Current Affair Category: International Relations

Why in News? Bangladesh recently announced that it expects India’s support for the renewal of the landmark 1996 Ganges Water Treaty, which is officially set to expire in December 2026. Bilateral talks between New Delhi and Dhaka are currently underway. While Bangladesh’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, noted that discussions are […]

Why in News? The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to strengthen government oversight over foreign-funded organisations. The proposed provisions, particularly those relating to the management and transfer of NGO assets, have generated significant debate regarding their impact on civil society. Historical Background: Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976: Enacted […]

Waterways refer to navigable water bodies—including rivers, canals, lakes, seas, and oceans—that are used for transportation and commercial shipping. They represent one of the oldest and most cost-effective modes of transport, utilizing natural highways or engineered canals to move bulk goods and passengers globally and domestically.  Significance of Waterways: Waterways play a vital role in […]

 Why in news? Pakistan has approached the Trump administration to secure a $10 billion “Exchange Stabilization Facility” (a 5-year bilateral financial backstop). Key Officials Involved: The request was made directly by Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during meetings in Washington. Intended Purpose: Designed to shore up fragile foreign exchange […]

What C. Raja Mohan’s Article Argues? This editorial by strategic affairs expert C. Raja Mohan draws a parallel between the global disruptions of 1990–91 (the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Gulf War) and the contemporary geopolitical upheavals (ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, volatility in the Middle East following escalations involving Iran, and shifting US […]

Why in News? The 12th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting recently took place in Hyderabad, where member nations adopted a progressive declaration aimed at strengthening the alliance’s effectiveness. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the successful consensus reached during this gathering. Key Highlights: The meeting focused on adopting a collaborative approach to labour and […]

Why in News?  On July 10, 2026, China implemented a temporary but immediate ban on helium exports. While the exact strategic reasoning remains opaque, it is interpreted as a potential tit-for-tat measure following U.S. investigations into Chinese interests in global helium supply firms. Geopolitical Supply Shocks: The ban exacerbates an already stressed market caused by: […]

Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have undergone a significant transformation in India, evolving from “cost-saving back offices” into “global innovation engines.” As of mid-2026, India remains the world’s leading hub for these centres.  Current Status (Mid-2026): The landscape has matured into a strategic asset for the Indian economy: Scale: Over 2,100 GCCs operate in India, employing […]

The term “G2” refers to a proposed strategic and economic partnership between the United States and China. The concept envisions the world’s two largest economies working in tandem to address global economic challenges and ensure stability. Origin and Historical Context: The Proposal: American economist C. Fred Bergsten first proposed the idea in his 2005 book, […]

Context State visit of PM Narendra Modi to Indonesia (July 6–8, 2026), hosted by President Prabowo Subianto. India’s World: Significance: Marks a milestone in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (elevated in 2018). It underscores the “Shared Vision of India-Indonesia on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.” The New Indian Express Strategic Tone: Focus on “reform, perform, and […]