GS-II

Tensions with Afghanistan, faltering relations with the U.S., and chronically poor ties with India. Pakistan today stands isolated, observers say, and bringing it back into the fold is a formidable task for its new premier Imran Khan. “We have a very big foreign policy challenge right now. If there is …

The Joint Opposition in the Maldives, a political grouping challenging President Abdulla Yameen, has expressed deep concern over reports of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s “rapidly deteriorating” health in prison. It has sought the international community’s help in pressuring the Government of Maldives to shift Mr. Gayoon, 80, at his …

The U.S. slapped steep tariffs on another $16 billion in Chinese goods on Thursday, triggering a swift tit-for-tat retaliation from Beijing, even as negotiators from both sides seek to soothe trade tensions. The latest action completes the first round of $50 billion in Chinese products that President Donald Trump had …

Senior BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh Lalji Tandon was sworn in as Bihar Governor on Thursday. He replaced Satya Pal Malik, who was appointed Governor of Jammu and Kashmir on August 21. Mr. Tandon was administered oath of office by Patna High Court Chief Justice Mukesh Rasik Bhai Shah. Bihar …

Like in most towns of northeast India, dusk descends quickly in Gangtok. As shops start winding up, the only places that continue to buzz with activity are three casinos, located within 10 km of Sikkim’s capital city. Sherap Lepcha, general manager of Casino Mahjong, is busy overseeing the casino which, …

India and China on Thursday agreed to work towards full implementation of ongoing confidence-building measures (CBM) along the border as well as improve military to military interactions. This was agreed during bilateral consultations between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and visiting Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe. “It …

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the response of the Election Commission of India on separate petitions filed by Congress leaders Sachin Pilot and Kamal Nath highlighting that lakhs of voters have been found to be fake and that only a small portion of VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) …

Kerala Chief Secretary Tom Jose on Thursday filed a sworn affidavit in the Supreme Court detailing the trauma and scale of rescue and relief operations during the most devastating floods the State has seen in a century. The affidavit pays tribute to the overwhelming help received from unexpected quarters, including …

He took rest for three months after he underwent kidney transplant Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday resumed duties as the country’s Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister after a gap of three months during which he underwent a kidney transplant surgery. Mr. Jaitley spent the day meeting senior officials in …

The government is considering a proposal to provide interest-free loans up to Rs. 1 lakh for families in flood-hit areas to return home and start life afresh. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said this was one of the initiatives on the anvil to provide succour for people who had suffered heavy …