General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - March 2023

Mar 2023

Mar 20, 2026

India-China Trade Through Shipki La to Begin 2026

Trade between India and China is set to commence via the Shipki La pass in Himachal Pradesh from 1 June. A high-level meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Kinnaur discussed ground operations, including warehouses and shops for traders at Namgya Gram Panchayat. Enhanced coordination among the Indian Army, ITBP, and Customs was planned, with clear delineation of responsibilities to smooth cross-border commerce. The move aligns with broader regional trades, aiming to boost supplies and reduce logistics frictions while maintaining security and monitoring at the border.

India-China trade via Shipki La to start on 1 June
Warehouses and shops planned at Namgya Gram Panchayat
Increased coordination: Army, ITBP, Customs
Clear roles to ensure smooth cross-border trade
Step aims to reduce logistics costs and barriers

Mar 19, 2026

Finland tops World Happiness Report 2026; ninth consecutive year

Finland has again been named the happiest country in the World Happiness Report 2026, released on 19 March 2026 by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford. Finland leads for the ninth consecutive year, with Nordic nations consistently scoring high for health, social support, and trust. The report notes broader geographic patterns, with happiness high in Nordic countries while some Western European and American regions show declines in life evaluations. It highlights concerns about youth well-being and points to the influence of social media on mental health. Policymakers are urged to focus on social and digital well-being as part of national development. The launch aligns with the International Day of Happiness on 20 March.

Finland ranked 1st in World Happiness Report 2026, marking the ninth consecutive year at the top.
Nordic countries dominate the top ranks with high social support, trust, and health indicators.
The report notes declines in happiness in parts of Western Europe and the Americas, especially among youth due to digital media use.
India’s World Happiness Report 2025 ranking stood at 118th out of about 147 countries, with some improvement over 2024.
World Happiness Report 2026 launch events were announced; the report was released near the International Day of Happiness on 20 March.

Mar 18, 2026

India begins trade pact talks with Philippines and Maldives

India has initiated terms of reference for negotiations to begin new trade agreements with the Philippines and the Maldives. Commerce Ministry officials said the discussions will focus on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with the Philippines and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Maldives. The move aims to deepen economic ties, reduce duties on selected goods, and boost bilateral trade. The ToR outlines the roadmap for negotiations, including timeline milestones and sectoral priorities. The discussions come as India seeks diversified trade partners in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region, potentially expanding export markets for Indian manufacturers and suppliers.

ToR initiated with Philippines (PTA) and Maldives (FTA).
Goal: deepen trade and reduce duties on selected goods.
Strategic aim: diversify India’s regional trade partners.
Next steps: timeline milestones and sectoral priorities defined.

Mar 16, 2026

José Antonio Kast Takes Oath as President of Chile

José Antonio Kast has officially taken office as the President of Chile, signaling a shift toward conservative leadership. In his first address after taking oath, Kast promised strict action on crime, major economic reforms, and stronger border control. The presidency begins at a time of rising security concerns, economic pressure, and global challenges. Kast spoke to thousands of supporters outside La Moneda Palace in Santiago, emphasising decisive governance and a focus on security and growth. The new government aims to recalibrate social and economic policies while navigating regional dynamics and international relations. Observers noted the presidency could reshape Chile's stance on trade, energy, and social welfare.

Jose Antonio Kast took oath as Chile’s president, signaling conservatism.
First address pledged action on crime, reforms and borders.
Presidency starts amid security and economic concerns.
Observers say the government may affect trade, energy, and welfare.

Mar 13, 2026

INS Trikand to participate in Mauritius’ 58th National Day celebrations

Indian Naval Ship Trikand will participate in the 58th National Day celebrations of Mauritius, arriving at Port Louis on 12 March 2026 as part of its South-West Indian Ocean deployment. A marching contingent, naval band and an integral helicopter from INS Trikand are scheduled to take part in the National Day Parade at Champ de Mars on 14 March 2026. Commanding Officer Captain Sachin Kulkarni will also call on senior Mauritian officials and the Mauritius Coast Guard to strengthen maritime cooperation. The visit reinforces bilateral defence ties and interoperability between India and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean region.

Arrival: Port Louis, 12 March 2026
National Day Parade: 14 March 2026 at Champ de Mars
Participants: INS Trikand contingent, naval band, helicopter
Leader: Captain Sachin Kulkarni
Purpose: bolster India-Mauritius maritime cooperation

Iran withdraws from FIFA World Cup 2026 amid geopolitical tensions

Iran withdraws from the FIFA World Cup 2026 amid geopolitical tensions. Iran announced on 13 March 2026 that its national football team will not participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The decision was disclosed by Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali in a press briefing. Officials cited ongoing geopolitical tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel as the primary reason, saying security concerns and regional instability could jeopardize players and staff. The withdrawal removes one expected competitor and may affect match scheduling, broadcasting plans, and diplomatic interactions surrounding the tournament. Iran’s football federation has yet to announce any replacement team.

Date of announcement: 13 March 2026
Announcement made by Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali
World Cup hosts: United States, Canada and Mexico
Reason: geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the U.S. and Israel
Potential impacts: schedule, broadcasts, diplomacy

Trump announces $300 billion refinery partnership with Reliance Industries

United States President Donald Trump announced a $300 billion partnership with Reliance Industries Limited to build a major refinery project named America First Refining. The announcement appeared on Truth Social and is described as one of the largest energy investments in U.S. history. The refinery is planned for the Port of Brownsville in Texas and is expected to significantly expand domestic refining capacity after many decades without a new large facility. The project signals stronger energy ties between the United States and India, though officials cautioned that regulatory approvals, financing and logistics will need careful coordination before any construction begins.

Amount: $300 billion partnership
Partners: USA government and Reliance Industries
Project: America First Refining in Brownsville, Texas
Platform: Truth Social post by Donald Trump
Implication: potential boost to US refining capacity

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