Why in News? Ukraine’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Emine Dzhaparova recently made her official visit to India. During her visit to India, Emine Dzhaparova said that she was…
Why in News? The third India-Japan Intellectual Dialogue hosted by the Asian Confluence (ASCON), Tripura, was an ideal opportunity to assess the evolving thinking of experts and policymakers. It showed…
Why in News? According to former special envoy Satinder Lambah, the Line of Control (LoC) agreement (2007) was ready to be signed by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan…
Why in News? China convened a meeting (online) of trade ministers of the grouping known as C+C5. About C+C5: It constitutes China and the five Central Asian republics, namely Uzbekistan,…
Why in News? Despite the efforts to increase domestic food production, the UAE still heavily relies on global markets for its food security. The country imports about 90% of its…
Why in News? French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent declaration that France is an ally but not a vassal of the United States and his comments that Paris does not share…
Why in News? Climate and Energy Ministers from G-7 countries have committed to work towards ensuring carbon-free electricity production by 2035 and increasing efforts to phase- out coal. G7: The…
Why in News? India and Armenia are two ancient civilizations that have had historical links for centuries. Despite being geographically distant, India and Armenia have maintained diplomatic ties since the…
Why in News? Russia and China aim to exploit divisions within the West to transform the global order and build a post-Western order. However, the Indian strategic community should not…
Why in News? The United States announced its ambassador to India in March 2023, after a gap of two years. There will be greater engagement between India and the U.S.…
Why in News? Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited India on a three-day visit and held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Both countries issued…
Why in News? Japan has been purchasing oil from Russia at a price above the $60 per barrel price cap imposed by the Western allies. This has led to speculation…
Why in News? In its G20 year, India has shown renewed interest in the only other diplomatic intervention by India in a distant war (apart from the recent Russian-Ukraine) seven…
Why in News? Saudi Arabia’s cabinet decided to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as Riyadh builds a long-term partnership with China despite US security concerns. What is SCO? The SCO…
Why in News? China’s increasing involvement in global power dynamics has been propelled by its diplomatic work in West Asia, which has been facilitated by regional states leveraging its influence…
Why in News? The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Mirage-2000 aircraft have been undertaking joint training involving high intensity, large force, and tactical air war fighting operations as part of Exercise…
Why in News? The Indian Navy has deployed P-8I aircraft in the third edition of the coordinated multilateral Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise conducted by the U.S. Navy in Guam. P-8I…
Why in News? Australia to get nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS enhanced security partnership. Highlights: The AUKUS deal is expected to be rolled out in three phases in the Indo-Pacific region.…
Why in News? India announced its agenda would be inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive as India assumed the G-20 presidency in December 2022. India further has stated its main objectives…
Why in News? The Russian President announced the suspension of its participation in the New START treaty (February 2023). The START treaty was signed in 1982 by Ronald Reagan and…
Why in News? In July 2022, India, Israel, the United States (US), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a hybrid summit announced the establishment of a new minilateral grouping…
Why in News? The recent incident of a Chinese ‘spy balloon’ sighted 60,000 feet over the skies of Montana in the United States (US) which was finally shot down by…
Why in News? This article examines and analyses China’s stance and role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. China’s stand on the war: China’s official stand on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war…
Why in News? On 1 February, a high-altitude balloon of Chinese origin was spotted over the US state of Montana, which also houses one of the country’s three active nuclear…
Why in News? Russia has accused US for destroying weapons control agreements, after the US said Russia was not complying with their last remaining arms pact, the New START treaty.…
Why in News? Two years have passed since the military coup in Myanmar in 2021. Highlights: Two years ago, in 2021 the military in Myanmar staged a coup and snatched…
Why in News? The UN General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi during his visit to India highlighted the importance of reforms in the United Nations. Highlights: The UN General Assembly President…
Why in News? The G20, or Group of 20, has emerged as the primary venue for international economic and financial cooperation. India assumed the presidency of the powerful grouping G20…
Why in News? The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2023, held in the Swiss town of Davos, ended Friday a conference that started in a world possibly fundamentally altered, but…
Why in News? The UN Security Council’s (UNSC) ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee has placed a key fundraiser and planner of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist outfit named Abdul Rehman Makki,…
Why in News? The world’s largest banks and asset owners (members of GFANZ) that have pledged Net Zero actions are continuing to fund the expansion of the coal, oil and…
Why in News? The ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) has placed Abdul Rehman Makki, a fundraiser and key planner of the Pakistan-based terrorist…
Why in News? In September 2014, in his first meeting with President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about making the US a principal partner in the realization of…
Why in News? India is willing to be remembered as the voice of the Global South, during its G20 presidency. It should be noted that the heart of Global South…
Why in News? 2022 was a challenging year for geopolitics and diplomacy, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February. Given its historical ties with Russia and…
Why in News? According to India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ruchira Kamboj, organisations such as the G-20 may step up to play a more important role in…
Why in News? Members of the EU last week agreed in principle to implement a global minimum tax of 15% on big businesses. Global Minimum Corporate Tax: Major economies are…
Why in News? There has been yet another transgression by Chinese troops across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. That it culminated in violence, that it…
Why in News? If principal contradictions must determine strategic priorities, New Delhi should decide what its principal contradiction is. China is contemporary India’s principal strategic contradiction. Every other challenge, be…
Why in News? December 8 is commemorated as SAARC Charter Day. It was on this day, 37 years ago, that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), an intergovernmental…
Why in News? Recently, G7 proposal to impose a price cap on Russian oil came into effect. The proposal, which took months to fructify, seeks to achieve a delicate balance…
Why in News? India’s ‘Look East’ and ‘Act East’ policies have moved into the phase of Indo-Pacific policy and strategy. But what we in the national capital interpret as the…
Why in News? Recently, on 26th annual plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement in Vienna, Ireland handed over the chairmanship to India and India will officially assume the chairmanship from 1st…
Why in News? Iran has recently begun construction on a new nuclear power plant in the country’s southwest, amid tensions with the U.S. over sweeping sanctions imposed after Washington pulled…
Why in News? The ongoing war in Ukraine on the one hand and the confrontation between Russia and the United States and the West, on the other have increased the…
Why in News? To achieve the export target of $2 trillion by 2030, India is going the whole hog on free trade agreements (FTAs). India is negotiating FTAs with countries…
