General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - May 2020

May 2020

Nov 09, 2026

France Re-elected as Co-President of International Solar Alliance

France was re-elected as Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in November 2026, while India retained its Presidency for a third consecutive term during the ninth ISA Assembly held in New Delhi. The ISA, launched by India and France in 2015 at COP21 in Paris, promotes global solar energy adoption. Its headquarters are in Gurugram, Haryana. The assembly emphasised expanding solar energy investment, strengthening international cooperation, and promoting sustainable energy development. This leadership arrangement positions France and India to drive regional and international solar initiatives, including projects across Africa and the Indo-Pacific. The event reflects India’s ongoing role in ISA policy and programme development.

ISA leadership: France Co-President; India Presidency continues.
Event: Ninth ISA Assembly, New Delhi, November 2026.
Origin: ISA founded in 2015 at COP21; headquarters in Gurugram.
Focus: expanding solar investment and cooperation.
Implication: joint influence on global solar projects.

BOB-NOR Launched in Kochi, Kerala

BOB-NOR (Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries) was launched in November 2026 at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in Kochi, Kerala. The initiative brings together India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives to strengthen regional cooperation in ocean research, fisheries management and climate change studies. Coordinated by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), the network aims to improve sustainable fisheries management through joint scientific research and regular ocean observations. Official communications identify 3 November 2026 as the launch date, though some documents mention 5 November. The network will support collaborative surveys, data sharing, and capacity building among member states to advance marine science and governance.

Members: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives.
Lead body: BOBP-IGO; co-ordination for regional ocean research.
Launch location: CMFRI, Kochi.
Official launch date: widely cited as 3 November 2026; some sources cite 5 November.
Activities: joint surveys, data sharing, capacity building.

Nov 06, 2026

Four Countries Launch Bay of Bengal Network for Fisheries Research

Four Bay of Bengal littoral nations — India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives — jointly launched the Bay of Bengal Network of Ocean Researchers for Fisheries (BOB-NOR) in Kochi during November 2026. The network aims to strengthen regional cooperation in fisheries management by integrating ocean observations, climate research and shared scientific data. It will support joint research projects, harmonize data collection methods and build capacity among member institutions. By coordinating efforts on monitoring, forecasting and stock assessments, BOB-NOR seeks to promote sustainable fisheries and protect marine ecosystems amid climate-related shifts in fish stocks. Thailand was not among the founding countries.

BOB-NOR launched in Kochi in November 2026 by India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives
Aims to integrate ocean observations, climate research and data sharing
Supports joint research, standardized data practices and capacity building
Targets sustainable fisheries and resilient marine ecosystems
Thailand is not a founding member

Nov 04, 2026

India re‑elected as ISA President for a third term

India has been re‑elected as President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a third consecutive term during its ninth session on 3 November 2026. France is re‑elected as Co‑President. The ISA, formed in 2015 by India and France and headquartered in Gurugram, has 130 signatories. Its vision is 'One Sun One World One Grid' and it focuses on accelerating solar energy deployment worldwide. The re‑election underlines broad international support for India's leadership in renewable energy cooperation and policy harmonization among member countries.

India re‑elected ISA President for a third term
France remains Co‑President
ISA formed in 2015; headquartered in Gurugram
130 signatories; 'One Sun One World One Grid'
reinforces India’s leadership in solar energy cooperation

Jaishankar highlights India's digital public infrastructure at CHOGM 2026

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar addressed CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, emphasising the value of Digital Public Infrastructure for governance and financial responsibility. He noted how DPI has democratized access to services and expanded opportunities, and he referenced India’s recent Free Trade Agreements and ongoing negotiations as part of a broader strategy for predictable trade and resilient supply chains. Jaishankar's comments, shared on social media, reflect India’s proactive role in digital governance and its push for inclusive development within the Commonwealth and beyond.

Jaishankar at CHOGM 2026 highlights DPI
DPI accelerates governance and inclusion
references India’s FTAs and ongoing talks
emphasis on predictable trade and resilient supply chains
showcases India’s leadership in digital governance

Bhutan dedicates Stupa 76 to Narendra Modi as Project 108 advances

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck consecrated Stupa No. 76 in Gelephu Mindfulness City on 1 November 2026, dedicating it to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ceremony underscored close India-Bhutan cultural and spiritual ties. India’s Kiren Rijiju represented New Delhi at the event. Project 108 envisions 108 Buddhist stupas along an 11.7‑kilometre spiritual corridor near the Aie (Mau) River, close to the Assam border. Around 40,000 volunteers and craftsmen helped build the structures, each about 15 metres tall and spaced 108 metres apart. The gesture illustrates ongoing collaboration in faith, heritage and regional development.

Stupa No. 76 consecrated on 1 November 2026
dedication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Gelephu Mindfulness City; 11.7 km corridor
40,000 volunteers; 15 m tall stupas; 108 m spacing
project reflects India‑Bhutan spiritual and cultural ties
location near Bhutan’s border with Assam, India

Nov 03, 2026

UNMINURSO ends Western Sahara peacekeeping mission after 35 years

The United Nations announced that MINURSO, the long‑running peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, will end after 35 years as the Security Council did not renew its mandate. UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres said liquidation would begin on 1 November, with assets returned to troop‑contributing countries. Morocco welcomed the decision; Algeria‑backed Polisario Front expressed concern. MINURSO, established after a 1991 ceasefire, also carried the task of organizing a referendum that never took place due to voter‑eligibility disputes. The move follows a US‑backed resolution endorsing Rabat’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty, a stance opposed by Algeria. Russia’s vetoes and reversals left MINURSO without a new mandate.

MINURSO mandate not renewed; liquidation starts 1 November.
Morocco welcomes, Polisario Front concerned.
MINURSO established after 1991 ceasefire; referendum未 realized.
US-backed resolution supported Rabat autonomy plan.
Russia vetoes impacted Security Council actions.

Oct 30, 2026

South Korea Fines Google and Apple Over App Store Payment Practices

On 28 October 2026, the Korea Communications Commission (KMCC) fined Google and Apple a combined 63.7 billion won (about US$47.6 million) for violating the Telecommunications Business Act. Google faced 42.9 billion won in penalties, while Apple was fined 20.81 billion won. Regulators found that the two platforms restricted app developers' payment choices and imposed unfair terms for third‑party payment options, hindering competition in the digital marketplace. The KMCC ordered corrective actions to promote fair competition and consumer choice, including reforms to app‑store payment practices and disclosure norms. The decision underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of digital gatekeepers globally and signals India’s own exam‑relevant context on platform governance.

Combined fine of 63.7 billion won (approx. US$47.6 million) on 28 October 2026
Penalties split: Google 42.9 billion won; Apple 20.81 billion won
Violations: restricted developers' payment choices and unfair terms for alternative systems
Regulator ordered corrective measures to promote fair competition
Highlights global regulatory scrutiny of app store ecosystems

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