Current Affairs - International

Cote d’Ivoire has become the first country in West Africa to start administering the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, developed by the Serum Institute of India and the University of Oxford. This new vaccine, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), promises to be highly effective and affordable, offering a significant breakthrough in malaria prevention. The initial roll-out in Côte d’Ivoire aims to vaccinate 250,000 children in 16 regions, marking a crucial step in combating malaria in the region. Other African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic have also authorized the vaccine.

India is set to host the second Asia Pacific ministerial conference on civil aviation on September 11 and 12, with representatives from around 40 countries, including China and Pakistan. The conference will be held in the national capital and is a significant event for the Asia Pacific region, which accounts for a large portion of global air traffic. This highlights India's position as the world’s fastest-growing aviation market and its role in advancing civil aviation in the region.

The 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) was hosted in Busan, South Korea. This marked the first time South Korea hosted this global space research conference, which drew 3,000 participants from 60 nations. The event showcased South Korea's commitment to space exploration, with plans for ambitious projects and fostering international cooperation in space research. Distinguished attendees included leaders from major space agencies, emphasizing the global interest and collaboration in the field.

SYNCHN 2024 was a significant industry meet hosted by India, organized by the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council, Department of Biotechnology. The objective of the meeting was to strengthen collaborations between academia and industry to advance biomanufacturing and bio-innovation. The event featured focused discussions and one-on-one interactions between industry representatives, with Prof. Vinod K. Paul, a Member of NITI Aayog, serving as the chief guest.

The Philippines has been chosen to host the "Loss and Damage" fund board, a key initiative designed to aid countries affected by climate change. This decision is significant as the World Bank will temporarily oversee the fund for the next four years. Despite some concerns regarding the influence of funding countries, particularly the U.S., this move highlights the Philippines' critical role in global climate change mitigation efforts. The fund's administration will be conducted under the overarching guidance of the UNFCCC, headquartered in Bonn, Germany since 1996.