General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - March 2025

Mar 2025

Dec 30, 2025

MeitY Secretary Confirms China Invited to AI Impact Summit

India has formally invited China to participate in the India AI Impact Summit in February 2026, signifying a potential thaw in tech and policy engagement. IT Secretary S. Krishnan confirmed the invitation during press remarks, noting that broader international participation would help shape inclusive AI development. Beijing’s involvement would mark a notable change in the bilateral tech dialogue, given recent tensions in other domains. The summit is expected to feature discussions on equitable AI deployment and cross-border cooperation in research and standards.

China invited to attend AI Impact Summit 2026
Invitation signals potential thaw in tech relations
Summit aims to foster inclusive AI development
Industry and policy communities expected to participate
Event could broaden international collaboration on AI

Australia to Remove Tariffs on All Indian Exports

Australia will eliminate tariffs on 100% of its tariff lines for Indian exports from January 1, 2026, under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA). The move is expected to deepen bilateral trade and create new opportunities for Indian exporters, particularly in labour‑intensive sectors. The decision coincides with the third anniversary of the Ind-Aus ECTA and signals stronger economic integration between the two countries. Industry officials anticipate gains across textiles, leather, footwear and agri-food products, with benefits extending to small and medium enterprises through reduced duties and smoother market access.

Tariff elimination covers 100% of tariff lines for India.
Effective date: January 1, 2026
Part of India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA)
Aims to boost Indian exports in labour-intensive sectors
Commemorates 3rd anniversary of Ind-Aus ECTA
Expected positive impact on SMEs and supply chains

Nepal, India Agree to Expand Cooperation in Agriculture Sector

Nepal and India agreed to expand agricultural cooperation through a biennial action plan within three months, translating bilateral agreements into tangible results. The arrangement was decided during the ninth meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Agriculture Working Group in Kathmandu in December 2025. The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation between agricultural universities and research institutions, including ICAR and the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), through separate time-bound plans. They further agreed to enhance collaboration in livestock, poultry and fisheries under a separate memorandum of understanding, aiming to boost productivity and food security.

Biennial action plan to operationalize agriculture cooperation
Ninth Nepal-India Joint Agriculture Working Group meeting
Strengthening ICAR-NARC university research linkages
Time-bound plans for universities and institutes
Expanded cooperation in livestock, poultry, fisheries
Aims to translate agreements into tangible results

After Five Years of Civil War in Myanmar, Military Junta Stages Election

Myanmar’s military junta conducted a restricted election in December 2025 after five years of civil conflict. Voter turnout appeared limited and many international observers condemned the process as neither free nor fair. The opposition and Western diplomats criticised the poll, while the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party is expected to emerge as a major bloc. Human rights concerns persisted, with Aung San Suu Kyi remaining detained and her party dissolved. Analysts say the election outcome could entrench military influence and complicate regional stability.

Myanmar held elections in December 2025 under junta rule
Global observers criticised the process as non-democratic
USDP expected to be a major political bloc
Aung San Suu Kyi remained detained
Rights groups condemned the vote
Election outcome could affect regional stability

Dec 29, 2025

Israel Recognises Somaliland as Independent State

Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025, becoming the first country to do so more than 30 years after Somaliland declared independence from Somalia. The mutual recognition was signed by Israeli Prime Minister and Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. The move marks a major diplomatic development in the Horn of Africa, with potential implications for regional security and relations with neighbouring states. Observers note that the decision could influence future recognitions and shaping of Somaliland’s international ties in the coming years.

Israel recognises Somaliland as an independent state.
First such recognition since Somaliland’s 1991 declaration of independence.
Mutual recognition signed by key leaders in December 2025.
Potential implications for regional diplomacy in the Horn of Africa.

China Opens World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel in Xinjiang

China opened the world’s longest expressway tunnel in Xinjiang. The 22.13-kilometre Tianshan Shengli Tunnel passes through the central Tianshan mountain range. The project reportedly sets two world records: longest expressway tunnel and deepest vertical shaft for a highway tunnel. Officials say the tunnel will shorten travel times, improve regional connectivity, and boost economic activity across Xinjiang. The achievement underscores China’s advances in infrastructure construction and high-level engineering, with potential implications for regional trade and mobility in western China.

