This is the 2400th most frequent French word.
récents
Recent.
Here, 'récents' is used as an adjective modifying 'événements,' indicating that the events occurred not long ago.
Les événements récents ont surpris tout le monde.
The recent events surprised everyone.
In this case, 'récents' describes the books, emphasizing they are recent publications by the author.
J'ai acheté les livres récents de cet auteur.
I bought the recent books by this author.
Here, 'récents' is applied to 'progrès,' signifying that these technological advances have been made in the near past.