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GS Paper: GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

  • 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

    Why in the News?

    On April 8, 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered the keynote address at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

    About the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU):

    • The IPU is the global organization that connects national parliaments, promoting democracy and cooperation among countries.
    • Moto: “For democracy. For everyone.”
    • It is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
    • Establishment:
      • It was established in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization aimed at fostering international cooperation and dialogue.
      • It was founded by Englishman William Randal Cremer and Frenchman Frederic Passy, two visionaries who believed in resolving international disputes through peaceful arbitration.
      • Both went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
    • Structure and Mandate:
      • It comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 Associate Members (mostly regional parliamentary bodies).
      • It is funded by its members out of public funds.
      • The Governing Council is made up of 3 MPs from each Member Parliament.
    • Core Functions:
      • It advocates for stronger, more inclusive, and diverse parliaments.
      • It defends the human rights of parliamentarians and organizes biennial assemblies to bring together parliamentary delegates and partners from around the world.
      • It works on issues like global governance, the United Nations, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    Key Milestones Achieved:

    • The first IPU conference was held in 1889 in Paris, with participation from MPs across Europe and beyond.
    • The IPU played a key role in establishing the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 1899.
    • It laid the groundwork for the creation of the League of Nations in 1919 and the United Nations in 1945.

    India’s Participation in the IPU:

    • India’s membership in the IPU is facilitated through the Indian Parliamentary Group, which serves as the National Group of the IPU.
    • The IPG was established in 1949 following a motion adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India.
    • The Speaker of the Lok Sabha serves as the ex-officio President of the IPG, while the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha serve as Vice Presidents.
    [UPSC 2005] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Charter of the United Nations Organization was adopted at Geneva, Switzerland in June 1945; 2. India was admitted to the United Nations Organization in the year 1945; 3. The Trusteeship Council of the United Nations Organization was established to manage the affairs of territories detached from Japan and Italy after WWII.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • 50th Anniversary of Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)

    Why in the News?

    March 26, 2025, marked the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), the first multilateral disarmament treaty to ban an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.

    About the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)

    • The BWC also known as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), is a disarmament treaty aimed at banning biological and toxin weapons.
    • It prohibits activities related to the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling, and use of biological and toxin weapons.

    Negotiation and Adoption of BWC: 

    • Negotiated in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1969 to 1971.
    • Draft versions were tabled by the USA and USSR in August 1971.
    • The treaty was opened for signature on April 10, 1972, in London, Moscow, and Washington, D.C.
    • It entered into force on March 26, 1975, after the required ratifications.

    Key Provisions of BWC:

    • Article I: Prohibits development, production, stockpiling, and use of biological weapons.
    • Article II: Requires destruction or conversion of biological agents, toxins, and weapons to peaceful purposes before joining.
    • Article III: Prohibits transfer or assistance in acquiring biological weapons.
    • Article VI: Allows states to file complaints with the UN Security Council about treaty violations.
    • Article X: Promotes the exchange of materials and information for peaceful purposes.

    Structure and Membership of BWC:

    • Depositaries: United States, United Kingdom, and Russian Federation are the depositary governments.
    • Membership: As of February 2025, 188 states are parties to the treaty, with 4 states having signed but not ratified, and 9 states have neither signed nor ratified.
    • Review Conferences: Held every 5 years to assess the treaty’s implementation and strengthen confidence-building measures.

    India and the BWC:

    • India is a party to the BWC.
    • India has implemented national measures and established legal frameworks to comply with the provisions of the BWC, preventing the development or use of biological weapons.
    [UPSC 2017] With reference to the Biological Weapons Convention, consider the following statements:

    1.It prohibits the development, production, stockpiling or use of biological and toxin weapons.

    2. It has a verification mechanism to check compliance by member States.

    3. It is an umbrella treaty under the aegis of the United Nations.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • The assault on multilateralism and international law

    Why in the News?

    The US’s independent actions could lead to global pushback, but they also create an opportunity for non-Western nations to step up as leaders.

