India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC): Transforming Global Trade Dynamics

Editorial

General Studies Paper-II, the topic on Bilateral, Regional, and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Introduction The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), launched during the G20 Summit (September 2023), aims to establish a transcontinental connectivity route between India, the Middle East, and Europe. Designed as an alternative to traditional maritime routes such as the Suez Canal, IMEC promises…

Major challenges faced by Indian cities

Editorial

CONTEXT: October 31 is observed every year as World Cities Day. The world’s urban population has reached an estimated 4.7 billion, or 57.5% of the world’s total population, with projections to double by 2050. The theme for this year’s World Cities Day is ‘Youth Climate Change makers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability’. What are…

Lightning Strikes

Editorial

Context: Climate change is making lightning strikes around the world more common and deadlier. Every year, around 24,000 people around the world are killed by such strikes; in India, lightning strikes killed 2,887 people in 2022. There have been petitions to declare this phenomenon a natural disaster in India so that its survivors can access…

International Relations: Comprehensive and Updated (24-25)

Editorial

India-Afghanistan Relations Geopolitical Aspects Diplomatic Engagements: In November 2024, India held official talks with the Taliban government in Kabul, focusing on improving bilateral ties and seeking increased humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. Humanitarian Assistance: India has continued to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including medical supplies and food assistance, to address the ongoing crises in the…

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Editorial

Context: A decade ago, India became the first country to legally mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). According to the National CSR Portal, from 2014 to 2023, ₹1.84 lakh crore of CSR funds were disbursed About CSR: With effect from April 1, 2014, CSR is a mandatory requirement for certain companies under section 135 of the…