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Summary: In March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump reached out to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program, while escalating military pressure on Iran and its allies. On March 15, the U.S. launched airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen, and Israel resumed its attacks on Gaza, targeting Hamas and Hezbollah. The escalating conflict is tied to Iran's support for these groups and its nuclear ambitions.The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aimed to curb...Context
Source : THE HINDU Summary U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs ranging from 10% to 49% on imports from various countries, including a 27% tariff on Indian goods, triggering fears of a global trade war. While India’s response has been cautious, other major economies like China, the EU, and Canada have announced countermeasures. The move could impact India's gems and jewellery sector significantly, though officials also see potential opportunities compared to higher tariffs on rival exporters. सारांश अमेरिकी...Context
SOURCE : THE HINDU Summary April 4 marks the 76th anniversary of NATO, an alliance that has played a critical role in global geopolitics, especially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This quiz revisits key historical events involving NATO — from its response to the Cold War and Yugoslav conflict to invoking collective defence after 9/11. It also highlights countries' unique roles and exceptions within the alliance. सारांश 4 अप्रैल को नाटो की 76वीं वर्षगांठ है, जो वैश्विक भू-राजनीति में एक...Context
SOURCE : THE HINDU Description (English): Shashi Tharoor argues that the Global South — nations of Africa, Asia, and Latin America — should lead a UN-backed peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, as Western-led options risk escalating tensions due to NATO’s involvement. With a record of neutrality and experience in peacekeeping, countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa can ensure credibility and balance. India, in particular, with its long-standing contributions to UN missions, is well-positioned to lead. This move would also symbolize...Context
SOURCE :THE HINDU Description (English): In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's 34% tariff on Chinese exports, China has imposed an equal tariff on all U.S. goods effective April 10. The retaliation also includes export controls on rare earth elements critical to high-tech industries, bans on certain American imports, and legal action at the World Trade Organization (WTO). China accused the U.S. of violating WTO norms and engaging in economic bullying, further escalating the trade conflict. This development significantly...Context
SOURCE : THE HINDU Description Global stock markets, including India’s, witnessed sharp declines on Monday due to escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, coupled with recession fears. The Sensex fell by nearly 3%, while global indices like Japan’s Nikkei and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng saw some of their steepest drops in years. U.S. President Donald Trump threatened additional tariffs on Chinese goods unless China rolled back its retaliatory measures. Markets showed some signs of recovery later in the...Context
SOURCE : THE HINDU Description NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during his visit to Japan, described China's military build-up as “staggering,” emphasizing the need for stronger NATO-Japan cooperation. Speaking at the Yokosuka naval base, Rutte stressed that growing coordination among China, Russia, and North Korea poses threats to global stability. He highlighted the importance of shared values between NATO and Japan and asserted that developments in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are interconnected. Japan, too, is ramping up its...Context
SOURCE : THE HINDU Description (English) U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on new global tariffs while sharply increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%. The decision follows outreach from over 75 countries seeking negotiation. A flat 10% tariff remains on all nations, but China faces tougher measures due to trade imbalances and ongoing disputes. The move caused stock markets to rebound after days of turmoil. The European Union has also responded with countermeasures but did not...Context
SOURCE : THE HINDU Description: The 2024 Beijing India Report marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, which helped India implement key gender-focused laws. However, the report fails to integrate the critical nexus between climate change and gender. Women—especially in rural India—face disproportionate climate impacts: migration, unpaid care work, poor health, and increased gender-based violence. Despite this, current climate policies largely ignore their role and needs. The report calls for urgent integration of gender in climate budgeting, local governance,...Context
SOURCE: THE HINDU Description: Responding to concerns raised by U.S. official Tulsi Gabbard and Elon Musk, the Election Commission of India clarified that Indian Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are standalone devices not connected to the internet, Wi-Fi, or any external network. Unlike systems in other countries, Indian EVMs function like simple calculators and include a VVPAT paper trail for transparency. The EC emphasized their reliability, legal backing, and verification process involving political parties. Key Points: Indian EVMs are not...Context
SOURCE : THE HINDU Description: In response to the U.S. increasing its tariffs on Chinese products to 145%, China has imposed a 125% tariff on American imports, effective Saturday. Despite showing readiness for dialogue, China has warned of strong countermeasures if the U.S. continues to harm its interests. China has also filed a WTO complaint while stating that it does not wish for a trade war but won’t shy away from one. Key Points: China imposes a 125% tariff...Context
