Current Affairs - International

Russia has sent two trains carrying coal to India through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) for the first time. The consignment will travel over 7,200 km from St. Petersburg, Russia to Mumbai port via Bandar Abbas port in Iran. It integrates shipping, rail, and road networks to facilitate cargo movement between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. Initiated on September 12, 2000, in St. Petersburg, the corridor was established by a trilateral agreement among Iran, Russia, and India during the Euro-Asian Conference on Transport in 2000 to enhance transportation cooperation.

Japan is scheduled to introduce new banknotes, incorporating state-of-the-art holography technology that creates the illusion of rotating historical portraits in 3D. These banknotes will also feature tactile marks to aid visually impaired individuals in identifying different denominations by touch. The introduction of these advanced security features aims to enhance the authenticity and security of Japan's currency while existing banknotes will continue to remain valid post their issuance.

The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index 2024 has ranked Vienna, the capital city of Austria, as the best city to live in for the third year in a row. This index evaluates cities based on various factors including stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure, highlighting Vienna's consistently high performance across these criteria.

The Rhisotope Project, launched in 2021, aims to combat rhinoceros poaching in South Africa by enhancing the detectability of rhino horns at international borders. Scientists inserted radioactive chips into the horns of rhinos, making them identifiable by radiation sensors without harming the animals or the environment. This innovative approach addresses the severe poaching crisis in South Africa, where rhino horns are illegally trafficked due to demand primarily from Asian markets for traditional medicinal purposes.

Denmark is pioneering a carbon tax on livestock emissions starting in 2030, targeting methane emissions from cows, sheep, and pigs. This initiative aims to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and is part of Denmark's broader strategy to combat global warming by cutting emissions by 70 per cent from 1990 levels by 2030. The tax starts at 300 kroner ($43) per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent, with substantial deductions intended to support the transition to more sustainable farming practices.