{"id":104624,"date":"2026-05-22T18:19:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T12:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=104624"},"modified":"2026-05-23T17:47:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T12:17:25","slug":"important-summits-and-conferences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/important-summits-and-conferences\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Summits and Conferences 2025-2026, Key Outcomes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The year 2025-2026 witnessed several key summits at the national and international level addressing major global issues such as security, climate, and technology.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>1st Raisina Middle East Conference (2025)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first Raisina Middle East Conference was held on 28-29 January 2025 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to strengthen India-Middle East strategic and economic cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Abu Dhabi, UAE.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chief Guest<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: S. Jaishankar.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Organisers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Observer Research Foundation, ORF Middle East, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and India\u2019s Ministry of External Affairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Key Focus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Trade, connectivity, technology, energy, and regional security cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of the 1st Raisina Middle East Conference (2025)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Support for IMEC<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Strong emphasis on the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/imec-economic-corridor\/\" target=\"_blank\">India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to improve connectivity and trade.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Technology Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Focus on AI governance, digital infrastructure, and semiconductor partnerships.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Energy &amp; Climate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Discussions on green hydrogen, clean energy transition, and energy security.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strategic &amp; Maritime Security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Emphasis on regional stability, maritime safety, and secure supply chains.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>India\u2013UAE Partnership<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reinforced growing India-UAE economic and strategic ties under CEPA.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>AI Action Summit 2025<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The AI Action Summit 2025 was held from <\/span><b>10\u201311 February 2025<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This was the <\/span><b>third edition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the global AI summit series after Bletchley Park (2023) and Seoul (2024).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Grand Palais, Paris, France.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Host Country<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: France.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Co-Chairs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/narendra-modi\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Narendra Modi<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Participants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Representatives from over 100 countries, including governments, industry leaders, academia, and civil society.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Key Focus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Safe AI governance, innovation, inclusivity, and global cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of the AI Action Summit 2025<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Five Key Thematic Areas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Public interest AI, Future of work, Innovation and culture, Trust and safety and Inclusive global AI governance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Paris Statement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Over 50 countries supported a shared vision for safe, inclusive, and sustainable development of AI. <\/span><b>The United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) did not sign it.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Public Interest AI Pus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">h: Strong emphasis on developing AI systems that serve public welfare and social good.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Global South Inclusion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Focus on reducing the digital divide by improving access to computing power and AI resources in developing countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>InvestAI Initiative<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Launch of funding mechanisms to support public-interest AI projects and innovation in AI governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>AI for Good Projects<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Multiple initiatives showcased AI applications in healthcare, education, climate action, and governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 was held on 24\u201325 February 2025 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The summit focused on attracting investment, promoting industrial growth, and generating employment opportunities in the state.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Mankind), Bhopal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Host State<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Madhya Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Theme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Infinite Possibilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Objective<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: To attract domestic and foreign investment and boost employment and industrial development in Madhya Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of GIS 2025<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Investment Commitments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: MoUs worth around \u20b930.77 lakh crore were signed during the summit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Focus Sectors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Investments targeted renewable energy, IT, MSMEs, infrastructure, startups, health services, technical education, and skill development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Global Participation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: More than 25,000 registrations and participation from delegates representing over 60 countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Partner Countries<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Nine countries participated as partner nations, including Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, and Canada.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Employment &amp; Industrial Growth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The summit aimed to promote large industries, ancillary industries, and job creation in Madhya Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Vision for Developed India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Discussions highlighted India\u2019s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and the world\u2019s third-largest economy by 2027.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 was held from 1\u20134 May 2025 in Mumbai, to promote India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Organiser<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inaugurated<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> By: Narendra Modi.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Participants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Over 10,000 delegates and creators from more than 90 countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Objective<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: To promote dialogue, innovation, collaboration, and investment in the media and entertainment sector.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of WAVES 2025<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>WAVES Declaration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Representatives from 77 countries adopted the WAVES Declaration, strengthening global cooperation in media and entertainment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Business Deals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: WAVES Bazaar facilitated media and entertainment deals worth over \u20b91,300 crore.