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India–Azerbaijan

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, both countries conducted a comprehensive review of their bilateral relationship, covering key areas such as: Trade and energy cooperation

05 April, 2026 GS-II International Relations

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement? About The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) is a landmark bilateral trade agreement be

04 April, 2026 GS-II International Relations

Maritime Chokepoints

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful of key chokepoints. Chokepoints influence conflict escalation, energy prices, and global financial stability, even without direct warfare.

03 April, 2026 GS-II International Relations

ADR Report on Political Funding

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to national parties exceeding ?20,000 rose by 161%, reaching ?6,648 crore. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accounted for over 91% of aggregate donatio

03 April, 2026 GS-II Indian Polity

National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)

Recently, Niranjan Jyoti has assumed charge as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes, while Kiran Umesh Mahalle has taken charge as a Member of the Commission. What is the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)? The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is a constitutional body established under the 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018. It has the authority to examine complaints, monitor welfare measures, and recommend policies re

02 April, 2026 GS-II Indian Polity

US-Israel-Iran War

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escalation comes despite recent progress in US–Iran nuclear talks, raising fears of a wider West Asian conflict with significant global implications.

01 April, 2026 GS-II International Relations

Cooperative Societies in India

The Central Government informed the Lok Sabha that out of 8.48 lakh cooperative societies in India, only 3.49 lakh are in profit, while a large number are under stress. Around 2.11 lakh societies are running in losses, 1.41 lakh are non-functional, and 47,688 are under liquidation. This highlights the overall weak financial health of the cooperative sector. State-wise Performance States with High Defunct Societies Uttar Pradesh has the highest percentage of defunct cooperatives at 4

01 April, 2026 GS-II Governance

Global Internet Shutdowns 2025

The 2026 #KeepItOn report, titled “Rising Repression Meets Global Resistance: Internet Shutdowns in 2025”, highlighted a sharp rise in deliberate internet disruptions worldwide. Purpose of shutdowns: Suppress dissent, control narratives, restrict human rights, and consolidate state power. Key Statistics: 313 internet shutdowns recorded across 52 countries in 2025 — the highest ever since tracking began. 75 shutdowns in 33 countries

01 April, 2026 GS-II Governance

Arab League

India’s External Affairs Minister recently met the foreign ministers of five member countries of the Arab League to discuss ways to strengthen India’s relations with West Asia and to exchange views on the current situation in the region. This reflects India’s increasing diplomatic engagement with Arab countries due to their importance in energy, trade, and regional stability. What is the Arab League? The Arab League is a regional organization of Arab countries whose peo

22 March, 2026 GS-II International Relations

United Nations Commission for Social Development

The Minister of State for Women and Child Development will lead the Indian delegation at the 64th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD). This participation highlights India’s commitment to engaging in global policymaking on social issues such as inclusion, welfare, and poverty reduction. What is the United Nations Commission for Social Development? The United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD) is a functional commission under the U

20 March, 2026 GS-II International organisation

NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme (NSPS)

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has recently launched the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme (NSPS) on a pilot basis. This initiative aims to combine pension savings with healthcare financial support, marking an important reform in the social security framework. About NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme (NSPS) The NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme (NSPS) is a new initiative introduced as a Proof of Concept (PoC) under the Regulatory Sandbox Framework of PFRDA. The scheme is designed to

19 March, 2026 GS-II Government policies and interventions

Model Youth Gram Sabha

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is organizing a National Award Ceremony to felicitate the winners of the Model Youth Gram Sabha initiative. This step reflects the government’s commitment to promoting youth participation in grassroots governance. About Model Youth Gram Sabha The Model Youth Gram Sabha is a simulated platform for school students where they participate in mock sessions of a Gram Sabh

19 March, 2026 GS-II Indian Polity

Anti-Defection Law in India

The Supreme Court of India recently gave a final three-week deadline to the Telangana Assembly Speaker to decide pending disqualification petitions against defecting MLAs under the Anti-Defection Law. What is the Anti-Defection Law? The Anti-Defection Law was introduced through the 52nd Amendment (1985), which added the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution. Its main aim is to stop political defections motivated by personal gain and ensure political stability in Parliament and State Assembli

18 March, 2026 GS-II Indian Polity

Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC In

The Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) recently urged the Government of India to reduce income tax rates for non-corporate manufacturing MSMEs in the Union Budget and to expedite the payment of Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds. The council argued that such measures would improve liquidity and competitiveness of engineering exporters, especially small and medium enterprises. About EEPC India The Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) is th

16 March, 2026 GS-II Government policies and interventions

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

Recently, the Union Cabinet of India approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) up to Financial Year 2030–31. The extension aims to strengthen social security for workers in the unorganised sector and encourage long-term retirement savings. About Atal Pension Yojana The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a government-backed pension scheme launched on 9 May 2015 by the Government of India. The scheme was designed to encourage voluntary retirement savings among low-income

15 March, 2026 GS-II Government policies and interventions

India–UAE Economic Partnership

The relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates has evolved from a traditional energy-based partnership into a comprehensive economic and strategic relationship. Over the years, strong political trust, growing trade, and expanding investments have transformed bilateral ties into a diversified economic corridor. The economic partnership has progressed rapidly, achieving several milestones ahead of schedule and setting a new target of $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2032. Politic

