Current Affairs - International

The United States has strategically deployed anti-ship missile launchers on Batan Island, located in the Philippines, as part of a broader military posture near Taiwan. This move aligns with ongoing tensions in the region, especially following China’s extensive military drills signalling opposition to any push for Taiwan's independence. The deployment is occurring alongside the Balikatan military exercises, which involve around 9,000 US troops and forces from the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and others. These exercises are taking place near the highly contested South China Sea, reinforcing regional defence cooperation and strategic deterrence in response to rising geopolitical tensions.

The 11th BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting was presided over by Brazil, highlighting the country’s role in shaping the global discourse on pressing labour issues. During this meeting, member nations adopted a declaration that addressed the dual challenges of artificial intelligence's growing role in the workplace and the impact of climate change on employment trends. Brazil’s leadership in this context underscores its commitment to facilitating multilateral cooperation among BRICS countries to prepare labour forces for future disruptions and transformations in the global job market.

Bhutan hosted the 6th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting with India in Thimphu from April 24 to 25, 2025. The bilateral meeting focused on reinforcing customs cooperation, streamlining trade processes, enhancing digitisation, and improving border infrastructure. Bhutan, a landlocked nation, relies heavily on India for trade, with approximately 80% of its overall commerce conducted with its southern neighbour. With ten operational land Customs Stations along the West Bengal and Assam borders, efficient customs procedures are crucial for Bhutan’s economy. The meeting highlighted the mutual commitment to secure, modern, and technology-driven trade facilitation between the two countries.

Mark Carney, a distinguished figure in global finance, has been elected as the next prime minister of Canada. He gained international recognition by becoming the first non-British governor of the Bank of England in its 300-year history. Prior to that, he played a crucial role in leading Canada through the 2008 financial crisis as the governor of the Bank of Canada. His unique blend of economic leadership and public service positioned him as a strong candidate for national leadership, culminating in his successful run for the highest political office in Canada.

Bhutan is tapping into its abundant hydropower to mine green cryptocurrencies, a strategic move aimed at driving economic growth while supporting the global shift towards sustainable energy. By utilizing 100% clean energy, Bhutan ensures that its cryptocurrency mining operations are environmentally friendly, aligning with global ESG goals. The country has been investing in cryptocurrencies since 2019 through its sovereign wealth fund, using profits to bolster public spending. With a rising youth unemployment rate and concerns over brain drain, Bhutan is also focusing on blockchain and AI training to create employment opportunities. The plan includes expanding hydropower capacity to sustain this green economic diversification.