    What are the key multilateral institutions and agreements from which the U.S. has signalled withdrawal under the Trump administration?

    • World Health Organization (WHO): The U.S. announced withdrawal in 2020, accusing WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and being overly influenced by China.
    • United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): The U.S. exited in 2018, citing alleged bias against Israel and ineffective handling of human rights abuses.  
    • Paris Climate Agreement: The U.S. formally withdrew in 2020, arguing that the agreement unfairly burdened its economy while benefiting competitors like China and India. Example: The withdrawal slowed global climate efforts, as the U.S. is one of the largest carbon emitters.
    • International Criminal Court (ICC): The U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC officials in 2020, rejecting its authority over American troops and allies. Example: Sanctions were placed on ICC officials investigating alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan.
    • World Trade Organization (WTO): The U.S. blocked appointments to the WTO Appellate Body, crippling its ability to resolve trade disputes. Example: This led to a breakdown in the global trade dispute resolution system, impacting countries like India and China.

    What is the DEFUND Act?

    The Disengaging Entirely from the United Nations Debacle (DEFUND) Act is a proposed U.S. legislation introduced by Senator Mike Lee. It seeks to completely withdraw the U.S. from the United Nations (UN), repeal key participation laws, cut all funding, and revoke diplomatic immunity for UN officials within the U.S.

    Why does the proposed DEFUND Act pose a threat to the legitimacy of the United Nations?

    • Financial Crisis for the UN: The U.S. is the largest financial contributor to the UN, funding around 22% of its budget. The DEFUND Act would halt all U.S. contributions, severely affecting UN operations. Example: The UN’s peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid programs in conflict zones like Syria and Yemen would face funding shortages.
    • Weakening of Multilateral Cooperation: The Act would repeal key legislation like the United Nations Participation Act of 1945, severing U.S. engagement with the UN. This could encourage other nations to follow suit, undermining the UN’s credibility. Example: Without U.S. involvement, the UN Security Council may struggle to enforce resolutions, reducing its effectiveness in global crisis management.
    • Legal and Diplomatic Challenges: The Act would revoke the diplomatic immunity of UN officials in the U.S., disrupting UN functions and diplomatic activities. Example: The UN Headquarters in New York might face operational difficulties, making it harder to conduct international negotiations.

    How has the U.S. administration’s stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC) impacted global accountability for human rights violations?

    • Undermining International Justice Mechanisms: The U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC officials in 2020, accusing the court of targeting American personnel and allies. This weakened the ICC’s ability to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Palestine.
    • Encouraging Non-Cooperation with the ICC: The U.S.’s non-recognition of the ICC has emboldened other nations to ignore its rulings, reducing its global influence. Countries under investigation may refuse cooperation, limiting the court’s effectiveness in ensuring accountability.
      • Example: Israel rejected ICC jurisdiction in its war crimes probe in Palestinian territories, citing U.S. opposition to the investigation.
    • Weakening the Principle of Universal Justice: By discrediting the ICC and blocking investigations, the U.S. has set a precedent for selective justice, where powerful nations can evade accountability while weaker states remain subject to scrutiny.
      • Example: The ICC struggles to prosecute major powers like China or Russia, as the U.S.’s stance encourages a lack of enforcement in high-stakes human rights cases.

    What are the chances for non-Western nations to assume global leadership roles?

    • Expanding Economic and Political Influence – Emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil are increasing their global footprint through trade, technology, and strategic alliances.
      Example: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) enhances its economic influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
    • Strengthening Regional and Multilateral Institutions – Non-Western nations are actively shaping global governance through regional organizations and alternative institutions.
      Example: The BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) launched the New Development Bank (NDB) as an alternative to Western-led financial institutions.
    • Leadership in Global Crisis Management – Developing nations are taking initiative in addressing global challenges like climate change, health crises, and digital transformation.
      Example: India’s Vaccine Maitri initiative supplied COVID-19 vaccines to over 100 countries, reinforcing its role in global health diplomacy.

