G20 Summit 2025 (Johannesburg, South Africa) — BPSC Prelims Notes
Basic Information
Edition Number: 20th G20 Summit
Host City: Johannesburg
Host Country: South Africa
Dates: 22–23 November 2025
Special Significance: First-ever G20 Summit held on African soil
Official Theme
Theme/Motto: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”
Meaning: * Solidarity: Collective cooperation
Equality: Fair opportunities for all countries
Sustainability: Long-term inclusive development
Participation
Indian Representative: PM Narendra Modi
New Members: No new country joined in 2025
Important Background Fact: African Union became a permanent member in 2023 during India’s presidency
Key Outcomes & Decisions
Final Declaration: Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration
Major Global Decisions:
UN Reform Support: Demand for reform of UNSC and better representation for Africa & Global South
Climate Finance Push: Focus on renewable energy and climate funding for developing nations
Critical Minerals Framework: Sustainable and diversified supply chains for lithium, cobalt, rare earths etc.
2026: United State
2027: India
Global Compact on AI: Ethical and responsible AI governance
Talent Mobility Framework: Easier movement of skilled workforce
Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative: Recycling & reuse of strategic minerals
Global Healthcare Response Team: Better international health emergency coordination
Open Satellite Data Partnership: Sharing satellite data for development
Traditional Knowledge Repository: Protection of traditional knowledge systems
One-Liner Revision
2025 G20 Summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa
. Theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”
. Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration adopted
. First G20 summit hosted in Africa
. PM Narendra Modi represented India
. India proposed Global Compact on AI and Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative
.
BRICS Summit 2025 (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) — BPSC Prelims Notes
Basic Information
Edition Number: 17th BRICS Summit
Host City: Rio de Janeiro
Host Country: Brazil
Dates: 6–7 July 2025
Official Theme
Theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”
Keywords for Prelims: Global South, Inclusive governance, Sustainable governance, Multilateral cooperation
Participation
Indian Representative: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
New Full Member Joined: Indonesia (became the 11th full member in 2025)
Partner Countries Added: Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, Uzbekistan
Final Declaration: Rio de Janeiro Declaration
Major Global Decisions:
Global Governance Reform: Demand for reforms in UN, IMF and World Bank
Climate Finance Demand: Developed countries asked to fund climate transition
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Strong condemnation of terrorism including Pahalgam attack
Other Important Outcomes
Support for multipolar world order
Expansion of BRICS cooperation
AI governance discussions
Focus on local currency trade
Stronger Global South representation
Future Venue
2026: India
2027: Russia (expected rotation basis)
India’s Perspective / India’s Proposals
India strongly focused on Global South diplomacy
Global South Representation: Greater voice for developing countries
UN & IMF Reforms: Better representation for emerging economies
AI Cooperation: Responsible and inclusive AI governance
Counter-Terrorism: Strong global action against terrorism
Multipolar World Order: Reduce dominance of single power blocs
SCO Summit 2025 (Tianjin, China) — BPSC Prelims Notes
1. Basic Information
Edition Number: 25th SCO Summit
Host City: Tianjin
Host Country: China
Dates: 31 August – 1 September 2025
Important Fact: Largest SCO Summit since establishment in 2001
Official Theme / Motto
Theme: “One Earth, One Family, One Future” (India’s vision formally adopted)
Note: SCO members officially adopted India’s civilisational vision during the summit
Participation
Indian Representative: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
New Members: No new full member joined in 2025
New Partner Countries: Laos and several dialogue partners expanded cooperation
Major Decisions / Outcomes
Strong Anti-Terror Stand: Condemned terrorism and called for action against terror financing & radicalisation
SCO Development Strategy 2026–2035: Long-term roadmap adopted for economic and regional cooperation
Global Governance Reform: Support for multipolar world order and stronger Global South role
Other Outcomes: SCO Development Bank proposal, focus on AI, cyberspace, and regional connectivity
Future Venue
2026: Kazakhstan (rotation basis)
2027: Kyrgyzstan (expected)
India’s Perspective / India’s Proposals
India focused on Security, Connectivity and Opportunity
Initiatives: Fight Against Terrorism, Connectivity Cooperation, and "One Earth, One Family, One Future"
PM Modi’s Emphasis: Zero tolerance against terrorism, peace in Eurasia, and balanced multipolar world order
India’s Slogan: “Security, Connectivity and Opportunity”
BIMSTEC Summit 2025 (Bangkok, Thailand) — BPSC Prelims Notes
Basic Information
Edition Number: 6th BIMSTEC Summit
Host City: Bangkok
Host Country: Thailand
Dates: 3–4 April 2025
Important Fact: First in-person BIMSTEC summit in nearly 7 years
