Current Affairs - International

India is set to host the 28th CSPOC in 2026, as announced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This conference will emphasize the integration of AI and social media into parliamentary processes. It will also highlight India’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and commitment to inclusive governance. This marks the fourth occasion India will host CSPOC, with previous events held in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010.

India has joined the UN Committee on Big Data and Data Science for Statistics, marking a significant step in shaping global standards for using big data in official statistics. India's Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation highlighted pioneering initiatives such as the Data Innovation Lab, focusing on leveraging alternative data sources for enhancing statistical processes. This effort aligns with India's commitment to monitoring and reporting on sustainable development goals (SDGs) at the global level.

In Hindi Diwas 2025, Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Indian High Commission and the Open University of Sri Lanka, launched its first Hindi Certificate Course via open and distance learning. This initiative, inaugurated in Colombo, symbolizes the strengthening of cultural and linguistic ties between India and Sri Lanka. The Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan, attended by over 400 participants, further celebrated this collaboration on World Hindi Day, January 10, 2025.

The Sonamarg Tunnel, located in Jammu & Kashmir, is a 12-km-long project built at a cost of over Rs 2,700 crore. It bypasses landslide-prone areas, enhances winter tourism, and supports adventure sports in Sonamarg. Along with the Zojila Tunnel, it will improve NH-1 connectivity, significantly reducing travel time and boosting defence logistics in the region. The Prime Minister's visit on January 13 underscores its importance for regional development.

India extended humanitarian aid to Cuba following the devastating impact of Hurricane Rafael, which was the strongest November tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico. Cuba, an island nation in North America, is situated where the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean converge. The aid highlights India’s commitment to supporting nations in times of natural disasters, fostering international solidarity. The capital of Cuba is Havana.