General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - March 2025

Mar 2025

May 14, 2026

Kevin Warsh poised to lead US Federal Reserve as next Chair

Kevin Warsh is on track to become the next chair of the United States Federal Reserve, contingent on a final confirmation vote. After a 51-45 Senate confirmation to a 14-year term on the Fed's Board of Governors, Warsh would assume the chair role currently held by Jerome Powell when the term ends. The confirmation expands the board with Warsh's long experience dating back to the 2008 financial crisis. Powell's chair term is due to end in the coming months, and a separate vote remains to appoint Warsh as chair. The development comes amid inflation concerns and political pressure on monetary policy.

Warsh confirmed to a 14-year term on the Fed Board (51-45).
A separate Senate vote is needed to name him Fed Chair.
If confirmed, he would succeed Jerome Powell as Chair.
Powell's current term ends in the coming months.
Global markets watch the move given inflation and policy sensitivities.

May 13, 2026

Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 Held in Mumbai

India hosted the Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai from 11 to 14 May, focusing on ethical diamond trade. The four-day gathering brought together government representatives, industry bodies, and civil society to strengthen monitoring, compliance, and consumer confidence in the natural diamond value chain amid evolving global challenges. KP Chair 2026 Suchindra Misra highlighted the format’s role in peace-building and livelihoods. Delegates discussed enhancements to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), artisanal and alluvial production, data systems, and steps to reinforce trust in ethically sourced natural diamonds. The meeting features ongoing working groups and committees.

KP Intersessional Meeting 2026 held in Mumbai (11–14 May)
Focus on ethical diamond trade and compliance
KP Chair 2026 Suchindra Misra emphasized certification trust
Discussions on KPCS improvements and data systems
Participation from governments, industry, and civil society

India-Oman CEPA to Come Into Force on 1 June 2026

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman is expected to come into force on 1 June 2026. The pact was signed in December 2025 and Oman ratified it by Royal decree in February 2026. CEPA covers goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation. India will gain duty-free access for 98% of its exports to Oman, including textiles, agricultural products, and leather. Tariffs on Omani products such as dates, marbles, and petrochemicals will be reduced. Bilateral trade stood at about USD 10.61 billion in FY 2024-25. On 12 May 2026, discussions in New Delhi focused on economic cooperation and trade facilitation under CEPA.

CEPA signed December 2025; Oman ratified February 2026
Effective from 1 June 2026
India gains duty-free access for 98% of exports to Oman
Tariff reductions on dates, marbles, petrochemicals for Oman
Bilateral trade approx. USD 10.61 billion in FY2024-25
Focus on goods, services, investment under CEPA

May 12, 2026

India to host Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit in Delhi, May 2026

India will host the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) in New Delhi from 28 May to 31 May 2026, in partnership with the African Union Commission. The theme is 'IA SPIRIT: India-Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience, and Inclusive Transformation.' The programme includes a Senior Officials Meeting on 28 May and the India-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 29 May. The summit will cover trade, investment, digital transformation, sustainability, inclusive development, agriculture, health, education, climate action, defence, space technology, energy, and critical minerals. A declaration with a roadmap for cooperation is expected to align India’s 2047 vision with Africa’s Agenda 2063.

IAFS-IV to be held in New Delhi from 28–31 May 2026.
Theme highlights strategic partnership and innovation.
Senior Officials Meeting on 28 May; Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 29 May.
Agenda includes trade, digital transformation, climate action, and more.
Roadmap aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063.

May 11, 2026

Jaishankar Reinforces India–Suriname Development Partnership

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Suriname during a three‑nation Caribbean tour from 2 to 10 May 2026. In Paramaribo, he handed over an India‑assisted Agro Passion Fruit processing facility and co‑chaired the 9th India–Suriname Joint Commission Meeting with Suriname’s Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva. India and Suriname maintain a bilateral framework of training, loans under Lines of Credit, and project‑based assistance in infrastructure, health, and agriculture. The 9th Joint Commission meeting covered defence, health, trade, education, culture, and traditional medicine. The agro facility supports value addition in agriculture and aligns with broader development cooperation goals between the two countries.

Caribbean tour: 2–10 May 2026
Facility: Agro Passion Fruit processing, Paramaribo
Joint Commission Meeting: 9th, co‑chaired with Suriname
Lending: Lines of Credit and project assistance
Areas: defence, health, trade, infrastructure, education, culture
Outcome: strengthened India–Suriname development partnership

May 10, 2026

Indore to Host BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in June 2026

Indore will host the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in June 2026 under India’s BRICS Presidency. The two-day event will bring together agriculture ministers from BRICS member nations to discuss global agricultural and food security issues. The agenda focuses on climate-resilient agriculture, digital farming, artificial intelligence in farming, global agricultural trade, and farmer welfare. India serves as BRICS chair in 2026, reflecting its growing role in international agricultural cooperation. The meeting will review ongoing cooperation in research, technology transfer, and capacity building, and examine ways to enhance farmer incomes and market access within BRICS. The Indore event signals India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and policy dialogue.

BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting slated for Indore in June 2026.
Two-day event held during India’s BRICS Presidency.
Topics include climate-resilient agriculture, digital farming, and AI in farming.
Focus on global trade, farmer welfare, and market access.
India chairs BRICS in 2026, highlighting international leadership.
Emphasis on research collaboration and technology transfer.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

June GK, May GK, April GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26