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Create in India Challenge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Showcased young creators and innovators, with 750 finalists presenting their work at the Creatosphere.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Four Core Pillars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Broadcasting &amp; Infotainment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AVGC-XR (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics &amp; Extended Reality)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital Media &amp; Innovation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Films<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>WaveXcelerator Platform<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Connected startups with investors and mentors to support innovation in the media sector.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Global Media Dialogue:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Discussions focused on media ethics, digital innovation, international cooperation, and emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bharat Pavilion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Highlighted India\u2019s journey from traditional arts to digital creativity under the theme \u201cKala to Code.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>51st G7 Summit<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 51st G7 Summit was held from 16-17 June 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Host Country<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Canada.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>India\u2019s Status<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India attended as an outreach country for the sixth consecutive year.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Key Theme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Economic resilience, climate action, critical minerals security and resilient supply chains.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Key Outcomes of the 51st G7 Summit:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kananaskis Wildfire Charter<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Adopted to address wildfire threats through science-based policies, local action and nature-based solutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Launched to diversify critical mineral supply chains, boost investment and promote local value addition and innovation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Support for RISE Partnership<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: G7 reaffirmed commitment to the World Bank-led Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement (RISE) Partnership.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Condemnation of Transnational Repression (TNR)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: G7 condemned foreign interference aimed at intimidating or coercing individuals and communities abroad.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Measures Against Migrant Smuggling<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: G7 strengthened cooperation through the G7 Coalition and the 2024 Action Plan to counter migrant smuggling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Climate and Forest Commitments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reaffirmed support for the 2021 Glasgow Leaders\u2019 Declaration to halt deforestation and land degradation by 2030.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>NATO Summit 2025<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The NATO Summit 2025 was held from 24\u201325 June 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: World Forum, The Hague, Netherlands.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Host Country<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: It marked the first NATO summit hosted by the Netherlands.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chair<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Key Participants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: NATO member states + Indo-Pacific partners (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea). It was the first NATO summit attended by the U.S. President Donald Trump during his second term.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Key Focus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Defence spending, collective security, support to Ukraine, industrial capacity, and Indo-Pacific security linkages.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of NATO Summit 2025<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Hague Summit Declaration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Adopted as the main political outcome of the summit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>5% Defence Spending Pledge: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NATO members agreed to raise defence and security spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, replacing the earlier 2% target.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3.5% for core military capability development and NATO capability targets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1.5% for defence-related areas like cyber security, infrastructure protection, civil preparedness, innovation, and defence industry strengthening.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reaffirmation of Article 5: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allies reaffirmed commitment to collective defence, stressing unity against emerging hybrid threats like cyberattacks and sabotage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Support for Ukraine: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continued political and military support to Ukraine was reiterated, with greater flexibility allowing defence aid contributions to be counted in national defence spending calculations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Defence Industrial Expansion: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adoption of Defence Production Action Plan and Rapid Adoption Action Plan to boost joint production, reduce barriers, and strengthen NATO defence supply chains.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Indo-Pacific Engagement: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Special session held with Indo-Pacific partners (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea) highlighting security linkages such as Russia\u2013North Korea military cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>17th BRICS Summit 2025\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <strong>17th <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/brics-summit-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\">BRICS Summit<\/a><\/strong> was held on 6-7 July 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Host Country<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Brazil.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Theme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Strengthening Global South cooperation for a more Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Next Chair <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India will assume BRICS Chairship and host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>India\u2019s Participation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Prime Minister of India participated in the summit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>New Member<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Indonesia became a BRICS member in January 2025 and participated in the 17th BRICS Summit for the first time since its membership.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Key Outcomes of the 17th BRICS Summit<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Global Governance Reform<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Supported expansion of the UN Security Council to include more representation from Asia, Africa and Latin America; pushed reforms in IMF and World Bank to better reflect Emerging Markets and Developing Countries; and backed a fair, rules-based WTO system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sustainable Development &amp; Climate Finance: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopted a framework to mobilize climate finance for developing countries and signed an MoU on BRICS Carbon Markets Partnership to promote cooperation in carbon pricing and emissions trading.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Peace and Security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reaffirmed \u201cAfrican Solutions for African Problems,\u201d called for Gaza ceasefire and two-state solution, and condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. India emphasized that terrorism must be opposed universally without double standards.