General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - July 2024

Jul 2024

Dec 23, 2025

India Wins Zero-Duty Access on 100% Goods Exports to New Zealand After FTA

India secured zero-duty access for all goods exports to New Zealand following the successful completion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The pact is designed to deepen trade and investment, with New Zealand committing to facilitating significant Indian investments. The agreement aims to double bilateral trade within five years and marks India’s third major trade deal in 2025. New Zealand has pledged to invest about $20 billion in India over the next 15 years. While most Indian goods will enjoy duty-free access, some sensitive sectors may be excluded or bound by quotas and safeguards. The FTA is expected to stimulate services, investment, and technology ties between the two nations.

India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement concluded; zero-duty access for all Indian exports.
NZ to invest approximately $20 billion in India over 15 years.
Bilateral trade expected to double within five years.
Some sensitive Indian sectors may be restricted or quota-bound.
Third major India trade deal in 2025; emphasis on services and investment.

Dec 22, 2025

India Hands Over Three Quick Impact Projects to Myanmar

India has handed over three Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to Myanmar to support socio-economic development in the Mandalay Region. A flexible rapier loom and a modern high-tech weaving machine, both made in India, have been installed at the Saunder Weaving and Vocational Institute in Amarapura. A single-storey building for the Girls Training School in Mandalay was inaugurated by Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur and Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung. A third QIP focuses on tar-free gasification of agricultural waste, promoting rural electrification, clean energy development, and local capacity-building.

India handed over three QIPs to Myanmar
Rapier loom and weaving machine installed in Mandalay
Girls Training School building inaugurated
Tar-free gasification project for rural energy introduced
Aims to boost vocational education and energy access

Dec 20, 2025

US Launches Hawkeye Strike After ISIS-Killing of Americans in Syria

The United States launched Operation Hawkeye Strike against Islamic State fighters in Syria following the deaths of two American soldiers earlier this month. President Donald Trump described the retaliation as very serious and ordered actions against those responsible for the killings. The operation underscores Washington’s intent to deter ISIS and protect American personnel in the region. Official statements emphasised accountability and commitment to regional stability, with continued monitoring of evolving security threats in Syria and surrounding areas. The development follows recent U.S. military activity and public statements stressing counterterrorism objectives.

US launches Hawkeye Strike targeting ISIS fighters in Syria.
Retaliation cited for Americans’ deaths earlier in the month.
President Trump characterized the action as very serious retaliation.
Policy cites deterrence and regional stability objectives.

Dec 19, 2025

Britain appoints new U.S. Ambassador amid Epstein links controversy

Britain appointed a new Ambassador to the United States on 18 December 2025, replacing a diplomat who faced dismissal over links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Christian Turner, currently Britain’s permanent representative to the United Nations, will take up the post. The decision follows heightened scrutiny of personnel and diplomacy practices. The appointment aims to restore continuity in transatlantic relations and ensure robust coordination on security, trade, and global policy challenges. Turner’s experience at the UN is expected to inform ongoing U.K.–U.S. cooperation on shared priorities.

Appointee: Christian Turner
Previous post: UK Permanent Representative to the UN
Context: replaces dismissed diplomat over Epstein links
Focus: strengthen UK-US cooperation on security and trade
Date: 18 December 2025

India signs CEPA with Oman providing broad tariff liberalisation

India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 18 December 2025, offering India duty-free access to 98.08% of its tariff lines and covering 99.38% of goods India exports to Oman. In return, India will liberalize tariffs on 77.79% of its lines, covering 94.81% of imports from Oman. The pact also includes concessions benefiting services sectors and mobility of workers. The CEPA aims to boost trade and investment, diversify services trade, and support broader economic cooperation between the two economies, aligning with India’s broader trade and regional integration goals.

CEPA signed on 18 December 2025
Oman: 98.08% tariff lines duty-free access
India exports to Oman: 99.38% covered
India liberalises 77.79% of its tariff lines
Includes services and mobility provisions

India-Saudi Arabia sign visa waiver for official journeys

India and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral visa waiver agreement in Riyadh to facilitate official travels and strengthen exchanges under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. The agreement provides mutual exemption from short‑stay visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special, and official passports. Indian Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan and Saudi deputy minister Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari signed the agreement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The move aims to streamline official mobility and deepen cooperation across government and business sectors within the strategic partnership framework.

Date: signed in Riyadh (18–19 December 2025 context)
Agreement: visa waiver for diplomatic, official, and special passports
Purpose: boost official travel and strategic ties
Signatories: Indian Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan; Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari
Context: within India-Saudi Strategic Partnership framework

Prime Minister Modi receives Oman’s highest civilian honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded The First Class of the Order of Oman, one of the Gulf nation’s highest civilian honours. The recognition places Modi among a select group of global leaders who have received the award. The ceremony underscored strong bilateral ties and ongoing cooperation across multiple sectors. The award has previously been conferred on figures such as Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela. This distinction reflects Oman’s esteem for India’s strategic partnership and Modi’s role in advancing regional and international collaboration.

Award: First Class of the Order of Oman
Recipient: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Significance: high civilian honour in Oman
Context: reinforces India-Oman strategic partnership
Notable prior recipients: Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela

Dec 18, 2025

Netanyahu approves $35 billion gas export deal to Egypt

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced approval of a $35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt, described as the largest gas transaction in Israeli history. Gas will be delivered over 15 years with Chevron as a key supplier. About half of the proceeds are expected to go to Israel’s state coffers. The agreement could help ease regional tensions and strengthen energy and diplomatic ties between Israel and Egypt amid shifting dynamics in the Middle East. Details on pricing and long-term arrangements remain forthcoming as the deal progresses toward formal agreements.

Israel approves $35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt.
Delivery over 15 years; Chevron involved in gas supply.
About half of proceeds to Israel’s state coffers.
Could improve regional energy diplomacy.

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