International Financial Affairs: January to May 2026
Month-wise rewritten notes for international financial affairs from 1 January to 2 May 2026.
International Financial Affairs: January to May 2026
Global economy, IMF/World Bank/ADB, trade, currency, FDI and multilateral finance.
What to Focus On
Memorise the country/institution, agreement/report name, India link and key number.
January 2026
Bulgaria Adopts Euro as its Currency from January 1, 2026
Full update: Bulgaria has adopted the Euro(EUR) as its official currency effective from January 1, 2026, replacing the Bulgarian lev (BGN) after more than two decades following approval by the Council of the European Union(EU) on July 8, 2025.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: January 2026.
- Update/topic: Bulgaria Adopts Euro as its Currency from January 1, 2026.
- Key institutions/entities: EUR, BGN, EU.
- Important figures/dates: 2026, 2025.
- Effective timeline: from January 1, 2026.
- Remember whether this was an approval, authorisation, notification, extension or final direction.
Henley Passport Index 2026: Singapore Topped for the Third Time;
Full update: India Climbs to 80th On January 13, 2026, Henley & Partners, a British consultancy expertized in investment migration, released Henley Passport Index (HPI) 2026 Global Ranking. As per the index, India has ranked 80th position, up from 85 in 2025, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 55 destinations, shared with Algeria and Niger.
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International Financial Affairs: January to May 2026
Global economy, IMF/World Bank/ADB, trade, currency, FDI and multilateral finance.
What to Focus On
Memorise the country/institution, agreement/report name, India link and key number.
January 2026
Bulgaria Adopts Euro as its Currency from January 1, 2026
Full update: Bulgaria has adopted the Euro(EUR) as its official currency effective from January 1, 2026, replacing the Bulgarian lev (BGN) after more than two decades following approval by the Council of the European Union(EU) on July 8, 2025.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: January 2026.
- Update/topic: Bulgaria Adopts Euro as its Currency from January 1, 2026.
- Key institutions/entities: EUR, BGN, EU.
- Important figures/dates: 2026, 2025.
- Effective timeline: from January 1, 2026.
- Remember whether this was an approval, authorisation, notification, extension or final direction.
Henley Passport Index 2026: Singapore Topped for the Third Time;
Full update: India Climbs to 80th On January 13, 2026, Henley & Partners, a British consultancy expertized in investment migration, released Henley Passport Index (HPI) 2026 Global Ranking. As per the index, India has ranked 80th position, up from 85 in 2025, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 55 destinations, shared with Algeria and Niger.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: January 2026.
- Update/topic: Henley Passport Index 2026: Singapore Topped for the Third Time;.
- Key institutions/entities: HPI.
- Important figures/dates: 2026, 80, 13, 85.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
ILO’s Employment and Social Trends 2026 Projects Global Unemployment Rate
Full update: Unchanged at 4.9% in 2026 In January 2026, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) released its latest report titled ‘Employment and Social Trends 2026: World of Work Series’ in Geneva, Switzerland. As per the report, the global unemployment rate is projected to remain unchanged at 4.9% in 2026 which is equivalent to 186 million people/workers worldwide still lacking access to quality jobs and also, this global unemployment rate will continue to be the same till 2027.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: January 2026.
- Update/topic: ILO’s Employment and Social Trends 2026 Projects Global Unemployment Rate.
- Key institutions/entities: ILO.
- Important figures/dates: 2026, 4.9%, 186 million, 2027.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
WEF’s Global Risks Report 2026
Full update: Geoeconomic Confrontation Emerges as the Biggest Global Threa t In January 2026, the World Economic Forum (WEF) published the 21st edition of its annual risk assessment, titled ‘Global Risks Report: 21st Edition Insight 2026’. As per the report, the top global risks are geoeconomic confrontation, state-based conflict, extreme weather, social protection gaps, and misinformation.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: January 2026.
- Update/topic: WEF’s Global Risks Report 2026.
- Key institutions/entities: WEF.
- Important figures/dates: 2026, 21.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
India Ranks 8th in AI Investment
Full update: India ranked 8th out of 11 countries in AI investments as a share of Gross Domestic Product(GDP)(2010–2024), with investments estimated at 1.2%–1.8% of its 2024 GDP.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: January 2026.