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Financial Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Progress on Cross-Border Payments Initiative to reduce dependence on the US dollar, support for expansion of the New Development Bank, and launch of BRICS Multilateral Guarantees (BMG) pilot to reduce investment risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Technology &amp; Digital Economy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Adoption of BRICS statement on global AI governance, agreement on data economy cooperation, and proposal to establish a BRICS Space Council for joint space activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Health Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Launch of Partnership for elimination of socially determined diseases, with focus on tuberculosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>CBAM Concern<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: BRICS countries condemned the EU\u2019s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), stating it acts as a trade barrier and affects exports from developing economies like steel and cement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>25th SCO Summit (2025)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held from 31 August-1 September 2025. The summit marked the first meeting of SCO at its full 10-member membership size.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Tianjin, China (Meijiang International Convention and Exhibition Center).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Host<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Country: China.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chair<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: President Xi Jinping.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Next Chair<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Kyrgyzstan (2025\u201326).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Theme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Preserving the Shanghai Spirit: The Dynamism of the SCO.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>India\u2019s Participation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the summit.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of the 25th SCO Summit (2025)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Expansion of SCO <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Laos granted partner status, expanding SCO\u2019s total strength to 27 countries (10 members + 17 partners).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tianjin Declaration (Counter-Terrorism)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Strongly condemned terrorism, including the Pahalgam attack, rejected \u201cdouble standards\u201d in counter-terrorism, and called for ending cross-border movement of terrorists.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Global Governance Initiative (GGI)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Proposed vision for a more just, multipolar world based on sovereign equality, multilateralism, and fair global order; aligned with India\u2019s idea of \u201cOne Earth, One Family, One Future.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Opposition to Unilateral Sanctions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Members opposed unilateral coercive measures (including economic sanctions) that go against UN and WTO principles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Peace &amp; Security Concerns<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Condemned military actions in Gaza and Iran and stressed inclusive governance in Afghanistan for regional stability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Economic Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Emphasis on boosting trade and investment, stabilizing global trade flows, and proposal to establish an SCO Development Bank.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><b>Gaza Peace Summit (2025)<\/b><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Gaza Peace Summit, also known as the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, was held on 13 October 2025,\u00a0 following the implementation of a ceasefire agreement on 10 October 2025. The summit focused on peacebuilding, humanitarian relief, and post-war reconstruction in Gaza.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sharm El-Sheikh International Convention Centre, Egypt.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Host Country<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Egypt.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Co-Chairs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Participants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Representatives from around 30 countries, UN officials, and regional leaders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>India\u2019s Participation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India was represented by the Minister of State for External Affairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Notable Absence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Representatives from Israel and Hamas were not physically present at the venue, with regional powers acting as direct mediators<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of the Gaza Peace Summit (2025)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Leaders of the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey signed a declaration inaugurating the US-backed 20-point peace plan for Gaza.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Peace Through Diplomacy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The plan declared that future disputes should be resolved through diplomatic engagement and negotiation rather than force or prolonged conflict.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hamas Disarmament &amp; Gaza Reconstruction<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Called for Hamas\u2019s disarmament and internationally supervised reconstruction of Gaza.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>No Forced Displacement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The plan stated that Palestinians would not be forcibly removed from Gaza and Israel would neither occupy nor annex the Gaza Strip.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>No Explicit Two-State Guarantee<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The 20-point peace plan did not guarantee the creation of an independent Palestinian state or a formal two-state solution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ceasefire &amp; Prisoner Exchange<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Summit supported implementation of the ceasefire and mechanisms for release of hostages and prisoners.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Humanitarian Assistance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Leaders pushed for unrestricted humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, fuel, and reconstruction materials.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Transitional Governance Discussions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Discussions began on future governance arrangements and stabilization mechanisms for Gaza.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Regional Diplomacy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Summit highlighted the growing role of regional guarantors and multilateral diplomacy in Middle East peace efforts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>India\u2019s Stand<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India appreciated international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>22nd ASEAN\u2013India Summit (2025)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 22nd ASEAN\u2013India Summit was held on 26 October 2025. The meeting strengthened the ASEAN\u2013India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chair\/Co-Chair<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (Malaysia).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>India\u2019s Participation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated virtually.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Theme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Inclusivity and Sustainability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Key Focus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Maritime cooperation, trade, digital economy, and regional connectivity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of the 22nd ASEAN\u2013India Summit (2025)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ASEAN Expansion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Timor-Leste participated as the 11th member of ASEAN for the first time in the summit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ASEAN\u2013India Plan of Action (2026\u20132030)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Endorsed to implement and strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) across political, economic, and security areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Maritime Cooperation (2026)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India declared 2026 as ASEAN\u2013India Year of Maritime Cooperation focusing on Blue Economy, maritime security, and disaster management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Trade Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Call for early review of the ASEAN\u2013India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to address trade imbalance and improve market access.