General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - October 2021

Oct 2021

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

Oct 29, 2026

CBD COP-17: India Delivers National Statement at Yerevan

CBD COP-17 in Yerevan saw India’s National Statement delivered on 27 October 2026 by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The message reiterated India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and to implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The statement stressed sustainable financing, technology transfer, and enhanced action at subnational levels, including urban and rural partnerships. It highlighted collaboration with India’s NBA and UNDP and called for practical steps to translate global biodiversity goals into local improvements. The speech reflected India’s intent to balance ecological protection with development needs for its vast population.

India’s National Statement delivered 27 Oct 2026 at CBD COP-17
Reaffirms Kunming-Montreal GBF commitments
Emphasises sustainable financing and tech transfer
Focus on subnational and local actions
Collaboration with NBA and UNDP highlighted

Armenia Hosts CBD COP-17; India Delivers National Statement

The 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP-17) runs in Yerevan, Armenia, from 19 to 30 October 2026. On 27 October, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav delivered India’s National Statement at the high-level segment. India reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, stressing sustainable financing, technology transfer, and multi-level governance. The government highlighted collaboration with national authorities and UNDP, and called for concrete actions to translate global biodiversity commitments into local outcomes. The address showcased India’s emphasis on global partnerships while balancing development needs for its population.

CBD COP-17 held in Yerevan, Armenia (19–30 Oct 2026)
India’s National Statement delivered on 27 Oct 2026
Reaffirmation of Kunming-Montreal GBF commitments
Focus on sustainable financing and tech transfer
Collaboration with NBA and UNDP emphasized

Oct 28, 2026

Former Japanese PM Yasuo Fukuda Passes Away

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda died on 22 October 2026 at the age of 90. Fukuda led Japan from September 2007 to September 2008 and earlier served as Chief Cabinet Secretary (2000–2004). He was the son of former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda and was known for promoting diplomatic ties with China. During his tenure, Japan hosted the 2008 G8 Summit in Hokkaido. His passing was noted by leaders worldwide, reflecting on his steady diplomacy and long public service.

Yasuo Fukuda died on 22 October 2026 at age 90.
Prime Minister of Japan from September 2007 to September 2008.
Son of former PM Takeo Fukuda.
Promoted diplomacy with China; oversaw 2008 G8 Summit in Hokkaido.

Oct 26, 2026

Lula wins re-election as Brazil's president for fourth term

Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was re-elected on 25 October 2026, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely fought contest. Lula secured 51.79 percent of valid votes to Bolsonaro's 48.21 percent. The result secures a historic fourth term for Lula and sets the stage for continued policy initiatives in social programs, inflation control, and regional diplomacy. His new term begins on 5 January 2027. The election outcome is seen by observers as stabilising for South American politics and markets, with expectations of sustained emphasis on climate action and social welfare measures during Lula's administration.

Date announced: 25 October 2026
Winner: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Vote share: 51.79% vs 48.21%
New term begins: 5 January 2027
Implications: social programs, inflation policy, regional diplomacy
Context: historic fourth term for Lula

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