Current Affairs - International

New Zealand is preparing to debate a bill that would restrict social media access for children under 16. Introduced by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, the legislation mandates age verification by tech companies before allowing new users to register. The move addresses rising concerns over teen mental health, cyberbullying, misinformation, and online body image pressures. If passed, New Zealand would join a small group of countries adopting strict social media access laws for minors. While proponents emphasise safety, critics warn about privacy risks and the potential ineffectiveness of such bans compared to education and parental guidance.

India secured a kabaddi double at the 2025 Asian Youth Games held in Bahrain, with both the Under-18 boys’ and girls’ teams winning gold medals. The girls’ team achieved a remarkable 75-21 victory over Iran, the largest margin in a Youth Games kabaddi final since 2013, while the boys’ team narrowly defeated Iran 35-32. This dominant performance highlights India’s continued strength in kabaddi at the youth level and underscores the nation’s growing prominence in the sport on the Asian stage, showcasing skill, teamwork, and strategic excellence.

Tuvalu, one of the smallest and most climate-vulnerable nations, has joined the IUCN as its 90th State Member. Comprising nine low-lying atolls in the Pacific, Tuvalu faces threats like sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and climate-induced challenges to food and freshwater security. IUCN membership provides Tuvalu with access to global conservation expertise, international advocacy platforms, and technical support for biodiversity and climate policies. This membership also allows Tuvalu to engage with initiatives like the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility, enhancing its ability to implement sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and community-driven climate adaptation strategies.

Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the kafala system, marking a historic reform in its labour laws. The kafala system had long been criticized for giving employers excessive control over foreign workers, including the ability to confiscate passports, restrict job mobility, and deny exit permits. By ending this system, Saudi Arabia aims to improve workers’ rights, attract skilled foreign labour, and align its policies with global labour standards. This reform also supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to modernise the kingdom’s economy and enhance its global reputation as a fair and progressive employer.

Peru has declared a 30-day state of emergency in its capital, Lima, and the nearby province of Callao in response to increasing crime rates and violent protests. President José Jeri authorised the deployment of the Peruvian Armed Forces alongside the police to maintain public order and restore safety. The emergency allows temporary suspension of certain civil liberties, such as freedom of movement and assembly, and grants broader powers for law enforcement operations. This decisive measure reflects the government’s intent to tackle escalating insecurity, gang violence, and growing public dissatisfaction with the state’s handling of urban crime.