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tourism Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 2025 marked as the ASEAN\u2013India Year of Tourism with emphasis on sustainable tourism development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Capacity Building<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Proposal to establish a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University to promote academic and cultural exchange.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Technology &amp; Strategic Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Strengthening collaboration in fintech, semiconductors, cyber security, critical minerals, rare earths, and emerging technologies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cultural &amp; Maritime Initiatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India to host the Maritime Heritage Festival at Lothal, Gujarat, and expand maritime security cooperation exercises.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>APEC Summit 2025<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2025 was held in Gyeongju, South Korea, from 31 October-1 November 2025, where leaders adopted the APEC Leaders\u2019 Gyeongju Declaration (2025) focusing on inclusive growth, AI transformation, and regional economic cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Gyeongju, South Korea.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Host<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Country: South Korea.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Theme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Participants:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Leaders of 21 APEC member economies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Key Document<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: APEC Leaders\u2019 Gyeongju Declaration (2025).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of the APEC Summit 2025<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gyeongju Declaration (2025)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reaffirmed commitment to inclusive growth, digital transformation, and stronger regional economic integration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Three Core Priorities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building a dynamic and interconnected regional economy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparing for AI and digital transformation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth benefits all<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>APEC AI Initiative (2026\u20132030)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Launched to promote innovation, capacity building, cooperation, and sustainable AI development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Framework for Demographic Changes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Adopted to address ageing populations, declining birth rates, urbanisation, and promote \u201csilver economy\u201d opportunities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Economic &amp; Technological Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China and South Korea renewed a currency swap agreement and signed a cybersecurity MoU.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US\u2013China discussions signaled easing trade tensions and possible tariff reductions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Support for Multilateralism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reaffirmed commitment to the <\/span><b>Putrajaya Vision 2040<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for free, fair, and rules-based trade and investment cooperation.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Putrajaya Vision 2040<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A long-term APEC strategy adopted in 2020 to build an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>World Toilet Summit (WTS) 2025<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The World Toilet Summit 2025 was held in New Delhi, India, alongside World Toilet Day (19 November), focusing on sanitation, dignity, and sustainable waste management.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Host Organisations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sulabh International and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Theme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: \u201cSanitation: Collective Responsibility for Dignity and Planet.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Organiser<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: World Toilet Organization.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Focus Areas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Circular economy in sanitation, sustainable waste management, and transition from ODF to ODF++ status.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of World Toilet Summit 2025<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Promotion of Sanitation &amp; Hygiene<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Emphasis on safe sanitation, dignity, and environmental sustainability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ODF++ Focus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Discussions on improving sewage treatment and waste management beyond open-defecation-free status.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Circular Economy in Sanitation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Encouraged reuse and recycling of wastewater and sanitation resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Awareness Campaigns Launched:<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>\u201cToilet Paas Hai\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> campaign to improve awareness and accessibility of toilets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>\u201cMain Saaf Hi Achha Hoon\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> campaign promoting cleanliness and hygiene practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>20th G20 Summit (2025)<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. It marked the first-ever G20 Summit hosted on the African continent\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chair<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: South Africa.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Troika<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Brazil (previous), South Africa (current), United States (next).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Theme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Significance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: It marked the first-ever G20 Summit hosted on the African continent<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>India\u2019s Participation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the summit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top leaders of several major economies, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and notably the United States did not participate in the summit despite being a G20 member.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of the 20th G20 Summit (2025)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Johannesburg Leaders\u2019 Declaration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Adopted a 122-paragraph consensus document covering climate action, global governance reform, and inclusive development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>African Union Integration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Strengthened and operationalised the African Union\u2019s permanent membership in G20 decision-making processes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>UNSC Reform<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Supported expansion and reform of the UN Security Council to improve representation for Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Condemnation of Terrorism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reaffirmed strong collective condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Climate Finance Push<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Committed to scaling climate finance toward a \u201cbillions-to-trillions\u201d model and advancing equitable transition under the Paris Agreement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Debt Relief Initiative<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Launch of a Cost of Capital Commission to address Africa\u2019s debt crisis (~USD 1.8 trillion) and reform credit rating systems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mission 300<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Initiative by World Bank and African Development Bank to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Critical Minerals Framework<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Promoted sustainable extraction, local processing, and value addition in developing countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Women Empowerment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Commitment to improving women\u2019s participation in decision-making and ensuring gender equality in development outcomes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Youth Employment Targets<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Adoption of Nelson Mandela Bay Target to reduce youth NEET rate by 5% by 2030 and achieve 25% gender parity in workforce participation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Global Governance Emphasis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reinforced multilateralism and equitable global order amid geopolitical tensions and leadership absences of major powers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>UNFCCC COP30 (2025)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) was held in Bel\u00e9m, Brazil, where countries adopted the Bel\u00e9m Package to strengthen climate action, climate finance, adaptation, and implementation of the Paris Agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Host Country<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Brazil.