Why in the News?
India has been ranked 131 out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2025, falling two places from last year’s rank of 129.
About the Global Gender Gap Index:
- Overview: It is released annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and has been published since 2006.
- Scope of Measurement: It evaluates gender parity across 4 key dimensions:
- Economic Participation and Opportunity,
- Educational Attainment,
- Health and Survival, and
- Political Empowerment.
- Scoring Method: The index uses a 0–1 scale, where 1 represents full gender parity.
- 2025 Edition Coverage: The 19th edition of the index covers 148 countries, making it a global benchmark for tracking gender gaps.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Report:
- India’s Performance: It is ranked 131 out of 148 countries, falling two spots from its 2024 rank of 129.
- Overall Score: India’s overall gender parity score is 64.1%, placing it among the lowest-ranked in South Asia.
- Economic Participation: India improved in this category, with the score rising to 40.7%, and estimated earned income parity increasing from 28.6% to 29.9%.
- Labour Force Participation: India’s rate remains at 45.9%, its highest recorded level.
- Educational Attainment: The country scored 97.1%, with gains in female literacy and tertiary education enrolment.
- Health and Survival: This category showed marginal improvement due to a better sex ratio at birth and higher healthy life expectancy.
- Political Empowerment: India declined in this area, with women in Parliament dropping from 14.7% to 13.8%, and women ministers decreasing from 6.5% to 5.6%.
Global Trends and Significance:
- Regional Rankings: The highest rank is held by Bangladesh in South Asia at 24, followed by Bhutan (119), Nepal (125), Sri Lanka (130), Maldives (138), and Pakistan (148).
- Global Parity Score: The overall global gender gap has narrowed to 68.8%, marking the best progress since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Timeline for Equality: At the current pace, it will take 123 years to achieve full gender parity worldwide.
- Top Performers: Top-rank is retained by Iceland for the 16th consecutive year, followed by Finland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
- Leadership Gap: Although women make up 41.2% of the global workforce, they occupy only 28.8% of leadership roles.
Back2Basics: World Economic Forum (WEF)
- The WEF is an international non-profit organization founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab in Geneva, Switzerland.
- It fosters public-private cooperation to tackle global issues through dialogue, partnerships, and research.
- WEF is widely known for its annual Davos summit, which brings together world leaders from politics, business, and academia.
- Major reports published include the Global Competitiveness Report, Global Risks Report, Global Social Mobility Report, Energy Transition Index, and Travel & Tourism Development Index.
- These reports provide critical data and policy insights on issues like inequality, climate change, innovation, and economic recovery.
- WEF is largely funded by its partner corporations, offering a platform to shape global agendas across sectors.
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| [UPSC 2017] Which of the following gives ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world?
Options: (a) World Economic Forum* (b) UN Human Rights Council (c) UN Women (d) World Health Organization |
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Why in the News?
India is serving as a Vice President to the 2nd Session of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (and Lighthouse Activities) (IALA) Council held in Nice, France.
About IALA:
- Overview: It is the global authority headquartered near Paris, France, responsible for standardizing and harmonizing marine aids to navigation (AtoN), including lighthouses, buoys, and electronic navigation systems.
- Establishment: IALA was founded in 1957 as a non-governmental organization and officially became an intergovernmental organization (IGO) on August 22, 2024, following ratification by 34 countries.
- Mission: Its mission is to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable maritime navigation by promoting uniform standards, modern technology, and global cooperation.
- Relevance: IALA plays a crucial role in reducing maritime accidents, protecting marine environments, and supporting developing nations through training and technical assistance.
Structure and Features:
- Membership: The organization consists of 80+ member countries, along with commercial maritime companies, training institutions, and scientific bodies.
- General Assembly: The supreme decision-making body, which meets every four years to define broad policies and strategic direction.
- Council: The executive body composed of 24 elected members, meeting twice annually to oversee day-to-day governance and technical progress.
- Technical Committees: Specialized groups focused on areas such as digital navigation technologies, marine engineering, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), and sustainable navigation systems.
- Key Innovations:
- Maritime Buoyage System: Unified over 30 local buoyage systems into two global regions (Region A and Region B).
- Pioneered technologies like Differential GPS (DGPS), Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), and e-navigation frameworks.
- Global Partnerships: IALA works closely with international bodies like the IMO (International Maritime Organization), IHO (International Hydrographic Organization), and ITU (International Telecommunication Union).
India and IALA:
- Founding Member: India is a founding member of IALA and has been a Council member since 1980, represented by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).
