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Type: IOCR

  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    UNGA adopts milestone Cybercrime Treaty

    IOCR | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: UN Convention against Cybercrime

    Why in the News?

    The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a legally binding treaty on cybercrime, marking the culmination of a five-year effort by Member States. This is the first international criminal justice treaty negotiated in over 20 years.

    About UN Convention against Cybercrime: Important Facts

    • The UN Convention against Cybercrime is a legally binding treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024.
    • Its primary aim is to prevent and combat cybercrime, enhance international cooperation, and protect human rights in cyberspace.
    • The convention was finalized after five years of negotiations and unanimously adopted by all 193 UN member states.
    • A signing ceremony is scheduled for 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
    • Key Provisions:
    1. Addressing Cybercrime:
      • Targets crimes like terrorism, human trafficking, financial fraud, drug smuggling, and data theft facilitated by ICT platforms.
    2. Victim-Centric Approach:
      • Focuses on protecting victims, particularly vulnerable groups, and ensuring they receive justice.
    3. International Cooperation:
      • Promotes evidence-sharing, joint investigations, and capacity-building among Member States.
    4. Safeguarding Human Rights:
      • Balances the need for cybersecurity with the protection of freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information.
    5. Adaptability:
      • Allows for additional protocols to address emerging cyber threats, ensuring the convention remains relevant.
    6. Capacity-Building:
      • Provides support to develop cybercrime legislation, build infrastructure, and enhance law enforcement capabilities in Member States.
    7. Public Awareness:
      • Encourages global education campaigns and proactive measures to prevent cyber offenses.

    Significance:

    • Landmark in International Law: Marks the first international criminal justice treaty in over 20 years, representing a global commitment to cybersecurity.
    • Strengthening Cybersecurity: Offers tools and mechanisms to mitigate ICT-enabled threats that undermine global security and economies.
    • Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Emphasizes justice and protection for marginalized communities affected by online crimes.
    • Economic and Social Benefits: Preserves global economies, promotes investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, and safeguards individuals.
    • Flexibility for Future Threats: Incorporates provisions for additional protocols to handle new challenges, such as AI-driven cyber threats.

    PYQ:

    [2022] What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: International Institutions

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: UNDOF

    Why in the News?

    UN Secretary-General paid tribute to Brigadier General Amitabh Jha of India, who died serving with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.

    About United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)

    • The UNDOF is a peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to oversee the implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria following the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
      • The Yom Kippur War (October 6-24, 1973) was fought between Egypt and Israel (in the Sinai) and Israel and Syria (in the Golan Heights).
    • It operates in the Golan Heights, a region of strategic importance and long-standing contention.
    • The UNSC formally established UNDOF under Resolution 350 to:
    1. Maintain the ceasefire.
    2. Supervise the disengagement of forces.
    3. Monitor the separation zones established by the agreement.
    • UNDOF became operational on June 6, 1974, with an initial deployment of approximately 1,200 personnel.
    • Its mandate is renewed every 6 months by the UNSC, emphasizing its ongoing role in maintaining stability.

    Structural Mandate and Functions

    UNDOF’s core responsibilities include:

    • Ceasefire Maintenance:
      • Monitor and ensure adherence to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria.
    • Supervision of Disengagement:
      • Oversee the withdrawal of forces to their respective areas as per the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.
    • Monitoring Areas of Separation and Limitation:
      • Area of Separation (AOS):
        • A demilitarized zone controlled by UNDOF, where no military activity is permitted.
        • Approx. 80 km long, ranging from 200 m to 8 km wide.
        • Marked by barrel lines for identification on the ground.
      • Areas of Limitation:
        • Zones on both Israeli and Syrian sides where the number of troops and types of weapons are restricted.

    Functions:

    • Observation and Reporting:
      • Monitor troop movements and ensure no violations of the agreement occur.
      • Regularly report to the UN Secretary-General and the UNSC on ground conditions.
    • Civilian Assistance: Facilitate the return of Syrian civilians to their homes in the AOS under the agreement.
    • Verification of Compliance: Conduct inspections to ensure adherence to restrictions in Areas of Limitation.
    • Confidence-Building Measures: Act as a neutral party to reduce tensions between Israel and Syria.
    • Liaison Services: Maintain open communication channels between Israeli and Syrian forces to prevent misunderstandings or escalation.

    PYQ:

    [2015] The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events is related to:

    (a) Central Asia

    (b) Middle East

    (c) South-East Asia

    (d) Central Africa

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-ASEAN

    Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)

    IOCRPrelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: BIMSTEC

    Why in the News?

    Delegates recently represented India at the 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) virtually hosted by Thailand.

    Key highlights of 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting

    • The discussions focused on priority areas including sustainable development, regional connectivity, security, and people-to-people exchanges.
    • Several documents, such as Plans of Action for cooperation, new cooperation mechanisms, and collaboration with external partners, were finalized.
    • The meeting also discussed issues related to the upcoming 6th BIMSTEC Summit.

