Current Affairs - International

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved Lecanemab (marketed as Leqembi) for treating early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, making it the second disease-modifying therapy cleared in the country. Lecanemab is a monoclonal antibody that targets amyloid-beta plaques, slowing cognitive decline and disease progression in patients with mild Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment. Approval comes with safety measures, including MRI monitoring, due to risks like brain swelling and microhemorrhages. While the drug offers hope to early-stage patients, its high cost and limited accessibility remain challenges. This approval reflects Australia’s commitment to advancing dementia care and addressing rising Alzheimer’s prevalence.

Singapore honoured legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg by renaming the island where he tragically died as “Zubeen Garg Island” on Google Maps. Garg, aged 52, passed away during a scuba diving accident while on a yacht outing in Singapore. This tribute reflects his significant impact on music, both in Assam and Bollywood, with iconic songs such as “Ya Ali” from Gangster. The renaming not only commemorates his legacy but also underscores the global reach of his artistic contributions. Such gestures highlight the recognition of influential cultural figures beyond their home countries.

India and China have agreed to restart direct air services between designated cities by late October 2025, marking a step toward the normalization of bilateral relations. These flights were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and disrupted further due to border tensions. The resumption is part of a broader effort to restore diplomatic, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, including tourism and education. Civil aviation authorities from both countries have revised the Air Services Agreement to facilitate this connectivity. Major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Beijing, and Shanghai are expected to benefit, strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Sanae Takaichi has been elected as the leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), making her set to become Japan’s first-ever female Prime Minister. She secured victory in a runoff election against Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, following the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Takaichi’s election marks a historic moment in Japanese politics, as she breaks a long-standing gender barrier in the country’s top political office. Her leadership is expected to shape Japan’s domestic policies and international relations, while also inspiring greater representation of women in political and administrative leadership roles.

China’s national observatory issued an orange alert for Typhoon Matmo as it approached the country’s southern coastline. The storm was forecasted to make landfall between Guangdong and Hainan provinces, bringing with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the risk of flooding and landslides. Typhoon Matmo, also known locally as Paolo in the Philippines, had already been one of the 16 tropical cyclones affecting the region that year. The alert represents China’s second-highest level of weather warning, underscoring the seriousness of the threat and the country’s preparedness efforts to mitigate the storm’s potential impact on coastal areas.