Current Affairs - International

Scotland became the first country in the United Kingdom to legalise water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis. This method is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation and burial because it produces significantly lower carbon emissions. The process involves placing the body in a pressurized chamber with water and potassium hydroxide, which breaks down soft tissues while leaving bones that are later returned to families as powdered remains. The reform represents one of the most significant changes to cremation laws since 1902, and the first water cremations are expected to begin by summer 2026 after necessary approvals.

Canada entered into a Strategic Energy Partnership with India as part of a broader roadmap to reset bilateral relations. The partnership covers cooperation in clean energy, conventional energy, civil nuclear power, and critical minerals. A major highlight was a CAD 2.6 billion uranium supply agreement between Cameco and India’s Department of Atomic Energy, strengthening India’s nuclear energy capacity. Both nations also relaunched ministerial energy dialogues and initiated negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion by 2030, reinforcing long-term economic and strategic collaboration.

Sri Lanka is the country whose DFCC Bank issued the first-ever Blue Bond that was dually listed on the NSE International Exchange at GIFT City. The LKR 3 billion bond was initially listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange before being admitted to trading under GIFT City’s offshore regulatory framework. Blue bonds are a specialised subset of green bonds that channel investments into ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, marine ecosystem protection, and water security projects. The dual listing enhances global investor participation and strengthens the country’s presence in sustainable and innovative financial markets.

Nepal signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with India to enhance bilateral cooperation in forests, wildlife protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. The agreement focuses on restoring transboundary wildlife corridors, protecting key species such as tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses, and snow leopards, and strengthening protected area management. It also emphasises combating wildlife crime, improving coordination between enforcement agencies, and promoting capacity building for frontline forest staff. Given the shared ecosystems and migratory wildlife habitats across borders, the partnership supports integrated conservation strategies and climate resilience efforts in the Himalayan and adjoining landscapes.

India launched the ‘Zero Prize’ as the country’s first results-based environmental award focused on achieving measurable reductions in air, water, and land pollution. The initiative carries a total corpus of ₹5 crore, with ₹1 crore allocated to each of the three categories. It emphasises verified and quantifiable outcomes through third-party audits and scientific monitoring rather than mere declarations or planned actions. The award aligns with broader national initiatives such as Mission LiFE, Swachh Bharat, and net-zero ambitions, promoting accountability and outcome-driven environmental governance across multiple sectors.