Current Affairs - International

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.

Brazil is hosting the G20 Summit in Rio De Janeiro, emphasizing its leadership within the G20 Troika, which includes India and South Africa. The summit’s theme, "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet," focuses on equitable global development and sustainability. This follows India’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, showcasing continuity and cooperation among member nations. Brazil’s role in hosting this major event highlights its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.

The Chancay megaport inauguration ceremony was attended by the presidents of China and Peru, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations. China's significant investment in the project, through its majority-owned company Cosco, underscores its growing economic influence in Latin America. The mega port is expected to boost trade and economic cooperation between China and Peru, with investments projected to exceed $3.5 billion over the next decade. China's president, Xi Jinping, played a key role in unveiling this strategic project.

The Australian government has proposed legislation aimed at limiting teenagers' access to social media platforms, citing concerns over the negative impacts on mental health, body image issues, and privacy. The law would require platforms to implement robust age verification measures, potentially through ID verification. Stakeholders, including digital literacy advocates and parents, are calling for a comprehensive approach that includes education and parental engagement to mitigate the risks associated with social media use among minors. This move reflects growing global concerns about social media's influence on youth.