- Infrastructure Contributions: India has implemented Integrated Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) across 12 major ports, enhancing navigational safety and efficiency.
- Upcoming Hosting: India will host the 3rd IALA General Assembly in December 2025 and the IALA Conference in 2027, both scheduled to take place in Mumbai.
| [UPSC 2017] Consider the following in respect of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report titled “State of the World Population 2025: The Real Fertility Crisis”, India’s population has reached an estimated 146.39 crore, officially making it the world’s most populous nation.
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
- Origin: The organisation was established in 1969 as the UN Fund for Population Activities and renamed in 1987 as the UN Population Fund.
- Headquarters: Its global headquarters is located in New York.
- Mission Statement: UNFPA works to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
- Mandate: To promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, including family planning, safe motherhood, and gender equality.
- Governance Structure: UNFPA reports to a 36-member Executive Board, with representation from all regions, and receives guidance from ECOSOC and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
- Global Presence: UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, in coordination with national governments and UN development partners.
- Key Functions: It supports population censuses, family planning programs, and thematic health surveys, and engages in interagency frameworks like UN Development Group (UNDG) and UN Chief Executives Board (CEB).
- Technical Role: UNFPA also provides research funding, technical assistance, and advocacy support to promote reproductive health and demographic planning.
Key Population Trends from the UNFPA Report (2025):
- Data Sources: The report draws on Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), and projections from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).
- India’s Population: As of 2025, India’s population is estimated at 146.39 crore (1.4639 billion), making it the most populous country in the world.
- China’s Population: China’s population now stands at 141.61 crore (1.4161 billion), placing it second.
- Total Fertility Rate: India’s TFR has declined to 1.9, which is below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating a trend toward population stabilisation.
- Population Forecast: India’s population is expected to peak at around 170 crores in the coming decades and begin to decline within 40 years.
- Life Expectancy: As of 2025, the average life expectancy is 71 years for men and 74 years for women.
- Age Distribution: 68% of Indians are in the working-age group (15–64), while 7% are aged 65 and above, with life expectancy at 71 years (men) and 74 years (women).
Back2Basics: Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
- TFR measures the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive lifetime.
- A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level, where each generation replaces itself without growing or shrinking.
- According to the 2021 Sample Registration System by the Registrar General of India, the TFR had already reached 2.0, indicating that India had attained replacement level fertility nationally.
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| [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:
1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.
2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.
Which of the statements given abova is/are correct ?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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Why in the News?
According to a new World Bank report, extreme poverty in India has fallen from 27.1% in 2011–12 to just 5.3% in 2022–23, based on a revised international poverty line.
Understanding World Bank’s Poverty Lines:
- The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than a fixed amount per person per day, adjusted using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) to account for inflation and cost of living.
- PPP compares currencies by showing how much money is needed in different countries to buy the same goods. It helps measure real cost of living and economic strength.
- Previous thresholds:
- $1.90 per day (2011 PPP)
- $2.15 per day (2017 PPP)
- Revised in June 2025:
- Low-income countries: $3 per day
- Lower middle-income countries (LMIC): $4.20 per day (up from $3.65)
- Upper middle-income countries: $8.40 per day (up from $6.85)
- Why it matters: These new thresholds help track progress in poverty reduction and align better with today’s economic conditions.
India’s Progress and Challenges:
- Reduction in Poverty:
- At the $3/day level, poverty dropped from 27.1% (2011–12) to 5.3% (2022–23).
- At the $2.15/day level, poverty fell from 16.2% to 2.3%, lifting 171 million people.
- At the $4.20/day level, poverty declined from 61.8% to 28.1%, benefiting 378 million people.
- Rural-Urban Trends:
- Rural poverty dropped from 69% to 32.5%, and urban poverty from 43.5% to 17.2%.
- The rural-urban gap narrowed from 25 to 15 percentage points.
- Inequality Measures:
- Consumption inequality improved (Gini fell from 28.8 to 25.5).
- Income inequality, however, worsened (Gini rose from 52 to 62).
- Employment Trends:
- Since 2021–22, employment growth has outpaced the working-age population.
- Urban unemployment dropped to 6.6%, the lowest since 2017–18, but youth unemployment remains high at 13.3%, and 29% among graduates.
- State-Level Dynamics:
- UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and MP contributed to 65% of the extreme poor (2011–12) and now represent 54% of the remaining poor.
- Multidimensional Poverty:
- Declined significantly from 53.8% in 2005–06 to 15.5% in 2022–23, reflecting progress in health, education, and living standards.
| [UPSC 2019] In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because:
Options: (a) poverty rates vary from State to State (b) price levels vary from State to State* (c) Gross State Product varies from State to State (d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State |
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Why in the News?
India has been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the term 2026–2028.
About the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):
- Establishment: It is one of the 6 principal UN organs, created in 1945 under the UN Charter.
- Mandate: It coordinates the UN’s economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural work.
- Role: ECOSOC serves as the central platform for global policy dialogue, review, and development recommendations.
- Composition: ECOSOC has 54 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms.
- Decision-Making: Decisions are made by simple majority; no permanent members; presidency rotates annually.
- Functions and Powers:
- Coordination: Oversees 15 specialized agencies (e.g., WHO, ILO), 8 functional commissions, and 5 regional commissions.
- Promotion Areas: Focuses on living standards, employment, human rights, education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
- Engagement with NGOs: Grants consultative status to over 1,600 NGOs and organizes global conferences.
- UN Oversight: Supervises agencies such as UNICEF, UNDP, and UNHCR.
- Sessions and Meetings:
- Main Sessions: Held each July, along with an organizational session.
- Finance Dialogues: Hosts April meetings with finance ministers from the IMF and World Bank.
- SDG Monitoring: Organizes the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) to track progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Legal and Institutional Details:
- UN Charter Basis: Defined under Chapter X (Articles 61–72) of the Charter.
- Headquarters: Located in New York.
- Scope: ECOSOC is the largest and most complex UN body, shaping global development policy.
India and ECOSOC:
- Membership: India is serving its 18th term as a member, elected for the 2026–28 period.
- Subsidiary Roles: India has held positions in bodies like the UN Statistical Commission, Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and UNAIDS Board.
- Recent Milestone: India recently joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), highlighting its data expertise.
- Policy Priorities: India supports inclusive growth, SDG progress, and south-south cooperation through evidence-based multilateral leadership.
| [UPSC 2009] With reference to the United Nations, consider the following statements:
1. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of UN consists of 24 member States.
2. It is elected by a 2/3 majority of The General Assembly for a 3-year term.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
China will lead global energy investments in 2025, making up over a quarter of total spending, says the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 10th edition Global Energy Investment Report, 2025.
Back2Basics: International Energy Agency (IEA)
- Establishment: The IEA was formed in 1974 under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in response to the 1973 oil crisis, with headquarters in Paris, France.
- Membership: It has 31 member countries (e.g., US, UK, France, Japan) and 11 association countries like India, China, and Brazil.
- India’s Role: India joined as an Association Country in 2017, gaining access to data-sharing, policy support, and technical cooperation.
- Expanded Mission: The IEA now supports energy security, clean energy transitions, emissions tracking, and policy development.
- Global Influence: Its major reports—World Energy Outlook, Net Zero by 2050, and Energy Technology Perspectives—guide governments and investors worldwide.
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About the Global Energy Investment Report:
- Origin and Purpose: Officially titled World Energy Investment Report, is the IEA’s flagship annual publication.
- Published since 2016: To assess investment flows across the global energy system.
- Scope of Coverage: It tracks investments in fossil fuels, renewables, electricity supply, critical minerals, energy efficiency, R&D, and innovation financing.
- Strategic Value: The report helps determine if current investments support climate goals and universal energy access.
Key Highlights from the 2025 Report:
- China’s Role: China will account for over 25% of global energy investment, with over $625 billion in clean energy, though it also approved 100 GW of new coal plants in 2024.
- Global Trends: Clean energy investment will hit $2.2 trillion, over twice the amount spent on fossil fuels, yet still falls short of COP28 targets.
- Africa’s Investment Gap: Africa’s fossil fuel investment dropped from $125 billion to $54 billion, and it still receives only 2% of global clean energy funds, mainly due to debt burdens.
- India’s Position: India’s renewables investment rose from $13 billion (2015) to $37 billion (2025), while fossil fuel investment also increased. However, grid and storage spending declined to $25 billion.
- Financing Barriers: India’s high cost of capital—80% above advanced economies—limits clean energy growth. The “Baku to Belem Roadmap” seeks to mobilize $1.3 trillion by 2035 for such regions.
- Global Mismatch: While $1 trillion is spent annually on power generation, only $400 billion goes to grid infrastructure, affecting distribution capacity.
| [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements:
1. The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organisation that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with The Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4.Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1,2,4 and 5 (b) 1,3 and 4 only* (c) 2,3 and 5 only (d) 1,2,3,4 and 5 |
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Why in the News?
