Daily News Analysis

Daily News Analysis

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)

Why in News? A tanker was recently boarded by six armed people, who took control of the vessel and diverted it towards Somalia. The incident was reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). About UKMTO The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) is a British Royal Navy-sponsored organisation established in 2001. It was initially established with an office

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

Why in News? Recently, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) organised the 8th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Ocean Polar Science and Technology (OPST) in Goa. The meeting was hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR). About National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) was established as an autono

South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)

Recently, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) dismantled a major network involved in importing South-East Asian areca nuts into India by falsely declaring them as being of Bangladeshi origin. The network allegedly attempted to avail concessional customs duty benefits under SAFTA. This case highlights the importance of rules of origin in determining whether imported goods are eligi

Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026)

Why in News? The Indian Army contingent has departed for Surat Thani, Thailand, to participate in the 15th edition of India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026). About Exercise MAITREE Exercise MAITREE is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army. It aims to strengthen military cooperation, interoperability, mutual trust and camarade

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Latest News The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently announced a plan to evacuate all ships and nearly 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, highlighting the IMO's role in ensuring maritime safety and security during international crises. About the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

New Development Bank (NDB)

Latest News Recently, Uzbekistan officially joined the New Development Bank (NDB) as its 10th member, becoming the first Central Asian country to join this BRICS-led multilateral development institution. About the New Development Bank (NDB) The New Development Bank (NDB) is a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and

International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

Latest News India’s candidate, Professor Bimal N. Patel, has been elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term. About International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) is an independent judicial body established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on

Mombasa Declaration

Latest News Recently, 15 countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific adopted the Mombasa Declaration during the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in Mombasa, Kenya to strengthen global cooperation against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. About the Mombasa Declaration The Mombasa Declaration is an international agreement adopted by 15 countries t

World Gold Council (WGC)

Latest News Recently, the World Gold Council (WGC) released its 2026 Central Bank Gold Reserves (CBGR) Survey, which revealed that central banks across the world are expected to continue increasing their gold reserves. The survey reflects growing confidence in gold as a strategic reserve asset amid global economic uncertainty and geopolitical risks. About the World Gold Council (WGC)

Exercise Pitch Black

Latest News India will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, hosted by Australia, from 20 July to 7 August 2026, alongside 18 other nations. The exercise highlights the growing defence cooperation between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and partner air forces in the Indo-Pacific region. About Exercise Pitch Black Introduction Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial (held every two years)

International Labour Conference (ILC)

Latest News Recently, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, led the Indian delegation at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) held in Geneva, Switzerland. About the International Labour Conference (ILC) The International Labour Conference (ILC) is the highest deliberative and decision-making body of the International Labour Organization (ILO)

AUKUS

Recently, the AUKUS alliance members announced plans to develop advanced underwater drone systems and further deepen their maritime cooperation, reflecting their growing strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region. About AUKUS AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, established in September 2021. The partnership seeks to

114th International Labour Conference (ILC)

The Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment led the Indian delegation at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, where India highlighted its labour reforms, expansion of social protection, and achievements in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). However, despite the enactment of the four Labour Codes, concerns remain regarding weak implementation, inadequate enf

SIPRI Yearbook 2026

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), an independent international institute dedicated to research on conflict, armaments, and international security, released its SIPRI Yearbook 2026, providing a comprehensive assessment of global military developments, nuclear arsenals, disarmament efforts, and emerging security challenges. The report highlights significant changes in

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

Recently, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) launched a USD 10 billion fund facility to support member countries affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, highlighting its role in promoting economic resilience and regional stability during crises. About the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilatera

Asian Productivity Organization (APO)

The 68th Session of the Governing Body of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) is being hosted by the Government of India in New Delhi. The session brings together representatives from member economies to discuss strategies for enhancing productivity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region. About the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) The Asian

India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)

The India–Africa Forum Summit-IV (IAFS-IV) has been postponed due to the Ebola virus outbreak, highlighting the challenges that global health emergencies can pose to international diplomatic engagements. About the India–Africa Forum Summit The India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is the highest institutional platform for dialogue and cooperation between India and African countr

International Criminal Court (ICC)

The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently unsealed an arrest warrant against Ronald Dela Rosa, a senator from the Philippines, accusing him along with former President Rodrigo Duterte and other associates of committing the crime against humanity of murder. What is the International Criminal Court? The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent and independent international

United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

Recently, the Global Forest Goals Report 2026 was launched during the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF). The report reviewed global progress towards sustainable forest management and assessed the implementation of internationally agreed forest-related goals. About the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is a high-lev

