General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - December 2016

Dec 2016

Dec 12, 2025

Supreme Court hosts ceremonial welcome for Sri Lankan Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena

India’s Supreme Court hosted a ceremonial welcome for Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena during her official visit. Chief Justice Suryakant led the ceremony and was joined by other senior judges. The visit underscores deep judicial and diplomatic links between India and Sri Lanka, with discussions potentially covering regional legal cooperation, cross-border issues, and mutual interests in South Asia. The ceremonial sitting showcased the long-standing tradition of judicial diplomacy and reinforces bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Ceremonial welcome for Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena at Supreme Court, India.
Led by Chief Justice of India Suryakant with senior judges present.
Signifies ongoing judicial diplomacy between India and Sri Lanka.
Potential discussions on regional legal cooperation and cross-border matters.

Bridge Summit 2025 concludes at Abu Dhabi Centre

Bridge Summit 2025, described as the world’s largest debut media event, concluded at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre after a three-day program. The gathering attracted tens of thousands of participants from 132 countries and featured hundreds of speakers and exhibitors across media, technology, and creative industries. The summit showcased a broad range of sessions, including workshops with global speakers and industry panels on the creator economy, music, gaming, and visual storytelling. Organizers highlighted extensive collaboration opportunities and the potential for cross-border media partnerships in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Bridge Summit 2025 ends at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
Three-day event with participants from 132 countries and 400+ speakers.
Focus on media, technology, and the creator economy; gaming and music also featured.
Over 300 sessions and 430 global speakers planned across events.
Emphasizes cross-border media collaborations and partnerships.

Trump unveils $1 million Gold Card citizenship path

US President Donald Trump announced a new immigration program called the Gold Card, a costly path toward permanent residency and eventual citizenship for foreign nationals and companies willing to invest. The plan replaces the traditional EB-5 investor visa and seeks to attract highly skilled talent and investment to the United States. Proponents say the program could boost economic growth and job creation, while critics warn about potential inequities and security concerns. The rollout comes amid ongoing debates on immigration policy and border security in the United States.

Trump unveils the Gold Card immigration path with high investment threshold.
Path offers permanent residency and eventual citizenship for selected investors.
Marketed as a successor to the EB-5 visa program.
Debates focus on economic benefits versus social equity and security.
Signals ongoing shifts in U.S. immigration policy.

Dec 10, 2025

Andrej Babiš sworn in as Czech Republic prime minister

Andrej Babiš, billionaire founder of ANO, was sworn in as the Czech Republic’s prime minister on December 9, 2025. This marks his return to power after previously serving as PM (2017–2021). The new coalition with SPD and Motorists for Themselves will shape Czech policy and its stance on EU matters. President Petr Pavel entrusted him with forming a cabinet, anticipated to reflect a majority in the 200-member parliament. The government is expected to influence EU policy on energy, migration, and defense ahead of upcoming summits. Babiš’s leadership faces ongoing legal and anti-corruption scrutiny.

Andrej Babiš sworn in as Czech PM on 9 December 2025.
Coalition government includes SPD and Motorists for Themselves.
Cabinet expected to reflect a majority in parliament.
Policy focus may shift on EU energy, migration, and defense.

Dec 09, 2025

Saudi Arabia, Qatar Signs High-speed Rail Deal to Link Capitals

Saudi Arabia and Qatar signed an agreement in December 2025 to build a high-speed electric passenger railway connecting the Saudi capital Riyadh with Doha, the capital of Qatar. According to the official Saudi press, the project will also include the Saudi cities of Al-Hofuf and Dammam on the network. The rail link is seen as a major step in strengthening connectivity between the two Gulf neighbours. It also marks a significant improvement in bilateral relations between countries that were once deeply at odds.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar sign deal for high-speed electric rail link.
Railway to connect Riyadh with Doha, Qatar's capital.
Al-Hofuf and Dammam in Saudi Arabia to be part of the network.
Project reflects improved ties and deeper regional connectivity in the Gulf.