- Update/topic: India Ranks 8th in AI Investment.
- Key institutions/entities: AI, GDP.
- Important figures/dates: 11, 2010, 2024, 1.2%.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
USA Officially Withdraws from World Health Organization
Full update: The United States of America (USA) formally withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending its 78-year membership amid criticism of the WHO’s COVID-19 response, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and perceived failures affecting Americans.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: January 2026.
- Update/topic: USA Officially Withdraws from World Health Organization.
- Key institutions/entities: USA, WHO, COVID-19.
- Important figures/dates: 78, 19.
February 2026
Delhi Most Affordable City for International Students: Report
Full update: The Knight Frank India, Deloitte India and Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) jointly released a report titled “ India’s 155 Million Student Mandate ”, in which it highlighted that New Delhi, Delhi has emerged as “world’s most affordable student city, ranked first globally” Key Highlights Data: The report cross-references its findings with data from the QS Best Student Cities 2026 and the QS International Student Survey 2025, which show a marked improvement in the global perception of Indian cities. QS Ranking: The QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking showcases the most attractive urban destinations for international students. Categories: The rankings are based on a diverse variety of indicators grouped under six key categories.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: February 2026.
- Update/topic: Delhi Most Affordable City for International Students: Report.
- Key institutions/entities: QS.
- Important figures/dates: 155 Million, 2026, 2025.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
CPI 2025: India Ranks 91st Among 182 Countries; Denmark Retains Top Position
Full update: Germany-based International Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Transparency International (TI) released the annual edition of ‘2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI 2025)’. As per the report, India has improved its ranking by 5 places to the 91st spot out of 182 countries with a score of 39 out of 100.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: February 2026.
- Update/topic: CPI 2025: India Ranks 91st Among 182 Countries; Denmark Retains Top Position.
- Key institutions/entities: CPI, NGO, TI.
- Important figures/dates: 2025, 91, 182, 39.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
Henley Passport Index – February 2026: Singapore Topped; India Climbs to 75th
Full update: Henley & Partners, a British consultancy expertized in investment migration, released Henley Passport Index (HPI) Global Ranking – February 2026. India’s passport improved its global position to 75th rank, up from 80th in January 2026 and 85th in 2025, reflecting gradual progress in travel freedom.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: February 2026.
- Update/topic: Henley Passport Index – February 2026: Singapore Topped; India Climbs to 75th.
- Key institutions/entities: HPI.
- Important figures/dates: 2026, 75, 80, 85.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
World Bank’s WBL Report 2026 : Women’s Economic-opportunity Laws only Half-enforced
Full update: Globally In February 2026, the World Bank Group (WBG) released the 11th edition of Women, Business and the Law (WBL) report titled ‘Women, Business And the Law 2026: Benchmarking Laws for Jobs and Inclusive Growth’. The report revealed that, on average, laws aimed at providing equal economic opportunities for women are only half-enforced globally, highlighting persistent gaps in gender equality in the workplace. About Women, Business and the Law(WBL) 2026 Report: Overview: The report is a global benchmarking project that assesses how laws, regulations, and policies help in shaping women’s economic opportunities and private sector development across 190 economies.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: February 2026.
- Update/topic: World Bank’s WBL Report 2026 : Women’s Economic-opportunity Laws only Half-enforced.
- Key institutions/entities: WBL, WBG.
- Important figures/dates: 2026, 11, 190, 67.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
- Remember the exact name of the scheme, framework, regulation or direction.
March 2026
India, European Union to grant each other Most
Full update: Favoured Nation status for 5 years On 27th February 2026, the Government of India and the European Union (EU) agreed to grant each other Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status for a period of five years, starting from the date the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) enters into force. About the India-EU MFN Provision: Duration: MFN status is granted for five years from entry into force, subject to a fourth-year Joint Committee review and automatic termination unless mutually extended. Exceptions: MFN excludes benefits arising from Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA), recognition and licensing measures under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and sensitive agricultural products such as soya, beef, sugar, rice, and dairy.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: March 2026.
- Update/topic: India, European Union to grant each other Most.
- Key institutions/entities: EU, MFN, FTA, DTAA, GATS.
