Western powers commemorated two years of Russian aggression in Ukraine, with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasizing the potential for Kyiv to join NATO, though consensus among member states seems distant.
Ukraine's current military challenges include a severe shortage of artillery ammunition, contributing to higher casualties and difficulties in repelling Russian forces.
The U.S. has been the largest arms contributor to Ukraine, but a $60 billion aid bill is currently stalled in Congress, with some advocating for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security.
The EU has committed to a €5 billion deal to support the Ukrainian economy, but disagreements persist over funding mechanisms and contributions to the European Peace Facility.
Ukraine's full NATO membership is not imminent; instead, NATO is enhancing current cooperation mechanisms with Ukraine, amidst uncertainties regarding geopolitical developments, including elections in Russia and the U.S
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
Ukraine's current military challenges include a severe shortage of artillery ammunition, contributing to higher casualties and difficulties in repelling Russian forces.
The U.S. has been the largest arms contributor to Ukraine, but a $60 billion aid bill is currently stalled in Congress, with some advocating for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security.
The EU has committed to a €5 billion deal to support the Ukrainian economy, but disagreements persist over funding mechanisms and contributions to the European Peace Facility.
Ukraine's full NATO membership is not imminent; instead, NATO is enhancing current cooperation mechanisms with Ukraine, amidst uncertainties regarding geopolitical developments, including elections in Russia and the U.S
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
🔆India's Palestine policy
India has historically balanced its support for the Palestine cause with its growing relationship with Israel.
Recent events, including Prime Minister Modi's solidarity with Israel after the October 7 Hamas attack, suggest a potential shift in India's stance.
India's voting record at the UN post-October 7 reflects continued support for a two-state solution, condemning Israeli settlements and backing resolutions for ceasefire and Palestinian self-determination.
India's interest in stabilizing West Asia, through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, is impacted by the Gaza conflict.
An immediate end to the war and a permanent solution to the Palestine question align with India's strategic interests.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
India has historically balanced its support for the Palestine cause with its growing relationship with Israel.
Recent events, including Prime Minister Modi's solidarity with Israel after the October 7 Hamas attack, suggest a potential shift in India's stance.
India's voting record at the UN post-October 7 reflects continued support for a two-state solution, condemning Israeli settlements and backing resolutions for ceasefire and Palestinian self-determination.
India's interest in stabilizing West Asia, through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, is impacted by the Gaza conflict.
An immediate end to the war and a permanent solution to the Palestine question align with India's strategic interests.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
🔆Washington Declaration
Why in news?
✅In April 2023, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived in the U.S. to commemorate the 70th anniversary of U.S.-South Korea bilateral relations.
✅A highlight of the visit was the signing of the “Washington Declaration” as a nuclear deterrence strategy.
📍Conflict Between North and South Korea
✅Since the beginning of the 20th century, Korea had been a part of the Japanese empire, and after World War II it fell to the Americans and the Soviets.
✅In other words, after WW II, USA and USSR were to decide what should be done with their enemy’s (Japan’s) imperial possessions.
✅In August 1945, Korean peninsula was divided in half along the 38th parallel. The Russians occupied the area north of the line and the United States occupied the area to its south.
✅In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, starting the three-year Korean War. As a result, American troops had entered the war on South Korea’s behalf.
✅As far as American officials were concerned, it was a war against the forces of international communism itself.
✅Finally, in July 1953, the Korean War came to an end by signing of the armistice agreement in 1953.
✅Since the signing of the armistice agreement, North and South Korea have been divided by a 4km wide demilitarised zone stretching 250km.
📍What does the Washington Declaration say?
✅The agreement outlines cooperation towards deterrence
✅As per the agreement:
an American nuclear ballistic submarine would be deployed in the Korean peninsula;
✅a nuclear consultative group would be formed to formulate principles of joint response tactics;
✅South Korea would receive Intel from the U.S. regarding nuclear advancements; and
✅the U.S. will strengthen South Korea’s nuclear deterrence capabilities through joint military training programs and an annual intergovernmental simulation.
✅It reaffirmed the non-proliferation Treaty
South Korea would not venture into the creation of its own independent nuclear capabilities.
✅It would instead focus on deterrence measures through an alliance-based approach.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
Why in news?
✅In April 2023, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived in the U.S. to commemorate the 70th anniversary of U.S.-South Korea bilateral relations.
✅A highlight of the visit was the signing of the “Washington Declaration” as a nuclear deterrence strategy.
📍Conflict Between North and South Korea
✅Since the beginning of the 20th century, Korea had been a part of the Japanese empire, and after World War II it fell to the Americans and the Soviets.
✅In other words, after WW II, USA and USSR were to decide what should be done with their enemy’s (Japan’s) imperial possessions.
✅In August 1945, Korean peninsula was divided in half along the 38th parallel. The Russians occupied the area north of the line and the United States occupied the area to its south.
✅In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, starting the three-year Korean War. As a result, American troops had entered the war on South Korea’s behalf.
✅As far as American officials were concerned, it was a war against the forces of international communism itself.
✅Finally, in July 1953, the Korean War came to an end by signing of the armistice agreement in 1953.
