Synopsis: The MEA’s response to celebrity activism is fair. But its global reach has to go beyond majoritarian representation. Introduction The tweets by international pop singer Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg on farmers’ protest created a huge stir. In response, The Minister for External Affairs tweeted about motivated campaigns targeting India. It also… Continue reading Celebrity activism and government’s response to it
Tag: IR_0
Evaluating India- China Disengagement agreement on Pongong Tso
Synopsis: India-China disengagement process on the border is ongoing. There is a need for the cost-benefit analysis of this disengagement process. Background: Recently, both India and China have announced the start of disengagement between the two armies in Ladakh. The current disengagement is limited to two places on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in… Continue reading Evaluating India- China Disengagement agreement on Pongong Tso
Need for a balanced approach on ‘Bilateral Investment Treaty’ for India
Synopsis: Sri Lanka’s revoked the East Container Terminal (ECT) agreement without any valid reason. However, Indian investors can’t oppose this decision under International Law, due to India’s withdrawal from Bilateral Investment treaties (BIT). This calls for adopting a balanced approach towards BITs. Background: An agreement to jointly develop ECT at Colombo port was signed between Sri Lanka, Japan and India in 2019. In February… Continue reading Need for a balanced approach on ‘Bilateral Investment Treaty’ for India
‘ICC ruling’ over Palestinian Territories
Synopsis: The recent ICC (International Criminal Court) ruling allows it to prosecute war crimes in Palestinian Territories. The ruling is welcomed by Palestine but criticized by the U.S. and Israel. Background: Israel had been accused of committing atrocities in Palestinian Territories of West Bank and Gaza Strip since 1967. Palestine joined the ICC in 2015… Continue reading ‘ICC ruling’ over Palestinian Territories
‘Disengagement activities’ for reducing Sino-India tensions
Synopsis: India and China have simultaneously begun disengagement activities around the Pangong Tso region in eastern Ladakh. It is a laudable step for reducing tension between the two countries. Background: The two countries were undergoing severe tensions since May 2020. It is when the Chinese army entered 8 km inside Eastern Ladakh. This Chinese encroachment… Continue reading ‘Disengagement activities’ for reducing Sino-India tensions
India-Australia relation: Towards sustainable future
Synopsis: How India and Australia are working towards a sustainable world. Background The year 2020 witnessed the spread of the Pandemic, bushfires in Australia as a consequence of climate change. It has taught the following important lessons to the world. The need to strengthen the resilience of our global communities. The importance of innovation, resources,… Continue reading India-Australia relation: Towards sustainable future
Disengagement agreement at Pangong Tso Lake – Explained
Table of contents Background What are the important points of the agreement? What are the reasons leading to the present agreement? Concerns with the disengagement agreement Suggestions to improve the disengagement Recently, a military disengagement agreement signed between India and China. This is the first major breakthrough to resolve the nine-month-long military stand-off along the Line… Continue reading Disengagement agreement at Pangong Tso Lake – Explained
Reasons behind India-China disengagement agreement along LAC
Source- Indian Express Syllabus: GS 2 – India and its Neighbourhood- Relations. Synopsis: The Sino- Indian disengagement agreement in Pangong Tso region is the first step towards ending hostilities along LAC (Line of Actual Control). Focus should now be on other areas of friction like Kailash heights and Depsang plateau to bring lasting peace. Background:… Continue reading Reasons behind India-China disengagement agreement along LAC
Disengagement agreement in Pangong Tso region
Source: The Indian Express Syllabus: GS 2 – India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Synopsis: Both India and China have agreed to withdraw troops from Pangong Tso region. Both the countries will return to the position of April 2020 (before the stand-off took place). Introduction: As per the agreement reached by the 9th corps commanders meeting on 24th January, both Indian and… Continue reading Disengagement agreement in Pangong Tso region
Issue of Digital Services Tax between India and US – Explained
Table of contents What is Digital Services Tax (DST)? Why India introduced the Digital Service Tax? What are the accusations mentioned by the US? What India said in reply? What are the concerns associated with DST? Suggestions Recently the U.S. determined India’s Digital Services Tax (DST) as discriminatory. It concluded that the DST is causing… Continue reading Issue of Digital Services Tax between India and US – Explained
India, Afghanistan agreement to build “Shahtoot Dam” in Kabul
What is the News? India and Afghanistan have signed an agreement to build the Shahtoot Dam in the Afghan capital. Shahtoot Dam: It is a proposed dam in the Kabul river basin. It is one of the five river basins in Afghanistan. Purpose: The dam will provide drinking, irrigation, and Environmental water for Kabul province.… Continue reading India, Afghanistan agreement to build “Shahtoot Dam” in Kabul
Hard Sovereignty and its consequences
Source: The Hindu Gs2: International Relations Synopsis: India’s posture as hard sovereignty will be harmful to India’s national interest in the long run. Background Some recent developments in India suggest that India has developed a new posture of engagement with the world i.e. The hard sovereignty. This posture suggests that any outsider cannot involve in… Continue reading Hard Sovereignty and its consequences
Why China should be seen as a partner by India?
