Current Affairs - International

The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the arsenal of the United States. Developed by Boeing, the bomb is GPS-guided and specifically designed to destroy deeply buried and reinforced enemy bunkers. With a weight of nearly 30,000 pounds and the capability to penetrate over 200 feet of reinforced concrete, the MOP is a strategic weapon in the U.S. military’s inventory. Its size, power, and engineering make it a unique asset for missions requiring the destruction of fortified underground facilities without the use of nuclear force.

Operation Midnight Hammer was the codename for a highly classified U.S. military mission aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The operation featured an intricate combination of stealth B-2 Spirit bombers, Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from submarines, and advanced electronic warfare measures. Carefully planned and executed, the mission targeted key Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—with surgical precision. It demonstrated America's ability to carry out complex strikes involving in-flight refuelling, global coordination, and deception strategies to maintain the tactical surprise. The operation also highlighted the U.S. military's strategic objective of neutralizing threats without provoking a full-scale conflict.

France hosted the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC), which concentrated on advancing marine biodiversity protection beyond national jurisdictions through the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty. Also called the High Seas Treaty, this agreement is vital for safeguarding biodiversity in international waters, which constitute around two-thirds of the ocean surface. France is among the 56 nations that have ratified the treaty, supporting key measures like the creation of marine protected areas, mandatory environmental impact assessments, and equitable access to marine genetic resources. Hosting the conference reflects France’s commitment to global marine conservation and international environmental leadership.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention injection developed by Gilead Sciences. Branded as Yeztugo, this medication is administered only twice a year and demonstrated an impressive 99.9% effectiveness in Phase 3 clinical trials. The approval marks a significant advancement in the field of HIV prevention, offering a more convenient and stigma-reducing alternative to daily pills or bimonthly injections. With this development, the U.S. becomes a frontrunner in adopting innovative biomedical tools aimed at improving public health outcomes and expanding access to long-term HIV prophylaxis options.

The 78th World Health Assembly marked a historic shift by formally recognizing skin health as a global public health priority. This move was significant in transforming the perception of skin conditions from cosmetic issues to matters of public health, equity, and dignity. The resolution, led by countries including Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Togo, highlights the need for comprehensive strategies including prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. With nearly 1.9 billion people affected globally—especially in low- and middle-income countries—this decision has laid the foundation for a Global Action Plan to be developed by WHA-80, focusing on integrated care, research, and accessibility.