Australian Universities Expand Indian Campuses; UWA to Open Mumbai, Chennai Campuses

Australian universities are expanding their footprint in India, with proposals to open campuses in Mumbai and Chennai by August 2026. Universities such as the University of Western Australia (UWA) and UNSW are pursuing joint ventures and student recruitment plans under Indian government frameworks and SPARC funding. These efforts aim to broaden international collaboration, enhance research partnerships, and provide Indian students with globally recognised degrees on home soil. The moves reflect a trend toward international higher education partnerships as India grows its higher-education capacity and global ties.

Australian universities plan Mumbai and Chennai campuses by Aug 2026.
UWA and UNSW cited; SPARC funding supports collaborations.
Goal: expand international partnerships and Indian student access.
Part of broader India-Australia higher-education ties.

UNSW Bengaluru Campus: Australia-India Education Ties Strengthened

Australia’s UNSW announced opening a Bengaluru campus in 2026, strengthening Australia-India educational ties. The institution will offer programs mirroring its global degrees and is aligned with India’s emphasis on expanding high-quality higher education within the country. The campus will host business, data science, computer science, and cybersecurity courses, with governance and accreditation coordinated with Indian authorities. This move forms part of broader collaborations under Australia-India education initiatives and SPARC funding, signaling deeper academic partnerships and potential research collaborations between the two nations.

UNSW to open Bengaluru campus in 2026; strengthens Australia-India ties.
Programs include business, data science, CS, and cybersecurity.
Aligned with National Education Policy 2020 goals and SPARC.
Part of wider India-Australia higher-education collaborations.

Dec 08, 2025

Roman Gofman Named Next Mossad Chief

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Major General Roman Gofman as the next director of Mossad, who will assume the role in June 2026. The appointment signals a strategic shift, placing a career military officer without a traditional intelligence background at the agency’s helm. Gofman previously served as military secretary to Netanyahu, a role that positioned him at the centre of security and policy deliberations. The transition comes as Israel faces regional security challenges and ongoing threats, requiring experienced leadership for intelligence gathering, covert operations, and national security planning. The selection underscores continuity and adaptation within Israel’s intelligence establishment.

Roman Gofman named Mossad chief-designate; takes over June 2026.
First-time appointment of a career military officer as Mossad head.
Former military secretary to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Appointment occurs amid regional security challenges.
Signifies continuity and adaptation in Israeli intelligence leadership.

India Opens New Shanghai Consulate After 32 Years

India inaugurated a new state-of-the-art Consulate building in Shanghai, its first relocation in 32 years in China’s largest commercial hub. The Chancery at the Dawning Centre, Changning District, covers 1,436.63 square metres, more than double the size of the previous facility. Indian Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat inaugurated the building, underscoring Shanghai’s importance for India’s eastern business community. The opening coincides with the 75th anniversary of India‑China diplomatic ties. The expanded consulate is expected to enhance consular services, trade facilitation, and people-to-people exchanges, supporting ongoing efforts to expand bilateral economic and cultural ties.

New Shanghai Consulate inaugurated after 32 years.
Chancery located at Dawning Centre, Changning District (1,436.63 sqm).
Inaugurated by Indian Ambassador Pradeep Rawat.
Aligns with 75th anniversary of India‑China ties.
Aims to strengthen consular, trade, and cultural links.

Dec 05, 2025

Pakistan appoints Asim Munir as first Chief of Defence Forces

Pakistan formally announced Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a post created following the 27th Constitutional Amendment. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment, effective for five years, replacing the former CJCSC chair. The government says the CDF will unify command and speed up decision-making in critical situations. Munir was COAS since November 2022, with tenure extended in 2024 to five years. The appointment coincides with the extension of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu as Chief of Air Staff to March 19, 2026. Parliament approved the new structure, signaling a major defence reform.

Asim Munir named first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)
Post created after 27th Constitutional Amendment
Five-year term; replaces CJCSC chair

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