Current Affairs - International

Thailand's lower house of Parliament has passed a groundbreaking bill to legalize same-sex marriage, making it a pioneer in Southeast Asia for legalizing equal rights and recognizing the rights of same-sex couples.

India recently launched a database to record crimes against UN peacekeepers, emphasizing its commitment to monitoring and holding perpetrators accountable in UN peacekeeping missions.

Iceland declared a state of emergency following a volcanic eruption in its southern region, marking the fourth eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula since December 2023. Iceland is known for its numerous active volcano systems, making it a geologically dynamic area.

Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, signed a significant Working Arrangement with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of India. This arrangement aims to enhance cooperation between the two agencies in combating transnational crime. The signing ceremony, attended by Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle and CBI Director Praveen Sood, signifies a commitment to global partnerships in addressing modern-day challenges posed by criminal networks operating across borders.

India's ranking as the world's third most polluted country, as per the World Air Quality Report 2023, signifies a concerning level of air pollution in the country. The average annual PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter indicates high levels of particulate matter, which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. This ranking highlights the urgent need for measures to address air pollution and improve air quality in India.