✅India's potential role in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict is drawing attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits to Moscow and Kyiv and meetings with leaders from both countries.

✅India's strategic autonomy and non-alignment stance, along with its abstention votes at the UN and refusal to accept Western sanctions, bolster its image as an "honest broker."

✅India's G-20 presidency focused on key war outcomes like energy and food security important to the developing world, showcasing its role as a Global South voice.

✅Historical parallels are drawn with India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's mediation efforts between USSR and Austria, and India's efforts in Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

✅The consistency of India's peace messages is questioned, especially regarding internal conflicts and its stance on dialogue with Pakistan.

✅As a member of both Quad and BRICS, India is uniquely positioned but must carefully assess its resources and the timing for mediating.

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🔆Taiwan Jails Former Chinese Naval Captain

📍Key Points

✅Illegal Entry: A former Chinese naval captain has been sentenced to eight months in prison for illegally entering Taiwan by boat.
✅ Security Concerns: Taiwan has been on high alert regarding Chinese nationals, fearing they may be sent by Beijing to test the island's defenses.
✅Rising Tensions: The incident reflects the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with China claiming Taiwan as a part of its territory.

📍Implications

✅Increased Vigilance: Taiwan has intensified its efforts to monitor and prevent unauthorized entries from China.
✅Potential for Escalation: The incident could further escalate tensions between Taiwan and China, potentially leading to military confrontations.
✅Regional Security: The Taiwan Strait is a crucial strategic waterway, and any conflict could have broader implications for regional security.

Possible Prelims Question:

Which country has been on high alert regarding the entry of Chinese nationals into its territory?
A) Japan
B) South Korea
C) Vietnam
D) Taiwan

📍Possible Mains Question:

Analyze the implications of the growing tensions between Taiwan and China. Discuss the potential consequences for regional security and the global order.
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India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution calling for Israel to vacate Palestinian territories within a year.

Most resolutions passed by the General Assembly are recommendations and are not legally binding.

Resolutions address international issues such as peace and security, human rights, and development, reflecting the UN’s position on global matters.

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Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to India highlighted the enduring legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru and India’s leadership role in shaping the Global South agenda. He praised India’s G20 Chairmanship and Voice of Global South Summits, emphasizing the importance of Nehru’s vision for a just and prosperous nation. Despite domestic criticism, Nehru’s reputation remains intact globally. Anwar’s references to historical Indian figures reflect shared cultural heritage and intellectual ties. The visit aimed to strengthen India-Malaysia relations and promote cooperation on global issues while acknowledging complexities surrounding minority rights and regional conflicts.

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🔆Quad summit agenda

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🔆Ukraine bans using telegram on state-issued devices

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🔆Economy takes Centre stages in Sri Lanka's election

This time, the polls are seeing a three-pronged battle between Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, main Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the National People's Power (NPP).

There are 38 presidential candidates in the race. However, right now, three stand out as the top contenders:


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✅Sri Lanka's ninth Presidential election is being held under exceptional circumstances, occurring two years post a political revolt and severe economic crisis.

✅Prominent candidates include Ranil Wickremesinghe running independently, Sajith Premadasa of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP).

✅The United National Party (UNP) and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), traditional political parties, are either marginal or not in the race.

✅Tamil minorities show divisions in voting preferences, impacting the support base of principal candidates like Mr. Wickremesinghe and Mr. Premadasa, while P. Ariyanenthiran runs as an independent Tamil candidate.

✅Namal Rajapaksa aims to transform the Jaffna peninsula into a 'thriving technology and business hub'.

✅Mr. Wickremesinghe's tenure saw initial economic stabilization, partly due to support from India and an IMF-backed economic recovery program.

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India has recently escalated its demand for renegotiating the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling off all meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) until Pakistan agrees to talks.

Historically, the IWT has been seen as a successful water-sharing agreement, with India winning major disputes related to the treaty by adhering to its processes, such as the Baglihar Dam project and the Neelum project dispute.

The dispute resolution process for projects like Kishenganga and Ratle has faced challenges since 2016, leading to parallel dispute mechanisms which both countries have boycotted at different stages.

The World Bank, a co-signatory and guarantor of the IWT, allowed parallel processes to run for dispute resolution, further complicating the situation.

The decision by the Modi government to halt all PIC meetings has jeopardized the treaty's future, and political leaders on both sides have utilized strong rhetoric, which was previously avoided.

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🔆Exercise Eastern Bridge VII

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully completed Exercise Eastern Bridge VII with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at the RAFO airbase in Masirah.

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🔆Quad summit agenda

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