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Recently, India strengthened its position in the global telecommunications and digital governance landscape during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council 2026 meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland. India's active participation reflected its growing role in shaping international policies related to telecommunications, digital connectivity, emerging technologies, and global in

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

Recently, the 10th edition of the Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD) was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Secretariat. The dialogue serves as an important platform for discussions on issues concerning the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including maritime security, economic cooperation, and sustainable d

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a US$70 billion programme to expand energy and digital infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region by 2035. The initiative aims to strengthen connectivity, improve energy access, accelerate digital transformation, and promote sustainable economic growth throughout the region. About the Asian Development Bank The Asian Development Ban

OPEC+

Recently, OPEC+ agreed in principle to maintain steady crude oil production despite rising political tensions among some member countries and growing geopolitical uncertainty across the world. The decision reflects the group’s effort to ensure stability in global oil markets and prevent sudden fluctuations in international crude oil prices. About OPEC+ OPEC+ is an alliance of major

Tea Garden Workers’ Union

On International Labour Day (1 May 2026), the Paschim Banga Cha Majoor Samity (PBCMS), a non-political union representing tea garden workers in West Bengal, escalated a long-standing labour dispute by filing a formal representation before the International Labour Organization (ILO). Key Point Invocation of Article 24 of the ILO Constitution The union invoked Article 24 of the ILO Constit

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Recently, the OECD projected that India’s economy is expected to grow at 6.1% in 2026–27. This projection highlights India’s strong economic resilience and positions it among the fastest-growing major economies in the world. Establishment The OECD was established on December 14, 1960, by 18 European countries along with the United States and Canada. It was created to pr

BRICS

India has assumed the BRICS Presidency in 2026 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. The focus is on strengthening Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) cooperation, especially in emerging areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), deep-tech, and digital governance. Evolution of STI Cooperation in BRICS Early Recognition of C

GlobE Network

India recently hosted the 12th Steering Committee Meeting of the GlobE Network in New Delhi. This reflects India’s growing role in global anti-corruption cooperation and enforcement mechanisms. India is actively contributing to strengthening international collaboration against corruption. About GlobE Network The GlobE Network is a global platform of specialised anti-corruption law

IOS SAGAR

The second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR has recently commenced, marking an important step in enhancing maritime cooperation and security collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This initiative reflects India’s growing role in promoting regional stability and collective security at sea. About IOS SAGAR Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR is a maritime security cooperat

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Amid rising global concerns over nuclear non-proliferation, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently held discussions with the head of Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation. About the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) The International Atomic Energy Agency is the world’s leading intergovernmental organisation for sci

Raisina Dialogue 2026

The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, reinforcing India’s role as a hub for global strategic and economic discussions. About Raisina Dialogue The Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, aimed at addressing the most pressing international challenges. It is modeled after

India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management 2026 (IICDEM 2026) at Bharat Mandapam. The conference aims to bring together global stakeholders to discuss best practices, challenges, and innovations in election management and democratic governance. About IICDEM 2026 The conference will be a three-day inte

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an international independent agency established in 1999 to lead global efforts for doping-free sport. Its primary goal is to harmonize anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries, ensuring fair play in international competitions. Headquarters Location: Montreal, Canada Roles and Functions Rule-making and Coo

Indian Ocean

India must reclaim and strengthen its leadership role in shaping the governance, sustainability, and security architecture of the Indian Ocean, guided by the principle “From the Indian Ocean, for the World.” This imperative arises at a time when: The climate crisis is intensifying stress on marine ecosystems. Global focus on oceans is increasing through platforms

Blue Corner Notice

The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has recently issued a Blue Corner Notice against the missing owners of a nightclub in Goa following a deadly fire incident. The notice was issued to assist Indian investigating agencies in locating the individuals and verifying their identities through international cooperation. Meaning of a Blue Corner Notice A Blue Corner Notice

Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)

At the 50-year commemoration of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) held in New Delhi, India’s External Affairs Minister highlighted that the world remains ill-prepared to deal with bioterrorism. He warned of rising threats from non-state actors and called for stronger global biosecurity frameworks, underscoring serious gaps in existing international mechanisms. What is the Biolog

Colombo Security Conclave

The 7th National Security Adviser (NSA)-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was recently held in New Delhi, highlighting the growing importance of regional security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. About the Colombo Security Conclave The Colombo Security Conclave is a regional security framework comprising India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Sey