Source: The Hindu Gs2: India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Synopsis: India should acknowledge the rise of superpower China and prepare to complement its role in reviving the rule-based global order. It should start looking at China as a partner, instead of a rival. Background Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that both India and… Continue reading Why China should be seen as a partner by India?
India’s strategy for Myanmar
Source: The Hindu Gs2: India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Synopsis: India’s Policy towards Myanmar should be a balance of India’s interest and India’s norms. Background The recent military coup in Myanmar has once again created uncertainty regarding the future of Myanmar’s democracy. The U. S and the west have reacted strongly. The US threatened Myanmar… Continue reading India’s strategy for Myanmar
Sri Lanka settles “Currency Swap Facility” with India
What is the News? The Central Bank of Sri Lanka(CBSL) has settled a $400 million currency swap facility from the Reserve Bank (RBI) of India. What is a Currency Swap Facility? The term swap means exchange. Under this agreement, two contracting countries loan each other a specified amount in local currencies. The parties agree to… Continue reading Sri Lanka settles “Currency Swap Facility” with India
Chinese energy projects near Tamil Nadu cleared by Sri Lanka
What is the News? The Sri Lankan Government has cleared a Chinese project to set up hybrid wind and solar energy projects on three Sri Lankan islands. Note: This development comes after Sri Lanka had recently decided to pull out of the East Container Terminal(ECT) deal with India and Japan. About the Project: China’s hybrid… Continue reading Chinese energy projects near Tamil Nadu cleared by Sri Lanka
Why India-EU trade pact is still difficult to achieve?
Source: click here Syllabus: GS 2 Synopsis: The EU is in a turbulent situation currently due to COVID-19, Brexit, and international tensions with the US. This has unsettled the EU and worsened internal issues. Introduction India is planning to start negotiations on investment and trade agreements with the European Union (EU). However, these discussions might… Continue reading Why India-EU trade pact is still difficult to achieve?
