Project DANTAK completes 60 years in Bhutan
Context: Project DANTAK is commemorating its Diamond Jubilee in Bhutan – Indian Ambassador to Bhutan laid a floral wreath at the DANTAK Memorial in Simtokha on April 24, 2021. As DANTAK celebrates six decades in Bhutan, the project reaffirms its commitment to support the march of Bhutan towards realising the dreams of His Majesty Druk […]
Australia ends Chinese deals on national interest
Context: Australia said that it cancelled two accords between Victoria State and China on the Belt and Road Initiative because they were out of line with the federal government’s foreign policy, which sees a “free and open Indo-Pacific” as a key goal. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India and its Neighborhood, International Treaties & Agreements affecting […]
‘Country of Particular Concern’ – Religious Freedom
Context: The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended for the second year in the row to put India on a list (‘Countries of Particular Concern’ or CPCs) for the worst violations of religious freedoms in 2020. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests, Important International […]
World Press Freedom Index 2021: India 142nd
Context: The World Press Freedom Index 2021 placed India at 142nd rank yet again out of 180 nations, same as the ranking in 2020. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Institutions and their reports), GS-II: Polity and Governance (Freedom of Speech) Dimensions of the Article: What is the World Press Freedom Index? Highlights of the […]
Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum
Context: China’s President Xi Jinping said that global rules cannot be imposed “by one or a few countries” and attempts to “decouple” would not benefit any nation while peaking at the annual Boao Forum. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (International Groupings, Foreign Policies and Developments affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About Boao Forum Highlights […]
Raul Castro resigns as Cuba’s leader
Context: Raul Castro resigned as head of Cuba’s Communist Party, ending an era of formal leadership by himself and his brother Fidel Castro that began with the 1959 revolution. Cuba’s Party congress chose Mr. Díaz-Canel to be its leader, adding that crucial post to the title of president he assumed in 2018. He replaces his […]
Hot Springs and Gogra Post in India-China border
Context: During the 11th round of discussions between the senior military commanders of India and China to resolve the over 11-month long standoff in eastern Ladakh – there are reports that China had refused to vacate two of the four original friction points -Hot Springs & Gogra Post. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India and its […]
European Council on EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy
Context: The Council of the European Union approved conclusions on a European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific to “reinforce its strategic focus, presence and actions” in this region with the aim to contribute to “regional stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development,” at a time of “rising challenges and tensions in the region.” Relevance: […]
Junta leader or Myanmar Shadow govt. for ASEAN meet
Context: Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing is set to join a special ASEAN summit according to Thai Foreign Ministry. Myanmar’s shadow government urged Southeast Asian leaders to give it a seat at the table during crisis talks next week, and not to recognise the military regime that seized power in a February coup. Relevance: […]
The roots of a decentred international order
Context: The primary geopolitical rivals – Russia and China may possibly provide the strategic and tactical counterbalance to the hegemony of America. The international order is under threat of the rising economic power of the BRICS nations, with China dominating in its economic and military capacity. It is apparent that the future of global politics […]