News: Recently, India and Brazil agreed to significantly expand their existing trade agreement with the MERCOSUR regional trade bloc. About MERCOSUR Grouping MERCOSUR: MERCOSUR stands for Mercado Común del Sur, which means “Common Market of the South” in Spanish. It is a regional trade bloc of South American countries. Established: It was established in 1991… Continue reading MERCOSUR Grouping
Category: Factly: IR
This category contains all Current Affairs Factly Articles for Prelims, related to the International Relations. You can find all relevant International updates on this page. This page is specifically useful for UPSC Prelims exam.
Key Facts about Suriname
News: Indian External Affairs Minister reviewed the full spectrum of India-Suriname relations during the 9th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) held in the capital city of Paramaribo. Key Facts about Suriname Location: Suriname is a country in northern South America located slightly north of the equator on the Guiana Shield. It is also considered as part… Continue reading Key Facts about Suriname
India-EU Initiative to Boost EV Battery Recycling and Circular Economy
News: India and the European Union (EU) have jointly launched a ₹169 crore initiative to strengthen electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling and promote a circular economy, marking a significant step in their growing partnership on clean and green technologies. About India-EU Initiative to Boost EV Battery Recycling and Circular Economy The Initiative has been launched… Continue reading India-EU Initiative to Boost EV Battery Recycling and Circular Economy
United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT)
News: The United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT) raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s mass deportation of Afghan refugees under the 2023 Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan, citing lack of individual protection assessments and risks of refoulement. About United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT) It is the body of independent experts that monitors the implementation of the Convention against Torture… Continue reading United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT)
SAARC Currency Swap Framework
News: India approved Rs. 30 billion withdrawal for Maldives under SAARC Currency Swap Framework, reaffirming financial support and regional cooperation commitment. About SAARC Currency Swap Framework SAARC currency swap framework provides SAARC countries a line of funding for short-term foreign exchange requirements. Currency Swap Framework: It is a contract between countries to exchange currencies with… Continue reading SAARC Currency Swap Framework
English Channel and Sandhurst Treaty
News: France and the UK have renewed the Sandhurst Treaty to curb illegal crossings across the English Channel. About English Channel Location: The English Channel is a narrow body of water that forms a natural border between England (part of the United Kingdom) and France. It is a narrow extension of the Atlantic Ocean that… Continue reading English Channel and Sandhurst Treaty
India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)2026
News: India will host the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit in May-end 2026, after a gap of more than a decade. About India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) 2026 It is an official institutional platform for African-Indian relations and a high-level consultative mechanism between the Government of India and the member states of the African Union. Established: The… Continue reading India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)2026
Trans-Arabian Pipeline
News: With Iran threatening the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are accelerating efforts to reduce dependence on this chokepoint by expanding alternative infrastructure. About Trans-Arabian Pipeline Trans-Arabian Pipeline is a crude oil pipeline located in southwestern Asia. It is also called the Tapline. Operational from: It became operational in… Continue reading Trans-Arabian Pipeline
Borrowers’ Platform
News: Developing countries launched the first-ever Borrowers’ Platform at IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 to address rising debt pressures collectively. About Borrowers’ Platform It is a dedicated forum for developing countries to coordinate and address sovereign debt challenges. Launched: It was launched during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 by developing countries. Origin: The platform… Continue reading Borrowers’ Platform
POWERR Asia Initiative
News: Japan pledged $10 billion support to Southeast Asia to address rising crude prices and supply disruptions caused by the war in West Asia. About POWERR Asia Initiative Full Name: Partnership On Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia) Launched by: It was launched by Japan. Aim: It aims to provide financial support for emergency… Continue reading POWERR Asia Initiative
