The World Health Organisation (WHO) has given approval to the first malaria drug specifically designed for newborns and infants. Until now, babies were treated using medicines designed for older children. Meanwhile, the month of April saw Finland preparing to open the world's first permanent nuclear waste repository about 400–450 metres below the ground.
An estimated 20% of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. But amid the ongoing naval blockade and intensifying tensions in the Middle East due to the US-Israel war with Iran, many countries are scouting alternative pipelines to bypass the Strait of Hormuz to reduce dependence on this critical chokepoint.
Top 5 World Current Affairs This Week
1. Newborn Malaria Drug
Why in news? The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified artemether-lumefantrine, the first malaria drug specifically designed for newborns and infants weighing between 2 kg and 5 kg. Announced on a day before World Malaria Day, the malaria drug will address a critical gap in treatment for around 30 million babies born each year in malaria-endemic areas of Africa.
2. First Nuclear Waste Vault
Why in news? Finland is constructing the world's first permanent nuclear waste vault, the Onkalo nuclear waste repository. Located about 400 to 450 metres below 1.9 billion year old stable bedrock beneath Olkiluoto Island. With construction started in 2004, the facility is expected to operational by 2120s. The Onkalo facility is expected to store around 6,500 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel for upto 100,000 years.
3. Strait of Hormuz Alternative Routes
Why in news? Amid the ongoing war in West Asia, many countries are looking for alternate oil pipelines and trade corridors to reduce their dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical chokepoint that handles nearly 20 million barrels per day of oil shipments. Currently, key pipeline alternatives to Hormuz include Saudi's East-West Pipeline, UAE's Habshan-Fujairah Pipeline, and other partial pipelines and emerging routes include Kirkuk–Ceyhan Oil Pipeline, Goreh-Jask Pipeline, Iraq-Oman Pipeline, Iraq-Jordan Pipeline, and Gulf-Sea of Oman Canal.
4. Global Palm Oil Supply Crunch
Why in news? Global palm oil supply is likely to tighten in 2026-27, driven by biodiesel expansion in producing countries, potential weather risks such as El Nino effect, and geopolitical instability. Indonesia, the top exporter, is implementing a B50 program (50 per cent palm oil in biodiesel) from 1 July 2026, which will divert crude palm oil from global exports to domestic consumption.
5. Basra Memorial Honours Indian Soldier
Why in news? In April 2026, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has introduced digital name panels at the Basra Memorial in Iraq to honour 33,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the WWI Mesopotamia Campaign (1914–1921) and were previously omitted. The initiative is an effort to correct a 100-year-long-standing omission, to ensure these soldiers are now commemorated by name alongside over 46,000 existing Commonwealth personnel.
