India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty entered into force
Focus: GS2- International Relations Why in News? The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed on 13th February, 2024 at Abu Dhabi entered into force with effect from 31st August, 2024. The enforcement of this new BIT with UAE gives continuity of investment protection to investors of both the countries The […]
About The Gulf Cooperation Council
Context: External Affairs Minister arrived in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, to attend the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Overview Importance of GCC for India India-GCC Relationships Overview Diplomatic Engagements Economic Interactions Trade Agreements Energy Collaborations Diaspora and Financial Contributions […]
Climate Change and the Silk Road
Context: A recent study by Chinese scientists published in the journal Science Bulletin found that the main route of the ancient Silk Road shifted northward due to climate change. The study provides a valuable case study for examining the relationship between climate change and the spatial evolution of human societies. Relevance: GS II: International Relations […]
New Challenges for India’s Foreign Policy
Context: The grueling Indian elections, one of the largest democratic exercises in the world, will conclude in about a week. A rush of pending policy decisions is expected to commence immediately. However, amidst all this, the geopolitical landscape has become increasingly complex since the elections were announced, showing no signs of calming down. Relevance: GS2- […]
The Democratic Status of India under Scanner
Context: The V-Dem Institute, based in Gothenburg, released its 2024 Democracy Report, asserting that India’s status had declined from an “electoral autocracy” in 2018 to “one of the worst autocracies.” The report noted a deterioration in nearly all democratic elements in more countries than those showing improvement, specifically highlighting freedom of expression, fair elections, and freedom of […]
G7 (Group of Seven)
Context: Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry participated in the G7 (Group of Seven) Trade Ministers Meeting in Osaka, Japan. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the Meeting Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience Collaborative Regulatory Framework Global Value Chains Framework Public-Private Partnership Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Rules of Origin UK’s […]
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Context: In a recent coup, soldiers in the West African nation of Niger installed Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani as head of state after ousting President Mohamed Bazoum. Apart from the expected international players, such as Russia and the US, the regional bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been playing an active role. Relevance: […]
International Day of UN Peacekeepers
Focus: GS II: Important International Institutions Why in News? The Indian Army commemorated the 75th International Day of UN Peacekeepers UN Peacekeeping Forces India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping Role of women in Indian Peacekeeping Medical care as part of India’s Missions
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
Context: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies including Russia shook markets by announcing further production cuts of about 1.16 million barrels per day (bpd) Relevance: GS II- International Relations Dimensions of the Article: India’s crude oil imports from OPEC About Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) What is OPEC+? What […]
International Customs Day 2023
Focus: GS II- Important International institutions. Why in News? Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs celebrated International Customs Day, 2023 International Customs Day, 2023: About World Customs Organization