General Studies Paper-2 Context India and Japan have formally agreed to deepen maritime relations, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional cooperation in the maritime sector. Key Highlights of Maritime Cooperation Smart Islands and Renewable Energy: Japan has extended support to develop Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands into smart, green islands using renewable energy, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable maritime ecosystems. Port Digitisation and Emission Reduction: The two sides have agreed on using digital technologies in port operations to enhance efficiency, reduce logistical costs, and minimise carbon emissions. This aligns with India’s smart port initiative. Employment and Skilling of Seafarers: With....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context                                                        Under its ‘Operation Spider’s Web’, Ukraine launched first-person view (FPV) drone attacks on five airbases across Russia. First-person View Drones FPV or first-person view drones are smaller in size and have cameras built in on the front, which sends live video to the operator. This enables precise flying and manoeuvrability by the operator from a remote location, almost like an aircraft. These drones used Russian mobile-telephone networks to relay their footage back to Ukraine. Recent Use of Drones In the early years of the 21st century, most drone strikes were carried out by the US military....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: Russia is actively pushing for the revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral format, a strategic dialogue that has been largely dormant for nearly five years. What is the RIC format? Initiated in the late 1990s by former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, the RIC format was conceived as a strategic counterweight to Western dominance. It facilitated over 20 ministerial-level meetings, promoting cooperation in foreign policy, economics, and security. The format lost momentum following the 2020 Galwan Valley incident, which significantly strained India-China relations. Reasons for Russia’s Push to Revive RIC Easing India-China Tensions: Russian Foreign Minister....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: Recently, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs visited India and emphasized India’s role as a ‘geopolitical giant’ and an ‘indispensable security actor’. About India-New Zealand Relations India and New Zealand established their diplomatic relations in 1952. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth, sharing democratic values and governance principles. They collaborate on regional and global security issues, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. They emphasize freedom of navigation, maritime security, and counterterrorism efforts. New Zealand identified India as a priority country in its ‘Opening Doors to India’ policy notified in October 2011, which was....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context: Maldivian Foreign Minister has arrived in New Delhi to lead the Maldivian delegation at the 2nd High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting. About Both foreign ministers will review the progress of the India–Maldives comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership. The India-Maldives vision document on a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership was adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President last year. Key Highlights of the Vision Document Bilateral Commitment and Financial Support: India reaffirmed its commitment under ‘Neighbourhood First’ and Vision SAGAR. India extended emergency financial assistance (rollover of $100 million in T-bills....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: India and Russia are enhancing strategic cooperation in nuclear energy, cyber defence, and advanced technologies amid shifting global geopolitics and domestic policy changes. Developments in Indo-Russian Cooperation Nuclear Energy Expansion: India is amending its Nuclear liability laws to encourage greater foreign investment and collaboration. Russian state-owned nuclear firm Rosatom, builder of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), signed an MoU with Maharashtra for thorium-based Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure: India and Russia are exploring co-development of cyber defence mechanisms, sector-specific firewalls, and cybersecurity products for the global market. Russia-based foundation Cyberus has identified....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: India and the European Union (EU) chief negotiators have concluded another round of talks on the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) and agreed to reach a deal in two phases. India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations Overview Negotiation Resumption: Talks resumed in June 2022 after an 8-year hiatus (stalled in 2013 due to market access disagreements). Objective: To finalize a comprehensive trade agreement covering goods, services, investments, and geographical indications. Negotiation Structure: The agreement will be concluded in two phases, following India’s phased approach used in previous FTAs (e.g., with Australia). This is partly due to....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: India’s trade relations with Türkiye and Azerbaijan are expected to come under strain due to Ankara and Baku backing Islamabad and condemning India’s recent strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. Background India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to destroy nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in retaliation for the Kashmir’s Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. All subsequent retaliations for Pakistani offensives were carried out under ‘Operation Sindoor’. During the conflict, Pakistan used Turkish drones in its failed attempt to target Indian military installations. India and Pakistan announced reaching an understanding to stop all....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: The Union Defence Minister questioned the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and called for its supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). About Pakistan has tried to leverage its nuclear status against India. While India follows a no-first-use policy when it comes to nuclear weapons, Pakistan doesn’t have any such stated policy of restraint. Pakistan’s Nuclear Arsenal Pakistan first tested nuclear weapons in 1998 in response to nuclear tests by India. Pakistan has vastly expanded its nuclear forces and remains outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime; the country is also a major source of....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: Colombia formally agreed to join China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. About Belt and Road Initiative Genesis: Launched in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping under the initial name One Belt One Road (OBOR). Aim: To enhance regional integration, boost trade, and stimulate economic growth by developing infrastructure and connectivity across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Key Components: Silk Road Economic Belt: Overland routes connecting China to Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 21st Century Maritime Silk Road: Sea routes connecting China’s eastern coast to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe. China’s Economic Influence &....Read More