The ongoing discussions within the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) focus on establishing a global treaty to address plastic pollution. The treaty aims to provide a comprehensive framework to reduce plastic waste, with particular attention to creating fair conditions for informal waste workers. What …
Read More »International Politics
Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Agreement
Context The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is rooted in UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701, which was initially established to manage the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah following the 2006 hostilities. Key Components of UNSC Resolution 1701 and the Ceasefire Significance Seeks to establish enduring peace and stability in the region. Offers …
Read More »Export of Fossil-Fuel Emissions
Context (TH): At COP29, activists and experts called for holding fossil fuel-exporting nations accountable for emissions generated abroad, particularly in developing countries. This issue has gained global attention as the environmental impact of fossil fuel exports is increasingly recognized in climate negotiations. Advantages of Fossil-Fuel Exports Economic Growth: Fossil fuel …
Read More »India-China LAC Agreement
Context: The recent agreement between India and China aims to address border issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that intensified after 2020. This agreement focuses on easing tensions, disengaging troops, and lowering military presence. Here are the key points: Patrolling Protocols: The agreement restores patrolling routes to their …
Read More »India-UAE Bilateral Relations Overview
Context: The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) 2024 between India and the UAE has replaced the earlier Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA), aimed at fostering stronger economic cooperation between the two nations. The UAE, accounting for 3% of India’s total FDI, has invested around $19 billion in India between …
Read More »Bipolar World and India
Context: India’s diplomatic relations with China remain tense following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, while ties with the United States are strengthening amidst growing U.S.-China rivalry. Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting in St. Petersburg, signaling a …
Read More »Korean Peninsula and India: Key Aspects
Context Recently, North Korea announced that over 1.4 million people had volunteered to join the military, while it destroyed infrastructure along the border in response to South Korean drone operations and propaganda. Current Issues in the Korean Peninsula: Destruction of Infrastructure: North Korea has destroyed roads and railways near the …
Read More »India-Canada Relations
Context: India and Canada have had a longstanding relationship marked by economic and cultural ties. However, the recent assassination of a Khalistani separatist in Canada has triggered a significant diplomatic dispute. Historical Ties: Colonial Connections: Both countries were part of the British Empire, forming early links between them. Freedom Struggle: …
Read More »India-ASEAN relations
Context In October 2024, the Indian Prime Minister is attending the ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Vientiane, Laos, which marks the 10th anniversary of India’s “Act East Policy.” This engagement highlights ASEAN’s critical role in India’s foreign policy. Significance of ASEAN in India’s Foreign Policy Countering Chinese Influence: India …
Read More »Quad Leaders’ Summit: Key Highlights
Context: The sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit took place in Wilmington, Delaware, focusing on international cooperation, security, climate, health, and technological innovation. Major Discussions: UN Security Council Reform: Emphasis on making the UNSC more representative and inclusive by expanding both permanent and non-permanent members. Support for Rules-Based International Order: Reaffirmation of …
Read More »India’s Role in Facilitating Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts
Context: The Prime Minister’s recent visits to both Moscow and Kyiv mark a shift towards a more active diplomatic involvement, moving beyond India’s traditional non-aligned stance and emphasizing its strategic autonomy in international relations. India’s Changing Diplomatic Approach Initial Position: At the outset, India maintained a distance from the conflict, …
Read More »India-Sri Lanka Relations:
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 …
Read More »Gulf Region and India’s Energy Security
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 …
Read More »Indo – France : Partnership for Planet
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 …
Read More »Russia’s ‘High Income’ Status Despite Sanctions
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 …
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