Current Affairs - International

India and Bhutan have strengthened their partnership on food safety by signing an agreement in March 2024. The focus of this collaboration is to align regulatory standards, simplify food import procedures, and foster technical cooperation between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA). This agreement aims to streamline trade and enhance food safety practices, ensuring the mutual recognition of Bhutanese food business operators by the FSSAI. This partnership represents a significant step forward in promoting food safety between the two nations.

India has committed to supplying 40 million cancer vaccine doses to Indo-Pacific nations under the GAVI and QUAD initiatives. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister during the Cancer Moonshot Event, emphasizing India's role in global healthcare collaboration. The QUAD grouping, which includes the United States, Australia, Japan, and India, aims to foster cooperation in areas such as cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, with a focus on improving healthcare access in the Indo-Pacific region.

Asteroid 2024 PT5, detected by NASA, is anticipated to become a temporary mini-moon of Earth in late September 2024. This capture presents a unique opportunity for scientists to study near-Earth asteroids and enhance our understanding of their behaviour. By observing 2024 PT5's temporary capture and orbit, researchers can refine models of asteroid dynamics, improve detection methods for future mini-moons, and contribute valuable insights to planetary defence strategies. The study of this asteroid will significantly advance our knowledge of near-Earth objects and their interactions with our planet.

India and the United States have announced a strategic partnership to establish India's first national security semiconductor fabrication plant. This collaboration focuses on the advanced manufacturing of critical semiconductors, such as infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide, to strengthen both countries' defence and telecommunications capabilities. The project represents a significant step in the growing technological and defence relationship between India and the US, involving key partners like Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force.

A rare polar bear was shot in Iceland after being considered a threat to local residents. Polar bears are not native to Iceland, but they are occasionally sighted. This was the first time since 2016 that such an action was taken. The bear had posed a danger to a resident, leading authorities to decide against relocation and opt for lethal measures instead. The bear will now be studied and preserved by the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.