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Subject: Global Groupings and Conventions

Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

  • UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)

    Why in the News?

    • The 23rd session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, commenced on April 15 in New York.
      • It focuses on the pressing need to accelerate the recognition and protection of Indigenous Territories (ITs) worldwide.

    About UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII):

    Details
    What is it?
    • One of three UN bodies mandated to deal specifically with indigenous peoples’ issues.
    • Others are-
    1. Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and
    2. Special Rapporteur Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
    Formation 28 July 2000
    Headquarters New York, USA
    Parent Organization United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
    Membership
    • 16 independent experts serving three-year terms, with eight nominated by member governments and eight directly nominated by indigenous organizations
    • Countries: Finland, Nepal, Chad, Australia, Colombia, Bolivia, United States, Russia, China, Ecuador, Burundi, Denmark, Mexico, Namibia, Estonia, and one additional rotating seat
    Mandate
    • Provide expert advice and recommendations on indigenous issues to the Council, UN programs, funds, and agencies through ECOSOC.
    • Raise awareness and promote integration of indigenous issues within the UN system.
    • Prepare and disseminate information on indigenous issues.
    Secretariat
    • Established by General Assembly in 2002.
    • Based in New York within Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA)

     

    PYQ:

    [UPSC CSE 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

  • ADB raises India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 7% from 6.7% earlier

    Why in the News?

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) increased its GDP growth projection for India for the current fiscal year to 7%, up from its previous estimate of 6.7%.

    Reason behind the increased India’s GDP growth projection by ADB:

    • Manufacturing Sector: The manufacturing sector growth of India in the 2023 fiscal year was robust, with the S&P Global India Manufacturing PMI rebounding to 56.0 in November 2023 from an eight-month low of 55.5 in October 2023.
    • Investment and Consumption Demand: Investment and Consumption demand are both expected to drive India’s economic growth in 2024 and FY25. Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) grew at 3.5% in the December quarter of FY24.
    • Inflation Trend: Inflation in India is expected to continue its downward trend in tandem with global trends Inflation in India decreased to 5.09 percent in February 2024 from 5.10 percent in January 2024. India’s inflation rate is projected to trend around 4.30 percent in 2025, according to econometric models.
    • Monetary policy: The RBI has kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for 2023-24, focusing on withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation progressively aligns to the target while supporting growth.

    Government Initiatives taken for Regional Development:

    • Regional Cooperation and Integration (RCI) Conference, 2023:
        • It was organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at Tbilisi, Georgia.
        • Theme: ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Integration through Economic Corridor Development (ECD)’.
        • Objective: To integrate spatial transformation and area-centric approach with the help of Economic Corridor Development.
        • In this Conference, India offered its indigenously developed GIS-based technology though knowledge sharing  to ADB and South Asia Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) countries for enhancing socio-economic planning and regional cooperation.
    • PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and Multi-modal Connectivity:
      • Basically, PM Gati Shakti is principled to bring socio-economic area-based development as part of regional connectivity.
      • It is being implemented to enhance connectivity with regional partners with the help of GIS-based technology. For Example: Indo-Nepal Haldia Access Controlled Corridor project.

    BACK2BASIC:

    About Asian Development Bank(ADB):

    • Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members-49 from the region. ADB’s five largest shareholders are Japan and the United States (each with 15.6% of total shares), the People’s Republic of China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%).
    • Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.
    • Objective: To foster social and economic development across Asia and the Pacific region.

     

    Conclusion: Indian  government’s effort across the robust manufacturing growth, investment, working on consumption demand, decreasing inflation, and supportive monetary policy, aligning with its goal of promoting regional social and economic development are gaining some fruits.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor.(UPSC IAS/2017) 

    Q India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)

    Why in the news?

    Mrs. Jagjit Pavadia (IRS) India’s nominee has been re-elected for a third term to the INCB for the period of 2025-2030.

