UPSC-CSE

PRELIMS 2025

Current Affairs Decoded

(May to December 2024)
International Relations
Set I
Study Material

Ankush Jadhav | Bushra Mahadik

The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

Published by
Unique Institute of Higher Learning Pvt. Ltd.
Pride Portal Building, Shivaji Housing Society,
off Senapati Bapat Road Behind
JW Marriot Hotel, Bahiratwadi, Pune
Ph. 8929920917/9890399930
Email. : admin@theuniqueacademy.com
Website : www.theuniqueacademy.com
www.theuniqueacademy.co.in

UPSC- CSE PRELIMS 2025

Current Affairs Decoded
(May to December 2024) International Relations
Set I (Study Material)
Ankush Jadhav | Bushra Mahadik

© Unique Institute of Higher Learning Pvt. Ltd.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means,
without permission. Any person who does any unauthorised
act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal
prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Typesetter : Unique Institute of Higher Learning Team

2 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

INDEX

1. Colombo Process 05 24. International Association of

Agricultural Economists 24
2. Indo-Pacific Economic
Framework for Prosperity 05 25. India Joins US-led Mineral
Security Network 24
3. Fast Track Immigration –
Trusted Traveller Programme 07 26. Operation Sadbhav 25

4. INDUS-X Summit 08 27. Indus Water Treaty 26

5. Biopharmaceutical Alliance 09 28. India, Uzbekistan Sign

Investment Treaty 27
6. SIPRI Report 10
29. FATF's Mutual Evaluation Report 27
7. India – Nepal Border Dispute 11
30. India’s Election to the
8. Summit on Peace 11
GlobE Steering Committee 29
9. 50th G7 Summit 12
31. India-Gulf Cooperation
10. Chabahar port 14 Council Meeting 29

11. SQUAD 15 32. Pact for the Future 30

12. AI Convention 16 33. Pacific Islands Forum 31

13. BIMSTEC Charter 17 34. 6th QUAD Summit 31

14. Cultural Property Agreement 18 35. East Asia Summit 33

15. 24th Meeting of the SCO 36. UK-Mauritius Agreement 33

Council of Heads of State 18
37. USCIRF Report 34
16. Technology Security Initiative 19
38. THAAD 35
17. FIPIC 20
39. Kartarpur Corridor 35
18. Colombo Security Conclave 21
40. Predator drones 36
19. First overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra 21
41. Eastern Maritime Corridor 36
20. Pacts signed with USA 21
42. India-CARICOM Summit 36
21. India-Japan ‘2+2’ Dialogue 22
43. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 37
22. India and Its Refugee Policy 22
44. UNRWA 38
23. Voice of the Global South Summit 23
45. India-Switzerland Tax Treaty 38

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 3
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

4 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

COLOMBO PROCESS
Context: India has become chair of the regional grouping Colombo Process for the first time since its
inception in 2003. India would lead the grouping for the period 2024-26.
Colombo Process
●● It is a regional consultative forum comprising 12 Asian countries aimed at enhancing cooperation on
matters related to overseas employment.
●● Member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the
Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
●● Founding members: Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka,
Thailand, and Vietnam.
●● The forum facilitates the sharing of experiences and best practices among South and Southeast Asian
countries that send migrant workers abroad.
●● Decisions made under the Colombo Process are based on consensus and are non-binding.
Key Objectives:
●● Exchange experiences, lessons, and best practices.
●● Address challenges faced by migrant workers and propose actionable solutions.
●● Maximize the developmental advantages of organized overseas employment.
●● Monitor and assess the implementation of ministerial recommendations.
Administrative Support:
●● The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) provides administrative and technical assistance.
●● The Colombo Process Technical Support Unit (CPTSU), located in Sri Lanka, offers technical support
in the forum's thematic areas of focus.

INDO-PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK FOR PROSPERITY (IPEF)

Context: India attends the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) ministerial meeting.
At the meeting, IPEF members signed multiple agreements to address 21st century challenges and strengthen
economic engagement across the IndoPacific.
Key Outcomes of Meeting
1. IPEF Clean Economy Agreement
¾¾ Focus: Accelerating energy security, clean energy transition, climate resilience, and GHG
emissions mitigation.
¾¾ Goal: Promote sustainable economic growth and tackle climate challenges collaboratively.
2. IPEF Fair Economy Agreement
¾¾ Aim: Establish a more transparent, fair, and predictable business environment across member
countries.
¾¾ Impact: Supports ethical practices, better governance, and enhanced trade opportunities.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 5
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

3. Cooperative Work Programme (CWP): Three new CWPs were launched:

¾¾ Emissions Intensity Accounting: Measuring and reducing carbon emissions.
¾¾ E-waste Urban Mining: India leads this initiative to enhance e-waste recycling and resource
recovery.
� Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Promote the use of advanced nuclear energy technology for
clean energy.
4. Operational Launch of the IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund
¾¾ Purpose: Fund high-quality clean economy infrastructure projects.
¾¾ Objective: Expand investments in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and green
technologies.
India's Position
India participated actively in the discussions but did not formally sign the agreements during the meeting.
Reason: Domestic approval processes were still pending and will be completed after the formation of a
new government.
Ratification and Implementation
These agreements will take effect once at least five IPEF member countries complete their internal legal
procedures for ratification, acceptance, or approval.
Establishment of three supply chain bodies
●● India and 13 other IPEF partners have established three supply chain bodies.
●● These bodies include:
¾¾ Supply Chain Council: To pursue targeted, action-oriented work to strengthen supply chains for
those sectors and goods most critical to national security, public health, etc. India is elected as it's Vice
Chair.
¾¾ Crisis Response Network: To provide a forum for a collective emergency response to exigent or
imminent disruptions.
¾¾ Labor Rights Advisory Board: To bring together workers, employers, and governments at the same
table to strengthen labor rights and workforce development across regional supply chains.
About IPEF
●● The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), was initiated in 2022 by the United States and its allies
in the Indo-Pacific.
●● It involves 14 partner nations, collectively representing 40% of the world's GDP and 28% of global trade
in goods and services.
●● Its aim is to bolster economic cooperation among member states, focusing on fostering resilience,
sustainability, inclusivity, growth, fairness, and competitiveness within the region.
●● Members: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand,
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, USA
●● IPEF is not a Free Trade Agreement(FTA) but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to.
●● Four main pillars :

6 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

¾¾ Supply-chain resilience
¾¾ Clean energy, decarbonization & infrastructure
¾¾ Taxation & anti-corruption
¾¾ Fair & resilient trade
●● India has decided to opt out of the trade pillar of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) as most
issues promoted by the IPEF do not align with India's trade policies.

FAST TRACK IMMIGRATION – TRUSTED TRAVELLER PROGRAMME (FTI-TTP)

Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller
Programme (FTI-TTP) at seven airports: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and
Ahmedabad.
It is designed to streamline the immigration process at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport using
a biometrics-based system. This initiative aims to provide faster, smoother, and safer immigration clearance
for passengers.
Nodal Agency: The Bureau of Immigration is the nodal agency responsible for overseeing the program’s
implementation and operation.
Key Features:
1. Target Group:
¾¾ Initially available to Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs).
¾¾ The service will be expanded to include foreign nationals in later phases, covering more major
airports.
2. Biometric-based System:
¾¾ Passengers' biometric data will be captured and stored in a secure database for real-time
verification.
¾¾ This allows travellers to use automated gates with minimal human intervention for quicker
processing.
3. Free Service: The FTI-TTP service is free of charge and aims to make immigration processes more
efficient and secure.
Process of Enrollment:
1. Registration:
¾¾ Applicants must register online, upload necessary documents, and complete the verification
process.
¾¾ A whitelist of “trusted travellers” will be created based on the verification.
2. Biometric Collection: Biometrics will be recorded either at the Foreigners Regional Registration
Office or at the airport.
3. Validity and Renewal:
¾¾ The registration is valid until the passport expires or for five years, whichever comes first.
¾¾ It can be renewed after the validity period.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 7
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

4. Immigration Clearance:
¾¾ At the e-gates, registered passengers scan their boarding pass and passport.
¾¾ Upon biometric verification, the gate will open, completing the immigration process.

