General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - January 2026

Jan 2026

Nov 04, 2026

India re‑elected as ISA President for a third term

India has been re‑elected as President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a third consecutive term during its ninth session on 3 November 2026. France is re‑elected as Co‑President. The ISA, formed in 2015 by India and France and headquartered in Gurugram, has 130 signatories. Its vision is 'One Sun One World One Grid' and it focuses on accelerating solar energy deployment worldwide. The re‑election underlines broad international support for India's leadership in renewable energy cooperation and policy harmonization among member countries.

India re‑elected ISA President for a third term
France remains Co‑President
ISA formed in 2015; headquartered in Gurugram
130 signatories; 'One Sun One World One Grid'
reinforces India’s leadership in solar energy cooperation

Jaishankar highlights India's digital public infrastructure at CHOGM 2026

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar addressed CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, emphasising the value of Digital Public Infrastructure for governance and financial responsibility. He noted how DPI has democratized access to services and expanded opportunities, and he referenced India’s recent Free Trade Agreements and ongoing negotiations as part of a broader strategy for predictable trade and resilient supply chains. Jaishankar's comments, shared on social media, reflect India’s proactive role in digital governance and its push for inclusive development within the Commonwealth and beyond.

Jaishankar at CHOGM 2026 highlights DPI
DPI accelerates governance and inclusion
references India’s FTAs and ongoing talks
emphasis on predictable trade and resilient supply chains
showcases India’s leadership in digital governance

Bhutan dedicates Stupa 76 to Narendra Modi as Project 108 advances

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck consecrated Stupa No. 76 in Gelephu Mindfulness City on 1 November 2026, dedicating it to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ceremony underscored close India-Bhutan cultural and spiritual ties. India’s Kiren Rijiju represented New Delhi at the event. Project 108 envisions 108 Buddhist stupas along an 11.7‑kilometre spiritual corridor near the Aie (Mau) River, close to the Assam border. Around 40,000 volunteers and craftsmen helped build the structures, each about 15 metres tall and spaced 108 metres apart. The gesture illustrates ongoing collaboration in faith, heritage and regional development.

Stupa No. 76 consecrated on 1 November 2026
dedication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Gelephu Mindfulness City; 11.7 km corridor
40,000 volunteers; 15 m tall stupas; 108 m spacing
project reflects India‑Bhutan spiritual and cultural ties
location near Bhutan’s border with Assam, India

Nov 03, 2026

UNMINURSO ends Western Sahara peacekeeping mission after 35 years

The United Nations announced that MINURSO, the long‑running peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, will end after 35 years as the Security Council did not renew its mandate. UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres said liquidation would begin on 1 November, with assets returned to troop‑contributing countries. Morocco welcomed the decision; Algeria‑backed Polisario Front expressed concern. MINURSO, established after a 1991 ceasefire, also carried the task of organizing a referendum that never took place due to voter‑eligibility disputes. The move follows a US‑backed resolution endorsing Rabat’s autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty, a stance opposed by Algeria. Russia’s vetoes and reversals left MINURSO without a new mandate.

MINURSO mandate not renewed; liquidation starts 1 November.
Morocco welcomes, Polisario Front concerned.
MINURSO established after 1991 ceasefire; referendum未 realized.
US-backed resolution supported Rabat autonomy plan.
Russia vetoes impacted Security Council actions.

Oct 30, 2026

South Korea Fines Google and Apple Over App Store Payment Practices

On 28 October 2026, the Korea Communications Commission (KMCC) fined Google and Apple a combined 63.7 billion won (about US$47.6 million) for violating the Telecommunications Business Act. Google faced 42.9 billion won in penalties, while Apple was fined 20.81 billion won. Regulators found that the two platforms restricted app developers' payment choices and imposed unfair terms for third‑party payment options, hindering competition in the digital marketplace. The KMCC ordered corrective actions to promote fair competition and consumer choice, including reforms to app‑store payment practices and disclosure norms. The decision underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of digital gatekeepers globally and signals India’s own exam‑relevant context on platform governance.

Combined fine of 63.7 billion won (approx. US$47.6 million) on 28 October 2026
Penalties split: Google 42.9 billion won; Apple 20.81 billion won
Violations: restricted developers' payment choices and unfair terms for alternative systems
Regulator ordered corrective measures to promote fair competition
Highlights global regulatory scrutiny of app store ecosystems

Oct 29, 2026

CBD COP-17: India Delivers National Statement at Yerevan

CBD COP-17 in Yerevan saw India’s National Statement delivered on 27 October 2026 by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The message reiterated India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and to implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The statement stressed sustainable financing, technology transfer, and enhanced action at subnational levels, including urban and rural partnerships. It highlighted collaboration with India’s NBA and UNDP and called for practical steps to translate global biodiversity goals into local improvements. The speech reflected India’s intent to balance ecological protection with development needs for its vast population.

India’s National Statement delivered 27 Oct 2026 at CBD COP-17
Reaffirms Kunming-Montreal GBF commitments
Emphasises sustainable financing and tech transfer
Focus on subnational and local actions
Collaboration with NBA and UNDP highlighted

Armenia Hosts CBD COP-17; India Delivers National Statement

The 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP-17) runs in Yerevan, Armenia, from 19 to 30 October 2026. On 27 October, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav delivered India’s National Statement at the high-level segment. India reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, stressing sustainable financing, technology transfer, and multi-level governance. The government highlighted collaboration with national authorities and UNDP, and called for concrete actions to translate global biodiversity commitments into local outcomes. The address showcased India’s emphasis on global partnerships while balancing development needs for its population.

CBD COP-17 held in Yerevan, Armenia (19–30 Oct 2026)
India’s National Statement delivered on 27 Oct 2026
Reaffirmation of Kunming-Montreal GBF commitments
Focus on sustainable financing and tech transfer
Collaboration with NBA and UNDP emphasized

Oct 28, 2026

Former Japanese PM Yasuo Fukuda Passes Away

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda died on 22 October 2026 at the age of 90. Fukuda led Japan from September 2007 to September 2008 and earlier served as Chief Cabinet Secretary (2000–2004). He was the son of former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda and was known for promoting diplomatic ties with China. During his tenure, Japan hosted the 2008 G8 Summit in Hokkaido. His passing was noted by leaders worldwide, reflecting on his steady diplomacy and long public service.

Yasuo Fukuda died on 22 October 2026 at age 90.
Prime Minister of Japan from September 2007 to September 2008.
Son of former PM Takeo Fukuda.
Promoted diplomacy with China; oversaw 2008 G8 Summit in Hokkaido.

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