INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

GS II-International Agreement Context: Lithuania withdrew from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), citing security concerns, drawing global criticism. About the CCM: Adopted: 2008 | Came into force: 2010 Prohibits: Use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster bombs. Membership: 112 state parties + 12 signatories. Non-signatories: Russia, Ukraine, India. About …

GS-II-International Relations Context: PM’s visit to Mauritius highlights India’s commitment to its historical and strategic partnership with the island nation. Indo-Mauritius Bilateral Relations Historical & Cultural Ties: Indian Diaspora: Nearly 70% of Mauritius’ population has Indian ancestry, tracing back to indentured laborers from colonial times. Stable Relations: Strong political and …

Subject: GS-2: International Relations & Defense Ties – India’s Arms Imports, Global Defense Collaborations GS-3: Security & Defense Tech – Domestic Arms Production, Self-Reliance Goals Key Points India’s Global Arms Import Ranking India ranked as the second-largest arms importer from 2020-24, behind Ukraine, which saw imports soar 100-fold due to …

Subject: GS-2: International Relations – India-Canada Diplomacy, Foreign Policy Dynamics GS-3: Economic & Trade Ties – Bilateral Commerce, Diversification Efforts Key Points Context of India-Canada Rift Ties soured in 2023 over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Canada’s Trudeau government implicated India, labeling diplomats “persons of …

Subject: GS-2: International Relations & Trade – WTO Compliance, India-U.S. Trade Ties GS-3: Economy & Global Commerce – Bilateral Trade Deals, Most Favored Nation (MFN) Clause Key Points India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) India and the U.S. plan to negotiate a multi-sector BTA by late 2025. Though not termed a …

Subjects: GS-2: International Relations: Middle East Tensions, Syrian Instability GS-3: Internal Security: Ethnic Conflicts, Civil Unrest Key Points Sectarian Clashes Over 1,000 deaths occurred in two days along Syria’s Mediterranean coast. Violence pitted new Islamist leaders against fighters loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite sect. Interim President Muhammad al-Jolani …

Subjects: GS-2: International Relations: India-Mauritius Ties, Strategic Collaboration GS-3: Security & Economy: Maritime Safety, Trade Growth Key Points Deepening Diplomatic Ties PM Narendra Modi’s visit (March 11-12, 2025) underscores the enduring political and cultural connection with Mauritius. He will attend Mauritius’ Independence Day as the guest of honor. Political Context …

Subjects: GS-2: International Relations: India-UK, India-EU Partnerships GS-3: Economy & Trade: Trade Deals, Bilateral Economic Ties Key Points India-UK & India-EU Trade Efforts External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s trip to the UK and Ireland aimed to bolster trade links amid security tensions. Talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy focused …

SUBJECT: GS-3: Security (Defence Modernisation, Indigenisation of Defence Production) GS-2: International Relations (India-Russia Defence Ties) Key Highlights Overview of the Deal India’s Ministry of Defence signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for 1,000 HP engines for T-72 tanks. Includes transfer of technology (ToT) to Indian manufacturers. Aligned with …

GS-2: International Relations (India-China Bilateral Ties, Border Disputes, Global South Cooperation) Key Highlights Improved Bilateral Ties Post-Standoff: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that India and China have made positive strides in their relationship post the eastern Ladakh military standoff. The Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan (October 2023) provided strategic direction …

GS-2: International Relations (Russia-Ukraine War, Diplomacy, Geopolitical Developments) GS-3: Security Issues (Drone & Missile Strikes, Energy Security) Key Highlights Escalation of Conflict: Russia launched 58 missiles and nearly 200 drones targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a mutual halt to aerial attacks as a first step …

GS2 -IR  Brazil’s government has recently approved joining OPEC+, signaling its rising influence as a major oil producer.   What is OPEC? Overview Full Name: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Type: A permanent, intergovernmental organization of oil-exporting nations. Founded: 1960, in Baghdad, Iraq. Headquarters: Vienna, Austria. Founding Members …

GS 2-IR  About USAID Founded in the 1960s, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is responsible for managing and distributing international humanitarian assistance. Its establishment was formalized under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, granting it a legal foundation through congressional authorization. USAID operates with a workforce of …

GS 3 – International relation Context: India and the United States have launched the TRUST Initiative to enhance the security and resilience of supply chains in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. Understanding the TRUST Initiative What is the TRUST Initiative? The Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) Initiative is …

GS2 – IR  Why in News? The ballot for the United Kingdom-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) is set to open soon. About the Scheme The YPS is a reciprocal initiative that enables nationals from the UK and India to live, study, travel, and work in the other country for up …

GS2 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS:  Event Details Held from 7th to 11th February 2025 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Organized by the Department of Youth Affairs, Government of India. Inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 8th February 2025. Background of BIMSTEC Regional organization with seven member states: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, …

GS 2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION Background: USAID, a key agency under the U.S. government, is currently undergoing scrutiny and structural changes under the Trump administration, along with reforms led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Overview and Functions of USAID Formation: Established in 1961 through an executive order …

GS 2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION Context: The United States, under the leadership of then-President Donald Trump, issued an executive order to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing inefficiencies in handling the COVID-19 crisis and the need for structural reforms. About WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) is a …

GS 2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION Libia Lobo Sardesai, a prominent freedom fighter, played a crucial role in Goa’s struggle for independence from Portuguese rule. Her recent recognition with the Padma Shri award highlights her enduring legacy in India’s freedom narrative. Early Life and Inspiration Born in 1924 in Portuguese-ruled Goa, …

GS2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  Overview India has officially joined the Eurodrone program as an observer nation, becoming the second Asia-Pacific country, after Japan, to achieve this status. About the Eurodrone Program Participants: France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, managed by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation). Leadership: Led by Airbus Defence …