United States Designates Saudi Arabia as Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA)
In a significant geopolitical move, the United States has designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) in November 2025. This status grants Saudi Arabia privileged access to advanced defense cooperation, including the sale of F-35 fighter jets and nearly 300 US tanks, alongside expanded joint military manufacturing. The two nations also solidified strategic agreements in civil nuclear energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and critical minerals, aiming to strengthen ties and reshape the Middle East's strategic balance. While MNNA status provides enhanced military, economic, and technological privileges, it does not include a formal mutual defense guarantee.
Escalations and Peace Efforts in Conflict Zones
The Israel-Hamas conflict continues to be a major concern, with reports indicating ongoing ceasefire violations. Israel's military is reported to have killed at least 32 Palestinians in a wave of attacks, including an entire family, in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood. Save the Children reported that explosive weapons caused a record number of child deaths and injuries last year, with over 20,000 children killed in Gaza since October 2023, averaging one child per hour. Meanwhile, discussions are emerging around a potential US-backed peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which could involve Ukraine ceding territory to Russia and a NATO freeze. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has reportedly indicated readiness to work on this plan.
International Recognitions and Summits
Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, was awarded the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2024. The award, presented in New Delhi, recognizes her lifelong work in human rights, gender equality, and global justice, including establishing Chile's Ministry of Women and Gender Equality and advancing LGBT rights. In other international developments, India has been re-elected to the Codex Alimentarius Commission's Executive Committee for the Asia region until 2027. Looking ahead, Hyderabad is set to host the inaugural Earth Summit 2025-26, organized by NABARD and IAMAI, focusing on "Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Change." Additionally, India will host the Global Big Cats Summit 2026 in New Delhi, reinforcing its commitment to wildlife conservation.
COP30 Summit and Other Global News
The COP30 climate summit in Brazil experienced a fire incident at its venue, though it was brought under control with no reported injuries. Discussions at the summit highlighted the critical need for climate finance from developed countries to protect populations and transition away from fossil fuels. Separately, the Cambridge Dictionary announced 'parasocial' as its Word of the Year 2025, reflecting the growing trend of one-sided emotional connections with public figures and AI.