Current Affairs - International

Gabon recently conducted a referendum in which voters approved a new constitution with significant reforms, including a 2-term presidential limit, each term lasting 7 years. The constitution abolished the prime minister's position and restricted family succession to the presidency. Additionally, ousted leader Ali Bongo was disqualified from running due to nationality and spouse-related requirements. These changes were overwhelmingly supported, with 91.8% of voters in favour.

The United States has made a significant gesture of cultural cooperation by returning over 1,400 looted artifacts valued at $10 million to India. This repatriation is part of a broader initiative to combat the illicit trafficking of antiquities from South and Southeast Asia. The returned artifacts include a celestial dancer sandstone sculpture and other items previously displayed at prestigious institutions like the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. This move reinforces the US-India Cultural Property Agreement, signed in July, demonstrating the US commitment to preserving India's cultural heritage and preventing future looting.

Super Typhoon Man-yi, also known locally as Pepito, made a second landfall on the Philippines' main island of Luzon. The storm brought severe winds, torrential rains, and life-threatening storm surges, causing significant damage, particularly in Cantanduanes. The typhoon uprooted trees, destroyed buildings, and disrupted power supplies, forcing many people to evacuate to shelters. The Philippines, known for being highly vulnerable to natural disasters like typhoons, continues to face challenges with these recurring threats, requiring ongoing emergency responses.

India strengthened its diplomatic ties with Suriname by dispatching a significant consignment of food grains and edibles to support Suriname's Social Welfare Programme. This gesture underscores the historical connections between the two nations, rooted in the Indian diaspora. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1976, India and Suriname have fostered cooperation through embassy establishments in Paramaribo (1977) and New Delhi (2000). This humanitarian assistance highlights India's commitment to supporting the welfare initiatives of its partner nations, particularly in the Caribbean region. This move also reinforces the bilateral bond between India and Suriname.

The United States launched the Women in STEMM India Fellowship, a significant initiative promoting gender equity and empowering women in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields. Led by the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute at Johns Hopkins University, this program underscores the importance of global collaboration in education. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti's launch of the fellowship highlights the US government's commitment to advancing education and gender equality. This initiative aims to create opportunities for Indian women in STEMM fields, fostering a more inclusive and diverse global scientific community.