INDUS-X SUMMIT
Context: The third edition of the INDUS-X Summit concluded in the United States, marking a progress
in the advancement of a joint defence innovation ecosystem in India and the USA.
INDUS-X Summit
●● Launched in 2023 during the Indian Prime Minister's state visit to the U.S.
●● Strategic initiative aimed at deepening defense industrial and technology cooperation between India and
the United States.
Key features and objectives:
●● Objective:
¾¾ Expand Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen technology partnerships and defense industrial cooperation
between the two nations.
¾¾ Defence Innovation Bridge: Establish a collaborative platform to facilitate innovation, co-production,
and co-development in defense technologies.
●● Key Focus Areas:
1. Joint Challenges: Tackle mutual defense challenges by fostering innovation.
2. Joint Innovation Fund: Facilitate funding for collaborative research and development projects.
3. Academia Engagement: Promote partnerships between universities and research institutions in both
countries.
4. Industry-Startup Connect: Bridge the gap between defense industries and startups for innovative
solutions.
5. Private Investment: Encourage private entities to invest in defense-related projects.
6. Mentorship and Niche Technologies: Provide expert guidance and support for specialized
technology development.
●● Scope:
¾¾ Focused on advancing cooperation in high-tech areas, joint research, development, and production
opportunities in defense.
¾¾ Explore co-production possibilities in critical areas such as jet engines, long-range artillery systems,
and infantry vehicles.
●● Implementation:
¾¾ India: Steered by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under the Ministry of Defence.
¾¾ U.S.: Led by the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Innovations for Defence Excellence
●● It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, launched in 2018.
●● The objective of the scheme is to cultivate an innovation ecosystem in the Defence and Aerospace sector

8 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

by collaborating with startups, innovators, MSMEs, incubators, and academia.

●● iDEX offers grants and support for R&D with significant potential for future adoption in Indian defence
and aerospace.
●● Funding: It will be funded and managed by a ‘Defence Innovation Organization (DIO)’ which has been
formed as a ‘not for profit’ company as per the Companies Act 2013 for this purpose, by the two founder
members i.e., Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs): HAL and BEL.

BIOPHARMACEUTICAL ALLIANCE
Context: The Biopharmaceutical Alliance was recently inaugurated in San Diego during the Bio
International Convention 2024, the world's largest biopharmaceutical exhibition.
The Bio International Convention is a premier event for the biotechnology industry, attracting over
20,000 global leaders across public companies, biotech startups, academia, non-profits, and government
agencies.
Biopharmaceutical Alliance
●● This alliance brings together India, South Korea, Japan, the US, and the European Union to strengthen
and build a resilient supply chain in the biopharmaceutical sector.
●● It focuses on collaboration in biopharmaceutical policies, regulations, and research and development
support measures.
Key Highlights:
1. Goal of the Alliance:
¾¾ To create a reliable and sustainable biopharmaceutical supply chain that can better withstand
disruptions.
¾¾ Participants agreed to coordinate biopolicies, regulations, and R&D efforts to foster a more
robust system.
2. Addressing Raw Material Concentration:
¾¾ Acknowledged that the production of essential raw materials and ingredients is highly concentrated
in a few countries.
¾¾ Agreed to work together to develop a detailed pharmaceutical supply chain map to reduce
vulnerabilities.
3. Response to Covid-19:
¾¾ The alliance was formed in response to drug supply shortages experienced during the Covid-19
pandemic. The pandemic highlighted the need for stronger global coordination in pharmaceutical
production and distribution.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 9
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

SIPRI REPORT
Context: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report was released that highlighted
the increased risk and instability associated with the ongoing modernisation and expansion of nuclear
arsenals worldwide.
Key highlights of the report
●● Global Nuclear Warheads:
¾¾ All nine nuclear-armed states (USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and
Israel) continued modernising their arsenals.
¾¾ Total global inventory: Approximately 12,121 nuclear warheads (as of January 2024), with 9,585 in
military stockpiles.
¾¾ Around 2,100 warheads on high operational alert, primarily by the USA and Russia, with China
potentially joining this category.
●● Country-Specific Developments:
¾¾ Russia and USA: Together hold nearly 90% of all nuclear weapons.
¾¾ China: Rapid expansion from 410 to 500 warheads by January 2024. Expanding its arsenal faster
than any other country.
¾¾ North Korea: Estimated at 50 warheads with materials for up to 90.
¾¾ Israel: Modernising its arsenal and enhancing plutonium production. Does not officially acknowledge
its nuclear capability.
¾¾ India: 172 nuclear warheads (ranked 6th globally), prioritising longer-range weapons targeting
China.
� Pakistan: 170 warheads.
●● Nuclear Diplomacy Challenges: Setbacks in nuclear arms control due to geopolitical conflicts-
¾¾ War in Ukraine and Gaza crisis disrupted diplomatic efforts.
¾¾ Tensions between Iran and the USA remain high.
¾¾ Israel-Hamas war further complicated disarmament diplomacy.
¾¾ Russia suspended participation in the New START Treaty and withdrew from the CTBT ratification.
●● Global Security Concerns: Risks from-
¾¾ Military expenditure and arms transfers.
¾¾ Private military companies in conflicts.
¾¾ Emerging threats in AI, outer space, cyberspace, and civilian protections in war zones.
SIPRI
●● It is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control
and disarmament.
●● It was established in 1966 in Stockholm (Sweden).
●● It provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers,
media and the interested public.

10 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

INDIA – NEPAL BORDER DISPUTE

Context: The Government of Nepal has decided to come out with a Rs-100 currency note that depicts
the country’s map with India’s territories.
Background
●● In May 2020, the Government of Nepal had released an updated political map of the country, claiming
Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of Uttarakhand as part of Nepal’s territory.
●● Both India and Nepal claim ownership of the Kalapani region.
●● The area is named after the Kali River, which is called the Mahakali River in Nepal and holds significant
cultural importance there, much like the Ganga River does in India.
●● The river serves as a natural border between the two countries, with its source being a key point of
contention.
●● India's Position: India maintains that the Kalapani region lies within Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, where
the Kali River originates.
●● Nepal's Position: Nepal contends that the river originates from either Limpiyadhura or Lipulekh, both
of which are considered part of Nepal's Sudurpaschim province.
Recent issue
●● The dispute between India and Nepal over the Lipulekh Pass and surrounding areas, including Kalapani
and Limpiyadhura, has escalated since 2020.
●● The key issue centers around the road inaugurated by India, which connects Dharchula in Uttarakhand
to Lipulekh Pass, a vital route for pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar.
●● Nepal’s objection to this road stems from its claim over Kalapani and Lipulekh, areas it asserts are part
of its territory, as reflected in its newly amended map passed in 2020.
●● Nepal’s constitutional amendment aimed to formalize its territorial claim, but India has dismissed Nepal’s
map, asserting that it lacks historical evidence and doesn't reflect accurate borders. India’s Ministry of
External Affairs rejected the map as “unilateral” and called for dialogue.
●● The situation strained diplomatic relations between the two countries, but both sides have reiterated the
importance of resolving the dispute through dialogue, though tensions over the boundary issues remain
unresolved.

SUMMIT ON PEACE
Context: Summit on Peace in Ukraine titled “Path To Peace Summit”, held in Switzerland, ended on
16th June 2024. Through this summit, participants hoped for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Highlights of the Peace Summit
1. Call for Territorial Integrity of Ukraine:
¾¾ 80 countries emphasized the importance of Ukraine's territorial integrity as the foundation for
any peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
¾¾ The final joint communiqué outlined a "Path to Peace" focusing on:
a. Nuclear safety
UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 11
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

b. Global food security

c. Humanitarian issues.
2. Release of Prisoners of War (POWs):
¾¾ The declaration called for the release of all prisoners of war.
¾¾ It also demanded the return of deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children and
civilians.
3. Absence of Russia:
¾¾ Russia was not invited due to the International Criminal Court’s indictment of President Vladimir
Putin for alleged war crimes.
¾¾ The host, Switzerland, chose not to include Russia in the discussions.
4. India’s Stance:
¾¾ India, along with Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE, did not endorse the final statement
from the Peace Summit.
¾¾ India maintained that peace proposals must be acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine for
meaningful conflict resolution.
The summit reflects the global divide over approaches to resolving the conflict while highlighting efforts
to address critical issues like humanitarian concerns and nuclear safety.

50TH G7 SUMMIT
Context: The Prime Minister attended the annual G7 summit held in Italy from 13 to 15th June 2024.
This summit marked the 50th anniversary of the group.
Highlights of 50th G7 Summit
●● Leaders decided to promote concrete G7 PGII (Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment)
initiatives.
●● G-7 nations committed to support and promote the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
(IMEC).
●● G7 also extended support for the Lobito Corridor in Central Africa and Luzon Corridor and the Middle
Corridor.
●● G7 leaders commit to step up efforts to enhance interoperability amongst their AI governance approaches
to promote greater certainty, transparency and accountability.
●● Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine: The G7 agreed to provide financing of
approximately USD 50 billion in additional funding to Ukraine by the end of 2024.
Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII)
●● PGII represents a joint endeavor by G7 countries to finance infrastructure ventures in developing nations.
●● This developmental endeavor seeks to address the infrastructure deficit in developing countries and
advance progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) worldwide.
●● It was initially unveiled during the G7 Summit in the UK in 202.1
●● Aiim : To pool approximately $600 billion from G7 members by 2027 to support essential infrastructure
projects that enhance livelihoods and yield tangible benefits for all citizens.