Official Theme
Theme: “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open” (PRO BIMSTEC)
Participation
Indian Representative: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Current Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand
Important Facts: Connects South Asia + Southeast Asia through Bay of Bengal
; established through Bangkok Declaration 1997
Documents: Bangkok Vision 2030 and 6th BIMSTEC Summit Declaration
Major Decisions:
Bangkok Vision 2030 Adopted: Long-term roadmap for the region
Maritime Transport Agreement Signed: To improve shipping and trade
Disaster & Human Security Cooperation: Greater coordination for climate and security
Other Outcomes: Rules of Procedure adopted
, Eminent Persons Group report approved , and focus on trade expansion Future Venue2026/Ministerial: Sri Lanka (expected rotational hosting)
Next Summit: To be decided through rotational mechanism
India’s Perspective / India’s Proposals
India made several important proposals
BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre: Regional preparedness
BODHI Initiative: Human resource & skill development
UPI Linkage Proposal: Connect digital payment systems
Home Ministers’ Mechanism: Cooperation against terrorism and cybercrime
PM Modi’s Emphasis: Regional connectivity, disaster resilience, and “Security, growth and connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region”
ASEAN Summit 2025 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) — BPSC Prelims Notes
Basic Information
Edition Number: 47th ASEAN Summit
Host City: Kuala Lumpur
Host Country: Malaysia (Chairmanship 2025)
Dates: 26–28 October 2025
Theme: “Inclusivity and Sustainability”
Keywords: Inclusive growth, Sustainable development, Regional unity, Green economy
Participation
Indian Representative: PM Narendra Modi (virtual participation)
New Member: Timor-Leste (East Timor) became the 11th ASEAN member in 2025
Chair: Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim
Documents: ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Kuala Lumpur Declaration
Major Decisions: Admission of Timor-Leste
, adoption of Vision 2045 , and focus on maritime & digital connectivity Other Outcomes: Climate action, health security, and regional security
Future Venue
2026: Philippines
2027: Singapore (expected rotational basis)
India’s Perspective / India’s Proposals
Focus: Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and trade integration
Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation (2026): To strengthen maritime security
Review of ASEAN-India FTA (AITIGA): Improve economic partnership
PM Modi’s Quote: ASEAN is the “Main pillar of India’s Act East Policy”
QUAD Leaders’ Summit — BPSC Prelims Notes
Basic Information
Latest Basis: 6th QUAD Leaders’ Summit (Wilmington, Delaware, USA)
2025 Status: India designated as the next host nation
Important Fact: QUAD completed nearly 20 years of strategic cooperation
Official Theme / Vision
Core Vision: “Free, Open, Inclusive and Prosperous Indo-Pacific”
Keywords: Rules-based order, Maritime security, Democratic values
Indian Representative: PM Narendra Modi
Other Leaders: Joe Biden (USA), Fumio Kishida (Japan), Anthony Albanese (Australia)
Important Note: QUAD is NOT a military alliance like NATO
Key Outcomes
Declaration: Wilmington Declaration
Major Decisions:
QUAD At-Sea Mission: Joint maritime observer mission
MAITRI Initiative: Maritime Initiative for Training in Indo-Pacific
QUAD Logistics Network: For humanitarian coordination
Other Outcomes: Semiconductor cooperation
, Cybersecurity coordination , and Digital Public Infrastructure
Future Venue
2025: India (Next Leaders’ Summit)
Fact: India officially invited QUAD leaders for the next summit
India’s Perspective
Focus: Indo-Pacific security and inclusive development
PM Modi’s Statement: “QUAD is here to stay”
Initiatives: MAITRI Initiative, SAGAR Vision, and Disaster Response Cooperation
COP30 Climate Summit 2025 (Belรฉm, Brazil) — BPSC Prelims Notes
1. Basic Information
Edition: 30th Conference of Parties (COP30)
Host: Belรฉm, Brazil (First COP in the Amazon rainforest region)
Dates: 10–21 November 2025
Official Theme / Motto
Theme: “Global Mutirรฃo: Uniting Humanity in a Global Mobilization Against Climate Change”
Meaning of “Mutirรฃo”: Collective community effort/cooperation
Participation
Indian Representatives: Bhupender Yadav (Environment Minister) and Dinesh Bhatia
Important Facts: Paris Agreement completed 10 years in 2025
; strong focus on Amazon protection
Key Outcomes
Declaration: Global Mutirรฃo Agreement / Belรฉm Package
Major Decisions:
Tripling Adaptation Finance by 2035: Developed nations agreed to increase funding
Just Transition Mechanism Established: To support shifting from fossil fuels
Global Implementation Accelerator: Two-year process to maintain 1.5°C goal
Other Outcomes: 59 indicators for Adaptation
and $1.3 trillion finance target by 2035
Future Venue
COP31 (2026): Australia (expected host)
India’s Perspective
Focus: Climate justice, Equity, and the CBDR-RC Principle
Standpoints: Affordable Climate Technology Access and Equitable Climate Finance
Military Exercises (2025–26)
-
Exercise Malabar 2025
- Countries: India, USA, Japan, Australia
- Location: Western Pacific Ocean
- Type: Naval Exercise (QUAD nations)
- Focus: Maritime security & Indo-Pacific cooperation.
