SIPRI Report (2020-24)

Source:  THE HINDU Context: India has become the second-largest arms importer globally between 2020-24, following Ukraine, as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report. The report highlights a decline in India’s arms imports from Russia and a rise in French arms exports to India. About SIPRI Report (2020-24): Key Highlights of the SIPRI …

Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025

Source:  DTE Context: The Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025 called for urgent health financing reforms amid the suspension of USAID funding to African nations. Held in Kigali, Rwanda (March 3-5, 2025), the conference emphasized domestic resource mobilization and regional cooperation to achieve health security and equity. About AHAIC: What is AHAIC? AHAIC is a …

Extradition Treaty

Source:  IE Context: The US Supreme Court rejected Tahawwur Rana’s plea against extradition to India, clearing the way for his trial in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case. India has been pursuing Rana’s extradition since 2011, but delays in the US legal system prolonged the process.  About Extradition Treaty: An extradition treaty is a formal …

T-72 Tanks

Source:  ET  Context: India signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to procure 1,000 HP engines for its fleet of T-72 tanks, replacing the existing 780 HP engines to enhance combat capabilities. The deal includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) in Avadi, Chennai. About T-72 Tanks: What is the …

UN Report on Gender Equality

Source:  TH Context: A United Nations report has revealed that women’s rights have been weakened in nearly 25% of countries, with growing gender discrimination in political, economic, and social spheres. The report highlights alarming statistics, including a 50% rise in conflict-related sexual violence since 2022 and persistent gender-based inequality in governance and resources. About UN Report …

Gum Arabic

Source:  IE Context: Sudan’s ongoing conflict has halted the global trade of gum arabic, a critical ingredient in food, beverages, and cosmetics. With 70% of the world’s supply coming from Sudan, major companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo face potential shortages in the coming months. About Gum Arabic Gum Arabic is a natural resin derived from …

Hague Service Convention

Source:  TH Context: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) invoked the Hague Service Convention to serve summons on Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani in a securities fraud case. About Hague Service Convention: What is the Hague Service Convention? A multilateral treaty adopted in 1965 at the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH). Establishes a …

Gold Card Visa

Source:  FE Context: The US is set to reintroduce its EB-5 visa program as the “Gold Card” visa, requiring a $5 million investment for a green card and path to citizenship. About Gold Card Visa/Investment Visa: What is an Investment Visa? An investment visa allows individuals to obtain residency or citizenship in a foreign country …

Tea Horse Road

Source:  IE Context: China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, highlighted the historical significance of the Tea Horse Road, emphasizing its role in India-China trade through Tibet. The ancient route spanning 2,000 km facilitated the massive tea trade from China to India via Himalayan passes. About Tea Horse Road: What is it? The Tea Horse Road, …

African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO)

Source:  News on Air Context: The 21st African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) conference concluded in New Delhi, reaffirming commitment to community-driven rural development and South-South cooperation. About African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO): What is AARDO? AARDO (African-Asian Rural Development Organization) is an intergovernmental organization promoting rural development cooperation between Asia and Africa. Established in: March …

International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)

Source:  PIB Context: India has been elected Vice President of the International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) during its first General Assembly in Singapore. India is hosting the IALA Council meeting in December 2025 and the IALA Conference & General Assembly in September 2027 in Mumbai. About International Association of Aids to Marine …

India-US TRUST Initiative

Source:  ET Context: India and the United States launched the TRUST Initiative to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. About India-US TRUST Initiative: What is the TRUST Initiative? Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) is a bilateral agreement to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. Builds on India’s …

Reciprocal Tariffs

Source:  TOI Context: US President Donald Trump announced “reciprocal tariffs” on all trading partners, including allies, signaling a shift away from WTO trade norms. About Reciprocal Tariff: What is a Reciprocal Tariff? A tax on imports that mirrors the tariff charged by a country on US exports. Objective: To create a “fair” trading system by …

U.S.-India COMPACT Initiative

Source:  FE Context: India and the U.S. launched the U.S.-India COMPACT initiative to strengthen defense, trade, and technology cooperation, marking a new milestone in bilateral relations. About U.S.-India COMPACT Initiative: What is the U.S.-India COMPACT Initiative? The S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century is a strategic …

India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC)

Source:  IT Context: India and France reaffirmed commitment to implementing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) during Prime Minister visit to France. About India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC): What is IMEEC? A multimodal connectivity initiative linking India, the Middle East, and Europe through sea and land routes. Alternative trade route bypassing the Suez Canal and …

India-UK Defence Agreements

Source:  NIE Context: India and the UK have signed multiple defence agreements at Aero India 2025, including the launch of Defence Partnership–India (DP-I), collaboration on next-generation weapons, and the establishment of an ASRAAM missile assembly facility in Hyderabad. Key India-UK Defence Agreements: Defence Partnership–India (DP-I): Laser Beam Riding MANPADS (LBRM): Thales UK & Bharat Dynamics …

BIMSTEC Youth Summit

Source:  BS Context: The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports officially inaugurated the first BIMSTEC Youth Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, focused on promoting cooperation and developing leadership abilities among the youth from BIMSTEC nations. About BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025: Origin: BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 was conceptualized or proposed during the 4th BIMSTEC Summit (Held …

Sheikh Mujibur Rehman

Source:  NOA Context: India strongly condemned the vandalism of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman’s historic residence in Bangladesh, emphasizing its symbolic importance in the country’s freedom struggle. About Sheikh Mujibur Rehman: Founding Father of Bangladesh: Led the independence movement and became its first President and Prime Minister. Political Evolution: Initially associated with the All-India Muslim League, later …