The Question of Palestine’s UN Membership
Context: Israel’s conflict with Gaza has sparked numerous ethical, political, and diplomatic debates. A notable diplomatic issue drawing significant attention is Palestine’s renewed bid for United Nations (UN) membership. Ironically, this bid is stalled at the UN Security Council (UNSC), primarily due to the geopolitical considerations of the United States. The U.S. contends that membership should follow, not precede, […]
About BIMSTEC
Context: Recently, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has recently achieved an important milestone with the charter of the grouping coming into force on 20th May 2024. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests, Important International groupings), Prelims Dimensions of the Article: About BIMSTEC History of Formation of the BIMSTEC […]
About the Arab League
Context: The Arab League recently called for UN peacekeeping forces in the Palestinian territories during a summit in Bahrain’s Manama. Relevance: GS II International Relations About the Arab League Overview: Formation: Goals: Structure: Members: Council: -Source: Hindustan Times
India Contemplates Free Trade Agreement with EAEU
Context: India is “seriously considering” initiating discussions for a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as announced by the Foreign Minister of Belarus during his recent two-day visit to India. Relevance: GS II: International Relations About the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Objectives Structure Key Characteristics -Source: Times of India
Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
Context: India is set to play a pivotal role in facilitating the first-ever focused discussions on regulating tourism in Antarctica at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP). Relevance: GS II: International Relations Understanding the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM): Understanding the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP): […]
UK PM Proposes Changes to Graduate Route Visa Scheme
Context: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is contemplating revisions to the Graduate Route Visa (GRV) scheme, intending to restrict visas to the most outstanding international students. This proposal aims to decrease the overall number of international students in the UK. The changes particularly target education recruitment agents accused of providing misleading information to UK colleges […]
About MATES Migration Scheme
Context: The Australian Federal Budget Document, released recently, announced the start date for the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) for Indian Nationals. Relevance: GS II: International Relations About MATES Migration Scheme: Introduction: Eligibility Criteria: Sponsorship Requirement: Permitted Activities: Program Capacity: -Source: Times of India
India and Iran Sign 10-Year Contract for Chabahar Port
Context: India and Iran have inked a decade-long contract for the operation of the Chabahar port in Iran. The agreement, signed between Indian Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) and the Port and Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran, facilitates the operation of the Shahid-Beheshti terminal, marking a significant step in enhancing maritime trade relations between the two […]
Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024
Context: In 2023, the number of internally displaced people increased to 75.9 million, from 71.1 million in the preceding year, according to the Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (GRID-2024) released recently. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (GRID-2024): Overview: Highlights of GRID-2024: South Asia Findings: -Source: The Hindu
NHRC-India’s Accreditation Deferred by GANHRI
Context: The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), based in Geneva and affiliated with the United Nations, has deferred the accreditation of the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC-India) for the second consecutive year. This decision, taken during the Sub Committee on Accreditation (SCA) meeting on May 1, 2024, marks the first […]