India has strongly objected to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) decision to provide an $800 million loan to Pakistan under its Resource Mobilisation Reform Programme.
About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):
- Established: 1966, following a UN-led conference on Asian Economic Cooperation.
- Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
- Status: Official Observer at the United Nations
- Objectives:
- To reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific.
- To promote inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth and regional economic integration.
- Functions:
- Provides loans (hard and soft), grants, and technical assistance.
- Offers direct funding to private sector projects with social benefits.
- Supports countries through policy dialogues, co-financing, and advisory services.
- Funding Sources:
- Issues bonds on global capital markets.
- Receives member contributions, loan repayments, and retained earnings.
- Membership and Shareholding:
- 67 members: 48 from Asia-Pacific.
- Major shareholders: Japan and USA (each 15.607%), China (6.444%), India (6.331%), Australia (5.786%).
- Climate Goals:
- Aims to mobilize $100 billion for climate finance between 2019 and 2030.
- Promotes sustainable development initiatives such as green fuel projects, including one in Pakistan funded partly by ADB.
India’s concerns over ADB Funding:
- India emphasized that Pakistan’s defense spending has risen significantly even as its tax-to-GDP ratio fell from 13% in 2017-18 to 9.2% in 2022-23.
- This tax ratio is significantly below the Asia-Pacific average of 19%, suggesting poor revenue collection and financial mismanagement.
- India stressed to ADB that it expects strict oversight mechanisms to be implemented to avoid diversion of funds.
- India has previously opposed financial aid to Pakistan at other fora like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is reportedly preparing a dossier to request Pakistan’s re-entry into the FATF grey list.
| [UPSC 2024] Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?
(a) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) * (b) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) (c) The New Development Bank (NDB) (d) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) |
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Why in the news?
As of May 17, Iran holds 408.6 kg of enriched uranium (near to the weapons-grade level) up to 60%, up sharply from 274.8 kg in February 2024, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
About the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):
- What it is: The IAEA is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and ensures it is not used for making nuclear weapons.
- Establishment: It was created in 1957 following U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech. It is autonomous but reports to the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
- Where it is based: Its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria, at the UN Office.
- Members: The IAEA has 178 member countries, including India, which was a founding member.
-
- Promote peaceful nuclear technology use.
- Prevent nuclear weapon development through safeguards.
- Set safety and security standards for nuclear plants and materials.
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- It monitors the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to make sure countries don’t misuse nuclear materials.
- It performs inspections, gives training, and supports countries in nuclear emergencies.
- Recognition: In 2005, the IAEA won the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the spread of nuclear weapons.
IAEA and India:
- India is a founding member: It supports the IAEA’s mission for peaceful nuclear development.
- Nuclear Reactors Monitoring: Out of 22 nuclear reactors, 14 are monitored by the IAEA. These reactors use imported uranium from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Canada.
- Obligations imposed: In 2014, under the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement, India accepted IAEA safeguards to show transparency.
| [UPSC 2020] In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?
Options: (a) Some use uranium and others use thorium (b) Some use imported uranium, and others use domestic supplies* (c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic (d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned |
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Why in the News?
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) released the first-ever State of the World’s Animal Health report.
Key Highlights of the Report:
- India faces high risk from transboundary animal diseases, with 47% of global outbreaks between 2005–2023 being zoonotic, affecting both animals and humans.
- African Swine Fever (ASF), which jumped 1,800 km to Sri Lanka in 2024, threatens India’s northeast pig-rearing regions already impacted in past years.
- Avian Influenza (HPAI) saw outbreaks in non-poultry species surpass poultry in 2024; India’s dense poultry population makes cross-species transmission a growing concern.
- Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), endemic in India, showed new serotype SAT 3 and SAT 1 activity in other countries, posing vaccine adaptation challenges.
- Diseases like Lumpy Skin Disease and PPR, both reported in India earlier, are now spreading to new global regions, highlighting potential for reintroduction.
- WOAH urges global action on vaccine equity, surveillance, and biosecurity, which align with India’s need to safeguard livelihoods, trade, and food security.
About the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH):
- Establishment: WOAH, formerly known as OIE, was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Paris, France.
- Membership: It has 183 member countries, including India, and operates independently from the United Nations.
- Mandate: WOAH is the global authority on animal health, working to control animal epidemics (epizootics) and improve global animal welfare.
- Key Functions:
- Runs the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) to track disease outbreaks.
