Current Affairs - International

India has achieved a significant milestone in public health by eliminating trachoma, a chronic eye disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) certification recognizes India's decades-long efforts, starting with a control project in 1963 and intensifying with the SAFE strategy. This strategy focuses on Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement. As a result, trachoma prevalence drastically decreased from 4% in 2005 to 0.008% in 2018. India joins Nepal and Myanmar in achieving this feat, demonstrating its commitment to combating infectious diseases and promoting eye health.

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, hails from Spain. With an impressive record of 22 Grand Slam championships and 92 ATP singles titles, Nadal has left an indelible mark on the sport. His illustrious career includes 36 Masters titles and an Olympic gold medal, culminating in the prestigious Career Golden Slam in singles. As Nadal prepares for his farewell tournament at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga, Spain, his legacy continues to inspire tennis enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying his status as a Spanish sports icon.

Rwanda is grappling with its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak, reporting 26 confirmed cases and 12 fatalities as of late September 2024. The highly infectious disease poses significant risks to healthcare workers and the country's fragile healthcare system. With over 80% of infections occurring among healthcare workers, the outbreak has raised concerns about transmission within healthcare facilities. The Marburg virus disease has a high case fatality rate, ranging from 24% to 88%, making prompt containment and public health measures crucial to mitigating the crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Vientiane, Laos, to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and 19th East Asia Summit, marking his 10th ASEAN-India Summit. Laos, as the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will host the event, strengthening India's diplomatic engagement in Southeast Asia. The summits aim to review and plan future ASEAN-India relations, with Modi set to meet with Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and other world leaders. This visit highlights India's commitment to its Act East policy, which has led to substantial benefits for the nation.

Bangladesh's interim government has established a nine-member Constitution Reform Commission, led by Bangladeshi-American professor Ali Riaz, to review and propose reforms within 90 days. The commission aims to create a more representative and democratic framework, strengthening governance in the judiciary and electoral systems for free and fair elections. This move follows Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and is part of broader reforms announced by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, covering judiciary, police, electoral system, public administration, and anti-corruption sectors.