18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was held in Bhubaneswar in January 2025. The event was organised under the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to Viksit Bharat”. Key Details Aspect Details Event 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Venue Bhubaneswar. Date Held in January 2025. Theme Diaspora’s Contribution to Viksit Bharat. About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Feature Details Frequency It is celebrated once every two years. Purpose It strengthens the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnects them with their cultural roots. PT Facts Purpose: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas connects India with its overseas Indian community. Frequency:…
17 May, 2026
Current Foreign policy and News
India-France Joint Defence Venture On 24th November 2025, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran Electronics & Defence (SED) signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) to locally produce the HAMMER precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system in India. The agreement strengthens India-France defence industrial cooperation and supports India’s push toward defence indigenisation and advanced military manufacturing. India-France Defence Industrial Collaboration Aspect Details Joint Venture Structure A 50:50 private limited company will be established by BEL and Safran Electronics & Defence. Main Objective To manufacture, supply, and maintain HAMMER munitions for the Indian Air Force and Navy. Indigenisation Target Localisation and indigenisation…
25 April, 2026
Current Foreign policy and News
India’s Landmark Rafale Deal India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has cleared a massive Rs. 3.25 trillion proposal for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets to address the Indian Air Force’s critical fighter squadron shortage. The acquisition is intended to modernise the IAF’s combat fleet, replace ageing Soviet-era aircraft, and strengthen India’s air power against regional security challenges from China and Pakistan. Why the Deal is Important Area Details Squadron Shortage The IAF currently operates around 29 squadrons against the sanctioned requirement of 42 squadrons. Fleet Modernisation Rafale jets will replace ageing Soviet-era aircraft and strengthen India’s air combat capability.…
25 April, 2026
Current Foreign policy and News
Expiry of New START Treaty The New START Treaty, the last major nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, expired on 5th February 2026. Its expiry ended binding limits on their strategic nuclear arsenals and raised global concerns about a renewed arms race. However, Russia’s foreign minister recently said that Moscow will continue to observe the limits set under the New START Treaty even after its expiry, as long as the United States follows the same restrictions. What is the New START Treaty? Aspect Details Full Form Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as New START. Signing Signed…
23 April, 2026
Current Foreign policy and News
Global Pandemic Treaty The WHO Pandemic Agreement was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 20 May 2025. It is a legally binding treaty aimed at improving global pandemic preparedness and response. Key Elements of the Draft Agreement Element Details Pathogen Access & Benefit Sharing Includes a system for equitable sharing of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics during pandemics. Production Allocation Parties are required to allocate 10% of their production to WHO, with another 10% provided at affordable prices. Technology Transfer Countries must facilitate exchange of technology and know-how to enable decentralised production. Drug Research Policy Governments must prioritise public interest…
23 April, 2026
Current Foreign policy and News
Convention on Cluster Munitions On 6th March 2025, Lithuania officially exited the Convention on Cluster Munitions, citing national security concerns. It became the first country to leave the convention and the first EU/NATO member to exit a multilateral arms-control agreement. What are Cluster bombs? Feature Explanation Explosive Weapons Cluster bombs scatter smaller bomblets over a wide area. Long-Term Danger Many bomblets remain unexploded, acting like landmines and posing risks to civilians for years. Legal Control The Convention on Cluster Munitions prohibits their use, production, stockpiling, and transfer. THE CONVENTION ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS (CCM) Aspect Details Nature An international treaty prohibiting…
23 April, 2026
Current Foreign policy and News
INF Treaty On 4th August 2025, Russia formally declared that it would no longer observe the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Russia cited the deployment of U.S. intermediate-range missiles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific as a direct security threat. What was the INF Treaty? Aspect Details Signing Signed in 1987 by US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Missile Range Covered Banned all land-based ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500-5,500 km. Cold War Significance Hailed as a major Cold War arms-control success and led to the dismantling of over 2,600 missiles. Background Development Details US Allegation…
23 April, 2026
Current Foreign policy and News
Ottawa Treaty on Landmines On 19th June 2025, Finland’s Parliament approved its withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel landmines. Finland became the fifth European country to move out of the treaty framework, citing rising security concerns linked to Russia. What is the Ottawa Treaty? Aspect Details Official Name Formally known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention or the Ottawa Convention. Main Objective Bans the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. Humanitarian Purpose Aims to reduce civilian harm caused by landmines and promote clearance of mined areas. Major Non-Parties China, India, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation,…
23 April, 2026
Current Foreign policy and News
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) On 20th February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the U.S. President’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The ruling clarified limits on presidential authority to regulate imports through emergency declarations. Aspect Details Supreme Court Ruling The Court struck down the use of emergency powers for imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA. Presidential Authority The ruling clarified limits on presidential authority to regulate imports through emergency declarations. Enactment IEEPA was enacted in 1977 to grant economic powers during national emergencies. Main Provision It allows…
22 April, 2026
Current Foreign policy and News
India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement On 22nd December 2025, India and New Zealand concluded negotiations for a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The agreement became one of India’s fastest-concluded FTAs since negotiations began in March 2025. Key Highlights of the Agreement Area Details Market Access Provides zero-duty access on 100% of Indian exports to New Zealand from Entry into Force. Investment Commitment New Zealand made a USD 20 billion investment commitment over 15 years. Sensitive Sectors Protects sensitive sectors such as dairy and key agricultural products. Labour-Intensive Industries Expected to boost sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, and MSMEs. Health…
22 April, 2026
Current Foreign policy and News
India-EU Free Trade Agreement On 27th January 2026, at the 16th India-EU Summit, India and the European Union concluded negotiations on the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The agreement was finalised nearly two decades after negotiations first began, reflecting a major shift in India-EU economic relations. India-EU Trade Profile at a Glance Area Details Bilateral Trade India-EU merchandise trade stood at $137 billion in 2024-25, with India exporting $76 billion and importing $61 billion. India’s Exports Manufactured goods, energy products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, gems and jewellery. India’s Imports Aircraft, advanced machinery, nuclear reactor components, and other high-tech capital goods. Under…
22 April, 2026
Current Foreign policy and News