    About International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)

    Description
    Establishment Established in 1968 by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961.
    Headquarters Based in Vienna, Austria, with a Secretariat supporting its activities.
    Membership Consists of 13 members elected by ECOSOC, experts in drug control and related fields.
    Role and Mandate Independent body monitoring compliance with UN drug control conventions.
    Functions Assess global drug situation, evaluate licit drug production, and publish annual reports.
    Collaboration Works with governments and international organizations on drug control issues.
    Control Measures Monitors and evaluates national drug control measures for treaty compliance.
    Advocacy and Awareness Promotes adherence to drug treaties and raises awareness on global drug issues.
    Cooperation Collaborates with UN agencies like WHO and UNODC to address drug-related challenges.

     

    India’s Election to Key UN Bodies

    India’s proactive engagement at the United Nations resulted in its election to several pivotal bodies:

    1.    Commission on the Status of Women (2025-2029)

    2.    Executive Board of UNICEF (2025-2027)

    3.    Executive Board of UNDP and UNFPA (2025-2027)

    4.    UN Office for Project Services (2025-2027)

    5.    Executive Board of UN Women (2025-2027)

    6.    Executive Board of the World Food Programme (2025-2027)

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.

    2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.

    3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.

    4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.

    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] IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum

    Why in the news?

    The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum is set to be held in Singapore.

    About IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum

    • The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum brings together the region’s top investors, philanthropies, financial institutions, innovative companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs.
    • The Forum aims to mobilize investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology and renewable energy projects.
    • It is managed by Invest India (www.investindia.gov.in), India’s National Investment Promotion Agency.
    • The Department of Commerce is the nodal agency for the IPEF engagements.

    The Forum will have opportunity for the Indian industry in the two following tracks:

    1. Climate Tech Track: Under this track, IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is holding an open call that aims to recognise the top climate tech companies and start-ups among the member countries and present them to global investors.
    2. Infrastructure Track: Under this track, India will showcase selected investible sustainable infrastructure projects at the 2024 Forum. The sectors of focus are-energy transition (e.g electric gird; renewable energy, including solar, and onshore wind; sustainable aviation fuel; battery storage; hydrogen; green data centers), transport and logistics (e.g. Electric Vehicle, EV charging points), waste management/waste to energy.

    About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

    • It is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen economic partnerships among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • The IPEF was launched in 2021 with 12 initial partners who together represent 40% of the world GDP.
    • The IPEF is NOT a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to.

     Four main “Pillars” of IPEF:

     

    Trade that will include digital economy and emerging technology, labor commitments, the environment, trade facilitation, transparency and good regulatory practices, and corporate accountability, standards on cross-border data flow and data localisations;

    Supply chain resilience to develop “a first-of-its-kind supply chain agreement” that would anticipate and prevent disruptions;

    Clean energy and decarbonization that will include agreements on “high-ambition commitments” such as renewable energy targets, carbon removal purchasing commitments, energy efficiency standards, and new measures to combat methane emissions; and

    Fair Economy Agreement, with commitments to enact and enforce “effective tax, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery schemes in line with [American] values”.

     Members Countries include:

    • Currently, India and 13 countries other located in the Pacific Ocean are its members: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.

    How is IPEF different from other trade deals?

    • No market access or tariff reductions have been outlined in the IPEF, although experts say it can pave the way to trade deals.
    • It’s not a take-it-or-leave-it arrangement, like most multilateral trade deals are.
    • Since the IPEF is not a regular trade pact, the members so far are not obligated by all four pillars despite being signatories.

  • The countdown to a pandemic treaty

    Why in the news?

    In March 2021, a call for a pandemic treaty by 25 heads of government and international agencies marked a pivotal moment. The WHO Pandemic Agreement’s final negotiations began last week. With approval pending in May, its fate remains uncertain amid debates.

