Current Affairs - International

New Delhi secured the 120th position in the Global Liveability Index 2026 published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which assessed 173 cities worldwide. The rankings were based on five key parameters: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Copenhagen was ranked as the world's most liveable city, followed by Vienna and Melbourne. Among Indian cities, Mumbai ranked 121st, Chennai 123rd, and Bengaluru 127th. The index provides a comprehensive assessment of urban living conditions and helps compare the quality of life across cities around the world.

India and Kyrgyzstan jointly inaugurated the International Centre for Civilizational Studies “Manas and Mahabharata” in Bishkek to strengthen cultural and academic cooperation. The centre aims to promote comparative research on the Mahabharata and the Kyrgyz epic Manas while encouraging collaboration in history, literature, philosophy, and international relations. The initiative also supports faculty exchanges, joint research, and cultural dialogue between the two countries. Another significant achievement announced during the event was the release of the first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic Manas, further enhancing mutual understanding and preserving the rich literary heritage of both nations.

India introduced the new Letter of Authorisation (LoA) regime to promote sustainable high-seas fishing, improve fishermen’s incomes, and strengthen the country’s Blue Economy. The initiative enables Indian fishing vessels to operate in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond while ensuring responsible exploitation of marine resources. It also aims to reduce pressure on coastal fisheries, increase seafood exports, create employment opportunities, and support fishing cooperatives and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations. With a coastline exceeding 11,000 km and a vast EEZ of nearly 24 lakh square kilometres, the initiative seeks to unlock India's untapped deep-sea fishing potential and enhance its position in the global seafood market.

The Embassy of India launched a dedicated online appointment portal to simplify access to Passport, Visa, and Attestation services for applicants across the UAE. The portal enables users to book appointments for services provided at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. This initiative improves the efficiency, accessibility, and convenience of consular services for applicants.

India and Australia elevated their bilateral strategic partnership by launching the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS), which officially replaces the 2020 Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber-Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation. This comprehensive framework focuses on five pillars: supply chain resilience, critical technology research, cybersecurity cooperation, digital resilience through India's Digital Public Infrastructure, and defence research collaboration between DRDO and Australia's Defence Science and Technology Group. The partnership is chaired by the Indian Deputy National Security Advisor and the Australian Deputy Secretary, with nodal lead agencies including the National Security Council Secretariat, Ministry of External Affairs, and Ministry of Defence overseeing specific pillars.