Current Affair Category: International Relations

Why in News? The 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026. Host: Türkiye COP31 President: Murat Kurum, Türkiye’s Minister of Environment Vice-President: Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy Negotiation process: Australia will oversee negotiations, while Türkiye will host the summit. Unique Arrangement: Türkiye: Physical host and COP Presidency Australia: Responsible for overseeing the […]

Why in News? The BRICS New Delhi Declaration emphasised increasing trade in national currencies. This has renewed discussion on alternatives to SWIFT, particularly amid concerns over the use of financial sanctions and the dominance of the U.S. dollar in international payments. What is SWIFT? SWIFT — Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication — is a global messaging network that enables […]

Why in News? David Adeang, President of Naoero (formerly Nauru), announced at the 81st UN General Assembly that Naoero would voluntarily withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). He also criticised the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for delays in finalising rules for deep-sea mining. Key Developments: ICC Withdrawal: Naoero announced its intention to deposit its instruments of withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the […]

Why in News? The four members of the Visegrád Group (V4) recently supported India’s bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council at the first meeting of their Foreign Ministers with India. About Visegrád Group: Also known as the Visegrád Four (V4). Established in 1991 as a platform for regional cooperation. Promotes cooperation in economic, political, cultural, energy and defence-related areas. It […]

Why in News? The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) began on 8 September 2026 at the UN Headquarters in New York. Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh is the President of the 81st Session. India is participating in the session to discuss major global issues, including international peace and security, development, climate change and reform of multilateral institutions. About the United […]

Why in News? On 16 September 2026, Oman promoted Sohar Port in New Delhi as an alternative access point for India’s energy and trade flows from the Persian Gulf region. The development highlights the strategic importance of Middle Eastern ports and alternative maritime routes for India, particularly amid risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz. Sohar Port – Oman: Located on Oman’s Gulf […]

Why in News? The US House of Representatives has passed the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026” by 262–159 votes, sending it to President Donald Trump for consideration. Key Provisions: Targets Russia’s energy sector, financial institutions and its “shadow fleet” of oil tankers. Seeks to restrict Russian oil and gas revenues by tightening financial and shipping-related sanctions. Gives the US […]

Why in News? The 2026 BRICS New Delhi Declaration has indicated that BRICS members recognise the need to identify “pathways” for plurilateral initiatives within the WTO legal framework. This is significant because India has traditionally preferred multilateral trade negotiations involving all WTO members and has raised concerns about plurilateral agreements. What are Plurilateral Agreements? Plurilateral agreements are trade agreements negotiated and […]

Why in News? On 14 September 2026, the UN Secretary-General clarified that the UN does not define international borders through maps. The statement followed India’s objection to anomalies in a UN Geospatial “Map of the World”, particularly concerning J&K, Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin. What is the “Correct the Map” Resolution? Passed by the UN General Assembly on 3 September […]

Why in News? The 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India, adopted the New Delhi Declaration after prolonged negotiations, particularly over the language on the West Asia conflict. The consensus is significant because BRICS Foreign Ministers had failed to issue a joint statement in May 2026 due to differences among members. Key Issues: 1. West Asia Conflict: Called for maximum restraint, […]