Category: International

India and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on rare earths and critical minerals during the state visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to India. The agreement is expected to enhance India’s bargaining power in securing key inputs for its clean energy, electronics, and defence sectors. Enhancing India’s Negotiating Position The MoU diversifies India’s supply sources for rare earths and critical minerals. Previously, dependence on a Read More …

A contingent of the United States Army has arrived in India to participate in the 16th edition of the India–US Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘VAJRA PRAHAR’, scheduled to be held from February 24 to March 16, 2026. The exercise will take place at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The previous edition was conducted in November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho, USA. The Read More …

The 7th edition of the annual India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, involving troops from the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The exercise, scheduled from February 24 to March 9, 2026, features 120 personnel from each side. The JGSDF contingent is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment, while the Indian side is drawn from the Read More …

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety launched the UN–JCDecaux Global Campaign for Road Safety, titled “Make A Safety Statement”, aimed at promoting simple, everyday measures to improve road safety worldwide. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about responsible road behaviour and encourages citizens to adopt basic yet life-saving practices such as wearing seat belts and helmets, adhering to speed limits, and avoiding mobile phone use while driving. Read More …

At its recent ministerial meeting in Paris, the International Energy Agency (IEA) unanimously invited Colombia to become the Agency’s 33rd Member country. It also welcomed progress on India’s request for full membership of the Paris-based energy organisation. India is currently an associate member of the IEA, which works on energy security, global energy policy, climate change, and energy transitions. However, India’s path to full membership is complex because IEA rules Read More …

Poland has announced a fast-track plan to deploy landmines and signalled its intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, the international agreement banning anti-personnel landmines. The move would clear the way for Poland to produce and deploy anti-personnel mines as part of its defence planning. About the Ottawa Convention Formally known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Read More …

A Gentoo penguin has become the first bird confirmed to test positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza on an Australian territory, with samples showing the virus spreading on Heard Island in the sub-Antarctic region. Earlier Cases on the Island Threat to Endemic Species Experts warn the outbreak could endanger unique bird species found only on Heard Island, including: Losses among these species would have major biodiversity implications because Read More …

Mass killings of non-Arab communities during the capture of al-Fashir by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) bear hallmarks of genocide, according to a report by an independent UN probe. The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan said that when the RSF seized the city in October 2025—then the last stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Darfur—thousands were killed or raped during three days of violence. Key Read More …

US President Donald Trump’s newly created Board of Peace held its first meeting on 19th February in Washington to discuss reconstruction plans for Gaza, with India attending as an observer. India was represented by Deputy Chief of Mission Namgya Khampa at the meeting. New Delhi expressed support for the broader Gaza Peace Plan initiative linked to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, while maintaining a cautious approach toward the controversial Read More …

U.S. President Donald Trump has moved swiftly to reimpose trade tariffs after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down earlier duties levied under emergency powers. Through executive orders signed on February 20, the administration announced a temporary 10% global import duty effective from February 24, invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Background: Why the Move? Earlier tariffs (ranging from 10% to 50%) had been imposed Read More …

The mega AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, endorsed by 88 countries and international organisations. The declaration marks a significant step toward global cooperation in artificial intelligence governance and development. Key Highlights Seven Pillars of the New Delhi Declaration Key Themes Highlighted Significance for India and the World Source: PIB

The Indian Navy has assumed the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from the Royal Thai Navy, marking India’s return to the helm after 16 years. India had earlier held the inaugural Chairmanship from 2008 to 2010, and now leads the forum again as it has grown into a key platform for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. 9th IONS Conclave at Visakhapatnam The 9th Conclave of Read More …

Archaeologists have digitally uncovered the long-lost ancient city of Charax Spasinou in the deserts of Iraq, revealing what experts believe was one of the final ambitious settlements linked to Alexander the Great. A Strategic Ancient Trade Hub Founded around 324 BCE, Charax Spasinou was located near the junction of major waterways along the Tigris River, making it a key trade centre connecting Mesopotamia with Persia and the Indian Ocean world. Read More …

India will host the prestigious The Earthshot Prize in Mumbai this November, marking the first time the global environmental award ceremony will be held in the country. The announcement was made during the ongoing Mumbai Climate Week, highlighting India’s growing role in global climate and sustainability efforts. About the Earthshot Prize Founded in 2020 by Prince William, the Prince of Wales, the Earthshot Prize aims to inspire urgent and innovative Read More …

India has formally joined the Pax Silica group, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at building resilient supply chains for electronics and critical minerals. The move was announced during the India AI Impact Summit. Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw signed the accession document along with Jacob Helberg, Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment from the United States. Member Countries Other signatories to Pax Silica include: Read More …