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Type: IOCR

  • Civil Aviation Sector – CA Policy 2016, UDAN, Open Skies, etc.

    UN’s ICAO rated India above the global average.

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

    Why in the News?

    India has earned top ratings from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for aviation safety, outperforming global averages in key areas.

    About the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO):

    • Establishment: It is a specialised UN agency created in 1944 under the Chicago Convention.
    • Headquarters: It is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
    • Core Role: It sets global standards for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
    • Global Reach: It has 193 member states, including India.
    • Safety Oversight: It conducts safety audits through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).
    • Functions of ICAO –
      • Safety and Order: ICAO works to ensure the safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation.
      • Equitable Access: It promotes fair access for all countries to operate international airlines.
      • Legal Frameworks: The organisation helps develop aviation laws to uphold safety standards amid industry expansion.
      • International Cooperation: It supports regional agreements and global collaboration in air transport policy and practice.

    India and ICAO: Recent Safety Audit

    • Audit Timeline: ICAO conducted its latest audit of India’s DGCA in November 2022.
    • Improved Performance: India’s Effective Implementation score improved from 69.95% (2018) to 85.65% (2022).
    • Category-Wise Scores: India scored above the global average in all eight USOAP categories, including:
      • Legislation, Organisation, Licensing, Operations, Airworthiness, Accident Investigation, Air Navigation, and Aerodromes.
    • Operational Excellence: In Operations, India scored 94.02%, outperforming the global average (72.28%), the US (86.51%), and China (90%).
    • Airworthiness Strength: India scored 97.06%, higher than the US (89.13%) and China (94.83%).
    • Comparative Timeline: India was audited in 2022, while the US and China were reviewed in 2024.
    • Market Rank: India is the third-largest domestic aviation market after the US and China.
    • Fastest Growing: It is also the fastest-growing major aviation market, highlighting its expanding global significance.
    [UPSC 2025] GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation.

    Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?

    I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.

    II. It will allow more uniform and high-quality air traffic management.

    III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.

    Options: (a) I, II and III (b) II and III only (c) I only (d) I and II only*

     

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    India slips to 131st position in Global Gender Gap Index, 2025

    IOCR | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Role Of Women & Women Organization

    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.

    India slips to 131st position in Global Gender Gap Index, 2025

    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:
      1. Economic Participation and Opportunity,
      2. Educational Attainment,
      3. Health and Survival, and
      4. 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.

     

    [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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  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    India participates in 2nd Session of IALA Council

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

    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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  • India’s Population hits 146.39 Cr: UNFPA

    IOCRPrelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Population & Associated Issues

    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.

    India’s Population hits 146.39 Cr: UNFPA

    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.

     

    [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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  • Poverty Eradication – Definition, Debates, etc.

    Extreme Poverty in India down to 5.3% in 2022-23: World Bank

    IOCR | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Poverty & Hunger

    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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  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    India elected to UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)  

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

    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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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    Global Energy Investment Report, 2025

    IOCRPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    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.

    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.

    Global Energy Investment Report, 2025

    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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  • International Monetary Fund,World Bank,AIIB, ADB and India

    India opposed to ADB’s funding to Pakistan

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

    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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  • Iran’s Nuclear Program & Western Sanctions

    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

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

    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.
    • Key Roles:
      • Promote peaceful nuclear technology use.
      • Prevent nuclear weapon development through safeguards.
      • Set safety and security standards for nuclear plants and materials.
    • Global Responsibilities:
      • 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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  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    State of the World’s Animal Health Report, 2025 by WOAH

    IOCRPrelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Economics Of Animal-Rearing

    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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