General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - December 2016

Dec 2016

Feb 18, 2026

India and South Korea Reaffirm Special Strategic Partnership

India and South Korea reaffirmed their Special Strategic Partnership during the 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD) in Seoul. Co‑chaired by India’s Secretary (East) P. Kumaran and Korea’s First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon‑joo, the discussions covered defence, security, science and technology, culture and people‑to‑people exchanges. The two nations signaled deeper cooperation ahead of 2026, including joint initiatives in infrastructure, AI, and regional security. The FPSD highlighted sustained diplomatic momentum and a shared resilience across political and economic domains. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-set-to-stake-claim-as-global-techbio-hub-with-bioasia-2026/articleshow/128434728.cms?utm_source=openai))

6th FPSD held in Seoul
Deepening defence, security and science ties
Co‑chairs: P. Kumaran and Park Yoon‑joo
Commitment to AI collaboration and people‑to‑people links
Paves way for broader strategic cooperation in 2026

FPSD 2026 in Seoul Reinforces India‑Korea Strategic Cooperation

In Seoul, the 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue reinforced the India‑Korea Special Strategic Partnership, with a focus on defence tech, security collaboration, and joint science and technology initiatives. Delegations discussed broader bilateral ties and potential AI and digital health projects. The dialogue underscores both nations’ commitment to expanding their strategic standing ahead of 2026 milestones, including people‑to‑people exchanges and cultural cooperation in addition to security and technology collaboration. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-set-to-stake-claim-as-global-techbio-hub-with-bioasia-2026/articleshow/128434728.cms?utm_source=openai))

FPSD in Seoul reinforces India‑Korea partnership
Focus on defence tech and S&T collaboration
Aim to broaden strategic ties in 2026
Involves high‑level government officials
Includes people‑to‑people and cultural exchanges

Feb 16, 2026

Bangladesh MPs to Be Sworn In on Tuesday after BNP Victory

Bangladesh will swear in newly elected Members of Parliament and cabinet members on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, after the BNP landslide victory in the 13th national election. MPs will take oath at 10:00 hours at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, administered by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. In the afternoon, at 16:00 hours, President Mohammed Shahabuddin will swear in the new cabinet at the South Plaza of Parliament. The ceremony marks a major shift in Bangladesh's political leadership and parliamentary majority for the BNP.

Date of oath: 17 February 2026 at 10:00 hours
Oath administered by CEC Nasir Uddin
Presidential oath for cabinet at 16:00 hours
Context: BNP landslide victory in 13th election
Significant political transition for Bangladesh

Feb 15, 2026

Mozambique Launches Digital e-Visa System for 183 Countries

Mozambique has launched a digital e-Visa system allowing travellers from 183 countries, including India, to apply online before departure. Part of a digital transformation and border modernisation programme, the platform is powered by VFS Global. The system aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and traveler convenience by enabling online document submission, online fee payments, and pre-approval via email. Visa issuance in advance shortens immigration processing on arrival, supporting tourism and potential investment. The move is expected to boost cross-border mobility and contribute to Mozambique’s broader economic development goals.

E-Visa system covers 183 countries including India
Part of digital transformation and border modernization
Powered by VFS Global
Online application, payment, and pre-approval available
Aims to boost tourism and investment

Feb 13, 2026

Caretaker government appointed ahead of April elections in Bulgaria

Following political deadlock, Bulgaria announced a caretaker government to oversee preparations for the upcoming elections in April. The President confirmed the appointment of a caretaker cabinet tasked with maintaining governance and ensuring a credible electoral process. Officials emphasised that the caretaker administration would focus on essential state functions, economic stability, and transparent administration during the transition. Political analysts note that the arrangement seeks to avoid further stalemate and to provide a clear path to the electoral cycle, as Bulgaria remains a member of the European Union and NATO amid regional security concerns.

Caretaker cabinet formed to oversee election preparations.
Emphasis on stability of essential state functions.
Aim to ensure credible and transparent electoral process.
Bulgarian context within EU and NATO considerations.

Bulgarian interim prime minister appointed to steer towards elections

Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova appointed central bank deputy governor Andrey Gyurov as interim prime minister to lead the caretaker government preparing for national elections slated for 19 April. The move aims to provide stability after repeated parliamentary deadlock and to organise a free and fair vote in a fragmented political landscape. Gyurov will propose a cabinet within seven days, with presidential approval and final election date confirmation to follow. The caretaker administration focuses on governance continuity, safeguarding critical functions and ensuring credible electoral processes amid ongoing political volatility in Bulgaria.

Andrey Gyurov appointed interim prime minister by the president.
Caretaker government to prepare for polls on 19 April.
Cabinet proposal due within seven days with presidential approval.
Aimed at stabilising governance amid political fragmentation.

Feb 12, 2026

NATO Launches Arctic Sentry Military Effort to Move Beyond Greenland Dispute

Brussels, 12 February 2026 — NATO launched Arctic Sentry, a label for national exercises in the Arctic region. The initiative signals allied readiness amid longstanding tensions linked to Greenland and Arctic security. Arctic Sentry is not a permanent operation and does not involve long‑term troop deployments under a single NATO banner. It follows earlier drills such as Denmark’s Arctic Endurance and Norway’s Cold Response. The aim is to improve coordination, intelligence sharing, and crisis response capabilities among seven allied nations and partners with Arctic interests.

NATO launches Arctic Sentry
Not a permanent operation; no permanent troops
Follows Denmark’s Arctic Endurance and Norway’s Cold Response
Aims to improve Arctic readiness and cooperation
Includes multiple allied nations with Arctic interests

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