SOURCE : THE HINDU Sudan has descended into one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history, with nearly 13 million displaced, over 1.5 lakh deaths, and famine declared for the first time in four years. The ongoing civil war between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has destroyed Khartoum and destabilized vast regions of the country. Despite battlefield shifts, neither side shows willingness for peace. Civilians continue to suffer amid airstrikes, mass atrocities, and...Context
SOURCE : THE HINDU The World Trade Organization (WTO) has revised its forecast for global merchandise trade volume in 2025, now expecting a decline of 0.2%, largely due to escalating U.S. tariff tensions and policy uncertainties. This contrasts sharply with 2.9% growth in 2024. If conditions worsen, trade could shrink further by up to 1.5%. The WTO warns that reciprocal tariffs alone could reduce trade growth by 0.6 percentage points, while broader policy uncertainty could shave off another 0.8 percentage...Context
Description : SOURCE : THE HINDU Despite the global backlash against the United States’ illegal imposition of reciprocal tariffs in violation of WTO rules, India has chosen to remain silent. While countries like China, Brazil, Canada, and Japan have taken firm stands and even legal action, India has avoided public criticism, citing ongoing trade negotiations and the dysfunction of WTO’s dispute settlement body. Experts argue this silence contradicts India’s usual support for a rules-based multilateral trading system. At a time...Context
Description : SOURCE : THE HINDU In February 2025, the U.S. issued 30% fewer F-1 (student) visas to Indian students compared to the same month in 2024 — the steepest decline among major source countries. While the overall global drop in F-1 visas was just 4.75%, Indian students faced the brunt, alongside longer visa wait times (58 days in Delhi). The decline coincides with Donald Trump’s second term and follows mass visa terminations affecting over 1,100 international students. Experts point...Context
What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemically similar elements crucial for various high-tech industries. These include elements like dysprosium, gadolinium, lutetium, samarium, scandium, terbium, and yttrium. Although they are relatively abundant, their extraction and refinement are complex and environmentally challenging. Why did China impose restrictions? China controls the global supply of refined REEs, particularly the heavy ones. Amid the U.S.–China trade tensions, China has imposed export controls—not an outright ban—on the...Context
Source: The Hindu Description India and China, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, are at a geopolitical crossroads. Their relationship, marked by border tensions, trade dependence, and regional rivalry, must now evolve from reactive diplomacy to strategic, long-term engagement. India’s current “competitive coexistence” policy aims to balance deterrence and dialogue, sovereignty and interdependence, rivalry and cooperation. The strategy emphasizes four pillars — military readiness, economic diversification, diplomatic engagement, and narrative control — to manage China’s structural challenge and...Context
Feminist writer and activist Kavita Krishnan critiques recent rulings and political rhetoric from the UK and US that exclude trans women from legal and social recognition. She identifies how such positions, often disguised as "common sense," align with far-right ideologies and ultimately harm all women by reinforcing patriarchal scrutiny and segregation. Summary The UK Supreme Court ruling weakens trans women’s legal protections under the Equality Act, 2010. This ruling aligns with global far-right ideologies, which use fear-mongering under the guise...Context
U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of reciprocal tariffs has escalated global trade tensions, triggering a fall in oil prices, stock market volatility, and threatening the export-dependent economies of South and Southeast Asia. For India, the stakes are high, and a careful recalibration of trade strategy is essential to turn this challenge into an opportunity. Summary Event: U.S. imposes reciprocal tariffs, leading to a 14% drop in crude oil and concerns of a global trade war. Impact: Major setback for South...Context
The Union Government has informed the Supreme Court that extensive misuse of waqf provisions led to unprecedented encroachments on private and government properties, necessitating significant amendments to the Waqf Act in 2025. The misuse led to a shocking 116% increase in waqf land holdings in just 11 years, post-2013 amendments, a figure unmatched even in historical eras such as the Mughal period. Summary The Centre highlighted a 116% rise in waqf land area between 2013 and 2024. Misuse of waqf...Context
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a recent interview, stated that Crimea would remain with Russia, pressuring Ukraine to accept territorial losses for peace. The statement comes amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to broker a settlement between Russia and Ukraine. Summary Donald Trump stated that Crimea will remain part of Russia. He cited historical Russian presence, including submarine bases and the Russian-speaking majority, as justification. The comments reflect U.S. pressure on Ukraine to negotiate peace. Steve Witkoff, U.S. envoy, met Russian President...Context
The Philippines and the United States have intensified their military collaboration through integrated defence drills ("Balikatan" exercises) in response to China's assertive move of seizing control over Tiexian Reef (Sandy Cay) in the contested South China Sea region. Summary: Context: Ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Event: The U.S. and Philippines conducted joint live-fire defence drills off northern Philippines. Participation: 17,000 personnel engaged in full-scale battle simulation exercises. China’s Action: Chinese Coast Guard seized...Context