- Important figures/dates: 5 years, 27, 2026, 2022.
- Remember the counterparties and the purpose of the agreement or partnership.
UN Report: Women Hold Only 64% of Legal Rights Globally
Full update: The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General released a report titled “Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls”, revealing that women worldwide hold only 64% of the legal rights of men in nearly 70% of countries surveyed, resulting in pervasive discrimination and social exclusion. Key Findings of the Report: Violence: In 54% of countries, rape is not legally defined based on consent, while digital violence against women and girls is increasing with limited accountability for perpetrators. Marriage: National laws in nearly three out of four countries still permit girls to be forced into marriage.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: March 2026.
- Update/topic: UN Report: Women Hold Only 64% of Legal Rights Globally.
- Key institutions/entities: UN.
- Important figures/dates: 64%, 70%, 54%, 44%.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
FATF Adds Kuwait, Papua New Guinea to Increased Monitoring List
Full update: The Financial Task Force (FATF) placed Kuwait, and New Guinea to its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, which is often referred to as ‘Grey List’, thereby bringing the total number of the countries in the list to 22.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: March 2026.
- Update/topic: FATF Adds Kuwait, Papua New Guinea to Increased Monitoring List.
- Key institutions/entities: FATF.
- Important figures/dates: 22.
SIPRI Report 2025: India Remains World’s 2nd Biggest Arms Importer after Ukraine
Full update: The Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report titled ‘Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2025’ which highlighted that India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer during 2021–2025, accounting for 8.2% of global arms imports, after Ukraine.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: March 2026.
- Update/topic: SIPRI Report 2025: India Remains World’s 2nd Biggest Arms Importer after Ukraine.
- Key institutions/entities: SIPRI.
- Important figures/dates: 2025, 2021, 8.2%.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
USA Announces First New Oil Refinery in 50 Years with Investment from Reliance Industries
Full update: Donald Tr ump, President of the United States of America (USA), announced the USA would build its first new oil refinery in nearly 50 years with investment from Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), led by Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: March 2026.
- Update/topic: USA Announces First New Oil Refinery in 50 Years with Investment from Reliance Industries.
- Key institutions/entities: USA, RIL.
- Important figures/dates: 50 Years, 50 years.
IISc Professor Arpita Patra Summits World’s Highest Volcano Nevado Ojos del Salado
Full update: Arpita Patra, Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru(Karnataka), successfully summited Nevado Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcanic peak and the highest mountain in Chile, located on the Chile–Argentina border in the Atacama Desert.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: March 2026.
- Update/topic: IISc Professor Arpita Patra Summits World’s Highest Volcano Nevado Ojos del Salado.
- Remember the counterparties and the purpose of the agreement or partnership.
WTO Global Trade Outlook 2026: Merchandise Trade Growth to Slow to 1.9%
Full update: The World Trade Organization (WTO) released its Global Trade Outlook and Statistics- March 2026 report, projecting global merchandise trade growth to slow sharply to 1.9% in 2026 from 4.6% in 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia, normalization of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-related demand, and the effects of earlier tariff-driven front-loading of shipments. Key Findings: 2027: Global merchandise trade growth is projected to recover to 2.6% in 2027. Overall Trade Growth : Combined goods and services trade is projected to grow by 2.7% in 2026, compared to 4.7% in 2025.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: March 2026.
- Update/topic: WTO Global Trade Outlook 2026: Merchandise Trade Growth to Slow to 1.9%.
- Key institutions/entities: WTO, AI, GD, GDP.
- Important figures/dates: 2026, 1.9%, 4.6%, 2025.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
India and Bhutan Sign MoU to Strengthen Postal Cooperation
Full update: India and Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu(Bhutan), to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the postal sector, aiming to enhance connectivity, service delivery, and institutional collaboration.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: March 2026.
- Update/topic: India and Bhutan Sign MoU to Strengthen Postal Cooperation.
- Remember the counterparties and the purpose of the agreement or partnership.
April 2026
CMS COP15 Concluded Successfully in Brazil with 40 new Species Being Accorded Protection
Full update: The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held under Brazil Presidency from 23 to 29 March 2026 in Campo Grande, Brazil.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: April 2026.
- Update/topic: CMS COP15 Concluded Successfully in Brazil with 40 new Species Being Accorded Protection.
