India Warns Against China's Maritime Aggression, Says A Stable South China Sea Is Vital for Peace
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The Hindu
7 hours ago
- The Hindu
Two-thirds of humanity still lack proper representation in 20th century global institutions: PM Modi
The majority of the world's population is not properly represented in key global institutions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday (July 6, 2025), addressing fellow leaders of emerging nations at the BRICS summit in Rio De Janeiro. PM Modi in Brazil for BRICS Summit: Follow LIVE updates on July 6, 2025 The BRICS Leaders' Declaration, adopted at the summit in the Brazilian city on Sunday (July 6, 2025), reflected India's key concerns, especially on cross-border terrorism and global governance reforms.. Noting that the Global South has often faced 'double standards', the Prime Minister called for a greater role for the developing world in international decision-making, speaking at the BRICS session on Peace, Security, and Reform of Global Governance. Also Read | Global South's voice key to contemporary world's progress: PM Modi tells Ghana's Parliament 'Two-thirds of humanity still lack proper representation in global institutions built in the 20th century. Many countries that play a key role in today's global economy are yet to be given a seat at the decision-making table. This is not just about representation, it's also about credibility and effectiveness,' Mr. Modi said, reiterating that global institutions have 'failed to offer effective solutions'. The Prime Minister welcomed the expansion of BRICS, saying that it shows the grouping's ability to 'evolve with the times'. At the Session on 'Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance' during the BRICS Summit, reiterated India's commitment to the values of peace and brotherhood. Afterall, world peace and security are the foundations of our shared interests and future. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025 BRICS condemns Pahalgam attack Reflecting some of India's core concerns, the declaration adopted by BRICS leaders condemned the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in the 'strongest terms', and called for a more 'representative' international order. BRICS leaders expressed commitment to combat terrorism, including 'cross border' terrorism, and called for 'expeditious finalization' of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the framework of the UN. The leaders also welcomed Indonesia as a new member state of BRICS and described the Israel-U.S. military strikes against Iran as a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Also Read | Quad condemns Pahalgam terror attack, calls for perpetrators to be brought to justice 'We express strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which at least 26 people were killed and many more injured. We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens,' the BRICS Leaders Declaration said, in an explicit condemnation of the terror attack in Pahalgam that led to India's punitive strikes on targets inside Pakistan. Supports Palestinian rights The declaration described the Gaza Strip as an 'inseparable' part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. 'We underline, in this regard, the importance of unifying the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under the Palestinian Authority, and reaffirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine,' it said, expressing an 'unwavering commitment' to the two-state solution. '[A] just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means and depends on the fulfillment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the rights to self-determination and return,' the declaration said. It also called for the 'full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and all other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory', and called on Hamas to release 'all hostages and detainees held in violation of international law'. 'Attack on Iran violated international law' The BRICS Leaders Declaration termed the Israel-U.S. attack on Iran as a 'violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations'. The leaders expressed 'serious concern' over the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, which they labelled 'deliberate'. The declaration added: 'Nuclear safeguards, safety and security must always be upheld, including in armed conflicts to protect people and the environment from harm.' Terrorism in Syria also received attention from the BRICS leaders, who condemned the violence and killings of civilians by the ISIL (Daesh) and Al Qaeda-linked terror groups in the country. Advocates UNSC reform The BRICS Leaders Declaration recorded support from Russia and China — both permanent members of the UN Security Council — for the 'aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the United Nations, including its Security Council'. Also Read | India calls out attempts to introduce new parameters such as religion, faith as basis for representation in reformed UNSC 'We reiterate our support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council's memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including BRICS countries,' the declaration said, noting that reforming the UN Security Council would amplify the voice of the Global South. Existing members welcomed new BRICS partner countries — Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan — and called for the promotion of 'dialogue and consultations' among developing countries. 