India has officially joined the US-led Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN), a global initiative to strengthen cooperation in securing critical mineral supply chains.
What is the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN)?
The MSFN is an initiative emerging from the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), established by the US in 2022.
It aims to promote cooperation, information exchange, and co-financing among countries.
It brings together development finance institutions (DFIs) and export credit agencies (ECAs) from partner nations to facilitate investments in critical mineral supply chains.
It seeks to meet the increasing global demand for critical minerals and reduce dependence on dominant suppliers like China.
AboutMinerals Security Partnership (MSP):
Details
Established
2022, by the United States
Objective
To ensure a stable, diversified, and secure supply of critical minerals essential for the global clean energy transition.
Members
13 countries and the European Commission, including: United States, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, Sweden, and the European Union.
Focus Areas
⢠Securing critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements.
⢠Reducing dependency on dominant suppliers like China.
⢠Promoting cooperation between development finance institutions (DFIs) and export credit agencies (ECAs) to finance critical mineral projects.
Significance for India
⢠India joined in June 2023, aiming to secure minerals for its growing electric vehicle (EV) and electronics sectors.
⢠India seeks to diversify its supply sources from Argentina, Chile, Australia, and Africa.
Significance of Critical Minerals
Critical minerals are elements essential for the manufacturing of renewable energy technologies, such as electric vehicle (EV) batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and semiconductors.
Some of the most important critical minerals include:
Lithium: Essential for EV batteries.
Cobalt: Used in batteries and electronics.
Nickel: Key for battery manufacturing.
Rare earth elements (REEs): Used in semiconductors, high-tech electronics, and military applications.
The global demand for these minerals is rapidly rising as countries aim to shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
China is currently the world leader in both the mining and processing of many of these critical minerals, creating concerns about the concentration and resilience of supply chains.
Securing a reliable, diversified supply of critical minerals is essential for nations looking to achieve their clean energy goals and ensure economic stability in high-tech sectors.
PYQ:
[2012] Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ârare earth metalsâ. Why?
China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
Why in the News?
The annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has begun in Nukuâalofa, the capital of Tonga.
About Pacific Islands Forum (PIF):
Details
Establishment
1971
Members
18 members:Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Vision
Promote peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity in the Pacific region.
Framework
Operates under the Framework for Pacific Regionalism which outlines strategic visions and objectives.
Dialogue Partners
18, including major nations like the USA, China, India, and members of the EU.
Key Focus Areas
Environmental sustainability, economic growth, cultural development, and regional security.
Leadership
Directed by a Secretary-General, with annual meetings among leaders of member countries.
Significance of PIF
The PIF advocates for global climate action and funds resilience efforts through the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) to support vulnerable Pacific nations.
It enhances cooperation among its 18 small island states, fostering joint decision-making on key regional issues.
The forum strengthens the Pacificâs ability to navigate geopolitical tensions between major powers like the US and China.
PIF promotes sustainable economic development through regional trade and investment initiatives.
It focuses on protecting the Pacificâs ecosystems by addressing challenges like ocean pollution and overfishing.
PYQ:
[2016] With reference to the âTrans-Pacific Partnershipâ, consider the following statements:
1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.
2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards, 2024
Why in the News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor has been awarded an “A+” rating for the second consecutive year in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2024.
About the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards
The Central Banker Report Cards are published annually by Global Finance, a magazine that has been grading central bank governors since 1994.
The report grades the central bank governors of nearly 100 countries, territories, and districts, including major institutions like the European Union, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Central African States, and the Central Bank of West African States.
Grading Scale:
The ratings range from “A+” for excellent performance to “F” for outright failure.
The grades assess success in key areas such as inflation control, economic growth, currency stability, and interest rate management.
SignificanceÂ
This recognition highlights his exceptional performance in managing India’s monetary policy, particularly in areas such as inflation control, economic growth, currency stability, and interest rate management.
PYQ:
[2016] âGlobal Financial Stability Reportâ is released by which organisation?
(a) European Central Bank
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(d) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Paris Olympics
Why in the News?
The Paris Olympics has began and will run from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
Some lesser known facts about Olympics:
The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece in 776 BC in Olympia.
Held every 4 years, they featured athletic competitions among representatives of various city-states.
The modern Olympics were revived byBaron Pierre de Coubertin of France.
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896.
The Olympic Rings represent the union of the 5 inhabited continents (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania).
