From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA), ASEAN
Why in the News?
The Commerce Department is gearing up for the upcoming negotiations on the ASEAN-India FTA review. The ASEAN-India FTA, while beneficial, has led to a widening trade deficit for India.
ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA):
The AITGA, signed in 2009 and effective in 2010, aims to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers on goods between ASEAN and India, covering sectors like agriculture, textiles, electronics, and machinery.
AITGA is an important component of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services among ASEAN and India.
Major Concern: Growing Trade Deficit
Since the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA), India has been facing a growing trade deficit.
The trade deficit means India is importing more than it is exporting. In 2022-23, India imported goods worth US$87.57 billion, while it exported US$44 billion.
In 2022-23, ASEAN made up 11.3% of India’s global trade. This deficit has grown a lot this year.
Because of this, there’s a need to urgently review and change the current trade setup between ASEAN and India.
Key Areas of Negotiation
Rules of Origin (ROO): Modifications in ROO are planned to increase market access for Indian products and prevent the rerouting of goods, particularly from China, through ASEAN countries.
Trade Remedies: A new chapter on trade remedies will aim to protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices and import surges.
Exclusion of New Areas: The agreement will not expand to cover additional areas like labour, environment, MSMEs, or gender to avoid complicating the pact.
About ASEAN
Details
Establishment
Established in 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
Chairmanship
Rotates annually among member states based on alphabetical order of their names.
Objective
To promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability among member countries.
Members
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
East Timor (Timor-Leste) applied for membership in 2011 but is not yet a member.
Objectives
Accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
Promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the UN charter.
Establish an ASEAN community comprising three pillars: ASEAN security, economic, and socio-cultural.
ASEAN Charter
Launched in 2008 to create a legal entity and establish a single free-trade area for the region.
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) was established in 2009.
Adopted the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration in 2012.
ASEAN Plus Six
ASEAN Plus Three initiated integration efforts with East Asian countries (China, Japan, and South Korea).
Expanded to the East Asia Summit (EAS) including ASEAN Plus Three, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
India and ASEAN
A key pillar of India’s foreign policy and the foundation of Act East Policy.
India has a separate Mission to ASEAN and the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Jakarta.
ASEAN is India’s fourth-largest trading partner.
Delhi Declaration
Identifies Cooperation in the Maritime Domain as a key area of cooperation under the ASEAN-India strategic partnership.
Delhi Dialogue
Annual Track 1.5 event for discussing politico-security and economic issues between ASEAN and India.
ASEAN-India Centre (AIC)
Undertakes policy research, advocacy, and networking activities with organizations and think tanks in India and ASEAN.
Strategic Cooperation
India places ASEAN at the centre of its Indo-Pacific vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following countries:
Australia
Canada
China
India
Japan
USA
Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lancet Report;
Mains level: Women Issues in Indian Society; Health Issues;
Why in the news?
Over 30 years, a study examining 20 diseases revealed minimal advancements in narrowing the disparity between genders as per “the Lancet Public Health Journal”.
What does the New Lancet report say?
On Health Disparities: The study highlights that women tend to suffer more from lower back pain, depression, and headaches, while men have shorter life expectancies due to higher rates of road accidents, cardiovascular diseases, and, recently, COVID-19.
On Health Burden: Women spend more time in poor health, while men are more likely to die prematurely from severe conditions.
Overall Global Analysis: The analysis examines differences in the 20 leading causes of illness and death globally, considering all ages and regions.
What Causes the Differences in Diseases Between Women and Men? (Observations)
Biological Factors:
Hormonal Differences: Hormonal fluctuations in women, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, can influence susceptibility to certain conditions like migraines, depression, and autoimmune diseases.
Genetic Variations: Variations in genes and genetic predispositions may contribute to differences in disease susceptibility and severity between sexes.
Anatomical Variances: Physiological differences, such as in skeletal structure and hormonal regulation, can affect the manifestation of certain diseases like lower back pain and reproductive disorders.
Societal and Gender Norms:
Healthcare-Seeking: Societal norms and gender roles may influence healthcare-seeking behaviors, with men often less likely to seek medical attention for mental health issues due to perceived notions of masculinity.
