CONTEXT The Russian attack on Ukraine is an assault on the latter’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a 24-hour period, Moscow recognised the “republics” of Donetsk and Luhansk in East Ukraine and deployed aerial forces into the country. Russia invades Ukraine The attacks are taking on multiple fronts, including airports... .Read more
Updated on 28 February, 2022 GS2 International Relations
CONTEXT The Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs has said that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was hijacked by vested interests after the OIC commented about the hijab controversy currently raging in Karnataka. Stand of OIC on Hijab row The grouping has called on the UN Human Rights Council to take necessary mea... .Read more
Updated on 23 February, 2022 GS2 International Relations
CONTEXT India and Australia have announced that they are set to conclude an interim trade agreement in March and a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) 12-18 months thereafter. EARLY HARVEST AGREEMENT What is an early harvest agreement? Before a comprehensive FTA (Free Trade Agreement) is concluded, an interim or early harves... .Read more
Updated on 18 February, 2022 GS2 International Relations
CONTEXT The External affairs minister (EAM) has managed to place India squarely at the heart of the geopolitical churn in the Indo-Pacific with his recent visits to Australia and the Philippines. COUNTERING CHINA Destabilising tendency of China:India, together with its quad partners has underscored that the real strategic challenge of the world c... .Read more
Updated on 18 February, 2022 GS2 International Relations
CONTEXT Russia said that more of its forces surrounding Ukraine were withdrawing but NATO joined the U.S. in saying it had yet to be convinced the pullout was real. RUSSIA-UKRAINE CRISIS Fear of imposition of sanctions: many Western countries, prominently those in the G7 group of large economies have threatened to impose economic and financial sa... .Read more
Updated on 17 February, 2022 GS2 International Relations
CONTEXT The Quad Ministerial meeting in Melbourne, meant to set the stage for a meeting by the leaders of Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. later this year in Tokyo, ended with outcomes that showcased its positive agenda in the Indo-Pacific region. THE QUAD MINISTERIAL MEETING Vaccine partnership: there was renewed focus on the vaccine p... .Read more
Updated on 14 February, 2022 GS2 International Relations