The Winter Olympics were introduced in 1924 in Chamonix, France and it features sports practiced on snow and ice, like skiing, ice skating, and ice hockey.
The Olympic Torch Relay was introduced in the 1936Berlin Games.
The number of participating countries has grown from 14 in the 1896 Games to over 200 in recent editions.
Women were first allowed to compete in the 1900 Paris Olympics.
The Paralympics, for athletes with disabilities, were first held in Rome in 1960.
About Paris Olympics
The Paris Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, will be held in Paris, France.
This event, commonly referred to as the 2024 Summer Olympics, is an international multi-sport competition featuring athletes from around the world.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA), ASEAN
Why in the News?
The Commerce Department is gearing up for the upcoming negotiations on the ASEAN-India FTA review. The ASEAN-India FTA, while beneficial, has led to a widening trade deficit for India.
ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA):
The AITGA, signed in 2009 and effective in 2010, aims to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers on goods between ASEAN and India, covering sectors like agriculture, textiles, electronics, and machinery.
AITGA is an important component of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services among ASEAN and India.
Major Concern: Growing Trade Deficit
Since the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA), India has been facing a growing trade deficit.
The trade deficit means India is importing more than it is exporting. In 2022-23, India imported goods worth US$87.57 billion, while it exported US$44 billion.
In 2022-23, ASEAN made up 11.3% of India’s global trade. This deficit has grown a lot this year.
Because of this, there’s a need to urgently review and change the current trade setup between ASEAN and India.
Key Areas of Negotiation
Rules of Origin (ROO): Modifications in ROO are planned to increase market access for Indian products and prevent the rerouting of goods, particularly from China, through ASEAN countries.
Trade Remedies: A new chapter on trade remedies will aim to protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices and import surges.
Exclusion of New Areas: The agreement will not expand to cover additional areas like labour, environment, MSMEs, or gender to avoid complicating the pact.
About ASEAN
Details
Establishment
Established in 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
Chairmanship
Rotates annually among member states based on alphabetical order of their names.
Objective
To promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability among member countries.
Members
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
East Timor (Timor-Leste) applied for membership in 2011 but is not yet a member.
Objectives
Accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
Promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the UN charter.
Establish an ASEAN community comprising three pillars: ASEAN security, economic, and socio-cultural.
ASEAN Charter
Launched in 2008 to create a legal entity and establish a single free-trade area for the region.
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) was established in 2009.
Adopted the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration in 2012.
ASEAN Plus Six
ASEAN Plus Three initiated integration efforts with East Asian countries (China, Japan, and South Korea).
Expanded to the East Asia Summit (EAS) including ASEAN Plus Three, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
India and ASEAN
A key pillar of India’s foreign policy and the foundation of Act East Policy.
India has a separate Mission to ASEAN and the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Jakarta.
ASEAN is India’s fourth-largest trading partner.
Delhi Declaration
Identifies Cooperation in the Maritime Domain as a key area of cooperation under the ASEAN-India strategic partnership.
Delhi Dialogue
Annual Track 1.5 event for discussing politico-security and economic issues between ASEAN and India.
ASEAN-India Centre (AIC)
Undertakes policy research, advocacy, and networking activities with organizations and think tanks in India and ASEAN.
Strategic Cooperation
India places ASEAN at the centre of its Indo-Pacific vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following countries:
Australia
Canada
China
India
Japan
USA
Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lancet Report;
Mains level: Women Issues in Indian Society; Health Issues;
Why in the news?
Over 30 years, a study examining 20 diseases revealed minimal advancements in narrowing the disparity between genders as per “the Lancet Public Health Journal”.
What does the New Lancet report say?
On Health Disparities: The study highlights that women tend to suffer more from lower back pain, depression, and headaches, while men have shorter life expectancies due to higher rates of road accidents, cardiovascular diseases, and, recently, COVID-19.
On Health Burden: Women spend more time in poor health, while men are more likely to die prematurely from severe conditions.
Overall Global Analysis: The analysis examines differences in the 20 leading causes of illness and death globally, considering all ages and regions.
What Causes the Differences in Diseases Between Women and Men? (Observations)
Biological Factors:
Hormonal Differences: Hormonal fluctuations in women, such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, can influence susceptibility to certain conditions like migraines, depression, and autoimmune diseases.
Genetic Variations: Variations in genes and genetic predispositions may contribute to differences in disease susceptibility and severity between sexes.
