Current Affair Category: International Relations

Why in news? BRICS countries are exploring the possibility of linking their Fast Payment Systems and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) to make cross-border payments cheaper, faster, and more efficient, with RBI suggesting CBDC connectivity for the 2026 BRICS Summit. What is CBDC? CBDC stands for Central Bank Digital Currency. CBDC is the digital form […]

Why in News?: Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed India’s sovereign credit rating at ‘BBB-’ with a Stable Outlook. India has retained this rating continuously since 2006. This marks the twentieth consecutive year at the same rating. BBB- is the lowest investment-grade rating in Fitch’s scale. What is a Sovereign Credit Rating? A sovereign credit rating is […]

Why in news?: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has proposed creating an alternative overland railway corridor to the Indian Ocean—traversing Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan—to bypass strategically vulnerable maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Bosphorus, driven by ongoing Middle East conflicts, Western sanctions, and domestic fuel pressures. Key Factors and Drivers: […]

Why in news?: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in Mecca, committing to ‘collective defense’ and ‘collective deterrence’ amidst mounting instability in West Asia. Key Features of the Agreement: Collective Deterrence: Formulates a pledge to treat an armed attack on any single member state as an attack on all […]

Why in news? Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi is set to meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman amid diplomatic tensions over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s political activities and media interactions originating from New Delhi. Key Points: High-Level Engagement: The upcoming meeting between the Indian envoy and PM Tarique Rahman aims to rebuild working […]

WHY IN NEWS? Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concluded his official visit to Sri Lanka (5 August 2026). High-Level Engagements: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath Tamil representatives and Opposition leaders. Key Focus Areas Reviewed: Economic cooperation and development partnership Maritime and regional security Energy connectivity and digital cooperation Infrastructure […]

1. Introduction: The process for selecting the next UN Secretary-General is underway as António Guterres prepares to step down in December 2026 after completing his maximum of two terms. This election takes place against a backdrop of intense global pressure for gender parity, equitable regional representation, and comprehensive institutional reforms within the United Nations. 2. […]

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 […]