-
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025
- Countries: India & USA
- Location: Alaska, USA
- Type: Army Exercise
- Focus: Counter-terrorism & high-altitude warfare.
-
Exercise Varuna 2025
- Countries: India & France
- Location: Arabian Sea
- Type: Naval Exercise
- Focus: Maritime combat interoperability.
-
Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025
- Countries: India & Japan
- Location: Japan
- Type: Army Exercise
- Focus: Urban warfare & counter-terror operations.
-
Exercise Trishul (TSE-2025)
- Countries: Indian Army, Navy & Air Force (Tri-service)
- Location: Rajasthan, Gujarat & Arabian Sea
- Focus: Joint warfare, amphibious operations & cyber/electronic warfare.
Bilateral Agreements involving India (2025–26)
-
India–France AI Cooperation Agreement
-
Focus on:
- Ethical AI
- AI research
- Semiconductor cooperation
- Signed during AI Action Summit 2025.
-
Focus on:
-
India–UAE Local Currency Trade Expansion
- Promotes trade in Rupee & Dirham.
- Reduces dependence on US Dollar.
- India–Sri Lanka Energy Cooperation
- Grid connectivity & renewable energy projects.
- Focus on energy security in Indian Ocean region.
India-UK CETA (Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement)
Signed: July 2025.
Status (May 2026): Yeh agreement abhi May 2026 mein hi puri tarah se "Operational" (laagu) hua hai.
Key Detail: Iske laagu hote hi luxury cars (jaise JLR) aur whiskey par duties kam hui hain. Iska target bilateral trade ko $100 billion tak le jana hai by 2030.
India-EU FTA (Free Trade Agreement)
Negotiations Concluded: 27 January 2026.
Why it's huge: Yeh 20 saal se atka hua tha. Isme India ko 97% tariff lines par duty-free access mila hai.
BPSC focus: Isme "Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism" (CBAM) aur "Sustainability" par kafi focus hai.
India-Oman CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement)
Signed: December 2025.
Ratified: February 2026 (by Oman's Royal Decree).
Effective Date: 1 May 2026.
Key Detail: India ko Oman ke market mein 100% duty-free access mila hai for items like engineering goods and electronics.
India-EFTA TEPA (Trade & Economic Partnership Agreement)
Status: Yeh agreement 1 October 2025 ko "Enter into force" (laagu) hua.
Members: Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, aur Liechtenstein.
Highlight: Isme $100 billion ke investment ka commit kiya gaya hai India mein pichle 15 saalon ke liye.
Major Rescue / Security Operations by India (2025–26)
-
Operation Sindoor (2025)
- Launched after Pahalgam terror attack.
- Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan & PoK.
- Important for defence current affairs.
-
Operation Brahma (2025)
- Humanitarian relief mission for earthquake-hit Myanmar.
-
India sent:
- NDRF teams
- Naval ships
- Medical aid
- Relief material.
-
Operation Dost Assistance Expansion
- Continued humanitarian coordination in West Asia & disaster zones.
- Focus on evacuation and relief support.
International Awards won by Indians (2025–26)
-
Gukesh D
- Won major global chess recognition after becoming youngest World Chess Champion.
-
Purnima Devi Barman
- International environmental recognition for wildlife conservation (Hargila conservation work).
