March 19, 2024

International Affairs


General Studies Paper -2 Context: The Union Cabinet recently gave its approval for the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan. About The MoU signed between the two countries is on General Supply of Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL) and related products from India to Bhutan. It aims to benefit India and its citizens with improved economic and commercial linkages with Bhutan irrespective of any gender, class or income bias, particularly in the area of hydrocarbon sector. Expected Benefits of MoU The Memorandum of Understanding will promote bilateral trade in the hydrocarbon sector and will ensure secured....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context: India has presented a detailed model on behalf of the G4 nations for Security Council reform. About the G4 Model India presented the ‘G4 model’ on behalf of Brazil, Germany, Japan and Indiafor debate, dialogue and finally negotiations. The proposals elicited strong support from wider UN members. New Members:It proposes that the Security Council’s membership increase from the current 15 to 25-26, by adding six permanent and four or five non-permanent members. Regional Representation:Among the six new permanent members, two each are proposed to be from African states and Asia Pacific states, one from Latin American and Caribbean states; and one from Western European and Other states. Flexibility in Veto:The G4....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context: Despite the recently held high meeting between India and Nepal, the consensus over sharing benefits of the Pancheshwar project is not resolved. About Pancheshwar Project PMP is a bi-national hydropower project to be developed in Mahakali River bordering Nepal and India. Development of PMP, is a mutual interest project between two countries, and is covered under integrated Mahakali Treaty signed between Nepal and India in 1996. The project is aimed at generating around 6,480 MW energy (to be divided equally between two sides), along with water for irrigation of 130,000 hectares of land in Nepal and 240,000 hectares of Indian territory,....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context: Recently, the Prime Minister of India and Mauritius jointly inaugurated an airstrip, jetty, and 6 other projects to ensure maritime security and connectivity to Mauritius’ Agalega islands. Current Development ü  Background: India and Mauritius signed MoU in 2015 to upgrade the airstrip and the Set James Jetty in the island country. ü  The Agalega island of Mauritius is seen as important as they are expected to boost connectivity as well as maritime security and surveillance of Mauritius’ vast EEZ of 2.3 million square kilometres in the strategic Indian Ocean region. A. It helps in ‘emergency responses, including search and rescue, marine pollution and humanitarian assistance’.....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: The article discusses how India is redefining its relationship with Western countries. India is not against the West, but has a distinct, non-Western identity. The US supports this approach, indicating strong India-US relations. India’s domestic politics are shifting away from anti-Western sentiments. What is India’s new approach to international relations? Non-Western Identity:India, led by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, is positioning itself as non-Western, not anti-Western. This contrasts with other BRICS nations like Russia and China, which often appear more opposed to Western perspectives. Flexible Alliances:India advocates for flexible international relationships, avoiding alignment against the West....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 13-14, 2024, to inaugurate a temple in Abu Dhabi. What is the status of India-U.A.E relations? The upcoming visit will be the Prime minister’s seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and the third in the last eight months. Further, UAE President was felicitated in a road show when he was in Gandhinagar in January this year as the chief guest of the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit. In this short duration. India’s relationship with UAE has evolved into becoming one of....Read More

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi along with the President of Sri Lanka, Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Mr Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated the launch of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, and also RuPay card services in Mauritius via video conferencing. BENEFITS: Digital transformation will get a boost, local economies will witness positive change and tourism will be promoted. Its launch symbolizes the success of Global South cooperation. The launch will enable the availability of UPI settlement services for Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka and Mauritius as well as for....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context: The article talks about a new committee being formed to address issues caused by India’s rapid population growth and demographic changes. It also highlights the need for this committee to focus on related challenges, such as job creation and social security. What is the Current Situation of India’s Population? The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India has decreased to 2. Some states like Bihar (2.98), Meghalaya (2.91), Uttar Pradesh (2.35), Jharkhand (2.26), and Manipur (2.17) have TFRs above 2.1. The TFR has fallen from 5.7 in 1950 to 2 in 2020, showing significant reduction. Southern....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context: The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources recently said, India-U.S. nuclear cooperation envisaged under the nuclear deal two decades ago is “an important piece of unfinished business”. Speaking on clean energy and climate change, he stressed on getting away from Chinese domination of clean technology supply chains. He also emphasises using India’s capacities in manufacturing and labour costs to build up a real alternative supply chain. India-U.S. Nuclear Cooperation History and Milestones: 1974: India conducts its first nuclear test, leading to U.S. sanctions and limited cooperation. 2005:The landmark S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement is signed, paving the way for civil nuclear trade and cooperation.....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the signing and ratification of a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to significantly boost bilateral economic engagement, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). About the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT): It is an agreement between two countries that sets the terms and conditions for private investment by nationals and companies of one state in another. It is a part of the International Investment Agreements (IIAs)under the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It is expected to improve investor confidence, increase foreign investments and overseas direct investment opportunities, and....Read More

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