Why in News? Recently, India submitted its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at ongoing 27th Conference of Parties (COP 27)…
Why in News? India abstained from the UNGA resolution calling for reparation to be paid to Ukraine by Russia. About the News: Reparations are the act or process of making…
Why in News? Seventeenth G20 summit will be held in Bali. Highlight: The leaders of G-20 countries will gather at the Nusa Dua resort of Bali for the 17th summit.…
Why in News? The United States’ Department of Treasury has removed India from its Currency Monitoring List. India had been on the list for the last two years for alleged…
Why in News? Government of India launched the logo, website and theme for India’s presidency of the G20, setting the tone for the country’s G20 presidency, beginning December 1. Modi’s…
Why in News? As external affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar arrives in Russia this week for a bilateral visit, there is growing international interest in the potential Indian diplomatic contribution to…
Why in News? The Union Labour and Employment Ministry has launched the “donate a pension” scheme. ‘Donate a Pension’ Scheme: This scheme allows any citizen to pay the premium amount…
Why in News? The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General stated that the organisation would not designate the Ukrainian airspace as a ‘No Fly Zone’ which he said would…
Why in News? With tensions escalating between Russia and the West over the Ukraine crisis, India, which has major defence cooperation with Moscow and Kyiv, faces uncertainty over timely deliveries…
Why in News? Ukraine has filed an application before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), instituting proceedings against the Russian Federation concerning “a dispute relating to the interpretation, application and…
Why in News? India recently abstained on a US-sponsored UN Security Council resolution that “deplores in the strongest terms” Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine. Who moved the Resolution? The UN Security…
Why in News? India has condemned the “motivated and misleading statement” made by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which expressed deep concerns over what it called “continued attacks on…
Why in News? Russian President Vladimir Putin recently said that Moscow is ready for security talks with the U.S. and NATO, as the Russian military announced a partial troop withdrawal…
Why in News? The top diplomats of Japan, South Korea and the United States declared their unity against North Korea after a series of ballistic missile launches by Pyongyang. About…
Why in News? External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will begin a visit to Australia and attend a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Quad (India, Australia, United States, Japan),…
Why in News? Iran nuclear deal talks will resume in Vienna, Diplomats said recently, after negotiators in recent weeks have cited Progress in seeking to revive the 2015 Landmark Accord.…
Why in News? North Korea recently tested its most powerful missile since 2017, ramping up the firepower for its record-breaking seventh launch this month as Seoul warned nuclear and long-range…
Why in News? Kazakhstan's President recently rejected calls for talks with protesters after days of unprecedented unrest, vowing to destroy “armed bandits” and authorising his forces to shoot to kill…
Why in News? The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recently released the annual rankings of the global Energy Transition Index. About Energy Transition Index: It is benchmarks 115 economies on…
Why in News? According to the Global Nutrition Report 2020 which was released recently, India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss Global Nutrition Targets by 2025. About…
Why in News? The COVID-19 pandemic that began as a global health crisis, brought in its fold certain geographical trend lines in turn defining the contours of the Emerging Global…
Why in News? Pakistan recently said that it has “fully complied” with the ICJ’s judgment in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. About the Case: Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was…
Context: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has recently approved US$ 500 million for ‘Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project’ initiated by India. Highlights: It will be implemented…
Why in News? S. Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation in his visit to India, has suggested that India should directly talk to Taliban for a sustained peace in Afghanistan. This…
Why in News? Iran has recently planned to re-name and re-value its currency. About the News: Long called the rial, Iran’s money will soon likely be called the Toman, and…
Why in News? The Ministry of External Affairs issued a “strong protest” over an order by the Pakistan Supreme Court that permits to hold elections in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan…
Why in News? PM Narendra Modi made an indirect reference to Pakistan during an online meeting of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) Contact Group, and said some countries were fomenting…
Why in News? The International Budget Partnership (IBP) has recently released an Open Budget Survey (OBS) 2019. About Open Budget Survey: It is part of the International Budget Partnership's Open…
Why in News? The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recently released Global Energy Review:2020 report which also includes the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on Global Energy demand and CO2…
Why in News? As the election to the temporary membership of the U.N. Security Council for the 2021-22 period is due, prospects of India for the same amongst other issues…
Why in News? The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has released its Annual Special 301 Report. What is Special 301 Report? It is prepared annually by the Office of the…
Why in News? Recently, the ‘Global Report on Internal Displacement 2020’ revealed that conflict, violence and disasters led to 50.8 million internal displacements across the world at the end of…
Why in News? India continues to be on the ‘Priority Watch List’ of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Special 301 report for lack of adequate intellectual property (IP) rights…
Why in News? Recently, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has warned that nearly half of the entire global workforce is in immediate danger of having their livelihoods destroyed by the…
Why in News? A report compiled by NITI Aayog has questioned the methodology adopted by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), to rank India as the seventh worst terrorism…
Why in News? The S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has downgraded India to the lowest ranking, “countries of particular concern” (CPC) in its 2020 Report. About the News:…
Why in News? The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it has approved $1.5 billion loan to India to help fund its Fight against Coronavirus Pandemic. About the News: The loan…
Why in News? The United Nations General Assembly has recently adopted a resolution, calling for global cooperation to ensure ‘equitable and fair’ access to medicines, vaccines and medical equipment for…
Why in News? Indian Union Minister of Finance has attended the 5th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of New Development Bank (NDB) through video-conference in New Delhi. Highlights…
Context: Recently, IEA has made some observations about the impact of global lockdown on oil demands across the world. Highlights: The price of oil has already fallen about 60% since…
Why in News? The US has approved a military sale to India of 16 MK 54 all round up lightweight torpedoes and ten AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles. Highlights:…
Why in News? Recently, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit was held online chaired by Vietnam. The discussions pertained to the impact of Covid-19 on southeast Asia. About Association…
Why in News? The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently approved a $500 million grant to cancel six months of debt payments for 25 of the world's most impoverished countries.…
Why in News? The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has assured the Ministry of Finance of USD 2.2 billion (about Rs 16,500 crore) support to India in its fight against the…
Why in News? The UN Women has urged member-states to include prevention of violence against women in their action plans on COVID-19 and it has also called the rise in…
