Top Headlines Related to Country in News 2025: Latest Current Affairs

Stay updated with the Top Headlines Related to Country in News 2025 to boost your current affairs preparation! This blog covers the most important news about countries that made headlines in 2025. These topics are very important for exams like SSC, Banking, RRB NTPC, UPSC, and State-level competitive exams.

Knowing which country was in the news and why helps you score better in the General Awareness section. This post is written in simple language so you can understand and remember easily. Let’s look at the latest updates from around the world that you must not miss!

Country in News 2025, January to December

July 2025

◾ The QUAD nations launched the first-ever ‘QUAD At Sea Observer Mission’ to strengthen maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region; Indonesia is not a QUAD member.

◾ Japan launched the climate change monitoring satellite GOSAT-GW aboard an H-2A rocket to track CO₂, methane, and other greenhouse gases.

◾ The USA topped the Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2025, with India retaining 3rd rank globally (64 unicorns).

◾ The United Kingdom officially launched the Synthetic Human Genome Project (SynHG) to build human DNA from scratch.

◾ China successfully test-flew its Feitian-2 Hypersonic Vehicle (HV) using Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) propulsion.

◾ India signed an undersea surveillance agreement with Australia for a three-year joint research project to enhance submarine and AUV detection.

◾ Colombia and Uzbekistan officially joined the New Development Bank (NDB), expanding membership to 11 countries.

◾ Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan.

◾ PM Narendra Modi was conferred Brazil’s highest civilian award, ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross’.

◾ The Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard will conduct the joint exercise ‘Jaa Mata’ off the coast of Chennai.

◾ Helgoland, birthplace of quantum mechanics, is a small red sandstone archipelago in Germany.

◾ PM Narendra Modi received the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, the highest civilian honour of Namibia.

◾ The World Heritage Committee (WHC) removed three African heritage sites from the danger list; these are not associated with Namibia.

◾ Bangladesh interim government head Muhammad Yunus initiated ‘mango diplomacy’ with India by sending Haribhanga mangoes.

◾ France signed an agreement with New Caledonian political forces to establish a “State of New Caledonia” within its republic.

◾ China developed the world’s lightest brain-control device, ‘Cyborg bee’ (74 mg), for controlling bee movement.

◾ Singapore ranked as the most expensive city to live well in the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025 by Julius Baer.

◾ Israel launched Dror-1, a geostationary communication satellite ensuring strategic autonomy in satellite communication.

◾ Senegal was officially declared free of trachoma by the World Health Organization (WHO).

◾ Prince Al-Waleed of Saudi Arabia, known as the ‘Sleeping Prince’, passed away aged 36 after nearly two decades in coma.

◾ The United Kingdom launched the world’s first sanctions regime against illegal migrant smuggling networks.

◾ Australia introduced the Pacific Engagement Visa, the first climate migration agreement, enabling Tuvaluans to migrate permanently.

◾ The UK opened its final 2025 visa ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme for Indians aged 18–30 to live, work, or study for two years.

◾ India and France signed an MoU for collaboration in skill development, vocational education, and training.

June 2025

◾ China has established the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) as a global alternative to traditional dispute resolution bodies like the ICJ and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

◾ Malaysia has been elected President of the UN-Habitat General Assembly for the 2025–2029 term.

◾ Bangladesh’s Central Bank has released new currency notes excluding the portrait of its founding father.

◾ Nicaragua has become the 101st member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to formally accept the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

◾ India has won the Presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the 2025–2028 term.

◾ Japan has introduced a Bill on the Promotion of AI Research, Development, and Utilization to accelerate innovation and address ethical concerns.

◾ UAE and WHO launched a humanitarian initiative to combat malnutrition in Socotra, a Yemeni island.

◾ India signed and ratified the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with Kyrgyzstan to boost mutual investments.

◾ China unveiled plans to construct the world’s first fusion-fission hybrid nuclear reactor, named Xinghuo.

◾ Ethiopia is not among the five countries elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (2026–2027).

◾ Bulgaria is set to become the 21st member of the Euro currency union, a core EU economic integration project.