- Key institutions/entities: CMS, COP15.
- Important figures/dates: 15, 40, 23, 29.
India Elected to UN ECOSOC Bodies; Preeti Saran Re-elected to Key-Rights Panel
Full update: The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations (UN) announced India was elected by acclamation to three subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) India Secures Key Positions in UN Bodies: Commissions and Committees : India has been elected to UN bodies, including.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: April 2026.
- Update/topic: India Elected to UN ECOSOC Bodies; Preeti Saran Re-elected to Key-Rights Panel.
- Key institutions/entities: UN, ECOSOC.
- Remember the exact name of the scheme, framework, regulation or direction.
Tracxn Report: India Ranks 4th Globally in Tech Funding with USD 11.7 Billion in FY26
Full update: Tracxn, a leading market intelligence platform, released its ‘India Tech Annual Funding Report 2026’, stating that India’s technology start-ups raised USD 11.7 billion (B) in Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26), reflecting an 18% decline from USD 14.3 billion in FY25 but a 20% increase over USD 9.7 billion in FY24.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: April 2026.
- Update/topic: Tracxn Report: India Ranks 4th Globally in Tech Funding with USD 11.7 Billion in FY26.
- Key institutions/entities: USD, FY26, FY25, FY24.
- Important figures/dates: USD 11.7 Billion, 26, 2026, USD 11.7 billion.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
IMF’s WEO 2026: USA Topped, India Slips to 6th Spot in Global GDP Rankings
Full update: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its latest April 2026 World Economic Outlook (WEO) titled “ Global Economy in the Shadow of War”. As per the data, India has slipped from the 4th spot to 6th spot in global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rankings, despite the country being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: April 2026.
- Update/topic: IMF’s WEO 2026: USA Topped, India Slips to 6th Spot in Global GDP Rankings.
- Key institutions/entities: IMF, WEO, USA, GDP.
- Important figures/dates: 2026.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026: USA Topped; India Ranks 6th in Ultra-wealthy Population
Full update: Knight Frank, global property consultant firm, released the 20th edition of ‘The Wealth Report 2026’. As per the report, India ranked 6 th position globally with estimated 19,877 Ultra-High Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) and 207 billionaires in 2026, which accounts for 2.8% of the world’s ultra-wealthy population, up from just over 2% 5 years ago.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: April 2026.
- Update/topic: Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026: USA Topped; India Ranks 6th in Ultra-wealthy Population.
- Key institutions/entities: USA.
- Important figures/dates: 2026, 20, 19,877, 207 billion.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
India–Kenya Sign Customs Cooperation MoU at 10th JTC Meeting in Nairobi
Full update: India and Kenya strengthened their economic ties by signing a customs cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 10th India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting held in Nairobi(Kenya), after a gap of seven years at the Commerce Secretary level.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: April 2026.
- Update/topic: India–Kenya Sign Customs Cooperation MoU at 10th JTC Meeting in Nairobi.
- Key institutions/entities: JTC.
- Important figures/dates: 10.
- Remember the counterparties and the purpose of the agreement or partnership.
May 2026
THE Asia University Rankings 2026: Tsinghua University Tops the List; IISc Bengaluru Emerges as India’s Top University
Full update: The United Kingdom (UK)-based Times Higher Education (THE) released the 14th Asia University Rankings 2026, in which Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, Karnataka, emerged as India’s top university, and the only Indian institute in the top 50, securing 43rd rank in Asia with an overall score of 65.1, down from 38th in 2025.
Quick recall:
- Month of update: May 2026.
- Update/topic: THE Asia University Rankings 2026: Tsinghua University Tops the List; IISc Bengaluru Emerges as India’s Top University.
- Key institutions/entities: UK.
- Important figures/dates: 2026, 14, 50, 43.
- Remember the releasing body and the exact projection, rank or assessment.
Final Revision Checklist
- Can you recall the institution, person, regulator or ministry behind each update?
- Can you state the exact figure, rank, percentage, date, tenure or threshold from memory?
- Can you remember the name of the scheme, report, committee, regulation, app, platform or agreement involved?
- Can you separate bank/regulator updates from macroeconomy, appointments, schemes and global reports without confusion?