Description: India has signed a major defense agreement with France to acquire 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy, marking a significant step in enhancing India's maritime air capabilities. The deal includes technology transfer, training, maintenance infrastructure, and job creation. Summary: India and France signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) worth nearly ₹64,000 crore. The deal is for 26 Rafale-M (Marine) fighter jets for the Indian Navy. Deliveries are set to begin mid-2028 and will conclude by 2030. The agreement...Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's congratulatory message to newly elected Canadian PM Mark Carney marks a diplomatic thaw after two years of strained India-Canada relations. The reference to shared democratic values and rule of law hints at a renewed political will to move forward after tensions surrounding the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case derailed ties. Summary in Short Points PM Modi congratulated Mark Carney on Liberal Party’s re-election in Canada. Hinted at shared democratic values and rule of law, signaling a reset...Context
In a significant geopolitical development, the United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement granting American access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral reserves. This deal, titled the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, aims to reinforce American support for Ukraine amidst its war with Russia, particularly as concerns rise over a potential policy shift under U.S. President Donald Trump. Summary in Short Points: The U.S. and Ukraine signed a mineral access deal named the United States-Ukraine Reinvestment Fund. It grants U.S. access...Context
Category: International Relations | Geopolitics | Strategic Resources Ukraine and the United States have signed a controversial minerals agreement granting U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical resources. While Ukraine hails it as a step toward economic partnership and security, the pact omits firm American defense guarantees, raising questions about its long-term benefits amidst an ongoing war with Russia. Short Summary Points: Ukraine signed a minerals pact with the U.S. granting access to its critical mineral and energy reserves. The deal follows...Context
Category: Infrastructure Development / Indian Economy / Maritime Policy Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ₹8,800 crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala, marking a transformative step in India’s port-led development strategy. Developed through a public-private partnership, this is India’s first dedicated container transshipment port and is expected to significantly reduce foreign dependence for cargo logistics. Summary in Short Points: PM Modi inaugurates Vizhinjam Seaport in Kerala worth ₹8,800 crore. India’s first deepwater container transshipment port. Developed by...Context
Category: International Affairs / Middle East Conflict / RAS Current Affairs Summary Points Israel's Cabinet approved a full military expansion plan in Gaza, including holding territory. The move includes calling up tens of thousands of reservists and aims to defeat Hamas. This occurs despite repeated UN warnings of famine and humanitarian collapse in Gaza. Israel is pressuring Gazans to evacuate, intensifying displacement concerns. The plan also seeks the recovery of hostages taken during the October 2023 Hamas attack. ...Context
Category: International Relations / Nuclear Diplomacy / Middle East Affairs Summary Points: President Donald Trump claims a nuclear deal with Iran is close. Deal may involve Iran surrendering its highly enriched uranium in exchange for U.S. sanction relief. Talks aim to avert military confrontation; oil prices fall by over 3% following the announcement. Trump credits Gulf allies, especially Qatar, for influencing de-escalation. Trump concludes Gulf tour with visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Detailed Explanation for...Context
Category: International Relations / Nuclear Diplomacy / West Asia Affairs Shortest Summary Points: Iran and European powers (UK, France, Germany) met in Istanbul for nuclear talks. The discussions centered on indirect negotiations with the U.S. and lifting sanctions. Iranian officials warned of "irreversible" consequences if UN sanctions are reinstated. The meeting occurs amid renewed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump. Detailed Explanation (For RAS Mains Aspirants): Context of the Talks: The meeting took place in Istanbul, Türkiye,...Context
Category: International Relations / Defense and Diplomacy / Global Current Affairs Summary Points Russia and Ukraine agree to a major prisoner swap of 1,000 detainees each. No agreement reached on a ceasefire despite discussions. Meeting took place in Istanbul, Türkiye—first high-level direct talks in over three years. Discussions included a potential meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. Talks ended with both sides agreeing to present written ceasefire proposals in the future. Detailed Explanation for RAS Mains Context of Talks After...Context
Category: International Relations / Infrastructure Diplomacy / Geopolitics Summary Points: China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan agree to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghan territory. The decision was made during a trilateral meeting of foreign ministers in Beijing. The inclusion aims to enhance regional connectivity and trilateral cooperation. India remains firmly opposed to CPEC as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The meeting comes amid recent warming of Taliban-India relations. Detailed Explanation for RAS Mains: What is CPEC? The...FAQs
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- Decline in Haryana Sex Ratio at Birth 2024 01-May-2025
- Haryana Unveils ‘Samman Sanjeevani’ App on National Girl Child Day for Women’s Empowerment 30-April-2025
- Assam to Host the World Largest Jhumur Festival 29-April-2025
- India Skills Report 2025: Unlocking Employability and Bridging the Skills Gap 28-April-2025
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- Decline in Haryana Sex Ratio at Birth 2024 01-May-2025
- Haryana Unveils ‘Samman Sanjeevani’ App on National Girl Child Day for Women’s Empowerment 30-April-2025
- Assam to Host the World Largest Jhumur Festival 29-April-2025
- India Skills Report 2025: Unlocking Employability and Bridging the Skills Gap 28-April-2025
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