-
Sundar Pichai
- Honoured globally for AI and technology leadership.
- Nikhil Kamath / Indian startup leaders
- Recognized in global entrepreneurship and innovation platforms.
Strategic Places in News (2025–26)
1. Strait of Hormuz
-
Why in News:
Iran–Israel tensions and attacks on shipping increased fears of oil supply disruption. -
Geographical Importance:
- World’s most important oil chokepoint.
- Connects Persian Gulf with Arabian Sea.
- Around one-fifth of global oil trade passes through it.
-
BPSC Point:
Important for India’s energy security.
Red Sea
-
Why in News:
Houthi attacks on cargo ships disrupted global trade routes. -
Geographical Importance:
- Links Suez Canal to Indian Ocean.
- Critical Europe-Asia shipping route.
-
Strategic Importance:
Shipping companies diverted via Cape of Good Hope, increasing transport cost.
Suez Canal
-
Why in News:
Trade disruption due to Red Sea conflict affected canal traffic and Egypt’s revenue. -
Geographical Importance:
- Connects Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea.
- Shortest sea route between Europe and Asia.
-
Exam Fact:
One of world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
South China Sea
-
Why in News:
China–Philippines maritime disputes and freedom of navigation debates intensified. -
Geographical Importance:
- Major global shipping route.
- Rich in fisheries and hydrocarbons.
-
Strategic Importance:
Important region in QUAD and Indo-Pacific discussions.
Taiwan Strait
-
Why in News:
China–Taiwan tensions and military exercises raised global security concerns. -
Geographical Importance:
- Connects South China Sea and East China Sea.
- Major semiconductor supply route.
-
Exam Fact:
Taiwan is crucial for global semiconductor manufacturing.
Special Environmental Recognition
Latest Important Ramsar / Blue Flag Type Facts
Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary
- Became an important recent Ramsar wetland discussion point.
- Nanjarayan Tank (Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu) ko officially Ramsar Site ghoshit kiya gaya hai. Iske saath hi Tamil Nadu Bharat ka sabse zyada Ramsar sites (20 sites) wala state ban gaya hai.
- River: Ye Noyyal River ke kinare hai (Noyyal, Kaveri ki ek tributary hai).
Science & Tech (Critical Missions)
Indian Space Research Organisation — Gaganyaan Mission
-
Major milestone:
- Crew module tests
- Human spaceflight preparations accelerated.
-
Important because:
India preparing first human space mission.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Artemis Program
- Artemis II preparations advanced.
-
Focus:
Return of humans to Moon.
Global Health Alert (2025–26)
H5N1 Bird Flu
- Caused major international health concern.
Top International Indices (2025–26) — India’s Rank
| Index | India’s Rank | Publisher / Organization | Important Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Happiness Report 2025 | 118 | United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network | Finland remained top country |
| World Press Freedom Index 2025 | 151 | Reporters Without Borders | Measures media freedom |
| Global Innovation Index 2025 | 39 | World Intellectual Property Organization | India remained innovation leader among lower-middle-income countries |
| Human Development Index (HDI) 2025 | 130+ range | United Nations Development Programme | Measures health, education & income |
| Global Gender Gap Report 2025 | 129 | World Economic Forum | Iceland ranked first |
| Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 | 96 | Transparency International | Measures perceived public corruption |
| Global Hunger Index 2025 | 100+ range | Concern Worldwide & Welthungerhilfe | India disputed methodology |
| Henley Passport Index 2025 | 80 | Henley & Partners | Measures visa-free access |
| Environmental Performance Index 2025 | Low rank category | Yale University | Environment-related performance |
| Global Cybersecurity Index 2025 | Top improving countries category | International Telecommunication Union | Measures cyber preparedness |
Indian Diaspora Personalities in News (Apr 2025 – May 2026)
| Personality | Why in News |
|---|---|
| Sundar Pichai | Global AI governance, AI summits and Gemini AI expansion |
| Satya Nadella | AI investments, OpenAI partnership and global tech leadership |
| Ajay Banga | Climate finance, Global South development and debt reforms |
| Nikki Haley | Continued influence in US politics and foreign policy debates |
| Leena Nair | Recognized among powerful global business leaders |
| Indra Nooyi | Global leadership, women empowerment and economic discussions |
File Name: International_Current_Affairs_2026_May_Edition.pdf
Click here to download International Relations Notes PDF