Occupational Hazards: Occupational differences between genders can lead to varying exposures to health risks, with certain professions associated with higher rates of injury or exposure to harmful substances.
Socioeconomic Factors: Disparities in socioeconomic status can impact disease prevalence and outcomes differently for women and men.
Healthcare System Bias:
Diagnostic Bias: Gender biases in healthcare may result in underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of certain conditions in women, leading to delays in treatment and poorer health outcomes.
Treatment Disparities: Differences in treatment approaches and responses may exist between sexes, with women sometimes receiving less aggressive treatment for cardiovascular diseases or being undertreated for pain conditions.
Research Bias: Historically, medical research has often focused on male subjects, leading to a lack of understanding of how diseases manifest and progress differently in women.
No Improvement in Care for Women Over Time
Stable Gender Gap: Despite overall health improvements, the disparity between male and female health conditions remains stable.
Conditions Affecting Women: Conditions like lower back pain and depressive disorders have shown little to no decrease over time compared to male-dominated conditions.
Reproductive Focus: Global health systems have historically focused on women’s reproductive health, neglecting other significant health issues affecting women.
What Needs to Be Done (Way Forward)
Better Data Collection: Governments should consistently collect and categorize health data by sex and gender to better understand and address health disparities.
Targeted Health Interventions: Specific health interventions should be developed and implemented based on detailed sex and gender data.
Increased Funding: More financial resources should be allocated to underfunded conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as mental health.
Addressing Healthcare Bias: Efforts should be made to eliminate biases in healthcare to ensure women receive appropriate and timely treatment for their conditions.
Mains PYQ:
Q Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SIDS Mapping; Barbados Programme of Action (1994); Mauritius Strategy (2005); and SAMOA Pathway (2014)
Why in the News?
The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) is underway in Antigua and Barbuda.
What are Small Island Developing States (SIDS)?
SIDS encompass 39 States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions, facing unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities.
SIDS are situated across three regions:
the Caribbean,
the Pacific
the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS).
Their distinctive challenges were acknowledged at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
SDGs supporting SIDS
Small island development states are mentioned in several of the Sustainable Development Goals.
For example, Target 7 of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (“Life below Water“) states-
“By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism”.
Challenges Faced by SIDS:
Remote geography and reliance on external markets due to narrow resource bases contribute to high import/export costs.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), substantially larger than landmasses, provides vital resources but poses challenges like high transportation costs and vulnerability to economic shocks.
Biodiversity and Economic Significance:
Biodiversity sustains key industries like tourism and fisheries, often constituting over half of SIDS’ GDP.
Beyond economic benefits, biodiversity holds aesthetic and spiritual value, providing essential services like food supply, erosion prevention, and protection from natural disasters.
UN Programmes Supporting SIDS:
The Barbados Programme of Action (1994), Mauritius Strategy (2005), and Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway (2014) outline specific actions to achieve sustainable development and address gaps in implementation.
Barbados Programme of Action (1994): It prescribed actions enabling SIDS to achieve sustainable development.
Mauritius Strategy (2005): It addressed remaining gaps in implementing the Barbados Programme of Action.
SAMOA Pathway (2014): It emphasises challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, outlining priorities for sustainable development.
These programmes underscore the ongoing commitment to supporting SIDS’ development and resilience.
Human Health and Social Development: Enhance food security, and water/sanitation, reduce non-communicable diseases, and promote gender equity.
Partnerships: Foster collaborations among SIDS, UN Agencies, development partners, and stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals.
PYQ:
[2021] Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Arab League; its members
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
The Arab League called for UN peacekeeping forces in the Palestinian territories during a summit in Bahrain’s Manama. The “Manama Declaration” issued by the league sought UNPKF in the occupied Palestinian territories” until a two-state solution is implemented.
Back2Basics: United Nations Peacekeeping
UN Peacekeeping is a collective effort by the international community, led by the United Nations, to maintain peace and security in regions affected by conflict.
UN peacekeepers are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets) can include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.
History:
The concept of UN peacekeeping emerged in the aftermath of World War II, with the establishment of the United Nations in 1945.
The first UN peacekeeping mission was established in 1948, following the Arab-Israeli War, to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and its Arab neighbours.
This mission, known as the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), set the precedent for future peacekeeping operations.
