Iran starts enriching uranium to 60%
Context: Iran began enriching uranium to 60%, its highest level ever, edging closer to weapons-grade levels to pressure talks in Vienna aimed at restoring its nuclear deal with world powers after an attack on its main atomic site. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Policy and Treaties that affect India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About […]
Impact: After US exit from Afghanistan
Context: The U.S. President Biden has announced withdrawal of all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021 (20th anniversary of the 9/11). Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbours, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests) Mains Questions: What are the implications of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan for the Afghan govt, the Taliban, and […]
BIMSTEC needs to reinvent itself
Context: The foreign ministers of BIMSTEC (the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) held their 17th meeting on April 1. While most multilateral groupings from G20 to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) held their deliberations at the highest political level in the midst of the […]
NATO to exit Afghanistan along with U.S.
Context: Foreign troops under NATO command will withdraw from Afghanistan in coordination with a U.S. pull-out, after Germany said it would match American plans to leave after two decades of war. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (International Groupings, Foreign policies affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Important Points regarding […]
India, Russia diverge on Indo-Pacific strategy
Context: Russian Ambassador to India said that India and Russia are “committed” to completing their contract for the S-400 missile system, due to be delivered to India at the end of 2021 and also that both countries oppose U.S. sanctions on the issue. The S-400 contract is on track for a delivery of the systems […]
INDIA’S SOUTH ASIAN OPPORTUNITY
Context: The statement issued by the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan, in February 2021, that they agree to strictly observe all agreements between the two countries, coincided with a statement made by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Colombo that “our only dispute is Kashmir and it can only be resolved […]
U.S. URGES G20 ON GLOBAL MINIMUM CORPORATE TAX
Context: In a declaration of war on low-tax jurisdictions around the globe, US Treasury Secretary has urged G20 nations to move towards a global minimum corporate tax. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (International Groupings, Foreign policies affecting India’s Interests) GS-III: Indian Economy (Taxation, External Dimensions of the Article: About the Global Minimum Corporate Tax Rate proposal […]
MILITARY EXERCISE IN BANGLADESH ENDS
Context: Multinational military exercise Shantir Ogrosena was under way in Bangladesh in April 2021. Relevance: Prelims, GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbors, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About Shantir Ogrosena Trends in India-Bangladesh relations Other Recent Developments in India-Bangladesh Relationship Issues and Complications in India-Bangladesh relations About Shantir Ogrosena Shantir Ogrosena is […]
CHINA EXTENDS $500 MILLION LOAN TO LANKA
Context: China signed a $500 million loan agreement with Sri Lanka, in a move that Colombo hopes would boost its foreign reserves that are under severe strain since the pandemic struck last year. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbors, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About recent extension of loan by China […]
INDIA-PAKISTAN: FORWARD THROUGH A BACKCHANNEL
Context: More than a month after India-Pakistan border commanders agreed to strictly observe all agreements between the two countries, the absence of official acceptance of a backchannel seems far outweighed by indicators that there is, in fact, such a channel in place, approved by the Prime Ministers of both countries. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India […]