12 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

●● IMEC involves India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany, and the US.
●● Its goal is to facilitate increased trade among these nations, particularly in energy products.
●● IMEC consists of both an Eastern Corridor linking India to the Gulf region and a Northern Corridor
connecting the Gulf region to Europe.
●● It will feature railway and ship-rail transit networks along with road transport routes. Additionally, the
corridor will incorporate various infrastructure elements such as electricity cable, hydrogen pipeline, and
high-speed data cable.
●● The rail and shipping corridor is part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII).
Lobito Corridor:
It extends from the port city of Lobito on the Atlantic coast of Angola through the Democratic Republic
of the Congo (DRC) and into Zambia.
Luzon Corridor: It is a strategic economic and infrastructure corridor located on the island of Luzon in
the Philippines. Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines.
Middle Corridor:
●● It is also referred to as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), a vital logistics and
transportation network connecting Europe and Asia.
●● This route serves as an alternative to the traditional Northern and Southern corridors, enhancing trade
and economic cooperation between the regions it traverses.
Great Green Wall Initiative:
●● It is a project aimed at combating desertification and land degradation in the Sahel region of Africa.
●● It aims to create a wall of trees stretching across Africa from west to east to help prevent the spread of
the Sahara Desert, improve biodiversity, and provide economic opportunities for local communities.
Evolution of the G7
The G7 serves as a platform for addressing global issues like economic stability, climate change, and
geopolitical challenges.
●● Origin as G6 (1975):
¾¾ Members: United States, France, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and West Germany.
¾¾ Purpose: To tackle major economic challenges, particularly inflation and the global recession caused
by the OPEC oil embargo of 1973-74.
●● Expansion to G7 (1976):
¾¾ New Member: Canada.
¾¾ The group was renamed the G7 to reflect this inclusion.
●● Transition to G8 (1997):
¾¾ New Member: Russia joined, marking the group's temporary expansion.
¾¾ G8 to G7: Russia was excluded in 2014 due to its annexation of Crimea.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 13
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

●● Involvement of the European Union (EU):

¾¾ Since 1981, the EU has participated in G7 meetings, represented by the Presidents of the European
Council and European Commission.
¾¾ The EU does not hold a rotating presidency but contributes to the group's work.
Functioning of the G7
●● Membership: No formal membership criteria exist, but member nations are wealthy democracies with
significant global influence.
●● Structure: The G7 has no formal institutional framework, permanent secretariat, or charter.
●● Presidency: Rotates annually among member countries. The presiding nation sets the agenda, organizes
the summit, and leads discussions.
●● Role of Sherpas:
¾¾ Sherpas are senior officials or envoys responsible for summit preparations.
¾¾ They lead discussions, oversee negotiations, and draft the summit's final communiqué.
●● Process Tracks: Key contributors include-
¾¾ Political Directors: Oversee political discussions.
¾¾ Foreign Affairs Sous-Sherpa (FASS): Focus on international relations.
¾¾ Finance Deputies: Handle economic and financial matters.

CHABAHAR PORT
Context: Recently, India and Iran signed a 10-year contract for operating the Chabahar port in Iran.
About the Agreement
●● The agreement was signed between Indian Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) and Port and Maritime Organisation
(PMO) of Iran, enabling operation of the Shahid-Beheshti terminal.
●● IPGL will invest approximately $120 million in equipping the port. o India has also offered a credit
window equivalent to $250 million for mutually identified projects aimed at improving Chabahar-related
infrastructure.
Chabahar Port
● It is a significant infrastructure project for India and Iran, strategically located in the Sistan-Baluchistan
province of Iran on the Gulf of Oman.
● Chabahar's development aims to enhance trade between India, Iran, and Central Asia while reducing
dependence on Pakistan for access to the Arabian Sea. It is seen as a cornerstone in India's broader
strategy to expand its influence in the region.
●● Strategic Importance:
¾¾ Location: The port's proximity to India, on the southern coast of Iran, offers direct access to the
ocean and enhances maritime trade routes.
� Connection to Global Trade: As Iran's first deep-water port, it serves as a key player in Iran's entry
into global maritime trade. The port's location on the western side of Iran’s border with Pakistan
complements Pakistan’s Gwadar port, developed by China, which lies on the eastern side of the
border.
14 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

●● Development Efforts:
¾¾ Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): In May 2015, India signed an MoU with Iran to develop
Chabahar Port.
¾¾ Execution of the Project: The formal contract was signed in May 2016 during Prime Minister Modi’s
visit to Iran, setting the foundation for Indian involvement in the port's development.
●● Current Status:
¾¾ Indian Support: India has contributed to the port’s operational capacity by supplying six mobile
harbour cranes and equipment worth $25 million.
¾¾ Management: India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL), through its subsidiary India Ports Global Chabahar
Free Zone (IPGCFZ), has been managing the port since December 2018.

SQUAD
Context: Recently, a new four-way security arrangement to launch SQUAD in the Indo-Pacific was
institutionalized. It is one among several mini-lateral groupings in the Indo-Pacific region that aim to ensure
a rules-based order and counter China's assertive activities, particularly in the South China Sea.
Key Details:
●● Prime Objective:
¾¾ To deepen integration among member nations.
¾¾ To counter hegemonic tendencies of China, including militarization of the South China Sea.
¾¾ To uphold a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
●● Origin:
¾¾ The concept of this informal grouping emerged in 2023 during discussions to strengthen strategic
collaboration in the South China Sea.
¾¾ The first meeting of defense chiefs from these nations took place at the Shangri La Security Dialogue
in Singapore.
●● Negotiations and Agreements:
¾¾ The Philippines is negotiating a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan to facilitate troop
deployments.
¾¾ Existing agreements such as the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US and the Status of
Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Australia provide a framework for cooperation.
●● Relation with Other Mini-Lateral Groupings: It complements other initiatives such as
¾¾ Quad (India, USA, Japan, Australia)
¾¾ AUKUS (Australia, UK, USA)
¾¾ US-Philippines-Japan and US-Japan-South Korea trilaterals.
Mini-Lateral Groupings
●● Mini-lateral groupings are collaborative frameworks involving three to nine countries that work together
informally to address specific challenges shared by their members.
●● These groupings are increasingly common, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, where strategic and
security concerns dominate.
UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 15
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

●● Key Features of Mini-Laterals

¾¾ Task-Oriented: Focus on specific goals or challenges, such as maritime security, trade, or infrastructure
development.
¾¾ Exclusive Membership: Participation is limited to countries with shared interests, ensuring alignment
and focus.
¾¾ Consensus-Driven: Smaller size enables quicker decision-making and consensus-building compared
to large multilateral organizations.
¾¾ Agility and Adaptability: Informal structures allow flexibility in addressing emerging issues.
●● Examples of Mini-Lateral Groupings
¾¾ Indo-Pacific Region: QUAD, AUKUS
¾¾ China-Led Initiative: Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism
¾¾ Southeast Asia: Malacca Strait Patrols (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand)

AI CONVENTION
Context: Recently, the Council of Europe (COE) adopted the Framework Convention on Artificial
Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law, known as the 'AI convention'.
AI Convention of Europe
●● It is a comprehensive agreement focused on the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and its
connection to human rights, democracy, and responsible AI use.
●● Its aim is to ensure that AI-related activities align with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
●● The convention defines AI systems as machine-based systems that use inputs to generate outputs, such as
predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions, impacting both physical and virtual environments.
This definition aligns with the EU AI Act and the OECD's standards.
●● The convention covers all stages of AI systems that may affect human rights, democracy, and the rule of
law.
●● It applies to AI activities conducted by both public authorities and private entities working on their
behalf.
●● For private sector activities not directly associated with public authorities, the convention ensures that
the risks and impacts align with its core objectives.
●● There are some exemptions for national security, research, development, testing, and defense, as outlined
in Articles 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4, meaning military AI applications are not included in the convention.
Council of Europe (COE)
●● The Council of Europe (CoE) is an international political organization that was founded in 1949 to
protect human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
●● It is the oldest intergovernmental organization in post-World War II Europe and has the most member
states, which cooperate voluntarily.
●● Headquarter: The CoE is based in Strasbourg, France and has close ties with the European Union.
●● It has 46 members including Japan, the U.S., countries of the EU bloc and others.