Since then, the scope and complexity of UN peacekeeping have evolved significantly, with operations conducted across the globe in regions affected by conflict, civil war, and humanitarian crises.
Operations:
UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
Consent of the parties
Impartiality
Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate
UN peacekeeping operations are deployed with the consent of the main parties to the conflict. It can be deployed at the request of the partiesinvolved in a conflict or with the authorisation of the UN Security Council.
The objectives may vary depending on the specific context but often include monitoring ceasefires, disarming combatants, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, promoting human rights, and supporting the establishment of democratic governance structures.
UN peacekeeping operations operate under the principles of impartiality, consent of the parties, and non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.
India’s Role:
India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations since their inception.
India has contributed nearly 195,000 troops, the largest number from any country, and participated in more than 49 missions and 168 supreme sacrifices while serving in UN missions.
About Arab League
Details
Establishment
Founded on March 22, 1945, in Cairo, Egypt.
Founding Members
Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria.
Objective
Promote economic, cultural, political, and military cooperation among member states. Safeguard independence and sovereignty.
Functions
Operates on consensus among member states. Decisions are made through consultations and discussions.
Regular meetings among Arab leaders to address regional issues, formulate policies, and coordinate actions.
Specialised committees and councils address specific areas of cooperation, such as economic affairs, social affairs, and defence.
Member States
Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Observer Nations
Non-Arab countries with observer status include Brazil, Eritrea, India, Venezuela, and others.
No voting rights are accorded to Observer nations.
Important Achievements
Proposal of the Arab Peace Initiative in 2002.
Coordination of military efforts in various conflicts.
Promotion of economic cooperation through initiatives such as the Arab Free Trade Area.
Facilitation of cultural and educational exchange programs among member states.
Challenges
Internal divisions, Differences of opinion over the Palestinian-Israeli conflict etc.
PYQ:
[2014] Recently, a series of uprisings of people referred to as ‘Arab Spring’ originally started from
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa, through the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has organised the meeting, which will be attended by the 56 member countries of the Antarctic Treaty.
What is the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)?
ATCM is the primary forum for discussing and coordinating activities related to the Antarctic Treaty System.
It was established under the Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961.
It serves as the annual meeting of the parties to the Antarctic Treaty, known as Consultative Parties.
The ATCM adopts legally binding agreements, known as Antarctic Treaty Measures (ATMs), as well as non-binding recommendations on various matters.
Decisions within the ATCM are made by consensus among the Consultative Parties.
The ATCM established the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) as a subsidiary body to provide advice and recommendations on environmental matters.
India had last hosted the ATCM in New Delhi in 2007.
India’s Agenda at ATCM 46
During the Kochi meet, India will table its plan to construct Maitri II before the members.
Any new construction or initiative in Antarctica requires the ATCM’s approval.
About Antarctic Treaty
Details
Signing and Entry into Force
Signed on December 1, 1959 at Washington DC.
Entered into force on June 23, 1961.
12 Initial Countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the USSR, the UK, and the US.
Objective
Ensure Antarctica remains exclusively for peaceful purposes, free from international discord.
Key Provisions
Art. I: Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only
Art. II: Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and cooperation
Art. III: Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available
Antarctic Treaty Secretariat (ATS), established in 2004, serves as the administrative hub for the Antarctic Treaty System.
Annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM) where member states discuss treaty implementation and cooperation.
Environmental Protection
Promotes protection of the Antarctic environment.
Prohibits activities causing pollution or environmental damage
Mineral Resource Exploitation
Bans mining activities until at least 2048.
Requires consensus for any review or modification
Membership
54 parties as of 2024.
29 Consultative Parties actively participate in decision-making.
25 Non-Consultative Parties.
India ratified the treaty in 1983.
Madrid Protocol
Adopted in 1991.
Entered into force in 1998.
Strengthens environmental protection measures in Antarctic.
India in Antarctica
1. Governance:
Since 1983, India has been a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty.
Of the 56 nations that are part of the Antarctic Treaty, 29 have consultative party status.
In this capacity, India votes and participates in all key decision-making processes regarding Antarctica.
India has undertaken scientific research in Antarctica since 1981.
