Current Affairs - International

India has been selected to host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) in 2026. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla made the announcement, highlighting that the conference will address topics such as the integration of artificial intelligence and social media into parliamentary processes. This significant event reinforces India’s active participation in global parliamentary cooperation and its leadership in addressing emerging challenges in governance and democracy.

Iran's population is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with one-third of its population projected to be 60 or older by 2050. This rapid ageing is attributed to longer life expectancy and declining birth rates, posing economic challenges and intergenerational financial burdens. The Iranian government has launched public campaigns to encourage higher birth rates, but economic instability and unemployment hinder these efforts.

India is set to collaborate with Mongolia by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in geology and exploration. This partnership focuses on securing essential resources like copper and coking coal, which are crucial for power generation, construction, and steelmaking industries. Mongolia’s rich mineral deposits present India with an opportunity to diversify its supply chains, reduce reliance on traditional suppliers, and enhance resource security to support its industrial growth and sustainability.

Sudan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The war has displaced 12 million people, caused famine in five regions, and led to the collapse of infrastructure and healthcare systems. Over 3 million children are at risk of malnutrition, with 772,000 expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition in 2025. Violence has hindered humanitarian aid and disrupted education, leaving long-term developmental consequences for Sudan's children and its future. This crisis underscores the urgent need for international intervention and a political resolution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the AI Action Summit in Paris, France, on February 10-11, 2025. Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit focuses on fostering international collaboration on AI governance, innovation, trust, and combating misinformation. This event highlights France's role in positioning itself at the centre of the global AI landscape, and India’s participation underscores the strengthening partnership between the two nations in advancing AI technologies and addressing global challenges in the field.