Current Affairs - International

China is planning to gradually raise its statutory retirement age to address pension budget deficits. The current retirement age in China is among the lowest globally, with men retiring at 60, women (white-collar) at 55, and women (factory workers) at 50. The country is experiencing demographic changes, including an increase in life expectancy and a growing population of elderly citizens, which is projected to exacerbate the pension budget issues. This move aims to balance the ratio of workers supporting each retiree and ensure the sustainability of the pension system.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence has assured its readiness for Typhoon Gaemi, which is set to make landfall. Despite the impending storm, the nation will continue with its annual "Han Kuang" military exercises, including live-fire drills, while some air and sea exercises are cancelled. Thousands of reservists have reported for duty for these large-scale military exercises.

Yellowstone National Park, established on March 1, 1872, is recognized as the first national park in the United States and the world. Located primarily in Wyoming, with parts in Montana and Idaho, it is renowned for its geothermal features, such as the iconic Old Faithful geyser, and its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and bison. The establishment of Yellowstone marked the beginning of the national park system and the global conservation movement, highlighting the importance of preserving natural landscapes and biodiversity.

The World Heritage Committee Meeting 2024 is taking place in New Delhi, India, from 21 to 31 July at Bharat Mandapam. This marks the first time India is hosting the event. The committee meets annually to manage World Heritage matters and decide on new sites for the World Heritage list. The 46th session will examine 27 nominations from various categories, including India's Moidams, the mound-burial system of the Ahom Dynasty, under Cultural Property. Hosting this prestigious event highlights India's role in global heritage conservation efforts.

Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the first-ever Olympic eSports Games in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the integration of eSports with traditional Olympic events. The country has committed to hosting the event regularly for 12 years, underlining its dedication to advancing the eSports industry. Additionally, Riyadh will hold the "eSports World Cup" from July 3 to August 25, featuring over 500 teams and a substantial prize pool exceeding $60 million. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader effort to strengthen global ties and promote eSports, including recent collaborations such as the MoU with the Japan eSports Union.