2. Scientific Expeditions:
The first Indian Antarctica research station, Dakshin Gangotri, was set up in 1983, some 2,500 km from the South Pole in Queen Maud Land. The station operated till 1990.
In 1989, India set up its second Antarctica research station, Maitri, in the Schirmacher Oasis, a 3-km wide ice-free plateau with over 100 freshwater lakes.
It is still operational and located about 5 km from Russia’s Novolazarevskaya Station, and 90 km from Dakshin Gangotri.
In 2012, India inaugurated Bharati, its third Antarctica research station, located around 3,000 km east of Maitri, on the Prydz Bay coast.
Although the station focuses on oceanographic and geologic study, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) utilises it for receiving Indian Remote sensing Satellite (IRS) data.
India plans to open a new station, Maitri II, a few kilometres from the ageing Maitri station. Operations are set to begin by 2029.
In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.
About the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
NCPOR is an Indian research and development institution, situated in Vasco da Gama, Goa.
It is an autonomous institution of the Department of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, established in 1998.
It is responsible for scientific and strategic endeavors in the Polar Regions (Arctic and Antarctic), the Himalayas, and the Southern Ocean.
PYQ:
[2015] The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in the news is the name of
(a) An indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence.
(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim.
(c) A scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region.
(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Interpol, Blue Corner Notice
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Karnataka’s political landscape is rocked by accusations of sexual abuse against a sitting MP belonging to a prominent political family.
Following explicit video leaks allegedly implicating him, Interpol has issued a Blue Corner notice, as he remains on the run.
INTERPOL’s Notice System:
The Interpol issues various types of notices to its member countries about individuals who are either missing or wanted.
While these notices aren’t legally binding and countries aren’t required to act on them, they are commonly used to arrest and extradite suspects.
The following entities can request for a notice:
Notice request by the Member Country
International Criminal Tribunals and the International Criminal Court can also request notices for individuals accused of serious crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity under their jurisdiction.
The United Nations can request notices related to enforcing sanctions imposed by the Security Council.
What are Blue Corner Notice?
Purpose: Blue corner notice, also known as an “enquiry notice,” facilitates sharing critical crime-related information, including criminal records verification and locating individuals.
Example: In January 2020, Interpol issued a blue corner notice to locate fugitive Nithyananda, a self-styled godman.
About INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization)
Details
Overview
Established in Vienna, Austria (1923), it enables cross-border police cooperation and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime.
An inter-governmental organization comprising 195 member countries,
Facilitates better coordination among police forces globally
Functions
Enables member countries to share and access data on crimes and criminals
Offers technical and operational support to member countries
Manages 19 police databases containing information on crimes and criminals, accessible in real-time
Provides investigative support, including forensics, analysis, and assistance in locating fugitives worldwide.
Working
Run by a Secretary General
Headquarters located in Lyon, France
Global complex for innovation based in Singapore.
Several satellite offices in different regions.
I-24/7 Service: Global Police Communications System that provides a common platform for the member countries’ police organizations to share sensitive and urgent police information.
India’s Membership
Joined in June 1956.
Functioning in Member Countries
Each member country has a National Central Bureau (NCB), serving as the central point of contact for the general secretariat and other NCBs worldwide
NCBs are typically managed by police officials and situated in the government ministry responsible for policing (e.g., CBI in India)
Interpol’s databases contain various information, from names and fingerprints to stolen passports, accessible in real-time to member countries
Provides investigative support to member countries, aiding in forensic analysis and locating fugitives globally.
Notices
Interpol issues seven types of notices:
Red Notice: Seeks the location and provisional arrest of fugitives.
Blue Notice: Requests information about a person’s identity or activities.
Green Notice: Warns about individuals likely to repeat crimes.
Yellow Notice: Aids in locating missing persons.
Black Notice: Seeks information about unidentified bodies.
Orange Notice: Warns of imminent threats to public safety.
Purple Notice: Seeks or provides information on criminal methods.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Commission on Population and Development (CPD)
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
India’s Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) are participating in the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57) 57th session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
AboutCommission on Population and Development (CPD)
Details
Establishment
Established by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolution 18(IV) in 1946 to advise on population and development issues.
Mandate
Provides guidance and recommendations on population and development policies to ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
Membership
Comprises 47 member states elected by ECOSOC for 4-year terms, based on geographic representation and expertise.
Meetings
Holds annual sessions at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, typically in April.
Themes
Focuses each session on specific population and development themes, such as youth empowerment and gender equality.
Reports and Resolutions
Prepares reports and adopts resolutions containing recommendations for action by ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
Linkage to SDGs
Closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, 5, 10, and 17.
Regional Collaboration
Collaborates with regional commissions and expert groups to analyze population trends and develop strategies at regional and national levels.
PYQ:
[2017] What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.
[2017] With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct?
1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.
2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.
3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) is happening in Ottawa, Canada.
The goal is to finalize a global agreement on plastic pollution by November this year.
Whatis the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)?
INC is a committee that aims to develop alegally binding international instrumentto end plastic pollution by 2025, as mandated by United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/14.
It began working in November 2022 at Punta del Este, Uruguay (INC-1).
The second meeting (INC-2) took place in May-June, 2023 at Paris, France.
INC is scheduled to complete its work by the end of 2024.
Key Points from INC-4:
Previous meetings (INC-1, INC-2, INC-3) paved the way for this one.
They’re focusing on cutting out unnecessary plastic use while still using it for important things like renewable energy.
Future Prospects:
INC-5 will happen in Busan, South Korea, and it’s meant to finalize everything.
After that, leaders from different countries will sign the agreement.
PYQ:
[2014] With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’
(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Map of West Asia
Mains level: Reason behind the west Asia is a heavily militarised region
Why in the news?
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s ‘Trends in International Arms Transfers 2023’, four of the top 10 largest importers of arms last year were from West Asia, with the U.S. being the main supplier
SIPRI Report: Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2023
India’s Arms Imports: Increased by 4.7% compared to 2014-18.
European Arms Imports: Saw a staggering 94% increase between 2014-18 and 2019-23, likely influenced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Russia-India Arms Trade: Russia remained India’s largest arms supplier, accounting for 36% of total imports.
Top Global Importers: India, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar emerged as the top three importers globally.
Ukraine’s Arms Imports: Became the fourth largest arms importer during the specified period.
China-Pakistan Arms Trade: Pakistan, the fifth largest arms importer, obtained 82% of its arms from China.
France’s Arms Exports: Emerged as the world’s second-largest arms supplier, after the United States.
French Arms Exports to India: India was highlighted as the largest single recipient of French arms exports.
West Asia has largest expenditure in Defence as per GDP %
Reason behind the west Asia is heavily militarised region:
Regional Conflicts and Tensions: The region is characterized by ongoing conflicts and tensions, such as those in Yemen and Syria, leading countries to seek advanced weaponry to address security challenges
Oil Boom: The oil boom in West Asia has led to increased military spending as countries seek to protect their oil resources and maintain regional stability
Internal Factors: The presence of Western arms and personnel in some Persian Gulf countries has contributed to internal resurgences, leading states to invest in military capabilities for self-defense
Diversification of Arms Suppliers: West Asian states have adopted the principle of diversifying sources of arms supply, leading to a broader range of arms imports from various suppliers globally
Client-Supplier Relationship: The relationship between client states and arms suppliers is often favorable to the recipient, with the recipient receiving the arms they wish and the supplier bowing to their demands
Regional Disputes and Border Skirmishes: Border disputes, threats, and wars have made it imperative for West Asian states to resort to modern and efficient national defense systems like conflict between Iran and Israel
Conclusion:
Encourage diplomatic efforts to resolve regional conflicts and tensions through dialogue and negotiation, aiming to reduce the need for excessive military spending. Advocate for the establishment of regional arms control agreements to limit the proliferation of weapons and promote stability in the West Asia region.
Mains PYQ
Q How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Commonwealth of Nations, CPGRAMS
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
India’s Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) received global recognition during the 3rd Biennial Pan-Commonwealth Heads in London.
What is CPGRAMS?
The primary objective of CPGRAMS is to provide citizens with a user-friendly mechanism to register complaints or grievances related to various government departments and agencies.
It is an online platform available to the citizens 24×7 to lodge their grievances to the public authorities on any subject related to service delivery.
It was created in June 2007 by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances.
