About Yaoundé Declaration
Context: Ministers of Health from African countries with the highest burden of malaria recently signed the Yaounde Declaration with the objective of ending malaria deaths. Relevance: GS II: International Relations About Yaoundé Declaration: Participating Countries (70% of global malaria burden): Objectives: Pledges: Commitments: -Source: The Hindu
India-EFTA Trade Deal Set for Conclusion
Context: India is on track to finalize a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This agreement is part of India’s efforts to conclude three free-trade agreements (FTAs) in March, including deals with Oman and the UK, ahead of the implementation of […]
Insights from the Raisina Dialogue
Context: The annual Raisina Dialogue, a prestigious forum jointly organized by the MEA and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) serves as a platform for global leaders to address urgent issues facing the international community, attracting around 2500 participants from 115 countries in the latest edition. With the theme ‘Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create,’ the recent dialogue […]
Understanding Grey Zone Warfare
Context: In commentaries on China and Taiwan, ‘grey zone warfare’ crops up in descriptions of Chinese actions around the island that it claims as its own. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Understanding Grey Zone Warfare: Navigating the Ambiguous Realm Definition Activities and Methods Typical Aspects: Characteristics -Source: Indian Express
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
Context: OPEC+ members led by Saudi Arabia and Russia recently agreed to extend voluntary oil output cuts first announced in 2023 as part of an agreement among oil producers to boost prices following economic uncertainty. Relevance: GS II- International Relations Dimensions of the Article: About Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) What is OPEC+? […]
Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Shipping
Context: Ongoing Houthi Assaults on Commercial Vessels in the Red Sea underscore Global Supply Chain Vulnerabilities, prompting a reassessment of alternative routes for international trade. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: The Red Sea and its Impact on Global Trade About the Red Sea: Effects on India: India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor […]
About The Financial Action Task Force
Context: The recent removal of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list has sparked optimism for investment landscapes, particularly in India’s Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Impact of UAE’s Exit from FATF Grey List on Investments in Indian NBFCs RBI Regulations in 2021: Restrictions on […]
Indian Diplomacy: Leveraging Soft Power
Context: In the present global geopolitical context, there is a notable transformation in the conventional measures of national power. Policymakers and diplomats are increasingly acknowledging the significance of soft power aspects in influencing international relations, redirecting their attention from pure military strength to factors such as cultural impact and moral authority. India, specifically, has effectively […]
Chinese Occupation of “Xiaokang” Border Defence Villages Raises Concerns
Context: In a recent development, Chinese nationals have started occupying previously vacant “Xiaokang” border defence villages along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. Constructed by China in 2019, the presence of these villages has sparked concerns within the Indian Army, prompting scrutiny over the occupants’ intentions and the strategic implications for […]
The Raisina Dialogue
Context: At the ninth edition of the annual Raisina Dialogue, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar characterized India as a “bridging power,” emphasizing its commitment to finding common ground through a nuanced “multi-vector” policy. He portrayed India as a global friend, adopting the role of a “Vishwamitra” or a friend of the world, reflecting the nation’s lofty […]