Current Affairs - International

Denmark's Prime Minister has expressed strong opposition to U.S. suggestions regarding the annexation of Greenland, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable even when justified on national security grounds. Greenland holds strategic significance for the U.S. due to its location and rich mineral resources, including rare earth minerals. However, Denmark maintains its sovereignty over Greenland, which is an autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark with its own Parliament. The issue highlights the complexities of international relations and territorial interests.

The Gorkhas are a martial community that originated from Nepal, specifically from the Gorkha Kingdom in western Nepal. They are known for their bravery, loyalty, and fierce fighting skills, which have led to their recruitment into various armies, including the British, Indian, and Nepalese armies. The Gorkhas have a rich history and culture, and their community includes several ethnicities from the hilly regions of Nepal.

India holds the position of having the 4th largest railway network globally, with a vast expanse of over 65,000 km in route length. This extensive network plays a crucial role in transporting billions of passengers and tons of freight annually, serving as the backbone of India’s economic and social infrastructure. It supports industrial growth, enhances regional connectivity, and contributes significantly to national integration. The Indian Railways also contributes to employment and environmental sustainability while aiming to be a global leader in rail-based logistics and mobility by adopting innovations like KAVACH, automatic signalling, and plans for net-zero emissions by 2030.

Bangladesh has assumed the chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) for the next two years. BIMSTEC is a regional grouping that includes seven countries from the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. As the new chair, Bangladesh will lead the group's efforts in promoting regional cooperation and development.

Hungary faced its first foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in over 50 years, impacting several farms and thousands of cattle. To prevent the disease from spreading, the Hungarian government took the unusual step of deploying military forces alongside disinfection efforts. This action was specifically targeted near the borders with Slovakia and Austria, where the risk of cross-border transmission was higher. The involvement of the military highlights the severity of the outbreak and the measures Hungary took to safeguard its agricultural sector.