Current Affairs - International

Six East African countries—Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan—have come together to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at eliminating kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis. This agreement, signed at a WHO and African Union event during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, represents a significant regional effort to combat a disease that accounts for over 70% of global kala-azar cases. The MoU focuses on enhancing investment, improving surveillance, fostering cross-border cooperation, and advancing treatment options to address this life-threatening parasitic disease prevalent in East Africa.

Jafar Panahi, an acclaimed filmmaker from Iran, earned the top recognition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival by winning the prestigious Palme d’Or for his film It Was Just an Accident. Known for its global influence in the cinematic world, the Cannes Film Festival featured 22 films in its main competition this year. Panahi's work, often marked by its powerful storytelling and socio-political themes, stood out among international entries. His win highlights Iran's growing presence and recognition in global cinema, showcasing the country’s creative and artistic contributions to the film industry on one of the world's most respected platforms.

Harvard University faced a significant blow when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security revoked its certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), rendering it ineligible to enroll international students for the 2025–26 academic year. This decision has sparked panic among thousands of international students, particularly from India, who had secured admissions, paid deposits, and in some cases, declined other offers. The revocation was reportedly linked to political tensions over campus protests and allegations of non-cooperation with federal investigations. With over 7,000 international students—including nearly 800 Indians—Harvard's legal team has responded by filing for a temporary restraining order to challenge the DHS directive.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have jointly discovered a significant new crude oil source in the North Wafra Wara-Burgan field of the neutral zone, marking their first major energy discovery since 2020. This neutral zone is a shared area where both countries have equal rights to oil resources. Production was previously suspended but resumed in 2020. The new well produces over 500 barrels of crude oil daily, highlighting the strategic importance of this joint venture in strengthening their roles as key energy exporters and enhancing Gulf cooperation.

Mauritius is the country designated to regain control over the Chagos Archipelago under a recent agreement with the United Kingdom. However, the deal notably excludes Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, which will remain under UK-U.S. control for military purposes through a 99-year lease. This arrangement continues to spark controversy, especially among the Chagossian diaspora, many of whom were forcibly evicted in the 1960s. Despite international pressure from bodies like the ICJ and the UN General Assembly, the partial handover highlights the tension between decolonisation efforts and strategic military interests in the Indo-Pacific region.