14 March, 2026 GS-II International Relations

World Economic Forum (WEF)

Recently, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that while India engages with global powers at international forums, the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Davos primarily serves as a platform for exchange of ideas rather than formal group-to-group trade negotiations. About the World Economic Forum The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-profit organization established in 1971. It brings together political leaders, business executives, academics, and civil society repres

14 March, 2026 GS-II International organisation

Federalism in India

Recently, a high-level committee on Union–State relations submitted its first report to the Government of Tamil Nadu. The report examines the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the Union and the States, highlighting ongoing debates regarding the balance between central authority and state autonomy. This discussion is closely linked to the concept of federalism, which forms the foundation of India’s constitutional governance. Federalism in India Meaning of F

14 March, 2026 GS-II Indian Polity

India International Conference on Democracy

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 international event beginning on 21 January 2026 in New Delhi. It is being organized by the India Intern

13 March, 2026 GS-II International organisation

United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will commemorate its 80th anniversary on 23 January 2026. It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for coordinating global efforts in economic, social, cultural, humanitarian, and development-related fields. About ECOSOC The United Nations Economic and Social Council was established in 1945 under the Charter of the United Nations. It plays a key role in promoting international cooperation and sustai

13 March, 2026 GS-II International organisation

India’s Neighbourhood First Policy

The Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP) has been a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy since 2014. It emphasizes building a stable, secure, and prosperous neighbourhood, recognizing that India’s growth is closely linked with the development of its immediate neighbours such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. After a decade, debates have emerged regarding whether the policy has strengthened India’s regional leadership or face

12 March, 2026 GS-II International Relations

CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative

Recently, the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative has trained more than 1.90 lakh individuals through over 5,200 skill-based training programmes conducted across the country. This milestone highlights the growing outreach and impact of the programme in strengthening India’s skill development ecosystem. About CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative The CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative is a flagship national programme implemented by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). T

21 February, 2026 GS-II Government policies and interventions

Menstrual Health

The Supreme Court of India, in Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Government of India & Ors. (2026), declared Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) to be a fundamental right under Articles 21 and 14 of the Constitution. The Court transformed menstrual health from a welfare policy concern into a binding constitutional entitlement enforceable across India. It also issued a continuing mandamus, meaning the matter will remain under judicial supervision to ensure proper implementation. Constitutional Foundat

20 February, 2026 GS-II Governance

NPS Vatsalya Scheme

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has recently issued the NPS Vatsalya Scheme Guidelines 2025. This scheme is designed to provide long-term financial security for minors and encourages early saving habits among children. About NPS Vatsalya Scheme The NPS Vatsalya Scheme is a contributory savings and pension plan exclusively for minors below 18 years of age. The scheme allows guardians to operate accounts on behalf of minors and ensures that savings grow with

19 February, 2026 GS-II Government policies and interventions

Indian Customs Electronic Gateway

The Special Secretary of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) recently inaugurated the ICEGATE–Land Port Management System (LPMS) at the Integrated Check Post (ICP), Agartala, Tripura. This step aims to strengthen digital customs processing, real-time data exchange, and trade facilitation at land borders. About Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) The Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE), established in 2007, is the national portal of Indian Custom

16 February, 2026 GS-II Government policies and interventions

PRAGATI

The PRAGATI platform recently marked a major milestone with the successful conduct of its 50th meeting. This highlights its continuing role in ensuring timely implementation of projects, effective grievance redressal, and high-level monitoring of government programmes. About PRAGATI Platform PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation. It is an integrated and interactive platform launched on 25 March 2015 to improve governance through technology-driven monitoring and

16 February, 2026 GS-II Government policies and interventions

National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Lim

Recently, the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited sought government intervention due to falling sugar prices, which have adversely affected cooperative sugar mills across the country. About National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited (NFCSF) The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited (NFCSF) was established in 1960 with the objective of building a strong and vibrant cooperative sugar sector in India. It acts as the apex body

15 February, 2026 GS-II Government policies and interventions

India–US Trade Deal

The United States has reduced the effective tariff on Indian goods to 18%, down from a peak of nearly 50%, which had included punitive duties. This development marks a significant de-escalation of trade tensions between the two countries. It also reinforces India’s role as a key US strategic partner and an important counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific region. Key Highlights of the India–US Trade Deal Tariff Reduction The US has reduced the reciprocal tariff on Ind

12 February, 2026 GS-II International Relations

Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)

Recently, the Union Home Minister chaired the 9th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting underscores the government’s continued focus on combating the growing drug menace in India through coordinated institutional mechanisms. About Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) The Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) was established in 2016 to improve coordination between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and State Governments in ad

12 February, 2026 GS-II Government policies and interventions

PANKHUDI Portal

Recently, the Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the PANKHUDI Portal to enhance collaboration and transparency in initiatives related to women and child development across India. About the PANKHUDI Portal The PANKHUDI Portal is an integrated digital platform developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It has been designed to facilitate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships and coordinated stakeholder participation in a structured and trans

11 February, 2026 GS-II Government policies and interventions

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