'We believe BRICS countries continue to play a pivotal role in voicing the concerns and priorities of the Global South, as well as promoting a more just, sustainable, inclusive, representative and stable international order based on international law,' the declaration said. It also supported the development and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on Red Sea, Biofuture Platform and more (Week 117)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on International Relations to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Consider the following statements: 1. It is one of West Africa's fastest-growing economies; its relationship with India is marked by robust and expanding trade and investment. 2. India is the largest destination for this country's exports; gold accounts for more than 70% of India's imports from this country. The above mentioned statements refer to which country? (a) Nigeria (b) Benin (c) Senegal (d) Ghana Explanation — The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited nations in Africa and South America and attended the upcoming BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. — He is the first Indian prime minister to visit the country in three decades. John Mahama, who was elected President in January, travelled to India in 2015 for the India-Africa Forum Summit. — Ghana is one of West Africa's fastest-growing economies; its relationship with India is marked by robust and expanding trade and investment. India is the largest destination for Ghanaian exports; gold accounts for more than 70% of India's imports from Ghana. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Which of the following countries are members of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative? 1. India 2. Australia 3. France 4. Russia 5. Japan Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 (c) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (d) 1 and 2 only Explanation — The Quad countries established the new flagship 'Quad Critical Minerals Initiative' to improve economic security and collective resilience by working together to secure and diversify vital mineral supply chains. — 'This new flagship initiative, along with the high-impact programs and outcomes that the Quad is achieving, will enable our four countries to bring economic opportunity and prosperity to our people and the region,' said a readout of the meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and her Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya. — The Quad consists of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal, a guided missile frigate manufactured by: (a) United States (b) France (c) Russia (d) United Kingdom Explanation — The Navy commissioned INS Tamal, a Russian-built guided missile frigate equipped with dual-role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. It is the final warship to be inducted from a foreign source, as India strives for self-reliance in defence. — INS Tamal's commissioning ceremony took place at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The ship will shortly leave for her home port of Karwar, Karnataka, according to the Navy. — 'INS Tamal is a formidable moving fortress at sea and is designed for blue water operations across the spectrum of naval warfare in all four dimensions — air, surface, underwater and electromagnetic,' according to the Navy. — INS Tamal is the eighth multi-role stealth frigate of Project 1135.6, a series of Russian-built frigates for the Indian Navy, and the second of the additional Tushil class ships. The first ship of the Tushil class (INS Tushil) was commissioned in December last year. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Which of the following countries is bordered by the Red Sea? 1. Egypt 2. Sudan 3. Jordan 4. Israel 5. Yemen 6. Djibouti Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 (c) 3, 4, 5 and 6 (d) 1, 2, 5 and 6 Explanation — A ship was attacked in the Red Sea near Yemen's coast by armed individuals firing firearms and throwing rocket-propelled grenades, according to a group authorised by the British military. — The western boundary of the Red Sea is Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti, while the eastern border is Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Furthermore, Israel and Jordan share coasts along the Gulf of Aqaba, a northern continuation of the Red Sea. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. The River Seine was in the news recently. It flows through the capital city of: (a) Belgium (b) Monaco (c) France (d) Switzerland Explanation — For the first time in over a century, Parisians and visitors will be able to take a cool plunge in the River Seine. Following a 1.4 billion euro ($1.5 billion) cleansing initiative that made it acceptable for Olympic competitions last year, the long-polluted canal is now ready for summer swims. — Swimming in the Seine has been prohibited since 1923, with a few exceptions, due to pollution and hazards associated with river navigation. Taking a dip outside of bathing facilities is still prohibited for safety reasons. — The Seine was a highlight of the Paris Olympics in 2024, serving as the site of the spectacular opening ceremony as well as the triathlon and marathon swimming events. Rainfall increased bacteria levels, postponing some competitions. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following countries: 1. China 2. India 3. United States 4. Brazil 5. Japan 6. Russia Which of the above mentioned countries are the members of the Biofuture Platform? (a) 1, 2, 4, 6 (b) 3, 4, 5, 6 (c) 1, 2 , 3, 4 (d) All of the above Explanation According to the — The Biofuture Initiative evolved from the Biofuture Platform, a 23-country effort established in 2016 under the leadership of Brazil to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon bioeconomy. — Member Countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, Paraguay, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay. — Observers: Japan Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. With reference to 'Dustlik', consider the following statements: 1. It is a joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan. 2. The exercise conducted in April 2025 in its sixth edition focussing on the counter-terrorism operations in sub-conventional domains and will include both Army and Air Force elements. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Pune played host to the sixth edition of the joint military exercise 'Dustlik' between India and Uzbekistan, which was held at the Foreign Training Node (FTN) at Aundh from April 16 to 28. The exercise focused on the counter-terrorism operations in sub-conventional domains and included both Army and Air Force elements, said officials. — Exercise Dustlik, which means friendship in Uzbek, is an yearly event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan. The last edition was conducted at Termez in Uzbekistan and at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand in 2023. The aim of the exercise is to foster military cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in various environments and terrains. The two-week long activities focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and special arms skills. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Which of the following is the only tripartite U.N. agency? (a) International Monetary Fund (b) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (c) International Labour Organization (d) International Seabed Authority Explanation According to — 'The only tripartite U.N. agency, since 1919 the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.' Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 116) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
India Gazette
13 hours ago
- India Gazette
'Deeply concerned about his safety': Congress MP on abduction of Odisha resident by Al-Qaeda in Mali
Koraput (Odisha) [India], July 6 (ANI): Congress MP from Assam's Koraput, Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, said that a resident of Hinjili in Ganjam district, Odisha, who has been kidnapped in the African country of Mali is out of communication and requested the External Affairs Ministry to take cognizance of the matter. An al-Qaeda abducted three Indians linked terrorist group in West Africa's Mali. 'A resident of Hinjili in Ganjam district, Odisha, has been kidnapped in the African country of Mali. And he has been out of communication. We are deeply concerned about his safety and would request the External Affairs Minister to take cognisance of the matter and take the necessary action... I will be writing to the Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging him to take immediate action in this regard', he told ANI a day earlier. Earlier on Saturday, the brother-in-law of P Venkataraman, a resident of Odisha's Ganjam district who is among the three Indians abducted by an al-Qaeda linked terrorist group in West Africa's Mali, said that the terrorists are demanding ransom. The brother-in-law told ANI on Saturday, 'Venkat last called me on June 30. He worked in a cement factory in Mali, West Africa. He said his company had stopped them from going out as terrorists were present. This kidnapping incident happened on July 1.' He added that initially, the company had informed them that his brother-in-law was in police custody after the terrorists set fire to the factory; however, later, they came to know about the abduction and were asked not to leak the information. 'We got a call from the company that he and some others are in police custody as terrorists have set the factory on fire. An international news claimed that Al-Qaeda had kidnapped some people. We called the company to confirm this, and they refused us to leak this information and said that the terrorists are demanding ransom in exchange for the people,' he said. 'We waited for a few days and then complained to the police. I called and mailed the embassy but did not get any response. I demand that my brother-in-law be brought back home safely,' Venkataraman's brother-in-law told ANI. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over the abduction of three Indian workers from a factory in Mali's Kayes region and urged authorities in the West African country to ensure their 'safe and expeditious' rescue. 'It has come to the knowledge of the Government of India that many military and government installations at multiple locations of western and central Mali were attacked by terrorists on July 1,' the MEA said in a statement on Wedneday. The armed attack took place at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes. Condemning the incident, the MEA said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in constant contact with local authorities, security agencies, and the families of the abducted workers. In its statement, the MEA described the act as 'deplorable' and reaffirmed India's strong stand against violence targeting its citizens abroad. 'The Embassy of India in Bamako is in close and constant communication with the relevant authorities of the Government of Mali, local law enforcement agencies, as well as the management of Diamond Cement Factory,' the MEA statement read. (ANI)
