RAS question
India assumed the Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme on December 25, 2025. From when will India assume the Chair of this global diamond certification body?
Correct answer: (A) January 1, 2026.
India will assume the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026, after taking over as Vice Chair on 25 December 2025.
Explanation
India becomes Chair of the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026, not from the date on which it becomes Vice Chair. The Kimberley Process Plenary selected India for the chairpersonship from 1 January 2026, with India first taking over as KP Vice Chair from 25 December 2025. The sequence is explicit: Vice Chair in late December 2025, Chair in the new year. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme aims to prevent trade in conflict diamonds, with 60 participants accounting for over 99 per cent of global rough diamond trade. India’s stated focus during its tenure includes digital certification, traceability, governance, compliance and transparency.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) April 1, 2026 is wrong because India’s chairpersonship begins on 1 January 2026.
- (C) December 25, 2026 is wrong because India takes over as Vice Chair on 25 December 2025, not as Chair on 25 December 2026.
- (D) March 1, 2026 is wrong because India becomes Chair at the start of the new year, on 1 January 2026.
Concept
RAS current-affairs preparation often covers India’s role in international trade governance institutions. Such topics link dates, institutional mandates and India’s leadership positions in global bodies.