Anatomical Variances: Physiological differences, such as in skeletal structure and hormonal regulation, can affect the manifestation of certain diseases like lower back pain and reproductive disorders.
Societal and Gender Norms:
Healthcare-Seeking: Societal norms and gender roles may influence healthcare-seeking behaviors, with men often less likely to seek medical attention for mental health issues due to perceived notions of masculinity.
Occupational Hazards: Occupational differences between genders can lead to varying exposures to health risks, with certain professions associated with higher rates of injury or exposure to harmful substances.
Socioeconomic Factors: Disparities in socioeconomic status can impact disease prevalence and outcomes differently for women and men.
Healthcare System Bias:
Diagnostic Bias: Gender biases in healthcare may result in underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of certain conditions in women, leading to delays in treatment and poorer health outcomes.
Treatment Disparities: Differences in treatment approaches and responses may exist between sexes, with women sometimes receiving less aggressive treatment for cardiovascular diseases or being undertreated for pain conditions.
Research Bias: Historically, medical research has often focused on male subjects, leading to a lack of understanding of how diseases manifest and progress differently in women.
No Improvement in Care for Women Over Time
Stable Gender Gap: Despite overall health improvements, the disparity between male and female health conditions remains stable.
Conditions Affecting Women: Conditions like lower back pain and depressive disorders have shown little to no decrease over time compared to male-dominated conditions.
Reproductive Focus: Global health systems have historically focused on women’s reproductive health, neglecting other significant health issues affecting women.
What Needs to Be Done (Way Forward)
Better Data Collection: Governments should consistently collect and categorize health data by sex and gender to better understand and address health disparities.
Targeted Health Interventions: Specific health interventions should be developed and implemented based on detailed sex and gender data.
Increased Funding: More financial resources should be allocated to underfunded conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as mental health.
Addressing Healthcare Bias: Efforts should be made to eliminate biases in healthcare to ensure women receive appropriate and timely treatment for their conditions.
Mains PYQ:Â
Q Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SIDS Mapping; Barbados Programme of Action (1994); Mauritius Strategy (2005); and SAMOA Pathway (2014)
Why in the News?
The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) is underway in Antigua and Barbuda.
What are Small Island Developing States (SIDS)?
SIDS encompass 39 States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions, facing unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities.
SIDS are situated across three regions:
the Caribbean,
the Pacific
the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS).
Their distinctive challenges were acknowledged at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
SDGs supporting SIDS
Small island development states are mentioned in several of the Sustainable Development Goals.
For example, Target 7 of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (“Life below Water“) states-
“By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism”.
Challenges Faced by SIDS:
Remote geography and reliance on external markets due to narrow resource bases contribute to high import/export costs.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), substantially larger than landmasses, provides vital resources but poses challenges like high transportation costs and vulnerability to economic shocks.
Biodiversity and Economic Significance:
Biodiversity sustains key industries like tourism and fisheries, often constituting over half of SIDS’ GDP.
Beyond economic benefits, biodiversity holds aesthetic and spiritual value, providing essential services like food supply, erosion prevention, and protection from natural disasters.
UN Programmes Supporting SIDS:
The Barbados Programme of Action (1994), Mauritius Strategy (2005), and Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway (2014) outline specific actions to achieve sustainable development and address gaps in implementation.
Barbados Programme of Action (1994): It prescribed actions enabling SIDS to achieve sustainable development.
Mauritius Strategy (2005): It addressed remaining gaps in implementing the Barbados Programme of Action.
SAMOA Pathway (2014): It emphasises challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, outlining priorities for sustainable development.
These programmes underscore the ongoing commitment to supporting SIDS’ development and resilience.
Human Health and Social Development: Enhance food security, and water/sanitation, reduce non-communicable diseases, and promote gender equity.
Partnerships: Foster collaborations among SIDS, UN Agencies, development partners, and stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals.
PYQ:
[2021] Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Arab League; its members
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
The Arab League called for UN peacekeeping forces in the Palestinian territories during a summit in Bahrain’s Manama. The âManama Declarationâ issued by the league sought UNPKF in the occupied Palestinian territoriesâ until a two-state solution is implemented.
Back2Basics: United Nations Peacekeeping
UN Peacekeeping is a collective effort by the international community, led by the United Nations, to maintain peace and security in regions affected by conflict.
UN peacekeepers are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets) can include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.
History:
The concept of UN peacekeeping emerged in the aftermath of World War II, with the establishment of the United Nations in 1945.
The first UN peacekeeping mission was established in 1948, following the Arab-Israeli War, to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and its Arab neighbours.
This mission, known as the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), set the precedent for future peacekeeping operations.
Since then, the scope and complexity of UN peacekeeping have evolved significantly, with operations conducted across the globe in regions affected by conflict, civil war, and humanitarian crises.
Operations:
UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
Consent of the parties
Impartiality
Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate
UN peacekeeping operations are deployed with the consent of the main parties to the conflict. It can be deployed at the request of the partiesinvolved in a conflict or with the authorisation of the UN Security Council.
The objectives may vary depending on the specific context but often include monitoring ceasefires, disarming combatants, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, promoting human rights, and supporting the establishment of democratic governance structures.
UN peacekeeping operations operate under the principles of impartiality, consent of the parties, and non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.
India’s Role:
India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations since their inception.
India has contributed nearly 195,000 troops, the largest number from any country, and participated in more than 49 missions and 168 supreme sacrifices while serving in UN missions.
About Arab League
Details
Establishment
Founded on March 22, 1945, in Cairo, Egypt.
Founding Members
Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria.
Objective
Promote economic, cultural, political, and military cooperation among member states. Safeguard independence and sovereignty.
FunctionsÂ
Operates on consensus among member states. Decisions are made through consultations and discussions.
Regular meetings among Arab leaders to address regional issues, formulate policies, and coordinate actions.
Specialised committees and councils address specific areas of cooperation, such as economic affairs, social affairs, and defence.
Member States
Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Observer Nations
Non-Arab countries with observer status include Brazil, Eritrea, India, Venezuela, and others.
No voting rights are accorded to Observer nations.
Important Achievements
Proposal of the Arab Peace Initiative in 2002.
Coordination of military efforts in various conflicts.
Promotion of economic cooperation through initiatives such as the Arab Free Trade Area.
Facilitation of cultural and educational exchange programs among member states.
Challenges
Internal divisions, Differences of opinion over the Palestinian-Israeli conflict etc.
PYQ:
[2014] Recently, a series of uprisings of people referred to as âArab Springâ originally started from
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa, through the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has organised the meeting, which will be attended by the 56 member countries of the Antarctic Treaty.
What is the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)?
ATCM is the primary forum for discussing and coordinating activities related to the Antarctic Treaty System.
It was established under the Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961.
It serves as the annual meeting of the parties to the Antarctic Treaty, known as Consultative Parties.
The ATCM adopts legally binding agreements, known as Antarctic Treaty Measures (ATMs), as well as non-binding recommendations on various matters.
Decisions within the ATCM are made by consensus among the Consultative Parties.
The ATCM established the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) as a subsidiary body to provide advice and recommendations on environmental matters.
India had last hosted the ATCM in New Delhi in 2007.
Indiaâs 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 ATCMâs 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:Â Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available
Antarctic Treaty Secretariat (ATS), established in 2004, serves as the administrative hub for the Antarctic Treaty System.
Annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM) where member states discuss treaty implementation and cooperation.
Environmental Protection
Promotes protection of the Antarctic environment.
Prohibits activities causing pollution or environmental damage
Mineral Resource Exploitation
Bans mining activities until at least 2048.
Requires consensus for any review or modification
Membership
54 parties as of 2024.
29 Consultative Parties actively participate in decision-making.
25 Non-Consultative Parties.
India ratified the treaty in 1983.
Madrid Protocol
Adopted in 1991.
Entered into force in 1998.
Strengthens environmental protection measures in Antarctic.
India in Antarctica
1. Governance:
Since 1983, India has been a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty.
Of the 56 nations that are part of the Antarctic Treaty, 29 have consultative party status.
In this capacity, India votes and participates in all key decision-making processes regarding Antarctica.
India has undertaken scientific research in Antarctica since 1981.
2. Scientific Expeditions:
The first Indian Antarctica research station, Dakshin Gangotri, was set up in 1983, some 2,500 km from the South Pole in Queen Maud Land. The station operated till 1990.
In 1989, India set up its second Antarctica research station, Maitri, in the Schirmacher Oasis, a 3-km wide ice-free plateau with over 100 freshwater lakes.
It is still operational and located about 5 km from Russiaâs 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 âIndARCâ sometimes seen in the news is the name of
(a) An indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence.
(b) Indiaâs satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim.
(c) A scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region.