- Sets international health standards for trade in animals and animal products.
- Promotes science-based animal welfare policies and transparent disease reporting.
- Offers technical support to countries, especially developing nations.
- Global Cooperation: Works with over 70 global partners, including the FAO.
- India’s Role: India is a member and an active participant through the World Assembly of Delegates.
| [UPSC 2005] Which one of the following diseases of milching animals are infectious?
1. Foot and Mouth disease
2. Anthrax
3. Black Quarter
4. Cowpox
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4* |
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Why in the News?
At the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted a new Pandemic Agreement that aims to make the global response to future pandemics more equitable and effective.
About the WHO Pandemic Agreement:
- Adoption: It was unanimously adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva after 3 years of negotiation since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Legal Basis: It was adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, making it only the second such legally binding agreement after the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (2003).
- Primary Goal: To ensure fair and timely access to vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic tools during future pandemics.
- Stakeholders: It promotes collaboration among countries, WHO, pharmaceutical firms, civil society, and other stakeholders.
- Next Steps: It will come into force once ratified by at least 60 countries; the final annex is expected by May 2026.
- Irritant: The US has not joined, raising concerns about the agreement’s global effectiveness.
Key Highlights of the Agreement:
- Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS): A new system will ensure quick virus sample sharing with companies, who must give 20% of vaccines and medicines to WHO—10% as donations and 10% at affordable prices.
- Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL): A WHO-managed network will ensure emergency access to critical supplies during pandemics.
- Coordinating Financial Mechanism: A funding system will support countries in pandemic preparedness and response.
- Sustainable Local Production: Countries are encouraged to build vaccine and medicine production capacity to ensure rapid and equal access.
- Technology and Knowledge Transfer: Supports technology sharing with developing nations using licensing, financing, and regulatory tools, coordinated via WHO-managed hubs.
- Pandemic Prevention and Surveillance: Countries must improve early detection, routine vaccinations, and address lab safety, antimicrobial resistance, and zoonotic threats.
- Respect for Sovereignty: The WHO will not enforce national policies like lockdowns, vaccine mandates, or travel bans; countries retain full control over responses.
| [UPSC 2022] In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:
1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector-based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
On May 20, 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs celebrated World Metrology Day, marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in Paris on May 20, 1875.
About the Metre Convention:
- Inception: Also called the Treaty of the Metre, it was signed in Paris on May 20, 1875, to establish a global system of standardised measurements.
- 17 Founding Members: Argentina, Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Norway, Switzerland, Ottoman Empire (Turkiye), USA, and Venezuela.
- Institutions Created: The treaty established the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), and two governing bodies—CGPM (General Conference on Weights and Measures) and CIPM (International Committee for Weights and Measures).
- Early Prototypes: It created international prototypes of the metre and kilogram, stored at the BIPM; member countries received national copies for comparison.
- Expansion in 1921: The Convention was extended to cover all physical quantities, forming the basis for the International System of Units (SI).
- Global Reach: As of October 2024, there are 64 member states in the Convention.
- Collaboration: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), European Space Agency (ESA) participate in the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
India and the Convention:
- Membership: India joined the Metre Convention in 1957 after passing the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1956.
- Participation Benefits: India gained the ability to participate in BIPM work, align with global systems, and ensure international recognition of its standards.
- Recent Milestone: India is now the 13th country authorized to issue OIML (International Organisation of Legal Metrology) Certificates.
| [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:
1. The series of the International Paper Sizes is based on A0 size whose area is 0.5 m² (approximately).
2. The area of A4 size paper is 1/8th of that of the A0 size paper.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 * |
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Why in the News?
The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2025 has revealed that more than 295 million people in 53 countries and territories faced acute hunger in 2024.
About the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC):
- Publication: The GRFC has been published every year since 2016 by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC).
- Supporting Organisations: It is backed by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN) and includes input from UN agencies, the EU, and various NGOs.
- Purpose: Provides a consensus-based analysis of acute food insecurity and malnutrition worldwide.
Key Highlights from GRFC 2025:
- Scope: The 2025 report covers 65 countries, with complete data for 53. India was not included in the analysis.
- Global Hunger Level: In 2024, 295 million people faced acute food insecurity, up 13.7 million from 2023 — the sixth consecutive year of rising hunger.
- Severity: 23% of the analysed population experienced food insecurity, remaining above 20% for five years.
