National 14 November 2026
India to Host First SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum in Delhi; PM Modi to Inaugurate
Why in the News?
India is hosting the first **Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue Forum** at the historic **Purana Qila** in New Delhi from **November 20 to 22, 2026**. Prime Minister **Narendra Modi** will officially inaugurate the forum on November 20.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Organizers & Participation:
- Jointly organized by the **Ministry of Culture** and the **Ministry of External Affairs**.
- India has extended invitations to all 10 permanent member states of the SCO, including Pakistan's Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi.
- Around 15 nations, including China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, have confirmed their participation.
- Objective & Background:
- Aimed at strengthening cultural exchange, preservation of art, architecture, literature, and manuscripts among SCO member states.
- The initiative was proposed by PM Narendra Modi at the Tianjin SCO Summit and subsequently adopted by the SCO Council.
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Static GK Facts:
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):
- Formed: **June 15, 2001** (Shanghai, China) [Evolved from Shanghai Five].
- Headquarters: **Beijing, China** | Secretary-General: **Nurlan Yermekbayev**.
- 10 Permanent Member States: India, Pakistan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran (joined 2023), and Belarus (joined 2024).
- India and Pakistan became full members in **2017** at the Astana Summit.
- Purana Qila (Old Fort):
- Located in New Delhi, historically constructed during the reigns of **Sher Shah Suri** and Mughal Emperor **Humayun**.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Where is the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum 2026 being held?
A: Purana Qila, New Delhi (India)
Q: In which year did India officially become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?
A: 2017 (Astana Summit)
Q: Where is the headquarters of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) located?
A: Beijing, China
#SCO #CivilisationalDialogue #PMModi #PuranaQila #GajendraSinghShekhawat #MinistryOfCulture #CurrentAffairs #StaticGK