1) India Ranked 3rd Most Powerful Country in Asia – Asia Power Index 2025
Report By:
Lowy Institute (Australia)
India’s Rank:
🥉 3rd in Asia
Top Three Countries:
- China
- United States
- India
Parameters Used:
- Military capability
- Economic relationships
- Defence networks
- Diplomatic influence
- Resilience and future resources
Significance:
- Confirms India’s growing strategic weight in Asia
- Strengthens India’s role in the Indo-Pacific
- Reinforces India’s importance in forums like QUAD and ASEAN-led mechanisms
2) India–Maldives Joint Military Exercise “Ekatha 2025” Held
Participants:
- Indian Army
- Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)
Exercise Name:
Ekatha 2025
Objectives:
- Enhance interoperability
- Counter-terrorism training
- Disaster relief & humanitarian assistance
- Joint tactical drills
Significance:
- Strengthens India–Maldives defence cooperation
- Supports India’s Neighbourhood First Policy
- Reinforces maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region
3) José Antonio Kast to Become Chile’s New President
Country:
Chile
Leader:
José Antonio Kast
Political Background:
- Conservative leader
- Known for strong positions on security, economy, and governance
Significance:
- Marks a political shift in Chile
- Important for Latin American geopolitics
- May impact Chile’s economic and foreign policy priorities
4) INTERPOL Rescues 30,000 Trafficked Animals Under “Operation Thunder”
Operation Name:
Operation Thunder
Agency:
INTERPOL, in coordination with national enforcement agencies
Outcome:
- 30,000 illegally trafficked animals rescued
- Seizure of wildlife products
- Arrest of traffickers across multiple countries
Objective:
- Combat wildlife trafficking
- Protect endangered species
- Disrupt international criminal networks
Significance:
- One of the largest global wildlife enforcement operations
- Reinforces international commitment under CITES
- Highlights wildlife crime as a serious organised crime
5) India Signs Agreement with Jordan Linking UNESCO Sites Petra & Ellora Caves
Countries Involved:
🇮🇳 India and 🇯🇴 Jordan
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Petra (Jordan)
- Ellora Caves (India)
Purpose of the Agreement:
- Cultural exchange
- Conservation best practices
- Tourism cooperation
- Archaeological research collaboration
Significance:
- Strengthens India–Jordan cultural diplomacy
- Promotes heritage tourism
- Encourages international cooperation in monument conservation