US Resumes Nuclear Weapon Testing

The President of the United States has ordered the resumption of nuclear weapon testing after a gap of 33 years, the last test being in 1992. This decision marks a significant shift in global nuclear policy and has far-reaching implications for geopolitics, the environment, and international security. Status of Global Nuclear Weapon Testing Origins and Early History The nuclear era be

Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

The ongoing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meetings in Paris are focused on deliberating the issue of state sponsorship of terrorism, particularly regarding how certain states may be involved in financing banned terrorist outfits and their proxies. The discussions are expected to highlight the financing of terrorism and the role of Pakistan in supporting such groups through state sponsorsh

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

India and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently celebrated 80 years of partnership on World Food Day 2025. About the FAO The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in October 1945. It is the oldest permanent specialized agency of the UN and plays a crucial role in coordinating international e

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

India and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently celebrated 80 years of partnership on World Food Day 2025. About the FAO The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in October 1945. It is the oldest permanent specialized agency of the UN and plays a crucial role in coordinating international e

New Development Bank (NDB)

Pakistan has approached China, which it regards as an "iron friend," to assist in securing a membership for Pakistan in the New Development Bank (NDB). About New Development Bank (NDB) The New Development Bank (formerly known as the BRICS Development Bank) is a multilateral development bank founded by the BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

Recently, US President Donald Trump expressed his outrage over the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) plan to vote on imposing a carbon emissions price on global shipping. He criticized the move, calling it a “Global Green New Scam Tax.” This has sparked a debate about the potential impacts of environmental regulations on the international shipping industry. About t

Steadfast Noon 2025

Steadfast Noon is NATO's annual nuclear deterrence exercise, and for 2025, it will be hosted by the Netherlands. Key Details of Steadfast Noon 2025: Location and Hosts: The main site for the exercise will be Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands. Additional bases will be involved in the exercise, including those in Kleine Brogel (Belgium), Lakenheath (UK), a

Wassenaar Arrangement

The recent protests against Microsoft over allegations that its Azure cloud services were used to support Israeli military operations, and the concerns about the Wassenaar Arrangement’s export control framework, highlight the growing ethical, legal, and security challenges in regulating dual-use technologies. What is the Wassenaar Arrangement? The Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) is a multil

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The AI for Good Summit at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 marks an important step in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for global development and technological collaboration. The summit, hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is an excellent platform to discuss the evolving role of AI in shaping the futu

Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement

The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) is a significant arms control deal aimed at reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation and securing the disposal of excess weapons-grade plutonium, which both Russia and the United States accumulated during the Cold War. Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) Background and Purpose: The PMDA was signed in 2

International Seabed Authority (ISA)

India recently hosted the 8th Annual Contractors' Meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) at the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography in Goa. This significant event brought together global experts to discuss the latest developments in deep-sea exploration, with a focus on sustainable resource management and India’s leadership role in ocean exploration. The meeting h

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 2025 Summit

The 2025 SCO Heads of State Summit was held in Tianjin, China, marking a significant moment for the organization’s expanding role on the global stage. Key Highlights: Terrorism: The SCO strongly condemned all acts of terrorism, including the Pahalgam incident in India and other attacks in Pakistan. A unified call was made for countries to stop cross-bo

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in 2025

India has been selected to host the 89th General Meeting (GM) of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) from 15th to 19th September 2025 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This marks the fourth time India will host the prestigious event, following earlier meetings in 1960, 1997, and 2013. About the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) The IEC is a nonprofit orga

Global Wage Report 2024-25: ILO

Global Wage Report 2024-25: ILO The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released its Global Wage Report 2024-25, offering an in-depth analysis of global wage trends, wage inequality, and real wage growth across different regions and countries. Key Highlights of the Global Wage Report 2024-25: Decrease in Wage Inequality: Wage inequality has decreased globally at

Warm vaccine for COVID-19

Context: A team of scientists from IISc has completed pre-clinical trials and is now gearing up for human testing of the heat-tolerant Covid-19 vaccine About: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has developed a heat-tolerant vaccine called RS2 against COVID-19, which can be stored at high temperatures for extended periods of time, making it easier to transport and distribute to re

World Employment and Social Outlook

Context: Recently ILO has released its ‘World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024’ report. Key findings: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) released the 'World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024' report, indicating a projected increase in the global unemployment rate in 2024. Both joblessness and the jobs gap have fallen below pre-pandemic lev

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit- Kampala

The Non-Aligned Movement was formed during the Cold War as an organization of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the United States or the Soviet Union, but sought to remain independent or neutral. The basic concept for the group originated in 1955 during discussions that took place at the Asia-Africa Bandung Conference held in Indonesia. The fi