✅Since the signing of the armistice agreement, North and South Korea have been divided by a 4km wide demilitarised zone stretching 250km.
📍What does the Washington Declaration say?
✅The agreement outlines cooperation towards deterrence
✅As per the agreement:
an American nuclear ballistic submarine would be deployed in the Korean peninsula;
✅a nuclear consultative group would be formed to formulate principles of joint response tactics;
✅South Korea would receive Intel from the U.S. regarding nuclear advancements; and
✅the U.S. will strengthen South Korea’s nuclear deterrence capabilities through joint military training programs and an annual intergovernmental simulation.
✅It reaffirmed the non-proliferation Treaty
South Korea would not venture into the creation of its own independent nuclear capabilities.
✅It would instead focus on deterrence measures through an alliance-based approach.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
Bloody Thursday incident in Gaza where Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinians, resulting in at least 112 deaths and over 700 injuries, has triggered global outrage and calls for an international probe.
The conflict, starting from Hamas's attack on October 7, has led to significant destruction in Gaza, with over 30,000 people killed, 70,000 wounded, and more than 90% of Gaza's 2.4 million population displaced.
Gaza is facing the worst level of child malnutrition in the world, with the enclave headed towards famine and its hospital system on the verge of collapse.
Global anger against Israel's conduct of the war has increased, with accusations of apartheid and genocide by international figures and protests in several western cities.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
The conflict, starting from Hamas's attack on October 7, has led to significant destruction in Gaza, with over 30,000 people killed, 70,000 wounded, and more than 90% of Gaza's 2.4 million population displaced.
Gaza is facing the worst level of child malnutrition in the world, with the enclave headed towards famine and its hospital system on the verge of collapse.
Global anger against Israel's conduct of the war has increased, with accusations of apartheid and genocide by international figures and protests in several western cities.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
🔆India Replaces Maldives Troops with Technical Teams
✅On March 2nd, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the first batch of Indian technical personnel has arrived in Maldives to take over operating duties of some military staff deployed in the island nation.
✅The move follows recent discussions between both governments to replace soldiers with technical teams
📍Deployment Background
✅India has maintained a small military presence in Maldives for years under cooperation agreements to handle air and coastal surveillance using helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft.
✅However, the then opposition party – now under newly elected President Ibrahim Muizzu – campaigned to remove Indian troops under its “India Out” plank alleging sovereignty violations. This had complicated bilateral ties recently.
✅Compromise Outcome
To resolve the dispute, both countries have struck a compromise with New Delhi agreeing to replace fully trained military teams with civilian personnel capable of technologically handling aviation assets.
✅The replacement technical groups comprise personnel skilled in light helicopter operations, maintenance procedures and related aspects drawn from India’s Coast Guard and civil aviation divisions.
✅Besides operating the platforms, they can train local crew over time for smooth eventual transfer to full Maldivian management in line with strategic self-reliance goals.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
✅On March 2nd, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the first batch of Indian technical personnel has arrived in Maldives to take over operating duties of some military staff deployed in the island nation.
✅The move follows recent discussions between both governments to replace soldiers with technical teams
📍Deployment Background
✅India has maintained a small military presence in Maldives for years under cooperation agreements to handle air and coastal surveillance using helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft.
✅However, the then opposition party – now under newly elected President Ibrahim Muizzu – campaigned to remove Indian troops under its “India Out” plank alleging sovereignty violations. This had complicated bilateral ties recently.
✅Compromise Outcome
To resolve the dispute, both countries have struck a compromise with New Delhi agreeing to replace fully trained military teams with civilian personnel capable of technologically handling aviation assets.
✅The replacement technical groups comprise personnel skilled in light helicopter operations, maintenance procedures and related aspects drawn from India’s Coast Guard and civil aviation divisions.
✅Besides operating the platforms, they can train local crew over time for smooth eventual transfer to full Maldivian management in line with strategic self-reliance goals.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
Philippine and Chinese coast guard vessels collided in the South China Sea, injuring four Filipino crew members and causing minor structural damage to Manila's vessel.
The Chinese coast guard executed dangerous maneuvers, obstructing a routine resupply mission to the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, leading to collisions and water cannon attacks.
The incidents raise the longstanding territorial disputes in the South China Sea, expected to be discussed at the ASEAN summit, highlighting the global concern over the region's stability and international law.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
The Chinese coast guard executed dangerous maneuvers, obstructing a routine resupply mission to the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, leading to collisions and water cannon attacks.
The incidents raise the longstanding territorial disputes in the South China Sea, expected to be discussed at the ASEAN summit, highlighting the global concern over the region's stability and international law.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
Forwarded from CSE EXAM ( UPSC prelims mains)
UPSC_epfo_2024-E.pdf
1.5 MB
🔆UPSC EPFO personal assistant (pa) 2024 detailed notification
apply online 07-27 mar 2024
total 323
graduate + steno + typing
Join. @CSE_EXAM
apply online 07-27 mar 2024
total 323
graduate + steno + typing
Join. @CSE_EXAM
Forwarded from CSE EXAM ( UPSC prelims mains)