Current Affairs - International

India extended humanitarian aid of 15 tons to flood-hit Nigeria as part of a larger 75-ton relief package. This act underscores India's commitment to supporting its strategic partner in times of crisis. The bilateral relationship between India and Nigeria, established as a strategic partnership in 2007, has been further strengthened through investments exceeding USD 27 billion by over 200 Indian companies in Nigeria. The upcoming visit by the Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria, the first in 17 years, aims to reinforce these ties and address critical bilateral issues.

Tropical Storm Sara made landfall in northern Honduras, bringing heavy rain and the risk of life-threatening flooding to Central America and southern Mexico. With winds of 45 mph, Sara is expected to drop up to 30 inches of rain in some areas, affecting Honduras, Belize, and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The storm's slow movement at 10 mph increases the risk of severe flooding and landslides. Authorities have issued warnings for heavy rains, prompting concerns for tourist destinations like Roatan and the Yucatan resort areas. Sara's impact underscores the importance of monitoring tropical storms and preparing for potential natural disasters.

India played host to a significant regional gathering, as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) organized a multilateral event in New Delhi. The event brought together representatives from South Asian nations, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, and Iran. During the meeting, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti was appointed chair of the South Asian Telecom Regulators' Council (SATRC) for the upcoming year. The event was organized by the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT), highlighting India's pivotal role in shaping regional telecom regulations and cooperation.

Australia has taken a significant step in combating modern slavery by appointing Chris Evans, a former senator and human rights official, as its first Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Evans will serve a five-year term starting in December, focusing on preventing and responding to modern slavery across government, business, and society. This move aligns with Australia's efforts to address the estimated 41,000 people living in modern slavery within its borders and nearly 50 million globally. The appointment has been welcomed by civil society groups, who urge the government to provide adequate funding and powers to the Commissioner's office to effectively tackle modern slavery.

The 29th UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, has commenced in Baku, Azerbaijan. This global event brings together nations to address pressing climate issues. Notably, India is advocating for a revised climate finance goal, seeking $2.5 trillion by 2030 to fulfil its Paris Agreement commitments, as emphasized in India's Economic Survey 2023-24. The conference provides a platform for countries to negotiate and strengthen their climate commitments, with Baku serving as the host city for this significant international gathering.