• The Karachi Agreement refers to a ceasefire agreement signed between India and Pakistan on 27 July 1949 under the supervision of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP).

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• The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a landmark water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed in 1960 under the mediation of the World Bank. It governs the use of the waters of the Indus River system, which includes six main rivers that originate in the Himalayas and flow into Pakistan.Signatories
  India – represented by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
  Pakistan – represented by President Mohammad Ayub Khan
  World Bank – as a broker and guarantor
  The treaty was signed in Karachi on September 19, 1960.

  Division of Rivers

  Eastern Rivers (allocated to India):

  Ravi
  Beas
  Sutlej
  Western Rivers (allocated to Pakistan):

  Indus
  Jhelum
  Chenab

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• Operation Gibraltar was Pakistan's failed covert infiltration attempt into Jammu and Kashmir in August 1965, intended to incite an insurgency against Indian rule. The mission was a spectacular failure and was the immediate cause of the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War.

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• The Kargil War (also known as the Kargil Conflict) was a military confrontation between India and Pakistan that took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir (now in Ladakh).It formally established the ceasefire line (later called the Line of Control, or LoC) in the region of Jammu and Kashmir following the first Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–48.

• The phrase “New World Order” became globally famous when U.S. President George H. W. Bush used it in several speeches during and after the Gulf War (1990–1991). He used the term to describe a new era of international cooperation and collective security that he believed was emerging after the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

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• The Taliban regime refers to the Islamist government established by the Taliban movement in Afghanistan, first from 1996 to 2001, and again after August 2021, when they regained control following the U.S. withdrawal.The Taliban’s rule is characterized by strict enforcement of Islamic law (Sharia), suppression of women’s rights, and international isolation.

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• The Global War on Terror (GWOT) refers to the international military, political, and ideological campaign launched by the United States and its allies after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
  Its primary goal was to eliminate global terrorism, especially groups such as al-Qaeda and later the Taliban, ISIS, and other extremist organizations.

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• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) was the U.S.-led military invasion of Iraq launched on March 19, 2003, aimed at removing Saddam Hussein’s regime and eliminating Iraq’s alleged weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
  It was one of the most significant and controversial conflicts in the Global War on Terror.

• The “Blue Helmets” are associated with the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping forces.

• Official Name: UN Peacekeepers

• Nickname: “Blue Helmets” or “Blue Berets”

• Established: 1948 (following the UN Charter and first peacekeeping missions)

• Purpose: To maintain or restore peace and security in conflict areas, acting as neutral forces

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The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, established in 1945 under the UN Charter and seated in The Hague, Netherlands. Its main purpose is to settle legal disputes between states and provide advisory opinions on international legal questions referred by the UN General Assembly, Security Council, or specialized agencies. The ICJ is composed of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council, ensuring broad geographical representation. Its jurisdiction is voluntary, meaning states must consent to be bound by its decisions. The ICJ handles cases related to territorial disputes, diplomatic relations, treaty interpretation, and the law of the sea. It operates under the Statute of the ICJ, which is an integral part of the UN Charter. By promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts and upholding international law, the ICJ plays a key role in maintaining global order and stability.

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The United Nations Trusteeship Council is one of the six principal organs of the UN, established in 1945 under the UN Charter. Its primary purpose was to oversee the administration of trust territories and ensure they were governed in the best interests of their inhabitants, promoting self-government and independence. The Council supervised 11 trust territories, mostly former colonies, guiding them toward sovereignty. With the independence of the last trust territory, Palau, in 1994, the Council suspended operations. Today, it exists formally but meets only as needed, symbolizing the UN’s historical role in decolonization and global governance.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established on 7 April 1948 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Its primary goal is to promote global health, prevent disease, and improve healthcare systems worldwide. WHO sets international health standards, provides technical assistance to countries, and coordinates responses to health emergencies, including epidemics and pandemics. It also conducts research, monitors health trends, and supports vaccination and disease eradication programs. With 194 member states, WHO plays a crucial role in advancing public health, disease prevention, and health equity, shaping international health policies globally.

Operation Cactus was a rapid military intervention by India in November 1988 to foil a coup attempt in the Maldives. Armed mercenaries, supported by some Maldivian dissidents, attempted to overthrow the Maldivian government led by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. India launched airborne and naval forces, deploying paratroopers from the Parachute Regiment and troops from the Indian Navy. The operation successfully regained control of the capital, Malé, within hours, restoring the legitimate government. Operation Cactus is celebrated as a model of swift and effective military response in South Asia, demonstrating India’s capability to ensure regional stability and protect friendly nations.

India’s Look West Policy, launched in the 1990s, aims to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties with West Asian and Gulf countries. It focuses on energy security, given India’s reliance on oil imports from the region, as well as trade, investment, and defense cooperation. The policy also seeks to protect the interests of the Indian diaspora and promote regional stability. Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, and Iran are key partners under this policy, enhancing India’s global outreach and strategic influence.

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Project Mausam is an initiative by the Indian government, launched in 2014 under the Ministry of Culture, aiming to reconnect and revive maritime cultural and trade links across the Indian Ocean region. It seeks to strengthen ties with countries in South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East by promoting heritage, culture, and economic cooperation. The project emphasizes maritime history, trade networks, and cultural exchanges, enhancing India’s soft power, regional connectivity, and strategic influence in the Indian Ocean.

