India sends supplies to typhoon-hit Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam Sub: IR Sec: India and world Context: India has extended humanitarian assistance to Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam Typhoon Yagi. India has committed $1mn worth of flood relief assistance to Vietnam and $1,00,000 worth of assistance to Laos, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced. Operation […]

    Will Turkey’s bid to join BRICS speed up EU accession? Sub: IR Sec: Int Groupings Context: Turkey has decided to officially bid to join BRICS. The country is awaiting approval of its membership, with Turkish officials confirming the application is under consideration. Reasons for the bid: The move is seen as a strategy […]

    Climate hopes of European Union run into headwinds as bloc changes leadership Sub: IR Sec: Int Groupings Context: New European Commission set to be unveiled next week. The event is being watched closely by environmentalists as the shift in Parliament may downplay climate ambitions. Shift in policy During 2019 EU Elections Youth Climate Marches […]

    Afghanistan Set to Begin Work on $10 Billion TAPI Pipeline Sub: IR Sec: Int org Why in News Afghanistan has announced the commencement of work on the significant $10 billion TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) natural gas pipeline project. This project is considered the most critical development initiative undertaken by the Taliban since they took control […]

    African Group Seeks Permanent Solution for Public Stock Holding (PSH) Issue at WTO Sub: IR Sec: Int org Why in News: The African Group, along with India and other developing countries, is pushing for a permanent solution to the Public Stock Holding (PSH) issue at the World Trade Organization (WTO). They seek a […]

    Comparison of Israel and Iran’s defense systems and missiles Subject: IR Section:  In the Iran is ranked 14th, followed by Israel in 17th place. Aspect Israel Iran Air Force Modern, includes F-35s Aging fleet of Cold war era(F-14 Tomcats, Mikoyan MiG-29s) Air Defense Advanced, e.g. Iron Dome, Patriot, and Arrow system. Less sophisticated […]

    The significance of the first global ‘legally binding’ pact on use of AI Sub : IR Sec: Int conventions Context: US, UK and European Union are about to sign the Council of Europe’s convention on artificial intelligence (AI), the first legally binding international treaty on the use of artificial intelligence. About the treaty: […]

    Why Mongolia refused to arrest Vladimir Putin Sub: IR SEC: Int org Context: Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar and he was not arrested by the Mongolian government despite the obligation under ICC. Arrest warrant by ICC: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for Vladimir Putin’s arrest in […]