Current Affairs - International

The third United Nations Conference on Afghanistan occurred in Doha, Qatar, from June 30 to July 1, 2024. This conference marked a significant moment in international diplomacy as it included participation from the Taliban for the first time since they took control of Afghanistan. The event brought together representatives from various countries and international organizations to discuss Afghanistan's future and stability.

China has constructed a new presidential palace and additional government buildings in Vanuatu, underscoring its efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with Pacific island nations. This infrastructure project, costing over $21 million, represents a significant investment aimed at fostering cooperation and influence in the region. The inauguration ceremony, featuring traditional Chinese elements, highlighted China's commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations with Vanuatu amidst broader geopolitical competition in the Pacific.

Russia has sent two trains carrying coal to India through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) for the first time. The consignment will travel over 7,200 km from St. Petersburg, Russia to Mumbai port via Bandar Abbas port in Iran. It integrates shipping, rail, and road networks to facilitate cargo movement between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. Initiated on September 12, 2000, in St. Petersburg, the corridor was established by a trilateral agreement among Iran, Russia, and India during the Euro-Asian Conference on Transport in 2000 to enhance transportation cooperation.

Japan is scheduled to introduce new banknotes, incorporating state-of-the-art holography technology that creates the illusion of rotating historical portraits in 3D. These banknotes will also feature tactile marks to aid visually impaired individuals in identifying different denominations by touch. The introduction of these advanced security features aims to enhance the authenticity and security of Japan's currency while existing banknotes will continue to remain valid post their issuance.

The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index 2024 has ranked Vienna, the capital city of Austria, as the best city to live in for the third year in a row. This index evaluates cities based on various factors including stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure, highlighting Vienna's consistently high performance across these criteria.