It has been designed in-house by the National Informatics Centre team.
Prime Minister is the supreme head of the CPGRAMS.
Key functions of CPGRAMS include:
Grievance Lodging and Tracking: Citizens can lodge grievances online and track their progress using a unique registration number generated by the system.
Role-Based Access: Every Ministry and state have role-based access to this system, ensuring that grievances are forwarded to the concerned Ministries or Government Departments.
Appeal Facility: CPGRAMS provides an appeal facility to the citizens if they are not satisfied with the resolution by the Grievance Officer.
Feedback Mechanism: After the closure of grievance, if the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, they can provide feedback. If the rating is ‘Poor’, the option to file an appeal is enabled. The status of the Appeal can also be tracked by the petitioner with the grievance registration number.
Issues that are NOT taken up under CPGRAMS:
Subjudice cases or any matter concerning judgment given by any court.
Personal and Family disputes.
Right to Information (RTI) Queries.
Anything that impacts upon territorial integrity of the country or friendly relations with other countries.
Grievances of Government employees concerning their service matters including disciplinary proceedings etc because there is already a mechanism for addressing these issues.
What is the Commonwealth of Nations?
The Commonwealth of Nations is an intergovernmental organization of 53 member states that are mostly former territories of the British Empire.
It dates back to the first half of the 20th century with the decolonization of the British Empire through increased self-governance of its territories.
It was originally created as the British Commonwealth of Nations through the Balfour Declaration at the 1926 Imperial Conference.
It was formalized by the UK through the Statute of Westminster in 1931.
The symbol of this free association is Queen Elizabeth II, who is the Head of the Commonwealth.
Membership: Based on free and equal voluntary cooperation.
History of its creation
The Commonwealth was created in the early 1900s when nations that were formerly a part of the British Empire began to secede.
India is one of the founding members of the modern Commonwealth.
India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a key role in the creation of the modern Commonwealth in 1949, Indian policy-makers over the years have considered it as a relic of empire and steeped in colonial legacy.
Working of Commonwealth
Commonwealth members have no legal obligations to one another.
Instead, they are united by language, history, culture and their shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Actual functioning: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
CHOGM which takes place every two years is a platform for all Commonwealth leaders to meet and discuss issues about the Commonwealth.
The motto behind the meeting is to reaffirm common values, address the shared global challenges and agree on how to work to create a better future.
PYQ:
[2012] With reference to consumers rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.
2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.
3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[2016] The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War,
(a) India should be granted complete independence
(b) India should be partitioned into two before granting independence
(c) India should be made a republic with the condition that it will join the Commonwealth
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Future Energy Summit 2024, YFEL Program
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
A panel discussion on “Future Growth Opportunities for Long Duration Energy Storage” was held at the World Future Energy Summit 2024 in Abu Dhabi.
About World Future Energy Summit (WFES)
The WFES is an annual event held in Abu Dhabi; hosted in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to advance future energy, energy efficiency, and clean technologies.
It began in 2008, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Public relations firm Edelman helped set it up to “burnish the UEA’s green credentials“.
It was established as a platform to address the growing need for renewable energy solutions and sustainable development in response to global energy challenges.
Key Initiative: Young Future Energy Leaders
The Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) is an element of the annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES).
A program of the Masdar Institute, it is committed to raising awareness and engaging students and young professionals in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability.
PYQ:
[2014] Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known as ‘World Economic Outlook’?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The recent gathering of major funders and promoters of the carbon offsets market in London raised concerns about the role of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in limiting the market’s growth.
SBTi’s stringent criteria for net-zero plans have made it a gold standard in emissions accountability, but some argue it hinders the potential of carbon offsets in combating climate change.
What is Carbon Offset?
A carbon offset broadly refers to a reduction in GHG emissions – or an increase in carbon storage (e.g., through land restoration or the planting of trees) – that is used to compensate for emissions that occur elsewhere.
A carbon offset credit is a transferrable instrument certified by governments or independent certification bodies to represent an emission reduction of one metric tonne of CO2, or an equivalent amount of other GHGs.
What is Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)?
The SBTi is a collaborative effort spearheaded by four international organizations:
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP),
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC),
World Resources Institute (WRI), and
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
The SBTi focuses on assisting companies in setting ambitious and scientifically sound greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets.
