General Awareness

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS - January 2025

Jan 2025

Feb 21, 2026

Armenia offers visa-free entry to eligible Indian passport holders until 1 July 2026

Armenia has announced a temporary visa-free entry policy for eligible Indian passport holders. The measure, disclosed by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will remain in force until 1 July 2026 and remains subject to specified eligibility conditions. Indian travelers who hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, any European Union member state, a Schengen Area country, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Oman may enter Armenia without a visa. The policy is designed to boost tourism and international connections during the first half of 2026, and travelers should verify permit validity before planning trips.

Visa-free entry available to Indians with certain residence permits
Validity extends until 1 July 2026
Eligibility includes US, EU, Schengen, UAE, Gulf states listed
Official announcement by Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Aims to boost tourism and international connectivity
Travelers should confirm permit details before travel

Feb 19, 2026

Sanae Takaichi reappointed Japan PM after landslide win

Japan's Sanae Takaichi, 64, was formally reappointed prime minister after her Liberal Democratic Party's landslide victory in the snap lower house elections held on 8 February 2026. The LDP secured a two-thirds majority, consolidating authority in the lower chamber. Takaichi formed her second Cabinet soon after the swearing-in, signaling policy continuity. The party's majority positions her to push defence, fiscal and constitutional agendas with fewer procedural hurdles. She has expressed plans to bolster security, expand arms exports, and tighten immigration rules, while addressing inflation and wages. The reappointment reinforces political stability amid regional tensions and economic pressures. Observers note the move aligns with broader security and budget priorities in the region.

Takaichi reappointed after 8 February 2026 victory.
LDP holds two-thirds in the lower house.
Second Cabinet formed following swearing-in.
Priority: defence, security and fiscal reform.
Observers link the move to regional security and economic goals.

Poland bans Chinese cars at military sites

Poland announced a ban on Chinese-made vehicles entering military installations, citing national security concerns linked to modern automotive technology. The decision, announced by the Chief of the General Staff, follows a risk assessment of digital systems embedded in vehicles. Officials said the measure aims to reduce the risk of uncontrolled data collection and transmission and to protect sensitive defence infrastructure. Modern vehicles include advanced communication modules, sensors, cameras, and positioning systems that can collect and transmit data. Experts warned such systems could be exploited in protected zones, prompting the new restriction. The move underscores transatlantic concerns about security tech in Asia and Europe.

Ban targets Chinese-made vehicles at military sites.
Cited risks from embedded digital systems and data.
Goal: protect sensitive defence infrastructure.
Highlights security concerns around modern vehicle tech.
Context includes transatlantic security considerations.

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

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