    What would be the impact on India?

    • Challenges to Multilateralism and Global Governance: The U.S. exit from key institutions like the UN, WHO, and WTO weakens the global rules-based order, making international cooperation more fragmented. India, which strongly supports multilateral diplomacy, may face difficulties in global negotiations, including trade, climate change, and security.
      • Example: The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement (2017) reduced global climate finance commitments, impacting India’s renewable energy goals.
    • Opportunity for India to Assume Leadership: As the U.S. retreats, India can play a more prominent role in shaping multilateral decision-making, advocating for reforms in the UNSC and WTO, and positioning itself as a bridge between developing and developed nations.
      • Example: During the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (2025), India emphasized the need for inclusive multilateralism, strengthening its diplomatic standing.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Multilateral Leadership – India should actively engage in UN reforms, WTO negotiations, and climate diplomacy, positioning itself as a stabilizing force in global governance.
    • Diversify Strategic Alliances – India must deepen partnerships with EU, ASEAN, and African nations, enhancing trade, security, and diplomatic ties to counterbalance U.S. disengagement.

    Mains PYQ:

     Q “Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (UPSC 2020)

    Reason: The World Health Organization (WHO) has faced calls for withdrawal by certain nations, highlighting a challenge to multilateral institutions. This PYQ directly assesses the role and, by extension, the relevance and effectiveness of the WHO in a global crisis, which is pertinent to discussions on the assault on multilateralism.

  • International Criminal Court (ICC)

    Why in the News?

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken into custody former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on charges of crimes against humanity, linked to his infamous “war on drugs”.

    About the International Criminal Court (ICC)

    • The ICC is the world’s first permanent international court established to prosecute individuals responsible for the gravest crimes of global concern.
    • Founded under the Rome Statute in 1998, it became operational in 2002 and is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.
    • The ICC has jurisdiction over 4 core international crimes:
    1. War crimes
    2. Crimes against humanity
    3. Genocide
    4. Crimes of aggression
    • It has 125 member states, signatories to the Rome Statute, though major powers like India, the US, China, Russia, Israel, and Ukraine are NOT members due to concerns over sovereignty and political misuse.
    • The ICC’s budget, primarily funded by member states with additional voluntary contributions, for 2025 is approximately €195 million.
    • The ICC structure includes 18 judges elected for 9-year terms and an independent Office of the Prosecutor responsible for investigations and prosecutions.
    • Key bodies include the Trust Fund for Victims, a Detention Centre, and the Assembly of States Parties, which oversees its administrative functions.
    • The ICC lacks an enforcement mechanism and depends on member states’ cooperation for executing arrest warrants, gathering evidence, and enforcing sentences.

    Reach of an ICC Warrant:

    • Applicability:
      • Applies to crimes committed by nationals of member states or on member state territories.
      • Maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed before a state withdraws from membership.
    • State Obligations:
      • Member states must execute ICC arrest warrants under the Rome Statute.
      • Non-compliance can lead to reporting to the Assembly of States Parties and potential escalation to the UN Security Council (UNSC).
      • This applies particularly in cases involving UNSC-mandated probes, like Darfur and Libya.
    • Challenges to Enforcement:
      • Non-member states (e.g. US, Russia, China) are not bound by ICC warrants.
      • Political considerations lead to inconsistent compliance.
    • Special Mechanisms:
      • In 2016, the ICC formed an Arrest Working Group to improve intelligence-sharing and warrant execution.
    • Duterte Case Implications:
      • Even after Philippines’ withdrawal in 2019, the ICC retains jurisdiction for crimes committed from 2011-2019.
      • Duterte’s arrest highlights how domestic politics, such as the collapse of the Duterte-Marcos alliance, can influence warrant execution.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1.The International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction to prosecute nationals of even those States that have not ratified the Rome Statute.

    2. The International Criminal Court is a ‘court of last resort’ intended to complement national judicial systems.

    3. The United Nations Security Council can refer a situation to the Prosecutor of the ICC even if the State concerned is not a party to the Statute.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

  • [pib] United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW)

    Why in the News?

    India’s Delegation led by Union Minister for Women and Child Developments will participate in the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW).

    About United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW):

    Details
    Establishment and Mandate
    • Founded in 1946 by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) through Resolution 11(II).
    • Initially focused on women’s political, economic, civil, social, and educational rights.
    • Expanded in 1996 to include monitoring the Beijing Declaration and integrating gender perspectives into UN activities.
    Structure and Membership
    • Composed of 45 member states elected by ECOSOC based on geographical representation.
    • 13 from Africa, 11 from Asia, 9 from Latin America and the Caribbean, 8 from Western Europe and other States, 4 from Eastern Europe.
    • Members serve a four-year term.
    Key Roles and Responsibilities
    • Policy Formulation: Establishes global norms and standards for gender equality.
    • Monitoring Progress: Reviews gender-related commitments, including the Beijing Declaration.
    • Advocacy and Awareness: Conducts research, publishes reports, and promotes women’s rights globally.
    • Collaboration: Works with UN entities, NGOs, and civil society organizations to strengthen gender equality.
    Major Contributions Drafted key conventions like:

    • Convention on the Political Rights of Women (1953)
    • Convention on the Nationality of Married Women (1957)
    • Convention on Consent to Marriage (1962)
    • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) (1979).
    • Influenced the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
    • Led preparatory work for the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing (1995).
    Annual Sessions and Key Themes
    • Held annually at UN Headquarters, New York.
    • Engages member states, NGOs, and UN agencies in discussions on gender-related policies.

     

    PYQ:

    [2009] With reference to the United Nations, consider the following statements:

    1. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of UN consists of 24 member States.
    2. It is elected by a 2/3rd majority of the General Assembly for a 3-year term.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • The SEC and Hague Service Convention

    Why in the News?

    On February 18, 2025, the U.S. Secuirty and Exchange commission asked the Indian government under the Hague Service Convention, to serve summons on Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani in a securities and wire fraud case.

    What is the Hague Service Convention? 

    • The Hague Service Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters (1965), is a multilateral treaty that facilitates the service of legal documents across international borders in civil and commercial cases.

    How does it function? 

    • The Hague Service Convention standardizes the process for serving legal documents across borders in civil and commercial matters.
    • It operates through Central Authorities in member countries, ensuring efficient service, protecting defendants’ rights, and allowing alternative methods like postal service if permitted. It excludes criminal cases and non-signatory nations.

    How is the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission attempting to serve summons on the Adanis? 

    • Invoking the Hague Service Convention: The SEC has requested assistance from India’s Ministry of Law and Justice under Article 5(a) of the Hague Service Convention to officially deliver the summons to Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani.
    • Exploring Alternative Service Methods: The SEC is considering alternative methods under Rule 4(f) of the U.S. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which allows service through means like email or social media, if conventional methods face delays.
    • Proceeding Despite FCPA Suspension: Although the Trump administration has temporarily paused the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement for 180 days, the SEC argues that the pause does not apply retroactively, allowing their investigation into the Adanis to continue.

    What are India’s reservations under the Convention? 

    • Opposition to Alternative Service Methods: India rejects all alternative service methods under Article 10 of the Convention, including postal service, diplomatic channels, and direct service by foreign judicial officers.
      • Example: A U.S. court cannot serve legal documents in India via U.S. consular channels unless the recipient is a U.S. national residing in India.
    • Mandatory Use of Central Authority: All service requests must go through India’s Ministry of Law and Justice, which is the designated central authority for processing foreign summons. Requests must be in English or include an English translation.
      • Example: In Punjab National Bank (International) Ltd. v. Boris Shipping Ltd. (2019), a U.K. court ruled that service through alternative methods was invalid due to India’s reservations.

