UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 4 July 2024

The Insights IAS Secure Initiative for UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice enables you to practice daily answer writing, enhancing your skills and boosting your scores with regular feedback, expert tips, and strategies. Let consistency be the hallmark of your preparation and utilize UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice initiative wisely   Click on EACH question to post/upload …

Describe the significance of the Treaty of Dunkirk and the Brussels Pact in the lead-up to NATO’s formation.

Topic: World history Q2. Describe the significance of the Treaty of Dunkirk and the Brussels Pact in the lead-up to NATO’s formation. (150 words) Difficulty level: Moderate Reference: The Hindu Why the question: In 2024, NATO celebrates 75 years of collective defence. Understanding the Treaty of Dunkirk and the Brussels Pact is crucial as they …

75 years of NATO

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: WEF  Context: NATO, founded in 1949, celebrates 75 years with recent expansion and renewed unity. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military alliance of 32 countries from North America and Europe. It aims to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through collective defence against aggression.  

Sweden Joins NATO

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: BBC Context: Sweden has officially become the 32nd member of NATO, joining the military alliance two years after applying following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sweden’s NATO membership was delayed due to objections from Turkey and Hungary, but eventually received approval.

NATO summit

  Source: TH  The recent NATO summit held in Vilnius had several key takeaways: Ukraine’s Presence: The launch of the NATO-Ukraine Council aimed to engage and support Ukraine. New Members: Finland and Sweden’s approval as NATO members showcased the alliance’s commitment to expansion and deterrence against potential threats, including Russia. S. Support: U.S. President Joe …

Sweden

Mapping Source: IE   Sweden’s request for joining NATO membership has been facing hurdles (Turkey and Hungary have still not approved). Previously, Finland joined NATO. Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains. Its capital Stockholm is built on 14 islands. Historically, …

NATO and CPTPP

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: LM, IE  Context: Finland became the 31st member of NATO. Also, Britain will become the 12th member to join CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) -the first to join the partnership since its inception. Reasons:   About NATO About CPTPP:

What is the significance of India’s talks with NATO?

GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and affecting India’s interest, NATO etc   Source: Indian Express Directions: NATO mandate, membership and role of NATO are important for this year’s mains, etc. Context: NATO is important due to the Russia-Ukrain issue and talks for the expansion of NATO. But …

SANSAD TV: THE GLOBAL DEBATE- RUSSIA UKRAINE CRISIS- IMPACT ON GLOBAL ENERGY

  Introduction: The global energy market is witnessing a turmoil as a result of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Prices of petroleum products, oil & natural gas have shot up, resulting in a situation similar to the crisis witnessed during the 1970s. Background of Ukraine issue Tensions between Ukraine and Russia, both former Soviet states, escalated in …

NATO enlargement:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International institutions.   Context: Russia has warned Finland and Sweden against joining NATO, arguing that the move would not bring stability to Europe. Russia has said that if Sweden and Finland join NATO then it would have to strengthen its land, naval and air forces in the Baltic Sea. …

Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International Organisations.   Context: Finland and Sweden have dismissed Russia’s warnings that their potential NATO membership would have “serious military-political consequences” for the two countries. However, Russia has voiced concern about what it described as efforts by the United States and some of its allies to “drag” Finland and …

SANSAD TV: PERSPECTIVE- RUSSIA-UKRAINE STANDOFF

  Introduction: In the latest development, Russia has started 10 days of joint military drills with close ally Belarus, which has a long border with Ukraine. The Ukrainian capital is located just about 75 miles south of the border with Belarus, and the West fears that Russia could use Belarusian territory to invade Ukraine. Ukraine …

Amid Ukraine crisis, NATO sends planes, ships to eastern Europe:

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.   Context: Amid the rising tensions over Russia’s military buildup around Ukraine, NATO allies have put forces on standby and sent ships and fighter jets to bolster Europe’s eastern defences.   What is the conflict all about? Tensions between Ukraine and …

Ukraine Issue

GS Paper 2: Topics Covered: India and neighbourhood relations.   Ukraine Issue Context: The United States, NATO and Ukrainian officials have been making statements for nearly two weeks, referring to what they say are unusual Russian troop movements in the proximity of Ukraine.   What is the conflict all about? Tensions between Ukraine and Russia, both …

RSTV: IN DEPTH- NATO

   Introduction: NATO leaders met in London to mark the 70th anniversary of the military alliance. The summit that was expected to cover issues like cyber-attacks and strategic challenges posed by China, was overshadowed by differences among the member countries themselves. These included Turkey’s recent military action in northern Syria, the varying levels of …