Current Affairs - International

India has collaborated with Indonesia to restore the historic 9th-century Prambanan Temple complex located in Yogyakarta. This initiative highlights strong cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The restoration will be carried out using the anastylosis method to preserve authenticity, with support from the Archaeological Survey of India. The project also faces challenges such as identifying and assembling thousands of scattered stone blocks. This collaboration reflects India’s “Act East” policy and emphasises shared civilizational heritage, as Prambanan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti.

The World Happiness Report 2026 ranks Finland as the happiest country in the world for the ninth consecutive year, highlighting its consistent top performance in global well-being. This achievement is attributed to factors such as a strong social welfare system, high levels of trust in government, excellent healthcare and education, and a balanced lifestyle. Nordic countries dominate the rankings due to their focus on social support and quality of life. Finland’s continued leadership reflects its stable society and emphasis on citizen happiness, making it a global benchmark for well-being and life satisfaction.

The statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II was discovered at Hermopolis Magna, an ancient city located in the Minya Governorate, about 241 km south of Cairo. This site lies within modern-day Egypt, a country known for its rich archaeological heritage and ancient civilization. The discovery of the missing upper portion of the statue in 2024 completed a puzzle that had remained unsolved since 1930, when only the lower half was found. Egypt continues to be a major center for archaeological exploration, revealing valuable insights into the reign of powerful pharaohs like Ramesses II and the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture.

Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2010, focusing on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). It ensures that benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge are shared fairly with the providing countries and communities. India submitted its first national report on this protocol, highlighting progress in biodiversity governance, legal frameworks, and community participation between 2017 and 2025. The implementation has also generated financial benefits for local communities, farmers, and stakeholders, supporting conservation efforts and sustainable use of biological resources.

NASA is preparing to launch the Artemis II mission, marking a significant milestone as the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. The mission will carry four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the far side of the Moon without landing. It will be launched aboard the Space Launch System from the Kennedy Space Centre. The mission has faced delays due to technical issues such as helium leaks and fuel system concerns, but repairs have been completed. Artemis II is a crucial step in NASA’s broader lunar exploration program, paving the way for future missions like Artemis III and IV.