    About BIMSTEC 

    • The BIMSTEC is a regional organization with 7 member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
    • Established in 1997, its primary aim is to foster multifaceted technical and economic cooperation among the countries bordering the Bay of Bengal.
    • The region encompasses a population of around 1.5 billion and has a combined GDP of over USD 3.8 trillion.
    • Origin:
      • Founded in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration, the organization initially included four member nations under the name BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand Economic Cooperation).
      • Later in 1997, Myanmar joined, prompting a renaming to BIMST-EC.
      • Nepal and Bhutan were admitted in 2004, leading to the current name: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
    • Key Features  
      • Establishes BIMSTEC as a legal entity, enabling it to engage more formally with other international organizations.
      • Outlines objectives focused on building trust and friendly relations among member states and promoting economic development and social progress in the Bay of Bengal region.
      • Defines a clear framework for regular meetings at various levels: the Summit, Ministerial, and Senior Officials’ levels.
      • Allows for the possibility of new members and observer states, ensuring future growth and broader cooperation.
      • Streamlines cooperation into 7 sectors, each led by one member state:
        • Bangladesh: Trade, investment, and development
        • Bhutan: Environment and climate change
        • India: Security (including energy)
        • Myanmar: Agriculture and food security
        • Nepal: People-to-people contacts
        • Sri Lanka: Science, technology, and innovation
        • Thailand: Connectivity

    Significance of BIMSTEC for Indo-Pacific Goals  

    • Maritime Connectivity: BIMSTEC unites Bay of Bengal states, strengthening maritime ties that are crucial for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
    • Regional Bridge: It links South Asia and Southeast Asia, aligning closely with India’s “Act East” policy and fostering broader Indo-Pacific integration.
    • Security Cooperation: Focus on collaborative efforts in maritime security (e.g., counter-piracy, disaster management) supports a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.
    • Economic Integration: By promoting trade, investment, and infrastructure development, BIMSTEC bolsters economic growth and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • Synergy with Other Frameworks: Its emphasis on connectivity, security, and economic cooperation complements initiatives such as ASEAN and the Indian Ocean Rim Association, collectively advancing Indo-Pacific objectives.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?

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  • Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

    What is OPEC+?

    IOCRPrelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: OPEC+

    Why in the News?

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

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

    What is OPEC+? Formation and Purpose:

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

    OPEC Members:

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

    Non-OPEC Members in OPEC+:

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

    Global Influence:

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

     

    PYQ:

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

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

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    What is the UNSC Resolution 1701?

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: UNSC Resolution 1701

    Why in the News?

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

    About UNSC Resolution 1701:

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

     

    PYQ:

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

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  • International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

    Why in the News?

    • India is set to host the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference in Delhi this month.
      • It will mark the first time in the 130-year history of ICA that the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference are being hosted in India.

    About the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA):

    Details
    About • Established in 1895 to unite, represent, and serve cooperatives globally.
    • Represents 315 cooperative federations and organizations from 107 countries.
    • Estimated to represent about 1 billion individuals worldwide across various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and more.
    • It has held consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1946, making it the first NGO to receive this status.
    • Custodian of the internationally recognized definition, values, and principles of cooperatives. 
    Structure of ICA • Governing Board: A 20-member board responsible for overseeing activities.
    • General Assembly: Highest governing authority, with representatives from member organizations, convened at least annually.
    • ICA is divided into four regional organizations:

    1. ICA Asia-Pacific (New Delhi, India),
    2. ICA Africa (Nairobi, Kenya),
    3. Cooperatives Europe (Brussels, Belgium), and
    4. ICA Americas (San José, Costa Rica).

    • 8 sectoral organizations representing cooperatives in various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, and more.
    • 5 thematic committees focused on cooperative development, economic sustainability, social responsibility, and advocacy.
    Powers and Functions of ICA • Represents cooperatives in international forums, particularly within the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.
    • Influences international policies related to social and economic development and sustainable cooperative businesses.
    • Promote and define cooperative identity globally, ensuring cooperatives adhere to internationally recognized principles.
    • Collects and publishes data about the cooperative sector via reports like the World Cooperative Monitor and ICA Global 300 index.

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    International Criminal Court (ICC)

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: International Criminal Court (ICC) and its jurisdiction

    Why in the News?

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

    About the International Criminal Court (ICC)

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

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

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

     

    PYQ:

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

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

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    [pib] India shines in QS Asia University Rankings

    IOCR | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: QS Asia University Rankings; India's progress

    Why in the News?

    India made impressive gains, with 2 institutions in the top 50 and 7 in the top 100 of the QS Asia Rankings 2025.

    About QS University Rankings:

    Details
    Overview Annual ranking of global universities, published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
    Criteria – Academic Reputation: 40%
    – Employer Reputation: 10%
    – Faculty/Student Ratio: 20%
    – International Ratios: 5%
    – Citations per Faculty: 20%
    Coverage Ranks over 1,300 institutions across 100+ countries.
    Key Indicators – Academic Reputation (survey of academic experts)
    – Employer Reputation (survey of employers)
    – Citations per Faculty (research influence)
    Regional Rankings Includes regional rankings for Asia, Latin America, Europe, etc.
    Annual Release Published annually, typically in June.