    Key features of Pandemic Agreement

    • Aim of the Pandemic Agreement: Address systemic failures revealed by COVID-19 crisis, strengthen global defenses, and prevent future pandemics from escalating into catastrophic human crises. Focus on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response with equity as the goal.
    • Coverage of Issues: Includes pathogen surveillance, healthcare workforce capacity, supply chain and logistics, technology transfer for vaccine production, and waivers of intellectual property rights. Aims to strengthen surveillance for pathogens with pandemic potential and manage antimicrobial resistance.
    • Equitable Access: Emphasis on equitable access to medical products across provisions, including language on principles, preparedness, production, technology transfer, access, benefit-sharing, supply, and procurement.
    • Establishment of Conference of Parties (COP): Proposed establishment to oversee the implementation of the Pandemic Agreement 

    Disagreements between Developing countries and Developed countries 

    • Developing vs. Developed Countries’ Perspectives: Developing countries largely embrace the revised negotiating text, emphasizing equity and clarity on obligations vs. responsibilities. Developed countries criticize the text, particularly regarding financing and intellectual property issues, considering them ‘redlines’.
    • Disagreements: Major substantive disagreements exist alongside general disagreement on negotiation modalities. Developing countries, represented by India among others, stress the importance of clarity on obligations to operationalize equity within the Agreement.

    Concerns related Pandemic Agreement

    • Equity Concerns:  Dissatisfaction among developed countries and the pharmaceutical industry regarding access and benefit-sharing provisions.
    • Global Governance and Enforcement Challenges: Lack of adequate enforcement mechanisms poses a significant challenge. Without robust enforcement, the Agreement risks being symbolic. Enforcement capabilities are vital for coordination efforts, stockpile management, medical response teams, and data sharing.
    • Issues related to technology transfer: Even with consensus on key issues like technology transfer and intellectual property waivers, the Agreement may be ineffective without robust enforcement mechanisms.
    • International Health Regulations (IHR): Existing IHR are legally binding but failed to prevent unjust travel restrictions, vaccine hoarding during COVID-19. Proposals for a decision-making body and a secretariat within the Agreement aim to address these shortcomings.

    Way Forward:

    • Negotiations Conclusion: The current round of negotiations in Geneva is set to conclude this week, to achieve a consensus decision by the World Health Assembly by the end of May.
    • Diluted Agreement: The possibility of a diluted Agreement looms large as there is pressure to achieve consensus. Contentious issues like intellectual property (IP) waivers may have diluted language, referring to national circumstances and using non-binding terms like “best endeavor.”
    • Collective Effort: The Agreement acknowledges that no single government or institution can tackle the threat of future pandemics alone, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and cooperation.

    Conclusion: The Pandemic Agreement aims to address COVID-19 failures, emphasizing equity and preparedness. Disagreements persist, especially on access and enforcement. Negotiations aim for consensus, but risks of dilution remain amid pressure for agreement.

    Mains PYQ

    Q  COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)

    Q  Critically examine the role of WHOin providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • [28 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal

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

    Q) “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seems doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss from the Indian perspective. (UPSC CSE 2016) 

    Prelims:
    Q) India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 to comply with the obligations to (UPSC CSE 2018)
    (a) ILO (b) IMF (c) UNCTAD (d) WTO

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: International Organisations;

    Mains: International Organisations; Trades and Practices;

    Mentor comments: WTO members concluded the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi on 2 March with the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration setting out a forward-looking, reform agenda for the organization. Over the last decades, many countries have adopted policies aimed at facilitating investment to attract, retain, and expand foreign investment flows. We need to analyze this news thoroughly as MC13 represented a historic opportunity for the first time by addressing the issue of Trade Cooperation for the environment and the associated challenges in industrial policy.

    Let’s learn. 

    —

    Why in the News?

    India must reconsider its defensive approach towards Plurilateral Agreements (PA) such as the Investment Facilitation for Development agreement.

    Background:

    • Ministers at the meeting of WTO took several ministerial decisions, including renewing the commitment to have a fully and well-functioning Dispute Settlement System by 2024 and to improve the use of the Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) provisions for developing and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
    • India has strongly opposed a China-led proposal for an investment facilitation pact besides pressing for finding a permanent solution to public stock holding of grains for food security and protection of the interests of fishermen at the upcoming WTO ministerial meeting.

    Key Takeaways about Plurilateral Agreement (PA) from MC13:

    • It is critical to recall that while the WTO is a multilateral trade organization.
    • Article II of the WTO Agreement categorically allows for Pas which binds the WTO member countries that accept them and do not create rights or impose obligations on the remaining members.
    • Despite opposition from countries such as India, negotiations for an IFD agreement at the WTO were launched in 2017 on a plurilateral basis by 70 countries. This was done through a process known as the Joint Statement Initiative.
    • Further, 120 countries wanted to include the IFD Agreement as a Plurilateral Agreement (PA) within Annex 4 of the WTO Agreement.
    What is the Agreement on Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD)?

    In the WTO context, the concept of investment facilitation means the setting up of a more transparent, efficient, and investment-friendly business climate, by making it easier for investors to invest, and conduct their day-to-day business.

    It also expands their existing investments (whole-investment-lifecycle approach), as well as for host and home governments to work cooperatively and in mutually beneficial ways to facilitate not only more but also more sustainable investment.

    What are the present concerns of the Indian government regarding the Plurilateral Agreement (PA)?

    • Principle Concerns: India does not seem to be exceedingly concerned about the text of the IFD agreement. India’s principal concerns are two-fold.
      • The question of whether investment can be part of the WTO.
      • The process followed to make the IFD agreement a part of the WTO rulebook.
    • Challenge of Legal Mandate and Mutual Consensus: The IFD Agreement will require states to augment regulatory transparency, and streamline administrative procedures to bolster foreign investment inflows.
      • Since all countries never agreed to launch negotiations on an IFD Agreement, according to India, IFD negotiations and the subsequent text that came up for adoption are illegal. (According to the Article X.9 of the WTO Agreement)
    • On Dispute Resolution: The IFD does not contain provisions on market access, investment protection, and Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS).
      • Given the existing structure of the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism, where only states can bring legal claims against other states, it is implausible that ISDS can be a part of it.

    Current Dilemma between ‘Investment’ and ‘Trade’: 

    • The current dilemma is whether the investment is part of the WTO or not because investment per se is not trade. However, the recent scenario talks on contrast such as follows:
    • According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), about 70% of international trade occurs through global value chains, which are characterized by trade and investment, thus proving the close relationship between the two.
    • Therefore, several modern-day free trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership include detailed investment provisions covering both facilitation and protection.
    • India’s newly minted trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association also contains provisions on investment, though it is restricted to facilitation and promotion measures.

    Conclusion: The PAs such as the IFD agreement are essential for reinvigorating the WTO’s stalemated legislative function. India, which will soon be the third biggest economy, should reconsider its defensive approach towards PAs, as in the proposed IFD Agreement in the WTO.

  • [pib] India to co-chair of its ITU Digital Innovation Board

    What is the news-

    • Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India was unanimously elected as co-chair of the Digital Innovation Board of International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

    About ITU Digital Innovation Board

     

    • This board is established under the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development.
    • It comprises of Ministers and Vice Ministers of Telecom/ICT of 23 Member Countries.
    • The Alliance establishes the Board to provide strategic guidance, expertise and advocacy regarding its mission of building critical local enablers.

     

    Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance

     

    • ITU has started this Alliance to respond to significant unmet needs of ITU Membership in the area of innovation.
    • It is based on the Kigali Action Plan adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2022 (WTDC-22) and the Outcomes of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 (PP-22).
    • The Alliance has three main vehicles: –
    1.     Digital Transformation Lab
    2.     Network of Acceleration Centres
    3.     Digital Innovation Board

    What is the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)?

    • The ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies (ICTs).
    • It was established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, making it one of the oldest international organizations.
    • In 1932, the organization was renamed the International Telecommunication Union to reflect its broader mandate.
    • It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
    • Its functions include:
    1. Allocate global radio spectrum and satellite orbits,
    2. Develops the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and
    3. Strives to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide.

    Membership:

    • ITU’s membership includes 193 member states (countries) and over 900 private sector entities, including telecommunications companies, equipment manufacturers, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
    • India has been an active member of the ITU since 1869 and has been a regular member of the ITU Council since 1952.

