Russia, U.K. spar over Black Sea incident
Context: Russia accused Britain of spreading lies over a warship confrontation in the Black Sea and warned Britain that it would respond resolutely to any further provocative actions by the British Navy off the coast of Russia-annexed Crimea. Relevance: Prelims, GS-II: International Relations, GS-I: Geography (Maps) Dimensions of the Article: About the current issue between […]
The Antarctic Treaty is turning 60
Context: The 1959 Antarctic Treaty celebrates its 60th anniversary on June 23rd 2021. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Treaties, Important International Groupings and Agreements) Dimensions of the Article: Antarctic Treaty System About the Antarctic Treaty About the claims on Antarctica and the principle of the treaty India’s programmes in Antarctica Antarctic Treaty System The […]
IAF, Navy match skills with U.S. team
Context: The Indian Navy and the Air Force began a two-day passage exercise with U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Ronald Reagan during its transit through the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign developments affecting India’s Interests, India-U.S. relations) Dimensions of the Article: About the U.S. India 2-day passage exercise U.S. Security […]
At UNHRC, grave concerns raised over Xinjiang
Context: More than 40 countries led by Canada voiced grave concerns at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) about China’s actions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet — triggering a fierce backlash from Beijing. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Institutions, India’s Neighbors) Dimensions of the Article: About United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) About […]
EU slaps new sanctions on Belarus
Context: European Union foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on scores of officials and several organizations in Belarus, and prepared a series of economic measures aimed at hitting President Alexander Lukashenko and his allies. Relevance: Prelims, GS-II: International Relations (Important International groupings), GS-I: Maps Dimensions of the Article: European Union About Belarus Recent Protests in […]
The comrades and their divergent perspectives
Context: Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently asserted that both the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, are “responsible” enough to solve issues between their countries, while underlining the need to debar any “extra-regional power” to interfere in the process. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Polices and developments affecting India’s […]
India abstains on U.N. resolution on Myanmar
Context: India has abstained on a U.N. General Assembly resolution on Myanmar, saying its views have not been reflected in the draft and New Delhi does not believe the resolution, tabled hastily, is conducive to “aiding our joint efforts towards strengthening democratic process” in the country. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Institutions, Foreign Policies […]
Biden & Putin’s ‘great power’ summit analyzed
Context: U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a summit meeting which the American leader called the meeting of “two great powers”. In a press conference held after the summit, Mr. Putin said they have agreed to return their ambassadors to their posts in a bid to lower tensions after Russia’s Ambassador […]
India extends $100 mn loan to Sri Lanka
Context: India and Sri Lanka signed an agreement for a $100-million loan from the Export Import Bank of India to support the island nation’s efforts to expand solar power coverage. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbors, Foreign Policies and treaties affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: India – Sri Lanka and debt Sri Lanka’s […]
China tries to Sinicise Tibetan life without the Dalai Lama
Context: Tibetan groups talk about China’s leader Xi Jinping and his Communist party as seeking to imprint on virtually every aspect of life across the vast county which has lately increasingly encompassed religion, both in central China and on its fringes, such as Tibet. The party is pressing a programme to Sinicise Tibetan life to […]