Current Affairs - International

South Africa rolled out its first locally produced foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine in 20 years as part of a strategic effort to enhance self-sufficiency in animal healthcare. Developed by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), the initiative aims to scale vaccine production to 20,000 doses per week. This move supports efforts to regain FMD-free status, which is critical for protecting cloven-hoofed livestock and maintaining access to global export markets. Beyond disease control, the science-driven approach helps stabilize rural economies by safeguarding livelihoods dependent on livestock farming.

The Netherlands partnered with India to launch a Hydrogen Fellowship and an academic collaboration between IITs and the University of Groningen. These initiatives are aimed at advancing research and innovation in green hydrogen technologies, with a strong emphasis on capacity building and integrated energy systems. The partnership supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission by facilitating knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and technological development. It also aligns with India’s long-term climate commitments, particularly the goal of achieving Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2070, while strengthening bilateral cooperation in clean and sustainable energy solutions.

Bhutan is collaborating with India to strengthen cooperation in the power sector, with special emphasis on hydropower development. This partnership combines India’s financial investment capacity with Bhutan’s technical expertise in hydropower generation. The initiative aims to expand cross-border electricity trade, ensure a reliable energy supply, and enhance bilateral economic ties. By focusing on renewable and sustainable energy, the collaboration supports long-term development goals while addressing environmental concerns. The agreement also reflects the strong strategic relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to clean energy and regional energy security.

India became a formal member of the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies with the objective of enhancing industrial capabilities and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises. Through this partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the initiative focuses on strengthening manufacturing competitiveness across BRICS nations. Within India, the National Productivity Council has been designated as the BCIC centre and operates under the guidance of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. The effort emphasizes capacity building, adoption of Industry 4.0 practices, and productivity enhancement, contributing to sustainable industrial growth and economic development.

The United States and India announced a trade deal in February 2026 that included a significant reduction in tariffs. Under this agreement, the U.S. reciprocal tariff on Indian goods was reduced from 25 percent to 18 percent, with immediate effect. The announcement followed a direct conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The deal also highlighted India’s commitment to increasing purchases of American goods, including energy, agriculture, and technology products. While the tariff reduction was welcomed by both sides, questions remain regarding the legal framework, formal documentation, and long-term implications of the agreement.