Current Affairs - International

Iraq recently enacted stringent anti-LGBT legislation, imposing severe penalties of up to 15 years in prison for engaging in same-sex relations. This legislation, titled the Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality, reflects a concerning trend of increased persecution and discrimination against the LGBT community in Iraq.

Kuwait signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India for information sharing on financial market development. This collaboration between India's International Financial Services Centres Authority and Kuwait's Capitals Market Authority (CMA) aims to exchange tech and innovation insights, contributing to the advancement of financial services in both countries.

China launched the Shenzhou-18 mission to the Tiangong space station, marking a significant advancement in its space program. The mission's objective is to conduct scientific research and space station maintenance, showcasing China's commitment to space exploration and technology development.

India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambodia's Ministry of Civil Service to enhance human resource development in the civil service sector. This agreement aims to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Cambodia specifically in the area of civil service development over the next five years. Such collaborations contribute to mutual learning and capacity-building efforts between nations.

According to a recent study, the UAE passport is ranked as the most affordable globally, while the Indian passport follows as the second cheapest. The study highlights the cost-effectiveness of the Indian passport in terms of acquisition and yearly expenses, but it notes the limited visa-free access compared to higher-priced passports from countries like Australia and the USA.