16 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

BIMSTEC CHARTER
Context: The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC) has taken a significant step forward with the coming into force of its first charter on May
20, 2024. This development opens the door for the organization to accept new members and observers,
expanding its scope and potential influence.
Background:
●● In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BIMSTEC leaders convened virtually on March 30, 2022,
under the chairmanship of Sri Lanka and adopted the BIMSTEC Charter.
●● The charter was officially endorsed during the 5th BIMSTEC Summit in March 2022. Following this
summit, Thailand assumed the chairmanship of the organization.
●● Nepal's parliament ratified the BIMSTEC charter in April 2024, facilitating its official entry into force.
This legal milestone enables BIMSTEC to operate with a "legal personality," meaning it now has
recognized rights and duties under international law.
●● With this new legal status, BIMSTEC can engage in structured diplomatic dialogues with other global
organizations and countries, enhancing its ability to influence regional and global policy discussions.
●● The move paves the way for increased cooperation and collaboration among its member countries and
with external partners.
Features of BIMSTEC Charter
1. International Recognition: It provides BIMSTEC with legal status, enabling direct interactions with
other international bodies for diplomacy and cooperation.
2. Shared Goals: The Charter highlights BIMSTEC's aim to build trust and foster friendly relations
among member states, alongside driving economic development and social progress in the Bay of
Bengal region.
3. Structured Organisation: It establishes a clear operational framework for BIMSTEC, with meetings
held at the Summit, Ministerial, and Senior Officials' levels to ensure effective coordination and
decision-making.
4. Expanding Membership: The Charter allows for the inclusion of new member countries and the
participation of additional nations as observers, facilitating growth and broader engagement.
5. Re-constitution of Cooperation Sectors: The Charter reduces the number of sectors of cooperation
to 7, each with a designated lead member state:
¾¾ Bangladesh: Trade, Investment, and Development
¾¾ Bhutan: Environment and Climate Change
¾¾ India: Security, including Energy
¾¾ Myanmar: Agriculture and Food Security
¾¾ Nepal: People-to-People Contacts
¾¾ Sri Lanka: Science, Technology, and Innovation
¾¾ Thailand: Connectivity

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 17
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

BIMSTEC
●● Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is a regional organization
founded in 1997 to foster cooperation among countries in the Bay of Bengal region.
●● It initially began as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation) but
expanded as more countries joined over the years.
●● Myanmar's inclusion in 1997 led to its renaming to BIMST-EC, and further expansions with the inclusion
of Nepal and Bhutan in 2004 resulted in its current name.
●● Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh
●● BIMSTEC's objectives are to promote technical, economic, and cultural cooperation among its members,
focusing on areas such as trade, energy, transport, tourism, agriculture, and technology.
●● The organization represents a population of approximately 1.5 billion people, with a combined GDP of
over USD 3.8 trillion. The region holds significant geopolitical and economic importance, both within
South Asia and globally.

CULTURAL PROPERTY AGREEMENT

Context: The Government of India and the Government of the United States of America signed the
first ever 'Cultural Property Agreement' on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee, at Bharat
Mandapam, New Delhi.
About the Cultural Property Agreement
●● Aimed at preventing and curbing the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA.
●● It is aligned with the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit
Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
●● The significance of this agreement lies in its provision for the quick seizure of Indian antiquities at US
Customs, ensuring their repatriation back to India.
●● This agreement marks a step forward in safeguarding India’s cultural property and enabling the return of
illicitly trafficked antiquities.

24TH MEETING OF THE SCO COUNCIL OF HEADS OF STATE

Context: India attended the 24th meeting of the Council of Head of States of Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation (SCO) held in Astana, Kazakhstan. India's representation at the meeting was led by EAM S.
Jaishankar.
About the SCO summit
● For the first time, the UN Secretary attended the summit.
●● Key outcomes of the summit:
¾¾ The Program of Cooperation in Countering Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism for 2025-2027.
¾¾ Initiative On World Unity for Just Peace and Harmony, proposed by Kazakhstan- Combating Drug
Trafficking: SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for 2024-2029.
● Belarus becomes the 10th member of SCO.

18 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

●● Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin outlined their vision for establishing a new Eurasian security framework.
This proposed initiative seeks to act as a counterweight to Western influence, particularly that of the
United States and NATO.
●● President Putin underscored the necessity of creating a regional security system that would eventually
eliminate all external military presence in Eurasia, explicitly aiming to reduce U.S. influence in the
region.
●● Both leaders highlighted the need to enhance political, economic, and security collaboration among
Eurasian nations.
●● While the proposal was a key topic of discussion, it was not officially launched during the summit, as the
focus remained on laying the groundwork for its future development.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
●● The SCO traces its roots to the "Shanghai Five," formed in 1996, comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
●● It was officially established in 2001 in Shanghai, with Uzbekistan joining as the sixth member.
●● The organization is a permanent intergovernmental body aimed at fostering cooperation in politics,
trade, economy, research, technology, and culture.
●● It serves as a political, economic, and military alliance dedicated to ensuring peace, security, and stability
in the region.
●● The SCO Charter was signed in 2002 and became effective in 2003.
●● Membership expanded in 2017 to include India and Pakistan, with Iran joining in 2023 and Belarus
becoming the 10th member most recently.
●● The SCO Secretariat is headquartered in Beijing.
Structure:
●● Heads of State Council: The highest body of the SCO, responsible for decisions on internal functioning,
relations with other states and organizations, and addressing global issues.
●● Heads of Government Council: Approves the budget and addresses economic collaboration within the
SCO.
●● Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Handles issues related to daily operations.
●● Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Focuses on combating terrorism, separatism, and
extremism.

TECHNOLOGY SECURITY INITIATIVE

Context: During the visit of UK's new Foreign Secretary David Lammy, India and the UK launched the
UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI).
UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI)
●● It is a collaborative framework established between the United Kingdom and India to enhance
technological security and cooperation.
●● The initiative provides a strategic framework for collaboration in critical areas such as critical minerals,
semiconductors, AI, quantum technologies, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 19
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

●● Coordinated by: NSAs of both India and the UK

●● Objective: To reduce dependency on China and to lead the global critical minerals supply chain.
●● Focus Areas: The initiative focuses on developing economically viable and environmentally sustainable
technologies for extracting and recycling critical minerals.
●● A potential establishment of a Critical Minerals Recycling Centre in India is being explored, focusing on
advanced military waste recycling.

FIPIC
Context: Recently, India offered aid to disaster-hit Pacific Island Nation (Papua New Guinea) showcasing
India’s commitment to Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) partnership.
What is FIPIC ?
●● It is a collaborative platform involving India and 14 nations in the Pacific Islands region.
●● These include Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon
Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
●● The inaugural meeting took place in Suva, Fiji, in 2014, where leaders from all member states convened
and established the annual summit.
●● FIPIC reflects India's commitment to enhancing its involvement in the Pacific region, particularly through
development aid under South-South Cooperation.
●● This assistance primarily focuses on capacity building through various means such as training,
scholarships, grant-in-aid, and loan support, as well as community development initiatives.

COLOMBO SECURITY CONCLAVE

Context: CSC officially included Bangladesh as its fifth member.
Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
●● It is a regional security grouping that includes India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius.
●● Its primary aim is to enhance regional security by addressing transnational threats and shared challenges
faced by its member states.
●● The CSC originated as the Trilateral for Maritime Security Cooperation, which began in 2011 with
meetings among National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Deputy NSAs from India, Maldives, and Sri
Lanka.
●● Activities halted after 2014 due to tensions between India and the Maldives.
●● In 2020, the grouping was revived and rebranded as the Colombo Security Conclave, expanding its
membership to include Mauritius and, later, Bangladesh.
●● Seychelles participates as an observer nation.
●● The CSC’s permanent secretariat is based in Colombo.
●● Structure and Objectives: The CSC convenes NSAs and Deputy NSAs from its member states.
●● Its cooperation is organized around five key areas:
1. Maritime safety and security

20 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

2. Counter-terrorism and combating radicalization

3. Fighting trafficking and transnational organized crime
4. Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection
5. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

FIRST OVERSEAS JAN AUSHADI KENDRA

●● India’s first overseas Jan Aushadi Kendra was inaugurated in Mauritius.
●● This event highlights the strong bilateral cooperation in the health sector between India and Mauritius.
●● The Jan Aushadi Kendra aims to provide affordable generic medicines to enhance public healthcare in
Mauritius.
About Janaushadhi Kendras:
●● Janaushadhi Kendras are centres that provide quality generic medicines to the public.
●● Supported by the Bureau of Pharma PSUs in India (BPPI) under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Pariyojana (PMBJP), these centres aim to make affordable healthcare accessible.
●● The government has set a target to increase the number of Janaushadhi Kendras to 10,500 by the end of
March 2025.

