Ukraine votes to join ICC as it seeks to bring Russia to justice Sub: IR Sec: Places in news Context: Ukraine’s parliament has voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC). Parliament voted to ratify the Rome Statute, which paves the way for full membership of the ICC. Why this move? Ukraine hopes that […]

    Rising Tensions in the South China Sea Threaten Global Trade Sub: IR Sec: Places in news China’s escalating military standoffs in the South China Sea pose a significant risk to the seamless flow of global trade. This strategically located region, nestled between key nations like China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam, is not […]

    ICJ to present ‘advisory opinion’ on global environmental obligations as small island nations raise alarm: What does it mean? Sub: IR Sec: Int Body Context: So far, international commitments to protect the planet from the relentless onslaught of climate change are not subject to any legal binding. However, in consideration of the 62 […]

    Can Sheikh Hasina be extradited to Bangladesh? What are India’s options? Subject: IR Sec: Places in news Context: India and Bangladesh have an extradition treaty, under whose provisions Bangladesh may seek the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. But this does not necessarily mean that she will be extradited to her home […]

    Russia says Ukraine used Western rockets to destroy bridge in Kursk region Sub: IR Sec:  Places in news Context: Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Ukraine had used Western rockets, likely US made HIMARS, to destroy a bridge over the Seym river in the Kursk region, killing volunteers trying to evacuate civilians. Western support to […]

    Turkiye and Iraq agree on military pact against Kurd separatists Sub: IR Sec:  Places in news Context: Turkiye and Iraq agreed on a military cooperation pact that will see joint training and command centres against Kurdish separatists, with Baghdad saying it will ban the PKK as a party. The pact follows signs of a […]

    Why climate change poses an existential threat to Panama Canal Sub: IR Sec:  Places in news Context: The first ship passed through the Panama Canal on August 15, 1914, exactly 110 years ago. Now, the Panama Canal is facing existential threat due to climate change. About Panama Canal: The 82-km long artificial waterway […]

    Al-Shabaab: growing from Somalia’s ruins Sub: IR Sec: Places in news Context: Recently, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at a Hotel in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. This was followed by a shooting at civilians. The strike was subsequently claimed by al-Shabaab, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, which has waged a war […]

    UN Launches Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) Sub: IR Sec: Report and Index Introduction of the MVI: The UN General Assembly officially launched the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), a new data-driven tool designed to help small island developing states (SIDS) and other developing nations gain access to low-interest financing. The MVI is intended to […]

    What is Bangladesh’s St Martin’s Island, under spotlight after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation? Sub: IR Sec: Places in news Sajeeb Wazed’s Denial of Resignation Statement: Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, dismissed as “completely false and fabricated” a newspaper statement that suggested Hasina said she could have stayed in power […]