Current Affairs - International

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has entered into a landmark agreement with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to enhance cooperation in the nuclear sector. This agreement aims to foster collaboration in key areas such as supply chain management, human resource development, nuclear consultancy, and future investments. The signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in the nuclear cooperation between the UAE and India, opening up new avenues for mutual growth and development.

Palestine has secured a significant diplomatic victory by being seated among member states at the 79th UN General Assembly session. Despite not being a full UN member, Palestine's participation was supported by a majority of member states, with 143 votes in favour. This move has been met with opposition from Israel, which argues that UN privileges should only be reserved for sovereign states. This development highlights the ongoing efforts by Palestine to gain international recognition and participate in global forums.

Switzerland secured the top spot in the Best Countries Ranking 2024 by US News & World Report for the third consecutive year, standing out in areas such as quality of life and business openness. The ranking assesses 89 countries across 10 factors, including attributes like adventure, social purpose, and heritage. India, while excelling in the 'movers' and 'heritage' categories, ranked 33rd overall, reflecting a balanced yet competitive international landscape.

India hosted the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in New Delhi from September 11-12, 2024, with participation from around 250 representatives across 41 countries. The conference focused on crucial issues such as air safety, airspace optimization, cyber security, and the goal of achieving net zero emissions. India’s aviation sector has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, with the number of aircraft doubling to over 800 and the number of airports increasing from 74 to 157 in the last decade.

Australia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is planning to enact legislation to ban social media access for children under 16. This initiative is aimed at safeguarding both the physical and mental health of young people, addressing issues like cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content. The government will start age verification trials soon and anticipates facing resistance from tech companies. This move reflects growing global concerns over the impact of social media on youth well-being.