General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - August 2024

Aug 2024

Mar 24, 2026

Japan uncovers massive deep-sea rare earth deposit

Japan has identified a vast deep-sea deposit of rare earth elements nearly 6,000 metres below the Pacific Ocean near Minamitorishima. Described as a rare earth giant, the discovery includes more than 16 million tonnes of rare earth-rich mud, with critical elements such as yttrium and dysprosium. If confirmed, the resource could reshape global supply security for magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics, potentially meeting global demand for hundreds of years. The finding raises strategic and environmental considerations for offshore mining and influences the geopolitics of critical minerals.

Location: Near Minamitorishima, Pacific Ocean
Resource: Rare earth elements; 16 million tonnes
Key elements: Yttrium, dysprosium
Potential impact: Global supply security for magnets
Implications: geopolitics and environmental considerations

Mar 23, 2026

Pakistan Tops Global Terrorism Index 2026 Amid Rising Violence

Pakistan topped the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, reflecting rising violence. The Institute for Economics and Peace report cites 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents in 2025, the highest since 2013, earning Pakistan a GTI score of 8.57 and returning it to the top rank. Analysts attribute the surge to militant activity by groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Balochistan Liberation Army, alongside regional instability and cross-border tensions. The findings highlight ongoing security challenges in South Asia and stress the need for regional cooperation to counter extremism and promote stability.

GTI 2026 ranks Pakistan as top terrorism-affected country.
2025 data: 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents.
GTI score: 8.57, highest since 2013.
Attribution to TTP and BLA activity and regional instability.
Calls for greater regional cooperation to counter extremism.

Lipulekh Pass Trade to Resume Between India and China

Lipulekh Pass trade, linking India with Tibet, is expected to resume in June, reviving a long-standing Himalayan border trade route. The re-opening aims to boost commerce and people-to-people links in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, near Nepal and China. Lipulekh trade has historically complemented other passes such as Shipki La and Nathu La, and the renewed engagement reflects broader border-dialogue efforts. Officials emphasise smoother movement for local traders, streamlined customs, and a renewed border-management framework as part of broader diplomacy with neighbouring nations to strengthen regional connectivity and economic ties.

Lipulekh Pass trade to resume in June 2026.
Aims to boost commerce in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region.
Intended to complement Shipki La and Nathu La passes.
Focus on easier trader movement, customs and border management.
Part of broader India-China diplomatic engagement to enhance connectivity.

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.

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