Current Affairs - International

Hong Kong's government has taken measures to enhance cybersecurity by prohibiting apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Google Drive from being installed on official computers. This decision aims to mitigate potential risks, acknowledging the territory's relatively low cybersecurity awareness. While civil servants may use these apps on personal devices, the ban on government computers demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to protecting sensitive information. By implementing these guidelines, the government seeks to safeguard its digital infrastructure and maintain data integrity, setting a precedent for other regions to prioritize cybersecurity.

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, has emerged as the top destination for Indian travellers in 2025, showcasing its growing appeal. This picturesque city's scenic charm, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty have propelled it to the forefront of travel trends. Skyscanner's report highlights Indian travellers' increasing interest in exploring newer and offbeat destinations. Shillong's popularity underscores the region's potential for tourism growth, offering a unique blend of natural attractions, cultural experiences, and adventure activities that cater to diverse traveller preferences. Its ranking surpasses international destinations like Baku, Azerbaijan.

The 2024 Pravasi Parichay event was inaugurated by Ambassador Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan in Riyadh, highlighting India's rich linguistic heritage through a unique play, quiz, and painting exhibition ¹. This cultural celebration, launched in partnership with Indian diaspora associations, aims to promote India's diversity abroad. Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, hosted this significant event, demonstrating the country's efforts to engage with the Indian diaspora and foster cultural exchange. The event showcased performances in all 11 classical languages recognized by India, including Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

Egypt achieved a significant milestone in public health by being declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2024. This certification underscores Egypt's successful efforts in eliminating malaria, making it the fifth African nation and third in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve this status. Following Morocco's certification in 2010, Egypt joins an elite group of 44 countries and one territory recognized by the WHO for eradicating malaria. This accomplishment demonstrates Egypt's commitment to combating infectious diseases and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

The Kartarpur Corridor agreement, originally signed in 2019, has been extended by India and Pakistan until 2029. This agreement allows Indian pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan, fostering cross-border religious connectivity despite the two countries' tense relations. While India requested the removal of the $20 service fee charged to pilgrims, no consensus was reached on this matter during the renewal of the agreement.