NATO to exit Afghanistan along with U.S.
Context: Foreign troops under NATO command will withdraw from Afghanistan in coordination with a U.S. pull-out, after Germany said it would match American plans to leave after two decades of war. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (International Groupings, Foreign policies affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Important Points regarding […]
India, Russia diverge on Indo-Pacific strategy
Context: Russian Ambassador to India said that India and Russia are “committed” to completing their contract for the S-400 missile system, due to be delivered to India at the end of 2021 and also that both countries oppose U.S. sanctions on the issue. The S-400 contract is on track for a delivery of the systems […]
INDIA’S SOUTH ASIAN OPPORTUNITY
Context: The statement issued by the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan, in February 2021, that they agree to strictly observe all agreements between the two countries, coincided with a statement made by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Colombo that “our only dispute is Kashmir and it can only be resolved […]
U.S. URGES G20 ON GLOBAL MINIMUM CORPORATE TAX
Context: In a declaration of war on low-tax jurisdictions around the globe, US Treasury Secretary has urged G20 nations to move towards a global minimum corporate tax. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (International Groupings, Foreign policies affecting India’s Interests) GS-III: Indian Economy (Taxation, External Dimensions of the Article: About the Global Minimum Corporate Tax Rate proposal […]
MILITARY EXERCISE IN BANGLADESH ENDS
Context: Multinational military exercise Shantir Ogrosena was under way in Bangladesh in April 2021. Relevance: Prelims, GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbors, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About Shantir Ogrosena Trends in India-Bangladesh relations Other Recent Developments in India-Bangladesh Relationship Issues and Complications in India-Bangladesh relations About Shantir Ogrosena Shantir Ogrosena is […]
CHINA EXTENDS $500 MILLION LOAN TO LANKA
Context: China signed a $500 million loan agreement with Sri Lanka, in a move that Colombo hopes would boost its foreign reserves that are under severe strain since the pandemic struck last year. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbors, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About recent extension of loan by China […]
INDIA-PAKISTAN: FORWARD THROUGH A BACKCHANNEL
Context: More than a month after India-Pakistan border commanders agreed to strictly observe all agreements between the two countries, the absence of official acceptance of a backchannel seems far outweighed by indicators that there is, in fact, such a channel in place, approved by the Prime Ministers of both countries. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India […]
INDIA PROTESTS AGAINST U.S. NAVAL EXERCISE SANS CONSENT
Context: India said that it has protested the U.S. decision to conduct a patrol in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the western Indian Ocean, rejecting the U.S.’s claim that its domestic maritime law was in violation of international law. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Effect of Foreign Policies on India’s Interests) Dimensions of the […]
BIDEN GOVT. RESTORES AID TO PALESTINIANS
Context: The United States, in a significant reversal to the earlier policy, has announced the restoration of at least USD 235 million in financial assistance to the Palestinians. The financial aid includes USD 75 million economic help for the West Bank & Gaza, USD 10 million for ‘peacebuilding’ programmes of the US Agency for International […]
CM WILL REPRESENT DELHI AT WORLD CITIES CULTURAL FORUM
Context: The Chief Minister of Delhi will represent the Capital and India at the World Cities Cultural Forum. Relevance: Prelims, GS-II: International Relations (Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests), GS-I: Art and Culture Dimensions of the Article: About the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF) World Cities Culture Summit The World Cities Culture […]