    How long does the service process typically take?

    • The service process under the Hague Service Convention in India typically takes six to eight months.
    • After receiving a request, India’s Ministry of Law and Justice verifies and forwards it to the appropriate authority.
    • Upon completion, an acknowledgement is issued to the requesting country, confirming successful service.

    Way forward: 

    • Expedite Processing Mechanisms: Implement digital tracking and streamlined workflows within the Ministry of Law and Justice to reduce delays in handling service requests.
    • Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation: Enhance legal cooperation with key countries through bilateral agreements to complement the Hague Service Convention and facilitate faster document service.

  • The SEC and Hague Service Convention

    Why in the News?

    On February 18, 2025, the U.S. Secuirty and Exchange commission asked the Indian government under the Hague Service Convention, to serve summons on Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani in a securities and wire fraud case.

    What is the Hague Service Convention? 

    • The Hague Service Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters (1965), is a multilateral treaty that facilitates the service of legal documents across international borders in civil and commercial cases.

    How does it work? 

    • The Hague Service Convention standardizes the process for serving legal documents across borders in civil and commercial matters. It operates through Central Authorities in member countries, ensuring efficient service, protecting defendants’ rights, and allowing alternative methods like postal service if permitted. It excludes criminal cases and non-signatory nations.

    How is the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission attempting to serve summons on the Adanis? 

    • Invoking the Hague Service Convention: The SEC has requested assistance from India’s Ministry of Law and Justice under Article 5(a) of the Hague Service Convention to officially deliver the summons to Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani.
    • Exploring Alternative Service Methods: The SEC is considering alternative methods under Rule 4(f) of the U.S. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which allows service through means like email or social media, if conventional methods face delays.
    • Proceeding Despite FCPA Suspension: Although the Trump administration has temporarily paused the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement for 180 days, the SEC argues that the pause does not apply retroactively, allowing their investigation into the Adanis to continue.

    What are India’s reservations under the Convention? 

    • Opposition to Alternative Service Methods: India rejects all alternative service methods under Article 10 of the Convention, including postal service, diplomatic channels, and direct service by foreign judicial officers.
      • Example: A U.S. court cannot serve legal documents in India via U.S. consular channels unless the recipient is a U.S. national residing in India.
    • Mandatory Use of Central Authority: All service requests must go through India’s Ministry of Law and Justice, which is the designated central authority for processing foreign summons. Requests must be in English or include an English translation.
      • Example: In Punjab National Bank (International) Ltd. v. Boris Shipping Ltd. (2019), a U.K. court ruled that service through alternative methods was invalid due to India’s reservations.

    How long does the service process typically take?

    • The service process under the Hague Service Convention in India typically takes six to eight months. After receiving a request, India’s Ministry of Law and Justice verifies and forwards it to the appropriate authority. Upon completion, an acknowledgement is issued to the requesting country, confirming successful service.

    Way forward: 

    • Expedite Processing Mechanisms: Implement digital tracking and streamlined workflows within the Ministry of Law and Justice to reduce delays in handling service requests.
    • Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation: Enhance legal cooperation with key countries through bilateral agreements to complement the Hague Service Convention and facilitate faster document service.

  • School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) Conclave 

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister inaugurated the first edition of the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) Leadership Conclave at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

    Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay was the keynote speaker, emphasizing India’s leadership role in shaping governance and public service.

    What is the SOUL Leadership Conclave?

    • The SOUL Leadership Conclave (School of Ultimate Leadership Conclave) is a premier leadership summit inaugurated by PM Modi.
    • It is aimed at cultivating transformational leaders beyond traditional political hierarchies.
    • The event is designed to bring together leaders from diverse sectors, including politics, business, sports, media, spirituality, and public policy, to share their insights and experiences on leadership.
    • The conclave serves as the foundation for the upcoming SOUL Leadership Institution, an exclusive leadership training academy in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

    Key Features of SOUL Conclave:

    • Multi-Sector Leadership:  Brings together leaders from various fields to promote cross-sector collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
    • Training & Development: Focuses on nurturing ethical and globally competent leaders, beyond traditional political dynasties.
    • SOUL Leadership Institute: A 22-acre, ₹150 crore campus is being developed in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for formal leadership training.
    • Global Leadership Insights: Discusses policymaking, governance, and leadership challenges with national and international leaders.
    • Strengthening India’s Leadership Pipeline:  Aims to train future leaders in governance, economics, diplomacy, and innovation.

  • [10th February 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Keeping a watch on the growing arc of violence

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (2017)

    Q. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (2015)

    Mentor’s Comment:   UPSC mains have always focused on grave challenge to national security (2017), and ‘pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council ’ (2015)

    Wars are raging, global institutions are failing, and terrorism is evolving in new, digital, and decentralized forms. While conflicts like the Ukraine war and Gaza crisis dominate headlines, subterranean threats such as radicalization and lone-wolf terrorism are quietly reshaping global security risks.

    Today’s editorial highlights why the world is in a volatile state, how extremist groups are adapting, and why counterterrorism efforts must evolve to meet these new challenges. This content will help in GS paper 2 (Security issues).

    Why in the News?

    The world is going through an unpredictable phase, with wars, conflicts, and terrorism on the rise. The post-1945 global order has collapsed, and international institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are failing to prevent violence. At the same time, terrorism is evolving, using digital tools and decentralized networks to survive and grow.

    Why is the Present Period Unpredictable?

    • Wars in Europe and West Asia:
      • The Ukraine war continues with no clear end in sight.
      • The Gaza conflict and tensions in Lebanon have led to large-scale civilian casualties.
    • Failure of Global Institutions:
      • The UNSC and ICJ have become powerless observers, unable to stop wars.
      • The principles of international law are now ignored by major powers.
    • Moral and Political Decline:
      • Nations are acting in self-interest, with no common moral framework.
      • Peace efforts are temporary and do not address the root causes of conflicts.

    What are the Recent Subterranean Activities?

    • False Sense of Stability in West Asia:
      • Some believe that Israeli military actions have weakened Iran’s regional influence.
      • However, underground resistance movements are growing, keeping tensions high.
    • Resurgence of Islamist Extremism:
      • Jihadist groups are reorganizing, using online radicalization.
      • “Lone wolf” attacks are increasing, making them harder to predict.
    • Digital Radicalization:
      • Terrorist groups are recruiting and training people online.
      • Social media and encrypted messaging apps are used to spread extremist ideologies.

    How Terrorism is Witnessing a Revival?

    • Terrorism is Adapting:
      • Since 1979, terrorist networks have evolved.
      • Al-Qaeda and ISIS have used both military and digital strategies to stay active.
      • Now, terrorism is shifting towards smaller, more frequent attacks.
    • Al-Qaeda and ISIS Regrouping:
      • Al-Qaeda is training militants in Afghanistan, under Taliban rule.
      • ISIS-Khorasan (ISKP) is expanding its operations beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan.
      • Attacks have been reported in Moscow, Türkiye, and Iran.
    • More Small-Scale Attacks:
      • Instead of large bombings, modern terrorism relies on:
        • Lone-wolf attacks (one person acting alone).
        • Vehicle attacks, knives, or simple explosives.
        • AI-driven propaganda to recruit supporters.
    • Recent Terror Attacks in the U.S.:
      • Las Vegas Cyber Truck Explosion: A Tesla exploded outside a hotel where President-elect Donald Trump was staying.
      • New Orleans Vehicle Attack: A former soldier drove a truck into a crowd, killing 14 people while displaying an ISIS flag.
      • Virginia Terror Plot: Authorities foiled a planned attack in early 2025.
    • Warnings for the Future:
      • Experts warn of a new wave of terror attacks using digital tools.
      • Security agencies worldwide are on high alert to prevent further incidents.

