Current Affairs - International

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.

India recorded a historic 145.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo movement through its inland waterways in FY25, reflecting an eightfold growth since FY14. This remarkable achievement was made possible through strategic investments in infrastructure, the adoption of digital tools, and comprehensive policy reforms. The number of operational National Waterways expanded significantly from just 5 to 29, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing sustainable and cost-effective modes of transport. With an investment of Rs. 6,434 crore, this development is a milestone for India’s inland water transport sector, positioning it as a key player in national logistics and commerce.

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.