PACTS SIGNED WITH USA

Context: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached Washington DC on a four-day official visit.
India and US signed two key pacts — a non-binding Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and a
Memorandum of Agreement regarding Assignment of Liaison Officers.
Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA)
●● The SOSA will mandate the US and India to provide reciprocal priority support for goods and services
that promote national defence.
●● The arrangement will enable both countries to acquire the industrial resources they need from one
another to resolve unanticipated supply chain disruptions to meet national security needs.
●● India is the 18th SOSA partner of the US after Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Israel,
Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden,
and the UK.
●● The two sides also signed a memorandum of agreement regarding the assignment of liaison officers to
deepen defence cooperation.
●● This agreement seeks to enhance cooperation, understanding, interoperability, and sharing of information
on matters of mutual interest.
Memorandum of Agreement on Liaison Officers
●● It facilitates the assignment of Indian armed forces officers to key US strategic commands, enhancing
information-sharing between the two nations.
●● India's first Liaison Officer will be deployed to the US Special Operations Command headquarters in
Florida.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 21
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

INDIA-JAPAN ‘2+2’ DIALOGUE

●● The India-Japan "2+2" ministerial dialogue took place in Delhi, reaffirming both nations' commitment to
a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific amidst growing Chinese military assertiveness in the region.
●● This was their third 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting. o Inaugural 2+2 dialogue between
these two countries took place in 2019.
About 2+2 dialogue
●● 2+2 meetings are high-level diplomatic dialogues involving the foreign and defence ministers of two
countries.
●● India’s 2+2 Partners: United States(2018) Australia(2021), Russia(2021) UK(2023), Brazil (2024)

INDIA AND ITS REFUGEE POLICY

Context: Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is expected to remain in India after violent protests
forced her to flee Bangladesh. India has allowed her to stay despite not having a formal refugee policy,
raising questions about how refugees should be treated, a topic recently highlighted by the Rohingya
refugee situation.
India’s Policy On Refugees
●● Non-Signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention
¾¾ India is not a party to the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees or its 1967 Protocol, which
define the rights of refugees and the obligations of states.
¾¾ These agreements categorize refugees as individuals unable to return to their home countries due to a
well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, political opinion, or other factors.
¾¾ Consequently, India lacks an official, structured refugee policy.
●● Legal Framework for Refugees in India
¾¾ Refugees are governed under the Foreigners Act and the Indian Passport Act.
¾¾ The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, introduces a religion-based approach by granting
citizenship to specific refugee groups while excluding others, particularly Muslims.
●● India’s Approach to Refugees
¾¾ Despite not adhering to international conventions, India has historically provided refuge to several
groups, including Tibetans, Chakmas from Bangladesh, and people fleeing conflicts in Afghanistan
and Sri Lanka.
¾¾ Approximately 300,000 refugees currently live in India.
¾¾ India’s treatment of refugees has been inconsistent.
¾¾ While the UNHCR has been allowed to issue identity cards to Rohingya refugees from Myanmar,
the Indian government has labeled many of them as illegal immigrants under domestic laws like the
Foreigners Act and the Indian Passport Act.
¾¾ The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019 further complicates the issue by granting citizenship
to persecuted religious minorities from neighboring countries while excluding Muslims, thereby
introducing a religious dimension to refugee policies.

22 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

¾¾ Refugee treatment also varies by origin. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu are given allowances,
allowed to work, and have access to education for their children.
¾¾ Post-2009, following the Sri Lankan civil war, India has supported voluntary repatriation of these
refugees, with UNHCR assistance, allowing individuals to decide if it is safe to return home.

VOICE OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH SUMMIT

Context: The 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS) was hosted by India in virtual format. It
was held with the overarching theme of "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”.
India had hosted the 1st VOGSS on 12-13 January 2023, and the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit on
17 November 2023, both in virtual format.
What Constitutes the Global South?
●● Not Defined by Geography:
¾¾ The term "Global South" is not strictly geographical.
¾¾ Many countries considered part of the Global South, such as India, China, and northern African
nations, are in the northern hemisphere.
¾¾ Conversely, Australia and New Zealand, located in the southern hemisphere, are not included in the
Global South.
●● Brandt Line as a Border:
¾¾ The concept of the Global South was initially represented visually by the Brandt Line, introduced by
former German Chancellor Willy Brandt in the 1980s.
¾¾ This line delineates the north-south divide based on per-capita GDP.
¾¾ It starts north of Mexico, traverses the top of Africa and the Middle East, loops around India and
China, and includes most of East Asia, while excluding Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
●● A Multifaceted Concept
¾¾ The Global South is more than a geographic label. It encompasses geopolitical, historical, and
developmental dimensions, with some exceptions to its boundaries.
Key Highlights of the Summit
1. Global Development Compact
¾¾ The Prime Minister introduced the idea of a human-centric Global Development Compact.
¾¾ He emphasized that development finance should not burden needy countries with debt.
¾¾ The Compact will draw from India’s developmental journey and its experiences in development
partnerships.
¾¾ Key Objectives: Focus on trade for development, capacity building for sustainable growth,
technology sharing, and concessional finance or grants for specific projects.
¾¾ India will establish a special fund of USD 2.5 million to enhance trade promotion activities.
2. Critique of Global Institutions
¾¾ PM Modi highlighted the inadequacy of global governance and financial institutions, stating that
organizations created in the previous century have failed to address the challenges of the current
era.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 23
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

3. India's Contribution to Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the Global South

¾¾ G20 Presidency:
 India led the creation of the Global DPI Repository, marking the first multilateral consensus
on Digital Public Infrastructure.
 Agreements were signed to share the ‘India Stack’ with 12 partner nations from the Global
South.
¾¾ Social Impact Fund:
 India has launched a Social Impact Fund with an initial contribution of USD 25 million to
accelerate DPI development in the Global South.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMISTS

Context: The triennial conference was organized by the International Association of Agricultural
Economists in August 2024 after 65 years.
International Association of Agricultural Economists
●● It is an event organized by the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE).
●● It gathers experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss critical
issues and advancements in agricultural economics.
●● The theme for this year's conference wass "Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems,"
focusing on sustainable agriculture amidst global challenges such as climate change, resource degradation,
rising production costs, and conflicts.
●● The conference highlighted India's proactive approach to global agricultural challenges and its
advancements in agricultural research and policy.
●● It provides a platform for young researchers and leading professionals to present their work, network
with global peers, and strengthen partnerships between research institutes and universities.
●● The conference plays a significant role in shaping agricultural policies and practices worldwide by
providing evidence-based insights and recommendations.
●● It promotes the application of economic principles to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability,
and food security.

INDIA JOINS US-LED MINERAL SECURITY NETWORK

Context: India has formally joined the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN), a US-led initiative
focused on enhancing cooperation among members to secure supply chains for critical minerals. The MSFN
is an extension of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), launched by the US in 2022. India had already
joined the MSP in June 2023.
Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)
●● Established in August 2022 by the US and 10 other nations, the MSP is an international alliance aimed
at ensuring a stable supply of critical minerals necessary for the clean energy transition.
●● It focuses on minerals and metals essential for clean energy technologies, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel,
manganese, graphite, rare earth elements, and copper.

24 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

●● Goals of MSP
1. Sustainable Supply Chains: Promote diverse, sustainable, and responsible supply chains for
critical minerals.
2. Economic Development: Support production, processing, and recycling of critical minerals to boost
economic growth.
3. ESG Standards: Ensure adherence to high environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
4. Shared Prosperity: Foster shared economic benefits among member nations.
●● Members: Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, Republic
of Korea, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States, European Union (EU).
Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN)
●● MSFN is a new initiative originating from the MSP, established to promote cooperation, information
exchange, and co-financing.
●● Development finance institutions (DFIs) and export credit agencies (ECAs) from member nations
collaborate to enhance production capacity and strengthen resilience in mineral supply chains.
●● Countries in MSFN: European Commission, USA, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
India, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
India’s Role in MSP and MSFN
¾¾ India’s participation in this initiative is aimed at diversifying and securing its supply of critical
minerals from nations like Argentina, Chile, Australia, and select African countries.
¾¾ China dominates rare earth production, controlling about 70% of global output, while India seeks to
establish itself in the lithium value chain.
¾¾ New Delhi is heavily dependent on the imports of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and
copper, which resulted in an import cost of around 34,000 crore in FY23.
¾¾ This partnership with the US-led network marks a critical step forward for India in its quest to reduce
reliance on China for these minerals and build a robust, self-sustaining supply chain for its green
energy initiatives.

