International bodies Flashcards

Question

IAEA?

Answer 1

1. origins can be traced back to an address of the former US President Dwight Eisenhower to the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1953, called 'Atoms as Peace'. It was named as such when established formally in 1957. 2. hqr in Vienna; it is a UN agency. Though established independently of the UN through its own international treaty, the agency reports to both the UNGA and UNSC 3. India became a member in 1957 itself.Currently, it has 171 members. The latest member is Saint Lucia which joined the IAEA in 2019. 4. obj: promoting safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies 5. in recent years, the IAEA is also active in dealing with climate change, pandemic containment and in prevention of Zoonotic diseases. 6. IAEA, along with its former Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.

Answer 2

1. questions about the Agency’s ability to work independently, without being drawn into big power rivalries. * when Pakistan pursued a nuclear weapons programme in the 1980s and despite overwhelming evidence in possession of the American authorities, they did not pursue the case effectively through the IAEA because of the cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan on the Afghan front. * Though towering personalities lke Mohammed El Baradei, stamped their independence as well for eg. he and IAEA did not bow to USA's pressure to declare that Saddam Hussain was housing WMD 2. There were controversies in the case of inspection of Iranian nuclear installations when Iran’s then Intelligence Minister had accused the IAEA of sending intelligence operatives who engaged in espionage against the interest of the Islamic Republic.

Answer 3

Iran nuclear deal, proved that the IAEA can emerge beyond its mandate of being a monitoring and inspection agency and, in fact, play a key role in finding solutions to tense international crises. Post the withdrawal of USA from Iran nuclear deal, in the Biden administration, Recently, the IAEA and Iranian diplomats struck a “temporary” deal to continue inspection of Iran’s nuclear plants for three more months, which keeps at least the diplomatic path to revive the deal open.

Answer 4

* ICC, located in The Hague * is the court of last resort for prosecution of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. * It is the first permanent, treaty based, international court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. * Its founding treaty, the Rome Statute, entered into force on July 1, 2002. * Funding: Although the Court’s expenses are funded primarily by States Parties, it also receives voluntary contributions from governments, international organisations, individuals, corporations and other entities. Composition and voting power: * The Court’s management oversight and legislative body, the **Assembly of States Parties**, consists of one representative from each state party. * Each state party has one vote and “every effort” has to be made to reach decisions by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions are made by vote. * The Assembly is presided over by a president and two vice-presidents, who are elected by the members to three-year terms. Criticisms: * cannot arrest suspects and depends on member states for their cooperation. * some argue that there are insufficient checks and balances on the authority of the ICC prosecutor and judges and insufficient protection against politicized prosecutions or other abuses. * been accused of bias and as being a tool of Western imperialism, only punishing leaders from small, weak states while ignoring crimes committed by richer and more powerful states. * ICC cannot mount successful cases without state cooperation is problematic for several reasons. It means that the ICC acts inconsistently in its selection of cases, is prevented from taking on hard cases and loses legitimacy.

Answer 5

SDSN, launched in 2012, mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical problem solving for the SDGs and Paris Climate Agreement established under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General. The SDSN and the Bertelsmann Stiftung have been publishing the annual SDG Index & Dashboards Global Report since 2016.

Answer 6

* 1977-Bangkok declaration * members: India, Nepal,Bhutan, BN, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka * importance: * 22% of world's pop * combined GDP of 2.7Tn$ * 25% of world's traded goods cross the bay every yr * six focus areas: trade, tech, energy, transport, tourism and fisheries * first summit held in Thailand, Sri Lanka is the current chair

Answer 7

1. SDDS is an **IMF global benchmark** for **disseminating macroeconomic statistics to the public.** 2. SDDS subscription indicates that a country meets the **test of “good statistical citizenship.”** 3. Countries that subscribe to the SDDS agree to follow good practices in **four areas**: 1. the coverage, periodicity, and timeliness of data; 2. public access to those data; 3. data integrity; and 4. data quality. 4. The **highest tier in the Fund’s Data Standards** Initiatives is **SDDS Plus** and builds on the progress achieved under the SDDS. 5. It is **open to all SDDS subscribers**, although it is **aimed at economies with systemically important financial sectors.** 6. In addition to the requirements under the SDDS, the S**DDS Plus emphasizes stronger data dissemination practices** to enhance data **transparency** and help **strengthen** the international financial system.

Answer 8

According to the IMF’s “Annual Observance Report of SDDS fr 2018",India failed to comply with multiple requirements prescribed in SDDS 1. **first** deals with **delays in data dissemination from the periodicity prescribed** in the SDDS. 2. The **second** occurs when **member countries do not list a data category in their Advance Release Calendars (ARC)** despite the category being mandated by the SDDS. 3. The third deviation occurs when **data is not disseminated at all for a particular period.**

Answer 9

1. G7, originally G8, was set up in **1975** as an **informal forum** bringing together the leaders of the world’s leading industrial nations. 2. Members: 1. Canada 2. France 3. Germany 4. Italy 5. Japan 6. UK 7. USA 3. **decisions taken at the G7 are not legally binding**, but exert strong political influence. 4. 2019 summit hosted by France; Theme: reducing inequality

Answer 10

1. established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in 2015. 2. takes place each year in Vladivostok. 3. serves as a platform for the discussion of key issues in the world economy, regional integration, and the development of new industrial and technological sectors, as well as of the global challenges facing Russia and other nations.

Answer 11

1. First such conference organised in New Delhi 2. by UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development, MHRD 3. Theme: ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Gandhi for the Contemporary World: Celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’.

Answer 12

Pakistan can take Kashmir issue to ICJ under two provisions of ICJ statute 1. Art 36 (1) which extends ICJ's jurisdiction to 1. all cases which the parties refer to it and 2. all matters specially provided for in the **Charter of the UN or in treaties and conventions in force: like Shimla agreement or Lahore declaration** 3. UN Charter contains no specific provision of itself conferring compulsory jurisdiction on the Court. As far as 1948 UN resolution on Kashmir is concerned, Pakistan didn't withdrew its troops completely. So that makes it meaningless 4. Also Shimmla agreement and 1971 UN resolution reiterate finding bilateral solutions and rejects any third party intervention 2. Art 36(2): India has made a declaration on 18 September 1974 where it has kept itself being reserved from ICJ jurisdiction on two instances, inter-alia, i.e., 1. that preventing the Court from entertaining cases involving two members of the Commonwealth (Article 2 of the declaration) and, 2. its multilateral treaty reservation (Article 7 of the Declaration).

Answer 13

It is **an intergovernmental military alliance.** Established by **Washington treaty.** Treaty that was **signed on 4 April 1949.** **Headquarters —** Brussels, Belgium. It constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its independent member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party. Since its founding, the admission of new member states has increased the alliance from the original 12 countries to 30. The most recent member state to be added to NATO was North Macedonia on 27 March 2020. NATO membership is **open to “any other European state in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.”** **Objectives:** **Political –** NATO promotes democratic values and enables members to consult and cooperate on defence and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict. **Military –** NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. If diplomatic efforts fail, it has the military power to undertake crisis-management operations. These are carried out under the collective defence clause of NATO’s founding treaty – **Article 5 of the Washington Treaty or under a United Nations mandate,** alone or in cooperation with other countries and international organisations.

Answer 14

1. During the Cold War, India’s refusal was premised on its non-alignment. Since then, NATO has built partnerships with many neutral and non-aligned states incl Russia and China 2. An India-NATO dialogue would simply mean having regular contact with a military alliance, most of whose members are well-established partners of India. India has military exchanges with many members of NATO — including the US, Britain, and France — in bilateral and minilateral formats. 3. If Delhi does military exercises with two countries with which it has serious security problems — China and Pakistan — under the rubric of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), why should talking to NATO be anathema 4. New initiatives in dealings with europe; deepening maritime partnership with France since 2018, Joining the Franco-German Alliance for Multilateralism in 2019 5. Modi’s first summit with Nordic nations in 2018 was a recognition that Europe is not a monolith but a continent of sub-regions. So was the engagement with Central Europe’s Visegrad Four. A sustained dialogue between India and NATO could facilitate productive exchanges in a range of areas, including terrorism, changing geopolitics; the evolving nature of military conflict, the role of emerging military technologies, and new military doctrines.

Answer 15

1. CWGC is an intergovernmental organisation of six independent member states whose principal function is to mark, record and maintain the graves and places of commemoration of Commonwealth of Nations military service members who died in the two World Wars. 2. commission is also responsible for commemorating Commonwealth civilians who died as a result of enemy action during World War II 3. The commission was founded by Sir Fabian Ware and constituted through Royal Charter in 1917 as the Imperial War Graves Commission

Answer 16

WHA) is the forum through which the World Health Organization (WHO) is governed by its 194 member states. It is the world’s highest health policy setting body and is composed of health ministers from member states. The members of the World Health Assembly generally meet every year in May in Geneva, the location of WHO Headquarters. The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.

Answer 17

* It is a UN multilateral treaty that defines who is a refugee, and sets out the rights of individuals who are granted asylum and the responsibilities of nations that grant asylum. * grants certain rights to people fleeing persecution because of race, religion, nationality, affiliation to a particular social group, or political opinion. * India not a member * The Convention also sets out which people do not qualify as refugees, such as war criminals. The Convention also provides for some visa-free travel for holders of travel documents issued under the convention. * core principle is non-refoulement, which asserts that a refugee should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom. * UNHCR serves as the guardian of the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol. * The USA and Venezuela are parties only to the Protocol. * Countries that have ratified the Refugee Convention are obliged to protect refugees that are on their territory, in accordance with its terms. * The Convention builds on Article 14 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the right of persons to seek asylum from persecution in other countries.

Answer 18

It is a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Monitored by the UNHRCommittee (diferent from UNHRC) The covenant commits its parties to respect the civil and political rights of individuals, including the right to life, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, electoral rights and rights to due process and a fair trial. Even though the refugees are foreigners in the country of asylum, by virtue of Article 2 of the ICCPR, 1966, they could enjoy the same fundamental rights and freedoms as nationals The ICCPR is part of the International Bill of Human Rights, along with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It became effective in 1976.

Answer 19

1. The 17+1 initiative is a China-led format founded in 2012 in Budapest with an aim to expand cooperation between Beijing and the Central and Eastern European (CEE) member countries, with investments and trade for the development of the CEE region. 2. The framework also focuses on infrastructure projects 3. platform is largely seen as an extension of China’s flagship BRI 4. initiative includes twelve EU member states and five Balkan states — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia. 5. Recently Liithuania pulled out of '17+1'. Factors at play- * ‘17 plus one’ format became a divisive forum; it was supposed to act as Europe’s one strong voice. * Tensions between China and Lithuania have been building up over a number of issues: Lithuania’s new ties with Taiwan, its Parliament’s resolution on Uighurs, and then Chinese sanctions on Lithuanian and EU politicians. * China has also decided to impose entry bans and sanctions against some European politicians and academics, and that has had an impact on EU-China relations.

Answer 20

* The HRC is an intergovernmental body that reports directly to the UNGA. It is a distinct entity from UN Human Rights (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights), which is part of the UN Secretariat answering to the Secretary-General. * UN Human Rights provides technical, substantive and secretariat support to the Council. * The Human Rights Council was established on 15 March 2006 by the General Assembly to replace the 60-year-old UN Commission on Human Rights as the key UN intergovernmental body responsible for human rights. * The Council, consisting of 47 State representatives

Answer 21

It is a global coalition of public and private organisations who are working to stimulate demand for low carbon industrial materials. In collaboration with national governments, IDDI works to standardise carbon assessments, establish ambitious public and private sector procurement targets, incentivise investment into low-carbon product development and design industry guidelines. Coordinated by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Members: The IDDI is co-led by the UK and India and current members include Germany and Canada.

Answer 22

It was established in December 2009 at the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change conference of parties in Copenhagen. CEM is a high-level global forum to promote policies and programs that advance clean energy technology, to share lessons learned and best practices, and to encourage the transition to a global clean energy economy. 29 countries are part of CEM including India.

Answer 23

1. It is an international organization established by the Chemical Weapons Convention, 1997 to implement and enforce the terms of the non-proliferation treaty, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, or transfer of chemical weapons by signatory states. 2. By the 2001 Relationship Agreement between the OPCW and the United Nations, the OPCW reports on its inspections and other activities to the UN through the office of the Secretary General. 3. The organisation was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize “for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons”. 4. The OPCW is authorized to perform inspections to verify that signatory states are complying with the convention.

Answer 24

1. The treaty entered into force in 1997 2. prohibits the large-scale use, development, production, stockpiling and transfer of chemical weapons and their precursors, except for very limited purposes (research, medical, pharmaceutical or protective) 3. As of March 2021, 193 states have become parties to the CWC and accept its obligations. Israel has signed but not ratified the agreement, while three other UN member states (Egypt, North Korea and South Sudan) have neither signed nor acceded to the treaty. 4. In September 2013, Syria acceded to the convention as part of an agreement for the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons 5. convention distinguishes three classes of controlled substance (chemicals that can either be used as weapons themselves or used in the manufacture of weapons) * Schedule 1 chemicals have few, or no uses outside chemical weapons. These may be produced or used for research, medical, pharmaceutical or chemical weapon defence testing purposes but production at sites producing more than 100 grams per year must be declared to the OPCW. A country is limited to possessing a maximum of 1 tonne of these materials. Examples are sulfur mustard and nerve agents, * Schedule 2 chemicals have legitimate small-scale applications. Manufacture must be declared and there are restrictions on export to countries that are not CWC signatories. An example is thiodiglycol which can be used in the manufacture of mustard agents, but is also used as a solvent in inks. * Schedule 3 chemicals have large-scale uses apart from chemical weapons. Plants which manufacture more than 30 tonnes per year must be declared and can be inspected, and there are restrictions on export to countries which are not CWC signatories. eg. phosgene

Answer 25

1. It is a non-binding United Nations pact to encourage businesses and firms worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, and to report on their implementation. 2. Launched in 2000. 3. It is a principle-based framework for businesses, stating ten principles in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption. 4. Under the Global Compact, companies are brought together with UN agencies, labor groups and civil society. 5. Cities can join the Global Compact through the Global Compact Cities Programme.

Answer 26

* The WTO is the world's largest international economic organization, with 164 member states representing over 98% of global trade and global GDP * Successor of GATT, which was created in 1947. The ITO (planned to replace GATT, but never materialised) was initially [envisaged](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/envisaged), along with the [International Monetary Fund](https://www.britannica.com/topic/International-Monetary-Fund) (IMF) and the [World Bank](https://www.britannica.com/topic/World-Bank), as one of the key pillars of post-[World War II](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II) reconstruction and [economic development](https://www.britannica.com/topic/economic-development). * GATT focused almost exclusively on goods—though much of [agriculture](https://www.britannica.com/topic/agriculture) and [textiles](https://www.britannica.com/topic/textile) were excluded * Following the completion of the Uruguay Round (1986–94) of multilateral trade negotiations, the WTO began operations on January 1, 1995, pursuant to Marrakesh Agreement. * India has been a member of the WTO since January 1995 and also had been a member of the WTO’s forerunner [General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)](https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/gatt/)since July 1948 * Components: * GATT 1947: the original GATT and all changes to it introduced prior to the Uruguay Round * GATT 1994: which [comprises](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprises) the modifications and clarifications negotiated during the [_Uruguay Round_](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Uruguay-Round) * GATS: for trade ins services * TRIPS * The WTO has six key objectives: (1) to set and [enforce](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/enforce) rules for international trade, (2) to provide a forum for negotiating and monitoring further trade [liberalization](https://www.britannica.com/topic/liberalization), (3) to resolve trade disputes, (4) to increase the transparency of decision-making processes, (5) to cooperate with other major international economic institutions involved in global economic management, and (6) to help developing countries benefit fully from the global trading system * Main Agreemnets: * Reduction of Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers * TRIMS: forbids the host country to discriminate against investments from abroad vis-a-vis domestic investment * TRIPS (covered in f/c S&T) * Agreement on Agriculture (covered in f/c agri) * **MultiFibre Agreement**: This agreement is no longer applied. It was valid until 2004 only. It had essentially placed quotas on the amount of textile and clothing exports from developing to developed countries. The developed countries, including the USA and the EU, had this in place to protect their own domestic producers. As a result of this agreement being dismantled, a huge opportunity has opened up for developing nations such as India.