    PYQ:

    2020: In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of

    1. Digital security infrastructure
    2. Food security infrastructure
    3. Healthcare and education infrastructure
    4. Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

     

    Practise MCQ:

    The global telecom body International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has recently elected India as the co-chair of the Digital Innovation Board. Which of the following statements about ITU is/are correct?

    1. It is the United Nations specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies.
    2. Its entry is open to all countries, Private Companies as well as institutions.
    3. India has been a member of ITU since 1869.

    Select the correct option:

    1. All are correct
    2. Only 3
    3. 1 and 3
    4. 1 and 2

  • India pursues Lowering Cost of Cross Border Remittances at WTO

    What is the news-

    • India is strongly pursuing its proposal for lowering the cost of cross-border remittances, which it presented at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi last month.
    • It has now requested the WTO’s general council (GC) to initiate a work program to make recommendations for reducing remittance costs.

    Why discuss this?

     

    • In 2023, India witnessed the highest remittance inflows globally, amounting to USD 125 billion.
    • Lowering the costs of remittances would primarily benefit low and middle-income countries, which accounted for 78% of remittances flow in 2023, according to estimates.
    • India’s draft proposal at MC13 highlighted that the global average cost for sending remittances remained high at 6.18%, more than twice the SDG target.

     What is Cost of Remittances?

    • Remittances are financial transfers sent by migrant workers to their families or relatives in their home countries.
    • The cost of remittances refers to the expenses incurred by individuals or businesses when sending money from one location to another, typically across international borders.
    • The cost components of cross-border payments can include:
    1. Bank fees,
    2. Intermediary fees,
    3. Compliance fees,
    4. Operational costs, and
    5. FX (foreign exchange) rate margin
    • Innovative technologies like DeFi payment rails are emerging to reduce the total cost of payments for cross-border transactions.

    About World Trade Organization (WTO)

    Details
    Establishment 1995, replacing GATT
    Objective To regulate international trade
    Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
    Members
    • 164
    • India is a Founding Member.
    Objectives
    • Formulate rules for trade
    • Negotiate further liberalization
    • Settle disputes
    • Assist developing countries
    • Cooperate with major economic institutions
    Principles
    • Non-Discrimination
    • Most Favored Nation
    • National Treatment
    • Reciprocity
    • Predictability through Binding Commitments
    • Transparency
    • Encourage Development and Reforms
    Important Trade Agreements
    • Agreement on Agriculture (AoA),
    • Agreement on TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights),
    • Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS),
    • Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT),
    • Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS),
    • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) etc.
    WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA)
    • Negotiated during Uruguay Round (1995)
    • Aims to reform trade in agriculture
    • Allows support for rural economies with fewer trade “distortions”
    • Focuses on improving market access, reducing subsidies, and eliminating export subsidies

    Subsidies Types:

    1. Green Box – No distortion in trade
    2. Amber Box – Can distort production and trade (subject to limits)
    3. Blue Box – Subsidies linked to production-limiting programs
    Most Favoured Nation Clause
    • Ensures non-discriminatory trade
    • Prevents discrimination among trade partners
    • First clause in GATT
    • Special trade statuses extended to all WTO members

     

    PYQ:

    Q.The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the: (2015)

    1. Food and Agriculture Organization
    2. United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
    3. World Trade Organization
    4. United Nations Environment Programme

     

    Q.Which of the following constitute Capital Account? (2013)

    1. Foreign Loans
    2. Foreign Direct Investment
    3. Private Remittances
    4. Portfolio Investment

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 1, 2 and 4
    3. 2, 3 and 4
    4. 1, 3 and 4

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements:

    1. India is the highest recipient of remittances globally.
    2. UAE is the largest source of remittances to India.
    3. The current cost of remittances meets the SDG target.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • India abstains in UNGA on Pak Resolution on Islamophobia

    Why in the news

    • India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly draft resolution on Islamophobia introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China.
    • India asserted that while condemning all acts of religious discrimination, it’s crucial to recognize religiophobia against various faiths rather than singling out one religion.

