Current Affairs - International

The banning of certain MDH and Everest-branded spice powders in Hong Kong and Singapore was due to the alleged presence of ethylene oxide at levels exceeding permissible limits. Ethylene oxide is a chemical that has been linked to long-term health risks, including cancer, prompting regulatory actions to protect public health.

Nepal recently hosted its 1st Rainbow Tourism Conference, organized by Mayako Pahichan Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board. The conference aimed to highlight Nepal as a leading LGBT-friendly tourism destination, showcasing the country's legal advancements such as the recognition of same-sex marriages. The initiative reflects Nepal's efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in its tourism sector, attracting visitors from the LGBT community and fostering a welcoming environment for all travellers.

The new species of clouded tiger cat, named Leopardus pardinoides, was discovered in the dense rainforests of Brazil. This discovery has sparked interest among scientists and conservationists, leading to renewed efforts to protect the region's biodiversity.

The UK's foreign office added Pakistan to its list of countries deemed 'too dangerous to travel' due to a surge in terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023, particularly highlighting regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan as major hotspots for violence. This move reflects heightened security concerns for travellers to Pakistan.

Apple has recently issued urgent security alerts to iPhone users in India and 91 other countries, warning about a mercenary spyware attack. This type of attack is highly sophisticated and aims to gain unauthorized access to users' devices, posing serious security risks.