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3rd India-Nordic Summit 2026 to be held in Norway

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Why in News?

The 3rd India-Nordic Summit will be held in Oslo, Norway, on 15–16 May 2026. It aims to strengthen cooperation between India and Nordic nations in emerging global sectors such as sustainability, climate change, and Arctic governance

3rd india nordic summit

What is the India-Nordic Summit?

  • A high-level diplomatic platform between India and Nordic countries
  • Focuses on economic, technological, and environmental cooperation
  • Previous summits:
    • 1st Summit – 2018 (Stockholm)
    • 2nd Summit – 2022 (Virtual)

Nordic Countries

  • Nordic countries refer to a region in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, comprising five sovereign states—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—along with the autonomous territories of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Åland.
  • They share common history, cultural values, close political cooperation, and a strong, tax-funded welfare model.

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India–China Resume SCO Engagement After Ladakh De-escalation

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After a phase of tensions along the Ladakh border, India and China have resumed bilateral engagement under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

shanghai cooperation organisation

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a major regional organization focusing on security, economic cooperation, and regional stability.

Basic Facts

  • Founded: June 15, 2001 (Shanghai, China)
  • Headquarters: Beijing, China
  • Official Languages: Russian and Chinese

Evolution and Membership

  • Originated from Shanghai Five (1996):
    • China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
  • Current Members (2026): 10 countries
    • Founding members +
    • India & Pakistan (2017)
    • Iran (2023)
    • Belarus (2024)

Organizational Structure

  • Council of Heads of State
    • Highest decision-making body
  • Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)
    • Located in Tashkent
    • Focuses on counter-terrorism and security cooperation

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UK Pauses Chagos Islands Transfer to Mauritius

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United Kingdom has paused its plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius due to concerns raised by the United States.

chagos islands

Historical Background

  • 1965: UK separated Chagos Islands from Mauritius before its independence
  • Created a new territory called British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)
  • 1968–1973: Around 2,000 Chagossians were forcibly displaced to Mauritius and Seychelles
  • Purpose: Establish a joint UK-US military base at Diego Garcia

In 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled:

  • Separation of Chagos Islands from Mauritius was illegal
  • UK should end its administration “as rapidly as possible”
  • UN General Assembly also supported Mauritius’ claim

UK had earlier agreed in principle to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius However, the plan is now paused due to lack of formal approval from the United States.

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Iran Threatens Closure of Bab al-Mandeb Strait

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Why in News:

Iran has warned that its regional allies may block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, escalating tensions in a crucial global maritime route. This comes amid disruptions already seen in the Strait of Hormuz, raising serious concerns about global trade and energy security.

bab al mandeb strait

Bab al-Mandeb Strait

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, meaning “Gate of Tears” in Arabic, is a vital maritime chokepoint.

Connects:

  • Red Sea (northwest)
  • Gulf of Aden & Indian Ocean (southeast)

Bordering Countries:

  • Yemen (Arabian Peninsula – Northeast)
  • Djibouti & Eritrea (Africa – Southwest)

Strategic & Economic Importance

Global Trade Route

  • Acts as a key link between:
    • Mediterranean Sea → Suez Canal → Red Sea → Indian Ocean
  • Essential for trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa

Energy Security

  • Around 12% of global seaborne oil trade passes through
  • About 8% of global LNG shipments transit this route

Impact of Possible Closure

  • Ships may reroute via Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
  • Leads to: Longer travel time, Higher fuel and logistics costs and worsen inflation and energy crisis globally

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PRAHAAR: India’s First National Counter-Terrorism Policy Released

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  • The Ministry of Home Affairs has released PRAHAAR, India’s first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy. It introduces a “zero tolerance” approach and shifts India toward a proactive, intelligence-led security framework.
prahaar anti terror policy

Key Highlights:

Policy Name:

  • PRAHAAR (National Counter-Terrorism Policy)

Released By:

  • Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

Core Approach:

  • Zero tolerance against terrorism
  • Shift from reactive → proactive strategy

Key Features:

  • Intelligence-led operations
  • Strengthening inter-agency coordination
  • Focus on:
    • Cyber-terrorism
    • Terror financing
    • Cross-border threats
https://www.newsonair.gov.in/govt-launches-new-national-counter-terrorism-policy-strategy-prahar-to-tackle-evolving-terror-threats-with-proactive-approach/: PRAHAAR: India’s First National Counter-Terrorism Policy Released

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India–GCC FTA Talks Begin: Terms of Reference Signed

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India and the Gulf Cooperation Council have signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to start negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This marks a major step in strengthening India’s trade and economic ties with Gulf countries.

india–gcc fta talks

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC):

  • A regional political and economic alliance of 6 Gulf countries
  • Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Member Countries:

  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2232327&reg=3&lang=1#:~:text=The%20Joint%20Statement%20on%20the,formally%20launching%20negotiations%20for%20a: India–GCC FTA Talks Begin: Terms of Reference Signed

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US–Russia New START Treaty Ends: Concerns Over Global Nuclear Stability

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The New START Treaty expired on February 5, 2026, ending the last major nuclear arms control pact between the United States and Russia.
This has raised serious concerns about global nuclear stability and arms race risks.

new start treaty

New START Treaty

New START was a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia with the formal name of Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms.

Treaty Expiry:

  • Officially expired on February 5, 2026

Signed:

  • In 2010, came into force in 2011

Duration:

  • Initially 10 years → Extended till 2026

Key Provisions:

  • Limited:
    • Deployed nuclear warheads
    • Strategic delivery systems (ICBMs, SLBMs, bombers)

Significance:

  • Last remaining bilateral nuclear arms control treaty between US and Russia
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/the-last-us-russia-nuclear-pact-ends-today-is-this-the-beginning-of-a-new-arms-race-10515674/: US–Russia New START Treaty Ends: Concerns Over Global Nuclear Stability

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Strait of Hormuz Closure by Iran – Location, Importance & Impact on Global Energy for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams

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Iran announced a temporary closure of parts of the Strait of Hormuz to conduct live-fire naval exercises. The move has raised concerns over global energy supply and maritime security.

strait of hormuz

Strait of Hormuz:

Strait of Hormuz is narrow waterway separating Iran (north) from the Musandam Peninsula (an exclave of Oman) and the United Arab Emirates (south).

  • World’s Most Vital Chokepoint: It is the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.
  • Energy Lifeline: Approximately 20-25% of the world’s seaborne oil and 20-30% of global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) pass through it daily.
  • Major Exporters: Key OPEC members like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and Iran rely on it to export crude. Qatar, the world’s leading LNG exporter, sends nearly all its LNG through this strait. 
Significance for India
  • Energy Security: India is highly dependent on this route, as nearly 40% of its crude oil imports and 54% of its LNG imports pass through the strait.
  • Economic Impact: Any disruption leads to immediate spikes in global oil prices, impacting India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) and fueling domestic inflation.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78n6p09pzno: Strait of Hormuz Closure by Iran – Location, Importance & Impact on Global Energy for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams

Strait of Hormuz Closure by Iran – Location, Importance & Impact on Global Energy for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams Read More »

Israel Recognizes Somaliland – First UN Member to Do So

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Israel has reportedly become the first UN member state to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent nation. This move has significant implications for regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

somaliland

Somaliland:

  • Somaliland is a self-declared independent republic in the Horn of Africa.
  • It declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the fall of military ruler .
  • Despite functioning as a separate entity, it has not been widely recognized internationally until now.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-becomes-first-country-to-formally-recognise-somaliland-as-independent-state/article70441372.ece: Israel Recognizes Somaliland – First UN Member to Do So

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India–Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty Renewal Talks 2026 – Exam facts

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Why in News?

India and Bangladesh have initiated discussions to renew the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, which is set to expire in December 2026.

ganga river

Ganga Water Sharing Treaty:

  • The Ganga Water Sharing Treaty was signed on 12 December 1996 for a period of 30 years.
  • It regulates water sharing at the Farakka Barrage (West Bengal).
  • The agreement focuses on the lean season (January 1 – May 31) when water availability is low.
  • Ensures equitable distribution of Ganga waters between India and Bangladesh.
About Ganga River:
  • Course: Flows through: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal.
  • Key Feature:
    • At West Bengal, it divides into:
      • Bhagirathi–Hooghly (India)
      • Padma (enters Bangladesh)
  • Delta:
    • Forms the Sundarbans Delta (largest delta in the world) along with the Brahmaputra before draining into the Bay of Bengal
https://www.firstpost.com/world/india-bangladesh-ganga-water-sharing-treaty-expiring-in-2026-will-new-delhi-renew-pact-talks-kick-off-13964670.html: India–Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty Renewal Talks 2026 – Exam facts

India–Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty Renewal Talks 2026 – Exam facts Read More »

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