- Catastrophic Hunger: A record 1.9 million people were in Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Phase 5—catastrophic levels of hunger.
| [UPSC 2023] Which of the following countries has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages and was in the news in the recent past for its very severe famine?
Options: (a) Angola (b) Costa Rica (c) Ecuador (d) Somalia * |
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Why in the News?
The Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva.
About Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM):
- GFTM is an informal platform launched by India in May 2023 under the WHO to promote cooperation on traditional medicine.
- It is coordinated via India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva; it hosts regular meetings to explore integration of traditional systems into health strategies.
- It supports global efforts like the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, fostering knowledge exchange and research collaboration.
- It focuses on policy development, capacity building, and scientific validation of traditional practices.
- It builds momentum for global events such as the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit and World Health Assembly sessions.
India’s Key Initiatives in Traditional Medicine:
The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) promotes Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy through dedicated facilities and education. Key efforts include:
- Establishment of Ayush Arogya Mandirs (wellness centres) for integrated care.
- Expansion of insurance coverage for AYUSH treatments.
- Promotion of collaborative research with DBT, DST, ICMR, and CSIR.
- Use of AI, genomics, and bioinformatics to bolster scientific credibility.
- Strengthening of global outreach via bilateral agreements, international events, and multilateral platforms.
| [UPSC 2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? |
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Why in the News?
India and Pakistan agreed to cease all firing and military actions following precision strikes by India under Operation Sindoor as a Self-Defence against the Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 civilians.
About Right to Self-Defence under UN Charter:
- The United Nations Charter generally prohibits the use of force under Article 2(4).
- Article 51 provides an exception, permitting the use of force in self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member State.
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Nicaragua v. U.S. (1986) interpreted “armed attack” as the gravest form of the use of force.
- The right of self-defence is subject to two key conditions:
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- Necessity: The force must be essential to respond to an armed attack.
- Proportionality: The response must not exceed what is required to repel the attack.
- Under Article 51, states must immediately notify the UN Security Council (UNSC) of any action taken in self-defence.
- In India’s case, the May 7, 2025 missile strikes were described as a “measured response” to the Pahalgam massacre, implying invocation of Article 51, though not explicitly stated.
- India’s May 8 briefing to 13 of 15 UNSC members was likely in fulfilment of this reporting obligation.
‘Unwilling or Unable’ Doctrine:
- This is an emerging principle in international law, particularly after 9/11.
- It allows a state to use self-defensive force against non-state actors operating from another state’s territory if that state is:
- Unwilling or
- Unable to stop the threat.
- It was prominently invoked by the US:
- In 2011 (killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan).
- In 2014 (airstrikes on ISIS in Syria).
- However, it is criticised by countries like Russia, China, and Mexico for undermining state sovereignty and the UN system.
India’s Stance:
- India’s position is unclear but evolving. At a UNSC Arria Formula meeting in Feb 2021, India listed 3 conditions:
- The non-state actor has repeatedly attacked the state.
- The host state is unwilling to neutralize the threat.
- The host state actively supports or sponsors the non-state actor.
- Legal scholars note it is uncertain if these conditions are cumulative or independent.
- In response to the Pahalgam attack, India accused Pakistan of inaction and labelled it a safe haven for terrorists.
- This suggests implicit reliance on the “unwilling or unable” doctrine, though it is not codified in customary international law.
| [UPSC 2005] Consider the following statements:
1. The Charter of the United Nations Organization was adopted at Geneva, Switzerland in June, 1945;
2. India was admitted to the United Nations Organization in the year 1945;
3. The Trusteeship Council of the United Nations Organization was established to manage the affairs of territories detached from Japan and Italy after WWII.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 only* (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only |
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Why in the News?
The Quad nations—India, Australia, Japan, and the United States—conducted a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) in Honolulu, Hawaii to simulate the launch of the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN).
About IPLN (Indo-Pacific Logistics Network)
- The IPLN is a Quad-led initiative focused on coordinating shared logistics for civilian disaster response across the Indo-Pacific region.
- It aims to enable the rapid deployment of humanitarian aid during natural disasters such as cyclones, tsunamis, and public health emergencies.
- The initiative strengthens interoperability, resource-sharing, and real-time coordination among the four Quad countries — India, the US, Japan, and Australia.
- Key features of IPLN include digital logistics mapping, joint resource planning, and real-time tracking capabilities.
- IPLN was launched through a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) held in Honolulu, Hawaii from April 28 to May 2, 2025.
- The initiative complements other Quad efforts like the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and the Quad Pandemic Preparedness Workshop.
