Current Affair Category: International Relations

Why in News?  The USA government  has recently brought a bill that seeks to end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program. What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)? It is a temporary employment authorization program for F-1 visa students in the United States, allowing them to gain practical work experience directly related to their major field […]

Why in News?  The approval of the Rs 63,000-crore deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on April 9, 2025, is a significant development in India’s defense and strategic landscape. Importance for UPSC Prelims & Mains Exam: Prelims:  Cabinet Committees/The role of the CCS. Details about INS Vikrant, Rafale-M, […]

Why in News? Greenpeace reported a dramatic decline in illegal gold mining activities in Brazil’s Indigenous territories since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office in January 2023. This comes as Brazil prepares to host a UN conference on climate and environment, highlighting the government’s efforts to address illegal mining, deforestation, and other environmental […]

Why in News?  Several NATO member countries bordering Russia have recently announced plans to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which bans the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. About Ottawa Convention (1997): The Ottawa Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and […]

 Why in news? The new Pamban railway sea bridge, India’s first vertical-lift railway bridge, was recently  inaugurated by the PM Modi. It replaces the historic old bridge and will enhance rail connectivity to Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu. About Pamban Bridge (Old): Location: Connects Mandapam on the Indian mainland to Pamban Island (Rameswaram), Tamil Nadu. Built […]

Why in News ?  The Indian Prime Minister attended the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, hosted by Thailand as the current chair. Theme: “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open” – Focused on stronger regional cooperation and tackling key global and regional challenges. Why  it is Important  For UPSC Pre & Mains ? Pre Topics: Initiatives announced by India […]

Why in News? US President Donald Trump recently announced the imposition of ‘reciprocal tariffs’ on imports from various countries, including India, as a measure to address trade imbalances. Unveiled on April 2, 2025, and set to take effect in phases starting April 5, 2025, this policy has triggered widespread global attention. The announcement has raised […]

Why in News ?  The article “Why are tensions high in the Arctic?” highlights escalating geopolitical tensions in the Arctic region, driven by competing interests among Arctic Council member states, particularly the US, Russia, and other nations like Canada, Norway, and Denmark. Why it is Important for UPSC Prelims & Mains? Key Terms for Prelims: […]

IEA Global Energy Review 2024: Global Energy Demand: Global energy demand grew by 2.2% in 2024, driven primarily by emerging economies, which accounted for over 80% of the growth. Electricity demand led the energy sector’s growth, rising by 4.3%, nearly double the decade’s annual average. Renewable Energy Growth: Renewable power capacity rose by 700 GW […]

Why in News ? Published in  editorial -Indian Express-24 March  ,2025 Why this article is important for UPSC Prelims and Mains: 1. General Studies Paper II (Governance, Policies, and International Relations): Policies and initiatives for green growth, renewable energy, and climate adaptation. The global context, including India’s positioning in international dialogues like the Raisina Dialogue. […]