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

  • INTERPOL publishes first Silver Notice targeting criminal assets

    Why in the News?

    The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has issued a Silver Notice to trace and recover criminal assets, marking the first expansion of its color-coded notices to specifically target the finances of organized crime networks.

    What is Silver Notice?

    • It is an INTERPOL initiative aimed at tracing, locating, and recovering criminal assets linked to crimes such as fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental offenses.
    • Objective: It targets assets like properties, vehicles, financial accounts, and businesses that are connected to criminal activities.
    • It was launched in 2023 as part of a pilot phase involving 52 countries, and this phase will run until November 2025.
    • How does it work?
      • Member countries can request INTERPOL to issue a Silver Notice for assistance in gathering information about criminal assets.
      • The Notice is shared globally with all 196 INTERPOL member countries, while Diffusions can be directed to specific countries for more targeted cooperation.
      • All Silver Notices and Diffusions are reviewed by INTERPOL’s General Secretariat to ensure compliance with its rules, including prohibitions on political misuse as outlined in Article 3 of the INTERPOL Constitution.
      • The first-ever Silver Notice was requested by Italy to trace assets linked to a senior mafia member, showcasing its potential to combat organized crime.

    INTERPOL publishes first Silver Notice targeting criminal assets

    About INTERPOL

    Structural Mandate and Implementation
    • Establishment: Founded in 1923 in Vienna, now headquartered in Lyon, France, with 195 member countries.
    • Mandate: Supports cross-border police cooperation, helping agencies combat international crime.
    • India became a member of INTERPOL in June 1956.

    Structural Mandate:

    • Secretary General: Oversees daily operations.
    • General Secretariat (Lyon): Manages global databases and police communication systems.
    • Global Complex for Innovation (Singapore): Research, training, and cybercrime initiatives.
    • Regional Bureaus: Satellite offices worldwide.
    • National Central Bureaus (NCBs): Each member country, such as India’s CBI, serves as its national focal point for INTERPOL.
    • I-24/7 Service: A secure global police communication system enabling real-time sharing of urgent and sensitive information.
    Powers and Functions
    • Data Sharing: Manages 19 police databases on crimes and criminals, accessible in real-time by member countries.
    • Notices and Diffusions: Issues color-coded notices (e.g., Red, Yellow, Blue, Silver) to locate fugitives, missing persons, or criminal assets; not legally binding but widely used by law enforcement.

    Operational Support:
    – Investigative Assistance: Provides forensics, analysis, and fugitive-tracking support.
    – Coordination: Enables law enforcement agencies to handle transnational crime efficiently.

  • UNGA adopts 10-Year Action Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)

    Why in the News?

    The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a 10-Year Action Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), aiming to address their unique challenges.

    UNGA adopts 10-Year Action Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)

    Key Targets of the 10-Year Action Plan for LLDCs (2024–2034):

    The Programme of Action for LLDCs aims to address their unique challenges through targeted actions across 5 priority areas:

    • Structural Transformation and Innovation:
      • Promote economic diversification and industrialization.
      • Advance science, technology, and innovation to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
    • Trade Facilitation and Regional Integration:
      • Simplify and enhance trade processes to improve access to global markets.
      • Strengthen participation in regional and global trade agreements.
      • Reduce trade costs through better policies and infrastructure.
    • Transit, Transport, and Connectivity:
      • Develop and modernize transit infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports.
      • Improve connectivity to reduce dependence on neighboring countries.
      • Enhance customs procedures to ensure smoother transit of goods.
    • Resilience to Climate Change and Disasters:
      • Build adaptive capacities to address vulnerabilities caused by climate change.
      • Develop strategies to reduce disaster risks and mitigate environmental challenges.
    • Means of Implementation:
      • Mobilize financial resources, technical assistance, and international support.
      • Foster partnerships among governments, international organizations, and private sectors.

    What Are Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)?

