Current Affairs - International

The World Humanoid Robot Games took place in Beijing, bringing together over 500 robots from 16 countries in a four-day event. The competition featured 26 unique events ranging from athletics like track and field and soccer to creative performances such as dancing and even combat sports like kickboxing. One highlight was a humanoid robot completing a 100-meter sprint in 21.5 seconds, showcasing the rapid progress of robotics. Hosting such an international event in Beijing underscores the city’s growing role as a global hub for innovation, technology, and scientific advancement, especially in artificial intelligence and robotics.

The much-anticipated summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump was held at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Anchorage, Alaska. While the meeting lasted three hours, it ended without a peace deal on the Ukraine conflict. Both leaders, however, described the dialogue as constructive and expressed optimism for continued engagement. The choice of Alaska carried symbolic significance, being geographically positioned between the U.S. and Russia, underscoring its role as a neutral yet strategic venue. Although no concrete agreement emerged, the summit marked an important diplomatic interaction with potential implications for future negotiations.

The Taita Hills region is located in southern Kenya, near Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, where human-elephant conflicts have been significant due to elephants raiding crops in unfenced farmlands. Local farmers have adopted innovative solutions like beehive fences and crop diversification to sesame, supported by organizations like Save the Elephants. Kenya records 30-35 annual human deaths from such conflicts, making these conservation efforts crucial for both wildlife protection and human livelihoods in this East African nation known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife tourism.

Nepal has announced free climbing on 97 Himalayan peaks located in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces for the next two years. This initiative is aimed at promoting adventure tourism in lesser-known and underdeveloped mountain regions while reducing over-dependence on popular peaks like Everest and Annapurna. The peaks, ranging between 5,970m and 7,132m, will be accessible without climbing fees until 2027. Although the government will forgo immediate permit revenue, the increased influx of climbers is expected to boost local economies through hospitality, transportation, guiding, and other services. This policy not only benefits adventurers but also stimulates inclusive economic growth in remote provinces.

India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zambia to strengthen cooperative trade alliances and expand export opportunities. Announced by Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha, the pact is part of India’s broader strategy to grow its cooperative export network under the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL). The agreement will promote cooperative-to-cooperative linkages, enhance market access for Indian products in Zambia, and create opportunities for joint ventures. Alongside Zambia, NCEL also secured trade deals in Senegal and Indonesia. This partnership is expected to deepen South–South cooperation and contribute to India’s export growth.