    Conclusion

    A technology-driven and cooperative global approach is essential to counter rising conflicts and terrorism. Nations must strengthen international institutions, use AI for surveillance, and enforce stricter digital regulations to prevent online radicalization. Community engagement and de-radicalization programs can help address extremism at its roots. Stronger border security, cyber-tracking, and intelligence-sharing will be key to preventing future attacks. As threats become more decentralized and digital, proactive measures and global collaboration are the only paths to lasting peace.

  • What did the ILO report state about International migrants?

    Why in the News?

    According to the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers, released in Geneva, the global population of international migrants reached 284.5 million in 2022, with 255.7 million of them being of working age (15 and older).

    Why are there more male International Migrants in the global labour force than women? 

    • Gender Roles and Norms: Traditional gender roles and societal norms often restrict women’s ability to migrate autonomously. Women are frequently expected to prioritize family responsibilities, which limits their opportunities for international migration and labor market participation.
    • Labour Market Segmentation: Women are often concentrated in specific sectors such as domestic work, caregiving, and low-skilled service jobs, which are undervalued and less visible.
      • Men, on the other hand, dominate higher-paying sectors like construction and agriculture, which are more open to international migrants.
    • Barriers to Employment: As per ILO, Migrant women face higher unemployment rates (8.7%) compared to migrant men (6.2%), due to factors such as language barriers, unrecognised qualifications, limited childcare options, and gender-based discrimination in host countries.
    • Economic and Social Independence: Women’s migration decisions are influenced by their access to resources and social networks. A lack of autonomy or financial independence can hinder their ability to migrate for work.
      • In some cases, women migrate as dependents or spouses of male workers, which limits their access to legal employment opportunities in the host country.

    Which economic sectors attract IMs?

    • Construction: The construction industry employs a significant number of male migrants, particularly in regions with rapid urbanisation and infrastructure projects. This sector, part of the 35.6% of male migrant employment in industry, plays a vital role in economic expansion.
    • Agriculture: Globally, 7.1% of international migrants work in agriculture, with higher figures in regions like Africa, where 27.5% are employed in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Migrants are crucial for meeting seasonal labour demands.
    • Manufacturing: Manufacturing heavily relies on migrant workers in industrialized nations, with migrants filling manual labour and skill-specific roles. This sector highlights the alignment of migrant labour with economic development needs.
    • Services Sector: Approximately 68.4% of international migrants are employed in the services sector, compared to 51.5% of non-migrants. This sector includes a wide range of occupations, but it is particularly noted for:
      • Care Work: A significant number of migrant women are employed in caregiving roles, which include healthcare and domestic services. About 28.8% of migrant women work in the care economy.
      • Hospitality and Retail: Many migrants find employment in hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, especially in high-demand tourist areas.

    Which are the main host countries?

    Approximately 68.4% of international migrants are concentrated in high-income countries followed by 17.4% (29.2 million) in upper-middle-income countries.

    • Regional Distribution of Migrant Workers (2022): International migrants in the labour force were primarily concentrated in Europe and Central Asia (34.5%, 57.8 million), followed by the Americas (27.3%, 45.8 million), Asia and the Pacific (16.2%, 27.2 million), the Arab States (13.5%, 22.6 million), and Africa (8.5%, 14.3 million). The majority resided in Northern, Southern, and Western Europe (23.3%), Northern America (22.6%), and the Arab States (13.5%), collectively hosting 59.4% of all migrant workers.
    • Significant Proportions in Labor Forces: Migrants formed more than one-third (37.2%) of the Arab States’ labour force. Significant proportions were also observed in Europe and Central Asia (12.9%) and the Americas (9%), highlighting their vital role in these economies.

    Conclusion: Governments and international organizations should implement gender-responsive migration policies that address barriers faced by women. This includes creating support systems for childcare, recognizing foreign qualifications, and ensuring equal access to legal employment opportunities in host countries.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “Success of make in India program depends on the success of Skill India programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments. (UPSC IAS/2015)