IRAN AND CHINA DRAFT 25-YEAR TRADE, MILITARY AGREEMENT
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? Iran and China have drafted an economic and security partnership that would allow for billions of dollars in Chinese investments in energy and other sectors – including the military. Details With this move China would expand its presence in Iran’s banking and telecommunications sectors as well as railways, […]
IRAN DROPS INDIA FROM CHABAHAR RAIL PROJECT
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? Four years after India and Iran signed an agreement to construct a rail line from Chabahar port to Zahedan, along the border with Afghanistan, the Iranian government has decided to proceed with the construction on its own. The development comes as China finalises a massive 25-year, $400 billion […]
China, Iran close to reaching trade and military partnership
Why in news? Iran and China have quietly drafted a sweeping economic and security partnership that would clear the way for billions of dollars of Chinese investments in energy and other sectors More about the deal would vastly expand Chinese presence in banking, telecommunications, ports, railways and dozens of other projects. In exchange, China would […]
The sum and substance of the EU’s China dilemma
Why in news? European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, publicly proclaimed that “China is without doubt one of the key global players and its crucial for EU to engage with CHINA. He added that, Foreign actors and certain third countries, in particular Russia and China, have engaged in targeted influence operations […]
AUSTRALIA ENDS HONG KONG EXTRADITION TREATY
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? Australia suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extended visas for Hong Kong residents in response to China’s imposition of a tough national security law on the semi-autonomous territory. Details Australia announced a range of visas that will be extended from two to five years and offers […]
WHO SETS UP PANEL TO PROBE ITS VIRUS RESPONSE
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? The World Health Organization, which faced fierce U.S. criticism over its handling of the coronavirus crisis, launched an independent panel to review its response to the pandemic. Details Through the Independent panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, the world will understand the truth of what happened and also […]
U.S., CHINA TRADE VISA CURBS OVER TIBET
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? The U.S. and China imposed visa restrictions on each other over their disagreement on Tibet, adding fuel to the diplomatic fire between the superpowers. Details China announced its curbs on people from the U.S. who “behave badly” on Tibet-related issues. U.S. Moves U.S. Secretary of State had announced […]
UAE IN SUPPORT OF OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT WITH INDIA
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? The UAE is keen to have an open sky agreement with India. Significance of the Open Sky Agreement between India and UAE There are more than 1,000 flights a week between India and the UAE operated by the airlines of the two countries under the bilateral Air Service […]
STUDENT VISA BAN: HURDLE, OPPORTUNITY
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has decided that international students whose courses have gone completely online will have to return to their home countries. At the same time, the directive reiterates that international students cannot take more than one class or three credits online. Significance and what […]
U.S. POSITION ON CAATSA UNCHANGED
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? Despite a change in the ground realities following the deadly clash between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) last month, the U.S’s message to countries, including India, on sanctions for the purchase of Russian arms has not changed. This message was reiterated in the […]