International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which are fundamental to International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Recent conflicts, such as those between Russia and Ukraine and in Gaza, have highlighted tragic violations of humanitarian laws and exposed the challenges in enforcing IHL effectively. About International Humanitarian Law Definition: IHL, also known as the law

Red Sea Trouble and INDIA

Recent attacks on commercial ships near the Red Sea amidst the ongoing Gaza war impacts India’s global trade. What is Red sea? The Red Sea is a narrow inland sea between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The nearly 2,000-km Red Sea connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean via the narrow Suez Canal (since 1869). It is connected to the Arabian Sea an

Red Sea attacks, Panama Canal drought: How trouble at two shipping choke points could impact global trade

Background: The Red Sea attacks have been carried out by Yemen-based Houthi rebels, who have been in a civil war with the Yemeni government for about a decade. They say the attacks are to protest Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Shipping via the Panama Canal has dropped by over 50% due to drought conditions at the 51-mile stretch. Due to the shortage of water, shi

THE BRI AT 10, SOME HITS, MANY MISSES

Why in the News? The Third Belt and Road Initiative for International Cooperation was convened in Beijing, China and marked the 10th year of anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s signature initiative. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): It was perceived as a gateway for China to transition from a regional power with global influence to a global power with comprehensi

SILK ROADS AT A CROSSROADS-OBOR

SILK ROADS AT A CROSSROADS-OBOR Why in the News? The Belt and road Initiative of China has marked its 10-year anniversary and is set to host more than a dozen world leaders in Beijing including Russian President Vladimir Putin in the third Belt and Road Forum. The BRI plan as per China’s White paper: It is committed to the concept of open, green and clean cooperation with 

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and India

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and India Why in the News? The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh is called one of the “frozen conflicts” of the world. Azerbaijan launched an offensive on Sep 19 and within 24 hours, declared victory over the separatist province of Nagorno-Karabakh. The ethnic Armenian enclave is said to dissolve on January 1, 2024.

Asia’s disputed waters

Asia’s disputed waters Why in the News? Recently, Philippines removed barriers placed by Chinese vessels at the entrance to a lagoon off the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea (SCS). The Chinese Coast Guard ships placed a 30om long barrier to prevent the entry of boats from the Philippines. This became the latest in long-running tensions in the South China Sea.