- IPLN reinforces the Quad’s broader goal of acting as :a “force for good” in the Indo-Pacific region.
Back2Basics: QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)
- The QUAD is a strategic forum comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, aiming to promote a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
- It does not have a formal structure but functions through summits, ministerial meetings, joint exercises, and policy alignment.
- Its core objectives include countering China’s influence, and supporting democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law.
- The group originated in 2004 during the Indian Ocean tsunami relief efforts and was formally proposed in 2007 by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.
- Although suspended in 2008, the Quad was revived in 2017 due to emerging regional challenges and cooperation needs.
- Notable activities include the Malabar Naval Exercises, and initiatives like IPMDA, Quad Fellowship, Open RAN, and AI-ENGAGE, emphasizing humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and emerging technology collaboration.
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| [UPSC 2023] With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements:
1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
3. Bangladesh-China -India -Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three* (d) None |
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Why in the News?
India ranks 130th out of 193 countries in the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR), marking continued progress in human development according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
About Human Development Index (HDI):
- HDR has been published by UNDP since 1990, exploring various human development themes.
- HDI is a composite index that measures the average achievement in human development based on 3 key indicators:
- Life expectancy at birth (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being).
- Expected years of schooling and Mean years of schooling (SDG 4: Quality Education).
- Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (SDG 8: Economic Growth).
India’s Progress on HDI:
- India ranks 130th, improving from 133rd in 2022.
- India’s HDI value increased from 0.676 in 2022 to 0.685 in 2023, remaining in the medium human development category.
- Life expectancy in India reached 72 years in 2023, the highest recorded since the inception of the index, reflecting recovery post-pandemic.
- Children in India now stay in school for 13 years on average, up from 8.2 years in 1990, driven by initiatives like the Right to Education Act and National Education Policy (2020).
- India’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is $2,230 in 2023, reflecting moderate economic growth.
- Among BRICS members, India trailed Brazil (89th), Russia (59th), China (75th), and South Africa (110th).
- Regionally, Sri Lanka led while Nepal and Bhutan lagged.
| [UPSC 2003] As per the Human Development Index given by UNDP, which one of the following sequences of South Asian countries is correct, in the order of higher to lower development?
Options: (a) India-Sri Lanka-Pakistan-Maldives (b) Maldives-Sri Lanka-India-Pakistan (c) Sri Lanka-Maldives-India-Pakistan* (d) Maldives-India-Pakistan-Sri Lanka |
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Why in the News?
A recent legal dispute between the US and Russia has brought the issue of Total Allowable Catch (TAC) into the spotlight.
About Total Allowable Catch (TAC):
- TAC refers to the maximum quantity of a specific fish species that can be legally harvested in a defined period.
- It is established to prevent overfishing and ensure sustainable fish populations.
- These limits are essential for maintaining ecological balance and supporting long-term fishing industries.
Various Laws Governing TAC:
- TACs are set by international fisheries management organizations like:
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization).
- RFMOs (Regional Fisheries Management Organizations) for shared or migratory fish stocks.
- European Union (EU): TACs are managed under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which sets quotas for member states based on scientific advice. Landing obligations ensure that all catches are counted against quotas, preventing waste.
- India: India enforces a seasonal fishing ban in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for 61 days to protect breeding fish. This ban serves as a TAC equivalent of zero for specific periods, supporting fish stock regeneration.
- New Zealand: The Fisheries Act sets TACs for various stocks and specifies catch limits in terms of weight or numbers, updated by official notices.
| [UPSC 2013] The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where:
Options: (a) Warm and cold atmospheric currents meet (b) Rivers drain out large amounts of freshwater into the sea (c) Warm and cold oceanic currents meet* (d) continental shelf is undulating. |
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Why in the News?
Pakistan has announced its decision to suspend the Simla Agreement with India, a landmark peace accord signed in 1972 following the India-Pakistan war.
About the Simla Agreement
- The Simla Agreement was signed on July 2, 1972, between Indira Gandhi (India) and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Pakistan) following the 1971 India-Pakistan war and the creation of Bangladesh.
- The agreement aimed to establish lasting peace, address issues arising from the war, and reaffirm respect for the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Key Terms of the Agreement:
- Respect for Territorial Integrity: Both countries agreed to respect sovereignty and internal affairs, with the LoC as the de facto boundary in Kashmir.
- Line of Control (LoC): Both parties agreed not to alter the LoC unilaterally, maintaining its status established after the 1971 ceasefire.
