General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - April 2019

Apr 2019

Sep 30, 2026

Morocco appoints Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as first woman Prime Minister

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri was appointed as Morocco’s first woman Prime Minister in September 2026 by King Mohammed VI, making her the second woman to hold the post in the Arab world after Tunisia's Najla Bouden. Before becoming prime minister, El Mansouri served as the mayor of Marrakesh and held the role of Minister of National Spatial Planning, Urban Development, Housing, and Urban Policy. Her appointment signals a shift in Morocco’s political history, with observers noting increased female leadership at the highest levels. Analysts expect the new government to pursue reforms in housing, urban planning, and regional development, while maintaining stability and international engagement.

El Mansouri named Morocco’s first woman Prime Minister (Sept 2026)
Appointed by King Mohammed VI; second woman PM in Arab world
Former Marrakesh mayor and urban planning minister
Signals shift toward female leadership in Morocco
Possible reforms in housing and urban development

Sep 28, 2026

India and Liberia launch Shipping Safety Group in New York

India and Liberia jointly launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers in New York on 25 September 2026, during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week. Both countries will serve as co-chairs of the group, focusing on improving the safety and security of shipping and seafarers. India remains a major source of maritime professionals, while Liberia operates one of the world’s largest shipping registries by tonnage. The group aims to enhance international cooperation, share best practices and address maritime vulnerabilities through coordinated policy actions and training initiatives.

Group of Friends on Shipping Safety launched in New York, 25 September 2026.
India and Liberia co-chair the initiative to improve shipping safety.
Aims to boost international cooperation and maritime security.

Sep 26, 2026

VARUNA 2026 strengthens India–France naval cooperation

On 26 September 2026, India and France concluded the 24th edition of Exercise VARUNA, a bilateral naval drill intended to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability. The exercise featured Indian Navy units, with INS Trishul participating from Indian ships, while French naval assets operated from Toulon. VARUNA aims to improve coordinated response in sea-denial and humanitarian scenarios, focusing on air defense, surface warfare, and complex maritime maneuvers. The exercise reinforces defence ties between India and France and broadens joint training, planning, and information-sharing capabilities between the two navies. Military officials described VARUNA as a practical platform for coordinating multilateral responses to evolving maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Edition: 24th VARUNA; bilateral drill with France.
Indian participation: INS Trishul from Indian ships; French assets from Toulon.
Focus areas: interoperability, air defense, surface warfare, humanitarian scenarios.
Outcome: strengthened India-France maritime cooperation and training.
Strategic note: supports regional maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

Sep 25, 2026

UNSC Reform Talks: Jaishankar Chairs L.69 Ministerial Interaction at UNGA

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar co‑chaired the L.69 Consultative Ministerial Interaction on United Nations Security Council reform during the United Nations General Assembly. He reiterated India’s call for broader representation and enhanced functionality of the UN Security Council, stressing the need for the global south’s voice to be strengthened in decision-making. The session brought together senior ministers to discuss reform priorities, governance, and how to accelerate progress on a multilateral system that reflects current geopolitical realities. India continues to advocate for a permanent seat and structural changes at the Council.

Event: L.69 ministerial interaction on UNSC reform
Lead: Dr. S. Jaishankar
Position: India’s push for broader representation
Context: UNGA event
Goal: Accelerate multilateral reform aligned with current geopolitics

Sep 24, 2026

Asad Alam Siam named Bangladesh High Commissioner to India

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam has been appointed as the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India. He will lead the Bangladeshi diplomatic mission in New Delhi at a critical juncture for bilateral relations, with ongoing cooperation in trade, energy, and security. The appointment is expected to deepen dialogue on cross-border connectivity, river resources, and regional stability. The High Commission in New Delhi will work to strengthen people-to-people links and advance joint initiatives in development, climate resilience, and cultural exchange, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two nations.

Appointment: Asad Alam Siam as Bangladesh High Commissioner to India.
Location: New Delhi, India.
Relation focus: trade, energy, security, connectivity.
Expected outcomes: stronger bilateral dialogue and cooperation.
Areas of collaboration: development, climate resilience, culture.

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