Answer 27

In a bid to bring major reforms in the international trading system and trading prospects of the developing nations, the Doha Round was launched in 2001 by WTO. It is the 9th round of talks under GATT-WTO Framework. * Geneva Round: First round in 1947, led to formation of GATT * Uruguay Round: 8th round, led to formation of WTO * Thus, Doha round is the first since WTO formation, and the first of the nine rounds to put the development of developing nations at the centre stage. 1. The major subjects for negotiations that are covered in Doha Round are: 1. Multilateral environmental agreements 2. Trade barriers on environmental goods & services 3. Fisheries subsidies 2. Issue of the Geographical Indications is the only intellectual property right issue included in the Doha Round. 3. The Doha Round is formally not completed. 4. One of the focus points of Doha Round was to put the development of the developing and lesser developed countries at the heart of the trade negotiations. Special and differential treatment for the developing countries made the core of the Doha Development Agenda. 5. The Doha Declaration clarified that in a public health emergency, governments could compel companies to license their patents to manufacturers, even if they did not think the offered price was acceptable. This provision, commonly referred to as “compulsory licensing”, was already built into the TRIPS Agreement and the Doha declaration only clarified its usage

Answer 28

* It supports Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) to protect its farmers from the import surge. * It is a mechanism used by countries to put a restraint on international trade to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. With a focus on WTO, a participating nation can take a safeguard action, such as restricting imports of a product temporarily to protect a domestic industry from an increase in imports causing or threatening to cause injury to domestic production. * It supports the development agenda of the Doha round for the developing nations and wants each country to support the same. * The government focussed on the need for the successful completion of Doha Round and wanting **developed nations to undertake greater market-opening commitments**. * India also **wants rich countries to drastically reduce its ‘trade-distorting’ farm subsidies**. * India wants a **permanent solution to the issue of public food stockholding** in developing countries for the purpose of food security. * It supports **duty-free and quota-free market access for developing nations.** * India has **consistently opposed an expansion of the multilateral trading system in the direction of negotiating and implementing multilateral agreements on investment, competition policy, and government procurement** – a possibility created by the Singapore Ministerial Declaration of 1996. * In the Doha Round, India’s then Commerce and Industry Minister emphasised on the need to recognize the existing development deficit in the WTO agreements; and also drew attention to the asymmetries in the agreements of the Uruguay Rounds and the TRIPS agreement. * It argued that **IPR protection under geographical indication should not be limited only to wine and spirits but should be extended to include other products (such as Basmati rice)** * It pushed for **restrictions on the use/misuse of biological and genetic resources and traditional knowledge.**

Answer 29

The “Nairobi Package” was adopted in 2015 at the Tenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), held in Nairobi, Kenya. It is a series of six Ministerial Decisions dealing with cotton, agriculture and certain issues relating to the least-developed countries (LDCs). The package also had a commitment for the abolition of export subsidies on farm exports. * Developed countries had to abolish the farm export subsidies with immediate effect, with the exception of a handful of farm products. * The deadline for developing countries to eliminate the export subsidies on agricultural exports was fixed as 2018. * Flexibility was given to the developing countries for covering marketing and transport costs for farm exports extending the timeline to 2023. * Poorest and food-importing nations were given an additional time frame. * The countries also struck a deal on IT trade. * As per the deal, tariffs on 201 IT products were to be eliminated each year. The purpose behind the deal was to ensure that all IT products would become duty-free by 2019. India's concerns The provisions in the package implied that India would not be able to offer export subsidies for sugar and other farm products after eight years. * No final decision was taken on public stock-holding as well as Special Safeguard Mechanisms (SSM). * India had demanded that public food procurement be exempted from subsidy reduction deals under WTO norms. * As per the subsidy reduction deals, public stockholding must not be more than ten per cent of the value of the total production of food grains. * India argued that it must be given permanent freedom to use the food reserves for feeding the needy and the poor in the country without having the threat of violation of international obligations, instead of the proposed peace clause to use its reserves. A major setback for India and other developing countries and Least Developed Countries was that the Nairobi talks did not reaffirm the Doha Development Agenda, which was one of India’s key demands.

Answer 30

1. underpins 96% ofglobal trade 2. membership of WTO or GATT has boosted trade among members by 171% 3. WTO's rules keep tariff and non-tariff barriers low and give companies the certainty to plan and invest

Answer 31

1. America has blocked appointment ofnew judges on its appellate body and now only one judge remains 2. Appellate body is the option for those who are displeased by WTO's ruling

Answer 32

1. Members reluctant to liberalise 2. Few members, incl USA, complains WTO of judicial over-reach. Getting so many countries on board was possible by laving the rules vague. This creates conflicts over interpretation oflaw. 3. This short-coming could be rectifiedby the legislative body of WTO , but WTO's negotiating arm has been broken for yrs. It has become more inclusive with 164 memnbers but more difficult to be agreed on. Each member has a veto over any further multilateral trade liberalisation. 4. The appellate system often slow and frustrating, with mostly dragging on for \>stipulated90 days.

Answer 33

1. Although USa was the heaviest user of the appellate system, others will miss it too. 2. under GATT, USA acted as Global trade sheriff, launching investigations and bullying other coutries into submissions. 3. Breaking down of WTO appellate system will make global trade a lot less predictable anda lot more contentious. 4. Such a large consensus body is easy to break but tough to replace.

Answer 34

could lead to resumption of UN sanctions on Iran; Britain , france, Germany seem to be warming up to the idea especially after Iran's progressive violation of the deal as retort to USA's sanctions

Answer 35

1. It is a payment mechanism being setup by the European Union to secure trade with Iran and skirt US sanctions after Washington pulled out of the landmark nuclear deal last May. 2. It is a project of the governments of France, Germany and Britain and will receive the formal endorsement of all 28 EU members. 3. It will allow trade between the EU and Iran without relying on direct financial transactions. 4. It will initially be used for non-sanctionable trade, including humanitarian goods such as medicine, food and medical devices.

Answer 36

1. It is a Global Research Project of 'Future Earth', formed in 2001 to help the international science community to establish a common, mutually agreed knowledge base that supports policy debate and action on CC 2. Its projects include global budgets for three dominant greenhouse gases — CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide 3. India emissions in 2019 only 1.8% higher than in 2018, mainly due to weak econ growth and thus slowdown in oil and NG and electricity consumption PLUS high hydropower gen due to good monsoon

Answer 37

1. virtual summit hosted by UK 2. over 50 countries – business leaders, UN agencies, civil society, government ministers, Heads of State and country leaders participated. 3. Overall the summit raised almost £7bn to Gavi, the international vaccine alliance. India pledged 15 Million US Dollars. 4. UK hopes it would help raise the funds required for Gavi to vaccinate over 300 million children against infectious diseases in the world’s poorest countries over the next five years.

Answer 38

Created in 2000, Gavi is an international organisation – a global Vaccine Alliance Brings together public and private sectors as well as * UNICEF * World bank Grp * WHO * Bill and Melinda Gates foundation * donor country govts * research agencies * vaccine manufacturers * civil society organisations with the shared goal of creating equal access to new and underused vaccines for children living in the world’s poorest countries. GAVI has observer status at the World Health Assembly. supports vaccine programmes fr HPV, polio, Japanese Encephalitis, Measles, Rubella, Typhoid, Cholera, rotavirus, Yellow fever, hepatitis B, Diphtheria and Strptococcus Pneumoniae

Answer 39

1. G7, originally G8, was set up in **1975** as an **informal** forum bringing together the leaders of the **world’s leading industrial nations.** 2. leaders frm: **EU**, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA (and Russia) 3. other nations of the group decided to **suspend Russia** from the G8 as a consequence of its annexation of Crimea in **2014** 4. groundwork for the summit, including matters to be discussed and follow-up meetings, is done by the “**sherpas**”, who are generally personal representatives or members of diplomatic staff such as ambassadors. 5. decisions taken at the G7 are **not legally binding,** but exert **strong political influence.** 6. G7 leaders are creating a **wide gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots**’ both in their countries as well as across the globe, according to a new report published by non-profit **Oxfam International**. As a result, they are **making the fight against alleviating poverty more difficult, claimed the report.**

Answer 40

1. now called "Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf " 2. all Arab states of the Persian Gulf except Iraq, i.e. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. All current member states are monarchies, including three constitutional monarchies (Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain), two absolute monarchies (Saudi Arabia and Oman), and one federal monarchy (the UAE, which is composed of seven member states, each of which is an absolute monarchy with its own emir). 3. established in 1981 4. The Peninsula Shield Force is the military arm of the GCC formed in 1984. 5. objectives included setting up a Customs union by 2003 (started in 2015), common market by 2007 and common currency by 2010. 6. GCC Supreme Council,composed of the heads of the member states is the highest decision making body.

Answer 41

1. located in The Hague, is the court of last resort for prosecution of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. 2. It is the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. 3. Its founding treaty, the Rome Statute, entered into force on July 1, 2002. It is independent of UN, though may receive referrals frm UNSC 4. Funding: Although the Court’s expenses are funded primarily by States Parties, it also receives voluntary contributions from governments, international organisations, individuals, corporations and other entities. 5. Court’s management oversight and legislative body, the Assembly of States Parties, consists of one representative from each state party. Each state party has one vote and “every effort” has to be made to reach decisions by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions are made by vote. 6. The Assembly is presided over by a president and two vice-presidents, who are elected by the members to three-year terms. 7. It does not have the capacity to arrest suspects and depends on member states for their cooperation. 8. ICC has been accused of bias and as being a tool of Western imperialism,only punishing leaders from small, weak states while ignoring crimes committed by richer and more powerful states. 9. 123 state parties; India, pak, China not even signatory; USA and russia signed bt didn't ratify; only Bangladesh a state party in SE Asia and thailand is a signatory bt didn't ratify it 10. Recently, The ICC decided to investigate after a prosecutors’ preliminary examination in 2017 found reasonable grounds to believe war crimes were committed in Afghanistan and that the ICC has jurisdiction.

Answer 42

* PCA is an intergovernmental organization located in The Hague, Netherlands. It is not a court in the traditional sense, but provides services of arbitral tribunal to resolve disputes that arise out of international agreements between member states, international organizations or private parties. * PCA is the oldest institution for international dispute resolutions. It was established in 1899 by the first Hague Peace Conference. The Convention was revised by the 1907 Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes. * cases span a range of legal issues involving territorial and maritime boundaries, sovereignty, human rights, international investment, and international and regional trade. * The organization is not a United Nations agency, but the PCA is an official United Nations Observer * kosovo and Palestine are also members, despite not being member of UN * also covers arbitration under UNCLOS, as seen in case of the two Italian marines murdering Indian fishermen

Answer 43

proposal by G-7 countries aiming to address the infrastructure investment deficit in developing and lower-income countries. viewed as an alternative to China's BRI

Answer 44

* BRI project was launched in 2013, it broadly aims to facilitate cross-border transportation of goods, access to energy, creating demand for existing excess capacity in Chinese industries. * The project consists of two main components: 1. The land-based “Silk Road Economic Belt” (SREB) which consists of six land condors 2. Ocean-going “Maritime Silk Road” (MSR). * from a macro view of BRI projects clearly reflects the motive of China-centric international economic integration, production networks, hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region, and, eventually, the global economy. * China had an overall exposure of investment of around $750 billion- $293 billion investment and $461 billion construction contracts —between 2013 to mid-2020. * China’s share of FDI outflows increased from 2.3 per cent during 2001-10 to 10.7 per cent during 2016-2019. * Since the onset of BRI, China has signed diverse projects worth $548.4 billion, including four-fifths in the BRI participating countries ($461 billion). Post 2013, there was a sudden rise in infrastructure investment in BRI projects compared to investment in non-BRI projects. * Central, South and West Asia is China’s second preferred region under the BRI as construction contracts worth $110 billion are under way. CPEC), the Bangladesh-China, India, the Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM) and the Colombo Port City Project in Sri Lanka, amongst others, are important BRI projects.

Answer 45

1) No Poverty 2) Zero hunger 3) Good Health and well-being 4) Quality education 5) gender Equality 6) Clean water and sanitation 7) affordable and clean energy 8) decent work and economic growth 9) Industry, Innovation and INfra 10) Reduced Inequalities 11) Sustainable cities and communities 12) Responsible consumption and production 13) Climate action 14) Life below water 15) Life on land 16) Peace, Justice and strong institutions 17) Partnership for the goals

Answer 46

aka Non-Nuclear Aggression Agreement signed on Dec 31st, 1988 betn India and Pakistan, provides that the two countries inform each other of nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the pact on the first of January of every calendar year. The **need** for the agreement had been **felt against the backdrop of Israel’s 1981 bombing of Iraq’s Osirak reactor near Baghdad**. The strike, carried out by Israeli fighter jets over hostile airspace, had set Iraq’s nuclear weapons programme back significantly. The agreement had also come at a time of deep anxiety for Pakistan. Islamabad had been rattled by the memory of the 1972 defeat which dismembered the country, and military developments in India, such as **Operation Brasstacks in 1987**, which was a wargame exercise to prepare for deep strike offensive capabilities. Pakistan had at the time responded by putting at its nuclear installations and assets on ‘high alert’.

Answer 47

1. T 2. F; marks the bicentenary of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern Nursing 3. T

Answer 48

1. **UNESCO** Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was created in **2004** to promote **cooperation** with and **among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor** for sustainable urban development. 2. Objective: **placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans** at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level. 3. Network covers seven creative fields: **Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music**. 4. there are **five Indian cities** in UCCN as follows: * Jaipur-Crafts and Folk Arts(2015). * Varanasi-Creative city of Music (2015). * Chennai-Creative city of Music(2017). * Mumbai – Film (2019). * Hyderabad – Gastronomy (2019). 5. **Globally, ~250 cities**; **Latest** entry to the Network: **Hanoi**, Vietnam

Answer 49

* A multilateral conference held **annually** in New Delhi as India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics * since 2016 * hosted by Observer Research Foundation,an independent Think-Tank, in collab with MoEA * designed on the lines of Singapore's Shangri-La dialogue * Raisina emerged out of recognition that Delhi didn't hv effective international platforms of its own despite globalisation of India's economy. * along with Raisina, MEA had helped launch 2 other international forums- one on tech in Bengaluru and another on Business in Mumabai * Raisina Dialogue 2020: * many serving ministers and senior officials frmaround the world as well as former heads of state and govt joined for a simulating event alongg with tech leaders, media personalities and policy think tanks. * drawing participants frm countries that are at odds with each other-USA, China, Russia, Iran and Gulf arabs * This yr's saw participation of of a large no. of ministers frm Europe, an area long neglected in Indian diplomacy * raisisna is facilitating dev of sustainable intellectual networks betn the Indian strategic community and its counterparts in the world. * Concl: India also needs a forum on her neighborhood; along with govt supported forums, Delhi needs to make it easier for civil society grps to develop trans border and international conventions.

