India to Assume Kimberley Process Chair from January 1, 2026 (Third Time)
India has been selected to assume the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process (KP) from 1 January 2026, marking the third time the country will lead the UN-backed initiative to curb conflict diamond trade. The decision was taken at the Kimberley Process Plenary, which unites governments, the diamond industry, and civil society to ensure diamonds are not used to fund conflict. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) began in 2003 and now comprises 60 participants, with the EU counted as a single participant and accounting for over 99 percent of global rough diamond trade. India’s leadership is expected to push governance, certification integrity, and transparency in the diamond supply chain.
India to chair Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026 (third time)
KP Plenary includes governments, diamond industry, and civil society
KPCS started on 1 January 2003 and includes 60 participants
EU participates as a single participant, covering over 99% of trade
Focus on governance, certification integrity, and traceability
Dec 25, 2025
Bhutan and Morocco seek offshore IIT campuses; India considers expansion
Bhutan and Morocco have approached the Centre to explore offshore IIT campuses, alongside India’s existing overseas campuses in Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi. The government formed a 17-member committee to study offshore campuses under the NEP 2020 framework, with recommendations issued earlier. The proposals reflect growing international interest in Indian higher education and cross-border academic partnerships. Officials say no decision has been finalised yet, as India weighs quality, accreditation, and capacity needs against strategic and diplomatic considerations. If approved, new campuses could broaden India’s educational footprint and student mobility across regions.
Bhutan and Morocco express interest in offshore IIT campuses.
India already operates IIT Madras Zanzibar and IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi overseas campuses.
A 17-member committee studied offshore campuses under NEP 2020.
Decision pending, balancing quality, accreditation, and capacity.
Potential expansion could boost India’s international education presence.
India re-elected to ICAO Council with strong mandate
India announced its re-election to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council with one of the highest mandates. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted India's growing role in global aviation leadership and the No Country Left Behind initiative. He noted India’s support for ICAO’s efforts to harmonise standards and practices and to assist developing countries. The council seat strengthens India’s influence on international aviation safety, security and air transport policy. The result comes as India expands its aviation footprint, connectivity, and training infrastructure to meet rising global demands and to promote sustainable aviation across regions.
India elected again to ICAO Council with a high mandate.
Minister Ram Mohan Naidu cited No Country Left Behind initiative.
India supports ICAO standards harmonisation and support for developing nations.
Seat strengthens India’s role in aviation safety and policy.
Expansion of domestic aviation capacity aligns with global aviation needs.
Dec 23, 2025
India Wins Zero-Duty Access on 100% Goods Exports to New Zealand After FTA
India secured zero-duty access for all goods exports to New Zealand following the successful completion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The pact is designed to deepen trade and investment, with New Zealand committing to facilitating significant Indian investments. The agreement aims to double bilateral trade within five years and marks India’s third major trade deal in 2025. New Zealand has pledged to invest about $20 billion in India over the next 15 years. While most Indian goods will enjoy duty-free access, some sensitive sectors may be excluded or bound by quotas and safeguards. The FTA is expected to stimulate services, investment, and technology ties between the two nations.
India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement concluded; zero-duty access for all Indian exports.
NZ to invest approximately $20 billion in India over 15 years.
Bilateral trade expected to double within five years.
Some sensitive Indian sectors may be restricted or quota-bound.
Third major India trade deal in 2025; emphasis on services and investment.
Dec 22, 2025
India Hands Over Three Quick Impact Projects to Myanmar
India has handed over three Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to Myanmar to support socio-economic development in the Mandalay Region. A flexible rapier loom and a modern high-tech weaving machine, both made in India, have been installed at the Saunder Weaving and Vocational Institute in Amarapura. A single-storey building for the Girls Training School in Mandalay was inaugurated by Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur and Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung. A third QIP focuses on tar-free gasification of agricultural waste, promoting rural electrification, clean energy development, and local capacity-building.
India handed over three QIPs to Myanmar
Rapier loom and weaving machine installed in Mandalay
Girls Training School building inaugurated
Tar-free gasification project for rural energy introduced
Aims to boost vocational education and energy access
Dec 20, 2025
US Launches Hawkeye Strike After ISIS-Killing of Americans in Syria
The United States launched Operation Hawkeye Strike against Islamic State fighters in Syria following the deaths of two American soldiers earlier this month. President Donald Trump described the retaliation as very serious and ordered actions against those responsible for the killings. The operation underscores Washington’s intent to deter ISIS and protect American personnel in the region. Official statements emphasised accountability and commitment to regional stability, with continued monitoring of evolving security threats in Syria and surrounding areas. The development follows recent U.S. military activity and public statements stressing counterterrorism objectives.
US launches Hawkeye Strike targeting ISIS fighters in Syria.
Retaliation cited for Americans’ deaths earlier in the month.
President Trump characterized the action as very serious retaliation.
Policy cites deterrence and regional stability objectives.
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