General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - April 2024

Apr 2024

Sep 07, 2026

Bank of Canada Unveils Vertical 20 Banknote With King Charles III

The Bank of Canada unveiled a new vertical 20 banknote featuring the portrait of King Charles III in Ottawa, September 2026. The note replaces the portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II and marks the first appearance of King Charles III on a Canadian banknote, and the first time in more than 70 years that a new monarch appears on a Canadian note. Queen Elizabeth II had appeared on the Bank of Canada’s inaugural 20 note in 1935. The redesign aligns currency with contemporary symbols and security features, reflecting Canada’s constitutional ties to the Commonwealth. Users and collectors may notice design changes and updated anti-counterfeiting measures.

Vertical 20-dollar note features King Charles III
First monarch portrait change in over 70 years
Elizabeth II previously appeared on 1935 note
Currency redesign includes security enhancements
Reflects Canada’s Commonwealth ties

Sep 05, 2026

BRICS 18th Summit to be hosted in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026

As BRICS chair in 2026, India will host the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The dates were announced in late August, with plans to welcome leaders from BRICS member countries and outreach invitees. The summit will focus on trade, technology, and sustainable development, with deeper cooperation on energy and security. Indian officials emphasise inclusive dialogue and digital economy, alongside a broad outreach program. Analysts say the gathering could influence regional and global governance in the coming decade.

Dates: 12–13 September 2026
Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Focus: trade, technology, sustainable development
Backdrop: India’s BRICS chairmanship
Potential impact: global governance

Xi Jinping expected to attend BRICS Summit in New Delhi; observers invited

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026, signaling renewed engagement during India's BRICS chair. Talks are anticipated to cover trade, regional security, and technology cooperation, with notable attention on how China will participate amid ongoing regional dynamics. The official presence would underscore BRICS dialogue amid global power shifts. Observers and partner nations are invited to attend plenary and side events, expanding the forum's reach and visibility. Analysts caution that outcomes depend on evolving negotiations, but the attendance would mark a high-profile moment for BRICS.

Event: 18th BRICS Leaders Summit
Date: 12–13 September 2026
Attendee: Xi Jinping expected
Focus: trade, security, technology
Outlook: broad observers invited

Sep 04, 2026

Uzbekistan Grants Visa-Free Entry for Indian Passport Holders

Uzbekistan announced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian passport holders in August 2026 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tashkent. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev described India as a reliable strategic partner. The move aims to boost tourism, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges between India and Uzbekistan. Indian officials welcomed the decision as a milestone in regional engagement, with officials planning to advance mutual interests in energy, transit links, and investment. The visa facilitation is expected to facilitate business travel and cultural exchanges in the near term.

Announcement: August 2026; PM Modi visit to Tashkent.
Policy: 30-day visa-free entry for Indian passport holders.
Significance: strengthens India-Uzbekistan ties, travel and trade.
Potential sectors: tourism, energy, connectivity, people-to-people links.
Impact: easier business and cultural exchanges.

India and Belgium Sign Series of MoUs for Strategic Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever engaged in talks in New Delhi from 2 to 4 September 2026, signing multiple MoUs to strengthen bilateral ties. The agreements cover renewable energy cooperation, defence-industrial collaboration, migration and mobility, semiconductor collaboration, and the processing and recycling of critical minerals. The documents aim to broaden collaboration in emerging technologies, sustainable development, and strategic industries. The leaders welcomed the inaugural Belgium-India Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels on 15 July 2026 and emphasized mutual trust and shared values. The talks underscored a pursuing of deeper trade, investment, and people-to-people links.

Date of visit: 2–4 September 2026, New Delhi.
MoUs cover renewable energy, defence-industrial cooperation, migration, mobility, semiconductors, and critical minerals processing.
Aim: boost cooperation in emerging technologies and sustainable development.
Belgian PM Bart De Wever participated; joint statement issued.
Reference to 15 July 2026 Belgium-India Strategic Dialogue.

Sep 03, 2026

India–Afghanistan Joint Working Group on Trade Meets Virtually

The India–Afghanistan Joint Working Group on Trade, Commerce and Investment held a virtual meeting in September 2026 to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. Discussions covered trade facilitation, customs cooperation, banking links, visa support for traders, energy cooperation, tariff concessions and cargo connectivity. Participants stressed practical steps to ease cross-border movement and deepen supply chains. The meeting reflected ongoing engagement to expand trade relations despite regional challenges. Both sides expressed commitment to concrete agreements and monitoring mechanisms to track progress and resolve issues affecting bilateral commerce and investment.

Virtual meeting in September 2026
Focus on trade, commerce and investment
Topics include customs, banking, visas and energy
Tariff concessions and cargo connectivity discussed
Emphasis on cross-border movement and supply chains
Commitment to agreements and progress monitoring

Sep 02, 2026

SCO Summit 2026 Concludes in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

The 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Chaired by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, the summit marked the SCO’s 25th anniversary under the theme '25 Years of the SCO: Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity.' Participants adopted the Bishkek Declaration and agreed to transfer the SCO’s rotating chairmanship from Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan for the next term. The gathering focused on regional security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges, while reaffirming commitments to counter-terrorism and regional stability. Analysts noted evolving regional dynamics and expanded cooperation among member states.

Event location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Chair: President Sadyr Japarov (Kyrgyzstan).
Theme: 25 Years of the SCO: Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity.
Outcome: Bishkek Declaration; chairmanship to Pakistan for next term.
Focus: security, trade, connectivity, and regional cooperation.

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