    Key Insights from QS Asia Rankings 2025

    The 2025 rankings cover 984 institutions across 25 countries in Eastern, Southern, South-Eastern, and Central Asia, offering a detailed comparison of institutional performance in the region.

    • India made impressive gains, with 2 institutions in the top 50 and seven in the top 100 of the QS Asia Rankings 2025.
    • India has the highest number of ranked institutions, dominating the top 10 universities in Southern Asia with seven Indian institutions.
    • Top Rankings for India:
      • Top 50: IIT Delhi (44th) and IIT Bombay (48th).
      • Top 100: Includes IIT Madras (56), IIT Kharagpur (60), Indian Institute of Science (62), IIT Kanpur (67), and University of Delhi (81).
      • Top 150: Features IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee, JNU, Chandigarh University (120), UPES (148), and Vellore Institute of Technology (150).
    • IIT Delhi achieved India’s highest rank at 44th with a 99% employer reputation score, while IIT Bombay follows with 99.5% employer reputation and 96.6% academic reputation.
    • University of Delhi improved its ranking from 94th to 81st, with a high score of 96.4% in the International Research Network indicator.
    • Anna University scored a perfect 100 in Papers per Faculty, highlighting its strong research output.
    • 15 universities scored over 99% in the Staff with PhD indicator, reflecting India’s focus on qualified faculty and teaching quality.
    • North Eastern Hill University and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, both scored 100 in faculty-student ratio, indicating top-tier academic credibility.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Pacific Island Nations

    [pib] CARICOM (Caribbean Community)

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: CARICOM

    Why in the News?

    The second meeting of the India-CARICOM Joint Commission took place virtually on November 6. The first meeting was held in Georgetown, Guyana on June 2, 2015.

    About Caribbean Community (CARICOM):

    Details
    Establishment Established in 1973 under the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
    Main Objectives • Promote economic integration and cooperation among member states.
    • Ensure equitable sharing of integration benefits.
    • Coordinate foreign policy among member states.
    Membership 15 Full Members: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.
    Associate Members: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands.
    Observers: Aruba, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela.
    Leadership Chairmanship rotates every 6 months among the Heads of member states.
    Administrative Structure CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana, serves as the main administrative body, led by the Secretary-General.
    Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Established in 2007, the CCJ acts as the final appellate court for CARICOM members and addresses regional trade disputes.
    Key Initiatives • Single Market and Economy (CSME)
    • Coordination in foreign policy
    • Development cooperation
    • Cultural exchange and integration
    Significance CARICOM serves as a vital platform for regional collaboration, enhancing economic growth, political stability, and cultural unity among Caribbean nations.

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  • Port Infrastructure and Shipping Industry – Sagarmala Project, SDC, CEZ, etc.

    [pib] Environmental Ship Index (ESI)

    IOCR | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Environmental Ship Index (ESI)

    Why in the News?

    • Mormugao Port Authority has gained global recognition as an incentive provider on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) platform.
      • It is the first port in India to implement Green Ship Incentives under the ESI, promoting eco-friendly practices in shipping.
      • The port launched the “Harit Shrey” scheme in October 2023, offering port fee discounts based on ESI ratings of commercial vessels.

    About the Environmental Ship Index (ESI):

    Details
    What is it? A scoring system that measures the environmental performance of ships, specifically their air pollution emissions.
    Establishment Launched in 2011 by the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP) under the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
    Scope ESI evaluates emissions of:
    • Sulfur oxides (SOx)
    • Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
    • Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
    • Particulate matter from seagoing vessels.
    Purpose To encourage ships to adopt technologies and practices that minimize emissions, contributing to air quality improvement and climate change mitigation.

    How effective is ESI to reduce emissions, and what metrics are used to evaluate this effectiveness?

    • The ESI provides a framework for incentivizing ships based on their environmental performance, specifically targeting reductions in air emissions such as CO2, SOx, and NOx.  
    • The effectiveness of the ESI is evaluated using specific metrics, including a ship’s ESI score, which is derived from factors such as engine efficiency, fuel quality, and the implementation of emission reduction technologies.
    • The ESI enables ports to analyze the overall impact of green shipping initiatives through aggregated data on participating vessels.

    What are the future developments planned for the ESI?

    • Future plans include expanding metrics to cover additional pollutants and carbon intensity for a more comprehensive environmental assessment.
    • Enhancements in digital reporting for easier tracking of emissions data and performance analytics.
    • Planned updates will aim to support the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 decarbonization targets, including zero-emission technology.

    How will they align with global maritime regulations aimed at decarbonization?

    • ESI updates will align with IMO’s MARPOL Annex VI regulations on pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases (GHG).
    • ESI’s future adaptations will address carbon intensity targets and promote alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen, in line with IMO’s goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
    • The ESI is part of the broader World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP), promoting sustainability in port operations and low-carbon maritime trade.
    • ESI aims to further incentivize the adoption of energy-efficient engines, battery systems, and hybrid propulsion to support long-term emission reduction.

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements:

    1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
    2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.

    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

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