◾ France and Brazil launched the ‘Blue NDC Challenge’ to scale up ocean-focused climate action.

◾ China has initiated the world’s first large-scale application of non-binary AI chips in aviation and industrial sectors.

◾ Sri Lanka celebrated the Poson Poya festival, commemorating the arrival of Buddhism over 2,000 years ago.

◾ Rwanda has announced its decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

◾ Latvia is hosting the “Baltic Operations 2025 (BALTOPS 25)”, NATO’s annual multinational maritime exercise.

◾ Russia, according to SIPRI Yearbook 2025, possesses the largest nuclear stockpile at 5,459 warheads including retired ones.

◾ China successfully launched ‘Zhangheng 1-02’ satellite for integrated disaster early warning systems.

◾ Pakistan has been appointed Chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee and Vice-Chair of the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee for its 2025–26 UNSC term.

◾ Israel has developed “Barak Magen”, an advanced naval air defence system.

◾ Copenhagen (Denmark) has been ranked the most liveable city in the Global Liveability Index 2025.

◾ Finland has approved its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel landmines.

◾ China has developed a two-kilowatt fibre laser capable of functioning in extreme climates from –50°C to 50°C.

◾ India’s IFFCO is establishing its first overseas nano-soil nutrients plant in Brazil.

◾ Greece’s Chios Island witnessed a major wildfire near its main town, being the fifth-largest Greek island.

◾ Canada hosted the 51st G7 Summit, attended by the Prime Minister of India.

◾ Romania and the IAEA will launch ConvEx-3 (2025) – the world’s largest international nuclear emergency exercise.

◾ Brazil has been officially recognised as free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) without vaccination by international health authorities.

◾ Botswana became the first African and high-burden HIV country to achieve WHO’s Gold Tier status for elimination of vertical HIV transmission.

May 2025

◾Bhutan has become the first country to implement a national-level crypto payment system for the tourism sector.

◾France is currently hosting the construction of the world’s largest nuclear fusion project, ITER (International Thermo-nuclear Experimental Reactor), where scientists have completed the main magnet system.

◾A massive explosion recently struck Shahid Rajaee Port in Iran, causing a major fire and casualties.

◾India and Denmark signed a renewed MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperation in clean energy transitions.

◾Angola became the 123rd member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by signing the ISA Framework Agreement.

◾Norway topped the World Press Freedom Index 2025, released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

◾Iceland ranked 1st in the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR), while India was ranked 130th.

◾Nicaragua formally notified UNESCO of its exit after the agency announced an award to the exiled La Prensa newspaper.

◾Bagram Airfield, now reportedly occupied by China, is located in Afghanistan, as claimed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

◾Vietnam introduced a 10-year golden visa programme to become a sustainable travel and investment hub in Southeast Asia.

◾India launched chip-based e-passports to enhance traveler security and improve international mobility.

◾The Indian Armed Forces deployed Harop drones, manufactured by Israel, in precision strikes during Operation Sindoor targeting air defence systems in Pakistan.

◾India and Chile signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance bilateral trade.

◾China developed LICOMK++, a high-resolution ocean simulation system for advanced modeling of ocean dynamics and climate patterns.

◾During the 58th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors, Japan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) jointly launched the ADB Market Acceleration Platform (AMAP).

◾ The 4th Ministerial Conference of RIMES was hosted by Sri Lanka, supported by the World Bank and FCDO.

◾ Jose Mujica, the former President of Uruguay known as the “world’s poorest president”, passed away recently.

◾ As per UNICEF’s ‘Report Card 19’, the Netherlands ranked as the best country for child well-being based on mental health, physical health, and skills.

◾ Colombia formally joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

◾ The Yala Glacier in Nepal was recently declared “dead” due to rapid melting caused by climate change.

◾ The first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad was hosted by Nepal, with the theme “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity”.

◾ China launched the world’s first AI-powered satellites aimed at building a supercomputer in orbit.

◾ India signed 13 MoUs with the Maldives to boost ferry services, maritime connectivity, and community development.

◾ The World Health Organization (WHO) awarded India the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a public health problem.

◾ U.S. President Donald Trump witnessed Al-Ayyala, a traditional performing art, during his visit to the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

◾ Malaysia was not among the four countries recognized by WHO for eliminating industrially produced trans fats.

◾ India assumed the Chairmanship of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) for the 2025–26 term.

◾ Saudi Arabia launched the world’s first AI medical clinic featuring “Dr Hua”, capable of autonomous diagnosis and treatment planning.

◾ The United Kingdom (UK) agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

◾ Saudi Arabia announced ‘TOURISE’, a global tourism platform to enhance public-private collaboration in the sector.

◾ The 24th IORA Council of Ministers Meeting (COM) was hosted virtually by Sri Lanka, with participation from India.

◾ China plans to launch the Tianwen-2 mission to explore the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamo‘oalewa.

◾ During the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, six African nations signed an MoU to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis; Burundi was not among them.

April 2025

◾ Thailand released a commemorative iStamp featuring Ramakien mural paintings, inspired by the Ramayana and painted during King Rama I’s reign.

◾ Sri Lanka conferred the prestigious “Mithra Vibhushana medal” on PM Narendra Modi for his role in strengthening bilateral ties.

◾ Bangladesh assumed the Chair of BIMSTEC for the next two years, enhancing its regional leadership.

◾ Brazil proposed the formation of a “Climate Change Council” to fast-track COP decisions and enhance global climate action.

◾ Nigeria recorded the highest number of maternal deaths in 2023, according to the UN’s “Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000–2023” report.

◾ China launched the “Three Gorges Antarctic Eye”, a 3.2-metre radio/millimetre-wave telescope, at its Antarctic research station.

◾ Bangladesh became the 54th country to join the Artemis Accords, promoting peaceful space exploration with NASA.

◾ Researchers from Switzerland and the United States developed a Mangrove Risk Index, warning about threats from rising sea levels and cyclones.

◾ India signed an agriculture cooperation agreement with Israel to modernize farming practices and ensure food security.

◾ Argentina is not among the five countries (Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) that withdrew from the Ottawa Convention over security concerns.

◾ Mauritius became the first African nation to sign a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

◾ Japan constructed a 3D-printed train station, Hatsushima Station, in just 6 hours – a global milestone in rail innovation.

◾ The United States of America received the highest private investment in quantum technology (USD 6.94 billion), according to India’s ITES-Q report.

◾ United Arab Emirates (UAE) took over as Chair of INTERPOL’s Committee on Governance, enhancing its role in global policing.

◾ India signed a Headquarters Agreement with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) to host its Secretariat.

◾ Japan donated two Shinkansen train sets (E5 & E3 series) to India for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor.

◾ The United States of America emerged as India’s largest trading partner with USD 131.84 billion in bilateral trade.

◾ China is set to open the world’s tallest bridge, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, by June 2025.

◾ The United Kingdom launched “Project SeaCURE” to extract carbon dioxide directly from seawater – a climate tech initiative.

◾ China successfully tested a hydrogen-based explosive device that triggers chain reactions without nuclear materials.

◾ The Jwaneng Diamond Mine, the world’s richest, valued at €1 billion, is located in Botswana.

◾ The Poás Volcano, known for its acidic crater lake, recently erupted in Costa Rica.

◾ Russia and China are considering building a nuclear plant on the Moon to power the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

◾ South Korea launched its fourth indigenous military spy satellite under the 425 Project to monitor North Korea’s threats.

◾ France and India signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for procuring 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy.

◾ Pakistan decided to halt the Cholistan canal irrigation project after intense protests from local communities.

◾ The Mycetoma Research Centre (MRC) in Sudan was destroyed amid the ongoing civil conflict.

◾ China officially joined the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA), becoming the 108th signatory to curb illegal fishing.

March 2025

• 🇩🇰 Denmark has launched the Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI) initiative to strengthen sustainable energy collaboration with India.