Answer 50

* Davos manifesto 2020: builds on original Davos manifesto of 1973, which set out for the first timethe stakeholder concept: that businesses hould serve the interests of all society rather than simply shareholders * Davos Manifesto 2020: vision for stakeholder capitalism that touches on a range of important issues of our times including fair taxation,zero tolernace for corruption, executive pay and respect for human rights * initiatives launched: plant 1Tn tress over next decade and to equip 1Bn people with necessary skills in the age of 4th IR.

Answer 51

1. **Climate crisis:** Global emissions responsible for air pollution and global warming are responsible fr more than 25% of deaths frm heart attack, stroke, lung cancer and chronic respiratory disease 2. **Delivering Health in Conflict and Crisis:** Last year, most disease outbreaks that required the highest level of WHO response occurred in countries with protracted conflict. 3. **Healthcare Equality:** challenged by “Persistent and growing” socioeconomic gaps; there exists an 18 yr difference in life expectancy betn rich and poor countries. 4. **Expanding access to Medicines:** 1/3rd of world pop lack access to medicines, vaccines, diagnostic tools, and other essential health products 5. **INfectious disease:** like HIV, TB, viral Hepatitis, malaria, STDs and neglected Tropical diseases all of which will kill 4mn people in 2020, most of them poor. * vaccine preventable disease like Measles killed 140000 in 2019 * there were 156 cases of wild poliovirus last yr, most since 2014 6. **Preparing of Epidemics: A pandemic of a new, highly infectious, airborne virus — most likely a strain of influenza— to which most people lack immunity is inevitable.** 7. **Dangerous Products:** Lack of food, unsafe food, and unhealthy diets are to blame for nearly one third of the global disease burden. 8. **Health Sector Human resources:** world will need 18 million more healthcare workers by 2030, mostly in low- and middle-income countries, including nine million nurses and midwives. 9. **Keeping Teens safe:** More than one million adolescents aged 10 to 19 years die every year. main causes being road accidents, HIV, suicide, narcotics use and violence 10. **Earning Public Trust: fighting misinformation;** The antivaccination movement has been a significant factor in the rise of deaths in preventable diseases. 11. **Harnessing New Tech:** such as genome editing and AI; but also need to tackle new questions fr for monitoring and regulation. 12. **Antimicrobial Resistance:** 13. **Clean water, sanitation and Hygiene:** About one in four health facilities globally lack basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services

Answer 52

EU has **expressed interest in a BTIA with India, delinked frm FTA** where ongoing negotiations are in a state of limbo **negotiations fr BTIA started in 2007,** pursuant to the commitments made by political leaders at **7th India-EU summit in 2006** FTA Negotiations have been languishing since 2013 when the talks **collapsed** over certain demands from the EU such as **greater market access for automobiles, wine and spirits, and further opening up of the financial services sector such as banking, insurance and e-commerce.** The **EU wanted labour, environment and government procurement to be included in the talks.** **India’s demand for easier work visa and study visa norms as well as data secure status, that would make it easier for European companies to outsource business to India**, were also not received enthusiastically by the EU countries.

Answer 53

recently India's Statue of Unity was added The eight wonders of SCO are * India — the Statue of Unity. * Kazakhstan — the Archaeological Landscape of Tamgaly. * China — The Daming imperial palace complex. * Kyrgyzstan — Lake Issyk-Kul. * Pakistan — The Great Mughals’ heritage at Lahore. * Russia — The Golden Ring cities. * Tajikistan — The Palace of Nowruz. * Uzbekistan — the Poi Kalon complex.

Answer 54

The initiative is led by Iran. It aims to stabilise the Strait of Hormuz, the gateway for a significant amount of global oil supplies. The meeting saw participation from key regional players including Oman and India besides Afghanistan and China.

Answer 55

1. UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) is a subsidiary body of the U.N. General Assembly. 2. It is responsible for helping to facilitate international trade and investment. 3. Established by the UNGA in 1966. 4. Mandate is “to promote the progressive harmonization and unification of international trade law” through conventions, model laws, and other instruments that address key areas of commerce, from dispute resolution to the procurement and sale of goods. 5. Annual sessions held alternately in New York City and Vienna, where it is headquartered. 6. The Tribunal constituted in accordance with the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules 1976 is seated at the Hague, Netherlands, and proceedings are administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. 7. **RECENT Context**: all claims brought against India with regards to cancellation of Letters of Intent for the issuance of telecom licences to provide 2G services in five telecommunications circles by reason of India’s essential security interests, were dismissed by the International Arbitration Tribunal constituted in accordance with the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules 1976. The proceedings were administered by the **Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).**

Answer 56

The **International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (or STCW), 1978** sets **qualification standards for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships.** 1. adopted in 1978 by conference at the International Maritime Organization (**IMO**)in London, and **entered into force in 1984.** 2. The 1978 STCW Convention was the **first to establish basic requirements on training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers on an international level.** 3. The Convention prescribes minimum standards relating to training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers which countries are obliged to meet or exceed. 4. One important feature of the Convention is that it **applies to ships of non-party States when visiting ports of States which are Parties to the Convention.** 5. The **Manila amendments** to the STCW Convention and Code were adopted on 25 June 2010, marking a major revision of the STCW Convention and Code.

Answer 57

* provisional measures suggested in the ruling 1. take “all measures within its power” to **prevent atrocities** against members of the minority Rohingya Muslim community, in accordance with its **obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.** 2. Myanmar shall **ensure that its military or any irregular armed units within its control, do not commit** any of the acts described above, or conspire to commit, direct, attempt to commit, or be complicit in genocide. 3. Myanmar shall take “effective measures to **prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence related to allegations of acts**” of genocide. * The ruling is **binding on Myanmar** and **cannot be appealed** though ICJ has **no means to enforce** it. * The case accusing Myanmar was brought in by **Gambia**, backedby **OIC** * Myanmar was represented by **Aung San Suu Kyi** * This order is a **provisional** measure and a restraining order. The hearings dealing with the main, and more serious allegations of genocide by the Myanmar military, have not even started. * **So far, only three cases of genocide** worldwide have been recognised since World War II: **Cambodia (the late 1970s), Rwanda (1994), and Srebrenica, Bosnia (1995)**. Proving genocide has been difficult because of the high bar set by its ‘**intent requirement**’ — that is showing the genocidal acts were carried out with the specific intent to eliminate a people on the basis of their ethnicity.

Answer 58

It is a multi-stakeholder, permanent global dialogue forum initiated by the Government of Nepal. It is scheduled to be held biennially in Nepal. Mt. everest is called Sagarmatha in Nepal Inaugural meeting in April 2020 on the topic of 'CC, mountains and future of Humanity'.

Answer 59

1. Formally known as the Declaration of Principles (DOP), the pact established a timetable for the Middle East peace process. It planned for an interim Palestinian government in Gaza and Jericho in the West Bank. 2. Oslo II, officially called the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza, expanded on Oslo I. It included provisions for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from six West Bank cities and about 450 towns. Additionally, the pact set a timetable for elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council. 3. The Details of Oslo Accords: The Declaration calls for: 1. Israel to withdraw from Jericho and Gaza, and eventually the West Bank. 2. Five years of limited autonomy for Palestinians in those areas. 3. Election of Palestinian Legislative Council within nine months. 4. Establishment of a Palestinian police force. 5. The question of Jerusalem was left undecided. 4. rcently Palestinians threaten to quit Oslo Accords, if U.S. President Donald Trump announces his West Asia peace plan 5. The main worry is that this initiative will turn Israel’s “temporary occupation (of Palestinian territory) into a permanent occupation” and Trump's plan buries the two-state solution that has been for decades the cornerstone of international West Asia diplomacy.

Answer 60

It is the annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). It is the sole Summit on global issues taking place in the developing world. It is continuing the legacy of Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) which was initiated in 2001 with the aim of making ‘sustainable development’ a globally shared goal. The theme of the 2020 edition of the Summit is ‘Towards 2030 Goals: Making the Decade Count’.

Answer 61

1. Under the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), 139 countries and jurisdictions are collaborating to put an end to tax avoidance strategies that exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules to avoid paying tax. 2. OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS is working to improve the coherence of international tax rules, ensure a more transparent tax environment and address the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy. 3. Recently, 130 countries, including Switzerland, China and India, have joined a new two-pillar plan to reform international taxation rules and ensure that multinational enterprises pay a fair share of tax wherever they operate. * Pillar One ensures that large MNEs, including digital companies, pay tax where they operate and earn profits. * Pillar Two seeks to ensure that large MNEs pay at least a Global Minimum corporate tax rate, currently proposed at 15%, regardless of the jurisdiction where profits may be recorded.

Answer 62

1. Oslo Accords are a series of agreements between Israel and the Palestinians signed in the 1990s. * Oslo Accords were heralded by many as the closest to ever truly solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. * However, the Accords in reality had served as an interim agreement between Israel and the PLO that provided a framework by which both sides could operate together in the West Bank and Gaza, in lieu of Palestinian statehood. 2. Oslo I (1993) * is formally known as the Declaration of Principles (DOP). * The accord was the result of secret negotiations facilitated by then-US president Bill Clinton, and later followed up in 1995 by the Oslo II Accord. * It saw the transformation of the PLO into the Palestinian Authority, which was now seen as the legitimate governing body of the Palestinians. * The agreement also mandated that Israel recognize the PLO’s new role as the representative of the Palestinian people, as well as mandating the Palestinian recognition of Israel’s right to exist. * It created the most substantive changes to the West Bank and Gaza since Israel won control of the territory during the 1967 Six Day War. 3. About Oslo II: * Oslo II, officially called the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza, expanded on Oslo I. It included provisions for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from six West Bank cities and about 450 towns. Additionally, the pact set a timetable for elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Answer 63

* Compensatory Financing Facility (CFF) was established under IMF in 1963 to help countries cope with temporary exogenous shocks affecting export earnings without resorting to undue and unnecessary adjustment. * purchase is made available with no further conditions attached. * Coverage was expanded in 1979 to include shortfalls in receipts from tourism and workers' remittances, and again in 1981 to include excess cereal import costs. * In 1988, was integrated with the new external contingency mechanism (ECM) to form The Compensatory and Contingency Financing Facility (CCFF). An ECM is a mechanism attached to a Fund arrangement that provides additional resources in the event certain critical external variables (e.g., export prices or foreign interest rates) depart from the assumptions of the program. Whereas the CFF was intended to address deviations in specific current account variables from past trends, the ECM was designed to address deviations of a broader number of current account variables from program assumptions.

Answer 64

1. UNAMA was established on 28 March 2002 by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1401. 2. It was basically established to assist the state and the people of Afghanistan in laying the foundations for sustainable peace and development. 3. Its original mandate was to support the implementation of the Bonn Agreement (December 2001). 4. Reviewed annually, this mandate has been altered over time to reflect the needs of the country. 5. UNAMA is an integrated mission. This means that the Special Political Mission, all UN agencies, funds and programmes, work in a multidimensional and integrated manner to better assist Afghanistan according to nationally defined priorities. Bonn Agreement * The Bonn Agreement set an ambitious three-year political and administrative roadmap which was, by and large, followed: * The Emergency Loya Jirga (grand council) of June 2002 established the transitional administration, a new Constitution was ratified in early 2004, and presidential and parliamentary elections were held in 2004 and 2005. * Bonn was a closed-door negotiation * The existing nominal head of state (Rabbani) was sidelined and did not participate, and the Taliban were completely excluded from the Bonn negotiations.

Answer 65

* created in June 2001 by * China * Russia * Kazakhstan * Kyrgyzstan * Uzbekistan * Tajikistan * Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of the Shanghai Five. Shanghai Five (1996) emerged from a series of border demarcation and demilitarization talks which the four former Soviet republics held with China to ensure stability along the borders. with accession of Uzbekistan, Shanghai Five was rename das SCO * Turkmenistan not a member. The organising principle of Turkmenistan rulers is absolute “neutrality” — think of it as an extreme form of “non-alignment”. It refuses to join any regional institution, political or military. * The Russia-India-China strategic forum, which evolved into the BRICS, was about blunting, at the global level, the American “unipolar” moment that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The SCO was about limiting American reach into Central Asia. * India and Pakistan were granted full member status in 2017 * observer states: * afghanistan * Belarus * Iran * Mongolia

Answer 66

* Strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness among the member states. * Promoting effective cooperation in -politics, trade & economy, research & technology and culture. * Enhancing ties in education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection, etc. * Maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region. * Establishment of a democratic, fair and rational new international political & economic order.

Answer 67

Maintaining and ensuring peace, security and stability in the region is one of its stated objective Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) – Established to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism. Initially, the SCO focused on mutual intraregional efforts to curb terrorism, separatism and extremism in Central Asia. In 2006, SCO’s agenda widened to include combatting international drug trafficking as a source of financing global. In 2008, SCO actively participated in bringing back stability in Afghanistan.

Answer 68

1. The SCO covers 40%of the global population, nearly 20% of the global GDP and 22% of the world’s land mass. 2. The SCO has a strategically important role in Asia due to its geographical significance - this enables it to control the Central Asia and limit the American influence in region. 3. SCO is seen as counterweight to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Answer 69

* Security * India through RATS can improve its counterterrorism abilities by working toward intelligence sharing, law enforcement and developing best practices and technologies. * Through the SCO, India can also work on anti-drug trafficking and small arms proliferation. * Cooperation on common challenges of terrorism and radicalisation. * Energy * India being an energy deficient country with increasing demands for energy, SCO provides it with an opportunity to meet its energy requirements through regional diplomacy. * Talks on the construction of stalled pipelines like the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline; IPI (Iran-Pakistan-India) pipeline can get a much needed push through the SCO. * Trade * SCO provides direct access to Central Asia – overcoming the main hindrance in flourishing of trade between India and Central Asia. * SCO acts as an alternative route to Central Asia. * Economic Ties - Central Asian countries provids India with a market for its IT, telecommunications, banking, finance and pharmaceutical industries. * In 2003, SCO member states signed a 20-year Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation for the establishment of a free trade zone within the territory under the SCO member states. * Geopolitical * Central Asia is a part of India's Extended Neighbourhood – SCO provides India an opportunity to pursue the “Connect Central Asian Policy”. * Helps India fulfil its aspiration of playing an active role in its extended neighbourhood as well as checking the ever growing influence of China in Eurasia. * Platform for India to simultaneously engage with its traditional friend Russia as well as its rivals, China and Pakistan.

Answer 70

1. While SCO has broadened its membership,it has struggled to deepen institutional cooperation. 2. While military confidence building measures have grown under the SCO banner, Russia has its own security organisation for the region, called the Central Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). Three of the SCO members — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan — along with Armenia and Belarus are members of the CSTO. Russia sees itself as the sole protector of the former Soviet Republics and may not be ready to share that role with China 3. Moscow also appears reluctant to back Chinese proposals to promote trade integration under the SCO banner; it prefers the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) under its own leadership. China is not a member of either CSTO or EAEU. 4. The Central Asian members of the SCO have quarrels of their own, and have struggled to develop collective approaches to their common regional security challenges. eg. in response to return of Taliban rule in afghanistan,Russia, China and pakistan along with Uzbekistan are open tovarious degrees in engaging with Taliban but Tajikistan are not

Answer 71

1. New defence deal signed by Australia with USA and UK, in 2021, under which America and Britain will help Australia deploy nuclear-powered submarines in the Pacific region. 2. Under the AUKUS alliance, the three nations have agreed to enhance the development of joint capabilities and technology sharing, foster deeper integration of security and defence-related science, technology, industrial bases and supply chains. 3. the deal will over the next 18 months equip Australia with nuclear propulsion technology, which the United States has so far shared only with the United Kingdom. It would enable Australia to deploy nuclear powered submarines for its defence in the Indo-Pacific. 1. These submarines are much faster and harder to detect than conventionally powered fleets. They can stay submerged for months, shoot missiles longer distances and also carry more. 2. Australia will become just the seventh nation in the world to operate nuclear-powered submarines, after the US, UK, France, China, India and Russia. 4. These submarines would be only armed with conventional weapons and not nuclear weapons. 5. Although the leaders of these three countries have not said so specifically, the deal is being seen as a step towards curtailing China, which has made significant aggressive manoeuvres in the Pacific region, especially in and around South China Sea, where it has expansive territorial claims. 6. The deal has complicated the relations between France and Australia, and also France and the US. Back in 2016, Australia had signed a contract to buy 12 Attack-class submarines from the French shipbuilder Naval Group worth nearly $ 90 billion, which was reconfirmed in 2021 as well. but with trasfer of nuclear submarines, this deal may now be dead.

Answer 72

* the deal will over the next 18 months equip Australia with nuclear propulsion technology, which the United States has so far shared only with the United Kingdom. It would enable Australia to deploy nuclear powered submarines for its defence in the Indo-Pacific. * It was also made clear by the leaders of three countries that it is not against any country, though it is obvious that it emerged from mud created by the Chinese belligerence. * This can be viewed as part of overall attempt to strengthen the defence capabilities of surrounding nations in Indo-Pacific. The Chinese coercive approach works because smaller nations do not have capabilities to match the power of China. All the Quad members are having bilateral relations with the countries in the region to build their defence capabilities. eg. The Japan-Vietnam agreement. India is also trying to build the defence capabilities of several nations and is having joint naval exercises. The current deal can be seen as an effort by UK and US to strengthen the defence capabilities of Australia. * One important dimension reflected by this deal is that US and UK are now strongly committed to having free, open, resilient and inclusive Indo-Pacific. This should dispel the perception that US is unreliable or is withdrawing to the domestic issues. The US has committed to be in the Indo-Pacific region. * This also puts Australia firmly on US's side despite its economic ties with China. * Concurrent desire of peace and stability and fairness in Indo-pacific at the core of both QUAD and AUKUS. But there is a difference in the two. The Quad is mainly an instrument of dealing with diplomatic and political dimensions involving all the four and there is a possibility of its extension with other powers joining it, the AUKUS is defence pact to build the capabilities of Australia.

Answer 73

The Outer Space Treaty, formally the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, is a treaty that forms the basis of international space law. The treaty was opened for signature in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union on 27 January 1967, and entered into force on 10 October 1967. As of June 2019, 109 countries are parties to the treaty, while another 23 have signed the treaty but have not completed ratification. India ratified it in 1982 features * It prohibits the placing of nuclear weapons in space, it limits the use of the Moon and all other celestial bodies to peaceful purposes only, and establishes that space shall be free for exploration and use by all nations, but no nation can claim sovereignty of outer space or any celestial body. * The Outer Space Treaty does not ban military activities within space, military space forces, or the weaponization of space, with the exception of the placement of weapons of mass destruction in space. * It is mostly a non-armament treaty and offers insufficient and ambiguous regulations to newer space activities such as lunar and asteroid mining. * Article V of the treaty requires parties to immediately inform other parties or the UN Secretary-General of any phenomenon they discover in outer space, “which could constitute a danger to the life or health of astronauts”. * According to **article VI of the treaty,** nations will be responsible for national space activities **whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities**. That means the U.S. can be held responsible for the activities of the U.S.-based aerospace firm SpaceX * Using this provision, China approached UN detailing two alleged space incidents involving its Tiangong Space Station and two Starlink satellites of SpaceX * **Article VII** states that nations will be liable for damage caused by their space objects, such as satellites.

Answer 74

The **United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs** was created to service **the ad hoc Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.** * The committee was established in 1958 shortly after the launch of [**the first artificial satellite, Sputnik-1**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/12/13/1-cold-war-affect-space-exploration-also-write-note-outer-space-treaty/&ved=2ahUKEwjk67OYrY31AhWBzzgGHYiJDSEQFnoECAgQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0DKAUx9CSP7AHrwv-dzjYE). * It has been serving as a focal point for international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. * **Article V of the Outer Space treaty** requires parties to immediately inform other parties or the UN Secretary-General of any phenomenon they discover in outer space, “which could constitute a danger to the life or health of astronauts”. * Recently, China has complained to the UN detailing two alleged space incidents involving its [**Tiangong Space Station**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/06/18/three-chinese-astronauts-enter-space-station-after-successful-docking-operation/&ved=2ahUKEwiF8YXhrI31AhUATmwGHXjBDPYQFnoECBAQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1es20MbntNpOuOzOgBXei-)and two [**Starlink satellites**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/11/19/what-is-space-internet/&ved=2ahUKEwj42t3prI31AhVtTWwGHc73BmcQFnoECAMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0I8u8BhDY2K5d0BZxBhKsq) from Elon Musk-founded aerospace firm, SpaceX.

Answer 75

Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) is a UN resolution that advocates for a ban on the weaponization of space. It was conceived of during the Cold-war era. * The PAROS resolution acknowledges the limitations of Outer Space Treaty in preventing an arms race in outer space. * However, US opposition has thwarted treaty negotiations in the UN General Assembly. * Since 2005, the UNGA has adopted annual resolutions on “Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures in Outer Space Activities.” * China and Russia in 2008 submitted the following treaties to reiterate the importance of a weapon-free outer space. 1. Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space (PPWT) 2. Treaty on threat or use of force against Outer Space Objects.

Answer 76

Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, aka Moon treaty, 1979, is a multilateral treaty that turns jurisdiction of all celestial bodies (including the orbits around such bodies) over to the participant countries. Thus, all activities would conform to international law, including the United Nations Charter. As of September, 2021, it has not been ratified by any state that engages in self-launched human spaceflight - USA, Russia and China thus it has little to no relevancy in international law. India is a sigatory The continuing disagreement is based mainly over the meaning of "Common Heritage of Mankind" and on the rights of each country to the natural resources of the Moon

Answer 77

1. origin: 1. Following the Indian Ocean tsunami, India, Japan, Australia, and the US created an informal alliance to collaborate on disaster relief efforts. 2. In 2007, then PM of Japan, Shinzo Abe, formalised the alliance, as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or the Quad. 3. The Quad was supposed to establish an Asian Arc of Democracy but was hampered by a lack of cohesion amongst its members and accusations that the group was nothing more than an anti-China bloc. 4. The early iteration of the Quad, largely based around maritime security, eventually dissipated. 5. In 2017, faced again with the rising threat of China, the four countries revived the Quad, broadening its objectives and creating a mechanism that aimed to slowly establish a rules-based international order. 2. features: 1. Quad is not structured like a typical multilateral organisation and lacks a secretariat and any permanent decision-making body. 2. Instead of creating policy along the lines of the European Union or United Nations, the Quad has focused on expanding existing agreements between member countries and highlighting their shared values. 3. unlike NATO, the Quad does not include provisions for collective defence, instead choosing to conduct joint military exercises as a show of unity and diplomatic cohesion. In 2020, the trilateral India-US-Japan Malabar naval exercises expanded to include Australia, marking the first official grouping of the Quad since its resurgence in 2017 and the first joint military exercises among the four countries in over a decade. 4. Quad members have also indicated a willingness to expand the partnership through a so-called Quad Plus that would include South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam amongst others. 3. obj: In March 2021, the Quad leaders met virtually and later released a joint statement titled ‘The Spirit of the Quad’. According to it, group’s primary objectives include 1. maritime security 2. combating COVID 19 crisis, esp vaccine diplomacy 3. addressing risks of CC 4. creating an ecosystem for investment in the region 5. boosting technological innovation 6. an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, resilient and inclusive 4. although the Quad is perceived to be anti-China, there is no direct reference to China or military security, leading experts to speculate that the Quad will refrain from addressing the military threat posed by China and instead focus on its economic and technological influence.

Answer 78

EHA are a a precursor to a free trade agreement (FTA) between two trading partners. This is to help the two trading countries to identify certain products for tariff liberalisation pending the conclusion of FTA negotiation. It is primarily a confidence building measure.between two trading partners India is looking to sign EHA with UAE, AUstralia and UK legall issues: 1. While FTAs are in principle violative of MFN principle, GATT rules provides some exceptions for eg. FTA is allowed *to eliminate customs duties and other trade barriers on “substantially all the trade” between the FTA member countries*. India's EHAs, say for example with Australia, cover % of goods trade that remains far below the legal requirement of "*substantially all trade*". Any trade deal between WTO member countries that does not cover substantive trade between them will be vulnerable to a legal challenge at the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism. 2. However EHAs are technically not FTAs and can be categorised as intreim agreements leading to formation of FTAs. Article XXIV of GATT allows countries to sign interim agreements subject to certain conditions, one of them being *necessity* i.e. the interim agreement should be necessary for the formation of a free trade area. Thus, if India’s measures (such as lowering the tariff rate on a product because it is part of an “early harvest” deal) is challenged on the grounds of violating the MFN principle, India will have to show that it will not be able to enter into an FTA without the measure at issue, that is, without the “early harvest” trade deal. 3. Also, the interim agreement should include a plan or a schedule for the formation of an FTA within a reasonable period of time.

Answer 79

* The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) was adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and **entered into force in 1996.** * The Convention is a unique **legally binding instrument** promoting * the sustainable management of shared water resources, * the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, * the prevention of conflicts, and * the promotion of peace and regional integration. * The Water Convention requires Parties to prevent, control and reduce transboundary impact, use transboundary waters in a reasonable and equitable way and ensure their sustainable management. * Parties bordering the same transboundary waters have to cooperate by entering into specific agreements and establishing joint bodies. eg. recently *The four West African countries- Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal- have signed* ***a joint declaration to advance transboundary cooperation in the Senegal-Mauritanian Aquifer Basin (SMAB).*** * As of September 2018, it has been ratified by 43 parties, which includes 42 states and the European Union. It has been signed but not ratified by the United Kingdom.

Answer 80

* The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) was set up in 1947 by ECOSOC. It is one of five regional commissions of the United Nations. * UNECE's major aim is to promote pan-European economic integration. * UNECE includes 56 member States in Europe, North America and Asia. However, all interested United Nations member States may participate in the work of UNECE. * UNECE has negotiated five environmental conventions, also known as multilateral environmental agreements or MEAs, all of which are now in force. * Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution * Convention on environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary context * Convention on Protectin and Use of transboundary Watercourses and INternational Lake * Convention on the Transboundary effects of INdustrial accidents * convention on access to Information, Public Participation in decision making and access to Justice to environmental matters

Answer 81

**CD** is a multilateral disarmament forum established by the international community **to negotiate arms control and disarmament agreements.** The Conference meets annually in three separate sessions in Geneva. * The Conference was first established in 1979 as the Committee on Disarmament as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community. It was renamed the Conference on Disarmament in 1984. * Formation: 1984. * Membership: 65 Countries. * The Conference was created with a permanent agenda, also known as the “Decalogue,” which includes the following topics: 1. Nuclear weapons in all aspects. 2. Other weapons of mass destruction. 3. Conventional weapons. 4. Reduction of military budgets. 5. Reduction of armed forces. 6. Disarmament and development. 7. Disarmament and international security. * The Conference is formally independent from the United Nations. However, while it is not formally a UN organization, it is linked to it in various ways. eg. DG of UN Office at geneva serves as Secy-General of the Conference

Answer 82

* It is an international organization **established by the Chemical Weapons Convention, 1997** to implement and enforce the terms of the non-proliferation treaty, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, or transfer of chemical weapons by signatory states. * OPCW is authorized to perform inspections to verify that signatory states are complying with the convention. * By the 2001 Relationship Agreement between the OPCW and the United Nations, the OPCW reports on its inspections and other activities to the UN through the office of the Secretary General. * The organisation was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize “for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons”. * Executive Council: * consists of 41 OPCW Member States that are elected by the Conference of the States Parties and rotate every two years. * membership divided in quota for Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia etc. * India is a member of Executive Council

Answer 83

1. Developing, producing, acquiring, stockpiling, or retaining chemical weapons. 2. The direct or indirect transfer of chemical weapons. 3. Chemical weapons use or military preparation for use. 4. Assisting, encouraging, or inducing other states to engage in CWC-prohibited activity. 5. The use of riot control agents “as a method of warfare.”

Answer 84

* The **International Criminal Police Organisation, or Interpol,** is a 194-member intergovernmental organisation. * **headquartered in** Lyon, France. * **Formed in 1923** as the International Criminal Police Commission, and started calling itself Interpol in 1956. * **India joined the organisation in 1949,** and is one of its oldest members. * goals: Countering terrorism, promoting border integrity worldwide, protection of vulnerable communities, providing a secure cyberspace for people and businesses, curbing illicit markets, supporting environment security, and promoting global integrity. * **Interpol General Assembly** is Interpol’s supreme governing body, and comprises representatives from all its member countries. * Supports three main crime programmes- Counter-terrorism, Organized and Emerging crime and Cybercrime

Answer 85

* United Nations Peacekeeping is **a joint effort** between the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support. * **Every peacekeeping mission is authorized by the UNSC** * The **financial resources of UN Peacekeeping operations** are the collective responsibility of UN Member States. * According to the UN Charter, **every Member State is legally obligated to pay their respective share for peacekeeping.** * UN peacekeepers (often referred to as **Blue Berets or** [**Blue Helmets**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/05/28/international-day-of-un-peacekeepers-2020/&ved=2ahUKEwikmKesz7fzAhVNfX0KHXv1CvIQFnoECDAQAQ&usg=AOvVaw25YQosEm6Oe2Xh93i5LjUg) because of their light blue berets or helmets) can **include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.** * Peacekeeping forces are **contributed by member states on a voluntary basis.** * Civilian staff of peace operations are international civil servants, recruited and deployed by the UN Secretariat. **UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:** 1. Consent of the parties. 2. Impartiality. 3. Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate. **Global partnership:** * UN peacekeeping is a unique global partnership. It brings together the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Secretariat, troop and police contributors and the host governments in a combined effort to maintain international peace and security. * Its strength lies in the legitimacy of the UN Charter and in the wide range of contributing countries that participate and provide precious resources.

Answer 86

1. Joint initiative of UNDP and OECD 2. **The objective** of the TIWB Initiative is to enable sharing of tax audit knowledge and skills with tax administrations in developing countries through a targeted, real time “learning by doing” approach. 3. **TIWB is focused on** promoting hands-on assistance by sending Experts to build audit and audit-related skills pertaining to specific international tax matters and the development of general audit skills within developing tax administrations.

Answer 87

High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, was **initiated at** [**the “One Planet Summit” in Paris**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2021/01/one-planet-summit-2/&ved=2ahUKEwijh-OoibrzAhWNyjgGHTryBBEQFnoECAQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1A6BAv33C_oUJk-Hr0R4jG) in January 2021. * **It is co-chaired** by **Costa Rica and France** and by the **United Kingdom as Ocean co-chair.** High Ambition Coalition (HAC) is a **group of more than 70 countries** encouraging the adoption of the global **goal to protect 30×30**. * **HAC champions** a global deal for nature and people with the **central goal of protecting at least 30 percent of world’s land and ocean by 2030.** * **The 30×30 target** is a global target which aims to halt the accelerating loss of species, and protect vital ecosystems that are the source of our economic security. * HAC members **currently include a mix of countries in the global north and south**; European, Latin American, Africa and Asia countries are among the members. * India recently became the first BRICS country to join HAC * Why 30X30? * Currently, an estimated **15% of the world’s land and 7% of the ocean** are protected. * In order to address both the biodiversity crisis and the climate crisis, there is growing scientific research that half of the planet must be kept in a natural state. * Despite this, experts agree that a scientifically credible and necessary interim goal is **to achieve a minimum of 30% protection by 2030.** * The scientific data help justify the 30×30 target for biodiversity conservation both at a global level and a regional level.

Answer 88

* seeks **to reform international tax rules and ensure that multinational enterprises pay their fair share wherever they operate.** * 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 90% of global GDP, have signed the deal. * India has also joined **Two pillars of framework:** 1. **Dealing with transnational and digital companies**. This pillar ensures that large multinational enterprises, including digital companies, pay tax where they operate and earn profits. 2. **Dealing with low-tax jurisdictions to address cross-border profit shifting and treaty shopping**. This pillar seeks to put a floor under competition among countries through a global minimum corporate tax rate, currently proposed at 15%. **Expected outcomes:** If implemented, countries such as the Netherlands and Luxembourg that offer lower tax rates, and so-called tax havens such as Bahamas or British Virgin Islands, could lose their sheen. **Impact/implications on India:** India will have to roll back the equalisation levy that it imposes on companies such as Google, Amazon and Facebook when the global tax regime is implemented. (*In 2016, India imposed an equalisation levy of 6% on online advertisement services provided by non-residents. This was applicable to Google and other foreign online advertising service providers. The government expanded its scope from April 1, 2020, by imposing a 2% equalisation levy on digital transactions by foreign entities operating in India or having access to the local market.* )

Answer 89

* ICJ was established in 1945 by the United Nations charter and started working in April 1946. * It is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, situated at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). * Unlike the six principal organs of the United Nations, it is the only one not located in New York (USA). * It settles legal disputes between States and gives advisory opinions in accordance with international law, on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies.

Answer 90

* The Court is composed of 15 judges. 1. Three from Africa. 2. Two from Latin America and Caribbean. 3. Three from Asia. 4. Five from Western Europe and other states. 5. Two from Eastern Europe. * The judges are are elected for terms of office of nine years by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. These organs vote simultaneously but separately. * All States parties to the Statute of the Court have the right to propose candidates. Such proposals are made not by the government of the State concerned, but by a group consisting of the members of the Permanent Court of Arbitration designated by the state. * Each group can propose up to four candidates, no more than two of whom may be of its own nationality, while the others may be from any country whatsoever, regardless of whether it is a party to the Statute or has declared that it accepts the compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ. * Judges must be elected from among persons of high moral character, who possess the qualifications required in their respective countries for appointment to the highest judicial offices, or are jurisconsults of recognized competence in international law. * The Court may not include more than one national of the same State. Moreover, the Court as a whole must represent the main forms of civilization and the principal legal systems of the world. * In order to be elected, a candidate must receive an absolute majority of the votes in both bodies. * In order to ensure a measure of continuity, one third of the Court is elected every three years and Judges are eligible for re-election. * Once elected, a Member of the Court is a delegate neither of the government of his own country nor of that of any other State. Unlike most other organs of international organizations, the Court is not composed of representatives of governments. * In order to guarantee his or her independence, no Member of the Court can be dismissed unless, in the unanimous opinion of the other Members, he/she no longer fulfils the required conditions. This has in fact never happened.

Answer 91

* ICJ acts as a world court with two fold jurisdiction i.e. **legal disputes between States submitted to it by them** (contentious cases) and **requests for advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by United Nations organs and specialized agencies (advisory proceedings).** * Only States which are members of the United Nations and which have become parties to the Statute of the Court or which have accepted its jurisdiction under certain conditions, are **parties to contentious cases.** * **The judgment is final, binding on the parties to a case and without appeal** (at the most it may be subject to interpretation or, upon the discovery of a new fact, revision).

Answer 92

UNCLOS 1982 is the **only international convention** which stipulates a framework for state jurisdiction in maritime spaces. It provides **a different legal status to different maritime zones.** It divides marine areas into **five** main zones namely- **Internal Waters, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas.** **Despite its name,** the UN does not have any major functional role in the working of UNCLOS. Other initiatives borne out of UNCLOS * **International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS): estab by UNCLOS,** is an independent judicial body that adjudicates disputes arising out of the convention. * International Sea Bed authority: formed in 1994 for regulating the exploration and exploitation of marine non-living resources of oceans in international waters. * Commission on the limits of Continental Shelf: CLCS is responsible for facilitating the implementation of UNCLOS with respect to the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. India has been a party to convention since 1995

Answer 93

UNHRC is **an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system** * **created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006.** It **replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.** * The **Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) serves as the Secretariat** of the Human Rights Council. * OHCHR **is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.** * It is made up of **47 United Nations Member States** which are elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA). * The UNGA takes into account the candidate States' contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as their voluntary pledges and commitments in this regard. * Issue: **China, Cuba, Eritrea, Russia and Venezuela,** all of which have been accused of human rights abuses. * USA under Trump left UNHCR citing bias against Israel. But Biden Administration rejoined in 2021 * The Council's Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution. Seats are distributed as follows: * African States: 13 seats * Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats * Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats * Western European and other States: 7 seats * Eastern European States: 6 seats * Members of the Council **serve for a period of three years** and are **not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.** * **India was elected to the COuncil for 3 yrs in 2019**

Answer 94

* Established in 1974 as per the framework of the [OECD](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2018/03/30/prelims-boosters-2018-olive-ridley-turtle-and-organisation-for-economic-co-operation-and-development-oecd/&ved=2ahUKEwibiuzG2MbzAhVJOisKHRfCA5cQFnoECB4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw1_3iZ1sdrfh5qlCBnw-6qi), IEA is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation. Established in the wake of the 1973-1974 oil crisis, to help its members respond to major oil supply disruptions, a role it continues to fulfil today. * IEA’s mandate has expanded over time to include tracking and analyzing global key energy trends, promoting sound energy policy, and fostering multinational energy technology cooperation. * Its mission is guided by four main areas of focus: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness and engagement worldwide. * Hqrs (Secretariat): Paris, France. * It has 30 members at present. IEA family also includes eight association countries. A candidate country must be a member country of the OECD. But all OECD members are not IEA members. * IEA has invited INdia to become its full time member. The proposal if accepted will require New Delhi **to raise strategic oil reserves to 90 days requirement. INdia has been an associate member since 2017.** * To become member a candidate country must demonstrate that it has: 1. Crude oil and/or product reserves equivalent to 90 days of the previous year’s net imports, to which the government has immediate access (even if it does not own them directly) and could be used to address disruptions to global oil supply. 2. A demand restraint programme to reduce national oil consumption by up to 10%. 3. Legislation and organisation to operate [**the Co-ordinated Emergency Response Measures (CERM)**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/05/02/global-energy-review-2020/&ved=2ahUKEwissdvQ2MbzAhWIWX0KHVSXAFcQFnoECBcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1_odnyQaE7g8kNVctUw0Hg) on a national basis. 4. Legislation and measures to ensure that all oil companies under its jurisdiction report information upon request. 5. Measures in place to ensure the capability of contributing its share of an IEA collective action. * Reports Published: * Global Energy and CO₂Status report * World Energy Outlook * World Energy Statistics * World Energy Balances * Energy Tech Perspectives

Answer 95

T * G20 is an informal group of 19 countries and the European Union, **with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.**

Answer 96

* Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. * Spain as a permanent, non-member invitee, also attends leader summits.

Answer 97

* **1997-1999 ASIAN Financial Crisis:** This was a ministerial-level forum which emerged after G7 invited both developed and developing economies. The finance ministers and central bank governors began meeting in 1999. * **Amid 2008 Financial Crisis** the world saw the need for a new consensus building at the highest political level. It was decided that the **G20 leaders** would begin meeting once annually.

Answer 98

* To help prepare these summits, the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors continue to meet on their own twice a year. They meet at the same time as the International Monetary Fund and The World Bank. * The work of G20 is divided into two tracks: * **The finance track** comprises all meetings with G20 finance ministers and central bank governors and their deputies. Meeting several times throughout the year they focus on monetary and fiscal issues, financial regulations, etc. * The Sherpa track focuses on broader issues such as political engagement, anti-corruption, development, energy, etc. * For the selection of presidency, the 19 countries are divided into 5 groups, each having no more than 4 countries. India is in Group 2 which also has Russia, South Africa, and Turkey. * The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or Headquarters. Instead, the G20 president is responsible for bringing together the G20 agenda in consultation with other members and in response to developments in the global economy. * The G20 focuses on a broad agenda of issues of global importance, although, issues pertaining to the global economy dominate the agenda, additional items have become more important in recent years, like: Financial markets, Tax and fiscal policy, Trade, Agriculture, Employment, Energy, Fight against corruption, Advancement of women in job market, SDGs, Climate Change, Global Health, Anti-terrorism, Inclusive entrepreneurship etc.

Answer 99

* The G20 membership comprises a mix of the world’s largest advanced and emerging economies, representing about two-thirds of the world’s population, 85% of global gross domestic product, 80% of global investment and over 75% of global trade. * **Flexible:** With only 20 members, the G20 is agile enough to make prompt decisions and to adapt to new challenges. * **Inclusive:** The inclusion every year of invited countries, international organizations and civil society organization through engagement groups allow for a broader and more comprehensive perspective when assessing global challenges and building consensus to address them. * **Coordinated action:** The G-20 has also played a crucial role in strengthening the international financial regulatory system, including better coordination across countries.

Answer 100

* **Facilitated an increase in lending** from multilateral development banks of US$235 billion at a time when private sector sources of finance were diminished. * Major achievements of the G20 include **quick deployment of emergency funding** during the 2008 global financial crisis. * It also works for **reforms in international financial institutions** by improving oversight of national financial institutions. Such as G20 driven reforms to the international tax system, through the G20/OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project and implementation of tax transparency standards. * G20 played a critical role in the **ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement**, with the WTO estimating it could contribute up to somewhere between 5.4 and 8.7% to global GDP by 2030 if the agreement were fully implemented.

Answer 101

1. Leaders committed to the key [**Paris Agreement goal**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/12/03/panel-formed-to-oversee-indias-paris-climate-goals/&ved=2ahUKEwiRtoWztvbzAhUFyzgGHYlTA88QFnoECAQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2fAeV41ahLhj_HxsGEBSoy) **of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels**. 2. They also pledged **to reach a target of** [**net zero carbon emissions**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/10/06/world-airlines-commit-to-net-zero-carbon-emissions-by-2050/&ved=2ahUKEwidia68tvbzAhUcxDgGHZW3DToQFnoECAUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2WGCi7mJQlGhOicy8Fadie)**“by or around mid-century”,** instead of setting a clear 2050 date, as campaigners and summit host Italy were hoping for. 3. They agreed to stop funding **new dirty coal plants** abroad by the end of 2021. 4. They reaffirmed the so far unmet **commitment to** [**mobilise $100 billion for developing countries for climate adaptation costs**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2016/12/28/7-climate-change-financing-faces-several-hurdles-especially-comes-financing-financial-sector-challenges-hindered-climate-specific-financing-financ/&ved=2ahUKEwib_JrItvbzAhW8zDgGHdmqDs0QFnoECAQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1CpxMWID7KwiI3dbcuRYBj)**.** 5. They approved on [**an agreement**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/10/09/oecd-g20-inclusive-framework-tax-deal-2/&ved=2ahUKEwirkKWitfbzAhXQ4zgGHWOLAG4QFnoECBQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3rFUonj8M0d7QtX8Avskwt) **that will subject multinationals to a minimum 15 percent tax,** as part of an effort to build “a more stable and fairer international tax system”. 6. They decided to pursue the recognition of more vaccines by the World Health Organization under **a** [**“One Health approach”**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/05/06/insights-into-editorial-a-one-health-approach-that-targets-people-animals/&ved=2ahUKEwj4zLrRtvbzAhWv4zgGHY1xA48QFnoECAUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2MRH112g5q2yRE-z_kyuE8) for the world, and providing finances and technology for vaccine production at **“**[**mRNA Hubs**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/11/11/things-you-need-to-know-about-mrna-vaccines/&ved=2ahUKEwjk_u_dtvbzAhWuzDgGHUyXDkQQFnoECDIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0ehoLAIRaivGSuYdLJoyTG)**”** in South Africa, Brazil and Argentina.

Answer 102

1. G20 leaders committed to the key goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but for the first time, they identified sustainable and responsible consumption and production as “critical enablers” in achieving the goal. The inclusion was in line with PM Modi's vision of promoting the mantra of sustainable lifestyles all over the world. Sustainable consumption and responsible production patterns are also part of Sustainable Development Goal 12 2. The G20 leaders fell short on announcing a target of zero emissions, a call India had rejected ahead of the Summit 3. In a big win for farmers, India pushed for and was able to obtain a commitment from G20 nations on improving livelihoods for small and marginal farmers. The focus of the members will now be on the marginal farmers rather than just the prosperous ones. May lead to future concession wrt subsidies matter at WTO

Answer 103

The **G20 developing nations,** also called **G21/G23/G20+** is a bloc of developing nations which was **established on August 20, 2003.** Its origins can be traced to **the Brasilia Declaration** signed by the foreign ministers of India, Brazil and South Africa on 6th June 2003. * The G20+ is **responsible for 60% of the world population, 26% of the world’s agricultural exports and 70% of its farmers.**

Answer 104

Founded in **1982**, the **IOC is an intergovernmental organisation comprising five small-island states in the Western Indian Ocean:** the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion (a French department), and Seychelles. It was **institutionalized** in 1984 by **the Victoria Agreement in Seychelles.** Following a request from New Delhi, **the IOC granted observer status to India in 2020 at the Commission’s 34th Council of Ministers.** In 2012, **the IOC was one of the four regional organisations to launch the MASE Programme —** the European Union-funded programme to promote Maritime Security in Eastern and Southern Africa and Indian Ocean. The Commission has **a Secretariat which is located in Mauritius.**

Answer 105

Malabar began as a bilateral naval exercise between India and the U.S. in 1992, and was expanded into a trilateral format with the inclusion of Japan in 2015. 2021 also saw participation of Aus, thus all the members of QUAD participated in 2021 exercise US recently said that the scope of the multi-nation [**Malabar exercise**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2020/07/10/australia-and-the-malabar-exercise/&ved=2ahUKEwid3tSS2cbzAhUs4zgGHbszC6cQFnoECAQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3R3yZDWE8Vcx-oC_4qGocd) in terms of more like-minded navies taking part in the drills could expand in future. And it was for the Quad partners to discuss the possibility of an expansion.

Answer 106

Conceived by the then Russian foreign minister **Yevgeny Primakov in 1998.** The group was founded on the basis of **“ending its subservient foreign policy guided by the U.S.,”** and “renewing old ties with **India** and fostering the newly discovered friendship with **China**.” * RIC shared some **non-West perspectives on the global order,** such as an emphasis on sovereignty and territorial integrity, impatience with homilies on social policies and opposition to regime change from abroad. * Their **support for democratisation of the global economic and financial architecture** moved to the agenda of **BRIC** (with the addition of Brazil). SIgnificance: 1. Together, the RIC countries occupy over **19 percent of the global landmass and contribute to over 33 percent of global GDP.** 2. All **three are nuclear powers** and two, **Russia and China, are permanent members of the UN Security Council,** while India aspires to be one. 3. The trio could also contribute to creating **a new economic structure for the world.** 4. They could work together on **disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.** **Its role in present Geopolity is however up in air because of 1)**surge in Indo-US reations 2) China-India tensions and China-Pak closeness and 3) US-Russia relations HOwever, India still sees RIC as important since- India is in SCO, which is very imp for iNdia esp in wake of Taliban's regime in Afghanistan, and SCO is driven by Russia and China

Answer 107

* The group acquitted itself well in responding to the global financial crisis in 2008 but lately, it has been relegated to an annual meet up with main meetings actually occuring on the sidelines eg. Trump-XiJinping meet for a truce in trade war in 2019 Osaka summit * while the G20 has been good at issuing grandiose communiqués to acknowledge the existence of global challenges, it has proven utterly incapable of advancing any solutions to them. eg. Anti-Microbial resistance was added to agenda in 2016, but nothing new is added in the subsequent communiques suggesting little progress has been made * Two main deficiency in G-20: * though it is representative, it is also far too large. * It lacks an objective framework through which to set goals and measure progress toward them. Since the group’s initial success a decade ago, its agenda has been fluid, with each host country adding something new to the mix at every annual gathering. In the case of the Osaka summit, the Japanese government introduced the goal of universal health care.

Answer 108

AT the G-20 Virtual meet in 2020 **India** called for a **“New Global Index”** for the post-Corona world . * **New Global Index** will be based on **4 pillars of** * **Talent** * The **focus** must shift to **multi-skilling** and **reskilling** from **capital and finance** to create a vast **human talent pool.** * **India's NSDM, NEP and PM-DHRUV are well aligned with this element** * **Technology** * Ensuring that technology reaches all segments of the society and the value of new technologies should be measured by their **benefit to humanity.** * [**Digitial India**](https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india) and [**E-governance**](https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/e-governance-1) campaigns of India have increased people's access to technology and other government services. * **Transparency and** * **Trusteeship towards the planet** * The world should deal with the environment and nature as **trustees** rather than **owners** which would inspire us towards a **holistic and healthy lifestyle.** * Climate change must be fought not in silos but in an **integrated, comprehensive and holistic way.**

Answer 109

* It is a **forum of developing countries formed during the Cancun ministerial conference of the WTO,** to protect the interest of the developing countries in agricultural trade negotiations. * **India is a part of the G33,** which is a **group of 47 developing and least developed countries.** * It was created in order **to help group countries** which were all **facing similar problems.** The G33 has **proposed special rules for developing countries** at WTO negotiations, like allowing them to continue to restrict access to their agricultural markets.

Answer 110

covered in AGri F/C

Answer 111

* It is an international financial institution that offers investment, advisory, and asset management services to encourage private sector development in developing countries. * It is **a member of the World Bank Group** and is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States. * It was **established in 1956** as the private sector arm of the World Bank Group to advance economic development by investing in strictly for-profit and commercial projects that purport to reduce poverty and promote development. * The IFC is **owned and governed by its member countries,** but has its own executive leadership and staff that conduct its normal business operations. * It is a corporation whose **shareholders are member governments** that provide paid-in capital and which have the right to vote on its matters. 1. Since 2009, the IFC has focused on a set of development goals that its projects are expected to target. Its goals are to increase sustainable agriculture opportunities, improve healthcare and education, increase access to financing for microfinance and business clients, advance infrastructure, help small businesses grow revenues, and invest in climate health. 2. It offers an array of debt and equity financing services and helps companies face their risk exposures while refraining from participating in a management capacity. 3. It advises governments on building infrastructure and partnerships to further support private sector development.

Answer 112

189 member countries, each of which has representation on the IMF's executive board in proportion to its financial importance, so that the most powerful countries in the global economy have the most voting power. Any other state, **whether or not a member of the UN,** may become a member of the IMF * Membership in the IMF is a **prerequisite to membership in the IBRD**. * **Pay a quota subscription:** On joining the IMF, each member country contributes a certain sum of money, called a quota subscription, which is based on the country’s wealth and economic performance **(Quota Formula)**. * It is a weighted average of GDP (weight of 50 percent) * Openness (30 percent), * Economic variability (15 percent), * International reserves (5 percent). * GDP of member country is measured through a blend of GDP—based on market exchange rates (weight of 60 percent) and on PPP exchange rates (40 percent). * **Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)** is the IMF’s unit of account and not a currency. 1. The currency value of the SDR is determined by summing the values in U.S. dollars, based on market exchange rates, of a SDR basket of currencies 2. SDR basket of currencies includes the U.S. dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, pound sterling and the Chinese renminbi (included in 2016). 3. The SDR currency value is calculated daily (except on IMF holidays or whenever the IMF is closed for business) and the valuation basket is reviewed and adjusted every five years. * **Quotas are denominated (expressed) in SDRs.** * SDRs represent **a claim to currency held by IMF member countries** for which they may be exchanged. * **Members’ voting power** is related directly to their **quotas** (the amount of money they contribute to the institution).

Answer 113

conceived at a **UN conference in Bretton Woods,** New Hampshire, United States, in July 1944 to build a framework to avoid any future depression * IMF, as per **Bretton Woods agreement** to encourage international financial cooperation, introduced a system of convertible currencies at fixed exchange rates, and replaced gold with the U.S. dollar (gold at $35 per ounce) for official reserve. After the **Bretton Woods system** (system of fixed exchange rates) **collapsed in the 1971,** the IMF has promoted the **system of floating exchange rates**. Countries are free to choose their exchange arrangement, meaning that market forces determine the value of currencies relative to one another. * During **1973 oil crisis,** IMF administered a new lending program during 1974–1976 called the **Oil Facility**. Funded by oil-exporting nations and other lenders, it was available to nations suffering from acute problems with their balance of trade due to the rise in oil prices. * The IMF played a central role in helping the countries of the former Soviet bloc transition from central planning to market-driven economies.

Answer 114

* Foster global monetary cooperation * Secure financial stability * Facilitate international trade * Promote high employment and sustainable economic growth * And reduce poverty around the world

Answer 115

* **Provides Financial Assistance: To provide financial assistance to member countries with balance of payments problems, the IMF lends money to replenish international reserves, stabilize currencies** and strengthen conditions for economic growth. Countries must embark on structural adjustment policies monitored by the IMF. * **IMF Surveillance:** It oversees the international monetary system and monitors the economic and financial policies of its 190 member countries. As part of this process, which takes place both at the global level and in individual countries, the IMF highlights possible risks to stability and advises on needed policy adjustments. * **Capacity Development:** It provides technical assistance and training to central banks, finance ministries, tax authorities, and other economic institutions. This helps countries raise public revenues, modernize banking systems, develop strong legal frameworks, improve governance, and enhance the reporting of macroeconomic and financial data. It also helps countries to make progress towards the **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)**.

Answer 116

* **Post-partition period,** India had serious balance of payments deficits, particularly with the dollar and other hard currency countries. It was the IMF that came to her rescue. * The Fund granted India loans to meet the financial difficulties arising out of the Indo–Pak conflict of 1965 and 1971. * From the inception of IMF up to March 31, 1971, India purchased foreign currencies of the value of Rs. 817.5 crores from the IMF, and the same have been fully repaid. * Since 1970, the assistance that India, as other member countries of the IMF, can obtain from it has been increased through the setting up of the **Special Drawing Rights** (SDRs created in 1969). * India had to borrow from the Fund in the wake of the steep rise in the prices of its imports, food, fuel and fertilizers. * In 1981, India was given a massive loan of about Rs. 5,000 crores to overcome foreign exchange crisis resulting from persistent deficit in balance of payments on current account. * India wanted large foreign capital for her various river projects, land reclamation schemes and for the development of communications. Since private foreign capital was not forthcoming, the only practicable method of obtaining the necessary capital was to borrow from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (i.e. World Bank). * India has availed of the **services of specialists of the IMF** for the purpose of assessing the state of the Indian economy. In this way India has had the benefit of independent scrutiny and advice. * The balance of payments position of India having gone utterly out of gear on account of the oil price escalation since October 1973, the IMF has started making available oil facility by setting up a special fund for the purpose. * **Early 1990s** when **foreign exchange reserves – for two weeks’ imports** as against the generally accepted **'safe minimum reserves'** of **three month equivalent** — position were terribly unsatisfactory. Government of India's immediate response was to secure an emergency loan of $2.2 billion from the International Monetary Fund by pledging 67 tons of India's gold reserves as collateral security. India promised IMF to launch several structural reforms

Answer 117

* IMF’s governance is an area of contention. For decades, Europe and the United States have guaranteed the helm of the **IMF to a European** and that of the **World Bank to an American**. The situation leaves little hope for ascendant emerging economies that, despite modest changes in 2015, do not have as large an IMF voting share as the United States and Europe. * it is unfortunate that IMF Quota’s formula is designed in such a way that USA itself has 17.7% quota which is higher than cumulative of several countries. The G7 group contains more than 40% quota where as countries like India & Russia have only 2.5% quota in IMF. * **Conditions placed on loans are too intrusive** and compromise the economic and political sovereignty of the receiving countries. * IMF imposed the policies on countries without understanding the distinct characteristics of the countries that made those policies difficult to carry out, unnecessary, or even counter-productive. * **Policies were imposed all at once, rather than in an appropriate sequence.** IMF demands that countries it lends to privatize government services rapidly. It results in a blind faith in the free market that ignores the fact that the ground must be prepared for privatization. * It is almost impossible to make any reform in the current quota system as more than 85% of total votes are required to make it happen. The 85% votes does not cover 85% countries but countries which have 85% of voting power and only USA has voting share of around 17% which makes it impossible to reform quota without consent of developed countries.

Answer 118

* **2010 Quota Reforms** approved by Board of Governors were implemented in 2016 with delay because of reluctance from US Congress as it was affecting its share. * Combined quotas (or the capital that the countries contribute) of the IMF increased to a combined SDR 477 billion (about $659 billion) from about SDR 238.5 billion (about $329 billion). It **increased 6% quota share for developing countries** and reduced same share of developed or over represented countries. * **More representative Executive Board: 2010 reforms** also included an amendment to the **Articles of Agreement** established an **all-elected Executive Board,** which facilitates a move to a more representative Executive Board.

Answer 119

It is **a specialized agency of the United Nations** that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Headquarters: Rome, Italy. **Founded**: 16 October 1945. **Goal of FAO:** Their goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives India is one of the founding members **Important reports and Programmes (Have a brief overview):** 1. Global Report on Food Crises. 2. Every two years, FAO publishes **the State of the World’s Forests.** 3. FAO and the World Health Organization created **the Codex Alimentarius Commission** in 1961 to develop food standards, guidelines and texts. 4. In 1996, **FAO organized the World Food Summit.** The Summit concluded with the signing of **the Rome Declaration,** which established the goal of halving the number of people who suffer from hunger by the year 2015. 5. In 1997, FAO launched **TeleFood**, a campaign of concerts, sporting events and other activities to harness the power of media, celebrities and concerned citizens to help fight hunger. 6. **The FAO Goodwill Ambassadors Programme** was initiated in 1999. The main purpose of the programme is to attract public and media attention to the unacceptable situation that some 1 billion people continue to suffer from chronic hunger and malnutrition in a time of unprecedented plenty. 7. In 2004 **the Right to Food Guidelines** were adopted, offering guidance to states on how to implement their obligations on the right to food. 8. FAO created **the International Plant Protection Convention or IPPC in 1952.** 9. FAO is depositary of **the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, also called Plant Treaty, Seed Treaty or ITPGRFA,** entered into force on 29 June 2004. 10. **The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Partnership Initiative** was conceptualized in 2002 during World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Answer 120

* **launched in 2015**. * The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an alliance of more than 122 countries **initiated by India**. * ISA is a **coalition of solar resource rich countries lying fully or partially between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn** to specifically address energy needs by harnessing solar energy. * **The** [**Paris Declaration**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2019/04/01/international-solar-alliance-3/&ved=2ahUKEwjplLWtpNjzAhV0zzgGHbC_BUYQFnoECA8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw0L-NqcAwQfcHgm5FzBG93T) establishes ISA as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its member countries. * US recently became the 101st member of ISA **Objectives:** * The ISA’s major **objectives include global deployment of over 1,000GW of solar generation capacity** and mobilisation of investment of over US$ 1000 billion into solar energy by 2030. * The ISA envisions to enable the full ecosystem for availability and development of technology, economic resources, and development of storage technology, mass manufacturing and innovation. **ISA’s six programmes could be a game changer for the conservation of environment** Solar Applications for Agricultural Use, Affordable Finance at Scale, Mini Grids, and Solar Rooftops and Solar E-mobility & Storage and Large-Scale Solar Parks.

Answer 121

OSOWOG initiative was **proposed by India** to set up **a framework for facilitating global cooperation which aims at building a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources** that can be easily shared. initiative was announced during **COP26** by **India and the UK** to tap solar energy and have it travel seamlessly across borders. The initiative brings together **the ISA and the UK’s green grid initiative** **Parent Body:** The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). **Objective**: To build global consensus about sharing solar resources among more than 140 countries of West Asia and South-East Asia. **The vision** is ‘The Sun Never Sets’ and is a constant at some geographical location, globally, at any given point of time. **This grid** shall be **interconnected with the African power pools** also at the later stage. It has been taken up under **the technical assistance program of the World Bank.** **Potential** **and benefits of the initiative:** * **India would generate 40% of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030** and has called for connecting solar energy supply across borders giving the mantra of **‘One World One Sun One Grid’.** * The proposed integration would **lead to reduced project costs, higher efficiencies and increased asset utilization for all the participating entities.** * This plan will **require only incremental investment** because it will not require a parallel grid infrastructure due to working with existing grids. * It will **help all the participating entities in attracting investments in renewable energy sources as well as utilizing skills, technology and finances.** * **Resulting economic benefits** would positively impact poverty alleviation and support in mitigating water, sanitation, food and other socio-economic challenges. * It will **allow national renewable energy management centers in India to grow as regional and global management centers.**

Answer 122

First virtual summit of the foreign ministers of the US, India, Israel and UAE was recently held. At the end of the meet, the four nations agreed to form **a new international economic forum,** that will work on furthering the economic and political ties between the four countries. The group is already being dubbed **the ‘New** [**Quad**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/09/15/what-is-quad/&ved=2ahUKEwjf7cn56trzAhVwwTgGHatKD2QQFnoECAYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1eg_c9prieZMlY_UkvwHgu)**’ or the ‘Middle-Eastern Quad’** Some of the areas that the countries had highlighted during their talks include improving trade ties, cooperation in maritime security of the region, joint discussions for global public health, and joint infrastructure projects focused on transportation and technology. **Benefits of the new Quad:** 1. Beyond trade, there is potential for India, UAE and Israel to collaborate on many areas — from semiconductor design and fabrication to space technology. 2. With the new alliance, India can use this platform to harness various opportunities like Big data, AI, Quantum computing, export its products in their market etc. 3. The group will help to focus on non-military issues like trade, energy, and environment and on promoting public goods. 4. The platform will help India to pursue wide-ranging minilateral partnerships in the region. With major powers like France, Russia, China drawn to this region, the alliance will help India to shape its position in changing the geopolitics of this region. While the more well-known ‘Quad’ had been formed with an eye on China, The grouping has **no strategic value**. Basically, they are exploring those areas they can work together, which mostly would be in the area of technology. While the Abraham Accords made it easier for India to **find common ground** with the Israelis and the Emiratis, the contradiction between this emerging bloc and Iran remains as intense as ever. India must remain vigilant to not be sucked into west Asia conflicts

Answer 123

1. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body **established in 1989 on the initiative of** [**the G7**](https://www.google.com/amp/s/indianexpress.com/article/explained/g7-group-summit-uk-2021/lite/)**.** 2. It is a “policy-making body” which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in various areas. 3. The FATF Secretariat is housed at the OECD **headquarters in Paris**. **Roles and functions:** * Initially it was established to examine and develop measures to combat money laundering. * In October 2001 (as response to 9/11), the FATF expanded its mandate to incorporate efforts to combat terrorist financing, in addition to money laundering. * In April 2012, it added efforts to counter the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The FATF currently comprises 37 member jurisdictions and 2 regional organisations, representing most major financial centres in all parts of the globe. It also has observers and associate members. While several of their member countries overlap, the FATF and OECD are completely separate organizations. In fact, FATF is actually [not a formal global organization](https://www.fatf-gafi.org/faq/generalquestions/) but instead, as its name suggests, a combined regulatory watchdog whose member countries temporarily fund it to undertake projects and achieve the mandate they provide it with. As a result, the FATF only focuses on policy-making and doesn’t pursue AML/CFT transgressors. Instead, it leaves prosecution in the hands of regional law enforcement agencies and FIUs FATF issues legally non-binding recommendations to its member countries that act as guidelines which they are expected to enforce.

Answer 124

* **Black List:** Countries known as Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs) are put in the blacklist. These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities. The FATF revises the blacklist regularly, adding or deleting entries. * **Grey List:** Countries that are considered safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put in the FATF grey list. AKA ‘Increased monitoring List’. This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist. According to the FATF, when a jurisdiction is placed under increased monitoring, “it means the country has committed to swiftly resolve the identified **strategic deficiencies within agreed timeframes** and is subject to extra checks”. * Countries Considered in the grey list may face: 1. Economic sanctions from IMF, World Bank, ADB. 2. Problem in getting loans from IMF, World Bank, ADB and other countries. 3. Reduction in international trade. 4. International boycott. * Dark Grey List: According to FATF rules there is one essential ***stage between ‘Grey’ and ‘Black’ lists, referred to as ‘Dark Grey’.*** ‘Dark Grey’ means issuance of a strong warning, so that the country concerned gets one last chance to improve * Pakistan was put on the grey list by the Paris-based FATF in June 2018, and the country has been struggling to come out of it. * It has now completed 26 of the 27 action items given to it in 2018. * Turkey, along with **Jordan and Mali,** was also added to the Grey list in 2021 * The FATF took two countries — **Botswana and Mauritius —** out of the grey list. It is because these countries had made significant progress in addressing the strategic **AML/CFT** (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism) deficiencies identified earlier by the FATF

Answer 125

Many countries have set up specialised government agencies as part of their systems for dealing with the problem of money laundering. These entities, which are commonly referred to as financial intelligence units or " FIUs ", facilitate rapid exchange of information between financial institutions and law enforcement authorities as well as between jurisdictions. Since 1995 a number of FIUs have been working together in an informal organization called the Egmont Group, located in Netherlands. The Egmont Group's agreement on information sharing among jurisdictions is the most important standard on this topic and is consistent with the FATF 40. The Group has 58 countries at present. India is still not a member of the Egmont group. G-7 has called on other countries to join the Egmont Group and to establish a terrorist asset tracking centre or similar mechanism and to share all information on a cross-border basis.

Answer 126

Nine FATF-Style Regional Bodies have been established. The FATF-style regional bodies are: * Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) based in Sydney, Australia; * Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; * Eurasian Group (EAG) based in Moscow, Russia; * Eastern & Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; * Central Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (GABAC) based in Libreville, Gabon; * Latin America Anti-Money Laundering Group (GAFILAT) based in Buenos Aires, Argentina; * West Africa Money Laundering Group (GIABA) based in Dakar, Senegal; * Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) based in Manama, Bahrain; * Council of Europe Anti-Money Laundering Group (MONEYVAL) based in Strasbourg, France (Council of Europe).

Answer 127

It is **a not-for-profit international arbitration organisation** based in Singapore, which administers arbitrations under its own rules of arbitration and the **United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Arbitration Rules.** **Significance for India and Indian companies** * Foreign investors investing in India typically want **to avoid the rigmarole of the Indian courts.** * Foreign investors feel that **Singapore is neutral ground for dispute resolution.** * According to the 2019 annual report of SIAC, **India was the top user of its arbitration seat with 485 cases being referred to SIAC,** followed by Philippines at 122, China at 76 and the United States at 65. * Singapore itself over time has built a stellar reputation as **jurisdiction driven by rule of law with international standards and high integrity.** This gives comfort to investors that the arbitration process will be **quick, fair and just”**. * Recently SIAC awarded the Amazon-Future dispute in favour of Amazon and stayed the 24000cr deal between Future Retail and Reliance Retail **How is the dispute taken up at the SIAC? What is the procedure to be followed?** Once a dispute is referred to arbitration, the process of **appointment of the arbitral tribunal** takes place. **Composition**: Typically, **in case of a three member tribunal,** both the parties appoint one member each to the tribunal, while the third member is jointly appointed by the two nominees or, if they fail to agree, by SIAC. **Appointment of an Emergency Arbitrator:** Appointment of the arbitral tribunal usually takes time. * Therefore, under the rules of SIAC, **parties can move SIAC to appoint an emergency arbitrator** to get urgent interim relief, even as the process of appointment of the main arbitral tribunal is underway. **What happens when the parties don’t comply with the order voluntarily?** Currently under Indian law, **there is no express mechanism for enforcement of the orders of the Emergency Arbitrator.** But, **the parties voluntarily comply with the Emergency Award.** * However, **if the parties don’t comply with the order voluntarily,** then the party which has won the emergency award, in this case Amazon, **can move the High Court in India under Section 9 of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996,** to get similar reliefs as granted by the Emergency Arbitrator.

Answer 128

1. The UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) is ***a subsidiary body of the U.N. General Assembly.*** 2. It is responsible for ***helping to facilitate international trade and investment.*** 3. Established ***by the UNGA in 1966.*** 4. Mandate is ***“to promote the progressive harmonization and unification of international trade law”*** through conventions, model laws, and other instruments that address key areas of commerce, from dispute resolution to the procurement and sale of goods. 5. ***Annual sessions*** held alternately in New York City and Vienna, where it is headquartered.

Answer 129

[**Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)**](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.insightsonindia.com/2021/06/24/information-fusion-centre-for-indian-ocean-region-ifc-ior/&ved=2ahUKEwi-z__x6-TzAhVPzDgGHX0VC9wQFnoECAQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0QR3imPOOoeNuV6gRQrfvj) * **set up in 2018** **to coordinate with regional countries on maritime issues and act as a regional repository of maritime data.** * It presently has linkages with more than 20 partner countries and multi-national agencies across the globe. * It is **located in Gurugram, India.** * **will facilitate transfer of commercial shipping info betn countries in IOR** * **While data is mostlyshared by virtual and digital means, it also hosts liasion officers from foreign countries for quicker analysis of info and timely response. For eg. Netherlands recently decided to post a liasion officer**

Answer 130

RMFIC functions under the aegis of **the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)** of which India became **an Observer in March 2020** along with Japan and the United Nations. It is based in **Madagascar**. It is **designed to deepen maritime domain awareness** by monitoring maritime activities and promoting information sharing and exchange.

Answer 131

The EMASOH headquarters is **composed of Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and French officers and based at the French naval base in Abu Dhabi.** The aim is “**to monitor maritime activity and guarantee freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.**” It was **started by France in February 2020.**

Answer 132

Project Cohesion (since 2006) and Project Prism (since 2003) serve as the framework for international cooperation in matters related to trafficking in chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of drugs, specifically cocaine and heroin (Project Cohesion), and amphetamine-types stimulants and other synthetic drugs (Project Prism). steered by the Internatinal Narcotics Control Board (INCB)

Answer 133

ASEAN is a regional organization which was established to promote political and social stability amid rising tensions among the Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states. * The motto of ASEAN is **“One Vision, One Identity, One Community”**. * Secretariat – Indonesia, Jakarta. * Members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia * Origin: * 1967 – Bangkok Declaration by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand laid the foundation * 1990s: Membership doubled after the changing conditions in the region following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 and the Cold War in 1991. * 2003 – **Bali Concord II** for the establishment of an ASEAN Community. * 2008 – ASEAN Charter comes into force and becomes a legally binding agreement. * 2015 – Launch of **ASEAN Community**. * ASEAN Community is comprised of three pillars: * ASEAN Political-Security Community * ASEAN Economic Community * ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community * The primary mode of decision making is by consensus. But, Charter enshrines the principle of **ASEAN-X** – This means that if all member states are in agreement, a formula for flexible participation may be used so that the members who are ready may go ahead while members who need more time for implementation may apply a flexible timeline. * ASEAN-led Forums * ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): Launched in 1993, the twenty-seven-member multilateral grouping was developed to facilitate cooperation on political and security issues * ASEAN plus Three: brings together China, Japan and S. Korea * East Asia Summit: First held in 2005, the summit seeks to promote security and prosperity in the region and is usually attended by the heads of state from ASEAN, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. ASEAN plays a central role as the agenda-setter. * Significance of ASEAN: * 3rd largest population in the world, of which more than half is below thirty years of age. * **3^rd largest market in the world -** larger than EU and North American markets. * **6^th largest economy** in the world, **3^rd in Asia**. * ASEAN has contributed to **regional stability**

Answer 134

After India became a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992, India saw its trade with ASEAN increase. Between 1993 and 2003, ASEAN-India bilateral trade grew at an annual rate of 11.2%, from US$2.9 billion in 1993 to US$12.1 billion in 2003 In 2008, the total volume of ASEAN-India trade was US$47.5 billion (17.5Bn$ India export vs 30Bn$ imports) At the [Second ASEAN-India Summit in 2003](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2003_ASEAN-India_Summit&action=edit&redlink=1), the [ASEAN-India Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ASEAN-India_Framework_Agreement_on_Comprehensive_Economic_Cooperation&action=edit&redlink=1) was signed. The Framework Agreement laid a sound basis for the eventual establishment of an [ASEAN-India Regional Trade and Investment Area](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ASEAN-India_Regional_Trade_and_Investment_Area&action=edit&redlink=1) (RTIA), which includes FTA in goods, services, and investment. ASEAN and India signed the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods (TIG) Agreement in [Bangkok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangkok) in 2009. The bilateral trade target of 70Bn$ was surpassed by 2011. The ASEAN-India Trade in Services and Investment Agreements was signed at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar in 2014

Answer 135

* It is the market development organisation for the gold industry. * It works across all parts of the industry, from gold mining to investment, and their aim is to stimulate and sustain demand for gold. * It is an association whose members comprise the world’s leading gold mining companies. * It helps to support its members to mine in a responsible way and developed the Conflict Free Gold Standard. * Headquartered in the UK, they have offices in India, China, Singapore, Japan and the United States.

Answer 136

**Petersberg Climate Dialogue** has been **hosted by Germany since 2010** to provide a **forum for informal high-level political discussions,** focusing both on **international climate negotiations** and the **advancement of climate action.** **It is usually held to prepare and lay grounds for the upcoming UNFCCC-COP.** The first meeting was initiated after the nearly completely failed negotiations at the [2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_United_Nations_Climate_Change_Conference) in Copenhagen (COP15), by German politician and chancellor [Angela Merkel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Merkel) to improve communication with leaders and between the environmental ministers. It was held in [Hotel Petersberg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Petersberg) on the [hill named "Petersberg"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petersberg_(Siebengebirge)) near the German city of [Bonn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonn), the [_seat of UNFCCC_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Framework_Convention_on_Climate_Change#Secretariat)_._ In subsequent years the conference took place in Berlin. **2020 edition of the dialogue was the first one held virtually owing to the pandemic**

Answer 137

This initiative has been launched by India for developing the infrastructure of small island nations vulnerable to climate change. * The new initiative is the result of cooperation between India, the U.K. and Australia and included the participation of leaders of small island nations such as Fiji, Jamaica and Mauritius. * IRIS initiative is a part of **the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)** that would focus on building capacity, having pilot projects, especially in small island developing states.

Answer 138

* Launched by Modi in September 2019 at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York, US. * It is a platform where knowledge is generated and exchanged on different aspects of disaster and climate resilience of infrastructure. * It will create a mechanism to assist countries to upgrade their capacities and practices, with regard to infrastructure development in accordance with their risk context and economic needs. * So far, 25 other countries, including Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, and the United States have joined this coalition. * **CDRI is the second international collaboration set up by India in the climate change sphere,** the other being **the International Solar Alliance** that has now evolved to the status of a “treaty-based” intergovernmental organisation.

Answer 139

* Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a distinct group of **38 UN Member States and 20 Non-UN Members/Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions** that face unique social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities. * The SIDS were **recognized as a distinct group of developing countries in June 1992,** at the UN Conference on Environment and Development. * SIDS’ unique and particular vulnerabilities are highlighted in **“The Future We Want”,** adopted at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (also known as Rio+20) * **The geographical regions** in which SIDS are located are the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the AIS (Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea). * **The Barbados Programme of Action** was produced in 1994 in order to assist the SIDS in their sustainable development efforts. * **The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS)** represent this group of states. * **SIDS** face the biggest threat from climate change. 1. One-third of the entire population of SIDS lives on lands that are less than five metres below the sea level. This makes them highly vulnerable to sea-level rise, storm surge and coastal destruction. 2. These countries contribute to only 1 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, and yet are among the first to experience the worst impacts of climate change. 3. extreme weather spawned by climate change is destroying SIDS land, real estate and infrastructure, with economically catastrophic effects.

Answer 140

The African Union (AU) is a continental union consisting of 55 countries of the continent of Africa, with exception of various territories of European possessions located in Africa. * The bloc was **founded on 26 May 2001** in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and launched on 9 July 2002 in South Africa. anounced in the ***Sirte declaration*** in Sirte, Libya in 1999. * **The intention of the AU is to** replace **the Organisation of African Unity (OAU),** established on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa by 32 signatory governments. * The African Union is made up of both political and administrative bodies. The highest decision-making organ is the [Assembly of the African Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assembly_of_the_African_Union), made up of all the heads of state or government of member states of the AU. **The AU’s secretariat,** the African Union Commission, is based in Addis Ababa. Within the African Union, there are official bodies, such as the [Peace and Security Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_and_Security_Council) and the [Pan-African Parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-African_Parliament). Recent news: * The **African Union (AU)** has suspended Burkina Faso’s participation in the organization’s activities until the country restores constitutional order after the military mutiny.

Answer 141

* It is **a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa.** * Established in **1975,** with the signing of **the Treaty of Lagos.** * **The goal of ECOWAS is** to achieve “collective self-sufficiency” for its member states by creating a single large trade bloc by building a full economic and trading union. * It also serves as **a peacekeeping force in the region.** * Considered one of the pillar regional blocs of the continent-wide **African Economic Community (AEC).** **ECOWAS includes two sub-regional blocs:** 1. **The** **West African Economic and Monetary Union** is an organisation of eight, mainly French-speaking states. 2. **The West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ),** established in 2000, comprises six mainly English-speaking countries. Recent news: ECOWAS suspended Burkina Faso due to the military coup in the country.

Answer 142

The African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, also known as **the “Pelindaba Treaty”**, established the nuclear-weapon-free zone on the African continent. It opened for signature on 12 April 1996 in Cairo, Egypt and entered into force on 15 July 2009. The African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty prohibits the research, development, manufacture, stockpiling, acquisition, testing, possession, control or stationing of nuclear weapons, as well as the dumping of radioactive wastes. The Treaty also prohibits any attack against nuclear installations in the zone by Treaty parties and requires them to maintain the highest standards of physical protection of nuclear material, facilities and equipment, which **are to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.** The Treaty requires all parties to apply full-scope International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards to all their peaceful nuclear activities. Nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy are therefore firmly entrenched in the Pelindaba Treaty.

Answer 143

* It is **an international organization founded in 1969,** consisting of 57 member states. * It is **the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations.** * The organisation states that it is **“the collective voice of the Muslim world”** and works to “safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony “. * The OIC has **permanent delegations to the United Nations and the European Union.** * **Permanent Secretariat** is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. **Significance of OIC for India:** * OIC’s growing economic and energy interdependence with India has become important in recent times. * Individually, India has good relations with almost all member nations. Ties with **the UAE and Saudi Arabia,** especially, have improved significantly in recent years. * The OIC includes two of India’s close neighbours, **Bangladesh and Maldives.**

Answer 144

QUAD was born in response to a natural calamity, the tsunami of 2004 Efforts by Quad in this regard: ● In the first-ever in-person leaders’ summit of the Quad (held in the US in 2021), the nations pledged to fight the climate crisis and partner on emerging technologies. ● Focus on increasing the Indo-Pacific region’s resilience to climate change by improving critical climate information-sharing and disaster-resilient infrastructure. ● Building a new technical facility through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to provide technical assistance in small island developing states and setting up a Climate and Information Services Task Force. suggestions: ● The Quad can drive inclusive energy transition in technology, manufacturing, and finance. ● They can provide much-needed technology expertise required to achieve the energy transition goals set under frameworks such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and OSOWOG (One Sun One World One Grid). ● India is well-placed to provide manufacturing infrastructure to build these technologies. To take over from China as the “world’s factory”, it will have to mirror its advantages of large-scale production at low costs. ● Funding: Quad has a role and an opportunity to drive capital investments towards helping developing nations to move towards sustainable forms of energy.

Answer 145

President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recently inspected documents related to the Atlantic Charter, a declaration signed by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in August 1941. ● The two leaders plan to sign what they’re calling a new Atlantic Charter, pledging to “defend the principles, values, and institutions of democracy and open societies.” About the Atlantic Charter: The Atlantic Charter was a joint declaration issued during World War II (1939-45) by the United States and Great Britain that set out a vision for the postwar world. ● First announced on August 14, 1941, a group of 26 Allied nations eventually pledged their support by January 1942. ● Among its major points were a nation’s right to choose its own government, the easing of trade restrictions and a plea for postwar disarmament. ● The document is considered one of the first key steps toward the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. The Atlantic Charter included eight common principles. This includes: 1. The United States and Britain agreed not to seek territorial gains from the war, and they opposed any territorial changes made against the wishes of the people concerned. 2. To support the restoration of self-government to those nations who had lost it during the war. 3. People should have the right to choose their own form of government.

Answer 146

**Kellogg-Briand Pact**, also called **Pact of Paris**, (August 27, 1928), multilateral agreement attempting to eliminate [war](https://www.britannica.com/topic/war) as an instrument of national policy. It was the most [grandiose](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/grandiose) of a series of peacekeeping efforts after [World War I](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-I). As a result of Kellogg’s proposal, nearly all the nations of the world eventually subscribed to the Kellogg (USA secy of State)-Briand (French Foreign min) Pact, agreeing to renounce war as an instrument of national policy and to settle all international disputes by peaceful means. The signatories allowed themselves a great variety of qualifications and interpretations, however, so that the pact would not prohibit, for example, wars of [self-defense](https://www.britannica.com/topic/self-defense-law) or certain military obligations arising from the League [Covenant](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Covenant), the [Monroe Doctrine](https://www.britannica.com/event/Monroe-Doctrine), or postwar treaties of alliance. These conditions, in addition to the treaty’s failure to establish a means of enforcement, rendered the agreement completely ineffective.

Answer 147

B Debtor Reporting System (DRS) is a statistical reporting system maintained by the World Bank to monitor the debt of developing countries. Information is supplied through reports from debtor countries.

Answer 148

Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (the Ship Recycling Convention or the Hong Kong Convention) was adopted in May 2009. After the entry into force of the Convention, the development and maintenance of an Inventory of Hazardous Materials, which identifies the amount and location of hazardous materials onboard a ship, will be required for all ships over 500GT. Furthermore, ships shall only be recycled at ship recycling facilities authorized by the competent authority. As of June 2021, Belgium, Congo, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ghana, **India**, Japan, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Serbia, Spain, and Turkey have acceded to the Convention. **No USA, China**

Answer 149

WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence will be a global platform for pandemic and epidemic intelligence, creating shared and networked access to vital multi-sectoral data, driving innovations in data analytics and building the communities of practice needed to predict, prevent, detect, prepare for and respond to worldwide health threats.

Answer 150

1. Signed in 1960 by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then Pakistan President Ayub Khan, the treaty allocates 80% of water from the six-river Indus water system to Pakistan. 2. Under the treaty signed between India and Pakistan i**n 1960, all the waters of** three rivers, namely **Ravi,Sutlej and Beas ( Eastern Rivers) (amounting to around 33 MAF (million acre-feet)) were allocated to India for exclusive use.** 3. While, the waters of **Western rivers - Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab- (amounting to around 135 MAF (million acre-feet))** were **allocated to Pakistan except for specified domestic , non-consumptive and agricultural use permitted to India as provided in the Treaty.** 4. India has also been given the right to generate hydroelectricity through run of the river(RoR) projects on the Western Rivers which, subject to specific criteria for design and operation is unrestricted. 5. This is a unique treaty ***involving a third party***. ***It was brokered by the World Bank***. 6. ***A Permanent Indus Commission*** was set up as a bilateral commission to implement and manage the Treaty. The Commission solves disputes arising over water sharing. 7. ***The Treaty also provides arbitration mechanism*** to solve disputes amicably. 8. Pakistan's objects to Indian hydroelectric projects namely Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Lower Kalnai (48 MW) and Kiru (624 MW) in Chenab basin in Jammu and Kashmir and few small hydroelectric projects in Ladakh

Answer 151

● The Permanent Indus Commission is a bilateral commission of officials from India and Pakistan, created to implement and manage goals of the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960. ● The Commission according to the treaty must meet regularly at least once a year, alternately in India and Pakistan. The functions of the Commission are: ● to study and report to the two Governments on any problem relating to the development on the waters of the rivers. ● to solve disputes arising over water sharing. ● to arrange technical visits to projects’ sites and critical river head works. ● to undertake, once in every five years, a general tour of inspection of the Rivers for ascertaining the facts. ● to take necessary steps for the implementation of the provisions of the treaty.

Answer 152

Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) ## Footnote It is a messaging network that financial institutions use to securely transmit information and instructions through a standardized system of codes. Under SWIFT, each financial organization has a unique code which is used to send and receive payments. ● SWIFT does not facilitate funds transfer: rather, it sends payment orders, which must be settled by correspondent accounts that the institutions have with each other. ● The SWIFT is a secure financial message carrier — in other words, it transports messages from one bank to its intended bank recipient. ● Its core role is to provide a secure transmission channel so that Bank A knows that its message to Bank B goes to Bank B and no one else. Bank B, in turn, knows that Bank A, and no one other than Bank A, sent, read or altered the message en route. Banks, of course, need to have checks in place before actually sending messages. ● SWIFT, first used in 1973, went live in 1977 with 518 institutions from 22 countries, its website states. SWIFT itself had replaced the much slower and far less dynamic Telex. Where is it located? The Belgium-headquartered SWIFT connects more than 11,000 banking and securities organizations in over 200 countries and territories. How is it administered? ● It is regulated by G-10 central banks from Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, and Sweden, alongside the European Central Bank. Its lead overseer is the National Bank of Belgium. ● The SWIFT oversight forum was established in 2012. The G-10 participants were joined by the central banks of India, Australia, Russia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, the Republic of Turkey, and the People’s Republic of China. Significance of SWIFT: ● Messages sent by SWIFT’s customers are authenticated using its specialised security and identification technology. ● Encryption is added as the messages leave the customer environment and enter the SWIFT Environment. ● Messages remain in the protected SWIFT environment, subject to all its confidentiality and integrity commitments, throughout the transmission process while they are transmitted to the operating centres (OPCs) where they are processed — until they are safely delivered to the receiver. https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvN\_8sA-Zf0djS74j1GOUQb71O5T?e=zCNIhq

Answer 153

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food assistance branch of the United Nations and the world’s largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security. Born in 1961, the WFP strives to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, with the ultimate goal in mind of eliminating the need for food aid itself. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and part of its Executive Committee. ● WFP food aid is also directed to fight micronutrient deficiencies, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and combat disease, including HIV and AIDS. Recently, India signed an agreement with the United Nation’s World Food Programme (WFP) for the distribution of 50,000 MT of wheat that it has committed to sending Afghanistan as part of a humanitarian assistance

Answer 154

Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Alibaba is working with WFP to develop digital “World Hunger Map”. ● The map will help to monitor global hunger and operations to end scourge by 2030 which is one of UN’s key Sustainable Development goals. ● It also aims to boost efficiency of interventions and shorten emergency response times.

Answer 155

● It is a designation given by the United States government to close allies that have strategic working relationships with the US Armed Forces but are not members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). ● Nations with MNNA designation are eligible to, among other things, host U.S. war reserve stockpiles of material inside their countries. ● While MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any commitments to the designated country. ● India is not a MNNA of US. ● Recently US has designated Qatar as MNNA

Answer 156

It is an international treaty that prohibits all use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster bombs, a type of explosive weapon which scatters submunitions ("bomblets") over an area. ● Additionally, the Convention establishes a framework to support victim assistance, clearance of contaminated sites, risk reduction education, and stockpile destruction. ● The convention was adopted on 30 May 2008 in Dublin. ● As of date, there are 110 state parties to the convention, and 13 other countries have signed up but are yet to ratify it. neither Ukraine nor Russia were signatories at the convention.

Answer 157

About WMO: ● The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a **specialized agency of the United Nations** dedicated to meteorology (weather), climatology (climate), operational hydrology (water) and other related geophysical sciences such as oceanography and atmospheric chemistry. ● Predessor organization — International Meteorological Organization (IMO) — founded in 1873. Reports: 1. Greenhouse Gas Bulletin. 2. Status of the World Climate. What does WMO do? 1. WMO **coordinates the activities of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services** in 191 States and Territories so that basic weather, climate and water services are made available to anyone who needs them, when they need them. 2. WMO guarantees the **publication of observations and statistics and furthers the application of meteorology and hydrology** (including the monitoring and predictions of climate change and ozone) to all aspects of human activities such as aviation, shipping, water management and agriculture. 3. WMO also **encourages research and training in meteorology and hydrology and their related applications and contributes towards reducing the impact of weather- and climate-related hazards**. This is accomplished through regular, reliable forecasts and early warnings on flooding, drought, tropical cyclones, tornadoes and other extreme events. 4. **Predictions concerning locust swarms and the transport of pollutants (nuclear and toxic substances, volcanic ash)** are also provided by WMO Members.

Answer 158

1. First WTO deal in 7 yrs 2. Three Agreements: 1. Agreement on COVID Vaccine 2. Agreement on Fishing 3. Agreement on Food crops trade

Answer 159

1. issue of vaccine inequity: 1. As of May 2022, most rich countries had high levels of their population fully vaccinated- 82% in Canada, 67% in USA, 63% in India; overall 60% for the whole world. 66% of world, as whole, was at least partially vaccinated. However, only 22% of Africa was at least partially vaccinated and only 17% completely vaccinated, with cuntries like Chad with only 13% pop partially vaccinated and NIger with 8.5%. Similarly Afghanistan with only 13% partially vaccinated. 2. vaccine hoarding by developed countries led to emergence of new variants eg. China exported 48% of vaccines produced inside CHina while India exported 42%. In comparison USA and UK exported almost 0% 3. In Oct 2020, developing countries led by India and South Africa had requested WTO to temporarily suspend IP rights related to COVID vaccine. This was opposed by US and UK, though USA announced its supprt in May 2021 on the condition that China is excluded from the waiver. 2. Under the agreement, COVID waiver has been granted. This is not a full waiver- just an extension of the compulsory licensing system. Developing countries will be allowed to authorise the use of a patent for production and supply without the patent holder's consent for 5 yrs, subject to possible extension 3. However it has been limited to vaccines only and excludes therapeutics (tratment after disease) and diagnostics. To be reconsidered within 6 months 4. The products need not be predominantly for the domestic mkt to ensure more exports. However exports will be restricted to countries that cannot produce vaccines (developing nations of Africa). 5. China has voluntarily opted out of the agreemnt 6. Criticism: 1. Critics have pointed out that it is very narrow exemption and not a waiver. 2. A vaccine waiver alone may be too little too late 3. Waiver of IP rights will not amount to anything substantial if pharma companies in the Third World do not have the know-how to produce medicines and vaccines. In India, for nearly five decades, the generic industry has reverse-engineered drugs to mass manufacture low-priced therapeutics. But vaccines present a different order of challenge: Manufacturers require not only patented knowledge but also partnerships with the original innovator to develop these preventives.

Answer 160

* Talks hv been going on for 20 yrs * features: * No WTO member shall grant any subsidy for vessels or operator engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing or for fishing of an over-fished stock * Developing countries will be exempt for 2 yrs * Members themselves will carry out investigations into activities off their coasts. India has been a critique of this since INdian fishermen are often accused of fishing in Sri Lankan waters. * All members will be reqd to notify the WTO of their fishing subsidy schemes * Talks for a better, more comprehensive agreement on Fisheries will continue * significance * The deal is only the 2nd multilateral agreement on new global trade rules that the WTO has agrred in its 27 yrs history * will help fish stocks to recover * issues * no comment on industrial fishing * env concerns remain

Answer 161

1. Features 1. WTO member agreed in a declaration that they would take concrete steps to facilitate trade of food and agriculture, including cereals, fertilisers and other agri inputs. ***However, it's just a commitment, not legally binding*** 2. Criticised restrictions on food exports 3. **Binding decision not to curb exports to World Food Programme (WFP), which seeks to fight hunger in places hit by conflicts, disasters and CC** 4. Member would still be free to adopt measures to ensure their own food security