Sri Lanka has pushed India and Japan out from the Colombo Terminal Project
Synopsis – Sri Lankan government has been forced to revoke a 2019 deal with India and Japan. The deal was to build the East Container Terminal (ECT) at Colombo Port. They cancelled the deal after facing intense resistance from trade unions across the region. Background- Sri Lanka, Japan and India signed an agreement [MoC] to… Continue reading Sri Lanka has pushed India and Japan out from the Colombo Terminal Project
Lessons from the past for way forward in Myanmar
Source: The Hindu Gs2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora. Synopsis: The international community needs to plan according to the ground realities of Myanmar before making any effort to restore Democracy. Background: Following the recent military coup in Myanmar, many countries have voiced their concern to… Continue reading Lessons from the past for way forward in Myanmar
U.S foreign policy: The road ahead
Source: The Hindu Gs2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora Synopsis: Evaluation and analysis on Impact of Mr. Biden’s foreign policy on various regional blocs. Background President Biden is an idealistic, supporter of multilateralism and is deeply committed to democratic values and principles. He is taking… Continue reading U.S foreign policy: The road ahead
Sri Lanka Writes Off Strategic Colombo Port Deal With India & Japan
Source: click here Syllabus: GS 2 Synopsis: Sri Lanka’s has pulled out of a 2019 Colombo Port deal with India and Japan. The agreement was for developing the strategic East Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port. Introduction India and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) for cooperation on economic projects in 2019. A… Continue reading Sri Lanka Writes Off Strategic Colombo Port Deal With India & Japan
India- Myanmar relations after Coup
Synopsis: India has a deep security relationship with the Myanmar military. It is not in India’s interest to intervene in Myanmar’s politics. Introduction Military rule has returned to Myanmar after a coup. Aung San Suu Kyi along with the political leadership has been detained by the Military. Similar events took place in Myanmar 30 years… Continue reading India- Myanmar relations after Coup
Coup in Myanmar and India-Myanmar bilateral relations – Explained
In a military coup in Myanmar, a state of emergency has been imposed for one year. The coup resulted in establishing military rule again in Myanmar. The military has detained democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other politicians of the country. This action is condemned by the majority of countries around the world.… Continue reading Coup in Myanmar and India-Myanmar bilateral relations – Explained
India-Sri Lanka Maritime dispute – Explained
Recently four fishermen from Tamil Nadu died while fishing in Palk Bay. The cause of death is still not clear. But the Indian government has registered its strong protest with India-Sri Lanka. The arrest and death of fishermen by the Sri-Lankan government is a frequent issue. A press note mentions, “between January 2015 to January… Continue reading India-Sri Lanka Maritime dispute – Explained
“Indo-French Year of the Environment” launched towards a Greener Planet
What is the News? The Indo-French Year of the Environment launched for the period 2021-22. About Indo-French Year of the Environment Objective: To strengthen Indo-French cooperation towards climate change and environment protection. This platform would be used for discussions on critical areas of collaboration relating to the environment and allied areas. Themes: The cooperation would… Continue reading “Indo-French Year of the Environment” launched towards a Greener Planet
MEA’s Eight broad principles to resolve conflict with China
Source: Indian Express Gs2: India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Background: Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in the 13th All-India Conference of China Studies organized by the Institute of Chinese Studies. What were the observations made by the External Affairs Minister in the 13th All-India Conference of China Studies? In the conference, he made… Continue reading MEA’s Eight broad principles to resolve conflict with China
GI Geographical Indications tag for Basmati Rice to Pakistan : a cause of concern for India?
Synopsis: Pakistan secures the Geographical Indications (GI) tag for its Basmati rice. Experts say it would in no way affect India’s Basmati exports. Introduction: Before partition in 1947, both India and Pakistan shared the Basmati rice-growing zone. After partition, Basmati rice became a joint heritage of India and Pakistan. What is the Geographical Indications (GI)… Continue reading GI Geographical Indications tag for Basmati Rice to Pakistan : a cause of concern for India?
