Current Affairs - International

Thailand hosted the 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), where Jaideep Mazumdar represented India. The meeting focused on progress in sustainable development, connectivity, and security since March 2023. India's participation aligns with its strategic policies such as Neighbourhood First, Vision SAGAR, and Act East. Additionally, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has highlighted India's commitment to enhancing maritime and digital connectivity within the BIMSTEC framework, reflecting the importance of regional collaboration.

Bhutan conferred the rare 'Dasho' title and Red Scarf on Indian educationist Arun Kapur at the 117th National Day celebrations. The honour, usually reserved for senior Bhutanese officials, acknowledges Kapur's significant contributions to education in both India and Bhutan. This recognition highlights his long-standing role in shaping education, including his work in establishing the Royal Academy school in Bhutan and his leadership at Vasant Valley School in Delhi. Arun Kapur's achievements in educational development have earned him this prestigious award from Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel.

Russia is set to launch a groundbreaking mRNA cancer vaccine in 2025, offering it free of charge. This innovative vaccine leverages AI technology to create personalized treatments within an hour, significantly advancing traditional vaccine development processes. Pre-clinical trials have demonstrated the vaccine's effectiveness in suppressing tumours and reducing metastases, representing a milestone in cancer treatment. This initiative underscores Russia's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge science for public health advancements and making transformative medical treatments accessible to all.

Moldova has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by signing the ISA Framework Agreement in New Delhi, reinforcing its commitment to renewable energy. Co-founded by India and France during COP21 in 2015, the ISA aims to address challenges in solar energy financing and technology. With Moldova's inclusion, the ISA continues its global expansion, uniting countries to mobilize USD 1,000 billion in solar energy investments by 2030, fostering sustainability and energy security worldwide.

India has established AYUSH Chairs at universities in five countries - Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia, and Malaysia—to promote traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Homoeopathy globally. This initiative aims to enhance academic collaboration, research, and public awareness of AYUSH systems while fostering international recognition and market development of AYUSH products and services. It is part of India's broader strategy to increase global engagement with traditional Indian medicine.