ACITI Partnership: India, Australia, and Canada

Introduction

• On 22 November 2025, India, Australia, and Canada launched the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.
• A landmark trilateral initiative to foster cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
• Aimed at propelling the three countries towards a secure, sustainable, and net-zero future.

Why in news?

• The announcement marks a new era of strategic collaboration in technology and innovation among the three nations.
• It is not merely a diplomatic step; it is a technology-driven alliance.

Background

• ACITI combines the natural strengths, strategic priorities, and innovation ecosystems of India, Australia, and Canada.
• The trilateral effort complements existing bilateral initiatives among the three nations.
• Reflects a broader alignment of geopolitical and economic interests.
• Subtopic: Significance
• Enhances collaboration on critical and emerging technologies.
• Supports the development and deployment of green energy innovation.
• Diversifies and secures critical mineral supply chains.
• Advances the mass adoption of AI for improving public welfare.
• Builds joint capacity towards achieving net-zero emissions.

Facts/General knowledge

• Full name: Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.
• Participating countries: India, Australia, and Canada.
• Launch date: 22 November 2025.
• Key areas of focus:
• Green energy innovation:
• Joint development of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and hydrogen.
• Investment in decarbonisation innovations.
• Sharing best practices and R&D to meet net-zero targets.
• Critical minerals and supply chain resilience: Cooperation in identifying, processing, and ensuring access to critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.

• Diversifying sources of supply and building resilient, transparent supply chains.
• Reducing dependence on geopolitically sensitive regions.
• Artificial intelligence and emerging tech: Exploring frameworks to responsibly scale AI solutions for citizen services, governance, and economic development.

G20 Johannesburg Summit 2025

Introduction

• The 20th G20 Summit 2025 was held in Johannesburg, South Africa—the first-ever G20 summit hosted on the African continent.
• Guided by the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” it centred Global South priorities.
• The summit secured consensus on the G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration.

Why in news?

• G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration: A 122-paragraph consensus document referencing climate action, multilateral reform, and equitable global governance.
• Spirit of Ubuntu and Multilateralism: Emphasised the African philosophy of Ubuntu (shared global responsibility and interconnectedness), with calls for stronger multilateral cooperation to address conflicts, inequality, and humanitarian suffering.
• UN Security Council Reform: Supported transforming the UNSC to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities, with expanded representation for underrepresented regions including Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
• Condemnation of Terrorism: Unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations, reflecting India’s longstanding position.
• Expanded Climate Action Commitments: Agreement to scale global climate finance from “billions-to-trillions” and operationalise a more equitable transition under the Paris Agreement.
• Empowerment of Women: Focus on removing barriers, ensuring equal participation in decision-making, and recognising women as agents of peace.
• Debt Crisis and Global Financial Reform: Launch of a Cost of Capital Commission to reform global credit rating practices and reduce the unfair “African risk premium”; highlighted Africa’s growing debt burden (USD 1.8 trillion) with over half its population in countries spending more on debt interest than on public services.
• Mission 300: Highlighted an initiative by the World Bank and African Development Bank to provide electricity to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
• Critical Minerals Framework: Welcomed a framework to secure sustainable value chains, with investment in mineral exploration and local beneficiation in developing countries.
• Youth & Gender Targets: Adoption of the Nelson Mandela Bay Target to reduce the youth NEET rate by 5% by 2030; commitment to 25% gender parity in labour force participation by 2030.

Background

• Origin and Evolution: Created after the Asian Financial Crisis (1997–98) as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to strengthen global financial stability; later expanded beyond macroeconomics to trade, climate change, health, food security, energy transitions, and digital governance.
• Leaders’ Level: Upgraded during the Global Financial Crisis (2007–08), with annual Leaders’ Summits since 2009.
• Composition: Informal grouping of 19 major economies plus the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU); India is a founding member; other countries may be invited as special guests.
• Scale: Members account for 85% of global GDP, over 75% of world trade, and nearly two-thirds of the global population.
• Mandate: Premier forum for international economic cooperation, shaping global governance on growth, trade, financial stability, sustainable development, climate action, health, energy, agriculture, and anti-corruption.
• Structure and Presidency: No headquarters or permanent staff; presidency rotates annually; the Troika (previous, current, and incoming presidencies) ensures continuity. For South Africa’s 2025 presidency, the Troika includes Brazil, South Africa, and the United States.

Significance

• Shapes Global Economic Governance: Sets norms on financial regulations, debt sustainability, global tax reforms, digital public infrastructure, and climate finance through initiatives like the G20 Common Framework, and the Declaration on Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and Data for Governance (a joint communiqué by the G20 Troika—India, Brazil and South Africa).
• Drives Sustainable Development Agendas: Advances the 2030 Agenda by coordinating climate action, energy transitions, food security commitments, and progress on the Pact for the Future.
• Enhances Voice of the Global South: Strengthens influence of emerging economies (including India, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia) on supply chain resilience, critical minerals, development finance, and technology access.
• Catalyst for Development Financing: Promotes reform of multilateral financial institutions (IMF–World Bank), expansion of lending, and improved representation, including creating a 25th IMF Executive Board seat for Africa.

Facts/General knowledge

• Spirit of Ubuntu—About: An African philosophy of shared humanity—“I am because you are”—stressing collective responsibility, compassion, and mutual support; embodied by Nelson Mandela’s leadership during South Africa’s peaceful transition.
• Ubuntu and Global Goals: Sustainability: Supports development that protects the environment and preserves natural resources.

• Equitable Growth: Advocates fair access to technology, skills, and opportunities, particularly for Global South nations.
• Global Security: Encourages collective action against transnational threats such as the drug-terror nexus.
• Knowledge Preservation: Promotes safeguarding traditional knowledge and cultural heritage for future generations.

G20 Summit Session III – PM Modi on a Fair and Just Future for All

Introduction

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed G20 Summit Session III, titled “A Fair and Just Future for All,” in Johannesburg on 23 November 2025.
• The address focused on technology and artificial intelligence within a global context.

Why in news?

• He called for a global compact to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence.
• He urged that technologies be human-centric rather than finance-centric.

Background

• He advocated for technology applications that are global and based on open-source models, rather than exclusive models.
• He highlighted India’s integration of this vision into its technology ecosystem, noting progress in space applications, AI, and digital payments.
• He cited progress at the Delhi G20 on talent mobility and anticipated a global framework in the coming years.

Significance

• He proposed a global agreement on AI anchored in effective human oversight, safety-by-design, and transparency.
• He sought restrictions on AI use in deepfakes, crime, and terror activities.
• He affirmed that AI should enhance human capabilities while ultimate decision-making remains human-centric.
• He emphasised a shift from “jobs of today” to “capabilities of tomorrow,” underscoring the future of work and talent mobility.
• He outlined India’s approach of equitable access, population-level skilling, and responsible AI deployment to ensure benefits reach all citizens.
• He reaffirmed India’s commitment to sustainable development, trusted trade, fair finance, and inclusive progress for shared prosperity.

Facts/General knowledge

• The India-AI Mission aims to provide accessible high-performance computing so AI benefits reach all citizens.
• He announced the AI Impact Summit in February 2026 with the theme “Sarvajanam Hitaya, Sarvajanam Sukhaya” (welfare for all, happiness for all) and invited G20 countries to participate.

President of India’s Two-Nation State Visit to Angola and Botswana (9–13 November 2025)

Introduction

• President Droupadi Murmu undertook a State Visit to Angola and Botswana from 9–13 November 2025.
• She participated in Angola’s 50th Independence Day celebrations and then visited Botswana, marking the first-ever Presidential visit from India to Angola and the first-ever State Visit by an Indian President to Botswana.

Why in news?

