Current Affairs - International

The Perm, a nuclear-powered submarine equipped with the Zircon hypersonic cruise missile, was launched from the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, Russia. This submarine belongs to the Yasen-M class and is set to join the Pacific Fleet in 2026. It is the first Yasen-class submarine to carry hypersonic missiles, highlighting Russia's strategic naval advancements. The Zircon missile, capable of reaching Mach 8 speeds and evading modern defence systems, emphasizes Russia's focus on enhancing its military capabilities. This launch marks a significant development in Russia's naval power projection.

India achieved a landmark record of 4,515 child adoptions in FY 2024-25, marking the highest number in 12 years. This milestone was driven by enhanced identification drives, legal reforms, and digital interventions facilitated by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). The introduction of 8,598 newly identified children into the adoption pool, the establishment of 245 new adoption agencies, and nationwide adoption awareness campaigns significantly contributed to this achievement. The Ministry of Women and Child Development’s efforts in foster care and alternate family-based care further supported this growth in adoption numbers.

India and China marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with leaders exchanging congratulatory messages. This milestone reflects the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations, even amidst past tensions such as the Ladakh standoff. The exchange of messages between President Xi Jinping and President Droupadi Murmu, along with Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Modi, underscores efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. This celebration signifies a potential reset and a renewed focus on cooperation and diplomacy between India and China.

PM Modi is scheduled to visit Thailand on April 3 to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which will be held in Bangkok on April 4. BIMSTEC, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is an international organization comprising seven nations: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The summit’s theme is "Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC," focusing on regional cooperation and sustainable development. Thailand, as the host country, plays a key role in facilitating these discussions.

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is set to revise the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act to officially recognize crypto assets as legal financial products. This move aims to bring crypto under the purview of insider trading laws, ensuring the protection against the misuse of confidential information. A related bill is expected to be presented to Parliament by 2026 for formal implementation, highlighting Japan's proactive stance in regulating the crypto industry.