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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - December 2016

Dec 2016

Oct 09, 2025

US Senate Confirms Sergio Gor as US Ambassador to India

Over a month after Sergio Gor was nominated by US President Donald Trump as the next US Ambassador to India, and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, the US Senate confirmed his appointment, despite the ongoing US government shutdown.
Gor was among 107 nominees confirmed by the Senate in a single en bloc vote with 51 senators voting in favour and 47 against. This quick confirmation indicates that Washington is keen to strengthen diplomatic and political interactions with India amid tensions over 50% tariffs and increased H-1B visa fees.
The other important nominee confirmed was Paul Kapur as US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, a key appointment that handles the region including India. He is equivalent to a joint secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Israel and Hamas Agree to Gaza Ceasefire and Return of Hostages

Israel and Hamas agreed to a long-awaited ceasefire and hostage deal, the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end a war in Gaza that has killed more than 67,000 people and reshaped the Middle East.
The accord, if fully implemented, would bring the two sides closer than any previous effort to halt a war that had evolved into a regional conflict, drawing in countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon, deepened Israel's international isolation and reshaped the Middle East.

Oct 08, 2025

Army General Named as Madagascar PM

Madagascar's embattled President Andry Rajoelina appointed Gen Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as the new Prime Minister in a bid to end youth-led protests against his rule.
Coming days after the President expressed fears of a coup attempt, the general's appointment marks a significant militarisation of the government and appears to be an attempt by Rajoelina to secure the army's backing at a time of heightened tensions.

Oct 07, 2025

French PM Lecornu Quits after 26 Days

France is facing further political chaos after the country's latest Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, resigned after just 26 days in the role.
Hours after quitting, Lecornu accepted a request from French President Emmanuel Macron to work on a plan for the stability for the country.
Lecornu's shock resignation came the day after he unveiled his cabinet, and made him the third French PM to leave office since last December (2024).

The 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York

Lok Sabha MP P.P. Chaudhary is leading the first of two non-official delegations of Indian MPs to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Two groups of 15 Members of Parliament each will travel to New York in October. The first group, headed by Chaudhary, is visiting from October 8 to 14, while the second batch of MPs will go later this month.
The initiative marks a revival of India's parliamentary participation at the UNGA, nearly two decades after the practice was discontinued in 2004. The delegation underlines India's renewed commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, ensuring that legislators once again have a role in global conversations at the UN - the world's premier multilateral forum.
The Non-Official Delegation gives MPs a platform to attend UN sessions, engage with India's Permanent Mission in New York, and showcase India's democratic ethos on the international stage.

Poland's Link with Strategic NATO Fuel Pipeline to cost $5.5 billion

Poland will join NATO's fuel pipeline network in 2025, marking a major step in its military infrastructure. This move comes amid growing tensions on NATO's eastern border and ongoing security concerns in the region. Poland's integration into the alliance's pipeline system will enhance fuel supply security for its forces and those of NATO near Russia and Belarus.
NATO operates a 10,000-kilometre network of pipelines across Europe. These pipelines supply fuel and lubricants for military vehicles and aircraft. The system was created during the Cold War when Poland was part of the Warsaw Pact. Consequently, NATO's fuel pipelines did not extend to Polish bases near the eastern frontier.

Oct 06, 2025

Singapore Renames Island as 'Zubeen Garg Island' in Tribute to Legendary Assamese Singer

In a heartfelt tribute to the late Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg, Singapore renamed the island where he tragically passed away as 'Zubeen Garg Island' on Google Maps. The singer, composer, and actor — renowned for his contributions to Assamese and Bollywood music — died at the age of 52 following a scuba diving accident. This gesture reflects the profound impact Garg left not just in India but across the world.

Andrej Babis Wins Czech Parliamentary Election

Billionaire businessman Andrej Babis won parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic, although his populist ANO party fell short of an overall majority.
ANO received just under 35% of the vote, earning them 80 seats in the 200-seat lower house – up from 72 seats four years ago.
Babis – who served as Prime Minister from 2017 to 2021 – is expected to be invited to lead talks on forming a new coalition.
"This is a historic success," Andrej Babis announced to cheering supporters at the ANO headquarters in the suburbs of Prague.

Sep 30, 2025

India, Bhutan Approves First Rail Links Projects

India unveiled, in September 2025, its plan to build two cross-border train links with Bhutan at a cost of over Rs 4,000 crore, in first such railway connectivity projects with the Himalayan nation to boost trade and economic engagement.
The details on the new rail projects linking the Bhutanese cities of Gelephu and Samtse with Kokrajhar in Assam and Banarhat in West Bengal respectively was made public by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Under the two projects, 89 kms of railway lines will be laid and work is expected to be completed in the next four years.

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