International Affairs

Context: The ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in widespread destruction, significant displacement of populations, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Background Enduring Legacy of Conflict: Since gaining independence in 1956, Sudan has experienced 15 military coups, endured two civil wars, …

Context: Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister met with the Sri Lankan President to discuss collaboration across various sectors, highlighting the ongoing partnership between the two nations. Recent Developments in India-Sri Lanka Relations: Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC): India and Sri Lanka jointly launched the MRCC with a $6 million grant …

Context: According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s report titled “Women and Men in India 2023,” there is a notable shortage of women in executive roles. Below are some key insights from the report: Underrepresentation in the Corporate Sector: Disparity in Senior Management: In 2023, only 34,879 women …

Context The Gulf region has played a crucial role in ensuring India’s energy security, which is vital for the country’s industrial growth, power, and transportation sectors. Energy Production and Consumption in India Global Standing: India is the world’s third-largest energy consumer after China and the United States. Energy Consumption: According …

For Mains: Significance, Challenges, and Cooperation Areas in Indo-French Relations At a recent event in Paris, India and France underscored the ‘Partnership for the Planet’ as crucial to the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap, emphasizing their enhanced cooperation on climate change, biodiversity, health, and environmental issues. The partnership is evolving to …

Context: The World Bank has elevated Russia from an ‘upper-middle income’ to a ‘high-income’ country, a classification it last held in 2014. Russia’s Economic Resilience Global Rankings: Russia is 72nd in per-capita GNI and 53rd in purchasing power parity worldwide. GDP Growth: In 2023, Russia saw a 3.6% increase in …

Context: The 50th G7 Leaders’ Summit recently concluded in Apulia, Italy, with India’s participation as an Outreach Country. On January 1, 2024, Italy took over the Presidency from Japan for the seventh time and will pass it to Canada on December 31, 2024. History and Evolution of the G7 The …

Relevancy for Mains: Implications of the Russia-North Korea security pact on the stability of the world, etc. The security pact reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, in which both countries promised mutual assistance “in the event of aggression”, has echoes from the …

❖  A new study has revealed the fate of methane released from the September 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea. Nord Stream Pipeline Description: The Nord Stream network comprises offshore pipelines (Nord Stream 1 and 2) that supply natural gas to northern Europe. These …

The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) marks a significant development in the strategic partnership between India and the United States. Launched in January 2023, this framework aims to foster collaboration in cutting-edge technological areas critical for economic growth, national security, and global leadership. What is iCET? iCET establishes …