New Members of BRICS

Context: The five new candidates of BRICS formally became members on January 1, 2024. Introduction of New Members to BRICS: Expansion of BRICS: The inclusion of five new members, namely Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, marks a significant enlargement of the BRICS alliance. Argentina's Withdrawal: Argentina has opted to retract its initia

Argentina Withdraws From BRICS

Context: The newly elected far-right President of Argentina, Javier Milei, pulled out of plans to join the BRICS bloc. Argentina was set to join on January 1, 2024. Reasons for withdrawal: The decision to join BRICS had been taken by the previous administration, and the new dispensation was reviewing such policies. Milei cited China's communist ideology as a p

Sweden moves a step closer to NATO membership after Turkey's parliamentary committee gives approval

Context: Sweden’s NATO bid had been stalled amid opposition from Turkiye and Hungary A crucial committee in the Turkish Parliament, on December 26, granted approval for Sweden's NATO membership bid after facing delays. The approval comes amid obstacles posed by Turkey and Hungary against Sweden's NATO accession. The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee gav

Growth charts — WHO standards versus India crafted

Background: Child undernutrition has been a persistent issue in India, and its determinants are diverse, encompassing factors such as food intake, dietary diversity, health, sanitation, women's status, and the overarching context of poverty. The primary measures for childhood undernutrition, including stunting (chronic undernutrition) and wasting (acute undernutrition), rely on anthropometric

Project PRAYAS to help Indian youth migrate abroad

Context: Recently, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launched Project PRAYAS to help Indian workers and students migrate in a secure, orderly, and regular manner. PRAYAS Project PRAYAS, which stands for Promoting Regular Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals, was initiated in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It represents one

THE INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION

THE INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION     Why in the News? Recently, the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM) was held in Colombo under the banner theme of ‘Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity’. What is the IORA and how was it formed? IORA was formed in 1997 as Indian Ocean Region-Association for Regional Cooperatio

India’s statistical performance on the global stage                     

India’s statistical performance on the global stage                        Why in the News? India has been recently elected to the United Nations Statistical Commission which has raised the need to focus on India’s own official statistical system. India&rsq

At Delhi summit, demonstrate climate leadership

At Delhi summit, demonstrate climate leadership     Why in the News? The G-20 summit to be held in New Delhi is a crucial moment to show leadership ahead of the UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP28, on cutting back of emissions and fossil fuel use. G20 countries and the world’

B20 Summit

B20 Summit     The Business 20 (B20) is an event which is part of the G20 Summit which is meant to express common views from the international business community. The main purpose is to develop recommendations and issue relevant commitments from the business leaders and business organizations to deal with present issues. B20 are gathered in 12 working groups which

BRICS Expansion

BRICS Expansion   Why in the News? Recently at the 15th BRICS summit, the five-member grouping of BRICS decided to expand by the inclusion of 6 more countries in a move to strengthen its claim of being a ‘voice of the Global South’. BRICS: BRICS consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In the Johannesburg Summit, BRICS has agreed to

At G20, agreeing to agree

At G20, agreeing to agree     Why in the news? With the leaders’ meeting approaching at the G20, India has its proposal for arriving at a convergence to address the most-pressing global problems. Probable areas of convergence: India’s proposal on LiFE, adopting a lifestyle that protects the environment Sharing of digital public infrastructure

India’s G-20 opportunity for an African Renaissance

India’s G-20 opportunity for an African Renaissance      Why in the News? South Africa is raising its demands on multilateral fora such as BRICS, G-20 and the UNGA in recent times, acting as an atypical representative of the Black continent with 54 countries- over a quarter of population of the “Global South”. Challenges and disruptors of the

G20 Finance Track

Why in the News? The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asked the global community to coordinate on restructuring the debt of Vulnerable low-and middle-income countries in the G20 Finance Track Seminar. G20 Finance Track: One of the two tracks of the G20 Summit (the other being Sherpa Track) focuses on global macroeconomic issues such as, Monitoring of global economic ri

Cluster Bomb use

Cluster Bomb use Why in the News? The US has decided to send cluster munitions or cluster bombs as a part of the new military aid package to Ukraine for its war efforts against Russia. Cluster bombs: Cluster munitions or cluster bombs are weapons that Releases multiple explosive submunitions/ bomblets into the air. Explodes as soon as they hit the ground and kills and inj

G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group

G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group   The Action Plan is guided by the political declaration of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGASS) against corruption. The ACWG focuses on promotion of international cooperation in the areas of Asset recovery Law enforcement cooperation Information-sharing Technology Denial of safe haven/entry The ACWG also seeks to

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