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Operation Rahat in Libya was an Indian evacuation mission conducted in 2011 during the Libyan civil war. The Indian government deployed naval ships, aircraft, and diplomatic channels to rescue Indian citizens and other foreign nationals trapped in conflict zones. Thousands of Indians were safely evacuated from cities like Benghazi and Tripoli. The operation showcased India’s rapid crisis response and commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.

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Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) was a military campaign launched by the United States in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The primary objective of Operation Enduring Freedom was to combat terrorism, specifically targeting the al-Qaeda terrorist organization and its Taliban hosts in Afghanistan.

The operation began on October 7, 2001, with the initiation of airstrikes against Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan. It quickly expanded to include ground operations, with the United States leading a coalition of international forces in a concerted effort to oust the Taliban regime from power and dismantle al-Qaeda's terrorist infrastructure.

Operation Enduring Freedom saw the deployment of significant military assets, including ground troops, special forces units, and air power, to conduct a range of counterterrorism operations, including targeted airstrikes, raids, and ground combat missions. The operation also involved efforts to train and equip Afghan security forces to take on a greater role in securing their country.

While the initial phase of Operation Enduring Freedom succeeded in ousting the Taliban regime from power and disrupting al-Qaeda's operations in Afghanistan, the conflict evolved into a protracted insurgency and nation-building effort. The operation ultimately led to the establishment of a new Afghan government and the deployment of international forces in support of stability and reconstruction efforts in the country.

Operation Enduring Freedom formally ended in December 2014, but U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan continued under a separate mission, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, which aimed to train and advise Afghan security forces and conduct counterterrorism operations against residual threats.

Operation Blackboard was an educational initiative launched by the Government of India in 1986 to improve primary education in rural areas. It aimed to ensure that every primary school had at least one teacher, a blackboard, and basic teaching-learning materials. The program also emphasized improving school infrastructure, teacher training, and enrollment rates. Operation Blackboard laid the foundation for later initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, enhancing access and quality of elementary education in India.

The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was established in 1964 to prevent further conflict between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Its mandate includes monitoring ceasefires, maintaining buffer zones, and supporting law and order. The force was deployed after intercommunal violence threatened the island’s stability. UNFICYP has helped maintain peace along the Green Line, facilitated humanitarian assistance, and supported efforts toward a political settlement, making it one of the longest-running UN peacekeeping missions.

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The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was deployed to Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990 under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord to disarm Tamil militant groups, primarily the LTTE, and maintain peace in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. The mission involved military operations against militants and humanitarian assistance, but prolonged conflict and resistance from the LTTE led to its withdrawal in 1990, marking a complex chapter in India-Sri Lanka relations.

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The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) was established in 2004 to restore stability, maintain law and order, and support democratic governance following political turmoil and unrest. The mission involved peacekeeping troops, police forces, and humanitarian assistance, helping with disaster relief, reconstruction, and security. India contributed military and police personnel to MINUSTAH, demonstrating its commitment to international peacekeeping and humanitarian support in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

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"Operation Burundi" most commonly refers to the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB), a peacekeeping mission from 2004 to 2006 that aimed to help restore peace and national reconciliation after the Burundian Civil War. The term could also refer to other UN operations or aid efforts in the country, such as those by the UNHCR for refugees and displaced persons, or a specific relief effort by the organization Operation Blessing

Operation Kaveri was an Indian evacuation mission conducted in 2015 to rescue Indian citizens stranded in war-torn Yemen during the civil conflict. The Indian Air Force and Navy coordinated air and sea evacuations, safely transporting hundreds of Indians and foreign nationals from dangerous areas such as Sana’a and Aden. The operation showcased India’s swift humanitarian response, coordination, and commitment to protecting its citizens abroad under crisis conditions.
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Operation Sukoon was an Indian evacuation mission carried out in July–August 2006 during the Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah. The Indian government deployed naval ships (INS Mumbai, INS Brahmaputra, and INS Jalashwa) and aircraft to evacuate Indian citizens and other foreign nationals stranded in Beirut and surrounding conflict zones. The operation successfully rescued over 2,200 people, highlighting India’s rapid crisis response capabilities, maritime strength, and commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.

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Operation Ganga was an Indian evacuation mission launched in February–March 2022 in response to the Russia-Ukraine war. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, thousands of Indian citizens, including students and workers, were stranded in conflict zones. The Indian government coordinated air and land evacuations, using special flights and routes through Poland, Romania, and Hungary to safely bring citizens back to India. The operation demonstrated India’s swift crisis management, diplomatic coordination, and commitment to protecting its nationals abroad.

Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) was the U.S.-led military invasion of Iraq launched on March 20, 2003, aimed at removing Saddam Hussein’s regime and eliminating Iraq’s alleged weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

Operation Desert Storm was a U.S.-led military campaign launched on January 17, 1990, to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation following Saddam Hussein’s invasion in August 1990. It involved air strikes, ground assaults, and coalition forces from over 30 countries. The operation quickly defeated Iraqi forces, restored Kuwait’s sovereignty, and demonstrated the effectiveness of modern military technology and coalition warfare, marking a significant chapter in Gulf War history and international security.

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