Current Affairs - International

India recently sent 5 Metric Tonnes of essential medicines to Syria as part of its continued humanitarian assistance. The aid included life-saving drugs such as anti-cancer medications, antibiotics, and anti-hypertensive medicines. This effort reflects India’s long-standing commitment to global humanitarian causes and its support for countries facing prolonged crises. Syria, which has endured years of conflict and healthcare infrastructure collapse, is in urgent need of medical support. India's assistance is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and ensuring access to critical healthcare services. It also reaffirms India’s role as a responsible and compassionate global partner.

On July 30th, a massive 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, making it one of the strongest seismic events in the region in decades. The earthquake's epicentre was located about 125 km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and it occurred at a shallow depth of 19.3 km—conditions that significantly increase the risk of tsunamis. As a result, tsunami warnings were issued across the Pacific, including to Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, and the US West Coast. Kamchatka experienced tsunami waves reaching up to 4 meters, and while damage was reported, there were no large-scale casualties, thanks to prompt evacuations and emergency responses.

The United Kingdom, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has announced its intention to recognise a Palestinian state if Israel fails to meet certain conditions, including a ceasefire in Gaza, halting annexation plans in the West Bank, and re-engaging in peace talks for a two-state solution. This move represents a significant shift in UK foreign policy and aligns with the broader international momentum advocating Palestinian statehood. With around 140 countries already recognising Palestine, the UK’s conditional support adds to the global diplomatic pressure on Israel while also demonstrating the UK's commitment to human rights, humanitarian relief, and a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict.

The new EU-US trade agreement, finalised after prolonged negotiations, imposes a 15% tariff on EU exports to the United States. This rate is a compromise, significantly lower than the 30% tariff previously threatened by the US administration. The deal marks a major step in stabilising transatlantic trade relations and aims to prevent further escalation into a trade war. While the US retains certain high tariffs on global steel and aluminium, the 15% rate on EU goods is part of a broader agreement that includes tariff-free access for specific American exports and major European investments in the US energy and manufacturing sectors.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) launched the ‘Global SPECS 2030’ initiative with the aim of making eyecare services accessible and affordable for everyone by the year 2030. The initiative focuses on addressing refractive errors such as myopia and hyperopia, which impact millions globally. It brings together a network of stakeholders committed to improving public health through coordinated advocacy, policy efforts, and collaborative actions. This initiative is part of WHO's broader vision to eliminate avoidable vision impairment and integrate eye health into universal health coverage frameworks, ensuring eye care becomes a fundamental part of global health strategies.