Current Affairs - International

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) was signed in the year 1960 under the mediation of the World Bank, marking a rare example of cooperation between India and Pakistan despite their otherwise strained relations. The treaty allocated specific rivers from the Indus basin to each country and established mechanisms for information sharing, conflict resolution, and joint oversight. Its termination in recent developments underscores a dramatic shift in India's diplomatic and strategic approach. Ending such a long-standing agreement not only disrupts regional water cooperation but also signals India's intent to assert hydro-sovereignty amid growing tensions with Pakistan.

GITEX Africa 2025, Africa's largest technology and startup exhibition, was held in Marrakesh, Morocco. The event brought together leaders, innovators, and visionaries from around the world to discuss the future of digital technology and collaborative growth. India, represented by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Education, showcased its leadership in digital innovation, especially through its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems like Aadhaar, UPI, and ONDC. The event provided a platform for fostering international collaborations, particularly in advancing technological development across Africa and other developing regions.

Japan is gifting India two Shinkansen train sets, specifically the E5 and E3 series, in 2026 as part of bilateral cooperation in high-speed rail technology. The E5 series, known for its speed of 320 km/h and cutting-edge features, was selected for India’s Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. The initiative is being executed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (NHSRCL) and is heavily funded (about 80%) by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project embodies deep Indo-Japanese collaboration in infrastructure, with an emphasis on adopting best-in-class railway systems from Japan under the National Rail Plan 2030.

India is projected to become the world’s fastest-growing major aviation market by 2026, surpassing China's growth rate, with an expected air passenger traffic increase of 10.5% in 2026. This growth is driven by India's low per capita air travel, increasing middle-class aspirations, rapid infrastructure development, and supportive policies like UDAN and Gati Shakti. Despite China's leading market size, India’s high growth rate is fueled by the untapped potential in the aviation sector, indicating significant future growth. India’s long-term growth outlook remains robust, with a projected 5.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) until 2053.

India took a major step in global wildlife conservation by signing the Headquarters Agreement with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). This agreement not only allows the IBCA to be headquartered in India but also includes significant financial backing of ₹150 crore for its infrastructure and operational costs. The alliance, established in 2023, aims to protect and conserve seven species of big cats such as tigers, lions, and leopards. Additionally, India’s commitment ensures support through visa facilitation, immunities, and other provisions necessary for the alliance to function effectively from its Indian base.