“Peace cannot be reduced to treaties and trade agreements. It requires a deeper societal and cultural engagement”. Elucidate.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Q3. “Peace cannot be reduced to treaties and trade agreements. It requires a deeper societal and cultural engagement”. Elucidate. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question Growing global conflicts and the limits of treaty-based diplomacy have revived debates …

China’s Panda Diplomacy

Context: China recalled its giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei from Japan ahead of schedule amid rising bilateral tensions, highlighting how panda diplomacy is increasingly constrained by geopolitics, nationalism, and animal-welfare controversies. About China’s Panda Diplomacy: What it is? Panda diplomacy refers to the practice by China of gifting (earlier) or long-term leasing (now) …

INSV Kaundinya

Source:  PIB Subject:  Miscellaneous Context: The Prime Minister has lauded INSV Kaundinya as it embarks on its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, symbolically retracing India’s ancient maritime routes. Built using the ancient Indian stitched-ship technique, the vessel showcases India’s rich seafaring heritage. About INSV Kaundinya: What it is? INSV Kaundinya is an Indian Naval …

India–Jordan Joint Statement (2025)

Context: Prime Minister of India visit to Jordan marked 75 years of India–Jordan diplomatic relations, culminating in a joint statement outlining a roadmap for deeper bilateral cooperation. About India–Jordan Joint Statement (2025): Key highlights and outcomes: Political cooperation: Commitment to sustained high-level engagements, regular political consultations and joint working groups; next round to be held …

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

Source:  DD News Subject:  International Organisation Context: India reaffirmed its civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Sarva Dharma Samabhav at the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. About United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC): What it is? UNAOC is a United Nations initiative that seeks to improve understanding and …

Pravasi Parichay 2025

Context: The Embassy of India in Riyadh concluded the third edition of Pravasi Parichay 2025 with a grand “Gita Mahotsav – A Musical”, celebrating India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. About Pravasi Parichay 2025: What it is? Pravasi Parichay is an annual diaspora cultural festival organized by the Embassy of India in Riyadh, showcasing India’s rich …

Discuss the role of Buddhist art, symbols, and philosophy as instruments of India’s cultural diplomacy in the 21st century.

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Q1. Discuss the role of Buddhist art, symbols, and philosophy as instruments of India’s cultural diplomacy in the 21st century. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question: Shows India’s strategic use of Buddhist …

The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO

Source:  TH Context: The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO by December 2026, citing anti-Israel bias and UNESCO’s recognition of Palestine—just two years after rejoining the organization. About The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO: What is UNESCO? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) …

Outline the significance of India’s ancient universities in shaping intellectual and cultural exchanges. Explain their relevance for India’s educational heritage.

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Q1. Outline the significance of India’s ancient universities in shaping intellectual and cultural exchanges. Explain their relevance for India’s educational heritage. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question: Renewed focus on reviving India’s …

Trace the impact of Mauryan-era missionary activities on the religious landscape of South Asia, with special reference to Sanghamitta’s mission to Sri Lanka.

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Q1. Trace the impact of Mauryan-era missionary activities on the religious landscape of South Asia, with special reference to Sanghamitta’s mission to Sri Lanka. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question PM’s recent …

Meenakari Craft

Source:  DD News Context: During his visit to Bangkok for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, Prime Minister of India gifted exquisite Indian handicrafts to the Thai Prime Minister and her spouse, including artifacts showcasing the traditional Meenakari craft. About Meenakari Craft: What is Meenakari? Meenakari is the art of enamelling metal or ceramic surfaces with vivid …

Indian Diaspora

Syllabus: International Relations Source:  IE Context: Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the Indian diaspora at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 in Odisha. What is the Indian Diaspora? The term refers to individuals of Indian origin residing outside India. It includes: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): Indian citizens residing abroad temporarily. Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs): Individuals …