China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Context: Despite having strong economic ties with China, Brazil has opted not to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), making it the second BRICS nation to make this choice after India. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Components of BRI: Objective: Geographic Corridors: Economic Impact: India’s Stance on the […]
US Presidential Election Underway
Context: The US Presidential Election kicked off on November 5, featuring a highly anticipated contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. With the outcome heavily reliant on the Electoral College, the focus is on seven key “swing states” where the race is especially close. This tight competition across these pivotal states […]
Key Highlights of the Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024
Context: Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently published its Asia-Pacific (APAC) Climate Report 2024, which puts forth the immense economic effects of climate change in the Asia-Pacific region. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024 Economic Impacts on the Asia-Pacific Region Human and Environmental Consequences Flooding […]
Israel Conducts Targeted Airstrikes on Iran
Context: Israel was said on October 26 to launch precise and targeted airstrikes that reportedly hit key targets at Iran in the aftermath of an earlier attack by that country on Israel during the month. The reported steps marked a clear escalation between the two countries. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: […]
Highlights of the German Chancellor’s Visit to India
Context: On his three-day visit to India, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met the Indian PM, focusing on strategic partnerships, visas for skilled workers, and mutual cooperation. Modi and Scholz also co-chaired the seventh round of India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the German Chancellor’s Visit to […]
About the Building Blocks
Context: The 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan was the largest international summit held in Russia since the Ukraine war began in 2022. Russia used the summit to illustrate that it is not diplomatically isolated, despite Western sanctions and pressure. Relevance: Internation Relations Practice question: Discuss the outcomes of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, highlighting […]
The Gaza war and the Global South Interventions
Context: The killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces on October 16, 2024, marked a significant moment in Israel’s military objectives, but the future political landscape in Gaza and Lebanon remains uncertain with rising civilian casualties. Relevance: GS 2 (International Relations) Practice question: Discuss the role of the global South amid geopolitical conflicts with […]
Positive Developments in India-Pakistan Relations at SCO
Context: During the recent SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, there was a notable informal interaction between India’s External Affairs Minister and Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. This interaction was marked by a more positive tone compared to previous meetings. The SCO Council of Heads of Government, where this interaction […]
International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2024
Context: The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2024 presents broad implications of global energy trends, especially in clean energy transitions, increasing the demands on energy, and the implications of the current geopolitical conflict. The report also brings out other facts like the growing demand of energy in India, dependence on coal followed by efforts […]
Canadian Frostbite – Diplomatic Crisis Between Canada and India
Context: Over the past year, the diplomatic crisis between Canada and India has reached new lows, with the war of words, issuing travel adversaries, and the expulsion of diplomats. Recent developments have caused bilateral relations to hit rock bottom with threats of trade sanctions and talks of visa suspensions. Relevance: GS2 (International Relations) Practice question: discuss the ongoing diplomatic […]