Why in News? Recently, Google has released ‘COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports’. About Covid-19 Community Mobility Report: It aims to provide insights into what has changed in response to policies aimed…
Why in News? The decision by a Pakistani court in Sindh to acquit Ahmed Omar Sheikh Saeed of murdering journalist Daniel Pearl will be raised by India at the next…
Why in News? The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has recently observed that the economic uncertainty sparked by the Covid-19 will likely cost the global economy $1…
Why in News? India has supplied 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines to Maldives, under Operation named “Sanjeevani” as assistance in the fight against COVID 19. Key Points: The medicines include…
Why in News? India and China mark the 1st April 2020 as the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them starting from 1950 till now. Important Events…
Why in News? Leaders of the G20 group of nations will hold a video conference which will be the virtual summit led by King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud of…
Why in News? Recently, the foreign ministers of the five permanent members (P5) of the UN Security Council issued a joint statement on the successful implementation of NPT which was…
Context: Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has finalised the amending the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011. About: It is to crack down on spread of fake…
Context: Recently, Saudi Arabia plans to raise its crude oil production significantly above 10 million barrels per day (bpd) in April, after the collapse of the OPEC+supply cut agreement with…
Why in News? Oil fell by the most since 1991 after Saudi Arabia started a price war with Russia by slashing its selling prices and pledging to unleash its pent-up…
Why in News? In the recently held “India Smart Utility Week 2020” two important programmes has been signed: 1. India-European Union Flagship Call on Integrated Local Energy Systems 2. India-Sweden…
Why in News? International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutors have been given the green light to investigate alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan – and beyond its borders…
Why in News? The United States has signed a historic deal with Taliban insurgents that could pave the way for ending the 18-year-war in Afghanistan. The deal was signed in…
Why in News? India has been invited to witness the ceremony to seal the peace deal between the U.S. and Taliban in Qatari capital Doha. Highlights: The deal would allow…
Context: Recently, India and Myanmar exchanged 10 agreements in fields ranging from infrastructure, energy, communication and health. The agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed and exchanged after talks…
Context: The US administration and the Taliban negotiators have agreed to finalise a peace pact on February 29 if a seven-day cooling-off period was passed off peacefully. The reduction in…
Why in News? During Trump’s visit, India and the US will discuss the Blue Dot network, a new proposal to cover infrastructure and development projects across the region and other…
Why in News? The G20 meeting presided by Saudi Arabia was held recently in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) in which the ministers and central bankers from the world’s largest economies has…
Why in News? Global Health Security (GHS) Index, 2019, which was recently released states that national health security is “fundamentally weak” around the world. The report gains significance in the…
Context: In the recent happenings, India sought to play down American President Donald Trump's remarks that New Delhi is not treating the US "very well" on the trade front, insisting…
Why in News? 3rdGlobal Ministerial Conference on Road Safety took place recently in Stockholm (Sweden). The Minister of Road Transport & Highways has represented India at the Conference. It is…
Why in News? The International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG) of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recently recommended that Pakistan should be retained on the “Grey List”. About FATF: The Financial…
Why in News? The World Economic Forum (WEF), a platform for world leader, professionals, senior government ministerial delegations, was held at Davos recently. This Forum has majorly discussed about a “New World Order”.…
Context: India is considering placing curbs on some imports from Turkey and Malaysia, in response to the decisions of Turkey and Malaysia to side with Pakistan on the matter of…
Why in News? The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is recently celebrated on 11th February every year. About: The International Day of Women and Girls is designated…
Context: During the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Rajapaksa’s visit to India, Indian Prime Minister used the occasion to raise India’s concerns about the incomplete process of reconciliation and the devolution…
Why in News? The first India-Africa Defence Ministers’ Conclave which was recently held in Lucknow has adopted the ‘Lucknow Declaration’. About Lucknow Declaration: Acknowledges contribution of Indian defence forces in…
Why in News? The Government of Bhutan has decided to levy a daily RS.1,200 ($17) fee for regional tourists from India, the Maldives and Bangladesh, beginning July 2020. Highlights: The…
Why in News? Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) was placed No. 16 among 2019’s ‘top environment policy think tanks’ of the world in Global Go To Think Tank Index.…
Why in News? The United Kingdom (U.K.) has finally left the European Union (EU) recently after it took the historical decision to leave EU in June 2016. About Withdrawal Agreement:…
Why in News? India and Maldives signed five memorandum of understanding (MoUs) on February 02, 2020. The objective of this MoU is to establish the Addu tourism zone on the…
Why in News? Environmental activists have called for a ban on the use of new low sulphur marine fuel in the Arctic region. They have cited new research which shows…
Why in News? World’s First Conference on Childhood Pneumonia was held in Barcelona (Spain)to make it part of the global health agenda. It is an initiative of 9 leading health…
Why in News? The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan delivered the keynote address at the TERI’s World Sustainable Development Summit 2020 on ‘Energy Future…
Context: Recently, the U.S. President unveiled the ‘West Asia peace plan’, which gives the Israelis - an expansive state with Jerusalem as its “undivided capital” and tight security control over…
Context: The EU Parliament is taking steps to debate and vote on a resolution asking India to repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act. The Indian government, on its part, says the…
Context: Recently our Honorable Defense Minister has mentioned, India is playing a lead role in connectivity in the South Asian region, but the full potential of the South Asian Association…
Context: Recently the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Beijing cleared Pakistan on 14 out 27 action plans. About FATF: It is an intergovernmental body…
Why in News? The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has asked the government of Myanmar to immediately take all measures within its power to prevent atrocities against…
Why in News? India and Brazil will upgrade their strategic partnership with an action plan and sign a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) when Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visits as the…
Context: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has recently released the World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2020 (WESO) report. About International Labour Organisation: It is created in 1919, as part…
Why in News? Iran has warned to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if the state parties to JCPOA refer the dispute over its atomic programme to the United Nation…
Why in News? “Global Investment Trend Monitor Report” was recently released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). As per the report, India was among the top…
Why in News? Recently a Ukrainian passenger aircraft was shot down by an Iranian missile killing all the passengers and the crew. Later, Iran has admitted that the missiles fired…
Why in News? In furtherance to India’s policy of Zero Tolerance for crime and in an endeavour to fast track the dispensation of justice, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)…