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Significance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Called the \u201cForest COP\u201d because of its focus on forests, climate implementation, and the Amazon region.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of COP30<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bel\u00e9m Package<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Countries adopted 29 decisions focusing on climate finance, adaptation, just transition, and implementation of climate goals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Just Transition Mechanism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Created to help workers and economies shift away from fossil fuels through training and cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Adaptation Finance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Countries agreed to triple funding for climate adaptation by 2030 compared to 2025 levels.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Countries adopted indicators to track progress on climate adaptation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Brazil launched a mechanism to financially reward countries for protecting tropical forests.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bel\u00e9m 4x Pledge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Countries aimed to increase the use of sustainable fuels four times by 2035.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bel\u00e9m Gender Action Plan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Focused on increasing women\u2019s participation in climate decision-making.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>India\u2019s Stand at COP30<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India demanded predictable and grant-based climate finance from developed countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India stressed the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC), saying developed countries should take greater responsibility.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India opposed the EU\u2019s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), calling it unfair for developing countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>EARTH Summit 2025<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The EARTH Summit 2025 was held on 5\u20136 December 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Mahatma Mandir Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Organisers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Theme:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Empowerment of Rural Innovation for Global Change.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of EARTH Summit 2025<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sahakar Sarathi Services<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Ministry of Cooperation launched more than 13 digital platforms and services to modernise cooperatives and strengthen the rural economy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digi Kisan Credit Card (KCC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Introduced to simplify digital access to agricultural credit for farmers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cooperative Governance Index: Launched to improve transparency, accountability, and performance assessment of cooperatives.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>World\u2019s Largest Grain Storage Application<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Introduced to strengthen agricultural storage infrastructure and food security.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ePACS Platform:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A new digital platform was introduced to modernise the functioning of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and improve service delivery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sahakar Taxi Initiative:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A cooperative-based taxi network was introduced with more than 51,000 registered drivers to create employment opportunities in rural areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Promotion of Gram Swaraj<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Summit emphasized Gandhian vision of village-centred development and self-reliant rural communities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cooperative Insurance Framework:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A cooperative insurance model covering health, life, accident, and agricultural insurance was proposed to improve social security in villages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Shiksha Sarathi and Sarathi Technology Forum:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These initiatives were launched to train cooperative personnel and encourage the adoption of modern technologies in rural institutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Focus on Climate-Resilient Agriculture:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Discussions highlighted regenerative farming, natural farming, water conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Promotion of Rural Entrepreneurship<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The summit encouraged women-led startups, youth skilling, innovation networks, and circular economy opportunities in rural India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Future Roadmap<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Insights from the Hyderabad and Gandhinagar editions will be combined to draft a National Cooperative Policy Framework, which will be presented at the final summit in New Delhi.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>India AI Impact Summit 2026<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was held from 16\u201320 February 2026 under the IndiaAI Mission. It marked the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South, shifting the focus from AI safety to AI for development and impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Organiser<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) under IndiaAI Mission.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Theme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: People, Planet, Progress.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Core Philosophy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: \u201cSarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya\u201d (Welfare and happiness for all).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of the India AI Impact Summit 2026<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>New Delhi AI Declaration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Adopted to promote global cooperation on inclusive, responsible, and development-oriented AI governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>People\u2013Planet\u2013Progress Framework<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>People<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: AI for healthcare, education, financial inclusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Planet<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Climate action and sustainability through AI<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Progress<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Economic growth, governance, and public service delivery<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Seven Working Pillars (Chakras)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Health, agriculture, safe &amp; trusted AI, science, inclusion, democratizing AI resources, and economic development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pledges Campaign Record<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Guinness World Record for 250,946 AI responsibility pledges in 24 hours.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>AI for ALL Initiatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Showcased innovation challenges including AI for ALL Global Impact Challenge and AI by HER (women-led innovation).