BRICS Astronomy Working Group on telescopes
Context: The BRICS Astronomy Working Group has recommended networking of telescopes in member countries and creating a regional data network. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Groupings affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: Highlights of the BRICS Astronomy Working Group (BAWG) Meeting What is BRICS? Highlights of the BRICS Astronomy Working Group (BAWG) Meeting […]
Israel-Hamas reach truce after 11 days of fighting
Context: A truce between Israel and Hamas took hold on 21 May 2021, after the worst violence in years, with U.S. President Joe Biden pledging to salvage the devastated Gaza Strip and the UN urging new Israeli-Palestinian dialogue. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important Developments in the International Stage) Dimensions of the Article: What led […]
China completes strategic Tibet highway
Context: China has completed construction of a strategically significant highway through the world’s deepest canyon in Tibet along the Brahmaputra river, enabling greater access to remote areas along the disputed border with Arunachal Pradesh in India. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India and its Neighborhood, Foreign Policies & Politics of Countries affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of […]
China protests as U.S. warship transits Taiwan Strait
Context: China accused the United States of threatening the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait after a U.S. warship sailed through the sensitive waterway that separates Taiwan from its giant neighbour. The U.S. said that the ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Recently, India […]
Russia is helping build nuclear plants in China
Context: Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping hailed close ties between their countries as they launched via videoconference work on Russian-built nuclear power plants in China. They initiated work on pouring concrete into new units of the Tianwan and Xudabao nuclear power plants. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s neighbors, Foreign Policies […]
Russia-Ukraine: The czar must seek peace
Context: Recently, there was a stand-off between Russia and Ukraine capturing headlines in the international news media. This geopolitical situation appears to be complex due to the indirect involvement of its multiple stakeholders, including the United States, Turkey and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important Foreign policies and developments) Dimensions […]
U.S. in Arctic Council: Avoid militarization of the Arctic
Context: U.S. Secretary of State said that Washington wanted to avoid a military build-up in the Arctic after Russia defended its military activities in the strategic region, on the eve of an Arctic Council meeting of Foreign Ministers. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Important International Groupings) Dimensions of the Article: About the Arctic Arctic Council Highlights […]
Sri Lanka’s China-backed tax haven clears final hurdle
Context: A Chinese-funded tax-free enclave cleared the final legal hurdle in Sri Lanka as the Supreme Court in Colombo ruled it could go ahead with only minor tweaks. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s neighbors, Economic relations and Landmark agreements affecting India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About the Colombo Port City About Sri Lanka’s recent […]
Is India’s Palestine policy evolving?
Context: The violence between Israel and Hamas has been intensifying for more than a week in May 2021, showing no signs of abating despite regular diplomatic efforts to bring about a ceasefire. At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 16th May 2021, India, a non-permanent member, reaffirmed its support for Palestine, but stopped short […]
Bangladesh rebuffs China on Quad warning
Context: China’s ambassador in Dhaka said that it will not be a good idea for Bangladesh to participate in the Quad because it will substantially damage their bilateral relationship with China. Bangladesh’s government has asked foreign envoys in Dhaka “to maintain decency and decorum” after public remarks from China’s Ambassador to the country provoked a […]