More than 2000 buried in Papua New Guinea landslip Sub: IR Sec: Places in news Tag: Papua New Guinea landslip’ Context: A deadly landslide which villagers in Papua New Guinea say struck like “an exploding bomb” may have buried more than 2,000 people alive. Details: Landslip at Kaokalam village, Yambali in Enga Province […]

    How close is the World Health Organization to agreeing on pandemic response rules? Sub: IR Sec: Int org WHO Health Assembly Negotiations Health officials from the 194 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) will meet in Geneva from May 27-June 1. Purpose: To finalize negotiations on new rules for responding to […]

    Brazil and EU urge India for timely notifications on sugar subsidies at WTO Sub:  IR Sec: Int org Context: A group of WTO member countries, including Brazil, Canada and the European Union, have urged India to submit timely notifications on sugar subsidies in the World Trade Organisation. More on news: The issue came […]

    Low-lying Maldives seeks easier funding to battle waves Sub: IR Sec: Int groupings Tags: Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Context: President Mohamed Muizzu demands international funding to combat rising sea levels. Details: Maldives contributes just 0.003% of global emissions but faces severe climate crisis impacts. Wealthier nations have a moral responsibility to support […]

    Gelephu Mindfulness City is a lifetime opportunity, says Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay Sub: IR Sec: Places in news Tags: Gelephu Context: Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced plans for an “international city” (Gelephu smart city) on a 2,000+ sq. km. area bordering Assam, at the Changlimathang stadium in Thimpu. This Economic Corridor […]

    EU’s Borrell urges Israel ‘not to intimidate’, ‘threaten’ ICC judges Sub: IR Sec: Int Organisation Tags: International Criminal Court (ICC)? Context: EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell on Friday urged Israel “not to intimidate” or “threaten” the judges of the International Criminal Court. More on news: ICC prosecutor Karim Khan has requested arrest […]

    The World Health Assembly to prepare a global toolkit for future pandemics Sub: IR Context: The World Health Assembly will convene from May 27 to June 1 to discuss amendments to the International Health Regulations. Key Amendments: A package of amendments, based on 300 proposals made by member countries after the pandemic, will […]

    BIMSTEC acquires ‘legal personality’ after charter comes into force Sub: IR Sec: Int groupings Context: The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will now be open to new members and observers after a historic first charter of the grouping came into force on 20 May. Key highlights: With […]

    Ireland, Spain, Norway to formally recognise Palestine Sub: IR Sec: Places in news Context: Norway, Ireland and Spain announced on May 22 that they will formally recognise the state of Palestine. Key Highlights: The European countries’ announcements come weeks after 143 of 193 countries in the United Nations (U.N.)  General Assembly voted for […]