Tianshan Shengli Tunnel opens in Xinjiang; length 22.13 km.
Reportedly longest expressway tunnel and deepest vertical shaft.
Aims to shorten travel time and boost connectivity.
Highlights China’s infrastructure and engineering capabilities.

Armenia Unveils Official COP17 Butterfly Logo

Armenia unveiled the official logo for COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The emblem centers on a rare blue butterfly, Polyommatus eriwanensis, known as the Erivan Anomalous Blue, found near Yerevan. The design uses 23 colors to symbolize the 23 biodiversity targets and carries the slogan Taking action for nature. COP17 is scheduled to be held in Yerevan from October 19 to 30, 2026. The logo conveys the need for collective action across targets to advance biodiversity conservation and sustainable development on a global scale.

Armenia reveals COP17 logo featuring the Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly.
Logo includes 23 colors representing biodiversity targets.
Event to be held in Yerevan, Oct 19-30, 2026.
Slogan: Taking action for nature.
Emphasizes collective action for biodiversity goals.

Dec 27, 2025

Bangladesh Leader Considered PM Frontrunner Returns from Exile Ahead of Polls

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned from nearly 17 years in exile, a homecoming the party hopes will energise supporters with Rahman poised to be the top contender for Prime Minister in February.
Rahman, 60, the son of ailing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has lived in London since 2008 and led the BNP as acting chairman since 2018.
His return comes as Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of nearly 175 million people, enters a sensitive election period under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Dec 26, 2025

India to Assume Kimberley Process Chair from January 1, 2026 (Third Time)

India has been selected to assume the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process (KP) from 1 January 2026, marking the third time the country will lead the UN-backed initiative to curb conflict diamond trade. The decision was taken at the Kimberley Process Plenary, which unites governments, the diamond industry, and civil society to ensure diamonds are not used to fund conflict. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) began in 2003 and now comprises 60 participants, with the EU counted as a single participant and accounting for over 99 percent of global rough diamond trade. India’s leadership is expected to push governance, certification integrity, and transparency in the diamond supply chain.

India to chair Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026 (third time)
KP Plenary includes governments, diamond industry, and civil society
KPCS started on 1 January 2003 and includes 60 participants
EU participates as a single participant, covering over 99% of trade
Focus on governance, certification integrity, and traceability

Dec 25, 2025

Bhutan and Morocco seek offshore IIT campuses; India considers expansion

Bhutan and Morocco have approached the Centre to explore offshore IIT campuses, alongside India’s existing overseas campuses in Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi. The government formed a 17-member committee to study offshore campuses under the NEP 2020 framework, with recommendations issued earlier. The proposals reflect growing international interest in Indian higher education and cross-border academic partnerships. Officials say no decision has been finalised yet, as India weighs quality, accreditation, and capacity needs against strategic and diplomatic considerations. If approved, new campuses could broaden India’s educational footprint and student mobility across regions.

Bhutan and Morocco express interest in offshore IIT campuses.
India already operates IIT Madras Zanzibar and IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi overseas campuses.
A 17-member committee studied offshore campuses under NEP 2020.
Decision pending, balancing quality, accreditation, and capacity.
Potential expansion could boost India’s international education presence.

India re-elected to ICAO Council with strong mandate

India announced its re-election to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council with one of the highest mandates. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted India's growing role in global aviation leadership and the No Country Left Behind initiative. He noted India’s support for ICAO’s efforts to harmonise standards and practices and to assist developing countries. The council seat strengthens India’s influence on international aviation safety, security and air transport policy. The result comes as India expands its aviation footprint, connectivity, and training infrastructure to meet rising global demands and to promote sustainable aviation across regions.

India elected again to ICAO Council with a high mandate.
Minister Ram Mohan Naidu cited No Country Left Behind initiative.
India supports ICAO standards harmonisation and support for developing nations.
Seat strengthens India’s role in aviation safety and policy.
Expansion of domestic aviation capacity aligns with global aviation needs.

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