Category: International Relations

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Central American Integration System (SICA)

Source:  ET Context: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the India–SICA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. About Central American Integration System (SICA): What SICA Is? Name: Central American Integration System (SICA). Purpose: The institutional framework designed to govern and facilitate regional integration in Central America. Secretariat: Located in El Salvador. Establishment: Created by the Tegucigalpa Protocol (December …

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L-1 Visa

Source:  IE Context: The U.S. administration under Donald Trump announced a $100,000 fee hike on fresh H-1B applications, sparking debate on whether the L-1 visa could be an alternative for Indian professionals. About L-1 Visa: What it is? Two types: L-1A employees (executives/managers) and L-1B (specialized knowledge A non-immigrant work visa for intra-company transfers. Allows …

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One-In, One-Out Scheme

Source:  LM Context: An Indian national became the first person deported from the UK to France under the newly implemented ‘one-in, one-out’ scheme of the UK–France returns treaty. About One-In, One-Out Scheme: What It Is? A bilateral migration and deportation arrangement between the United Kingdom and France. Allows the UK to return illegal migrants who …

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Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact

Syllabus: International Relations Source:  TH Context: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in Riyadh (Sept 2025), pledging that any aggression against one country would be treated as aggression against both — formalising a long-standing security partnership. About Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Defence Pact: What It Is? A Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) …

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Major U.S.-Led Military Exercises Around India

Source:  IT Context: Bangladesh and the United States will conduct three joint exercises (Tiger Lightning, Tiger Shark, Pacific Angel) and launch the RQ-21 UAS program in 2025 to enhance interoperability and regional security. About Major U.S.-Led Military Exercises Around India: Exercise Tiger Lightning 2025: Host: Bangladesh Participants: Bangladesh Army and U.S. Army Pacific Aim: Improve …

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The U.K. India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB)

Source:  TH Context: The U.K. India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB), launched in September 2024, marked its first anniversary with a report in London recommending policy changes to de-risk investments in India’s infrastructure sector. About The U.K. India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB): What it is? A bilateral initiative between India and the U.K. to mobilise global …

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India and Israel sign Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA)

Source:  PIB Context: India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) in New Delhi, witnessed by Finance Ministers of India and Bezalel Smotrich. About India and Israel sign Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA): What it is? A landmark investment protection and promotion treaty between India and Israel. Provides a minimum standard of treatment and a …

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Great Recall Vote

Source:  TH Context: Taiwan has launched the largest recall vote in its history against 31 opposition lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT) party. About Great Recall Vote: What is the “Great Recall” Vote? A mass legislative recall referendum targeting KMT lawmakers in Taiwan. Citizens are voting to remove 31 KMT legislators in two phases (July and …

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Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty

Source:  NDTV Context: Russia has officially declared its withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, stating that Western missile deployments now directly threaten its security. About Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty: What is the INF Treaty? The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty was a landmark arms control agreement signed on 8 December 1987 between …

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July Declaration

Source:  BS Context: Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus will unveil the “July Declaration” on August 5, 2025, marking one year since the student-led uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. About July Declaration: What is the July Declaration? The July Declaration is a proposed constitutional document drafted by Bangladesh’s interim government to officially recognize …

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U.S. President announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports

Source:  TH Context: U.S. President announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports effective August 1, 2025, citing high trade barriers and India’s continued energy and defence ties with Russia. The announcement includes a Russia-related penalty, linked to the proposed Russian Sanctions Act 2025. About U.S. President announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports: What it …

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Henley Passport Index 2025

Source:  IE Context: According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, the Indian passport has jumped eight spots, moving from 85th to 77th rank, now offering visa-free access to 59 countries. About Henley Passport Index 2025: What is it? The Henley Passport Index is a global mobility ranking that measures the number of destinations a passport …

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US Designation the Resistance Front as Foreign Terrorist Organisation

Source:  IE Context: The US Department of State has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) after its role in the Pahalgam terror attack. About US Designation the Resistance Front as Foreign Terrorist Organisation: What is TRF? TRF is an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), …

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Group of Friends (GoF) for Accountability of Crimes against Peacekeepers

Source:  BS Context: India reiterated its strong commitment to ensuring justice for crimes against UN peacekeepers at a high-level meeting of the Group of Friends (GoF) at the UN Headquarters, calling accountability a strategic necessity. About Group of Friends (GoF) for Accountability of Crimes against Peacekeepers: What it is? An informal platform of UN member …

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Israel Bombing Syria

Source:   NDTV Context: Israel launched multiple airstrikes on Damascus and Suwayda in Syria, citing the protection of the Druze minority, triggering condemnation from Syria over what it called a “flagrant assault” on its sovereignty. About Israel Bombing Syria: What Is the Issue? Israel has intensified military operations across southern Syria and Damascus amidst violent clashes …

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Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis

Source:  PIB Context: Prime Minister of India was conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian honour, The Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, during his state visit to Windhoek. He is the first Indian leader to receive this distinction, marking a milestone in India–Namibia bilateral ties. About Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis: What is …

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Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross

Source:  News on Air Context: Brazil has conferred its highest civilian honour — Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross — on Prime Minister of India during his official visit. About Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross: What it is? Brazil’s highest civilian award, exclusively given to foreign …

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UAE nomination-based Golden Visa scheme

Source:  TOI Context: The UAE has introduced a new nomination-based Golden Visa scheme for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, offering lifetime residency without any property or business investment. About UAE nomination-based Golden Visa scheme: What is the UAE Golden Visa? The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreign nationals to live, work, …

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