India Abstains from UN Vote on Islamophobia Resolution
Context: India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution addressing Islamophobia, citing concerns over the broader issue of “religiophobia” targeting Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and other faiths. The resolution, introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, prompted India’s abstention from the vote. Relevance: GS II: International Relations […]
Government of India and Asian Development Bank
Context: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a USD 23 million loan agreement to enhance access to quality fintech education, research, and innovation at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT-City). Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights: Establishment of International Fintech Institute (IFI): Focus Areas: […]
Global Progress in Child Mortality
Context The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation has unveiled a report titled “Levels and Trends in Child Mortality,” revealing significant strides in reducing global under-five deaths. According to the report, the annual number of under-five deaths worldwide in 2022 dropped by over half from the 2000 estimate, plummeting from 9.9 million to […]
India Mauritius Forge Strategic Ties
Context: The joint inauguration of projects supported by India in Agalega island of Mauritius highlights a growing concern to adapt and innovate strategic approaches. These endeavors aim not only to bolster economic and commercial ties but also to reinforce surveillance and security in the Indian Ocean Area. The virtual conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian […]
About Yaoundé Declaration
Context: Ministers of Health from African countries with the highest burden of malaria recently signed the Yaounde Declaration with the objective of ending malaria deaths. Relevance: GS II: International Relations About Yaoundé Declaration: Participating Countries (70% of global malaria burden): Objectives: Pledges: Commitments: -Source: The Hindu
India-EFTA Trade Deal Set for Conclusion
Context: India is on track to finalize a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This agreement is part of India’s efforts to conclude three free-trade agreements (FTAs) in March, including deals with Oman and the UK, ahead of the implementation of […]
Insights from the Raisina Dialogue
Context: The annual Raisina Dialogue, a prestigious forum jointly organized by the MEA and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) serves as a platform for global leaders to address urgent issues facing the international community, attracting around 2500 participants from 115 countries in the latest edition. With the theme ‘Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create,’ the recent dialogue […]
Understanding Grey Zone Warfare
Context: In commentaries on China and Taiwan, ‘grey zone warfare’ crops up in descriptions of Chinese actions around the island that it claims as its own. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Understanding Grey Zone Warfare: Navigating the Ambiguous Realm Definition Activities and Methods Typical Aspects: Characteristics -Source: Indian Express
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
Context: OPEC+ members led by Saudi Arabia and Russia recently agreed to extend voluntary oil output cuts first announced in 2023 as part of an agreement among oil producers to boost prices following economic uncertainty. Relevance: GS II- International Relations Dimensions of the Article: About Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) What is OPEC+? […]
Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Shipping
Context: Ongoing Houthi Assaults on Commercial Vessels in the Red Sea underscore Global Supply Chain Vulnerabilities, prompting a reassessment of alternative routes for international trade. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: The Red Sea and its Impact on Global Trade About the Red Sea: Effects on India: India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor […]