Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

Antarctic Parliament meets in Kochi: What’s on the table?

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: ATCM 46, Antarctic Treaty, India in Antarctica.

Mains level: NA

Why in the News?

India is hosting the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46), also known as the Antarctic Parliament, from May 20-30 in Kochi.
- 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
Territorial Claims	Prohibits new territorial claims. Preserves existing territorial sovereignty claims.
Disarmament	Prohibits testing of nuclear weapons. Prohibits disposal of radioactive waste
Consultative Meetings	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.

(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Police Reforms – SC directives, NPC, other committees reports

What is an Interpol Blue Corner Notice?

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

Note4Students

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.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

[pib] 57th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57)

IOCR Prelims 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: 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.

About Commission 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:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) Meeting in Ottawa

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee

Mains level: NA

Why in the news?

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.

What is the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)?

INC is a committee that aims to develop a legally binding international instrument to 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.
- The INC-3 met in Nairobi in December 2023.

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.

(d) Both A and B

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

The Crisis In The Middle East

Tensions grow in West Asia, a heavily militarised region

Explained 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: 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?

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Digital India Initiatives

[pib] India showcases CPGRAMS at 3rd Biennial Pan-Commonwealth Meeting in London

IOCR Prelims 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: 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

(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

(d) India should be given Dominion status

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

[pib] World Future Energy Summit 2024

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: 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’?

(a) International Monetary Fund

(b) United Nations Development Programme

(d) World Bank

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)

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: UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII); United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC);

Mains level: NA

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- Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and 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:

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of UN consists of 24 member States.
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

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

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

Note4Students

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.

(d) Assessing the overall carbon footprint caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

India ranks number 10 in World Cybercrime Index

IOCR | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

Note4Students
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 cybercrime scenario, 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:
1. Technical products/services (e.g. malware coding, botnet access, access to compromised systems, tool production).
2. Attacks and extortion (e.g. denial-of-service attacks, ransomware).
3. Data/identity theft (e.g. hacking, phishing, account compromises, credit card comprises).
4. Scams (e.g. advance fee fraud, business email compromise, online auction fraud).
5. Cashing out/money laundering (e.g. credit card fraud, money mules, illicit virtual currency platforms).
Key Findings of the Report
- India occupies the 10th position in the cybercrime rankings, with scams involving advance fee payments being the most prevalent type.
- Russia leads the index, followed by Ukraine, China, the US, Nigeria, and Romania, with North Korea, the UK, and Brazil rounding out the top positions.
- Russia and Ukraine emerged as highly technical cybercrime hubs, while Nigerian cybercriminals primarily engaged in less technical forms of cybercrime.
PYQ:

[2018] The terms ‘Wanna Cry, Petya and Eternal Blue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to:

(a) Exo-planets

(b) Crypto-currency

(c) Cyber attacks

(d) Mini-satellites
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now

Type: IOCR

Why in the News?

What is the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)?

India’s Agenda at ATCM 46

About Antarctic Treaty

India in Antarctica

1. Governance:

2. Scientific Expeditions:

About the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

PYQ:

Why in the news?

INTERPOL’s Notice System:

The following entities can request for a notice:

What are Blue Corner Notice?

About INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization)

Why in the news?

About Commission on Population and Development (CPD)

PYQ:

Why in the news?

What is the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)?

Key Points from INC-4:

Future Prospects:

PYQ:

Why in the news?

SIPRI Report: Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2023

West Asia has largest expenditure in Defence as per GDP %

Reason behind the west Asia is heavily militarised region:

Conclusion:

Mains PYQ

Why in the news?

What is CPGRAMS?

Key functions of CPGRAMS include:

Issues that are NOT taken up under CPGRAMS:

What is the Commonwealth of Nations?

History of its creation

Working of Commonwealth

Actual functioning: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)

PYQ:

Why in the news?

About World Future Energy Summit (WFES)

Key Initiative: Young Future Energy Leaders

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII):

PYQ:

Why in the news?

What is Carbon Offset?

What is Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)?

PYQ:

Why in the news?

About the World Cybercrime Index

The five major categories of cybercrime assessed by the study were:

Key Findings of the Report

PYQ: