Current Affairs - International

In a historic election, Taiwanese voters have chosen William Lai Ching-te, a pro-sovereignty candidate, as their president. Lai secured an unprecedented third consecutive term for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), defeating his conservative rival, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), by over 900,000 votes.

Scientists from Germany conducted a study on the impact of wind turbines on forest bats' activity. The research focused on three foraging groups of bats and highlighted a significant decline in the activity of narrow-space foraging bats, particularly reliant on forest habitat, as wind speeds increased near operational wind turbines.

India and Saudi Arabia signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024, prioritizing the well-being of pilgrims. The agreement underscores India's commitment to inclusivity, exploring ways for women's participation without a male guardian. Smriti Irani and Saudi Minister of Haj Dr Tawfiq bin presided over the signing, acknowledging the importance of enhanced medical facilities for pilgrims' well-being.

Indra Mani Pandey has taken over as the Secretary General of BIMSTEC, succeeding Tenzin Lekphell, and will hold the position for a three-year term. In his inaugural address in Dhaka, Pandey expressed his commitment to realizing the collective vision of BIMSTEC.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signed an unprecedented security agreement in Kyiv, highlighting its importance for Ukraine's safety and symbolizing a robust alliance with the United Kingdom. The accord, effective until Ukraine joins NATO, represents a strategic commitment between the two nations.