- Promotion of Durable Peace: A commitment to resolve disputes peacefully and normalize relations, including transportation, postal services, and trade.
- Dispute Resolution: The agreement emphasized bilateral dialogue for resolving issues, particularly the Kashmir dispute, without third-party intervention.
- Non-interference & No Use of Force: Both nations pledged to refrain from interfering in internal matters and from using force or threats of force.
Line of Control (LoC) and the 1949 Karachi Agreement:
- Following the 1947-48 India-Pakistan war, a UN-brokered ceasefire led to the establishment of the LoC.
- The 1949 Karachi Agreement demarcated the ceasefire line, running from Manawar (south) to the glaciers (north), forming the basis for the LoC.
- Despite the Simla Agreement, there have been multiple conflicts, such as Siachen (1984) and Kargil War (1999), where Pakistan attempted to alter the LoC, leading to military responses from India.
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Challenges in Implementing the Agreement
- Kargil War (1999): Pakistan’s violation of the LoC during the Kargil War highlighted ongoing tensions.
- Siachen Glacier: Pakistan’s actions in the Siachen Glacier conflict violated the agreement, leading to military action (Operation Meghdoot, 1984) by India.
| [UPSC 2003] Consider the following statements regarding the relations between India and Pakistan:
1. During Shimla Agreement, Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Bhutto agreed to maintain the sanctity of LOC.
2. Lahore Summit took place in the year 1997.
3. Islamabad Summit was held between Rajiv Gandhi and Nawaz Sharif.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 (c) Only 2 (d) Only 1* |
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Why in the News?
With recent cuts in USAID funding the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Development Fund (SDF), with a capital base of $672 million and $1.5 billion in authorized funds, is gaining attention.
About the SAARC Development Fund (SDF):
- The SDF was established in 2010 by SAARC member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- It focuses on social, economic, and infrastructure development across SAARC countries.
- It has evolved from SAARC Fund for Regional Projects (SFRP) and SAARC Regional Fund (SRF) proposed in 1990.
- In 2005, the SDF was reconstituted as the umbrella financial mechanism for all SAARC projects.
- Finally, it was endorsed in 2006; Charter signed in 2008 during the 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo.
- Its permanent Secretariat opened in Thimphu, Bhutan, in 2010.
Funding Mechanism:
- The SDF has authorized funds of $1.5 billion, with a capital base of $672 million.
- It aims to expand its credit portfolio to $300 million in the coming years.
- Member countries contribute to the SDF’s capital, and the funds are allocated for regional projects based on proposals from member states.
- It operates on a collaborative funding model, with contributions from both the government and development partners.
| [UPSC 2016] The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as:
(a) G20 (b) ASEAN (c) SCO (d) SAARC |
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Why in the News?
On April 8, 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered the keynote address at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
About the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU):
- The IPU is the global organization that connects national parliaments, promoting democracy and cooperation among countries.
- Moto: “For democracy. For everyone.”
- It is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Establishment:
- It was established in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization aimed at fostering international cooperation and dialogue.
- It was founded by Englishman William Randal Cremer and Frenchman Frederic Passy, two visionaries who believed in resolving international disputes through peaceful arbitration.
- Both went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
- Structure and Mandate:
- It comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 Associate Members (mostly regional parliamentary bodies).
- It is funded by its members out of public funds.
- The Governing Council is made up of 3 MPs from each Member Parliament.
- Core Functions:
- It advocates for stronger, more inclusive, and diverse parliaments.
- It defends the human rights of parliamentarians and organizes biennial assemblies to bring together parliamentary delegates and partners from around the world.
- It works on issues like global governance, the United Nations, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Key Milestones Achieved:
- The first IPU conference was held in 1889 in Paris, with participation from MPs across Europe and beyond.
- The IPU played a key role in establishing the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 1899.
- It laid the groundwork for the creation of the League of Nations in 1919 and the United Nations in 1945.
India’s Participation in the IPU:
- India’s membership in the IPU is facilitated through the Indian Parliamentary Group, which serves as the National Group of the IPU.
- The IPG was established in 1949 following a motion adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India.
- The Speaker of the Lok Sabha serves as the ex-officio President of the IPG, while the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha serve as Vice Presidents.
| [UPSC 2005] Consider the following statements:
1. The Charter of the United Nations Organization was adopted at Geneva, Switzerland in June 1945; 2. India was admitted to the United Nations Organization in the year 1945; 3. The Trusteeship Council of the United Nations Organization was established to manage the affairs of territories detached from Japan and Italy after WWII.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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