Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan: Cross-border tensions
Context: A ceasefire on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan was held following a day of intense fighting between the two ex-Soviet Central Asian neighbours that killed 39 people and wounded more than 175. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important developments in foreign countries affecting India’s interests) GS-I: Geography (Maps), Prelims Dimensions of the Article: […]
The rising sun in India-Japan relations
Context: The new Japanese Prime Minister’s visit to the United States in April 2021 has set the agenda for the wider Indo-Pacific engagement of Tokyo and its evolving priorities. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbors, Foreign Policies and development affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: Overview of India – Japan Relations Focus on China: […]
Foreign Secretary on medical support & ‘Vaccine Maitri’
Context: India’s Foreign Secretary said that Medical and oxygen-related support is being worked out from at least 40 countries that will send items to help India deal with the pandemic’s second wave. India is unlikely to resume its Vaccine Maitri programme for the neighbourhood, including Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, until at least July 2021, […]
EU Parliament approves post-Brexit trade treaty
Context: European lawmakers have approved the final ratification of the post-Brexit trade deal between the European Union and the United Kingdom, nearly five years after Britain decided to leave the bloc. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Policies and development affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About the recent developments regarding Brexit What is Brexit? […]
India, Australia and Japan push supply chain resilience
Context: The Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) was formally launched by the Trade Ministers of India, Japan and Australia – who are three members of the Quad grouping except the U.S. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Policies and Agreements affecting India’s Interests), GS-III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: What is Supply Chain Resilience? India, […]
Russia and the Czech Republic tensions
Context: In mirror moves, Russia and the Czech Republic have expelled diplomats from the other country over a story about a Russian plan to ‘poison’ Czech politicians in 2020. Prague (capital of Czech Republic) accused Russian embassy officials of being intelligence operatives, and said that it suspected them of being involved in a 2014 explosion […]
Aid pours in from the world for India
Context: Around 15 countries including the US, Russia, France and the United Kingdom are rushing critical emergency use equipment to enable India counter the COVID-19’s deadly second wave. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India and its Neighbourhood, Foreign Policies affecting India’s interests) Dimensions of the Article: Assistance from the U.S. Assistance from Other Countries India’s Vaccine […]
Project DANTAK completes 60 years in Bhutan
Context: Project DANTAK is commemorating its Diamond Jubilee in Bhutan – Indian Ambassador to Bhutan laid a floral wreath at the DANTAK Memorial in Simtokha on April 24, 2021. As DANTAK celebrates six decades in Bhutan, the project reaffirms its commitment to support the march of Bhutan towards realising the dreams of His Majesty Druk […]
Australia ends Chinese deals on national interest
Context: Australia said that it cancelled two accords between Victoria State and China on the Belt and Road Initiative because they were out of line with the federal government’s foreign policy, which sees a “free and open Indo-Pacific” as a key goal. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India and its Neighborhood, International Treaties & Agreements affecting […]
‘Country of Particular Concern’ – Religious Freedom
Context: The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended for the second year in the row to put India on a list (‘Countries of Particular Concern’ or CPCs) for the worst violations of religious freedoms in 2020. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests, Important International […]