    • LLDCs are nations that lack access to a coastline and are surrounded by neighboring countries.
    • Currently, there are 32 LLDCs, primarily in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.
    • List of LLDCs:
      1. Africa: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
      2. Asia: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
      3. Europe: Armenia, Azerbaijan, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia.
      4. South America: Bolivia, Paraguay.
    • Challenges Faced by LLDCs:
      • High Trade Costs: LLDCs face 1.4 times higher trade costs than coastal nations due to dependence on neighboring countries for transit and lengthy customs procedures.
      • Limited Market Access: Lack of direct access to global markets restricts their ability to compete internationally and increases transportation costs.
      • Infrastructure Deficits: Poor road, rail, and communication networks hinder connectivity and efficient trade operations.
      • Climate Vulnerability: LLDCs are highly susceptible to climate change impacts like droughts and floods, with limited resources to mitigate risks.
      • Economic and Political Dependence: Over-reliance on transit countries for trade routes leads to geopolitical challenges and limits economic diversification.

  • [24th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The GATT-ification of the World Trade Organization

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC CSE 2018)

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on topics like ‘WTO’ (2018) and ‘International Trading routes’ (2022).

    An Allianz Trade survey found that 82% of exporters are optimistic about turnover growth in 2024, 73% are also concerned about geopolitical risks and protectionism, highlighting the need for trade policies that promote growth while ensuring inclusivity and equity among nations.

    Today’s editorial likely critiques the current state of the World Trade Organization (WTO) by comparing it to its predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). This content can be used to present ‘Trade issues’ and ‘Free movement regimes’ in Global politics in your mains answers.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The trend of rising protectionism, especially when Donald Trump promised to impose high tariffs on imports from countries like China, Canada, and Mexico.

    • This shift raises concerns about increased consumer prices and disruptions in global supply chains, as countries focus more on supporting their domestic industries rather than cooperating internationally.
    About the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT):

    The GATT is a foundational international treaty established in 1947 to promote global trade by reducing tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers. Initially signed by 23 countries, GATT aimed to facilitate economic recovery after World War II, evolved through several negotiation rounds, and the key features included:
    • Non-Discrimination Principle: Member countries must apply tariffs equally to all members, ensuring fair trade practices.
    • Tariff Reductions: GATT successfully lowered average tariffs among member nations from over 20% to around 5%.
    • Trade Facilitation: It provided a framework for resolving trade disputes and encouraged multilateral negotiations to further reduce barriers.
    The Uruguay Round concluded with the Marrakesh Agreement in 1994, which established the WTO as a successor to GATT. The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995. By the time it transitioned into the WTO, GATT had become a crucial instrument for promoting global trade liberalization, covering approximately 90% of international trade.

    The Appellate Body was established in 1995 as part of the WTO under Article 17 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU).
    • Aim: It serves to hear appeals from reports issued by panels in disputes between WTO member countries, acting as a higher court for trade-related legal issues.
    • Structure and Composition: The Appellate Body consists of 7 members, each appointed for a 4-year term by the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB). 
    • Members can be reappointed for additional terms. A Chairperson is elected annually among the members to oversee the Appellate Body’s operations.

    About the Recent WTO Conference:

    • The WTO for its 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in February 2024, raised critical issues such as dispute settlement reforms and the extension of the e-commerce moratorium.
    • This context highlights the need to reevaluate the WTO’s structure and effectiveness.

    How is the WTO experiencing a “GATT-ification”?

    • Existential Crisis: The WTO is set to miss its target of revitalizing a fully functional dispute settlement system by the end of 2024, with the Appellate Body (AB) remaining non-operational for over five years due to U.S. blockages in appointing members.
      • The obstruction began during the Obama administration, escalated under Trump, and continues under Biden, reflecting a bipartisan consensus against the AB.
      • Anticipations of a protectionist Trump 2.0 administration could further worsen the situation. Because, in 2018, he imposed a 25% tariff on various Chinese products, indicating a shift towards unilateral trade actions.
      • The real issue extends beyond the AB’s functionality; it involves the WTO’s relevance in global trade.
    • Challenges for Developing Nations: The informal nature of current discussions has hindered effective participation from many developing countries. India proposes transitioning discussions on reforms to formal WTO bodies to ensure inclusivity and representation from developing countries.
    • Uncertain Future: The future of the WTO’s dispute settlement system remains uncertain as the deadline approaches, with ongoing debates about restoring functionality and addressing broader institutional challenges.

    What is the present Unraveling of WTO Dynamics?

    • China’s Rise: China’s rise over the past two decades has significantly changed the global trade landscape. The U.S. facilitated China’s accession to the WTO in 2001, hoping it would adopt free-market principles and dismantle state-led industrial policies.
    • Expectations vs. Reality: Contrary to U.S. hopes, China did not dismantle its state-led policies and is perceived to have exploited the WTO system to its advantage. On the contrary, there is a belief in the U.S. that the WTO’s institutional controls limit its ability to address challenges posed by China.
    • The U.S. aims, as stated by international lawyer Daniel C.K. Chow, to undermine the WTO system, including the Appellate Body (AB), to gain more freedom in addressing the Chinese threat.
    • The U.S. can now implement trade remedial measures and develop industrial policies against China, even if they violate WTO laws, due to the lack of enforcement from the AB.

    Conclusion: The term ‘GATT-ification’, coined by Prof. Vidigal, highlights the shift in the international trading order and emphasizes that current negotiations cannot obscure the reality. The reversal shift to GATT-era diplomacy signifies a significant change in how international trade is governed, moving away from established multilateral frameworks toward more fragmented approaches.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-gatt-ification-of-the-world-trade-organization/article69019794.ece

  • UN Internal Justice Council (IJC)

    Why in the News?

    Justice Madan B Lokur, retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC).

    Justice Lokur’s Legacy:

    • Justice Lokur served on the Supreme Court of India from June 2012 to December 2018, delivering landmark judgments across diverse areas of law.
    • In August 2019, he was appointed to the non-resident panel of the Supreme Court of Fiji and reappointed for another three-year term in January 2022.
    • His notable judgments include:
      • Electoral Disqualification on Religious Grounds (January 2017): Authored a concurring opinion in a seven-judge bench ruling disqualifying electoral candidates for seeking votes based on religion, race, caste, or other identity markers.
      • Raising the Age of Consent in Marriages (October 2017): Alongside Justice Deepak Gupta, ruled to raise the age of consent within marriages to 18 years, bolstering child protection laws.

    About UN Internal Justice Council (IJC):

    Establishment
      • Established in 2009 to reform and strengthen the UN’s internal justice system.
    • Ensures the system operates effectively, impartially, and transparently, addressing workplace disputes within the UN.
    Overview and Structural Mandate Mandate:

    • Safeguards the independence and integrity of the internal justice system.
    • The IJC is responsible for overseeing the administration of the UN’s internal justice system.
    • It supervises:
    1. Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA)
    2. UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT)
    3. UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT)
    • Recommends measures to ensure judicial independence and efficiency in dispute resolution.

    Composition:

    • 5 members: 2 tribunal judges (from UNDT and UNAT), two staff representatives, and one external legal expert.
    • Chairperson is selected by consensus and appointed by the UN Secretary-General.
    • Members serve a four-year term, renewable once.
    Powers, Functions, and Jurisdiction Judicial Appointments:

    • Recommends candidates for UNDT and UNAT judge positions based on merit and judicial competence.
    • Proposes a shortlist for final selection by the Secretary-General.

    Oversight and Accountability:

    • Monitors tribunal functioning to ensure fairness and transparency.
    • Identifies and addresses systemic issues, proposing improvements.

    Judicial Independence:

    • Protects the impartiality of tribunal judges and safeguards judicial integrity.
    • Advocates for institutional protections against external influence.

    Advisory Role:

    • Provides expert advice on internal justice reform.
    • Evaluates tribunal processes to enhance efficiency and accessibility for UN staff.

    Scope of Jurisdiction:

    • Covers grievances related to administrative decisions, employment conditions, and workplace disputes brought forward by UN staff worldwide.

  • What is OPEC+?

    Why in the News?

    • With Donald Trump potentially returning to the White House, OPEC+ delegates express concern over higher US oil production.
      • His administration’s focus on deregulating the energy sector could lead to increased oil output, contributing to a further erosion of OPEC+’s market share.

    About ‘Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ Plus (OPEC+)

    What is OPEC+? Formation and Purpose:

    • OPEC+ is a coalition of OPEC members and non-OPEC oil-producing nations that work together to manage oil production and stabilize global oil prices.
    • The alliance was formed in 2016 in response to increasing oil production in the United States, particularly from shale oil, which led to falling oil prices.

    OPEC Members:

    • OPEC was founded in 1960 and includes 12 member countries:
      Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Venezuela.

    Non-OPEC Members in OPEC+:

    • OPEC+ includes 10 non-OPEC members:
      Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan.

    Global Influence:

    OPEC+ countries together produce approximately 40% of the world’s crude oil and control about 80% of the world’s proven oil reserves.
    Factors are influencing OPEC+’s oil production cuts
    • Rising US oil production: The shale boom in the US has increased its market share, impacting OPEC+’s influence.
    • Global price stability: OPEC+ implements production cuts to prevent oil prices from falling too low.
    • Weak global demand: Extended cuts due to low demand, especially in major economies.
    Implications of OPEC+’s policies
    • Reduced market share: OPEC+’s global oil share dropped from 55% in 2016 to 48% in 2024.
    • Price volatility: OPEC+’s production cuts aim to stabilize prices, but increasing US production affects this goal.
    • Economic stability: Production cuts help sustain favorable prices for oil-producing economies.

     

    PYQ:

    [2009] Other than Venezuela, which one among the following from South America is a member of OPEC?

    (a) Argentina
    (b) Bolivia
    (c) Ecuador
    (d) Brazil

  • What is the UNSC Resolution 1701?

    Why in the News?

    Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire after 13 months of rising conflict, though it is linked to the UN Resolution 1701, which has not been fully implemented.

    About UNSC Resolution 1701:

    Details
    What is it?
    • Passed on August 11, 2006, following the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah.
    • Aimed to end hostilities, ensure the security of Israel and Lebanon, and establish long-term peace along the Israel-Lebanon border.
    • Also designed to prevent Hezbollah from using southern Lebanon as a base for military operations against Israel.
    Key Provisions and Objectives
    • Cessation of Hostilities: Aimed at halting the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
    • Disarmament of Armed Groups: Called for the disarmament of Hezbollah and all other armed groups in Lebanon, leaving only the Lebanese state with weapons authority.
    • Israeli Withdrawal: Mandated Israel’s full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, which had been occupied since the 1982 Lebanon War.
    • Lebanese Forces Deployment: Directed the Lebanese government to deploy its army in southern Lebanon to ensure peace and prevent Hezbollah’s rearmament.
    • UNIFIL Deployment: Increased deployment of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to monitor the border and ensure compliance.
    • Arms Embargo: Imposed restrictions to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah.
    • Implementation of Taif Accords (1989): The resolution emphasizes the full implementation of this accord, which is critical for the disarmament of non-state actors in Lebanon and the consolidation of Lebanese state authority across the country.
    Implementation and Violations
    • Partial Implementation: While Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon, Hezbollah retained its weapons and continued its terror operations.
    • Lebanese Army Deployment: The Lebanese army was deployed in southern Lebanon but struggled to assert full control, as Hezbollah’s influence remained strong in the region.
    • UNIFIL’s Role: UNIFIL, while active, faced challenges in fully enforcing the provisions of the resolution due to Hezbollah’s continued presence and the complexities of local politics.
    • Violations: Despite the resolution’s provisions, violations have included Hezbollah’s stockpiling of weapons and cross-border skirmishes, as well as the failure to fully disarm all armed groups, undermining the resolution’s goals.
    • Taif Accords Violation: This has hindered the establishment of complete state sovereignty in Lebanon.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.

  • International Criminal Court (ICC)

    Why in the News?

