India’s Rights Record, America’s Blinkered Vision | Legacy IAS
Context: The current Indian government has been remarkably successful in maintaining cordial Indian relations with Washington under United States President Joe Biden, yet, there are some wrinkles such as the U.S. Report on Human Rights Practices criticizing India and CAATSA sanctions on India’s S-400 purchase, that need to be ironed out. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations […]
China To ‘Modernize’ Its Nuclear Arsenal
Context: China said that it will continue to “modernise” its nuclear arsenal and called on the U.S. and Russia to reduce their own stockpiles. China defended its nuclear weapons policy and said Russia and the U.S. (2 countries that still possess 90% of the nuclear warheads on Earth)— by far the world’s largest nuclear powers […]
China Constructing Bridge on Pangong Tso
Context: China is constructing a bridge in Eastern Ladakh connecting the North and South Banks of Pangong Tso which would significantly bring down the time for People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to move troops and equipment between the two sectors. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbors, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests, Border disputes) Dimensions of the […]
World powers vow to stop spread of nuclear weapons
Context: Five global nuclear powers pledged to prevent atomic weapons spreading and to avoid nuclear conflict, in a rare joint statement ahead of a review of Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in 2022. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Treaties and Agreements, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: Non-Proliferation […]
India, Israel in talks for free trade agreement
Context: India is in dialogue with Israel for concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) according to Commerce and Industry Minister. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations, GS-III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: Trade relations between India and Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Israel Way Forward for FTA talks between Israel and India Back […]
Pakistan’s First Ever National Security Policy (NSP) | Legacy IAS
Context: Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) approved the country’s “first ever” National Security Policy (NSP) – which is designed to be a “Comprehensive National Security Framework” and covers a five-year period from 2022-26. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbours, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: What is the National Security Policy (NSP)? […]
China’s new border law: Explained
Context: On December 30, 2021, China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs said it had issued “standardised” names for 15 places in the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. The names are to be used henceforth on all official Chinese documents and maps, which show Arunachal as “south Tibet”. The issuing of the names came ahead of a […]
Sri Lanka to ink new agreements on oil tank farm with India
Context: Sri Lanka (on 31st December 2021) announced its decision to sign three lease agreements on developing the strategic Trincomalee oil tank farm with India. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s neighbors, Economic relations and Landmark agreements) Dimensions of the Article: About Trincomalee Oil Tank Farms About India and Sri Lanka agreements to work on the […]
Nord Stream pipeline and the Russia-Ukraine issue
Context: German Economic Affairs Minister warned in an interview of “severe consequences’ for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany if Moscow attacked Ukraine. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: About the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline (NS2P) project About the Strains in Nord Stream 2 completion Energy security dilemma in […]
Vying for influence over Kabul: OIC and Central Asian states
Context: December 2021, Pakistan hosted a special session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address the crisis in Afghanistan. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Why is there so much interest on Afghanistan? About the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Developments between Islamic nations on Afghanistan 2015 Strains in the Saudi […]