OPERATION SADBHAV
●● India launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to
Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
●● The operation was launched in the wake of disasters caused by Typhoon Yagi.
●● Operation Sadbhav is part of India’s broader effort to contribute to HADR within the ASEAN region, in
line with its longstanding Act East Policy.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 25
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

INDUS WATER TREATY (IWT)

Context: India has sent a new formal notice to Pakistan seeking the "review and modification" of the
Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), following a similar request in January 2023.
India’s Key Concerns for Treaty Modification:
1. Changed Circumstances:
¾¾ Population growth and increased water demand.
¾¾ Environmental challenges, including climate change and water scarcity.
¾¾ The need for renewable energy projects to meet emission reduction targets.
2. Impact of Cross-Border Terrorism: India highlights that ongoing cross-border terrorism disrupts
the trust required for cooperative agreements like the IWT.
3. Pakistan’s Lack of Engagement: Between 2017 and 2022, Pakistan did not engage in bilateral
discussions proposed by India, prompting frustration and calls for treaty amendments.
Recent developments show India pushing for modifications to the treaty due to various reasons:
1. Formal Notice to Pakistan:
¾¾ In January 2025, India issued a formal notification to Pakistan, citing "fundamental and unforeseen
changes in circumstances" as a basis for reassessing the IWT.
¾¾ Persistent cross-border terrorism and environmental changes are also key concerns raised by
India.
¾¾ This follows an earlier notice in January 2023 to amend the treaty.
2. Hydropower Projects Dispute:
¾¾ The Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects in Jammu & Kashmir have been contentious.
¾¾ Pakistan claims these projects violate the IWT, while India asserts they adhere to treaty provisions
as "run-of-the-river" projects.
3. Dispute Resolution Mechanism:
¾¾ Pakistan bypassed the treaty's sequential dispute resolution process by seeking arbitration through
the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), skipping the Neutral Expert step.
¾¾ The World Bank initially paused both PCA and Neutral Expert processes in 2016 but resumed
them in 2022 due to lack of resolution.
Indus Water Treaty (IWT)
●● It is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank in 1960.
●● It allocates the waters of six rivers in the Indus basin: the eastern rivers (Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas) to India,
and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) to Pakistan.
●● The treaty allows India limited use of the Western Rivers for irrigation, hydropower, and storage,
provided it does not harm Pakistan’s water supply.
Key Provisions and Obligations

26 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

1. Water Allocation: Pakistan receives around 80% of the water from the Indus system, while India is
allocated the remaining 19.48%.
2. Flow Obligations: India is obligated to allow unrestricted flow of water in the western rivers, except
for certain consumptive uses.
3. Storage Rights: India is permitted to build storage facilities on the western rivers, up to a capacity
of 3.6 million acre-feet, though it has not utilized this provision yet.
4. Run-of-the-River Projects: The treaty permits India to undertake run-of-the-river projects on the
western rivers, provided they adhere to specific design and operational criteria.
5. Project Notification: India must notify Pakistan in advance about any new projects, including sharing
the design details.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism
The treaty’s Article IX outlines a three-tiered mechanism to address disagreements:
1. First Level: Any party planning a project must notify the other party through the Permanent Indus
Commission (PIC), responsible for implementing the treaty. If the PIC cannot resolve the issue, it
escalates to the next level.
2. Second Level: The World Bank appoints a neutral expert to address the difference. If unresolved, it
is categorized as a dispute and moves to the final level.
3. Third Level: The dispute is referred to a Court of Arbitration (CoA), with the World Bank appointing
the chair.

INDIA, UZBEKISTAN SIGN INVESTMENT TREATY

●● India and Uzbekistan signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to enhance investor confidence and
strengthen economic ties.
●● The treaty ensures protection for investors from both countries, aligning with international standards.
●● It guarantees fair treatment, non-discrimination, transparency, and compensation for losses, while
providing a forum for dispute resolution through arbitration.
●● The BIT balances investor protection with the state's right to regulate.

FATF'S MUTUAL EVALUATION REPORT

Context: Global anti-money laundering and terror financing body FATF has launched its mutual
evaluation report on India. The report commending the country's systems to tackle the menace of money
laundering and terror financing. It also urged India to expedite its prosecutions in financial fraud cases.
FATF’s Mutual Evaluation Process
The Mutual Evaluation Process is a thorough assessment conducted by the Financial Action Task Force
(FATF) to evaluate a country's compliance with its international standards for combating money laundering
(ML) and terrorist financing (TF). This process helps ensure that countries adopt and implement effective
measures to detect, prevent, and combat financial crimes.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 27
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

Key Highlights of FATF’s Mutual Evaluation Report on India

●● Regular Follow-Up Category:
¾¾ India is currently in the "regular follow-up" category, shared by only four other G20 countries: the
UK, France, Italy, and Russia (now suspended).
¾¾ This classification signifies that India has a high level of compliance with FATF standards but requires
improvement in supervising and implementing preventive measures in some non-financial sectors.
¾¾ Enhanced Follow-Up: Most developing countries are in this category, requiring annual progress
reports, compared to India's three-year reporting cycle.
●● Compliance with Recommendations:
¾¾ India has complied or largely complied with 37 out of 40 FATF recommendations, including the
critical "Big Five" recommendations that address key AML/CTF measures.
●● Praise for Legislative Framework:
¾¾ The report commended India’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and its mechanisms to
counter terror financing.
¾¾ It highlighted India’s efforts to prioritize fast-tracking trials for money laundering and terror financing cases.
Financial Action Task Force
●● FATF is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1989 by the G7 countries.
●● Its primary goal is to combat money laundering and terrorist financing by establishing global standards
and overseeing their enforcement.
●● It works to develop and advocate policies aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the global financial
system.
●● FATF, headquartered in Paris, France, comprises 39 member countries including the US, India, China,
Saudi Arabia, and various European nations like Britain, Germany, and France.
●● It has established 40 recommendations outlining the fundamental framework for anti-money laundering
(AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) measures.
●● FATF possesses the authority to impose warnings and penalties on nations failing to adhere to its
standards, including membership suspension and blacklisting.
FATF ‘Grey List’ and ‘Black List’
●● Black List
¾¾ Countries known as Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs) are put on the blacklist.
¾¾ These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities.
¾¾ The FATF revises the blacklist regularly, adding or deleting entries.
●● Grey List
¾¾ Countries that are considered a safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put
in the FATF grey list.
¾¾ This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist.
¾¾ As of 2022, FATF has blacklisted North Korea and Iran over terror financing and 12 countries are on
the grey list, namely: Bahamas, Botswana, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Pakistan, Panama, Sri Lanka,
Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia and Yemen.
28 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

INDIA’S ELECTION TO THE GlobE STEERING COMMITTEE

Context: India has been elected to the 15-member Steering Committee of the Global Operational
Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) during a plenary session in
Beijing through a multistage voting process.
As a key member, India will play a pivotal role in shaping the global anti-corruption agenda and advancing
asset recovery initiatives.
About the GlobE Network
●● Purpose:
¾¾ Facilitates international cooperation and strengthens efforts to combat cross-border financial crimes
and corruption.
¾¾ Provides a platform for law enforcement agencies to share strategies, best practices, and criminal
intelligence.
●● Establishment:
¾¾ Initiated by the G-20 with India's support in 2020.
¾¾ Officially launched in June 2021 during a UN General Assembly session.
●● Membership: 121 member countries and 219 member authorities participate in the network.
●● India’s Role:
¾¾ India’s participation is overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
¾¾ The CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) represent India as member authorities.

INDIA-GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL MEETING

Context: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, to attend the 1st
India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
●● During the meeting, EAM highlighted that GCC as a collective entity has vital significance for India and
constitutes the "extended” neighborhood of India.
●● The meeting adopted a Joint Action Plan 2024-2028 for undertaking various joint activities in diverse
areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, etc.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC):
● The GCC is a political and economic alliance of six countries in the Arabian Peninsula, established in
1981, focusing on economic, security, cultural, and social cooperation.
●● Member Countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
● The GCC holds an annual summit to discuss cooperation and regional issues.
India-GCC Relations
●● Geostrategic Importance
¾¾ The GCC countries are located along the Persian Gulf, a critical global trade route and energy corridor.
¾¾ India's proximity to the Gulf makes it a strategic partner for regional security and economic cooperation.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 29
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

●● Political Dialogue
¾¾ The first India-GCC Political Dialogue took place in 2003 during the UN General Assembly.
¾¾ In September 2022, India and the GCC signed an MoU on the Mechanisms of Consultations, creating
an annual dialogue framework involving:
 India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM).
 GCC-Troika (Secretary-General, the current GCC presidency's Foreign Minister, and the next
presidency's Foreign Minister).
 Other Foreign Ministers or Senior Officials.
●● Economic and Commercial Relations
¾¾ The GCC is diversifying its economy beyond oil into tourism, construction, and finance, opening new
trade and investment opportunities for India.
●● India-GCC Trade (FY 2023-24):
¾¾ Bilateral trade: USD 161.59 billion.
¾¾ India’s exports: USD 56.3 billion.
¾¾ India’s imports: USD 105.3 billion (largely oil and gas).
●● India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
¾¾ A Framework Agreement for economic cooperation was signed in 2004.
¾¾ Negotiations for an India-GCC FTA are ongoing, with renewed momentum following the India-UAE
FTA.
●● Energy Cooperation: The GCC contributes-
¾¾ 35% of India’s oil imports.
¾¾ 70% of India’s gas imports.
●● Indian Diaspora and remittances
¾¾ There are approximately 8.9 million Indian expats residing in GCC countries which is approximately
66% of non-resident Indians.
¾¾ According to the RBI Remittances Survey 2021, the share of remittances from the GCC region in
India’s inward remittances is estimated to have declined from more than 50% in 2016-17 to about
30% in 2020-21.

