Colombo Security Conclave Secretariat

Source: Business Standard  Context: India, along with Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a charter to establish the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Secretariat. The CSC aims to address transnational threats and enhance cooperation in areas like maritime safety, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and disaster relief. This initiative reinforces the commitment …

Pacific Policing Initiative

 Source: The Diplomat Context: The establishment of a $270 million Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI) agreed upon at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) took place recently. The initiative has three main components: a central police development hub in Brisbane, Australia; four regional police training centres; and a multinational Pacific Police Support Group to respond to emergencies …

US-India Relations: Continuity Amid Political Change

Syllabus: International Relations Source: TH Context: India’s relationship with the US has thrived under both Republican and Democratic administrations. As the US faces potential leadership changes with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, India’s ties with Washington are expected to remain strong due to their well-established foundation.   Key Points from the article: Consistent Growth: …

Orangutan diplomacy

Source: IE Context: Malaysia has revised its controversial “Orangutan diplomacy” policy, initially proposed by the Plantation and Commodities Minister. The original plan suggested gifting critically endangered orangutans to countries that purchase Malaysian palm oil, inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.” However, this approach faced significant backlash from wildlife conservationists, who criticized it as hypocritical and harmful, …

Contributions of Indian diaspora to US Society

Syllabus: International Relations Source: Indiaspora  Context: A BCG and Indiaspora report highlights that, despite being only 1.5% of the U.S. population, Indian Americans have made significant contributions to American society.  The United States has a four million-plus strong Indian diaspora, the second-largest immigrant group in the US. The high-achieving Indian Americans have gained attention like …

3rd Voice of Global South Summit: India’s ‘Global Compact’

Syllabus: International Relations Source: Indian News Network Context: On August 17, India hosted the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS), proposing a ‘Global Development Compact’ to share its development experiences with other developing countries.   What is Global South? The Global South includes countries often termed “developing” or “underdeveloped,” distinct from the richer Global …

India-Japan Relations

Syllabus: International Relation Source: IE Context: Japan’s Foreign Minister, Kamikawa Yoko, highlights the deep historical ties and democratic values shared between Japan and India. Kamikawa’s visit to India aims to strengthen the “Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership” in key areas like defense, economics, people-to-people exchanges, and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).   Key points …

G4 nations: UNSC ‘ill-equipped’ to address global challenges

Syllabus: International Relations Source: TH Context: The G4 nations, represented by India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan, have called for urgent reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing that without addressing the current lack of representation, particularly in the permanent membership category, the UNSC is “ill-equipped” to handle modern global challenges.   Major Arguments …

Geneva Conventions of 1949

Source: US Dept Of State Context: Recently Secretary of State of the US commemorated the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions of 1949. Adoption and History: The first Geneva Convention was adopted in 1864 to protect wounded soldiers on the battlefield. The current four Geneva Conventions were adopted on August 12, 1949, …

Bangladesh Crisis: Ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s Government

Syllabus: International Relations: India’s Neighbourhood Source: IE, IE Context: Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister amid violent protests. The Bangladesh Army, led by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has taken control and is in the process of forming an interim government.   What led to the protest and fall of the government? Sheikh Hasina’s government fell …