Retrospective Taxation: Cairns Issue
Why in News? Cairn Energy has asked the Government of India to resolve the retrospective taxation case. It has threatened to begin attaching Indian assets including bank accounts in different world capitals in case of non-resolution. Background: The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in Dec. 2020 that the Indian government was wrong in imposing a… Continue reading Retrospective Taxation: Cairns Issue
Reasons of increasing Palk Bay fishing conflict
Source: The Hindu Gs2: India and its Neighborhood- Relations. Synopsis: The recent death of 4 fishermen resurfaces the unresolved issue of fisheries conflict between India-Sri Lanka at Palk Bay. Background: Recently four fishermen from Tamil Nadu died while fishing in Palk Bay. Tamil Nadu has accused Sri Lankan Navy of that. But, the Sri Lankan… Continue reading Reasons of increasing Palk Bay fishing conflict
Taiwan-China conflict and India’s stand on it
Recently Taiwan reported a large scale incursion in its air defence zone by Nuclear-capable Chinese bombers and fighter jets. In response, the U.S. sent an aircraft carrier strike group in the South China Sea. The US claims this as an effort to support freedom of navigation in the region. The China-Taiwan conflict has larger regional… Continue reading Taiwan-China conflict and India’s stand on it
Vaccine Diplomacy | Myanmar, Mauritius and Seychelles receive Covishield
Why in News? India has sent shipments of Covishield vaccines to Myanmar, Mauritius, and Seychelles under its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ (vaccine diplomacy) drive. Vaccine diplomacy: It is the branch of global health diplomacy in which a nation uses the development or delivery of vaccines to strengthen ties with other nations. Read More – Significance of Vaccine… Continue reading Vaccine Diplomacy | Myanmar, Mauritius and Seychelles receive Covishield
Vaccine diplomacy
Synopsis: India’s Vaccine diplomacy will raise India’s Stature at the global arena. Background: Till now, India has supplied Covid19 vaccines to Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles. The initial supplies of Covid19 vaccines have been sent free of cost. It is expected that India will be distributing vaccines to other countries including Sri… Continue reading Vaccine diplomacy
Why Chinese forces are weakening?
Syllabus Topic – International Relations – India and its neighborhood Synopsis: In the beginning of this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed his armed forces to be “combat-ready to act at any second”. However, in reality Chinese forces are facing too many inside challenges. Why China is becoming aggressive? First, Policies of new US President Joe Biden favours freedom of… Continue reading Why Chinese forces are weakening?
New transition in India-Nepal relations
Synopsis: Recent Joint Commission Meeting in Delhi was a positive development for bilateral relations of India and Nepal. Introduction The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Pradeep Kumar Gyawali visited New Delhi for the sixth meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission. What was discussed in the meeting? In this joint meeting discussions on the following project and assistance took place. It will strengthen India-Nepal relations: – India assured an early delivery of vaccines to… Continue reading New transition in India-Nepal relations
Vaccine Maitri: India Vaccine diplomacy exercise
Why in News? India will officially start its vaccine diplomacy with the name “Vaccine Maitri” under its Neighborhood First policy. Vaccine Diplomacy: It is the use of vaccines to increase a country’s diplomatic relationship with other countries. Key Features of Vaccine Maitri India will supply Made-in-India Covid-19 vaccines to its neighboring and key partner countries Under its Neighborhood First policy. Bhutan and Maldives will be the first to get the vaccines followed… Continue reading Vaccine Maitri: India Vaccine diplomacy exercise
India-US relation under Joe Biden administration
Synopsis: Biden’s administration is focussed on ensuring economic security of the middle class by reducing the expansive globalist ambitions. What does it mean for India? Background Two important themes that are at the centre of Biden’s vision are, To “restore the soul of America” by resolving the multiple economic and political challenges confronting the US.… Continue reading India-US relation under Joe Biden administration
Chabahar Port
News: Indian government has supplied a consignment of two Mobile Harbour Cranes- MHC to Chabahar Port in Iran. Facts: Source: Indian Express Chabahar Port: It is a seaport in Chabahar located in southeastern Iran, It is located on the Makran coast of Sistan and Baluchistan Province, next to the Gulf of Oman and at the mouth of the… Continue reading Chabahar Port
Kalapani territorial dispute between India and Nepal resurfaced
Synopsis: Kalapani territory is one of the major disputed border areas between India and Nepal. But the dispute is not yet resolved by mutual terms and usually resurface time and again. In this article, you can read about the details of the dispute and the steps that India should take. Introduction: Present development Nepal has raised… Continue reading Kalapani territorial dispute between India and Nepal resurfaced
Trade with China shrank in 2020, deficit at five-year low
