General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - January 2025

Jan 2025

Dec 02, 2025

India Re-Elected to UNESCO Executive Board for 2025-29 Term

India once again secured a seat on the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025–2029 term, marking a reaffirmation of its growing global leadership in promoting education, culture, science, and communication through multilateral cooperation. The announcement was made by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO, highlighting that India's re-election reflects the global community's confidence in its sustained and meaningful contribution to UNESCO's mandate and its commitment to inclusive and human-centric development.
The Executive Board is one of the three constitutional organs of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). It plays a key role in,
Overseeing the implementation of decisions by the General Conference
Preparing the work programme and budget
Guiding the overall strategy and policy-making process
Comprising 58 member states, the board is responsible for ensuring that UNESCO's decisions are translated into action.

Canada Joins EU Defence Fund as the Country Pivots Away from the US

Canada joined a major European Union defence fund, Prime Minister Mark Carney's office said, as the country looks to diversify its military spending away from the United States.
The plan allows Canadian defence companies access to a 150 billion euro ($170 billion) EU loan program, known as Security Action for Europe, or SAFE. That would allow Canadians firms to secure cheap, EU-backed loans to procure military equipment.

India Re-Elected to IMO Council with Highest Votes

India achieved a major diplomatic and maritime milestone in 2025, as it was re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council in Category B, securing 154 out of 169 valid votes — the highest vote tally in its category. This marked India's second consecutive term as the top-voted nation in Category B, solidifying its growing role as a global maritime power. The election took place during the 34^th IMO Assembly held in London, and India's performance reinforces its emergence as a policy influencer in international shipping, backed by the Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047.
The IMO Council is the executive arm of the International Maritime Organisation, responsible for supervising the organisation's work between sessions of the IMO Assembly.
The Council is divided into three categories,
Category A: Countries with the largest interest in providing international shipping services
Category B: Countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade
Category C: Countries with special interests in maritime transport or navigation
India serves in Category B, alongside major trading powers such as Germany, France, Canada, UAE, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, and Brazil.

Dec 01, 2025

India's Rise: Third Place in Asia Power Index 2025

India secured third ranking in Asia Power Index 2025 while the United States and China occupied the first and second spot respectively, a globally reputed think tank said in its findings.
Lowy Institute, the Australia-based think tank released its annual Asia Power Index in November which assessed the ability of nations, particularly of those in the Asian continent, to influence their external environment.
As per its rankings, India was much ahead of its peers but stayed behind China with a big difference. Both India and China scored better in various metrics and improved their standing than before. Russia improved its overall power in Asia for the first time since 2019.
The seventh edition of the Asia Power Index evaluated the power of 27 countries and territories across Asia, based on 131 indicators across eight thematic measures, including Military Capability and Defence Networks, Economic Capability and Relationships, Diplomatic and Cultural Influence, as well as Resilience and Future Resources.

Nov 30, 2025

France Introduces 10-Month Voluntary Military Scheme

President Emmanuel Macron announced the creation of a new voluntary youth military service to begin by mid-2026, which would help France respond to accelerating threats on the global stage.
The move is part of a broader shift across Europe, where nations who have long enjoyed the decades-long tranquillity of U.S. security guarantees are fretting about President Donald Trump's shifting priorities and Russia's aggressive posture.
Macron said that the voluntary scheme will be open to 18 and 19-year-olds, who would be paid, and would last 10 months.

World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025

The World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 in Baku, Azerbaijan concluded in November 2025 with global participation from ministers, policymakers and industry leaders. Held every four years, the conference charted the strategic roadmap for worldwide telecommunications development, and drew more than 2,300 delegates from across regions.
India participated under the leadership of the Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, who outlined India's vision on universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation.
The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) is not held every year; it is a conference that takes place every four years. It is the main event for the ITU's Development Sector to set the strategic direction and a four-year work program for global telecommunications development.

Riyadh Metro Enters Guinness World Records as the World Longest Driverless Network

Riyadh Metro officially secured a place in the Guinness World Records as the world's longest fully driverless metro system. Spanning 176 km and operating across six integrated lines with 85 stations, the network marks a significant leap in Saudi Arabia's pursuit of advanced, technology-driven urban mobility.
This achievement really puts Riyadh on the map as a global leader in high-tech transportation.

Nov 29, 2025

Jakarta Becomes World's Most Populous City In 2025

Jakarta overtook Tokyo as the world's most populous city, according to a UN study that uses new criteria to give a more accurate picture of the rapid urbanisation driving the growth of megacities.
The Indonesian capital is home to 42 million people, according to an estimate by the population division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs in its World Urbanisation Prospects 2025 report published in November 2025.
Jakarta is followed by the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka with 37 million people. With a population of 33 million, Tokyo – defined in the study as a megalopolis that includes three neighbouring prefectures – slipped to third place. That contrasts dramatically with the UN's previous report in 2018, which placed the Japanese capital top with a population of 37 million.

Nov 28, 2025

Gen Horta N'Tam New Guinea-Bissau Leader

An army general was sworn in as Guinea-Bissau's new head of state a day after an apparent coup.
Gen Horta N'Tam became the transitional President for a period of one year. He took the oath in brief and muted proceedings at army headquarters.
Some civil society groups in Guinea-Bissau have accused outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of masterminding a "simulated coup" against himself with the help of the military, saying it was a ruse to block election results from coming out in case he lost.

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza Retires as Pakistan's Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza retired as Pakistan's Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), coinciding with the abolition of the top position under the newly passed 27^th Constitutional Amendment.
The major tweak in the constitution reorganised the higher defence hierarchy by introducing the post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir will be the first CDF of the country. He was appointed as the army chief in 2024 for three years.
The 27^th Constitutional Amendment allows Munir to stay in office as CDF till 2030.

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