Current Affairs - International

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a significant policy change by discontinuing cheque and money order payments for immigration-related filings. Applicants must now use electronic debit through Form G-1650 for all transactions. This shift aims to enhance security, minimise the risk of fraud, and ensure faster, more efficient processing. According to USCIS spokesperson Matthew J. Tragesser, the updated system replaces outdated manual methods, aligning with modern digital standards to improve accuracy, reliability, and overall transparency in immigration service operations within the United States.

Samia Suluhu Hassan was re-elected as the President of Tanzania with an overwhelming 97.66% of the votes and a voter turnout of 87%. Her victory came during a period of significant unrest marked by violent protests and allegations of election irregularities. Opposition groups reported hundreds of deaths, although the United Nations confirmed at least 10 casualties. Despite the controversy surrounding the process, Hassan’s re-election secured her another five-year term, reinforcing her position as one of Africa’s prominent female leaders and a key figure in Tanzania’s political landscape.

China launched the Shenzhou-21 mission to its Tiangong Space Station, marking another milestone in its rapidly advancing space programme. The mission carried three astronauts — including 32-year-old Wu Fei, the nation’s youngest astronaut — and four lab mice for biological experiments in microgravity. Conducted from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre using a Long March-2F rocket, the mission aims to expand research on space-based biology, maintenance operations, and spacewalks. This achievement aligns with China’s long-term goal of landing humans on the Moon by 2030 and reinforces its position as a key global player in space exploration and scientific innovation.

Catherine Connolly, an independent left-wing politician from Galway, was elected as Ireland’s 10th President with around 63% of the first-preference votes, defeating her main rival Heather Humphreys. Her victory marks a significant moment in Irish politics, being both a rebuke to the centre-right establishment and a sign of public support for progressive and inclusive values. Connolly, who has served as a Teachta Dála since 2016 and was Deputy Speaker of Parliament, campaigned on themes of social justice, neutrality in foreign policy, and equality, promising to be “a president for all” Irish citizens.

A total of seven countries — Cook Islands, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Uganda — collectively received $5.8 million from the Kunming Biodiversity Fund. The funding supports projects that integrate biodiversity into agricultural practices, empower local communities, and control invasive species. Backed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the initiative aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. By encouraging eco-friendly farming and strengthening biodiversity protection, the program promotes sustainable agriculture that benefits both ecosystems and local livelihoods across multiple regions.