What is the Black Sea Grain Initiative?
Context: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he was confident Russia would soon revive the Black Sea grain deal. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: What is the Black Sea Grain Initiative? The Black Sea Grain Initiative is a response to supply chain disruptions caused by Russia’s actions in the Black Sea region, […]
The Implications of the Expansion of BRICS
Context: During the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg on August 24, it was revealed that the original five-member BRICS group consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa had extended invitations to six new nations. These new invitees include Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from West Asia, as well as Egypt […]
China Reaffirms Territorial Claims with New Map Release
Context: China has introduced the “2023 edition of the standard map of China,” reinforcing its territorial assertions in contested areas. This move aligns with China’s “National Mapping Awareness Publicity Week,” highlighting the importance of precise and uniform cartography practices. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: China’s Territorial Claims in the New Map […]
About The Global South
Context: Recently, External Affairs Minister said that the disruptions caused by the corona virus pandemic and recent geopolitical conflicts call for a realignment of the world order. He said that the “Global South” can no longer be at the mercy of a few suppliers. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Understanding the […]
Key Highlights of the 15th BRICS Summit
Context: The 15th BRICS summit hosted by South Africa in Johannesburg, holds significant importance against the backdrop of geopolitical changes and global economic dynamics. The theme for the 15th BRICS Summit is “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights […]
A Line of Actual Control (LAC)
Context: The Indian PM and Chinese President agreed on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit to intensify efforts for expeditious disengagement and de-escalation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Line of Actual Control (LAC) Contrast with Line of Control (LoC) in Relation to Pakistan Disagreements […]
Northern Sea Route
Context: Murmansk, popularly called the capital of the Arctic region and the beginning point of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), is witnessing the rising trend of Indian involvement in cargo traffic. In the first seven months of 2023, India got the lion’s share with 35% of eight million tonnes of cargo handled by the Murmansk […]
About The Maitri Setu
Context: India-Bangladesh friendship bridge, the Maitri Setu, is all set to be functional soon. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Maitri Setu: Location and Length: Symbol of Bilateral Relations: Construction and Oversight: Design and Structure: Feni River: Location and Border: Origin and Flow: Length: -Source: The Hindu
UK’s North Sea Fossil Fuel Drilling Plans
Context: The UK Prime Minister has approved further fossil fuel drilling in the North Sea to bolster energy self-sufficiency, prompting concerns about climate commitments. The North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA) is supervising the 33rd licensing round for offshore oil and gas, raising discussions on the nation’s environmental goals. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of […]
Japan’s Controversial Fukushima Water Release
Context: Japan plans to release over 1 million metric tonnes of treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant on August 24. Despite the controversy, the government argues that this move is vital for plant cleanup after the 2011 disaster. Seen as a crucial step in decommissioning the facility and aiding Fukushima prefecture’s […]