New Delhi, Dec. 19 -- From escalating climate risks and geopolitical uncertainty to landmark sporting events and renewed space ambitions, 2026 is shaping up to be a consequential year on the global stage.

With record-breaking heat already becoming the norm, climate change will remain one of the most pressing challenges in 2026. The United Nations has warned there is an 80% chance that at least one year before 2029 will surpass previous temperature records.

Attention will turn to whether countries can translate climate commitments into coordinated action. While recent global climate talks signalled that multilateral cooperation is still alive despite geopolitical tensions and the US boycott, many experts say the current framework needs a...