Why in News? The US has threatened to target few historical sites if Iran retaliates to attack US in revenge. This is a breach of JUS COGENS as targeting cultural…
Context: The World Health Organization has recently released a report which projected a powerful shift in the global tobacco epidemic. Key Findings of the Report: The Number of males using…
Why in News? This article discusses about how India’s domestic affairs and policies has a huge impact on India’s bilateral, multi-lateral relations and how it showcases India in the international…
Why in News? Recently, India has been ranked 112thamong 153 countries in the Annual Global Gender Gap Index for 2020. About Global Gender Gap Index: It benchmarks 153 countries on…
Why in News? The Industrial Security Annex (ISA) was recently signed between India and the U.S. at the second 2+2 dialogue in Washington. About 2+2 Dialogue: It is a format…
What is Belt and Road Initiative? In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched China’s most ambitious project One Belt One Road (OBOR) which involves the building of two projects namely…
Context External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar while addressing the Delhi Dialogue conference told that one of the problems in building partnerships in the Indo-Pacific maritime region was the lack of…
Human development is defined as the process of enlarging people’s freedoms and opportunities and improving their well-being. Human development is about the real freedom and ability of the ordinary people…
Why in News? The World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) dispute settlement mechanism is on the verge of collapse due to the non-appointment of requisite members in the appellate body of the…
Why in News? The U.S. House of Representatives have overwhelmingly approved a Bill that would require the Trump administration to toughen its response to China’s crackdown on its Muslim minority,…
India has been home to one of the longest and largest episodes of emigration in the world, from the Second Century BC, when Alexander the Great took back Indians to…
Why in News? Reports have claimed that compared to last year, 40 per cent more tourists, numbering about 80,000, are expected to visit Antarctica, the least visited continent in the…
Why in News? India has become the first country in the world to completely Digitize the Haj process. Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that various services have…
Why in News? India and Sweden are likely to sign their first maritime cooperation agreement, Cooperation in Polar Science. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being prepared, encompassing cooperation in…
Why in News? Six new Countries – Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have recently joined INSTEX. It was initially set up by Germany, France and Britain (E3)…
India and Japan held their first ever Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2), to discuss on the issues relating to defence and security, and other issues of mutual interest. The…
Why in News? After India's success in having got Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist, Pakistan in the past two months, with China's help, is resorting to…
Why in News? South Korea has decided to continue a 2016 military intelligence sharing agreement with Japan. About: At an earlier time, South Korea had decided to discontinue the intelligence…
Why in News? Cabinet approves proposal for enactment of Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019 and accession to the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships,…
Why in News? The 11th annual BRICS Summit was held recently in Brasilia, Brazil. About: BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil,…
Why in News? India has decided to not join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in the recently concluded 3rd RCEP Summit at Bangkok, Thailand. It is because of…
Why in News? Union Minister of Home Affairs will inaugurate the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search & Rescue (SCOJtEx-2019). SCO Urban Earthquake Search & Rescue Exercise…
Why in News? India has hosted the second Assembly of ISA recently. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has hosted the event. About ISA Assembly: The ISA assembly is the…
Why in News? Chile has formally announced its withdrawal from hosting the 25th edition of United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) 25 on climate change. About: The COP is the…
Why in News? There is a tussle going on between US and India regarding the developmental status on the light of WTO. Developing Country Status: Under the WTO system, generally,…
Why in News? Our honourable Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu will represent India at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Baku, Azerbaijan on October 25 and 26. About the news:…
Why in News? The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has joined hands with Bollywood in India and launched a cinema advertisement campaign 'Feed Our Future' to raise awareness and…
Why in News? Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in Bangkok for the eighth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) ministerial meeting, which will continue until October 12. The meeting, which is…
Why in News? The Commerce and Industry Minister will attend the 19th Session of the Indo-Swedish Joint Commission for Economic, Industrial and Scientific Cooperation in Stockholm, Sweden. Indo-Swedish Joint Commission…
Why in News? Venezuela was elected to UN Human Rights Council recently. Brazil and Venezuela won the two Latin American seats on the rights body that were up for grabs.…
Why in News? The government has decided to put off a proposed visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ankara as part of a number of measures showing its displeasure…
Why in News? The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, addressed the India-Philippines Business Conclave and the 4th ASEAN-India Business Summit in Manila, Philippines. Agreements between India and Philippines:…
Why in News? Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu on his visit to Sierra Leone has signed 6 agreements with Mr Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.…
Why in News? China and Nepal concluded agreements for all-weather connectivity between Kathmandu and the Tibet Autonomous Region. Highlights: The infrastructure-building agreements were part of the 20 documents that were…
Why in News? Commerce Minister is in Bangkok for the eighth RCEP ministerial meeting. The meeting is expected to work out the unresolved issues in the negotiations on the mega…
Why in News? Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali was chosen as the awardee for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for “his important work to promote reconciliation, solidarity and social…
Why in News? The Nobel Prize in Literature for the year 2018 and 2019 were announced and the awardees are Polish author Olga Tokarczuk and Austrian author Peter Handke respectively.…
Why in News? Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram where PM Modi will meet China’s President Xi Jinping on October 11 & 12 in an informal Wuhan-style summit, had ancient links with Buddhism…
Why in News? India and Bangladesh have entered into agreements during the official visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India. List of MoUs: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on the…
Why in news? PM Modi has announced a $150 million line of credit to the group of Pacific island nations for undertaking solar, renewable energy and climate related projects based…
Why in News? Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting with the member states of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly…
Context: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) asked India to “rescind” its actions in Kashmir and abide by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions following New Delhi’s decision to revoke…
Why in News? Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations going on in Vietnam will strengthen investor rights against the rights of Indians, claimed Forum of Trade Justice (FTJ), a pan-India…
Why in News? The President of Mongolia, H.E. Mr. Khaltmaagiin Battulga, is on a visit to India from 19 to 23 September 2019. List of MoUs/Documents signed Between India and…
Why in news? The 16th session of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) between India and Belgium Luxembourg Economic Union (BLEU) was convened in New Delhi on 17th September 2019. Highlights:…