• Attended Angola’s Golden Jubilee Parade at Praça da República, Luanda.
• Signed five MoUs/Agreements with Angola: Fisheries & Marine Resources; Biofuels; Wildlife Conservation; Consular Matters; Civil Aviation.
• Held bilateral talks in Angola on energy, defence, agriculture, digital technologies, and economic cooperation.
• Addressed the Angolan National Assembly, underscoring democratic solidarity, South–South partnership, and multipolarity.
• Conducted bilateral discussions in Botswana with President Duma Gideon Boko on trade, renewable energy, education, skills, health, defence, digital innovation, and governance partnership.
• Concluded a Pharmacopoeia Cooperation Agreement with Botswana to enhance regulatory alignment and access to Indian generic medicines.
• India to supply ARV drugs to Botswana; Botswana to send additional cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah.
• Addressed the Botswana National Assembly, calling for deeper youth, business, and democratic cooperation.
• Visited the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) and the Three Dikgosi Monument.

Background

• India–Angola: Visit undertaken at the invitation of Angolan President João Lourenço.

• Coincided with 50 years of Angola’s Independence and 40 years of India–Angola diplomatic relations (1985–2025).
• India–Botswana: Final leg of the tour, with arrival in Gaborone on 11 November 2025.

• Visit ahead of 60 years of diplomatic ties (1966–2026).

Significance

• India–Angola: Energy Security: Angola is Africa’s second-largest oil producer, supporting India’s energy diversification.

• Economic Diplomacy: Enhances India’s engagement on the Atlantic coast.
• Development Cooperation: Collaboration on biofuels, the blue economy, and wildlife conservation.
• Strategic Outreach: Strengthens India’s Global South leadership.
• India–Botswana: Wildlife & Environment: Botswana’s cheetahs support India’s Project Cheetah and ecological restoration.

• Health Diplomacy: Supply of Indian medicines and pharmacopoeia cooperation.
• Democratic Values: Alignment with India’s democratic partnership.
• Economic Diversification: Expands India’s role in minerals, diamonds, and renewable sectors.
• India–Africa Engagement:Political: Deepens ties with democratic, resource-rich African partners.

• Economic: Boosts trade, energy, digital, pharma, and agriculture cooperation.
• Environmental: Focus on wildlife, bio-resources, and sustainable development.
• Global South Solidarity: Advances the India–Africa Forum Summit vision and AU Agenda 2063.

Facts/General knowledge

• Angola:
• Location: West coast of Southern Africa; borders the D.R. Congo (NE), Republic of Congo (N), Zambia (E), Namibia (S), and the Atlantic Ocean (W).

• Capital: Luanda.
• Historical ties with India: Support for the anti-colonial liberation movement; major supplier of crude oil; bilateral trade around USD 4 billion; engagement under the India–Africa Forum Summit framework.

• Botswana:
• Location: Landlocked in Southern Africa; borders South Africa (S), Namibia (W & N), Zambia (N), and Zimbabwe (NE).

• Capital: Gaborone.
• Historical ties with India: Diplomatic relations since 1966; High Commission of India in Gaborone since 1987; Botswana’s mission in New Delhi since 2006; cooperation in diamonds, education, and IT training under the ITEC Programme; over 1,000 students from Botswana trained in India in the past decade.

G20 Summit 2025 – Johannesburg Declaration and Global South Priorities

Introduction

• The 20th G20 Summit 2025 was held under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.
• The summit centred Global South priorities, with Africa’s perspectives shaping deliberations.

Why in news?

• It was the first-ever G20 summit hosted on the African continent, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Member nations reached consensus on the G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration comprising 122 paragraphs on climate action, multilateral reform, and equitable global governance.

Background

The G20 was created after the Asian Financial Crisis (1997–98) as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to strengthen global financial stability.

• Its agenda has expanded beyond macroeconomics to include trade, climate change, health, food security, energy transitions, and digital governance.
• It was upgraded to Leaders’ level during the Global Financial Crisis of 2007–08, with annual Leaders’ Summits taking place since 2009.
• Composition: an informal grouping of 19 major economies, the European Union (EU), and the African Union (AU); India is a founding member; other countries can be invited as special guests on an ad hoc basis.
• Mandate: serves as the premier forum for international economic cooperation, shaping global governance on growth, trade, financial stability, sustainable development, climate action, health, energy, agriculture, and anti-corruption.
• Structure and presidency: no headquarters or permanent staff; the presidency rotates annually; the Troika system ensures continuity through previous–current–incoming presidents.

