External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the India–SICA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: Central American Integration System (SICA) is the institutional framework designed to govern and facilitate regional integration in Central America. Secretariat: Located in El Salvador. Created by the Tegucigalpa Protocol (December 13, 1991), which updated the older ODECA Charter. Operation Date: Became fully operational on […]
Category: International Relationship Current Affairs
Special and Differential Treatment (SDT)
Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) China announced it will no longer seek new “special and differential treatment” (S&DT) at WTO talks, marking a shift in its trade stance. S&DT provisions are special rights in WTO agreements that grant developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) flexibility in implementing trade commitments. They provide longer transition periods, softer obligations, […]
Antifa
Antifa: U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to designate Antifa a terrorist organisation after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Antifa = “Anti-Fascist” movement. Not an organisation but a loosely connected network of activists opposing fascism, white supremacy, and far-right extremism. Roots in 1930s Europe, e.g., Antifaschistische Aktion (1932, Germany) and the Battle of […]
L-1 Visa
L-1 Visa: The U.S. administration under Donald Trump announced a $100,000 fee hike on fresh H-1B applications, sparking debate on whether the L-1 visa could be an alternative for Indian professionals.It is of two types: L-1A employees (executives/managers) and L-1B (specialized knowledge A non-immigrant work visa for intra-company transfers. Allows multinational firms to send employees […]
Estonia
Estonia: NATO condemned Russia for violating Estonian airspace with three MiG-31 fighter jets. Estonia invoked Article 4 of NATO treaty to seek urgent consultations on territorial security. Estonia is Situated in northeastern Europe, northernmost of the Baltic States. Capital: Tallinn. Neighbouring Nations: Russia (via Narva River, Lake Peipus), Latvia, Baltic Sea.
China to Launch K Visa
China to Launch K Visa: As the U.S. enforces steep hikes and restrictions on H-1B visa applications, China is stepping in with a new immigration initiative. From October 1, 2025, China will officially launch the K Visa to attract young STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals and researchers from around the world, offering an […]
Australia sets a new emissions reduction target of 62% by 2035 under the Paris Agreement
Australia sets a new emissions reduction target of 62% by 2035 under the Paris Agreement: Australia has raised its national emissions reduction target to 62% by 2035, based on 2005 levels. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, marks a substantial increase from the country’s previous commitment of a 43% cut by 2030. The […]
First Hilsa Consignment from Bangladesh Reaches India
First Hilsa Consignment from Bangladesh Reaches India: Bangladesh has resumed its seasonal export of hilsa fish to India, but in its lowest volume since 2019. On September 17, 2025, the first consignment of around 32 tonnes arrived in West Bengal via the Petrapole border, marking the beginning of a restricted trade window approved by the […]
The US Fed lowers interest rates to 4‑4.25% in its first 2025 rate cut
The US Fed lowers interest rates to 4‑4.25% in its first 2025 rate cut: The US Federal Reserve (Fed) has cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 4.00%–4.25%, marking its first rate reduction in 2025. This move signals the beginning of a possible rate easing cycle, aimed at balancing […]
India and Canada to Restart Trade Talks and Deepen Cooperation
India and Canada to Restart Trade Talks and Deepen Cooperation: Indian and Canadian officials met for pre-Foreign Office consultations on September 19, 2025, and agreed to reignite bilateral dialogue on multiple strategic fronts including trade, defence, and critical minerals. This move follows the understanding reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark […]