PACT FOR THE FUTURE

Context: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a “Pact for the Future” a comprehensive
agreement designed to reshape global governance for the twenty-first century at the Summit of the future.
The Pact for the Future is a historic declaration by UN Member States, reaffirming their dedication to
sustainable development, peace, and enhanced global governance. It focuses on five key areas:
●● Sustainable Development: Accelerate progress toward achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) and fulfilling commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change.
●● International Peace and Security: Intensify efforts to create peaceful, inclusive, and just societies,
tackle the root causes of conflict, and ensure the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
●● Science, Technology, and the Digital Revolution: Harness the power of science, technology, and

30 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

innovation to advance the UN's goals across all three pillars of its mission.
●● Youth and Future Generations: Engage and empower young people by including them in decision-
making processes at both national and global levels.
●● Transforming Global Governance: Strengthen partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and
local and regional authorities to enhance governance systems.

PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM

Context: The annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) was conducted in August at Nuku’alofa,
the capital of Tonga.
About PIF
●● Formation: The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1971.
●● Members: It has 18 member states in the Pacific region, including Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French
Polynesia, New Zealand, and others.
●● Objective: PIF promotes economic growth, enhances political governance and security, and fosters
regional cooperation.
●● Vision: It envisions a resilient Pacific region characterized by peace, harmony, security, social inclusion,
and prosperity, ensuring Pacific peoples live free, healthy, and productive lives.
●● Decision-making: Priority issues are discussed at annual meetings, and decisions are made by consensus
and implemented by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
●● Climate Action: PIF members actively advocate for climate action funding. The Pacific Resilience
Facility (PRF), a regional financing mechanism, currently seeks to bridge a $380 million gap in its $500
million target.

6TH QUAD SUMMIT

Context: The 6th Quad Summit was held at Delaware in the United States. It was the 4th in-person Quad
Leaders' Summit.
Key Highlights of the 6th QUAD Summit:
●● Health:
¾¾ New Initiatives: The launch of the QUAD Cancer Moonshot initiative to combat cervical cancer
treatment.
¾¾ Pandemic Preparedness: The U.S. has pledged over USD 84.5 million to improve infectious disease
prevention and response in fourteen Indo-Pacific nations.
●● Maritime Security:
¾¾ MAITRI Initiative: The QUAD has introduced the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-
Pacific (MAITRI) to enhance regional maritime security capabilities. to combat illegal activities and
improve maritime security.
¾¾ Indo-Pacific Logistics Network: Indo-Pacific Logistics Network: The QUAD has initiated a logistics
network to improve airlift capacity for rapid disaster response across the Indo-Pacific, aiming for
efficiency in civilian responses.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 31
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

¾¾ Coast Guard Cooperation: A first-ever QUAD -at-Sea Ship Observer Mission is planned for 2025,
to enhance interoperability.
●● Quality Infrastructure Development:
� QUAD Ports of the Future Partnership: It aims to support resilient port infrastructure development
and enhance regional connectivity across the Indo-Pacific region.
� QUAD partners have committed over USD 140 million to undersea cable projects, aiming for primary
telecommunication connectivity for all Pacific island countries by 2025.
� For this, Australia launched the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre in July 2024.
●● Climate and Clean Energy:
� Enhanced Early Warning Systems: The US will provide 3D-printed weather stations to help Pacific
Island countries while Australia and Japan are enhancing regional disaster risk reduction efforts.
¾¾ Japan is also enhancing cooperation with Pacific Island countries under its Pacific Climate Resilience
Initiative.
QUAD
●● The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is a strategic forum consisting of the United States, Japan,
India, and Australia, designed to promote regional security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
●● The four nations share a commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, upholding democracy,
human rights, and the rule of law, and countering China’s growing influence in the region.
●● The QUAD holds meetings at the ministerial and leaders' levels to address issues such as maritime
security, infrastructure development, and supply chain resilience.
●● While it is seen as a counterbalance to China, the QUAD emphasizes that it is not a military alliance and
is open to other nations that share its values and interests.
●● The QUAD is a loose association, not a formal alliance, and lacks decision-making bodies or a secretariat
like NATO or the UN.
●● It operates through summits, meetings, information exchanges, and joint military drills.
●● Between 2017 and 2019, the QUAD held five meetings, and in 2018, during the Raisina Dialogue in
New Delhi, the naval chiefs of the four countries gathered, signaling the revival of the QUAD's security
framework.
●● Since March 2021, the QUAD has hosted regular leaders' summits, both virtually and in person.
●● The first in-person summit occurred in September 2021, with another summit hosted by Japan later on.
Genesis and Evolution of the QUAD:
●● 2007: The QUAD was first established during an informal meeting of ASEAN leaders. The concept was
proposed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
●● 2012: Abe further developed the idea, introducing the "Democratic Security Diamond" in Asia, involving
the US, Japan, India, and Australia.
●● 2017: Faced with rising concerns about China, the QUAD nations revived the initiative by expanding
its goals to promote a rules-based international order. The first formal QUAD discussions took place in
Manila ahead of the ASEAN Summit.
●● 2020: The Malabar naval exercises, previously trilateral between India, the US, and Japan, were

32 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

expanded to include Australia, marking the first joint military exercises among the QUAD members in
over a decade.
●● 2021: The QUAD leaders held virtual meetings and issued a joint statement called ‘The Spirit of the
QUAD’.

EAST ASIA SUMMIT

Context: PM Modi attended the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) in October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
East Asia Summit
●● The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a platform where leaders from countries in the Indo-Pacific region
gather to address political, security, and economic issues.
●● Established in 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by ASEAN, the summit is held annually.
●● Originally, the EAS included 16 countries from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Oceania.
In 2011, the membership expanded to 18, incorporating Russia and the United States. Today, the EAS
comprises 18 countries, which collectively represent 54% of the global population and 58% of global
GDP.
●● The member countries include the ten ASEAN member states—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—along with Australia, China,
Japan, India, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.
●● The EAS is unique as it is the only leaders-led forum that brings together the US, China, Russia, India,
South Korea, and Australia.
●● To become a member, a country must sign the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), be a
formal dialogue partner of ASEAN, and have strong cooperative ties with ASEAN.
●● India has been a member of EAS since 2005.

UK-MAURITIUS AGREEMENT
Context: Britain has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, to Mauritius.
About the treaty
●● The UK has ceded its claims over the Chagos Archipelago.
●● The UK retains sovereignty over Diego Garcia, where a joint UK-US military base will operate for 99
years.
●● Mauritius can now implement a resettlement program on the islands, excluding Diego Garcia.
●● The UK has pledged to establish a trust fund to assist displaced Chagossians.
India's Role:
●● India has consistently supported Mauritius’ claims over the Chagos Islands.
●● India voted in favor of Mauritius at the UNGA in 2019.
●● India has strengthened its ties with Mauritius due to growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.
●● India inaugurated an airstrip and jetty at Agaléga, a dependency of Mauritius, earlier this year.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 33
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

Chagos Islands
●● The Chagos archipelago comprises 58 islands, with Diego Garcia being the largest and most significant.
●● Chagos Islands were discovered by Portuguese navigators in the 16th century.
●● The islands later came under French control, along with Mauritius and Réunion.
●● After Napoleon's defeat, Britain took control of both Chagos and Mauritius. In 1814, France ceded the
islands to the British.
Significance of Chagos
●● Geostrategic Location : The archipelago's location in the central Indian Ocean makes it strategically
valuable for monitoring major shipping lanes, ensuring security in the region, and projecting military
power across a wide area.
●● UK-US Military Base : Diego Garcia, serves as a logistics, surveillance, and intelligence hub for both
the UK and the US, playing a key role in military operations in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
●● Environmental and Biodiversity Significance : It is home to one of the largest coral atolls and is rich in
marine biodiversity. Its pristine environment has made it important for scientific research and conservation
efforts.

USCIRF REPORT
Context: India has strongly rejected USCIRF Report.
Highlights of the USCIRF Report (2024):
¾¾ The report recommended that India be designated as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) due to
ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.
¾¾ Countries committing systematic violations of religious freedom are designated as CPCs by the US
State Department.
¾¾ The report condemned vigilante groups for killing, assaulting, and lynching individuals, as well as the
unjust arrest of religious leaders and the destruction of homes and places of worship.
¾¾ It criticized the Citizenship Amendment Act (2019), the Uniform Civil Code, and state-level anti-
conversion and cow slaughter laws.
About USCIRF:
●● The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) was established in 1998 under the
International Religious Freedom Act.
●● Commissioners are appointed by the President and congressional leaders from both parties.
●● USCIRF is based on international human rights standards, particularly Article 18 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, ensuring freedom of religion.
●● It monitors and reports on the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in countries outside the
United States.