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Key Focus Areas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: AI in healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, governance, and job creation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>India EU summit\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 16th India-EU Summit was held in New Delhi, India, from 25 to 27 January, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the summit alongside European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes &amp; Agreements<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The India-EU FTA<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Often referred to as the<\/span><b> &#8220;mother of all deals,&#8221;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> this landmark agreement covers a shared market of over two billion people. It features sweeping tariff cuts (over 90%) aimed at significantly boosting mutual trade and investments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Security &amp; Defence Partnership<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The summit marked a deeper alignment on geopolitical issues, counter-terrorism, and Indo-Pacific security. It also paved the way for enhanced joint maritime operations and defence cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Clean Energy &amp; Digital Tech<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Following up on the established Trade and Technology Council (TTC), leaders advanced commitments for green hydrogen development, trusted digital governance, and resilient global supply chains<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Raisina Dialogue 2026<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 11th Raisina Dialogue was held from 5\u20137 March 2026 in New Delhi, India. The conference brought together around 2,700 participants from 110 countries and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Finland President Alexander Stubb delivering the keynote address.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Organisers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Observer Research Foundation and Ministry of External Affairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Theme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sa\u1e41sk\u0101ra \u2013 Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Key Focus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Multipolar world order, science diplomacy, and strategic cooperation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of Raisina Dialogue 2026<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Launched to integrate science and technology into foreign policy, focusing on AI, semiconductors, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Multipolar World Order<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Discussions highlighted the growing role of the Global South and emerging South\u2013South partnerships in global governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>India\u2019s Strategic Role<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India\u2019s engagement through BRICS, IMEC, and India-France-UAE trilateral was highlighted.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reformed Multilateralism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Strong support for UNSC reforms and India\u2019s permanent membership.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Maritime Security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Focus on securing maritime routes, supply chains, and undersea communication cables in the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC 2026)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 9th Indian Ocean Conference was held from 10\u201312 April 2026. The conference focused on maritime security, regional cooperation, energy security, and geopolitical challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Port Louis, Mauritius<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Theme<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Organisers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of Mauritius.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Significance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: First Indian Ocean Conference hosted in Africa.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Participants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Delegates, ministers, and experts from over 30 countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of the 9th Indian Ocean Conference (2026)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>India on West Asia Conflict<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India opposed attacks on civilians and commercial shipping, and called for de-escalation and stability in the region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Maritime Security &amp; Trade<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Emphasis on securing critical sea routes and ensuring uninterrupted maritime navigation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>India\u2013Mauritius Energy Pact<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India moved to finalise an oil and gas supply agreement with Mauritius to strengthen regional energy security.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>SAGAR Vision<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Conference reaffirmed cooperation under India\u2019s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Global South &amp; Regional Cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Bangladesh called for revitalising SAARC, while discussions stressed stronger Global South partnerships and regional resilience.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Santa Marta Climate Conference (2026)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, popularly known as the Santa Marta Climate Conference, was held from 24\u201329 April 2026. The conference brought together a \u201ccoalition of the willing\u201d countries to accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Venue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Santa Marta, Colombia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Co-Hosts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Colombia and the Netherlands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Participants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Representatives from 57 countries, accounting for nearly 50% of global GDP.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Objective<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: To develop practical roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy transitions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Significance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Organised outside the UNFCCC process due to frustration with slow climate negotiations at COP summits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Key Outcomes of the Santa Marta Climate Conference (2026)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Support for Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Countries backed stronger global action to limit fossil fuel extraction and use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Climate Finance &amp; Green Transition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Emphasis on phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and providing financial support to developing countries for clean energy transition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>PFrance\u2019s Fossil Exit Roadmap<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: France announced plans to phase out coal by 2030, oil by 2045, and gas by 2050.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Major Limitation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Absence of major emitters like the US, China, and India reduced the conference\u2019s global impact.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Next Conference<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Ireland and Tuvalu will co-host the next summit in 2027.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read about major national and international summits 2025\u20132026 including G20, SCO, BRICS, NATO, COP30, and AI conferences with key outcomes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":104596,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[6773,7674],"class_list":{"0":"post-104624","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general-studies","8":"tag-current-affairs","9":"tag-important-summits-and-conferences-2025-2026","10":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104624","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104624"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104624\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104783,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104624\/revisions\/104783"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104596"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104624"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104624"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104624"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}