Non-Tariff Barriers

Source:  DH Context: During his visit to Jaipur, US Vice President urged India to eliminate non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to enhance market access for American goods. About Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): What are Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)? NTBs are trade restrictions other than customs duties that hinder the free flow of goods and services across borders. They include …

SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)

Source:  BT Context: India has suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. About SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES): What It Is? A regional travel facilitation mechanism allowing select individuals from SAARC nations to travel visa-free across member countries using a SAARC Visa Exemption …

Operation Atalanta

Source:  ET Context: Commander of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA (Operation Atalanta), proposed a joint naval exercise with the Indian Navy to strengthen maritime security cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea. About EUNAVFOR ATALANTA (Operation Atalanta): What is Operation Atalanta? Operation Atalanta is the European Union’s maritime security operation, launched in 2008, aimed at protecting …

Taiwan Strait

Source:  WION Context: China has launched its largest military drills in the Taiwan Strait, with the PLA’s Shandong aircraft carrier conducting operations east of Taiwan, escalating regional tensions. About Taiwan Strait: What is the Taiwan Strait? A narrow sea passage separating Taiwan Island from mainland China’s Fujian Province. Considered a geopolitical hotspot due to cross-strait …

Ottawa Convention

Source:  IE Context: Several European nations including Poland, Finland, and the Baltic States have announced plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, citing rising security threats from Russia. About Ottawa Convention: What is the Ottawa Convention? Officially called the Mine Ban Treaty, it is a legally binding international agreement to eliminate anti-personnel landmines. It prohibits …

India’s New Initiatives at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit

Source:  News on Air Context: At the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok, Prime Minister of India announced a series of India-led initiatives for regional institution building, capacity development and youth skilling across BIMSTEC member countries. About India’s New Initiatives at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit: BODHI Initiative (Human Resource Development): Full form: BIMSTEC for Organised …

Baku to Belem Roadmap

Source:  TOI Context: India, at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil, urged all 11 BRICS nations to support the ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’, which aims to mobilise $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for climate action. About ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’: What is the ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’? The ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ is …

Cape Town Convention

Source:  IE Context: The Rajya Sabha passed the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, giving legislative force to the Cape Town Convention to promote aircraft leasing in India. About Cape Town Convention: What is it? An international treaty adopted in 2001, the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment and its …

Northwest Passage (Artic)

Source:  TH Context: The Northwest Passage is back in focus amid rising geopolitical tensions, with Canada and the U.S. disputing its legal status as internal waters vs international strait. About the Arctic Region: What is the Arctic? The Arctic is the northernmost polar region of Earth, centered around the North Pole and defined by the …

BIMSTEC Summit

Source:  DD News Context: The 6th BIMSTEC Summit will be held on April 4, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand with the theme “Prosperous, Resilient, and Open BIMSTEC.” It aims to enhance regional cooperation on trade, security, connectivity, and endorse the Bangkok Vision 2030. About BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation): What …

Operation Brahma

Source:  DTE Context: A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Mandalay, Myanmar, killing over 140 people and causing structural damage across Myanmar and neighbouring countries. India has launched Operation Brahma, sending humanitarian aid and relief supplies to the affected region. About Myanmar: Location: Southeast Asia, between latitudes 10°N to 28.5°N Capital: Nay Pyi Taw (declared in 2006, …

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)

Source:  News on Air Context: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its 2025 report recommended designating India as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing alleged religious freedom violations. India strongly rejected the report, calling it “biased and politically motivated”. About USCIRF Recommendations on India: Designation Suggested: USCIRF has urged the …

Senkaku Islands

Source:  DD News Context: Japan has raised strong concerns over the longest recorded intrusion by Chinese Coast Guard ships near the disputed Senkaku Islands. About Senkaku Islands Dispute: Location: The Senkaku Islands are located in the East China Sea, northeast of Taiwan. The group comprises eight uninhabited islands with a total area of approximately 7 …

Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)

Source:  DD News Context: The Indian Navy will participate in the maiden multilateral maritime exercise titled ‘Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement’ (AIKEYME), co-hosted with Tanzania in April 2025, to enhance maritime security and cooperation with African nations. About Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME): What it is: A large-scale multilateral maritime exercise aimed at enhancing naval cooperation …

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

Source:  DD News Context: During his recent visit to India, New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon expressed interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). About the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): What is IPOI? The IPOI is a non-treaty-based voluntary framework designed to promote cooperation for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. It emphasizes collaboration …

Raisina Dialogue

Source:  TH Context: The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue will be held from March 17-19, 2025, focusing on global security, diplomacy, and emerging geopolitical trends. About Raisina Dialogue: What is the Raisina Dialogue? India’s flagship international conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, organized annually. Aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, academics, and strategic experts. …

No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference

Source:  PIB Context: The 4th ‘No Money for Terror’ (NMFT) Conference was held in Munich, 2025, where India emphasized the need for global cooperation against terror financing. About No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference: What is NMFT? A global ministerial-level initiative aimed at combating terrorist financing. Platform for intelligence sharing, legal cooperation, and policy formulation …

INS Imphal

Source:  ANI Context: INS Imphal has arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, to participate in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12, 2025. The visit underscores India’s commitment to maritime security and regional cooperation, aligning with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and SAGAR vision. About INS Imphal What is INS Imphal? INS Imphal is a Visakhapatnam-class …