• 🇦🇪 UAE has launched the first phase of its 10-year ‘Blue Visa’ programme for individuals contributing to environmental protection.

• 🇯🇵 India and Japan have renewed the $75 billion bilateral currency swap agreement to enhance financial cooperation.

• 🇩🇰 Denmark has discovered a 4,000-year-old Neolithic wooden circle, resembling Stonehenge.

• 🇫🇷 Cyclone Garance made landfall on La Réunion Island, an overseas territory of France.

• The United States President has signed an executive order declaring English as the official language of the country.

• 🇵🇰 🇦🇫 Gunfire was reported at the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

• 🇧🇮 🇹🇿 🇿🇲 🇨🇩 A $14.5 million biodiversity project was launched for the Lake Tanganyika Basin; Namibia is not a part of it.

• 🇸🇪 Sweden ranked first globally as the best country to be a working woman in The Economist’s 2025 glass-ceiling index.

• 🇺🇦 Ukraine became the world’s largest importer of major arms during the period 2020–24, as per SIPRI.

• 🇱🇹 Lithuania has withdrawn from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, distancing itself from the global treaty.

• 🇬🇧 The UK government, in collaboration with Odisha’s Energy Dept. and GRIDCO, hosted a workshop on ‘Net-Zero Vision for Bhubaneswar’.

• 🇮🇹 Italian scientists have made light behave like a “supersolid” for the first time in scientific history.

February 2025

• UAE declared 2025 as the “Year of Community” to promote unity and inclusion.

• China developed DEMENTIA, a multi-task learning framework for early Alzheimer’s detection.

• Niger became the first African country to eliminate onchocerciasis.

• Guinea eradicated Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) as a public health issue.

• India secured the highest Digital Well-Being Index score for the third consecutive year.

• The United Kingdom is set to become the first country to ban AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

• Uganda, with the WHO, launched the world’s first clinical trial for a Sudan species Ebola vaccine.

• Panama became the first Latin American country to formally exit China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

• Australia successfully created the first-ever kangaroo embryos using IVF.

• India & Egypt conducted “Cyclone 2025”, a joint military exercise in Rajasthan.

• Iran commissioned its first drone carrier, Shahid Bagheri (C110-4).

• Bangladesh launched a large-scale security operation called “Operation Devil Hunt”.

• Albania discovered the world’s largest underground thermal lake, named Neuron.

• China approved a deep-sea research facility in the South China Sea.

• Chad concluded “Operation Haskanite”, a military campaign against Boko Haram.

• Brazil approved its membership in OPEC+.

• Egypt announced the discovery of a pharaoh’s tomb for the first time in over 100 years.

• Vietnam published a new map defining its baseline claim in the Gulf of Tonkin.

• Indonesia launched a sovereign wealth fund, Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara), managing over $900 billion in state assets.

January 2025

• China unveils its first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, ‘Sichuan’.

• China introduces CR450, the world’s fastest high-speed train prototype, with test speeds of 450 km/h.

• Indonesia becomes a full member of BRICS.

• Hundreds of dinosaur footprints from the Middle Jurassic Period were discovered in the UK, earning the site the nickname “dinosaur highway”.

• India and Spain to commemorate 2026 as a ‘dual year’ focusing on culture, tourism, and AI advancements.

• China develops new technology. achieving a 95% rare earth recovery rate while reducing mining time by 70%.

• China successfully launches ‘Shijian-25’ satellite into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) aboard a Long March 3B rocket.

• India is developing the world’s most powerful hydrogen train engine with a capacity of 1,200 horsepower.

• Nigeria becomes the ninth partner country of BRICS.

• Uttarakhand government collaborates with Iceland to explore geothermal energy resources.

• Satellite images reveal a near-complete airstrip on Abd al-Kuri Island, Yemen.

• China completes the construction of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world’s longest expressway tunnel.

• Thailand becomes the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage.

• China’s ‘artificial sun’ (EAST) achieves a milestone by maintaining super-hot plasma for over 1,000 seconds.

• Georgia is officially certified as malaria-free by WHO.

Explore More Latest Current Affairs