(d) Indiaâs underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Interpol, Blue Corner Notice
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Karnataka’s political landscape is rocked by accusations of sexual abuse against a sitting MP belonging to a prominent political family.
Following explicit video leaks allegedly implicating him, Interpol has issued a Blue Corner notice, as he remains on the run.
INTERPOLâs 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 âenquiry notice,â 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 countriesâ police organizations to share sensitive and urgent police information.
Indiaâs 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)
Interpolâs databases contain various information, from names and fingerprints to stolen passports, accessible in real-time to member countries
Provides investigative support to member countries, aiding in forensic analysis and locating fugitives globally.
Notices
Interpol issues seven types of notices:
Red Notice: Seeks the location and provisional arrest of fugitives.
Blue Notice: Requests information about a person’s identity or activities.
Green Notice: Warns about individuals likely to repeat crimes.
Yellow Notice: Aids in locating missing persons.
Black Notice: Seeks information about unidentified bodies.
Orange Notice: Warns of imminent threats to public safety.
Purple Notice: Seeks or provides information on criminal methods.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Commission on Population and Development (CPD)
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Indiaâs Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) are participating in the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57) 57th session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
AboutCommission on Population and Development (CPD)
Details
Establishment
Established by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) resolution 18(IV) in 1946 to advise on population and development issues.
Mandate
Provides guidance and recommendations on population and development policies to ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
Membership
Comprises 47 member states elected by ECOSOC for 4-year terms, based on geographic representation and expertise.
Meetings
Holds annual sessions at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, typically in April.
Themes
Focuses each session on specific population and development themes, such as youth empowerment and gender equality.
Reports and Resolutions
Prepares reports and adopts resolutions containing recommendations for action by ECOSOC and the UN General Assembly.
Linkage to SDGs
Closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, 5, 10, and 17.
Regional Collaboration
Collaborates with regional commissions and expert groups to analyze population trends and develop strategies at regional and national levels.
PYQ:
[2017] What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it.
[2017] With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct?
1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.
2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.
3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) is happening in Ottawa, Canada.
The goal is to finalize a global agreement on plastic pollution by November this year.
Whatis the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)?
INC is a committee that aims to develop alegally binding international instrumentto end plastic pollution by 2025, as mandated by United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/14.
It began working in November 2022 at Punta del Este, Uruguay (INC-1).
The second meeting (INC-2) took place in May-June, 2023 at Paris, France.
INC is scheduled to complete its work by the end of 2024.
Key Points from INC-4:
Previous meetings (INC-1, INC-2, INC-3) paved the way for this one.
They’re focusing on cutting out unnecessary plastic use while still using it for important things like renewable energy.
Future Prospects:
INC-5 will happen in Busan, South Korea, and it’s meant to finalize everything.
After that, leaders from different countries will sign the agreement.
PYQ:
[2014] With reference to âGlobal Environment Facilityâ, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a) It serves as financial mechanism for âConvention on Biological Diversityâ and âUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Changeâ
(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level
(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Map of West Asia
Mains level: Reason behind the west Asia is a heavily militarised region
Why in the news?Â
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Instituteâs âTrends in International Arms Transfers 2023â, 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:Â
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 PYQÂ
Q How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Commonwealth of Nations, CPGRAMS
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Indiaâs 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.
Indiaâs first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a key role in the creation of the modern Commonwealth in 1949, Indian policy-makers over the years have considered it as a relic of empire and steeped in colonial legacy.
Working of Commonwealth
Commonwealth members have no legal obligations to one another.
Instead, they are united by language, history, culture and their shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Actual functioning: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)
CHOGM which takes place every two years is a platform for all Commonwealth leaders to meet and discuss issues about the Commonwealth.
The motto behind the meeting is to reaffirm common values, address the shared global challenges and agree on how to work to create a better future.
PYQ:
[2012] With reference to consumers rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.
2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.
3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[2016] The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War,
(a) India should be granted complete independence
(b) India should be partitioned into two before granting independence
(c) India should be made a republic with the condition that it will join the Commonwealth
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Future Energy Summit 2024, YFEL Program
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
A panel discussion on âFuture Growth Opportunities for Long Duration Energy Storageâ 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 UEAâs 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 âWorld Economic Outlookâ?
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 â or an increase in carbon storage (e.g., through land restoration or the planting of trees) â 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 âCommon Carbon Metricâ, Supported by UNEP, had been developed for:
(a) Assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world.
