Current Affairs - International

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced the detection of the first human case of the H1N2 pig virus in the UK through routine national flu surveillance.

New Zealand's government, recently elected, has chosen to abandon the pioneering 2022 legislation designed to ban smoking for future generations. The decision, driven by the aim to finance tax cuts, raises concerns among health officials about potential consequences, especially within Māori communities, putting thousands of lives at risk.

The Mabella vaccine, a live-attenuated MR vaccine, was launched in Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Tamil Nadu, as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Human Biologicals Institute (HBI), a division of Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL). Developed in an exclusive partnership with the Polyvac Institute of Vietnam, Mabella is expected to play a crucial role in the global fight against deadly measles and rubella.

The International Sugar Organization (ISO), headquartered at Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, UK, has announced India's appointment as the chair of the organization for 2024 in its 63rd Council meeting. International Sugar Organization (ISO) has about 87 country members. India is the largest consumer and second largest producer of sugar in the world. With about 15% share in global sugar consumption and about 20% of sugar production, Indian sugar trends deeply influence global markets.

Afghanistan has officially closed its embassy in New Delhi permanently, attributing the decision to persistent challenges from the Indian government, following the cessation of operations on September 30.