Current Affairs - International

South Korea is set to launch its fourth next-generation medium-sized Earth observation satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. The approximately 500-kg satellite is equipped with indigenous high-resolution observation cameras and will orbit at an altitude of 888 km. It is designed to capture images of the entire Korean Peninsula every three days. After four months of in-orbit testing, the satellite is expected to become fully operational in the first half of 2027, supporting agriculture, forest management, disaster response, climate change analysis, and public safety.

Keiko Fujimori was officially declared the winner of Peru's presidential runoff election by the country's electoral authority after defeating Roberto Sanchez, the leftist candidate and former Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister. She secured the presidency, with the official swearing-in ceremony scheduled for July 28, 2026. Peru is a country located in western South America, with Lima as its capital and the Sol as its national currency. It is also renowned for Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Indonesia conferred its highest civilian honour, Bintang Adipurna, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting international cooperation between the two countries. The honour was presented by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during the Prime Minister's official visit to Jakarta. The award reflects the deep and growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia, covering areas such as trade, investment, digital cooperation, maritime security, critical minerals, and cultural ties. It also symbolises the strong friendship and mutual respect shared by the two nations.

Guwahati, Assam, hosted the high-level BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies meeting, organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation among BRICS nations to combat transnational drug trafficking, synthetic drugs, precursor diversion, and emerging New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). Discussions also emphasised intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and the use of digital technologies to tackle darknet and cryptocurrency-based drug trafficking. The meeting aligned with India's Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026–2029) and concluded with the adoption of a Joint Declaration to enhance collective action.

India will chair the Ninth Session of the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, held in Geneva from July 6–8, 2026. The meeting brings together policymakers, regulators, and consumer protection authorities from various countries to discuss emerging consumer issues and strengthen international cooperation. India’s delegation is led by Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs. During the session, India will oversee key discussions, including the launch of the UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety, while highlighting its achievements in digital consumer grievance redressal through initiatives such as the National Consumer Helpline and the AI-powered e-Jagriti platform.