(b) Enabling commercial farming entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading.
(c) Enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries.
(d) Assessing the overall carbon footprint caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Cybercrime Index, India's position
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
A new research effort, the ‘World Cybercrime Index,’ sheds light on the global cybercrimescenario, ranking India in the 10th position worldwide.
About the World Cybercrime Index
The World Cybercrime Index has been developed as a joint partnership between the University of Oxford and University of New South Wales, Sydney.
It has been funded by CRIMGOV, a European Union-supported project.
The index was developed to identify major cybercrime hotspots globally by ranking countries based on the significant sources of cybercrime at a national level.
The study âMapping the global geography of cybercrime with the World Cybercrime Indexâ has been published in the journal PLOS ONE.
The five major categories of cybercrime assessed by the study were:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INCB, Its composition, key functions
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Mrs. Jagjit Pavadia (IRS) India’s nominee has been re-elected for a third term to the INCB for the period of 2025-2030.
About International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)
Description
Establishment
Established in 1968 by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961.
Headquarters
Based in Vienna, Austria, with a Secretariat supporting its activities.
Membership
Consists of 13 members elected by ECOSOC, experts in drug control and related fields.
Role and Mandate
Independent body monitoring compliance with UN drug control conventions.
Functions
Assess global drug situation, evaluate licit drug production, and publish annual reports.
Collaboration
Works with governments and international organizations on drug control issues.
Control Measures
Monitors and evaluates national drug control measures for treaty compliance.
Advocacy and Awareness
Promotes adherence to drug treaties and raises awareness on global drug issues.
Cooperation
Collaborates with UN agencies like WHO and UNODC to address drug-related challenges.
Indiaâs Election to Key UN Bodies
India’s proactive engagement at the United Nations resulted in its election to several pivotal bodies:
1.   Commission on the Status of Women (2025-2029)
2.   Executive Board of UNICEF (2025-2027)
3.   Executive Board of UNDP and UNFPA (2025-2027)
4.   UN Office for Project Services (2025-2027)
5.   Executive Board of UN Women (2025-2027)
6.   Executive Board of the World Food Programme (2025-2027)
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a âProtocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Airâ.
2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum is set to be held in Singapore.
About IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum
The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum brings together the regionâs top investors, philanthropies, financial institutions, innovative companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs.
The Forum aims to mobilize investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology and renewable energy projects.
It is managed by Invest India (www.investindia.gov.in), Indiaâs National Investment Promotion Agency.
The Department of Commerce is the nodal agency for the IPEF engagements.
The Forum will have opportunity for the Indian industry in the two following tracks:
Climate Tech Track: Under this track, IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is holding an open call that aims to recognise the top climate tech companies and start-ups among the member countries and present them to global investors.
Infrastructure Track: Under this track, India will showcase selected investible sustainable infrastructure projects at the 2024 Forum. The sectors of focus are-energy transition (e.g electric gird; renewable energy, including solar, and onshore wind; sustainable aviation fuel; battery storage; hydrogen; green data centers), transport and logistics (e.g. Electric Vehicle, EV charging points), waste management/waste to energy.
About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)
It is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen economic partnerships among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The IPEF was launched in 2021with 12 initial partners who together represent 40% of the world GDP.
The IPEF is NOT a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)Â but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to.
 Four main âPillarsâ of IPEF:
Trade that will include digital economy and emerging technology, labor commitments, the environment, trade facilitation, transparency and good regulatory practices, and corporate accountability, standards on cross-border data flow and data localisations;
Supply chain resilience to develop âa first-of-its-kind supply chain agreementâ that would anticipate and prevent disruptions;
Clean energy and decarbonization that will include agreements on âhigh-ambition commitmentsâ such as renewable energy targets, carbon removal purchasing commitments, energy efficiency standards, and new measures to combat methane emissions; and
Fair Economy Agreement, with commitments to enact and enforce âeffective tax, anti-money laundering, anti-bribery schemes in line with [American] valuesâ.
 Members Countries include:
Currently, India and 13 countries other located in the Pacific Ocean are its members: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.
How is IPEF different from other trade deals?
No market access or tariff reductions have been outlined in the IPEF, although experts say it can pave the way to trade deals.
Itâs not a take-it-or-leave-it arrangement, like most multilateral trade deals are.
Since the IPEF is not a regular trade pact, the members so far are not obligated by all four pillars despite being signatories.
