Current Affairs - International

Peru and Slovakia signed NASA's Artemis Accords, becoming the 41st and 42nd countries respectively to join the U.S.-led agreement on the safe exploration of space. The Artemis Accords, initiated by NASA and seven other nations in 2020, aim to establish principles guiding the conduct of civil space exploration, including the sustainable human presence on the Moon and eventually Mars. These accords signify a commitment to the peaceful use of space and are part of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts in space governance.

Portugal intends to modify its golden visa scheme to aid migrants by permitting affluent foreigners to invest in property, thus introducing a "solidarity visa" alongside the existing program. This adjustment aims to offer residency rights to non-EU nationals who invest in Portugal. Since its inception in 2012, the golden visa scheme has successfully attracted over 7.3 billion euros ($7.94 billion) in investment funds.

The Biopharmaceutical Alliance was formed by India, the United States, South Korea, Japan, and the European Union during the Bio International Convention 2024 in San Diego. This alliance aims to address global drug supply chain disruptions by coordinating policies, regulations, and research and development efforts among member countries, to establish a resilient and sustainable biopharmaceutical supply chain.

Hungary unveiled the 700-metre pedestrian ‘Bridge of National Unity’, connecting two nearby hills in the eastern Hungarian city of Satoraljaujhely. This bridge, inaugurated on June 4, serves as a tourist attraction and is expected to boost tourism in northeastern Hungary. It symbolizes national unity and was built at a cost of four billion HUF, financed from the national budget without European Union funds.

India is set to host the prestigious 81st IATA Annual General Meeting in Delhi in 2025, marking its return after 42 years. This event, scheduled for June 8 to 10, brings together global aviation leaders to address critical industry issues and highlights India's significant growth in the aviation sector.