Current Affairs - International

Saudi Arabia's bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) was unsuccessful, as it finished sixth in the Asia-Pacific region. The five available seats were secured by Cyprus, the Marshall Islands, Qatar, South Korea, and Thailand. This outcome is significant, as membership in the UNHRC is considered prestigious and influential in shaping global human rights policies. Saudi Arabia's failure to secure a seat may be seen as a reflection of concerns regarding its human rights record and international reputation.

The United States, in collaboration with India, has launched an initiative to promote research in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology. Through the US-India iCET initiative, 17 joint research projects will receive grants totalling over $2 million. Each project will receive approximately $120,000 to address pressing societal issues, such as AI-assisted cancer detection and advancements in quantum computing. This partnership underscores the commitment of both nations to drive innovation and leverage technology for the betterment of society.

India has achieved a significant milestone in public health by eliminating trachoma, a chronic eye disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) certification recognizes India's decades-long efforts, starting with a control project in 1963 and intensifying with the SAFE strategy. This strategy focuses on Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement. As a result, trachoma prevalence drastically decreased from 4% in 2005 to 0.008% in 2018. India joins Nepal and Myanmar in achieving this feat, demonstrating its commitment to combating infectious diseases and promoting eye health.

Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, hails from Spain. With an impressive record of 22 Grand Slam championships and 92 ATP singles titles, Nadal has left an indelible mark on the sport. His illustrious career includes 36 Masters titles and an Olympic gold medal, culminating in the prestigious Career Golden Slam in singles. As Nadal prepares for his farewell tournament at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga, Spain, his legacy continues to inspire tennis enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying his status as a Spanish sports icon.

Rwanda is grappling with its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak, reporting 26 confirmed cases and 12 fatalities as of late September 2024. The highly infectious disease poses significant risks to healthcare workers and the country's fragile healthcare system. With over 80% of infections occurring among healthcare workers, the outbreak has raised concerns about transmission within healthcare facilities. The Marburg virus disease has a high case fatality rate, ranging from 24% to 88%, making prompt containment and public health measures crucial to mitigating the crisis.