General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - February 2024

Feb 2024

Aug 21, 2026

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir elected 23rd President of Bangladesh

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was elected the 23rd President of Bangladesh on 20 August 2026 through parliamentary voting. His long association with the BNP spans several decades, and his appointment comes amid a shifting political landscape in the country. The presidency is largely ceremonial, but the election reflects the evolving dynamics of Bangladesh's political system and its relations with neighbouring states and regional partners. Analysts say the outcome may influence governance priorities and parliamentary oversight in the coming months. The vote underscored parliamentary processes in Bangladesh, with regional observers noting implications for governance, security cooperation, and policy alignment with India and other neighbours.

Election of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as 23rd President on 20 August 2026.
Parliamentary voting process used for the election.
Alamgir is a senior leader of BNP with decades-long involvement.
Presidency in Bangladesh is largely ceremonial.
Possible implications for governance and regional relations, including India.

BRICS Tourism Working Group meets in Jaipur during India's Chairmanship

Jaipur hosted the 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group Meeting in August 2026 during India's BRICS Chairship. The session was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and attended by delegates from BRICS member countries, with Tourism Secretary Bhuvnesh Kumar presiding. Discussions focused on expanding tourism cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and reducing barriers to travel among BRICS nations. Officials noted joint market-promotional activities, skill development for tourism workers, and cooperation on safety, visa facilitation, and digital travel tools. The meeting aligns with India's effort to strengthen regional linkages and position BRICS as a platform for inclusive growth in travel and hospitality.

2nd BRICS Tourism Working Group Meeting held in Jaipur, August 2026.
India chaired the BRICS session during its Chairship.
Focus on expanding cooperation and sustainable tourism development.
Topics include visa facilitation, safety, and digital travel tools.
Aims to enhance regional linkages and BRICS’ role in travel and hospitality.

Aug 20, 2026

BRICS Summit 18th to be held in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026

The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026 under India’s BRICS Chairship. The summit will bring leaders from BRICS countries to discuss trade, investment and development cooperation. Ahead of the summit, BRICS tracks on energy, education and trade will continue with ministerial and senior official meetings across August and September. India emphasizes youth participation and innovation in technology and sustainability. The summit offers a platform to deepen intra‑BRICS ties and advance shared development goals amid global economic shifts.

Dates: 12–13 September 2026
Venue: New Delhi, India
Agenda: trade, investment, development cooperation
Preceding meetings: energy, education, trade tracks
India’s chairship priority: youth participation and innovation
Broader goal: strengthen BRICS cooperation

India hosts 8th BRICS Youth Energy Summit virtually

Under India's BRICS chairship, the 8th BRICS Youth Energy Summit was held virtually on 17 August 2026 with the Energy Track theme Energy for All. The event gathered young participants, researchers and industry experts to discuss energy security, sustainability, equitable access and technological innovation. Discussions highlighted cross‑border collaboration and youth leadership in the global energy transition. The summit reflected India's emphasis on inclusive growth and practical energy solutions. Organisers noted the importance of youth voices in shaping BRICS energy cooperation platforms and encouraged ongoing collaboration among member countries to advance clean energy access.

Date: 17 August 2026
Format: Virtual summit
Theme: Energy for All
Participants: youth, researchers, industry experts
Focus areas: energy security, sustainability, innovation
Significance: youth engagement in BRICS energy cooperation

Aug 19, 2026

UN Medal Awarded to Indian Peacekeepers in South Sudan

In August 2026, more than 200 Indian peacekeepers received the United Nations Medal for their service in South Sudan under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The personnel contributed to peacekeeping, protection of civilians, and humanitarian assistance efforts. The recognition underscores India’s ongoing role in international peacekeeping missions and the contribution of Indian forces to regional stability. The ceremony highlighted cooperation with UNMISS and gratitude from beneficiary communities for security and relief operations conducted in challenging environments.

Over 200 Indian peacekeepers received UN Medal
Service under UNMISS in South Sudan recognised
Contributions include peacekeeping and civilian protection
Showcases India’s role in international operations
Strengthens ties with UN missions

Aug 15, 2026

Defense pact among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey raises regional security concerns for India

New Delhi is monitoring a defense pact reportedly signed in Mecca on 7 August 2026 between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, with the story highlighted by Le Monde on 12 August 2026. Indian officials say they are assessing implications for regional security and India's own strategic calculus. The pact could affect balance in South Asia and influence defence procurement and security cooperation. The government has urged restraint and dialogue to maintain stability along the borders. Analysts caution about potential changes in alliance dynamics and the importance of cyber and counter-terrorism coordination in response. New Delhi emphasised that any external security arrangements will not change India's commitment to regional peace and to strengthening its defence diplomacy.

Reported pact signed in Mecca on 7 August 2026 between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
Le Monde highlighted the pact on 12 August 2026.
India says it is assessing implications for regional security and defence ties.
Analysts warn of potential shifts in regional alliances.

Aug 14, 2026

8th BRICS OPST Meeting Held in Goa, August 12–14, 2026

The 8th BRICS Working Group Meeting on Ocean and Polar Science and Technology (OPST) convened in Goa from 12 to 14 August 2026 during India’s BRICS Presidency. Hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the gathering brought scientists and officials from BRICS member nations to discuss cooperation in ocean research, polar studies, capacity building, and scientific innovation. Delegates reviewed data sharing, joint research planning, and training programs to enhance collaborative work. The meeting underscored BRICS commitment to advancing marine and polar science, with a focus on practical, long-term partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Location and dates: Goa, 12–14 August 2026.
Host: NCPOR under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Participants: BRICS scientists and officials.
Key topics: ocean research, polar studies, data sharing, capacity building.
Aim: strengthen multilateral collaboration and joint research initiatives.

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