Current Affairs - International

The 78th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia commenced in Colombo, bringing together health leaders from across the region to discuss key public health priorities. India’s Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, is set to participate in the plenary session, emphasizing India’s active engagement in regional health initiatives. The conference focuses on enhancing cooperation among member countries to strengthen health systems, improve pandemic preparedness, and foster sustainable healthcare solutions. Hosting the event in Colombo underscores Sri Lanka’s growing role in regional and global health diplomacy.

The 19th Mid-Term Ministerial of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is being hosted in Kampala, Uganda, with Uganda holding the NAM Chair for the 2024–26 term. Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, is leading the Indian delegation to the event. The theme of the ministerial, "Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence," emphasises the importance of solidarity and partnership among NAM member countries to promote equitable global development and mutual prosperity. Uganda’s leadership role reinforces its commitment to fostering stronger South-South cooperation and advancing NAM’s founding principles.

Armenia has joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as its newest State Member, a development announced during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. This membership allows Armenia to access global expertise, innovative conservation tools, and foster international partnerships aimed at protecting biodiversity. Additionally, Armenia is preparing to host COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2026, positioning the country as a key player in global environmental conservation efforts. Joining the IUCN strengthens Armenia’s capacity to implement sustainable development initiatives and enhance ecological protection at both national and international levels.

North Korea unveiled the Hwasong-20, described as its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, during a military parade led by Kim Jong Un. The missile is considered North Korea’s strongest nuclear strategic weapon and is believed to have the range to strike targets as far as the U.S. mainland. This display of military strength highlights North Korea’s ongoing commitment to advancing its missile and nuclear capabilities. The event, attended by international dignitaries, served as a signal of the country’s technological progress and its intent to assert itself in global security dynamics.

Patrick Herminie, leader of the United Seychelles party, emerged victorious in the Seychelles presidential election with 52.7% of the vote, defeating the incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan, who secured 47.3%. Herminie’s victory not only gave his party control of the presidency but also solidified its dominance in parliament. Having previously served as the speaker of parliament from 2007 to 2016, Herminie’s political experience and leadership played a significant role in his successful campaign and the subsequent consolidation of his party’s power.