Russia’s move to ratify North Korea defence pact irks Seoul Sub : IR Sec : Places in news Context: Russia recently took significant steps to ratify a key defence treaty with North Korea. This pact, which includes provisions for mutual assistance in the face of aggression, was unanimously approved by Russia’s Lower House […]

    Retro bonds return from the ‘80s to speed up debt reworks, but at a cost Sub : IR Sec : Int grouping Context: The recent wave of sovereign debt defaults has revived interest in complex securities known as State Contingent Debt Instruments (SCDIs). About State Contingent Debt Instruments (SCDIs): State Contingent Debt Instruments […]

    BRICS nations should strengthen financial integration, says PM Sub: IR Sec: Int Grouping Context: During the 16th BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s support for greater financial integration among member countries. He underscored the importance of trade in local currencies and the facilitation of smooth cross-border payments […]

    India-China Border Patrol Agreement: What It Means, Why It Is Important Sub : IR Sec: India neighbouring countries Context: In a notable development, India and China have established a new patrolling arrangement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) four years after the Galwan Valley clash. The arrangement allows Indian and Chinese soldiers […]

    If PKK’s Ocalan renounces violence, he may get parole, says Erdogan ally Bahceli Sub : IR Sec: Places in news Context: The leader of Turkiye’s far right nationalist party that’s allied with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the possibility of parole for Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the militant Kurdish group Kurdistan […]

    The world needs blue helmets who act as blue helmets Sub: IR Sec: Int Org Context: The role of the United Nations (UN) in global peacekeeping and its failures in certain conflicts. UN’s stand on peacekeeping: The UN has two relevant chapters: Chapter VI: Commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes. Chapter VII: Allows […]

    Shadow Fleets, Sanctions, and Flags of Convenience: Understanding Global Shipping Complexities Sub : IR Sec: Int conventions Why in News The concept of “shadow fleets” has recently garnered attention due to the involvement of tanker ships carrying Russian crude oil, especially in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India, among other nations, has […]

    Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal: A Strategic Show of Force Amid Ukraine Conflict Sub : IR Sec: Int conventions Why in News In 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin repeatedly emphasized Russia’s nuclear capabilities in an attempt to deter Western support for Ukraine. This comes amidst rising tensions between Russia and NATO, as Moscow warns against […]