Current Affairs - International

India will host the 28th CSPOC in New Delhi from 15–16 January 2026, bringing together Speakers and Presiding Officers from over 60 Commonwealth nations. The conference aims to promote knowledge-sharing, strengthen parliamentary institutions, and enhance understanding of diverse democratic practices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event at the historic Samvidhan Sadan, reflecting India’s constitutional legacy. Chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the sessions will focus on contemporary issues such as the use of AI in Parliament, social media impact, and legislative efficiency. Hosting CSPOC reinforces India’s position as the world’s largest democracy and a leader in parliamentary values.

The Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia is one of the highest civilian honours awarded by Italy to recognize exceptional contributions in promoting friendly relations and cooperation with the country. Shrinivas Dempo received this prestigious award for his long-standing efforts in strengthening ties between India and Italy through business, cultural exchange, and community support. The honour reflects Italy’s emphasis on people-to-people diplomacy and the role of non-governmental actors in international relations. By recognizing an Indian industrialist, Italy highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement in enhancing bilateral cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.

The G7 Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting was held in Washington DC, which is the capital of the United States. The meeting brought together ministers from G7 nations to discuss strategies for securing and strengthening global supply chains of critical and strategic minerals, which are essential for clean energy, technology, and industrial growth. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw represented India at this important forum and highlighted the significance of resilient critical minerals supply chains in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. The United States, as a major G7 member, hosted the meeting to facilitate global coordination on this issue.

India has launched the e-B-4 Visa, an electronic business visa specifically for Chinese nationals, to promote investment, production, and technical business activities. The visa allows online application, faster processing, and permits a stay of up to six months for defined business purposes such as installation, training, IT setup, and senior management visits. This initiative aims to streamline business travel, strengthen bilateral industrial cooperation, and support structured people-centric exchanges between India and China while ensuring regulatory oversight and transparency through platforms like the Indian e-Visa portal and the National Single Window System.

India has achieved a global first by commercially producing and using bio-bitumen as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional crude-oil-based bitumen in road construction. This innovation helps reduce environmental pollution by utilizing agricultural crop residue that would otherwise be burnt, contributing to air quality improvement. Announced at a CSIR technology transfer event, the initiative aligns with national priorities such as Viksit Bharat 2047, Waste-to-Wealth, and Atma Nirbhar Bharat. The development highlights India’s growing leadership in sustainable infrastructure, green technologies, and circular economy-driven solutions.