Current Affairs - International

New Delhi is the host city for the 4th Indo-German Environmental Forum, scheduled for September 1, 2026. The forum aims to strengthen cooperation between India and Germany on climate and environmental policies. It will be co-chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and German Minister Carsten Schneider. Organised jointly by India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Germany’s BMUKN, the event will focus on low-carbon industries, biodiversity conservation, resource efficiency, circular economy models, sustainable finance, green skills and investment mobilisation. Its official theme is “Together For More Resilience.”

Bhutan dedicated sacred Buddhist Stupa No. 76 to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the consecration ceremony of 108 Jangchub Chortens in Gelephu Mindfulness City. The ceremony was performed by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on November 1, 2026. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju represented India at the event. The 108 stupas, built under Project 108 along the banks of the Aie (Mau) River, symbolise enlightenment, wisdom and compassion. The dedication recognised Narendra Modi’s support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project and the strong cultural and spiritual relationship between India and Bhutan.

The Bank of England (BoE), the central bank of the United Kingdom, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to strengthen regulatory cooperation concerning clearing corporations. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation and information exchange regarding Central Counterparties (CCPs) recognised by SEBI. It also allows the Bank of England to rely on SEBI's regulatory and supervisory activities while safeguarding the financial stability of the UK. Established in 1694 and headquartered in London, the Bank of England plays an important role in the UK's financial system.

India secured the 88th position among 143 countries and jurisdictions in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2026, with an overall score of 0.48. This represents a decline from its 86th position in the previous year. Denmark topped the global rankings with a score of 0.95, followed by Norway and Finland. The index evaluates countries based on eight factors, including constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, fundamental rights, open government, regulatory enforcement, and civil and criminal justice. Globally, the rule of law declined for the ninth consecutive year, affecting 62% of countries surveyed.

Mexico is the country with which India has formally launched negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Both countries signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) on 28 October 2026, establishing the framework, scope and roadmap for the negotiations. The proposed agreement aims to strengthen bilateral economic relations, improve market access and create resilient supply chains. Key areas of discussion include trade in goods, rules of origin, customs procedures, trade facilitation and dispute settlement. Cooperation will also focus on sectors such as automobiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, energy and advanced manufacturing. The initiative originated from discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during the G7 Summit in June 2025.