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrant for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    About the International Criminal Court (ICC)

    Details
    What is it? • First international permanent court to prosecute individuals for serious international crimes.
    • Established under the Rome Statute (1998, w.e.f 2002).
    • 124 countries are States Parties to the Rome Statute.• Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
    Structural Mandate • Official languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
    • Members: 124 States Parties to the Rome Statute; Palestine (2015) and Malaysia (2019) became the latest members.
    • Notable non-members: India, Israel, the US, Russia, Ukraine, and China.
    • Funding: By contributions from member states and voluntary contributions.
    • Enforcement: Relies on state cooperation for enforcement, as it does not have its own police force.
    Composition   • Judges: Consists of 18 judges elected by the Assembly of States Parties for a term of 9 years.
    • Prosecutor: Leads the Office of the Prosecutor and investigates crimes.
    • Additional Components: Includes the Trust Fund for Victims (2004), Detention Centre, and the Assembly of States Parties.
    Jurisdiction  Prosecutes 4 main crimes:    

    1. War Crimes: Violations of the laws of war.
    2. Crimes against Humanity: Acts like murder, enslavement, and torture.
    3. Genocide: Intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
    4. Crimes of Aggression: Unjustified military action against another state.

    • ICC can only prosecute crimes committed after the Rome Statute’s entry into force (July 1, 2002).

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following?

    1. Amnesty International
    2. International Court of Justice
    3. The Office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights
    4. World Justice Project

  • Horn of Africa

    Horn of Africa

    Why in the News?

    According to a joint report by the UN and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), at least 65 million people are food insecure in the Horn of Africa.

    Food Insecurity in Horn of Africa Region:

    Of the 65 million affected, 36 million reside in IGAD member states: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.

    Main Causes:

    • Extreme weather and climate change are primary drivers of food insecurity, leading to severe conditions.
    • Conflict has also destroyed infrastructure and sources of food and income, worsening the situation.

    About the Horn of Africa:

    Details
    Location A peninsula in northeastern Africa, extending into the Arabian Sea.
    Geographical Composition Comprises the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
    Population Approximately 115 million people.
    Area Covers about 2 million square kilometers.
    Geographical Features Includes mountains, plateaus, deserts, and coastlines. Significant areas include the Ethiopian Plateau, Ogaden Desert, and Eritrean and Somalian coasts.
    Historical Name Known as Bilad al Barbar or Berber Land in ancient times.
    Significance
    • Known for diverse landscapes and unique biodiversity.
    • Strategic importance due to proximity to oil-producing regions in the Middle East.
    Key Bodies of Water
    • Lies to the south of the Gulf of Aden and along the southern boundary of the Red Sea.
    • Grand Renaissance Dam: Under construction by Ethiopia on the Nile River, impacting regional water dynamics.
    Shipping Routes Major shipping routes pass through the Red Sea, with Djibouti serving as a critical maritime hub for international trade.
    Climate Characterized by a mix of arid, semi-arid, and temperate climates, influencing agriculture and livelihoods in the region.

    Geopolitical and strategic importance for India:

    • The Horn of Africa is located near the Middle East, a region vital for global oil production.
      • Around 40% of Middle Eastern oil flows through the Red Sea shipping lanes adjacent to the Horn, making it a critical point for energy security.
    • Djibouti and the surrounding areas control access to the Bab el Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.
    • Several countries, including the US, France, and China, have established military bases in Djibouti to secure their interests in this strategic region.
    • China’s presence in Djibouti and other Horn of Africa nations aligns with its “string of pearls” strategy, which aims to secure military and economic footholds around India.
    • The Horn region serves as a gateway to Africa for Indian investments in infrastructure, energy, and mining sectors.
    • The region, particularly Somalia, poses threats from Pirates and terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab.

    PYQ:

    [2016] Consider the following statements:

    1. The India-Africa Summit
    2. held in 2015 was the third such Summit
    3. was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951

    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

  • Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)

    Why in the News?

    • Two earthquakes struck Iran sparking rumours of a nuclear test.
      • However, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in Vienna swiftly refuted these claims using its International Monitoring System (IMS) designed to detect nuclear tests.

