BIMSTEC 2022 Summit: Fifth summit of BIMSTEC was hosted by Sri Lanka. Held in virtual mode. Outcome of 2022 BIMSTEC Summit: The signing of the Charter of the organization was the major result of the summit. Adoption of the Charter plays a significant role in laying an institutional foundation for BIMSTEC. Further, the Charter has given the …
Economic performance of China during the COVID-19 pandemic: In 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when most economies were struggling, China was able to sustain its impressive economic performance. China’s gross domestic product grew by 2.2% in 2020 from the previous year. China’s manufacturing output registered an increase from the previous year and …
Context: Finlandization is in news in context of Ukraine-Russia conflict. What is Finlandization? It refers to the policy of strict neutrality towards Moscow (Russia) and the West that Finland followed during the decades of the Cold War. The principle of neutrality was rooted in the Agreement of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance (or YYA Treaty) that Finland signed with the USSR in …
Key outputs of India-Australia virtual summit: Strengthening Cultural Ties: Australia recognises the depth and diversity of India’s magnificent culture. Australia returned 29 ancient Indian artefacts consisting of sculptures and paintings executed in a variety of materials. Energy: India-Australia is working on a new and renewable energy partnership, to support the development of technologies such as green hydrogen …
India and Japan Trade Relations: In recent years, the economic relationship between Japan and India has steadily expanded and deepened. The volume of trade between the two countries has increased. India was the 18th largest trading partner for Japan, and Japan was the 12th largest trading partner for India in 2020. Also, direct investment from …
Map of Middle East: What is background of Saudi Arabia-Iran Conflict? Religious Factionalism: Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have been sour in part because of religious differences, which go back centuries. Iran is largely Shia Muslim, while Saudi Arabia sees itself as the leading Sunni Muslim power. Leader of Islamic World: Historically, Saudi Arabia, …
Context: China accused the United States of trying to build an “Indo-Pacific NATO” using the Quad and its allies. What is China’s Concern? China equated the U.S, Australia, India, Japan Quad grouping with the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance involving Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the U.S. and U.K. and the AUKUS (Australia-U.K.-U.S.) defence pact because of: US is strengthening …
History of India-Russia Defence Ties: India was reliant, almost solely on the British, and other Western nations for its arms imports immediately after Independence. However, this dependence weaned, and by the 1970s India was importing several weapons systems from the USSR (now Russia), making it the country’s largest defence importer for decades. Russia has provided some of the most …
History of origin of Munich Security Conference: During the time of the Cold War in 1962, the U.S. placed the Jupiter missiles in Italy and Turkey, which bordered the Soviet Union as part of nuclear muscle flexing. Jupiter Missile was a medium range ballistic missile (MRBM) with a range of 2,400 km. It was aimed at key …
Munich Security Conference : Relevance now – UPSC GS2 Read More »
NOTE: We will keep updating this article as situation evolves. Major outcomes: USA is not reliable: Rapid withdrawal from Afghanistan and now lack of military support for Ukraine. Similar situation might arise for other countries like Taiwan, Japan, Indo-Pacific nations and even India. Lack of coordinated approach from the west: Beijing, France and Italy were …
Ukraine crisis and its impact on the World order – UPSC GS2 Read More »