INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Proposal

GS II-International Relations Context: Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire, conditional on Russia’s acceptance. The deal could lead to a resumption of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing. Strategic Motivations: Ukraine’s Objectives: Secure U.S. military aid & diplomatic leverage. Finalize mineral deals with the U.S. for economic stability. …

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Alawite Community

GS II-International Relations Context: The recent killing of ~300 Alawite civilians in Syria has raised concerns over sectarian violence against this minority group. Who are the Alawites? Religious Origins: A Shia Islam offshoot, emerging in the 9th-10th centuries through the teachings of Mohammad ibn Nusayr in Iraq. Beliefs & Practices: …

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Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munitions Convention

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 …

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India-Mauritius Relations

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 …

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CANADA TO RESET TIES

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 …

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SYRIA FACES DEADLY SECTARIAN VIOLENCE

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 …

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INDIA, MAURITIUS STRENGTHEN HISTORIC BONDS DURING VISIT

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 …

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INDIA SIGNS DEAL FOR T-72 TANK ENGINES UPGRADE

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 …

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INDIA, CHINA MADE POSITIVE STRIDES

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 …

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ZELENSKYY RENEWS CALL FOR AIR TRUCE

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 …

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OPEC+ and Brazil’s Membership

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 …

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USAID

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 …

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IMSTEC Youth Summit 2025

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, …

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US Exit from WHO

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 …

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