World

Context The outcomes of COP29 in Baku concerning the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance have drawn criticism for falling short of addressing principles of climate justice and equitable burden-sharing. Key Takeaways from COP29 Origin of NCQG: Conceptualized at COP21, the NCQG builds on the $100 billion annual …

Context The Rajya Sabha recently approved the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, aiming to enhance efficiency in oil and gas exploration across India. Rationale for the Bill Addressing Energy Needs: Aims to bridge the gap between domestic oil and gas production and consumption. Improving Business Environment: Modernizes outdated …

The fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting in Busan, South Korea, aimed at formulating a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, ended without a conclusive agreement. The lack of a binding treaty has sparked concerns over the effectiveness and inclusivity of the ongoing negotiations. Key Outcomes and Challenges Lack of …

The global trend towards de-dollarisation refers to the efforts by various countries to reduce their reliance on the US dollar in international trade and finance. This editorial, based on the article Why ‘De-Dollarisation’ is Imminent, explores the causes and consequences of this shift, with a particular focus on the role …

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 …

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 …

Context: The recent COP29 summit in Baku concluded with a lackluster agreement on climate finance, raising serious concerns about the trajectory of global climate negotiations. Challenges in Climate Negotiations Insufficient Financial Commitments Developed countries have pledged only $300 billion annually until 2035, which falls significantly short of the estimated $1 …

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 …

Purpose: Organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) in collaboration with the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), the GSC aimed to address critical challenges related to sustainable soil and resource management. Theme: Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation & Ecosystem Services. Key Focus Areas: Recognition …

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) have signed an agreement aimed at promoting the use of local currencies—the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)—in cross-border transactions. About Cross-Border Payments (CBPs) Cross-border payments involve financial transactions where the payer and the recipient …

Context At COP29, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT) gained significant momentum. Inspired by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, this initiative seeks to regulate fossil fuel production as a targeted approach to combat climate change. Activists and countries are increasingly advocating for its adoption to address the climate crisis effectively. Need …

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and its second-largest economy.   Historical Background of India-Nigeria Bilateral Relations Decades of Partnership India and Nigeria have shared a robust bilateral relationship for over 60 years, rooted in common values such as democracy, pluralism, and economic …

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 …

Background India has called for a review and possible modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reflecting evolving regional and environmental challenges. Indus Waters Treaty: A Diplomatic Achievement Success in Transboundary Cooperation: The IWT is one of the few examples of successful transboundary water-sharing agreements despite decades of tension. India’s …

Historical Context The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, was a monumental event that symbolized the end of the Cold War and the path to German reunification. Origin and Purpose of the Berlin Wall Construction and Purpose: Erected in 1961, the Berlin Wall served as both a …