34 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

THAAD
Context: The United States announced it will deploy a missile defence system, the Terminal High
Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) battery to Israel.
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense
●● THAAD missile defense system is designed to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-
range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase.
●● Key features of THAAD include its "hit-to-kill" technology, where the missile uses kinetic energy to
destroy incoming threats, particularly nuclear warheads, by colliding with them in the terminal phase.
●● With a target range between 150-200 kilometers, THAAD can cover a wide area, offering protection
against various missile threats.
●● The system was developed by the United States following lessons learned from the Scud missile attacks
during the Persian Gulf War in 1991.
●● Since 2008, the U.S. has deployed elements of THAAD, such as its early missile warning radar, to
enhance defense capabilities in countries like Israel, further solidifying its military strength. Similar
deployments were made in 2012 and 2019 to bolster Israel’s defense systems.

KARTARPUR CORRIDOR
Context: India and Pakistan have extended the Kartarpur Corridor agreement until 2029, ensuring visa-
free movement of Indian pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan for five more years.
Kartarpur Corridor:
●● It connects the Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in the Narowal district of Pakistan with the Dera Baba Nanak
shrine in the Gurdaspur district in India’s Punjab province.
●● It is located on the east bank of the Ravi River in India, around 1 km from the Indo-Pakistan border.
●● It was built to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev on 12th
November 2019.

GLOBAL MARITIME CONFERENCE

●● India hosted its first-ever global maritime conference, Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue, in
New Delhi.
●● The event was co-organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Observer Research
Foundation (ORF).
●● Objective:
¾¾ Highlighting India’s growing focus on global maritime trade and merchant shipping.
¾¾ Effort to align India’s maritime aspirations with its status as the world’s most populous nation and a
leading economy.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 35
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

PREDATOR DRONES
●● India and the U.S. signed a $3.5-billion deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones to enhance India's
armed forces' intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike capabilities.
●● The deal includes 15 Sea Guardians for the Navy and 8 Sky Guardians each for the Air Force and Army.
●● The drones, equipped with Hellfire missiles, laser-guided bombs, and advanced sensors, will support
long endurance, high-altitude missions.
●● Additionally, a performance-based logistics contract with General Atomics Global India Pvt Ltd will
establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India, aiming to boost domestic defence
capabilities by sourcing some components locally.

EASTERN MARITIME CORRIDOR

Context: The recent launch of the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime route has cut shipping time
and costs.
●● The operationalisation of the EMC has emerged as a game-changer in India-Russia trade, significantly
reducing transit times and costs.
●● By leveraging this route, India has solidified its position as a largest buyer of Russian oil in July 2024
while diversifying its energy imports.
Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC)
●● Also known as the Chennai-Vladivostok Sea Route, it connects South India with Russia's Far East,
offering a faster and more efficient trade pathway.
●● This route reduces cargo transit time by up to 16 days and shortens the distance by about 40% compared
to the traditional Mumbai-to-St. Petersburg route.
●● While the Mumbai-St. Petersburg route covers 8,675 nautical miles (16,066 km) and takes over 40 days
for cargo transport, the Chennai-Vladivostok route spans just 5,647 nautical miles (10,458 km) and takes
24 days, saving approximately 5,608 km in distance.
●● The EMC passes through several major waterways, including the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, South
China Sea, Malacca Straits, Andaman Sea, and the Bay of Bengal.
●● Key ports along the route include Dalian, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Kuala
Lumpur, Bangkok, Dhaka, Colombo, and Chennai.

INDIA-CARICOM SUMMIT
Context: During his visit to Guyana, PM Modi co-chaired the second India-CARICOM Summit
alongside Grenada's PM (who is the current Chair of CARICOM) and other CARICOM leaders.
CARICOM
●● The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is a regional organization that was established in 1973 under
the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
●● It focuses on fostering economic integration, functional cooperation, and sustainable development
among its member states while also coordinating shared foreign policy efforts.

36 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

●● Establishment: 1973, under the Treaty of Chaguaramas (revised in 2001).

●● Member States: 15 full members and 6 associate members.
●● Full Members include countries such as Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.
●● Associate Members are typically territories and dependencies like Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.
●● Geographic Scope: Spans from The Bahamas in the north to Guyana and Suriname in South America,
including mostly island states except for Belize, Guyana, and Suriname.
Pillars of CARICOM Integration:
●● Economic Integration: Aims to create a Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) to ensure the
free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the region.
●● Foreign Policy Coordination: Unifies member states in presenting a common stance on international
issues, enhancing their influence on the global stage.
●● Human and Social Development: Prioritizes education, health care, gender equality, and youth
empowerment to improve the quality of life in member states.
●● Security Cooperation: Addresses shared concerns such as organized crime, disaster preparedness, and
border security.

ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC)

●● APEC Economic Leaders met in Lima, under Peru’s theme of “Empower. Include. Grow.”
●● Leaders endorsed the Machu Picchu Declaration, a consensus declaration to advance efforts to achieve
APEC economies’ ambitious economic growth objectives.
●● Leaders also endorsed the Lima Roadmap to Promote the Transition to the Formal and Global Economies
(2025-2040) and Ichma Statement on A New Look at the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific Agenda.
●● Leaders reaffirmed their support for the rules-based multilateral trading system and APEC Putrajaya
Vision 2024, including sustainable and inclusive development through the Aotearoa Plan of Action.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
●● It is a regional economic forum and was formed in 1989.
●● Aim - “leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific and create greater prosperity for the
people of the region through regional economic integration”.
●● The focus of APEC has been on trade and economic issues and hence, it terms the countries as
“economies”.
●● It has been operating on the basis of non-binding commitments with decisions taken through commitments
and consensus undertaken on a voluntary basis.
●● Member Countries: Currently, APEC has 21 members. The criterion for membership, however, is that
each member must be an independent economic entity, rather than a sovereign state.
●● The grouping's current members are Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea,
Philippines, Indonesia, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Canada, United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile,
Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan.

UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 37
The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

UNRWA
Context: Israel’s parliament banned UNRWA from operating in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Additionally, the agency is now classified as a “terrorist organization” under Israeli law, and Israel has cut
all formal ties.
About United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
●● Establishment: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was
founded in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
●● Mandate: It was established with a mandate to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees.
● Its mandate, renewed periodically by the United Nations General Assembly, extends to millions of
registered Palestine refugees, primarily in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, including East
Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.
●● Funding: It is primarily funded by voluntary donations from countries like the United States, Germany,
and the European Union, with limited UN support for administrative expenses.
●● Services provided: Education, Healthcare, Camp infrastructure and improvement, Microfinance,
Emergency assistance. It also focuses on broader initiatives like infrastructure development and economic
empowerment.

INDIA-SWITZERLAND TAX TREATY

Context: Switzerland has announced the suspension of the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause under
the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India, effective January 1, 2025.
●● The Swiss government cited a lack of reciprocity as the basis for suspending the MFN clause.
●● Swiss authorities stated that they could not apply reduced tax rates unilaterally without mutual agreement
from India.
Most Favoured Nation (MFN):
● An MFN clause requires a country to extend the same trade concessions or privileges offered to one
trading partner to all other trading partners.
● It is a core principle of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). For instance, if a WTO member lowers
tariffs on a product for one trading partner, it must apply the same tariff reduction to all WTO members.
●● Purpose: The MFN principle seeks to establish a rules-based trading system, replacing power-driven
policies. It ensures that trading rights are not influenced by a country's economic or political strength.
●● MFN provisions do not apply in certain cases, such as:
¾¾ Bilateral trade agreements.
¾¾ Special market access granted to developing countries.
●● Revocation of MFN Status:
¾¾ There is no formal process for suspending MFN treatment, nor is it mandatory to notify the WTO in
such cases.
¾¾ For example, India withdrew Pakistan's MFN status after the 2019 Pulwama attack, though Pakistan
had never granted MFN status to India.

38 UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material)
 The Unique Academy  Pune | Mumbai | Delhi

Implications of the Suspension of the MFN Clause:

●● Higher tax rates:
¾¾ Dividends paid after January 1, 2025, will be taxed at a higher rate of 10% in the source state.
¾¾ This affects Swiss companies like Nestlé and challenges India's attractiveness as an investment
destination.
●● On European Free Trade Association (EFTA): Switzerland’s suspension poses risks to the $100
billion investment commitment under the EFTA-India trade pact, signed in March 2024.
¾¾ EFTA is an intergovernmental grouping of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
●● On bilateral treaty dynamics:
¾¾ The decision underscores evolving international tax frameworks and India’s stricter treaty
interpretations.
¾¾ Indian entities operating in Switzerland may face higher tax liabilities/ increased financial burdens,
reflecting broader global taxation trends.


UPSC - CSE PRELIMS 2025 : Current Affairs Decoded (May to December 2024) IR : Set I (Study Material) 39