General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - February 2016

Feb 2016

Apr 01, 2025

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa Forms Transitional Government

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the formation of a transitional government, appointing 23 ministers in a diverse new cabinet.
As per reports, the government, which was revealed, includes Yarub Badr, an Alawite, as Transport Minister, while Amgad Badr from the Druze community will oversee the agriculture ministry.
Unlike traditional structures, the government will not have a Prime Minister, with al-Sharaa expected to directly lead the executive branch.

Mar 29, 2025

Hurun Global Rich List 2025: Shanghai overtakes Mumbai as Asia's Billionaire Capital

Shanghai overtook Mumbai as the billionaire capital of Asia for the first time, with 92 individuals compared to the 90 billionaires living in Mumbai. According to the Hurun Global Rich List for 2025, India ranks third with 284 billionaires. India's billionaire tally rose slightly over the past year to 284 people with a cumulative wealth of Rs. 98 lakh crore.
For the first time in 10 years, the US leads the list with 870 billionaires, while China follows with 823 of the world's wealthiest residents. Data released by Hurun Global Rich List indicates that 175 Indian billionaires increased their wealth while 109 others saw their fortunes dip or stay unchanged.

Mar 28, 2025

India Becomes the World's Second-Largest Tea Exporter in 2024

The Indian tea industry, which has been facing numerous challenges over the years, finally has a reason to celebrate. Recent data released by the Tea Board of India indicates that India has emerged as the second-largest tea exporter in the world in 2024, surpassing Sri Lanka and trailing behind Kenya, which retained the top position.
India exported 254 million kilograms (Mkg) of tea in 2024, marking a significant jump from its 231 Mkg exports in 2023. In comparison, Sri Lanka's tea exports remained at a similar level as in 2023, allowing India to secure the second spot.
Kenya, which remains the world's largest tea exporter, shipped over 500 Mkg of tea in 2024.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Sworn in as Namibia's First Female President

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made history in March 2025, by becoming Namibia's first female president. Her inauguration coincided with Namibia's 35th Independence Day. A veteran of the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), she won the November 2024 elections with 58% of the vote.
The outgoing president, Nangolo Mbumba, handed over power during a ceremony attended by several African leaders. Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged that while Namibia has progressed since its independence in 1990, many challenges remain. Her administration will focus on tackling unemployment, especially among the youth, with a goal of creating 500,000 jobs over the next five years through investments in agriculture, fishing, and the creative sectors.
She previously served as vice president and won 58 percent of the vote. Nandi-Ndaitwah's inauguration came a day after the Namibian parliament elected its first female speaker, former Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.

The 10th BRICS Policy Planning Dialogue Focuses on Global Issues and BRICS Expansion

The 10^th BRICS Policy Planning Dialogue took place in March 2025 in Brasilia, bringing together policy planners from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with senior representatives from the expanded BRICS membership.
It provided a platform for discussions on a broad spectrum of global geopolitical and regional developments, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The Indian delegation was led by Raghuram S, Joint Secretary (Policy Planning & Research), MEA. Key topics of discussion included global health cooperation, international trade, financial issues, climate action, artificial intelligence governance, and reforms in multilateral peace and security frameworks.
The Dialogue also focused on the institutional growth of BRICS, reflecting the bloc's recent expansion. As the current BRICS President, Brazil hosted the event as part of preparations for the upcoming BRICS Summit later this year.

Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Sails Through No-Confidence Vote in Parliament

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, defeating a challenge from opposition parties which accused her of being a puppet of her father, billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
After a two-day debate in which the opposition attacked 38-year-old Paetongtarn's management of the economy and national security, as well as her inexperience, MPs voted down the no-confidence motion by 319 votes to 162 on Wednesday, with seven abstentions.

Mar 27, 2025

Niger Coup Leader Sworn in as President for Five Years

Niger's military ruler was sworn in as the country's President for a transitional period of five years.
Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani has led the country since 2023, after he deposed Niger's elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.
Gen Tchiani took the presidential office under a new charter that replaces the West African country's Constitution.

Indian-Origin Jay Bhattacharya Confirmed As Head of US Health Agency

The US Senate confirmed the appointment of Indian-origin Jay Bhattacharya, a professor at Stanford School of Medicine, as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
According to the official website of the US Senate, Bhattacharya won the vote 53-47 during the first session of the roll call vote in the 119th Congress.

Mar 25, 2025

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Joins Global Maritime Leaders at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW)

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal joined Global Maritime Leaders at the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) to discuss, deliberate and devise strategies based on the shared vision for a secure, sustainable and prosperous maritime future. The Minister highlighted the challenges and India's vision to channel growth of the maritime sector around that. Sonowal also argued for strengthening maritime connectivity and supply chains while the need for collective effort towards a green sustainable maritime future.
The theme for the Singapore Maritime Week being held from March 24 to 28, 2025, 'Actions Meet Ambition', is a show of collective desire for actions to push for higher ambition in decarbonisation and digitalisation in the maritime sector.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

July GK, June GK, May GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26