Source: ET Context: Delhi has emerged as a major transit hub for illegal immigration through Donkey Routes to the US, with a 100% surge in arrests of agents and facilitators in 2024. About the ‘Donkey Route’: What it is: The ‘Donkey Route’ refers to an illegal immigration method where individuals take circuitous routes through multiple countries …
Source: TH Context: The concept of beggar-thy-neighbour policies has gained renewed attention due to rising protectionism and trade wars, particularly under populist regimes like the Trump administration in the U.S. About Beggar-Thy-Neighbour Approach: What is Beggar-Thy-Neighbour Policy? Economic policies aimed at benefiting a country’s economy at the expense of others, often through protectionist measures like tariffs, quotas, or currency …
Source: TOI Context: The closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Trump administration has raised concerns about setbacks in health, climate, and development programmes in India. About United States Agency for International Development (USAID): It is an independent US government agency responsible for civilian foreign aid and development assistance. It …
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Source: IE Context: US President has imposed 25% tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada over fentanyl trafficking, linking the opioid crisis to trade policies. About Fentanyl: What is Fentanyl? Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid approved for pain relief and anesthesia, nearly 100 times stronger than morphine. It is commonly used in medical settings for …
Source: IE Context: Indian Prime Minister is set to co-chair the Paris AI Summit on February 10-11, 2025, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. About the Paris AI Summit 2025: What is the Paris AI Summit? The Paris AI Summit 2025 is a high-level global conference focused on AI regulation, innovation, and ethical governance. It builds …
Source: TH Context: The M23 armed group has intensified its activities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), capturing key areas like Minova and threatening the provincial capital, Goma. About M23 Armed Group: What is M23? Full Form: March 23 Movement (M23). Location: Operates in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, mainly in North …
Source: TOI Context: The Oxfam International report, titled Takers, Not Makers, highlights the wealth extracted from India during British colonial rule, emphasizing the enduring economic and social inequalities shaped by colonial exploitation. About Takers, Not Makers Report Released by: Oxfam International at the World Economic Forum 2025. Coverage: Focuses on wealth extraction during colonial rule, …
Source: TOI Context: The World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert (NE) has declared that he is competent to resolve differences between India and Pakistan regarding the design of hydroelectric projects under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), 1960. About World Bank’s Neutral Expert: Neutral Expert (NE) Appointed by: The World Bank, under Paragraph 7 of Annexure F of …
Source: TH Context: The concept of “blood money,” or diya, has gained attention following the case of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder. About Blood Money: What is Blood Money? Blood money, or diya, is a provision under Islamic Sharia law that allows a perpetrator to compensate the victim …
Source: IE Context: In the final days of the Biden administration, a new regulatory framework titled “Framework for Artificial Intelligence Diffusion” has been introduced to regulate the export of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like GPUs. About US AI Export Rule: What is it? A regulatory framework introduced by the US government to control the …
Source: TOI Context: The United States recently removed three Indian nuclear entities Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR), and Indian Rare Earths (IRE) from its restrictive Entity List. About Entity List: What is the Entity List? The Entity List is published by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) …
Source: TOI Context: A significant breakthrough was reported in the Gaza truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas. About Gaza Truce Deal: What it is: A proposed ceasefire agreement to end the prolonged conflict in Gaza, including provisions for a phased truce, hostage release, and further negotiations for lasting peace. Nations involved: Primary Parties: Israel and …
Source: News on Air Context: India has extended humanitarian assistance to Cuba in the wake of Hurricane Rafael, providing essential medicines like antibiotics, painkillers, ORS, and muscle relaxants. About Cuba: Location: Cuba is located at the confluence of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean. Neighbours: East: Hispaniola (Haiti/Dominican Republic). West: Yucatán Peninsula …
Source: BS Context: Interpol has introduced its first-ever Silver Notice, a groundbreaking initiative to track and recover laundered assets across international borders. About the Silver Notice: What it is: A colour-coded alert by Interpol to track and recover criminally acquired assets such as properties, vehicles, financial accounts, and businesses. How it works: Member countries can …
Source: DD News Context: India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) in 2026, as announced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during the CSPOC Standing Committee Meeting in Guernsey. About CSPOC: Established in: 1969 by Speaker Lucien Lamoureux, Canada. History: First initiated to enhance cooperation …
Source: TH Context: South Africa’s High Court blocked a 1,500 MW coal power plan, affirming constitutional rights and sustainable energy in the Cancel Coal case led by civil society groups. About Cancel Coal Protest: What it is: A youth-led movement against South Africa’s plan to expand coal-fired power generation, focusing on environmental and health concerns. …
Source: NIE Context: The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, the largest gathering of the Indian diaspora, will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 10, 2025. About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD): What it is: PBD is celebrated to recognize the contributions of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to India’s growth and development. Observed annually …
Source: TH Context: The Panama Canal, a critical global trade route, has become a point of contention after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump criticized the Torrijos-Carter Treaties as “foolish”. About Torrijos-Carter Treaties: Nations involved: The treaties were signed between the United States and Panama. Signed in: September 7, 1977, by U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Panama’s …
Source: IE Context: Weeks before he returns as US President, Donald Trump’s supporters are locked in a public row about skilled immigration and H-1B visas. What is the H-1B Visa? Definition: A non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign workers for specialized occupations. Nation: United States of America. Aim: To bridge the skills …
Source: DTE Context: Former president Jimmy Carter passed away recently. He was an influential leader and a towering figure in politics, but he had a special relationship with music. About Carter Doctrine: What it is: A U.S. foreign policy proclamation asserting that the United States would use military force if necessary to defend its national …
