U.S. STRIKES A DEAL WITH TALIBAN TO END 18-YEAR-LONG AFGHAN WAR
Why in news? The U.S. signed a deal with the Taliban on 29th February 2020 that could pave way for a full withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan over the next 14 months. This represents a step towards ending the 18-year-war in the nation. Taliban leader calls it ‘day of victory’; Pompeo says victory will […]
Extraordinary Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit
Why in News Recently, an extraordinary Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit has been convened to discuss the challenges posed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and to forge a global coordinated response. The video-conference of leaders of the world’s top twenty economies was hosted by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Key points: The G20 countries have voluntarily committed to inject more than $5 […]
WTO Ruling against India
Why in news? A Dispute Settlement Panel of WTO in its report issued to members on 31 October 2019 has ruled India’s export promotion schemes (e.g. Merchandise Exports from India Scheme, Export Oriented Units Scheme, Special Economic Zone Scheme, Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme and Duty Free Imports for Exporters Scheme etc) to be export […]
READY TO FLY STRANDED INDIANS: UAE
Why in news? Responding to India’s concerns, the United Arab Emirates has offered to fly stranded Indian nationals who want to return home in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government of UAE has decided to help all countries fly their citizens home after the completion of the necessary medical tests. Details UAE has reached […]
G20 EXTRAORDINARY ENERGY MINISTERS MEETING
Why in news? Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel, participated in the G20 Extraordinary Energy Ministers’ virtual Meeting on 10th April 2020 called by Saudi Arabia, in its capacity as the G20 Presidency. The G20 Energy Ministers’ focused on ways and means to ensure stable energy markets, which are affected due to demand […]
IMPORTANCE OF SOFT POWER IS INCREASING GLOBALLY
Views of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) president When the ICCR was established- Majorly, it was about scholarships to foreign students, cultural exchanges involving artistes and youths as also establishing some Chairs in some universities etc. Now, we are in a world where every nation wants to influence and occupy the mind space of […]
Gender Violence Is A “Shadow Pandemic”: Un Women
Measuring the shadow pandemic: Violence against women Focus: GS-II Social Justice, International Relations Why in news? The UN Women has urged member-States to include prevention of violence against women in their action plans on COVID-19 and consider shelters and helplines essential services, calling the rise in gender-based violence a “shadow pandemic”. Details: According to UN […]
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL LIKELY ON APRIL 9
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management, GS-II International Relations Why in news? India is gearing for diplomatic activities as the U.N. Security Council appears set for a special session over the COVID-19 pandemic. What is likely to happen? A special closed session of the UNSC is to be held as early as on April 9 when all […]
INDIA REVOKES BAN ON EXPORT OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE, OPPOSITION SLAMS
Why in news? The Government of India announced on 7th March 2020 that it had rescinded its earlier ban on the export of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which is now being used in countries such as the U.S. as a possible line of treatment for COVID-19, setting off a controversy over whether the two-day old […]
UNGA ADOPTS RESOLUTION CALLING FOR GLOBAL SOLIDARITY, COOPERATION TO FIGHT COVID-19
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management, International Relations, Prelims Why in news? The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by 188 nations including India, on COVID-19, calling for intensified international cooperation to defeat the pandemic that is causing severe disruption to societies and economies. The resolution titled Global solidarity to fight the coronavirus […]