Why in News? Bangladesh and India are currently enjoying “best ever” relations, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr.K. Abdul Momen said during an interaction with the media in Dhaka. Highlights: The…
Why in News? In continuation of the Indian Navy''s overseas deployment to Africa, Europe and Russia, INS Tarkash made a port call at the Walvis Bay in Namibia on Sunday…
Why in News? India has joined the Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research and Development (R&D) Hub as a new member. Global AMR R&D: The Global AMR R&D Hub was launched…
Why in News? India skipped a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which was organised by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at Xi’an in China. India has been a…
Why in News? According to a PTI report Indian and Chinese soldiers had a heated exchange in Ladakh near the Pangong Tso lake and the issue has now been resolved.…
Context: India will host a two-day meeting of representatives from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries this month to discuss ideas to strengthen the proposed pact between the 16…
Why in News? Economic Ministers from ten ASEAN Member States and the Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India (“the Ministers”) met at Bangkok in Thailand for…
Why in News? The sixth India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) came to a conclusion with both sides agreeing that the SED has emerged as a crucial mechanism to facilitate bilateral…
Why in News? There has been a huge increase in Chinese deep-sea fishing trawlers in the southern Indian Ocean far from the Chinese coast which has raised concerns in the…
Why in News? Federal Aviation Minister of Pakistan denied the use of Pakistani airspace to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind for his flight to Iceland. Highlights: The reason being stated…
Why in News? In the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘Act Far East’ policy to boost India’s engagement with the Russian region, at…
Why in News? During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vladivostok this week, a Memorandum of Intent was signed to open a full-fledged maritime route between Russia’s eastern port city…
Why in News? Joint statement on cooperation for 2019-24 with Russia, which was issued in Vladivostok, Russia after Prime Minister Shri. NarendraModi’s annual bilateral summit with Russian President Mr. Vladimir…
Context: The United States and Taliban have reached a deal for American troops to withdraw from Afghanistan. Earlier US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was in Kabul to present details of…
Why in News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering held wide ranging talks and discussed steps to further expand the bilateral partnership across several sectors. Highlights:…
Why in news? The India-Maldives MoU on Training and Capacity Building Programme for Maldivian Civil Servants was operationalised. Highlights: The Prime Minister of India in his visit to Maldives in…
Why in News? Indian Naval Ship Tarkash, a front-line warship of the Indian Navy, entered the port of Bergen, Norway, for a three-day visit as part of Western Fleet Overseas…
Why in News? The Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) at Moscow, Russia. Highlights: Department of Space has instituted technical Liaison Units, namely…
Why in News? The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements (UNISA) resulting from mediation by the Republic of India scheduled to…
Why in News? The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, reached Cotonou, Benin on the first leg of his state visits to three West African nations – Benin, Gambia…
Why in News? The BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting took place on 26th July 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Highlights: India was represented by Gen (retd) VK Singh…
Context- Trump’s remarks that Prime minister Modi had asked the U.S. President to mediate on the Kashmir issue. Indian Stand: India government categorically stated that no such request has been…
Act East Policy: India’s Act East Policy focusses on the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region. The policy which was originally conceived as an economic initiative, has gained political, strategic…
Why in News? Oceanographic research vessel of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), INS Sagardhwani, embarked on a two-month long SAGAR MAITRI SAGAR MAITRI: SAGAR MAITRI is a unique initiative…
Context: INS Tarkash, a frontline warship of the Indian Navy, made a port call at Karlskrona, Sweden This marks the first visit of an Indian Naval Ship to Swedish shores…
Why in News? The Union Cabinet has given approval to the Inter-Institutional Agreement between India and the USA in the areas of regenerative medicine and 3D bioprinting, new technologies, exchange…
Context- India draws new ‘red lines’ for talks on Afghan peace process. These new “red lines” are going to be India’s new mantras, even as it pushes for a peace…
Context- ICJ verdict delivered in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case What is the Case: Mr. Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on…
Why in News? The US lawmakers passed a Bill titled Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act (HR 1044). It is aimed at lifting the current seven per cent country-cap on issuing…
Context: Pakistan opened its airspace for the first time since February 26. The country had imposed restrictions on its airspace in response to the non-military counter-terrorism airstrike by the Indian…
Why in News? Two years after more than 700,000 Rohingya fled to camps in Bangladesh alleging ethnic cleansing by Myanmar forces, the Indian government says it is stepping up efforts…
Context: China has affirmed that the successor of the Dalai Lama has to be decided within China and any interference by India will impact bilateral ties. About: The Dalai Lamas…
Initiatives by Government: Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme empowers rural women through community participation by involvement of Student Volunteers. The scheme is envisaged to work at the national and state level…
Context: India abstained at the vote for extending the mandate of an important UN official who reports on violence and discrimination against sexual minorities. Issue: Human Rights Council (HRC)…
Why in News? The Second India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue (IRSED) shall be held on 10 July in New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman, National Institution for…
Context- Kulbhushan Jadhav case verdict on July 17 About ICJ: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in…
Context: Iran has announced that it has amassed more low-enriched uranium than allowed under a nuclear deal signed with the US and other countries in 2015. The deliberate violation of…
Context: Recently U.S. Senate has passed a legislative provision (under The National Defense Authorization Act or NDAA) that brings India at par with America’s NATO allies. About NATO: The North…
Location- Geographically, the Indo-Pacific refers to the Indian and the Pacific Oceans between the east coast of Africa and the American west coast and their several littoral countries. Indo Pacific…
Why in News? After the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997-1998, it was acknowledged that the participation of major emerging market countries is needed on discussions on the international financial system,…
Context- India refused to become a signatory to the Osaka declaration on digital economy. About- It was signed by 24 countries and groupings. It was a sign of resistance against…
The World Bank in its annual Global Economic Prospects report earlier this month forecast that slowing trade and investment flows would cut global growth this year to 2.6 percent, down…
Why in News? The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance is hosting a Meeting of Expert Working Group on Paris Pact Initiative on Illicit Financial Flows deriving from the trafficking…
Japan has remarked the sale of U.S-2 aircraft as part of the goal for realising a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”. India and Japan have been negotiating the US-2 amphibious aircraft…
Published by- United Nations Highlighted Points: While non-marriage remains extremely rare in India, where less than 1% of all women aged 45-49 have never been married, the number of divorcees…