Details
Purpose
To drive ambitious corporate action on climate change by providing a framework for setting science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement goals.
Launch Year
2015
Founding Organizations
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP),
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC),
World Resources Institute (WRI), and
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Methodologies
SBTi offers guidelines and methodologies for companies to set targets that are consistent with the latest climate science and contribute to limiting global warming.
Global Reach
Engages with companies worldwide, collaborating with partners across sectors, regions, and industries to promote adoption of science-based targets.
Recognition
Recognized as a leading platform for corporate climate action;
Companies comply to set science-based targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
Updates and refines its methodologies and verification processes to reflect advances in climate science and best practices in emissions reduction.
PYQ:
[2021] The ‘Common Carbon Metric’, Supported by UNEP, had been developed for:
(a) Assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world.
(b) Enabling commercial farming entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading.
(c) Enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries.
(d) Assessing the overall carbon footprint caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Cybercrime Index, India's position
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
A new research effort, the ‘World Cybercrime Index,’ sheds light on the global cybercrimescenario, ranking India in the 10th position worldwide.
About the World Cybercrime Index
The World Cybercrime Index has been developed as a joint partnership between the University of Oxford and University of New South Wales, Sydney.
It has been funded by CRIMGOV, a European Union-supported project.
The index was developed to identify major cybercrime hotspots globally by ranking countries based on the significant sources of cybercrime at a national level.
The study ‘Mapping the global geography of cybercrime with the World Cybercrime Index’ has been published in the journal PLOS ONE.
The five major categories of cybercrime assessed by the study were:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INCB, Its composition, key functions
Mains level: NA
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.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum
Mains level: NA
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:
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.
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 2021with 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.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNCTAD: its establishment, composition and members
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Global Trade Report revealed an evolving trade landscape for India, marked by increased reliance on China and the European Union (EU).
About UNCTAD
UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964.
It is part of the UN Secretariat.
The UNCTAD Conference ordinarily meets once in four years.
It reports to the UNGA and the Economic and Social Council, but has its own membership, leadership and budget.
It is also a part of the United Nations Development Group.
It supports developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized economy more fairly and effectively.
Reports published by the UNCTAD are-
Trade and Development Report
World Investment Report
Technology and Innovation Report
Digital Economy Report
Membership:
UNCTAD’s membership consists of all 195 member states of the United Nations.
India is an active member. The second UNCTAD Conference took place in New Delhi, India in 1968.
Key Highlights of the Report:
Key Findings on India
Trade Trends: India’s trade dependence on China and the EU rose by 1.2%, while reliance on Saudi Arabia declined by 0.6%.
Factors: This shift occurred amidst supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, leading to record-high food and fuel prices.
Policy Measures: Despite efforts to reduce dependency on China through initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and Quality Control Orders (QCOs), India’s trade relations with China strengthened.
Insights from the Report
Stable Proximity: Geographical proximity of international trade remained relatively constant, indicating minimal near-shoring or far-shoring trends.
Political Proximity: However, there was a noticeable rise in the political proximity of trade, favouring countries with similar geopolitical stances.
Concentration of Trade: Global trade increasingly favored major trade relationships, although this trend softened towards the end of 2023.
Sectoral Trends: Most sectors experienced a decline in trade value, except for pharmaceuticals, transportation equipment, and electric cars.
Global Forecast: Global merchandise trade is expected to contract by 5% in 2023, with services trade projected to gain 8%.
Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Shifts in Trade: The ongoing conflict led to a surge in Russia’s trade dependence on China by 7.1% while decreasing reliance on the EU by 5.3%.
Oil Trade: Russian oil shifted from the EU to China and India, with China becoming a significant trade partner for Russia.
US Trade Dynamics: The US managed to reduce reliance on China by 1.2% in 2023, while increasing dependence on the EU and Mexico.
PYQ:
The Global Infrastructure Facility is a/an: (2017)
(a) ASEAN initiative to upgrade infrastructure in Asia and financed by credit from the Asian Development Bank.
(b) World Bank collaboration that facilitates the preparation and structuring of complex infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enable mobilization of private sector and institutional investor capital.
