Current Affairs - International

China has successfully tested a non-nuclear hydrogen bomb that utilizes magnesium hydride, marking a major advancement in clean-energy-based military technology. The device, weighing just 2 kilograms, is capable of releasing hydrogen gas that ignites into an intense fireball exceeding 1,000°C, enabling sustained destructive capability without the radioactive fallout typical of traditional nuclear weapons. This innovation represents a strategic move towards integrating cleaner energy solutions into modern warfare, potentially altering future defence technologies and global military dynamics significantly.

The Davis Strait proto-microcontinent was discovered between Greenland and Canada, buried beneath the Davis Strait. This landmass is composed of thick continental crust and originated during the tectonic separation of Greenland and North America. The finding enhances our understanding of how lithospheric structures influence plate tectonics and opens up the possibility that microcontinents may be more widespread than previously believed. The identification of this microcontinent contributes significantly to geological studies, offering insights into the ancient processes that shaped the Earth's crust in the North Atlantic region.

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.