost Ebola Preparedness

India delivered 4.5 tonnes of medical assistance to Kenya in July 2026 to strengthen Ebola preparedness and address other infectious diseases. The first consignment was handed over at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where Indian High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika presented the supplies to Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. The aid package includes protective gear, diagnostic kits, medicines, and laboratory supplies intended to support disease surveillance and response capabilities. The transfer underlines ongoing bilateral cooperation in health security and public health. Kenya welcomed the assistance as a sign of robust partnership with India and its contribution to Africa's health resilience.

4.5 tonnes of medical aid sent to Kenya in July 2026
First consignment handed over at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika presented supplies to Aden Duale
Aid includes protective gear, diagnostic kits, medicines, and lab supplies
Part of India-Kenya health security and bilateral cooperation
Supports Ebola preparedness and other infectious disease responses

Jul 25, 2026

Mahatma Gandhi bust unveiled in Skopje during Indian President’s visit

During President Droupadi Murmu’s two-day state visit to North Macedonia in July 2026, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at the Museum of the City of Skopje, alongside North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. The event marked the first visit by an Indian head of state to North Macedonia and highlighted deepening cultural and diplomatic ties. The leaders underscored shared values of peace, non-violence and development cooperation. The ceremony featured bilateral discussions on trade, education and people-to-people exchanges, reinforcing India’s presence in the Balkan region and expanding soft power diplomacy.

Gandhi bust unveiled in Skopje during Murmu’s visit.
First Indian president to visit North Macedonia.
Event held at Museum of the City of Skopje in July 2026.
Highlights cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Includes discussions on trade, education and people-to-people links.

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