News: According to the data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC), India’s trade with China declined in 2020 to the lowest level since 2017, with the trade deficit narrowing to a five-year low as India imported far fewer goods from China. Facts: Source: The Hindu Data Related to Trade between India and China: Bilateral Trade: The… Continue reading Trade with China shrank in 2020, deficit at five-year low
UK Report classified India among ‘difficult four’ countries
Synopsis: The report released by the Royal Institute of International Affairs (UK) recommends an arm’s length relationship with India due to rise of religious intolerance. Back ground Recently, the Royal Institute of International Affairs (UK) have proposed a blueprint titled “Global Britain, Global Broker”, for Britain’s future foreign policy after Brexit. As a matter of concern for India, the report… Continue reading UK Report classified India among ‘difficult four’ countries
New opportunities for India in Afghanistan
Synopsis: Change of power in the US has provided India with an opportunity to re-engage with Afghanistan. Introduction The National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval paid a 2-day visit to Kabul. It was the first trip to Afghanistan, by a top Indian official, since the start of Doha Talks between Taliban and Afghan republic representatives. Both sides… Continue reading New opportunities for India in Afghanistan
Importance of Reviving SAARC
Synopsis- SAARC has become dysfunctional and not able to meet since las 6 years. Reviving SAARC is crucial for countering common challenges in the region, amid COVID pandemic. Introduction The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of nations in South Asia founded in 1985 with 7 member nations. The group was established… Continue reading Importance of Reviving SAARC
Diplomatic practices
Synopsis: India is unwilling to interfere in the political turmoil of Kathmandu and Beijing on the other hand is making efforts to preserve the unity of ruling party in Nepal. Stances of both the countries are very different from their traditional foreign policies. Introduction Interventions in the happenings of neighbouring countries have been a permanent feature… Continue reading Diplomatic practices
Kenneth Arrow’s paradox and why elections are flawed
Synopsis- Theory of Arrow’s paradox and the impact of loss of concentration Introduction- The mechanics of all elections are flawed. The mathematician Kenneth Arrow laid bare the flaws in elections. The internet helps the minority voice to instigate a large part of the populace. The recent U.S. presidential election is an example of this. What… Continue reading Kenneth Arrow’s paradox and why elections are flawed
Gulf reconciliation
Synopsis – Gulf leaders have signed a solidarity and stability agreement towards ending the diplomatic rift with Qatar in the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia. Background- In 2017, Saudi Arabia and its allies [UAE, Bahrain and Egypt] decided to boycott Qatar and imposed a naval, air and land blockade. Qatar was charged to be too close to… Continue reading Gulf reconciliation
What are the issues in ailing American democracy?
Synopsis: The rioting by the Donald Trump supporters in the US Capitol seeking to stall President-elect Joe Biden’s certification by Congress personifies the decaying Democracy in America. Background Recently, a violent mob (loyal to President Donald Trump) in an attempt to overturn America’s Presidential election stormed the U.S. Capitol and forced lawmakers into hiding. This act of violence indicates… Continue reading What are the issues in ailing American democracy?
India’s counter-coercive strategy against China
Synopsis: India has done quite well in countering Chinese moves in eastern Ladakh with its coercive strategy. Introduction There is an opportunity for middle powers like India to redefine their position in the world order as decline and rise of Chinese and American powers continue. Alexander L. George, an American political scientist, is best known for his work on coercive diplomacy. The… Continue reading India’s counter-coercive strategy against China
Capitol building coup attempt in US: Reasons behind launch and failures
This article has been developed based on the Indian Express Article ‘Once upon a failed coup’. Synopsis: Recent coup attempt in the US Capitol Building has been caused by several factors. Why Capitol building coup failed in the US? January 6 coup attempt by rioters in US Capitol hill refutes the traditional wisdom that coups… Continue reading Capitol building coup attempt in US: Reasons behind launch and failures
US tweaks H1B visa rules – higher wage is key factor now
News: The United States(US) administration has amended its H-1B visa regime to give priority to higher wages and skills instead of the prevailing lottery system for selection of candidates looking to work in the country. Facts: What is an H1B Visa? It is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in… Continue reading US tweaks H1B visa rules – higher wage is key factor now
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021
News: Prime Minister will inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention to be held in virtual format on January 9 with Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi as the chief guest. Facts: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas(PBD) Convention: It is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an important platform to engage and connect with the… Continue reading Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2021