(c) Collaboration among the major banks of the world working with the OECD and focused on expanding the set of infrastructure projects that have the potential to mobilize private investment.
(d) UNCTAD-funded initiative that seeks to finance and facilitate infrastructure development in the world.
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), consider the following statements:
1. It is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Food Waste Index Report
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Food Waste Index Report, 2024 was recently released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a UK based non-profit organization.
Food Waste Index Report:
It tracks the global and national generation of food and inedible parts wasted at the retail and consumer (household and food service) levels.
It was first launched in 2011.
It was conceived as a tool to monitor progress towards international targets, such as those outlined in the SDG 12.3, which calls for halving food waste by 2030.
Key Findings of the 2024 Report
Total Food Waste Generation in 2022:
Globally, 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste were generated in 2022.
Distribution of Food Waste by Sector:
Households accounted for 60% of the total food waste.
Food services were responsible for 28% of the total food waste.
Retail accounted for 12% of the total food waste.
Per Capita Food Waste:
The average per capita food waste was 132 kilograms in 2022.
Economic Cost of Food Waste:
The economic toll of food loss and waste is estimated at $1 trillion.
Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Food loss and waste contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 8-10% of annual global emissions.
Regional Trends:
Food waste levels vary minimally across income groups.
Hotter climates tend to generate more household food waste due to consumption patterns and infrastructure limitations.
Rural areas generally exhibit lower levels of food waste compared to urban areas.
Policy Integration:
Only 21 countries, including Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, have included food loss and waste reduction in their climate plans or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
PYQ:
2019: In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?
(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
Practice MCQ:
Which of the following statements is correct about the Food Waste Index Report?
(a) It tracks only the global generation of food waste at the retail level.
(b) It was first launched in 2011 to monitor progress towards reducing food waste in households and food service sectors.
(c) It is a tool aimed at monitoring progress towards international targets outlined in SDG 12.3 to halve food waste by 2030.
(d) It primarily focuses on tracking inedible parts wasted at the industrial level.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ILO, India Employment Report 2024
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
According to the India Employment Report 2024 released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD), India’s youth account for almost 83% of the unemployed workforce.
About the International Labour Organization (ILO)
The ILO is a UN agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
Founded in 1919 under the League of Nations (under Treaty of Versailles) it is the first and oldest specialised agency of the UN.
India was one of the founding members of the ILO, joining the organization in 1919.
The ILO has 187 member states: 186 out of 193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands.
Its international labour standards are broadly aimed at ensuring accessible, productive, and sustainable work worldwide in conditions of freedom, equity, security and dignity.
The Governing body is the apex executive body of the ILO which decides policies, programmes, agenda, budget and elects the Director-General.
It meets 3 times a year, in March, June and November.
Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organised Convention (No.87)
Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No.98)
Highlights of the India Employment Report 2024:
Labour Market Dynamics
Long-Term Deterioration: The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and the Unemployment Rate (UR) showed a long-term deterioration between 2000 and 2018, but witnessed an improvement after 2019.
Education Impact: The share of youngsters with secondary or higher education in the total unemployed youth has almost doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022, indicating a significant shift in educational qualifications among job seekers.
Challenges and Insecurities
Informal Workforce: Almost 90% of workers remain engaged in informal work, while the share of regular work declined after 2018, leading to widespread livelihood insecurities.
Contractualisation: There has been a rise in contractualisation, with only a small percentage of regular workers covered by long-term contracts, exacerbating job insecurities.
Skills Gap and Gender Disparities
Skills Deficiency: Despite being a demographic dividend, the report notes a skills gap among India’s young workforce, with a significant percentage unable to perform basic digital tasks or mathematical operations.
Gender Gap: India faces substantial gender disparities in the labour market, with low rates of female labour force participation and high levels of unemployment among highly educated young women.
PYQ:
2018: International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to:
Child labour
Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Mains level: NA
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: –
Digital Transformation Lab
Network of Acceleration Centres
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:
Allocate global radio spectrum and satellite orbits,
Develops the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and
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
Digital security infrastructure
Food security infrastructure
Healthcare and education infrastructure
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?
It is the United Nations specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies.
Its entry is open to all countries, Private Companies as well as institutions.