    About International Monitoring System (IMS):

    • IMS is a global monitoring network established by the CTBTO to detect nuclear explosions anywhere in the world.
    • It is a global network of over 300 monitoring facilities across 89 countries, using seismic, infrasound, hydroacoustic, and radionuclide technologies to detect nuclear explosions worldwide.
    • The CTBTO shares IMS data with member-states in near real-time, ensuring access to accurate, verified data.
      • Over 16 gigabytes of data are transmitted daily from IMS stations to the CTBTO’s International Data Centre (IDC) in Vienna.
    • Analysts use this IMS data to distinguish natural events (like earthquakes) from nuclear explosions.

    About Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO):

    Details
    Location Based in Vienna, Austria.
    Established Created to implement the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), opened for signature in 1996.
    Purpose of the CTBT Aims to ban all nuclear explosions worldwide, regardless of purpose (military or civilian).
    Key Elements of the CTBT • Total Ban on Nuclear Tests: Prohibits all nuclear explosions.
    • Verification Mechanisms: Establishes a global monitoring network and allows for on-site inspections.
    • Distant Monitoring by IMS: Employs technologies for monitoring compliance.
    Signature and Ratification Signed by 183 states and ratified by 164; has not entered into force as eight specific states among 44 Annex-2 states have yet to ratify.
    Key Non-Ratifying States The states that have not ratified the treaty include United States, China, Iran, Egypt, Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea.
    Compliance Verification CTBT establishes a global monitoring network of over 300 facilities for detection and verification, along with provisions for on-site inspections.
    Significance Plays a crucial role in global efforts toward nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, fostering international cooperation and stability.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the ‘Nuclear Suppliers Group’?

    1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies.
    2. It automatically becomes a member of “The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)”.

    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

    [2011] Recently, the USA decided to support India’s membership in multilateral export control regimes called the “Australia Group” and the “Wassenaar Arrangement”. What is the difference between them?

    1. The Australia Group is an informal arrangement which aims to allow exporting countries to minimize the risk of assisting chemical and biological weapons proliferation, whereas the Wassenaar Arrangement is a formal group under the OECD holding identical objectives.
    2. The Australia Group comprises predominantly Asian, African and North American countries whereas the member countries of Wassenaar Arrangement are predominantly from the European Union and American Continents.

    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

  • United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

    Why in the News?

    Israel’s Knesset has banned the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders, citing alleged ties between UNRWA staff and Hamas.

    What is Israel’s Knesset?

    • The Knesset is Israel’s unicameral parliament, established in 1949.
    • It consists of 120 members, elected every four years through proportional representation, and is responsible for legislation, government oversight, and electing the president.

    About UNRWA:

    Details
    Full Name United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
    Establishment Established by the UN General Assembly in 1949.
    Primary Purpose To provide relief, healthcare, and education for Palestinian refugees displaced after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
    Headquarters Originally in Beirut, moved to Vienna in 1978, and relocated to Gaza in 1996.
    Mandate Renewal The mandate has been renewed repeatedly, currently extended until June 30, 2026.
    Fields of Operation Operates in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
    Beneficiaries Supports over five million Palestinian refugees and their descendants displaced in 1948 and 1967.
    Services Provided • Education
    • Healthcare
    • Social services
    • Infrastructure improvement
    • Microfinance
    • Emergency assistance
    Funding Sources Primarily funded by voluntary contributions from UN member states, with limited funding from the UN Regular Budget for staffing costs.
    Leadership Led by a Commissioner-General, appointed by the UN Secretary-General with General Assembly approval.
    Controversies • Disputed mandate regarding descendants of original refugees.
    • Allegations of staff affiliations with militant groups.
    Global Response Condemned by the international community regarding bans and criticisms, with calls to support UNRWA’s humanitarian role.

    Its role and significance:

    • Humanitarian Aid: UNRWA provides essential support, including food, shelter, healthcare, and education to over five million Palestinian refugees.
    • Education and Empowerment: Operates schools for 500,000 children and supports microfinance programs to promote economic self-sufficiency.
    • Crisis Response: Plays a vital role in emergency situations and advocates for the rights of Palestinian refugees on an international level.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Amnesty International is:

    (a) an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars

    (b) a global Human Rights Movement

    (c) a non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people

    (d) an inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions