General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - April 2025

Apr 2025

Jun 08, 2026

India Hosts 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue in New Delhi

India hosted the 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue in New Delhi, marking continued engagement among BRICS partners in early June 2026. The discussions focused on multilateral cooperation, regional security, trade, and political coordination, with delegates emphasising dialogue and consensus-building amid diverse positions. The event underlined India's role as BRICS chair in 2026 and reflected broader efforts to expand the group's influence on global governance, infrastructure finance, and sustainable development. Participants highlighted the importance of enhanced people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation across member states, including joint projects in connectivity and digital technology. The dialogue contributed to shaping BRICS' common lines ahead of major summits.

11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue hosted in New Delhi
Date: early June 2026; India as BRICS chair
Topics: multilateral cooperation, regional security, trade
Emphasis on dialogue, consensus-building amid differences
Focus on connectivity and digital technology cooperation
Aims to shape BRICS positions ahead of summits

India–Indonesia Hold 8th Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi

India and Indonesia conducted the 8th India–Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi in June 2026. Co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono, the talks reviewed bilateral cooperation across defence, trade, health, education, pharmaceuticals, housing, and the creative industries. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2018 and discussed steps to deepen cooperation in regional security, connectivity, and economic collaboration. Officials highlighted progress in defence exchanges, manufacturing linkages, and people-to-people ties, while acknowledging shared interests in stabilising the Indo-Pacific region. India and Indonesia celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, reinforcing long-standing friendship and a forward-looking agenda.

8th Joint Commission Meeting held in New Delhi in June 2026
Co-chaired by EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and Indonesia's Sugiono
Reviewed defence, trade, health, education, pharmaceuticals, housing, and creative industries
Reaffirmed 2018 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Discussions on regional security, connectivity, and economic cooperation
75 years of diplomatic relations celebrated in 2025

Jun 05, 2026

Critical Minerals Observatory Launched by India and UK

India and the United Kingdom jointly launched the Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory in New Delhi. The new observatory will monitor critical mineral supply chains and help identify risks for clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. It will coordinate with government bodies, industry and research institutions to map flows of minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements. The observatory supports India’s strategy to diversify imports, reduce external dependence and strengthen resilience in key sectors like electric vehicles, solar and electronics. The initiative also aims to foster collaboration on mining, processing and recycling of critical minerals.

Launch location is New Delhi, with India and the United Kingdom as founders.
Observatory will monitor critical mineral supply chains relevant to clean energy.
Aims to identify supply risks for EVs, renewables and advanced manufacturing.
Intended to involve government, industry and research institutions.
Part of broader efforts to diversify mineral supplies and strengthen resilience.

Neelkanth Mishra Appointed Executive Director at World Bank

Neelkanth Mishra has been appointed as Executive Director at the World Bank, headquartered in Washington, D.C. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, a body that approves senior postings for India. Mishra is a widely known economist and policy adviser with extensive experience in macroeconomics, development policy and financial sector reform. As Executive Director, he will represent the Indian constituency at the World Bank for a fixed term, participating in high level discussions on lending programs, development projects and policy reforms. The move underscores India’s active role in global finance and development dialogue. The appointment aligns with India’s broader push to amplify its voice in international financial institutions.

Executive Director appointment at World Bank confirmed by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Neelkanth Mishra is described as a renowned economist and policy adviser.
Post located at World Bank headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Role involves representing India on global development finance matters.
Signifies India’s ongoing effort to strengthen influence in multilateral institutions.

Jun 03, 2026

Khalilur Rahman Elected UNGA President (Input Article)

Bangladesh's Khalilur Rahman has been elected President of the United Nations General Assembly's 81st session. The election took place on 2 June 2026 at UN Headquarters in New York, with Rahman defeating Cyprus' Andreas Kakouris by a narrow margin. As President, Rahman will preside over the Assembly’s debates and guide negotiations on budgetary and reform issues through the coming year. Rahman's election reflects Bangladesh's growing role in multilateral diplomacy and positions him to influence international priorities during a pivotal period for global governance.

Rahman elected President of UNGA 81st session
Election held on 2 June 2026 at UN Headquarters
Defeated Andreas Kakouris; high-stakes leadership role
Will preside over debates and reforms for a year
Marks Bangladesh's rising role in multilateral diplomacy

Venezuela's Acting President Visits India

Delcy Rodríguez, Acting President of Venezuela, began a five-day visit to India on 3 June 2026, continuing through 7 June. She is scheduled to hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian leaders to strengthen bilateral relations. Talks will focus on trade, investment, energy, renewable energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Venezuela is an important energy-producing nation, making energy cooperation a significant area of discussion. The visit reflects efforts by both countries to deepen diplomatic and commercial ties and explore new opportunities. It is expected to expand people-to-people exchanges and broaden strategic collaboration.

Delcy Rodríguez visits India from 3–7 June 2026
Meetings with PM Modi and other leaders planned
Focus on trade, investment and energy cooperation
Renewable energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals discussed
Aims to deepen diplomatic and economic ties

ICC Suspends Cricket Canada

The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended Cricket Canada in May 2026 for serious breaches of membership obligations. The decision was taken during an ICC Board meeting held in Ahmedabad. Despite the suspension, Canadian national teams will continue to participate in ICC tournaments. This step was taken to ensure players are not adversely affected by administrative issues. The suspension highlights the ICC's commitment to governance standards among member nations. Cricket Canada will be required to address the concerns raised by the ICC before its membership status can be restored. The development has drawn attention to governance and compliance issues within cricket administration globally.

Cricket Canada suspended by ICC in May 2026
Decision taken at ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad
Canadian teams allowed to participate in ICC events
Purpose: safeguard players amid governance issues
Cricket Canada must address ICC concerns for restoration

Jun 02, 2026

BRICS Culture CWG meeting to be held in Varanasi on 4–5 June

India will host the second BRICS Culture Working Group (CWG) Meeting in Varanasi from 4 to 5 June, as part of its BRICS Chairship. The gathering, organized under the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, will involve representatives from BRICS member countries. Delegates will discuss cooperation in cultural sectors, with emphasis on the creative economy, cultural industries and copyright issues in the AI era. Protection of cultural heritage and sustainable development are also on the agenda. The CWG aims to strengthen cultural collaboration and showcase India's heritage diplomacy while encouraging partnerships that support sustainable cultural projects across BRICS nations.

Second BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting to be held in Varanasi on 4–5 June.
Part of India's BRICS Chairship with theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
Discuss cooperation in creative economy, cultural industries and AI-era copyright.
Focus on protection of cultural heritage and sustainable development.
Aims to strengthen cultural collaboration across BRICS nations.

Jun 01, 2026

Malaysia Restricts Social Media Access for Children

Malaysia began enforcing new regulations on 1 June 2026 that prohibit children under 16 from creating social media accounts. The policy requires platforms to implement robust age‑verification systems and to restrict access for underage users. Violations may attract substantial penalties for companies and service providers. The government says the rules aim to strengthen online safety, reduce exposure to harmful content, and protect youth from online risks. Critics warn the measures could raise privacy concerns and hamper digital literacy efforts. Regulators pledge monitoring and international cooperation to ensure compliance, while schools and families prepare guidance to help young users navigate online spaces safely.

Regulations effective 1 June 2026
Under-16s barred from creating social media accounts
Platforms must verify ages; penalties apply for violations
Aims to improve online safety for youth
Critics cite privacy and digital literacy concerns

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