Current Affairs - International

India provided the first payment for hybrid power projects on three islands in Sri Lanka—Delft, Nainativu, and Analaitivu—through an $11 million grant. These projects, replacing a previously suspended Chinese venture, aim to meet the energy needs of the islands, which are located near Tamil Nadu and are not connected to Sri Lanka's national grid. The initiative is expected to be completed by April 2025, highlighting India's strategic involvement in Sri Lanka's energy infrastructure.

Dhulikhel Municipality, located in Nepal's Kavrepalanchok district, has been recognized as the country's first 'healthy city' by the World Health Organization (WHO). Scoring 65.48 points on WHO’s Healthy City indicators, Dhulikhel was praised for its comprehensive citizen health access, active policy participation, and innovative health initiatives. It also received an award of USD 5,000 to support further health program implementation. This recognition highlights Nepal's efforts in promoting public health and setting a standard for other cities in the region.

Typhoon Shanshan made landfall on Japan’s Kyushu Island on August 29, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, injuring at least 40 people across three prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency described it as the country's strongest typhoon of the year, with winds reaching up to 252 kilometres per hour. The storm led to severe disruptions, including the suspension of train services and power outages, while also prompting a rare special typhoon warning for Kagoshima Prefecture.

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was arrested in France, specifically in Paris, on accusations of failing to manage illegal content on the platform. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the arrest was part of an ongoing legal investigation and was not politically motivated. This incident has prompted discussions on the responsibilities of online platforms in regulating content and the broader implications for freedom of expression.

North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, recently showcased new "suicide drones," which function similarly to guided missiles and have a range of over 1,000 km. These developments come amid escalating military tensions in the region. North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is located in the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, sharing borders with China and Russia to the north and South Korea to the south, with Pyongyang as its capital.