Current Affairs - International

Saudi Arabia launched the pilot phase of its Tourist Package Visa service to simplify international travel by integrating return airfare, accommodation at licensed hotels, and electronic tourist visa processing into a single transaction. The package also provides access to cultural experiences, entertainment events, and local attractions, making travel planning more convenient. In the initial phase, the service is available to travellers from several countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, and Mexico. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia's efforts to promote tourism and enhance the overall visitor experience.

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.