Current Affairs - International

Seychelles partnered with India on August 25, 2026, to establish a strategic roadmap for cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture, and the Blue Economy. The bilateral meeting focused on areas such as marine aquaculture, modern hatcheries, tuna fisheries, marine conservation, and Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance infrastructure. The two sides also discussed using Artificial Intelligence in harvest management, strengthening fisheries data systems, and developing the tuna-processing value chain. A proposed bilateral Memorandum of Understanding and annual work plan would support joint scientific research and regular institutional engagement. Seychelles is an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, with Victoria as its capital.

Japan is partnering with India to mobilise 10 trillion yen of Japanese private investment into India over the next 10 years, with a strong focus on semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The partnership also covers green hydrogen, data centres, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Japanese financial institutions such as MUFG and Mizuho are already expanding their presence in India. The initiative supports India’s broader economic vision of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047. GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is also being promoted as a key gateway for international investment and financial activities.

Five African nations, Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Congo, and Uganda were confirmed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to have officially ended their poliovirus type 2 outbreaks on August 21, 2026. The declaration specifically concerned circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2), which can emerge in populations with insufficient immunity. The assessment followed an Independent Outbreak Response Assessment conducted between January and June 2026. The WHO’s efforts focus on closing immunity gaps through high-quality vaccination campaigns, stronger routine immunisation, improved surveillance, and modernised laboratory networks across the African Region.

Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India on August 21, 2026, to strengthen bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting in Pune, Maharashtra. It promotes cooperation in emerging technologies such as 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things. The MoU also covers Open RAN, Direct-to-Device connectivity, satellite technologies, cybersecurity, spectrum management and Digital Public Infrastructure. Brazil is a member of both BRICS and the G20, with Brasília as its capital and the Brazilian Real as its currency.

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, will host the SCO Summit 2026 from August 31 to September 1. The summit is particularly significant as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) marks its 25th anniversary. The meeting will focus on regional security, counterterrorism, transport connectivity, trade and energy cooperation. Discussions are also expected to address emerging threats such as cybercrime and organised crime, along with major connectivity projects in Central Asia. The summit will bring together representatives of the SCO’s 10 member states, including India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus, highlighting the organisation’s growing regional importance.