Current Affairs - International

The Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua concluded its mission at the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea after months of asserting Manila’s territorial claims. The ship's presence highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China in the region, where China continues to expand its territorial assertions. This move reflects the geopolitical complexities of the South China Sea, reminiscent of earlier confrontations like the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff.

Italy faced an alarming rise in violent attacks on medical personnel, prompting the government to approve the deployment of the army to guard hospitals. Over 16,000 assaults on healthcare workers were reported in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for security measures. The situation, marked by incidents like the attack on the Policlinico hospital in Foggia, led to this drastic step as medical associations pushed for increased protection and reforms to address the underlying causes.

Myanmar is facing severe flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi, which has led to over 113 deaths and displaced more than 300,000 people. The catastrophic situation has overwhelmed the nation's military junta, prompting international aid efforts. The flooding has severely impacted infrastructure, making rescue and relief operations challenging, especially in remote regions like Shan State. Neighbouring countries, including Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, are also experiencing flooding, but Myanmar is one of the worst affected, necessitating significant international support to manage the crisis.

The third edition of the INDUS-X Summit took place in California on September 9-10, 2024. This summit focused on advancing the joint defence innovation ecosystem between India and the USA and was co-organised by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University. The event featured significant outcomes such as the signing of an MoU between India’s iDEX and the US Department of Defense’s DIU, aimed at enhancing defence collaboration. California was chosen as the venue to host this important dialogue and showcase innovations in the defence sector.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently granted approval for its first Mpox vaccine specifically for use in Africa. This vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, represents a significant advancement in addressing Mpox, particularly in the African region. The approval allows for the vaccine's pre-qualification for purchase by international donors such as GAVI and UNICEF. Despite its limited supply due to a single manufacturer, this development is a critical step in controlling outbreaks and improving public health in Africa.