Raul Castro resigns as Cuba’s leader
Context: Raul Castro resigned as head of Cuba’s Communist Party, ending an era of formal leadership by himself and his brother Fidel Castro that began with the 1959 revolution. Cuba’s Party congress chose Mr. Díaz-Canel to be its leader, adding that crucial post to the title of president he assumed in 2018. He replaces his […]
Hot Springs and Gogra Post in India-China border
Context: During the 11th round of discussions between the senior military commanders of India and China to resolve the over 11-month long standoff in eastern Ladakh – there are reports that China had refused to vacate two of the four original friction points -Hot Springs & Gogra Post. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India and its […]
European Council on EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy
Context: The Council of the European Union approved conclusions on a European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific to “reinforce its strategic focus, presence and actions” in this region with the aim to contribute to “regional stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development,” at a time of “rising challenges and tensions in the region.” Relevance: […]
Junta leader or Myanmar Shadow govt. for ASEAN meet
Context: Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing is set to join a special ASEAN summit according to Thai Foreign Ministry. Myanmar’s shadow government urged Southeast Asian leaders to give it a seat at the table during crisis talks next week, and not to recognise the military regime that seized power in a February coup. Relevance: […]
The roots of a decentred international order
Context: The primary geopolitical rivals – Russia and China may possibly provide the strategic and tactical counterbalance to the hegemony of America. The international order is under threat of the rising economic power of the BRICS nations, with China dominating in its economic and military capacity. It is apparent that the future of global politics […]
Iran starts enriching uranium to 60%
Context: Iran began enriching uranium to 60%, its highest level ever, edging closer to weapons-grade levels to pressure talks in Vienna aimed at restoring its nuclear deal with world powers after an attack on its main atomic site. Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (Foreign Policy and Treaties that affect India’s Interests) Dimensions of the Article: About […]
Impact: After US exit from Afghanistan
Context: The U.S. President Biden has announced withdrawal of all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021 (20th anniversary of the 9/11). Relevance: GS-II: International Relations (India’s Neighbours, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests) Mains Questions: What are the implications of the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan for the Afghan govt, the Taliban, and […]
BIMSTEC needs to reinvent itself
Context: The foreign ministers of BIMSTEC (the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) held their 17th meeting on April 1. While most multilateral groupings from G20 to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) held their deliberations at the highest political level in the midst of the […]
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 […]