Nord Stream Pipeline Context: The Nord Stream pipeline is back in the news following the renewed tensions between the West and Russia over Ukraine. Owned by the Russian energy giant, Gazprom, Nord Stream the longest subsea pipeline, is an export gas pipeline which runs under […]
EU CHINA Tensions Context: The European Union launched a case against China at the WORLD Trade Organisation for targeting Lithuania over its stand on Taiwan. Background: A long negotiated investment deal between EU and China has also been on a halt and the situation is […]
Kazakhstan’s Maritime Quest Context: Kazakhstan, a landlocked nation located in the Eurasian region, relies on neighbouring nations like Turkmenistan (gateway to Iran and Afghanistan), Russia (gateway to Europe) and Uzbekistan (gateway to Tajikistan and Turkey) as gateways for trade. Though land routes are considered […]
Henley Passport Index Context: India now ranks at 83rd position in the Henley Passport Index, climbing seven places from 90th rank last year. India shares the rank with Sao Tome and Principe in Central Africa, behind Rwanda and Uganda. Background It now has visa-free […]
Russia-Ukraine Tensions Context: Amid the rising tensions over Russia’s military buildup around Ukraine, NATO allies have put forces on standby and sent ships and fighter jets to bolster Europe’s eastern defences. Background: Tensions between Ukraine and Russia, both former Soviet states, escalated in late 2013 […]
South China Sea Context: U.S. warship’s South China Sea passage sparks row, PLA says forces deployed to drive it away What happened? A U.S. warship sailed through the South China Sea on Thursday, sparking a warning from China’s military as tensions between the superpowers remain […]
New capital of Indonesia Context: The capital of Indonesia is being shifted from Jakarta to East Kalimantan, and will be called Nusantara. The Indonesian Parliament has passed a law to relocate the country’s capital from Jakarta to Nusantara. Why is Indonesia moving the […]
Defensive Aggression of Russia Context: Keeping in mind the migrant crisis in Poland – Belarus border and the mobilisation of the Russian troops in the Ukranian border, it is important to analyse the Russian security strategies. Background: Catherine the Great, the 18th century empress […]