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UPSC Courses

Bilateral - Regional and Global Groupings

Bilateral - Regional and Global Groupings

India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement   UPSC GS-2 IR/PSIR

India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement   UPSC GS-2 IR/PSIR The India-EFTA TEPA is a comprehensive trade pact between India and four non-EU European countries — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland — aimed at boosting trade, investment, jobs, services, technology and supply-chain resilience. Why in News? The India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement was signed on 10 March 2024 and came into effect on 1 October 2025. It is seen as an important step in India’s trade strategy with advanced European economies. What is EFTA? The European Free Trade Association is an intergovernmental organization formed in 1960 under…

03 September, 2025 Europe and European union

India and Norway Elevate Ties to Green Strategic Partnership   UPSC GS-2 IR/PSIR UPSC MAINS

India and Norway Elevate Ties to Green Strategic Partnership   UPSC GS-2 IR/PSIR UPSC MAINS India and Norway signed pacts on space, health and digital development after talks between PM Narendra Modi and PM Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo. Strategic upgrade India and Norway decided to raise bilateral ties to a Green Strategic Partnership. Meeting held in Oslo on Monday Leaders: Narendra Modi and Jonas Gahr Støre Modi arrived in Oslo from Sweden as part of his four-nation European tour Partnership covers clean energy, climate resilience, Blue Economy and Green Shipping India and Norway raised ties to a Green Strategic Partnership,…

21 May, 2026 Europe and European union

Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity

Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity On 4th December 2025, the US President hosted the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda in Washington, DC. The accords seek to reduce long-standing conflict, promote economic cooperation and establish the foundation for peace in Africa’s Great Lakes region. Aspect Details Agreement The Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity were signed between the DRC and Rwanda in Washington, DC. Main Objective The accords aim to end decades of conflict, strengthen economic cooperation and promote long-term regional peace. Core…

21 April, 2026 Central and latin America

Israel Recognises Somaliland as an Independent State

Israel Recognises Somaliland as an Independent State On 26th December 2025, Israel became the second United Nations member state to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. The recognition has renewed debates over statehood, sovereignty, territorial integrity and international recognition in the Horn of Africa. Aspect Details Recognition by Israel Israel officially recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on 26th December 2025. Taiwan’s Position Taiwan had recognised Somaliland earlier in 2020. Ethiopia MoU Ethiopia signed an MoU in January 2024 to explore recognition in exchange for naval base access. Informal Diplomatic Ties Countries…

21 April, 2026 Middle East and West Asia

UK Transfers Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius

UK Transfers Sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius On 22nd May 2025, the United Kingdom agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The agreement ends decades of British control over the Indian Ocean archipelago, while retaining strategic military arrangements over Diego Garcia. Aspect Details Sovereignty Transfer The UK agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after decades of British control. Annual Payment The UK will pay Mauritius approximately £101 million annually under the agreement. Diego Garcia Base The UK will lease back the military base on Diego Garcia, under British and American control, for…

21 April, 2026 Europe and European union

U.S. Action in Venezuela: Oil, Sovereignty & International Law

U.S. Action in Venezuela: Oil, Sovereignty & International Law On 3rd January 2026, the U.S. carried out a military operation in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. accused him of working with drug cartels and claimed that Venezuela posed a security threat, making the action controversial under sovereignty and international law principles. Issue Details Violation of Article 2(4) The U.S. use of military force against Venezuela is viewed as breaching the UN Charter’s prohibition on force against another state’s territorial integrity and political independence. No Valid Self-Defence Claim Under Article 51, force is lawful only in response to…

21 April, 2026 Central and latin America

vishal narwade
jagdeesh adahalli
rashmita rao
abhishek k tiwari
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