Context: The United Nations has highlighted the alarming rise in violence against women and girls in domestic settings, emphasizing that homes remain the most dangerous place for them globally. About UN Report on Women Violence: Global Statistics (2023): 51,100 women and girls killed globally by intimate partners or family members (up from 48,800 in 2022). …
Source: TH Context: Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay highlighted the Gelephu Mindfulness City as a major “Zero Carbon” project, thanking India for supporting its development as a sustainable, cooperative initiative. About Gelephu Mindfulness City: Vision: To create a sustainable, zero-carbon city promoting harmony, sustainability, and Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy. Origin: Envisioned by King Jigme Khesar …
Source: IE Context: Sectarian violence has escalated in the Kurram district of Pakistan, following a massacre of Shia travelers, resulting in days of clashes and significant casualties. About Kurram District: Location: Situated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwestern Pakistan. Borders Afghanistan with multiple crossings along the 192-km Durand Line. Key River: The district is named after the …
Source: DD News Context: In a significant escalation of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Russia reportedly used a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting Dnipro, Ukraine. About RS-26 Rubezh: Reported Weapon: The RS-26 Rubezh, a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Capable of carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). Specifications: Range: 5,800 …
Source: NIE Context: The Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, has been conferred the rank of Honorary General of the Nepal Army by President Ramchandra Paudel during a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, Nepal. About Honorary Army General: Origin: The tradition of exchanging honorary generalships between the Indian and Nepali armies …
Source: IE Context: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was launched at the G20 Summit 2024 in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil’s presidency. It aims to address the urgent global challenges of hunger and poverty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disparities, conflicts, and climate change. About Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty: Launch: …
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Source: TH Context: The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2023 was awarded to classical pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad. About Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development: Established: 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust in honour of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Objective: …
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Source: HT Context: Prime Minister of India has been conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria, signifying strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. Also in news: Nigeria’s Borno state experienced severe flooding due to the collapse of the Alau Dam. NOTE: “Grand Commander of the Order of Niger” …
Source: DTE Context: Building on the momentum from the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in September 2024, the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. About Jeddah Commitments: Host: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Theme: From Declaration to Implementation – Accelerating Actions Through Multisectoral Partnerships for the …
Context: In Banda Aceh, Indonesia’s conservative province, Qurrata Ayuni defied norms to establish Morning Mama, the city’s only woman-run café. Orphaned by the 2004 tsunami, she built a sanctuary for women—free from smoke, noise, and prejudice—offering a safe space to work and thrive. Morning Mama empowers women, employs female baristas, and challenges gender biases, inspiring …
Syllabus: International Relation Source: IE Context: India’s neighbourhood policy is under scrutiny as its relations with several neighbouring countries face challenges. With a history of deep cultural and historical ties, India’s approach to its neighbours must balance its growing global aspirations with regional sensitivities. India’s Neighbourhood Policy: Neighbourhood First Policy: Emphasizes prioritizing relations with immediate …
Source: IE Context: New Zealand’s parliament briefly paused as Māori Party MPs performed a haka to protest the Treaty Principles Bill, opposing changes to the 184-year-old Treaty of Waitangi. About Māori Group: Origin: Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand (Aotearoa) who migrated from East Polynesia between 1320-1350. Cultural Development: Over centuries in isolation, the Māori …
Source: IE Context: The Norwegian Parliament issued a formal apology to the Sami, Forest Finns, and Kvens for the historical injustices caused by its “Norwegianisation” policy. This forced assimilation, practiced from the 18th century until the 1980s, led to cultural erasure, loss of languages, and forced relocations. About Tribes in News: Sami People: Indigenous to …
Source: TH Context: The Canadian government recently announced the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, impacting a significant number of Indian students who seek higher education in Canada. About SDS Visa: Country: Canada Launched: 2018 What is SDS Visa: A fast-track study permit application program for students from select countries, including India, …
Source: TH Context: The Philippines’ Foreign Ministry said it summoned China’s Ambassador to protest Beijing’s drawing of baselines around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Places in News: South China Sea Dispute South China Sea: Contains an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Claimed …
Source: TH Context: The European Central Bank (ECB) has introduced the digital euro as a central bank digital currency (CBDC) aimed at revolutionizing payment systems. About Digital Euro: What it is: A CBDC issued directly by the ECB, enabling digital transactions without intermediaries like banks or payment gateways. Launch: The preparation phase began in November …
Source: ANI News Context: The Immigration Check Post (ICP) at Land Port Darranga in Assam’s Tamulpur district, located just 700 meters from the Indo-Bhutan border, is set to be inaugurated. About Darranga Check Post: Location: Positioned near the Indo-Bhutan border, only 700 meters from Bhutan, in Assam’s Tamulpur district. Facilities: Spans 14.5 acres with advanced …
Source: TH Context: A Russian Soyuz rocket successfully launched two Iranian satellites, Kowsar and Hodhod, into orbit from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. About Russia-Iran: Strategic partnership: Moscow and Tehran have been deepening their ties in defense, technology, and energy, planning to establish a “comprehensive strategic partnership” during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Russia. Military …
Source: DD News Context: The Indian and Chinese armies observed Diwali with an exchange of sweets and greetings at the Chushul-Moldo border point in Ladakh, reflecting a continued tradition of goodwill despite ongoing tensions. About Chushul-Moldo Border: Location: Chushul-Moldo is a key border meeting point situated in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control …
