Category: International

The US administration on 19 December confirmed it carried out military strikes in Syria targeting Islamic State (IS) fighters and weapons sites. Operation Hawkeye Strike Trigger for the Operation Details of the Ambush US Position

India and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 20 December. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in maritime heritage. High-Level Exchange Institutions Involved Areas of Cooperation About NMHC, Lothal Expected Outcomes

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into federal law a major military cooperation agreement with India. Entry into Force Key Provisions Strategic Significance for India Comparison with Other Logistics Agreements Overall Impact Source: IE

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik conferred the ‘Order of Oman’ upon Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Dedication by the Prime Minister Significance of the Occasion About the Order of Oman

Why in News 11th UNAOC Global Forum About UNAOC Objectives of UNAOC High-Level Group of Experts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the Adwa Victory Monument on December 17, honoring Ethiopia’s landmark 1896 Battle of Adwa victory. This historic win symbolized African resistance to colonialism and preserved the nation’s independence against Italian forces. Monument’s Significance The modern complex commemorates Ethiopia’s triumph, housing a museum with artefacts, weapons, and historical dioramas. It also features conference halls, an amphitheatre, and a library. Role as Cultural Hub Read More …

Why in News Key Features of India–Oman CEPA Market Access for Goods Oman’s Commitments Major beneficiary sectors (labour-intensive): Impact: India’s Commitments Sensitive sectors protected via exclusions & TRQs: Services Trade – A Major Breakthrough Mode 4 (Movement of Natural Persons) – Key Highlight Mode 4 under GATS refers to the temporary movement of professionals to supply services across borders. Investment Liberalisation Traditional Medicine

An Indian Army contingent left for the United Arab Emirates on December 17, 2025, to take part in the second edition of the India-UAE Joint Military Exercise, Desert Cyclone II. The event runs from December 18 to 30, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. Contingent Composition The Indian side includes 45 personnel mainly from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion. The UAE Land Forces will field a similar-sized group from its 53 Mechanised Read More …

Why in News At the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from 15–16 December 2025.The visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of India–Jordan diplomatic relations. About the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan High-Level Talks Trade & Economic Relations Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Cooperation Cultural & Heritage Cooperation Cultural Exchange Programme Twinning Agreement Read More …

Why in News India has secured third place globally in Stanford University’s 2025 Global AI Vibrancy rankings, marking a significant jump in its artificial intelligence capabilities across research, talent, and infrastructure. Key Highlights of the Report About the Global AI Vibrancy Index Key Parameters Assessed Significance of India’s Rise Policy & Ecosystem Drivers Global Context

Why in News Key Discovery Archaeological Evidence Found Significance of Pyrite Use Implications for Human Evolution Broader Importance Source: Nature

Why in News About the Report Key Findings India-Specific Observations Health and Environmental Concerns Significance Source: TH

The United States has rolled out Pax Silica, a new high-tech and artificial intelligence–focused supply chain initiative involving a select group of allied countries, signalling a strategic push to shape control over critical inputs of the AI era. What is Pax Silica? According to the U.S. State Department, Pax Silica is a U.S.-led strategic initiative aimed at building a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain. It spans the entire Read More …