    India’s Position on Islamophobia:

     

    • Prevalence of Religiophobia: India emphasized that religiophobia extends beyond Abrahamic religions and affects followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
    • Opposition to Precedence: India expressed concerns that adopting the resolution could set a precedent for numerous resolutions centered on specific religious phobias, potentially dividing the United Nations along religious lines.
    • Religious Autocracy: India urged member states to consider the broader scope of religious discrimination globally in non-secular theocracies, highlighting the need to address challenges faced by all faiths.
    • Contemporary Forms: India cited examples of attacks on religious places of worship and the spreading of hatred against non-Abrahamic religions as evidence of contemporary religiophobia.

     What is UN General Assembly?

    • The UNGA is the main policy-making organ of the United Nations, founded in 1945.
    • It serves as a forum for all Member States to discuss and make recommendations on a wide range of international issues covered by the UN Charter.
    • The UNGA is the only universally representative body of the UN, focusing on topics like international peace and security, development, disarmament, human rights, and international law.

    Members/Observers

    • The UNGA comprises all Member States, with each having an equal vote in the assembly. It elects non-permanent members of the Security Council, appoints the Secretary-General, and approves the UN budget.
    • It has granted observer status to international organizations, entities, and non-member states, allowing them to participate in its work with certain limitations.
    • Notable observers include the European Union, the Holy See, and the State of Palestine.

    Functions

    • The UNGA discusses, debates, and makes recommendations on various international issues within its competence, including political, economic, humanitarian, social, and legal matters.
    • It plays a central role in standard-setting, codification of international law, and making recommendations to promote international political cooperation.
    • It has the power to
    1. Consider and approve the UN budget,
    2. Elect non-permanent members of the Security Council, and
    3. Make recommendations on maintaining international peace and security, disarmament, and other matters outlined in the UN Charter.

    What are UNGA Resolutions?

    • A UNGA resolution is a formal expression of the General Assembly’s opinion, will, or intention on various matters of global significance.
    • UNGA resolutions are adopted through a voting process during plenary sessions of the General Assembly.
    • Each member state has one vote, and decisions are typically made by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting.
    • While UNGA resolutions are not legally binding on their own, they can influence the development of customary international law and provide guidance for the interpretation of treaties and conventions.
    • Types of Resolutions:
      1. Binding Resolutions: Some resolutions are legally binding on member states, requiring them to take specific actions or comply with certain obligations.
      2. Non-binding Resolutions: Many resolutions are non-binding, serving as recommendations, expressions of concern, or statements of principle. While non-binding, these resolutions carry significant political weight and influence.

    PYQ:

    With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:

    1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
    2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
    3. Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.

    Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022)

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

  • [pib] Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

    Why in the news-

    What is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?

    • It is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen economic partnerships among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • The IPEF was launched in 2021 with 12 initial partners who together represent 40% of the world GDP.
    • The IPEF is NOT a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to.

     

    Four main “Pillars” of IPEF

     

    1. Trade that will include digital economy and emerging technology, labor commitments, the environment, trade facilitation, transparency and good regulatory practices, and corporate accountability, standards on cross-border data flow and data localisations;
    2. Supply chain resilience to develop “a first-of-its-kind supply chain agreement” that would anticipate and prevent disruptions;
    3. Clean energy and decarbonization that will include agreements on “high-ambition commitments” such as renewable energy targets, carbon removal purchasing commitments, energy efficiency standards, and new measures to combat methane emissions; and
    4. Fair Economy Agreement, with commitments to enact and enforce “effective tax, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery schemes in line with [American] values”.

     

    Members Countries include:

    • Currently, India and 13 countries other located in the Pacific Ocean are its members: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.

    How is IPEF different from other trade deals?

    • No market access or tariff reductions have been outlined in the IPEF, although experts say it can pave the way to trade deals.
    • It’s not a take-it-or-leave-it arrangement, like most multilateral trade deals are.
    • Since the IPEF is not a regular trade pact, the members so far are not obligated by all four pillars despite being signatories.

    Practice MCQ:

    Regarding the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), consider the following statements:

    1. It is a US-led initiative launched in 2021.
    2. It is basically a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
    3. India is not a member of IPEF.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    (a)   One

    (b)   Two

    (c)   Three

    (d)    None