Central Idea

• Prime Minister will inaugurate the second Voice of Global South Summit. This will be the second Voice of Global South Summit in less than a year hosted by India.

What is the Voice of Global South Summit?

• The VoGS Summit is a Indian initiative that has been designed to provide a common platform for the countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on several major issues.
• It aims to find out solutions for common challenges faced by developing countries through talks.
• Inspired by PM’s vision, ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’, the summit follows India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

How did the summit start?

• The foundation of this unique initiative was laid considering the recent global developments that have severely impacted the developing world.
• These include events such as Covid pandemic, mounting debt, ongoing Ukraine conflict, and challenges of food, energy security and others.
• Often, the worries of developing countries do not gain adequate attention and space on the global stage.
• The relevant existing platforms have proven to be deficient in handling the challenges and concerns of the developing nations.

About Global South

• Global South refers to countries in Asia, Africa, and South America, while Global North includes countries like the US, Canada, Europe, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand.
• It’s a term used to categorize countries based on economic development and historical factors.

Features of Global South

• Mostly lower-income countries, often with colonial histories.
• Not strictly limited to the Southern Hemisphere; many are in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Used as a value-free alternative to “Third World.”
• Major countries like Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico are part of the Global South.

Need for Classification

• Helps describe economic and geopolitical differences.
• Overcomes the limitations of East/West or First/Second/Third World classifications.
• Recognizes the shared history of colonization.
• Acknowledges the emergence of economically powerful South countries.

Indian Context

• India aims to represent the underrepresented Global South in international forums.
• Calls for reform in multilateral institutions like the UNSC, UN, and IMF.
• Emergent economies like India and China seek cooperation with other Global South countries.
• Challenges the dominance of the Global North in international affairs.

Criticism of Classification

• Some find the term too broad and vague.
• Questions about whether elites of the Global South aim to challenge global capitalist structures.
• Concerns about the neglect of Africa in the rise of Asia.

Significance of Global South

• India aims to unite Global South nations to address common concerns.
• Potential for technical and idea exchanges and cooperation in various areas.
• Highlighting shared concerns like energy security and sustainable development.

Challenges for Consolidation

• Debate over climate reparations and exclusion of India and China.
• Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Least Developed Countries.
• China’s increasing influence in the Global South through initiatives like the Belt and Road.

Way Forward

• India needs active engagement in regional politics within the Global South.
• Recognize differentiation within the Global South in terms of wealth, needs, and capabilities.

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Central Idea

• The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week is currently underway in San Francisco, bringing together leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss pressing economic and trade issues.
• Although India is not an APEC member, is participating at the forum.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): An Overview

• Founding: APEC, established in 1989, is a regional economic forum aimed at promoting regional economic integration and greater prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. It consists of 21 member economies, termed “economies” due to their focus on trade and economic matters.
• Member Economies: APEC’s member economies include Australia, Brunei, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong (as part of China), the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Chile, strategically located around the Pacific Ocean.

APEC’s Role over the Years

• Champion of Free Trade: APEC has consistently advocated for free trade, reduction of trade tariffs, and economic liberalization.
• Seoul Declaration: The 1991 Seoul Declaration marked the establishment of a liberalized free trade area around the Pacific Rim as APEC’s primary objective.
• Economic Impact: APEC initiatives have contributed significantly to the development of a growing middle class in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC economies, comprising 2.9 billion citizens, account for approximately 60 percent of global GDP and 48 percent of global trade as of 2018.

India’s Interest in APEC

• Historical Interest: India expressed interest in joining APEC in 1991, coinciding with the initiation of economic reforms for liberalization and globalization.
• Rationale: India’s interest in APEC is based on its geographical location, the potential size of its economy, and its trade interactions with the Asia-Pacific.
• Challenges: APEC has maintained an informal moratorium on expanding membership, despite India’s interest. The US-India Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region in 2015 welcomed India’s interest in joining APEC but no formal progress has been made.

Highlights of APEC Summit 2023

• Biden-Xi Meeting: The meeting between US President Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping is a significant highlight. While it may not result in immediate changes in US-China relations, it reflects ongoing high-level engagements.
• Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF): The summit will focus on progress related to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), initiated after the US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Fourteen members, including Fiji and India, are part of the IPEF, with the rest being APEC members.

Conclusion

• The APEC Summit 2023 brings together leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to address economic and trade issues, with the Biden-Xi meeting and discussions on the IPEF among the key highlights.
• Despite India’s historical interest in APEC, membership expansion remains a challenge, underscoring the importance of regional economic forums in shaping global economic policies and partnerships.

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Central Idea

• The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative, recently unveiled by the Quad grouping (India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.), underscores a shared commitment to uphold a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

What is IPMDA Initiative?

• IPMDA Initiative was announced at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, 2022.
• It primarily aims to track dark shipping.
• Dark ships are vessels with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) – a transponder system – switched off so as not to be detectable.
• It focuses on tracking other tactical-level activities: to respond to climate and humanitarian events and to protect their fisheries, which are vital to many Indo-Pacific economies.

Significance of IPMDA for India

• IPMDA represents a substantial effort to bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, a region of paramount global geopolitical significance.
• India’s Navy, currently possessing over 140 ships and submarines, is on course to achieve a formidable fleet of 170 to 180 vessels by 2028.

Lessons from Recent Events

• Recent global events, including the border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, conflicts in Ukraine, and turmoil in West Asia, underscore the need for resilience and readiness in the face of uncertainties.
• Indian Navy recognizes the importance of integrated joint operations and a holistic approach to national defense, and a well-coordinated defense strategy involving all three Services.

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Central Idea

• The recent AI Safety Summit held at Bletchley Park, the historic site of World War II code-breakers, brought together nations, computer scientists, and tech leaders to address the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence (AI).
• India, a significant participant alongside countries like the US, UK, and China, played a pivotal role in shaping the global AI governance landscape.

Bletchley Park Declaration

• Global Agreement: The Bletchley Park Declaration aims to establish a shared understanding of the risks and opportunities posed by “frontier AI.”
• Partners: The summit led to a groundbreaking agreement signed by 28 major countries, including India, the US, China, and the European Union.
• Frontier AI Defined: Frontier AI refers to highly advanced generative AI models with potentially dangerous capabilities that can pose significant risks to public safety.

India’s Stance

• Global Action: India emphasized the importance of international cooperation to address AI risks effectively, aligning with the views of other participating nations.
• Prioritizing Safety and Trust: Indian Minister of State for IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, highlighted the need to ensure that AI represents safety and trust. India’s perspective has evolved from initially hesitating to regulate AI to actively formulating risk-based regulations.
• Global Framework: India’s PM had earlier called for a global framework on “ethical” AI tools, signalling a shift towards proactive regulation.

Global Opinion on AI Governance

• Diverse Responses: The AI policy response varies across nations. The EU has proposed a comprehensive AI Act, while the UK adopts a “light-touch” approach to foster innovation. The US positions itself between these extremes, focusing on safety and ethics.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Policymakers worldwide have increased regulatory scrutiny of generative AI tools, prompted by concerns related to privacy, bias, and intellectual property rights.

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Central Idea

• The International Solar Alliance (ISA), a coalition of 116 member nations committed to advancing global solar technology adoption, is set to unveil its inaugural ‘global solar stock-take report.’
• This initiative is inspired by the United Nations’ inaugural ‘Global Stocktake’ event, slated for Dubai later this year.

About International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• The ISA is an alliance of more than 121 countries, most of them being sunshine countries, which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
• It is headquartered in Gurugram, India.
• The primary objective of the alliance is to work for efficient exploitation of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• The alliance is a treaty-based inter-governmental organization.
• The initiative was launched by PM Modi at the India Africa Summit and a meeting of member countries ahead of the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in November 2015.

ISA’s Solar Stocktake

• First-Ever Report: The ISA’s ‘solar stocktake’ report marks a historic endeavor, with its release scheduled for mid-November.
• Assessing Progress: The report will comprehensively evaluate the strides made by nations in the adoption of solar energy.
• Global Solar Investment: Notably, investments in solar energy have surged, reaching nearly $300 billion in 2020 and approximately $380 billion in 2022. However, there is significant manufacturing concentration in China.
• Diversifying Solar Manufacturing: The ISA aims to explore strategies for diversifying solar manufacturing beyond China.

ISA’s Commitment to Solar Expansion

• Leadership: The ISA, co-led by India and France, is gearing up for its sixth annual meeting, scheduled in Delhi.
• Africa Solar Focus: One of the ISA’s primary objectives is to expand solar installations in Africa. To facilitate this, the Global Solar Facility (GSF) has been established.
• Global Solar Facility (GSF): The GSF consists of three funds: a payment guarantee fund, an insurance fund to mitigate project risks, and an investment fund for technical assistance.
• Expanding to Other Regions: Following its work in Africa, the ISA aims to extend its efforts to West Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Global Solar Energy Landscape

• Growing Solar Capacity: As of 2022, global solar photovoltaic installations reached 1,133 gigawatts (GW), with an impressive addition of 191 GW in 2022.
• Chinese Dominance: China, despite not being an ISA member, accounts for nearly a quarter of global solar installations, at around 350 GW. The United States, an ISA member, follows with 111 GW. India, also an ISA member, ranks among the top five countries globally, with 62 GW of solar capacity.

Conclusion

• The ISA’s ‘solar stocktake’ report represents a significant milestone in the global push for solar energy adoption.
• As the world grapples with the imperative to transition to renewable energy sources, this initiative offers insights into progress and challenges.

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Central Idea

• On this day in 1945, the United Nations (UN) was established amid a backdrop of global turmoil, emerging from the shadows of two devastating world wars.
• This article traces the birth of the UN, its historical evolution, and highlights both its notable achievements and challenges.

Birth of the UN

• Post-World War Turmoil: Following the devastation of both World War I and World War II, global powers were grappling with the need for a more effective international organization to prevent future conflicts.
• Predecessor: The League of Nations, established in 1919 after World War I, laid the foundation for the UN’s creation but faltered during World War II.
• The Atlantic Charter: In August 1941, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and UK PM Winston Churchill issued the Atlantic Charter, an affirmation that paved the way for the UN. It articulated shared principles for a better world.
• Birth of the Term ‘UN’: The term ‘UN’ was first coined by President Roosevelt in 1941 to identify the Allied nations against the axis powers.
• Declaration of the UN: On January 1, 1942, representatives of 26 Allied nations gathered in Washington DC to sign the Declaration of the UN, outlining the war objectives of the Allied powers. India, under British colonial rule, was among these nations.

Inception and Charter

• Formation and Ratification: The UN officially came into existence on October 24, 1945, with ratification by 51 nations, including five permanent members (France, Republic of China, Soviet Union, UK, and US).
• General Assembly Inauguration: The first meeting of the General Assembly took place on January 10, 1946.
• UN’s Core Goals: The UN was founded on four key goals: maintaining international peace and security, fostering friendly relations among nations, promoting international cooperation in problem-solving, and coordinating global actions toward common objectives.

Evolution and Impact

• Membership Growth: Initially comprised of 51 member states, the UN’s membership expanded as independence movements and decolonization unfolded. Today, it boasts 193 member countries.
• Broadened Scope: Over 75 years, the UN has tackled numerous global issues, including health, environment, and women’s empowerment.

Achievements of the UN

• Peace and Security: Prevented conflicts, mediated peace agreements, and conducted peacekeeping missions in places like Bosnia and Kosovo.
• Humanitarian Aid: Provided vital aid through agencies like WFP and UNICEF, offering food, shelter, and healthcare during crises.
• Human Rights: Established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and monitors violations globally through mechanisms like the Human Rights Council.
• Health: Led efforts against diseases like smallpox and HIV/AIDS through WHO, addressing current threats like COVID-19.
• Refugee Support: UNHCR aids refugees and internally displaced persons while advocating for their rights.
• Environmental Advocacy: Raised awareness about climate change, negotiated the Paris Agreement, and promotes sustainability via UNEP.

Failures and Criticisms of the UN

• Genocide Prevention: Failed to prevent genocides like Rwanda and Srebrenica despite early warnings.
• Peacekeeping Challenges: Faced issues like misconduct allegations and difficulties in halting violence in missions like South Sudan.
• Veto Powers: Criticized for Security Council veto powers that hinder action and maintain power imbalances.
• Enforcement Limits: Reliant on member states for enforcement, leading to limited action in cases of non-compliance, as seen in the Iraq War.
• Lack of Representation: Critiqued for underrepresenting Global South countries in key decision-making bodies.
• Neoliberal Influence: Accused of promoting neoliberal economic policies, which can exacerbate inequalities, through associated organizations like the World Bank and IMF.

Future Plan

• 2020 Declaration: In a high-level UN General Assembly meeting commemorating 75 years of the UN, a declaration was adopted outlining goals for the next decade. These include protecting the environment, promoting peace, gender equality, digital cooperation, and sustainable financing.
• Decade of Action: The next ten years, designated as the “decade of action and delivery for sustainable development,” are considered critical for addressing global challenges, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

• The UN, born out of the ashes of conflict, has played a significant role in shaping the world’s course over the past 75 years.
• Its journey has been marked by both notable achievements and formidable challenges.
• As it enters a new decade with a renewed commitment to global betterment, the UN continues to evolve as a pivotal force in promoting international cooperation and addressing humanity’s most pressing issues.

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Central Idea

• The India-Canada crisis took a fresh turn as 41 diplomats were withdrawn from the country.
• India insisted that its actions are consistent with the tenets set forth in Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

What is the Vienna Convention?

• The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international treaty signed by 61 countries in 1961.
• It puts forth a framework for diplomatic interactions between independent nations and aims to ensure the ‘development of friendly relations among nations’.
• At present 193 countries are party to the document including India.

Key Features

What is Article 11.1 about?

• It deals with the size of international missions within other countries.
• In the absence of a specific agreement as to the size of the mission, the receiving State may require that the size of a mission be kept within limits considered to be reasonable and normal.

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Central Idea

• The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian forces, triggered by Hamas’ barbaric assault, has resulted in a distressing and increasing death toll on both sides.
• This conflict operates within a multifaceted international system of justice that has evolved since World War II.

Various War Crime Laws

• 1949 Geneva Conventions: Internationally accepted rules of armed conflict emerged from these conventions, ratified by all UN member states and complemented by decisions at international war crimes tribunals.
• “Law of Armed Conflict”: A series of treaties collectively known as the “Law of Armed Conflict” or “International Humanitarian Law” governs the treatment of civilians, soldiers, and prisoners of war. It applies to both government forces and organized armed groups, including Hamas militants.
• ICC Jurisdiction: The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague holds the authority to bring charges against alleged perpetrators if domestic courts do not or cannot do so.

Role and Jurisdiction of the ICC

• Establishment: The ICC, a permanent war crimes tribunal, was established in 2002 in The Hague. It has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed in its 123 member states or by their nationals.
• Notable Absences: Major global powers like China, the United States, Russia, India, and Egypt are not ICC members. Israel rejects the court’s jurisdiction and does not formally engage with it.
• Ongoing Investigation: ICC prosecutors have been investigating allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied Palestinian territories since 2021, although no arrest warrants have been issued.

Acts Potentially Violating War Crimes Law

• Deliberate Targeting of Civilians: Human Rights Watch identified potential war crimes, including the intentional targeting of civilians, indiscriminate rocket attacks, and the hostage-taking of civilians by Palestinian armed groups.
• Israeli Counter-Strikes: Israeli counter-strikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of numerous Palestinians, could also fall under scrutiny as potential war crimes.
• Geneva Conventions Prohibitions: The Geneva Conventions explicitly prohibit acts such as taking hostages, murder, and torture, regardless of the conflict’s complexity.

Application of the Geneva Conventions

• Right to Respond: US President Joe Biden acknowledged Israel’s right and duty to respond to the conflict while emphasizing the importance of acting within the rule of law.
• Siege Considerations: A siege may be considered a war crime if it disproportionately targets civilians rather than undermining Hamas’ military capabilities or if it is found to be disproportionate.
• Proportionality: Attacks on military targets must be proportionate, meaning they should not result in excessive civilian casualties or damage compared to the expected military advantage.

Conclusion

• The Israel-Palestine conflict unfolds against a backdrop of intricate international legal frameworks and considerations.
• Navigating the complexities of determining war crimes in this context requires a meticulous examination of actions on all sides, considering proportionality, deliberate targeting of civilians, and adherence to the Geneva Conventions.
• As the conflict’s toll continues to rise, scrutiny of potential violations of international humanitarian law remains essential for justice and accountability.

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