Context: India won non-permanent seat in UN security council for 2021-2022. All 55 members of Asia Pacific supported India’s bid for Membership to UNSC China and Pakistan both supported our…
The Generalized System of Preference (GSP) is the largest and oldest US trade preference programme and is designed to Promote Economic Development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of…
India and the US are planning to revive the Defense Policy Group (DPG) between the two countries after a four-year gap. The last DPG, co-chaired by India’s defense…
Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement BECA will allow India to use US geospatial maps to get pinpoint military accuracy of automated hardware systems and weapons such as cruise and ballistic…
The Eastern Economic Forum was established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in 2015. In accordance with the Decree, the Eastern Economic Forum takes place…
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a mega-regional economic agreement being negotiated since 2012 between the 10 ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) governments and their six FTA partners:…
India and France have decided to deepen cooperation in the cyber security sector. They will jointly work towards curbing the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes and online radicalisation.…
The International Religious Freedom Report – describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and…
India has extended USD 15 million assistance to Niger for organising the African Union (AU) summit scheduled to be held in Niamey from July 7-8. The support of grant assistance…
MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) has made a history by topping the 2020 QS World University Rankings for the eighth consecutive year. Stanford University, Harvard University and California Institute of…
India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) (ECI) organized a five-day training program The program on Use of Technology in Elections for Election Officials of Union Election Commission…
PM Narendra Modi was voted the 'World's Most Powerful Person 2019' in the reader's poll conducted by UK-based British Herald magazine. PM Modi received 30.9% of total votes to beat…
Theme “Human Centered Future Society” Issue to be taken up: Digital economy Artificial Intelligence Global Health Ageing Marine Plastic What is DFFT or Data Free Flow with Trust? This is…
Operation Bandar’ code name of Balakot strike Air Strike: 12 Mirages having taken off from multiple air bases crossed over into the Pakistani air space and carried out missile attacks…
What is H1B Visa? The H1B visa is an employment-based, non-immigrant visa for temporary workers. For this visa, an employer must offer a job in the US and apply for…
Why in News? Indian Navy on Thursday launched Operation Sankalp in the Gulf of Oman to re-assure Indian Flagged Vessels operating/ transiting through Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman following…
United Nations (UN) Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (the CERD) conducts discussion on “Hate Speech” in the context of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms…
It is an international grouping that consists of central bank governors and government representatives of 19 countries and the EU. The nations consist of 90% of world’s GDP, 80% of…
Issue: South China Sea is a significant area in the Pacific Ocean. It is the major trade route connecting South East Asia to the Pacific Ocean, China and Japan. China…
Context: U.S withdrawn from JCPOA after Donald Trump had become the President of the country. What is JCPOA? Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is an agreement reached between Iran and…
Maldives is an Island nation located in the Indian Ocean. It owes significance as it is a member of Indian Ocean Rim Association since 2018. Maldives has recently become a…
What is SCO? Shanghai Cooperation Agreement is otherwise known as SCO. It is an intergovernmental international organization founded in 15 June 2001 at Shanghai, China. Founding Members: Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan,…
Why in News: India backed Israel at UN forum against Hamas-linked NGO Background: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for voting in favour of…
Why in news: Two oil tankers have been attacked in the Gulf of Oman, raising regional tensions after a similar incident involving four tankers. Details: The Strait of Hormuz, a…
Why in News: Allocation for India to be raised; those for Afghanistan, Pak. to be rationalised Back ground: The U.S.’s top South Asia diplomat will testify on Thursday before the…
Why in News: The World Day Against Child Labour will be observed on 12 June to raise awareness about the plight of child labourers worldwide. More in News: The International…
Why in News: President Xi Jinping high-profile three-day state visit to the St. Petersburg consensus International Economic Forum last week include some panda diplomacy and underscore the strengthening Beijing-Moscow axis…
Why in News: Hundreds of thousands of people protest in Hong kong against the government’s extradition bill. More in News: The protesters were marching against proposed changes in the law…
Why in News: Pakistan was placed on FATF’s grey list for terror financing. Background: / What is FATA? The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established in…
Why in News: The World Health Organization’s latest report reveals that more than a million new cases of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are detected in people aged 15-49 years…
Why in News: India and maldives signed six key agreements. More in News: Prime Minister of India H.E. Shri Narendra Modi, is on a State Visit to the Maldives from…
Why in News: Sudan is in the midst of a political crisis after security forces opened fire on pro-democracy protesters in the capital, Khartoum. Background: / More in News: When…
Why in News: President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is prepared to drop a nuclear arms control agreement with the US, known as New START, if there was a lack…
Why in News: India has issued a public statement of protest over the harassment of guests attending an Iftar party hosted by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Details: Guests…
Why in News: The start-up community in the U.S. is concerned about the increasingly protectionist stance taken by the Trump administration on immigration, saying that this would detrimentally affect innovation…
Why in News: The ninth edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit is all set to roll out in The Hague on Tuesday (June 4), with a number of entrepreneurs from…
Why in News: A day after a group of journalists was told that India’s access to preferential trade terms under the U.S.’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) was on its…
Why in news India will lose access to preferential trade terms with the U.S. under the latter’s Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) programme. Details: Trump had written to the U.S.…
Why in News: Tehran accused Riyadh of “sowing division” in the region to Israel’s advantage, after the Kingdom hosted summits of Gulf and Arab leaders to rally support against the…
Why in news Washington will impose a 5% tariff on all goods from Mexico — increasing to as much as 25% — until “illegal migrants” stop coming through the country…
CONTEXT: The UN Security Council has extended an arms embargo and sanctions on South Sudan for a year, despite resistance from African countries, Russia and China. A US-drafted resolution was…
Why in News: Leaders from the BIMSTEC, Kyrgyz Republic and Mauritius are invited for the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister. In this context, here is an overview on the…
Why in News: Malaysia says it will send back some 3,000 metric tonnes of non-recyclable plastic waste to countries including the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia in a move to…
Why in News: Sri Lanka, Japan and India signed an agreement to jointly develop the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port. Background: The joint initiative is estimated to cost…
Why in News: The U.S. does not seek “regime change” in Iran, President Donald Trump said, also praising North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un in comments made during a historic visit…
Why in News: India has invited several heads of state, including those from the Bay of Bengal community (BIMSTEC) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s…