Significance

Multilateralism anchored in Ubuntu:

• The declaration emphasises Ubuntu, the African philosophy of shared humanity and interconnectedness, with calls for stronger multilateral cooperation to address conflicts, inequality, and humanitarian suffering.
• About Ubuntu: “I am because you are”; it stresses collective responsibility, compassion, and mutual support; Nelson Mandela embodied Ubuntu through reconciliation and unity after apartheid.
• Relevance to global goals: supports sustainability; calls for equitable growth and fair access to technology, skills, and opportunities; encourages collective action against transnational threats such as the drug–terror nexus; promotes safeguarding traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
• UN Security Council reform: Supports transforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities, with expanded representation for Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.

• Condemnation of terrorism: Unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations, reflecting India’s longstanding position.

• Expanded climate action commitments: Agreement to scale global climate finance toward a “billions-to-trillions” shift and to operationalise a more equitable transition under the Paris Agreement.

• Empowerment of women: Calls to remove barriers, ensure equal participation in decision-making, and recognise women as agents of peace.

• Debt crisis and global financial reform: Launch of a Cost of Capital Commission to reform global credit rating practices and reduce the unfair “African risk premium”.

• Highlighted Africa’s growing debt burden at USD 1.8 trillion, with over half its population living in countries spending more on debt interest than on public services.
• Energy access and development: Mission 300, led by the World Bank and African Development Bank, to provide electricity to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

• Critical minerals and value chains: Welcomed the G20 Critical Minerals Framework to secure sustainable value chains, focusing on investment in mineral exploration and local beneficiation in developing countries.

• Youth and labour targets: Adoption of the Nelson Mandela Bay Target to reduce the youth Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) rate by 5% by 2030.

• Commitment to 25% gender parity in labour force participation by 2030.
• India’s role in shaping the agenda: Countering the drug–terror nexus: highlighted drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, as a global security threat and source of terrorism financing; proposed a G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus focusing on financial tracking, border coordination, and global enforcement.

• Africa-centric development vision: proposed the G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative to train 1 million certified trainers across Africa in 10 years.
• Health, knowledge, and space cooperation: proposed a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team; a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository; and an Open Satellite Data Partnership for agriculture, fisheries, and disaster management.
• Critical minerals and sustainable transitions: proposed a Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative for recycling, urban mining, and innovation; called for democratic, transparent, and diversified minerals supply chains to reduce dependency on a few countries.
• Responsible, inclusive, and secure AI governance: advocated a Global Compact on AI centred on human oversight, safety-by-design, and transparency, with prohibition of AI misuse in deepfakes, cybercrime, and terrorism; invited all countries to the AI Impact Summit 2026 in India.
• Support for a just, equitable global order: strongly backed UNSC reform to ensure representation for Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific; reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and a global rules-based order.
• Broader role of the G20 in development: Shapes global economic governance on financial regulations, debt sustainability, global tax reforms, digital public infrastructure, and climate finance through initiatives like the G20 Common Framework and the Declaration on Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and Data for Governance (a joint communiqué by the G20 Troika: India, Brazil, and South Africa).

• Drives the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by coordinating climate action, energy transitions, food security commitments, and progress on the Pact for the Future.
• Enhances the voice of the Global South on supply chain resilience, critical minerals, development finance, and technology access; catalyses reform of multilateral financial institutions (IMF–World Bank), expanded lending, and better representation such as creating a 25th IMF Executive Board seat for Africa.
• Pivotal moment: The summit placed Africa and the wider Global South at the heart of multilateral priorities, setting the tone for a more equitable, secure, and sustainable world order.

Facts/General knowledge

Together, G20 members account for 85% of global GDP, over 75% of world trade, and nearly two-thirds of the global population.

• The current G20 Troika is Brazil (previous presidency), South Africa (current presidency), and the United States (next presidency).