Current Affairs - International

Taiwan has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights by officially allowing same-sex marriages between Chinese and Taiwanese citizens, ensuring they are treated equally under the law. This landmark decision follows Taiwan's historic achievement in 2019 when it became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. With approximately 360,000 Chinese spouses of Taiwanese citizens, this recognition represents a major step toward inclusivity and equality, setting a precedent for other nations in the region to consider similar legal frameworks.

Jordan has achieved a significant public health milestone by being declared the first country to eliminate leprosy, as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). This declaration follows over 20 years without any local cases of the disease in Jordan, confirmed through an independent assessment. Despite this achievement, leprosy continues to affect over 120 countries worldwide, with more than 200,000 new cases reported annually. Jordan's success highlights effective public health strategies and the importance of sustained efforts in combating infectious diseases.

India and Romania celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations, symbolized by the release of joint commemorative stamps. This milestone reflects the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations, dating back to 1948. Romania, a southeastern European country with its capital in Bucharest, has shared diplomatic ties with India, fostering mutual collaboration and shared values over the decades.

The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) signed two MoUs with the Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC) and EDGE Group during the India-UAE Defence Industry Partnership Forum held in Abu Dhabi. This forum, organized by the Indian Embassy in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defence, aims to strengthen the defence ties between India and the UAE. These agreements represent a significant step toward enhancing collaboration in defence manufacturing and technology transfer between the two nations.

India will host the 2nd Formal Meeting of the COP9 Bureau and the 3rd Formal Meeting of the Fund Approval Committee under UNESCO’s International Convention against Doping in Sport on September 17-18, 2024, in New Delhi. These meetings will gather key global decision-makers to discuss anti-doping measures and promote fair sports practices. As the Vice-Chairperson of the COP9 Bureau, India is leading the initiative, playing a significant role in fostering international cooperation to ensure clean and fair competition in sports globally.