Why in News: Under the threat of potentially devastating U.S. tariffs on autos, Japan is ready to roll out the newest phase of its charm offensive targeting President Donald Trump…
Why in News: Deadly floods sweeping Afghanistan have put the celebrated minaret of Jam — one of the country’s most revered cultural, architectural and historical treasures. Background: Minaret and Archaeological…
Why in News: US President Donald Trump declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran swept aside objections from Congress to complete the sale of over $8bn worth of…
Why in News: Germany’s government commissioner on anti-Semitism has warned Jews about the potential dangers of wearing the traditional kippah cap in the face of rising anti-Jewish attacks Details: Anti-Semitic crimes rose 20% in…
Why in News: North Korea said that nuclear negotiations with the U.S. will never resume unless President Trump’s administration moves away from what Pyongyang described as unilateral demands by U.S.…
Why in News: British Prime Minister Theresa May said she would quit after failing to deliver Brexit, setting up a contest that will install a new PM who could pursue…
Why in News: Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s victory the U.S. House [of Representatives] Foreign Affairs Committee issued a statement congratulating “the Indian people”. Details: Listing the of priorities…
Why in News: The government’s decision to shut down communication with UN Special Rapporteurs seeking to question India on alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir may appear extreme,…
Why in News: A “new deal” for Britain’s departure from the EU, offering sweeteners to opposition parties in her fourth attempt to break an impasse in Parliament over Brexit. Background:…
Why in News? Renewed clashes broke out between Houthi rebel fighters and Saudi-backed pro- government forces in Yemen. What is the recent happening? The tussle in Yemen is essentially between…
Why in News: The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recently published its first ever report on Jammu and Kashmir including PoK. India reacted angrily to…
Why in News: U.S. President Donald Trump warned he would destroy Iran if it threatens the U.S Details: Tensions between the long-time foes resumed when the U.S. withdrew from the…
Why in News: India must break its silence on the gross human rights violations by Myanmar Details: India’s abstention from voting on a UN Human Rights Council draft resolution, on…
Why in News: Over 20 developing countries recently met in New Delhi to discuss ways to prevent the World Trade Organization’s dispute resolution system from collapsing. What is the WTO’s…
Why in News: British Prime Minister Theresa May said she will present a “new, bold offer” to lawmakers with “an improved package of measures” in a final attempt to get…
Why in news Sri Lanka completes 10 years since the brutal and decisive war against Tamil militants Details: It must be acknowledged that the country has not achieved much tangible …
Why in News: The U.K. government has passed an amendment by which Sikhs in the country will be allowed to carry kirpans and use it during religious and cultural functions.…
Why in News: The Trump administration reached an agreement with Canada and Mexico to lift tariffs on metal imports, resolving a yearlong standoff that inflamed North Atlantic tensions and complicated…
Why in News: Indo-Pacific has been gaining traction in Indian policy and has achieved operational clarity after the Indian vision was presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shangri-La…
Why in News: India on Thursday handed over two Mi-24 attack helicopters to Afghanistan. Background: These helicopters are a replacement for the four attack helicopters gifted by India to Afghanistan…
Why in News: A proposal by India to prevent developed countries from dumping their electronic and plastic waste onto developing countries, was defeated at the recently concluded meeting of the…
Why in News: U.S. President Donald Trump announces new points-based green card system. Background: U.S. President announced a proposal that will include significant changes to the way green cards are…
Why in News: China's engagement in the India Ocean Region poses new challenges for India. It is high time that India makes strategic partnerships, going beyond the current defensive mindset.…
Why in News: The Alabama Senate has passed the most restrictive abortion Bill in the U.S., which places a near-total ban on the termination of pregnancy — even in cases…
Why in News: Ms. May said she plans to bring forward the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in the week commencing June 3, thereby setting a tangible deadline for the talks that…
Why in News? Pakistan on May 15 decided not to lift its airspace ban for Indian flights till May 30, as Islamabad is awaiting the outcome of the Lok Sabha…
Why in News? British Prime Minister Theresa May is set for a new political showdown in Parliament as MPs across the political spectrum expressed their intention to oppose her Brexit…
Why in News? A key accused in the recent serial blasts in Sri Lanka, Aadhil AX, was reportedly under surveillance by Indian agencies including Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), following the…
Why in News? India is trying to rally the support of other developing countries in the World Trade Organisation to reform the “biased” system of assessing a country’s services trade…
Why in News: The executive secretary of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Lassina Zerbo, has invited India to be an observer in the CTBT. Details: Giving India the…
Why in News: President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping could meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit to hash out their differences on trade, but no new talks…
Why in News: Iran’s decision to reduce its commitments under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which sought to curtail its nuclear capabilities, is more of a warning than…
why in news: Pakistan will get loan of $6 billion for 3 years-IMF. Background: / How strained is Pakistan's economy? Pakistan’s economy has been ruined in the last 8 months,…
Why in News: Yemen’s Houthi movement started withdrawing forces from Saleef port in Hodeidah under a UN- sponsored deal. Details: The move, which is yet to be verified by the…
Why in News: Australian Navy is, at present, “hanging off” COMCASA — India’s secure communications agreement with the U.S. — Australia Background: India moving to classified communications environment that one…
Why in News: Islamic State (IS) has claimed for the first time that it has established a province in India, after a clash between militants and security forces in the…
Why in news New Delhi must snap out of its denial on the discord with the U.S. on market access Details: U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross lashed out…
Why in news Navy ships INS Kolkata and Shakti carried out Group Sail with the naval ships of Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. in the South China Sea (SCS) Details:…
Why in news: European powers denounced Iran’s threat to resume nuclear work but vowed to save a landmark deal with Tehran despite U.S. pressure. Details: Iran said it would…
Why in news: Afghanistan’s Loya Jirga, a grand assembly of senior politicians and tribal and religious leaders had a four-day meeting, for a ceasefire between government troops and the Taliban…
Why in News: USA advises European countries against doing business with Tehran; Russia, China reiterate opposition to punitive steps Details: The U.S. threatened to impose more sanctions on Iran “very…
Why in News: A true strategic partnership remains elusive between India and the U.S. Details: The U.S.’s decision to not extend Iran sanctions waivers, including the one provided to India,…
Why in News Iran said it had stopped respecting limits on its nuclear activities agreed under a 2015 deal with major powers Details: The announcement came as Washington stepped up…
Why in News: Iran is expected to announce plans to scale back compliance with a landmark nuclear deal on the anniversary of the United States decision to withdraw from the…
Why in News: With the second Belt and Road Forum, a paradox is now apparent at the heart of the initiative. Details: Six years after it was unveiled, China’s Belt…
Why in News: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for the…
Why in News Fighting between Israel and Gaza escalated rapidly in the worst combat since the last full- blown war in 2014, with Palestinian rocket and missile attacks killing Israeli…
