Know Your GK: UPSC Current Affairs & General Knowledge

What is BIMSTEC? BIMSTEC stands for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. It is a regional organization formed in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. BIMSTEC's goal is to strengthen collaboration across South and Southeast Asian countries located around the Bay of Bengal. Unlike SAARC, which has faced roadblocks due to political tensions (especially between India and Pakistan), BIMSTEC provides a fresh platform for like-minded countries to cooperate on various fronts, such as economic growth, trade, connectivity, disaster management, energy, and security. Member Countries of BIMSTEC BIMSTEC has seven member countries: Bangladesh Bhutan India Myanmar Nepal Sri Lanka Thailand These nations represent a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia and are home to around 1.7 billion people – nearly 22% of the global population. Aims and Objectives of BIMSTEC The primary objectives of BIMSTEC are: To acce...

India-Sri Lanka Relations: Navigating Waters of Partnership, Power, and Geopolitics  🌐 Introduction From the sacred relic of the Buddha’s tooth in Kandy to joint defense pacts in the Indian Ocean, India and Sri Lanka’s story is more than just diplomacy—a journey of shared histories, modern challenges, and strategic aspirations. In the heart of the Indian Ocean, where global powers jostle for influence, these two neighbors continue to rewrite their narrative of cooperation and competition. This blog presents a comprehensive, UPSC-relevant breakdown of the India—Sri Lanka relationship, with the latest updates and real-world examples. It is an essential read for civil services and competitive exam aspirants. 🔗 Historical and Cultural Ties India and Sri Lanka have a shared history dating back to the Mauryan Empire and Buddhist exchanges . For example, Emperor Ashoka sent his son Mahinda to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism, which profoundly influenced the island’s culture. Cul...