Why in News: North Korea conducted a "strike drill" for multiple launchers, firing tactical guided weapons into the East Sea in a military drill. Details: North Korea has conducted a…
Why in News: The Maduro-Guaidó stand-off is deepening Venezuela’s economic distress Details: Venezuelan Opposition leader Juan Guaidó has been trying to oust President Nicolas Maduro for months. the U.S., which…
Why in News: Under the new visa regime in the U.S., foreign students who complete their master’s or any higher degree from American universities will have a better chance of…
Why in News: U.S. refuses to extend sanctions waiver to India on Iran oil import and oil marketing companies stop placing orders from Iran Details: India has a “robust plan”…
Why in News: Masood Azhar's listing as a designated terrorist by the UN Security Council at long last closes an important chapter in India’s quest to bring the Jaish-e-Mohammad chief…
Why in News: Iraq contributes a fifth of India’s needs; imports from U.S. rise fourfold from 2017-18 Details: Iraq has, for the second year in a row, become India’s top…
Why in News Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar was listed as a designated terrorist by the UN Security Council 1267 Committee Details: The reasons for listing did not mention the Pulwama…
Context: Grace full business across the Line of Control will require both infrastructural and policy- level interventions. Lakshman Rekha: In the last decade, the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu…
Why in News The American stance on Iranian oil exports could only cause mayhem in West Asia Details: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on that the United States…
Why in News: India and China should be guided by the Wuhan spirit, and not by differences over BRI Details: Two years after the Belt and Road Initiative forum was…
Why in News China said that on designating Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, “positive progress” had been made indicating that listing under 1267 sanctions…
Why in News: In Afghanistan, ‘reconciliation’ means different things to different players and to different groups of Afghans. Background: / What is the issue? America is in the process of…
Why in News: India recently suspended the cross-LoC trade, alleging misuse of the facility by individuals linked to terrorist groups. What is the government's rationale? The Union home ministry has…
why in news: Journalist Lyra McKee’s gruesome murder in Londonderry last week has brought into focus the fragile Irish peace process, more than 20 years after Britain and Ireland signed…
Why in News? China announced that the financial model for funding projects under its flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) had been revamped, countering criticism that its mega-connectivity undertaking was…
Why in News? Reports quote Islamic State as claiming responsibility for the attacks that killed over 320. Details: The serial bomb attacks on Easter Sunday, which claimed over 320 lives…
Why in News? Petroleum Minister said the country plans to increase imports from major oil producing nations other than Iran, indicating that it will be acceding to the U.S. plan…
Why in News: Mass protests in Algeria and sudan have recently removed two aging autocrats, ending 20 and 30 years, respectively, of absolutist rule. In both countries, the insurgents are…
Why in News: Dozens of public housing advocates protested outside the gutted Notre Dame in Paris on Monday to demand that France’s poorest be remembered after donors pledged $1 billion…
Why in news: The US has broadly agreed to grant India a waiver from its Iran sanctions recently. Background: India was one of eight countries allowed temporary import of Iranian…
Why in News: Preventing further attacks and keeping the peace are vital in Sri Lanka. Background: The serial blasts on Easter Sunday rank as the worst bloodbath Sri Lanka has…
Why in News: A series of eight devastating bomb blasts ripped through high- end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, killing 290 people, including dozens…
Why in News: The United States Department of Justice has released the special counsel Robert Mueller’s report. The report looks into alleged Russian collusion in the 2016 Presidential elections which…
Why in News: Pakistan’s economy has been ruined in the last eight months.At a moment when Pakistan’s economy is facing a major crisis, it also has no finance minister now.…
Why in News? The Iraqi-Libyan species of intervention, with UN ‘approval’ but under the West’s watch, is a post-Cold-War phenomenon Details: Libyan militias battling for control of the country’s capital, Tripoli,…
why in News: India has suspended cross LoC trade between Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan-Occupied- Kashmir (PoK) with effect from April 19 on grounds that the trade routes were being…
Why in news: Protests broke out in Atbara in north eastern Sudan over rising prices of bread. Background: President Omar al-Bashir, who captured power through a bloodless coup in 1989,…
Why in News: Protesters in Sudan have overcome army attempts to disperse their sit-in and resumed their calls for civilian rule. Months of protests: Protests first erupted in the town…
Why in News? Punjab Chief Minister said that Canadian administration’s decision to remove all references to Khalistani extremism in its 2018 report on terrorist threats was a threat to Indian…
Why in News: India’s top drug advisory body, has recommended that the Health Ministry should notify all medical devices under the drug laws. Background: DTAB: DTAB is highest statutory decision-making…
Why in News: The Supreme Court rejected the Centre's argument that the Rafale Deal documents published in The Hindu and The Wire were 'Privileged'. Background: What is the case? The…
Why in News? Incumbent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to win a record fifth term in the country's most closely-fought general election in years after his main rival…
Why in news: The US introduced a resolution in the UN Security Council (UNSC) to get Jaish-e- Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar listed as a terrorist Details: The US resolution…
GS 3: Internal Security Why in News? The 12th edition of joint military exercise between India and Singapore culminated on 11 April 2019 after an impressive closing ceremony held at…
Why in news? China has financed and constructed Sri Lanka's first new railway line after the island nation became independent in 1948. Details: The 26.75-km long Matara-Beliatta railway extension was…
Why in news: The administration of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has received a positive effect with the parliamentary election held over the weekend, paving the way for easy passage…
Why in news? U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty is a challenge to the rules-based international order. Golan heights: The Golan Heights, a rocky plateau in south-western Syria, has a political…
Why in News? President Donald Trump on Monday announced the United States is designating Iran’s elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a terrorist organisation. Details: Mr. Trump…
why in news? Libya has erupted into civil war as the rebel army commander Khalifa Hafter launched airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Tripoli in defiance of a UN truce.…
Why is it in news? President Kagame said the country is more united than ever before, after more than 800000 people were killed in a genocide that shocked the world.…
why in News: The United States is expected to designate Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps a foreign terrorist organization. US officials told that it is the first time Washington has…
Why in News? The U.K. and European Council president Donald Tusk appeared to be nearing a consensus on a further Brexit extension. Prime Minister Theresa May has written to Mr.…
Why in News: Pakistan has opened one route for west-bound flights from India after it shut its airspace for all civilian flights following the Indian Air Force’s strikes at Balakot.…
Context: Twelve days after the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force bombed the Jaish-e- Mohammad’s “biggest” terror training camp in Pakistan’s Balakot early. The operation was carried out by 12…
Why is it in News? The US department of state has approved the sale of 24 MH 60R ‘Romeo’ multi mission helicopters to India. Background: Multi role helicopters are integral…
Why in News: British PM calls for another BREXIT extension. What is BREXIT: It is the abbreviation of “British Exit” from the European Union (EU). What is European union: The…
