Treaties UPSC Flashcards
1
Q
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
A
- Headquarters: Bonn, Germany
- Aim: To stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations and prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
- India: Party since 1993.
2
Q
Paris Agreement (2015)
A
- Headquarters: Administered by UNFCCC, Bonn, Germany
- Aim: To limit global temperature rise this century to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.
- India: Party since 2016.
- Note: India’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the agreement emphasize renewable energy and carbon intensity reduction.
3
Q
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
A
- Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
- Aim: To conserve biodiversity, use it sustainably, and ensure fair sharing of its benefits.
- India: Party since 1994.
4
Q
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
A
- Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
- Aim: To eliminate chemical weapons and prevent their use and production.
- India: Party since 1997.
5
Q
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
A
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Aim: To prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
- India: Not a party, as it considers the treaty discriminatory.
6
Q
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
A
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Aim: To protect civil and political rights including freedom of speech, religion, and fair trial.
- India: Party since 1979.
7
Q
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
A
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Aim: To eliminate discrimination against women in all forms and promote gender equality.
- India: Party with some reservations.
8
Q
World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement
A
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Aim: To facilitate smooth and fair global trade through rules-based dispute resolution and negotiations.
- India: Founding member.
9
Q
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
A
- Headquarters: Washington D.C., USA
- Aim: To promote global monetary cooperation and financial stability.
- India: Member since 1945.
10
Q
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
A
- Headquarters: No permanent secretariat; meetings are hosted by member countries
- Aim: To prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment, and technology that can be used to manufacture nuclear weapons.
- India: Not a member, but has sought entry since the 2008 waiver.
- News: Chair of 2024-25 is South Africa
11
Q
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
A
- Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
- Aim: To ban all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes.
- India: Not a party, due to concerns over the discriminatory nature of the treaty and lack of a time-bound disarmament plan
12
Q
Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
A
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Aim: To reduce hazardous waste movements between nations, especially from developed to developing countries.
- India: Party since 1992.
13
Q
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
A
- Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Aim: To accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the Southeast Asian region.
- India: Not a member, but a strategic partner via the ASEAN-India Dialogue Partnership (since 1992).
- Note: India participates in ASEAN Plus Six, the East Asia Summit, and holds annual India-ASEAN Summits. ASEAN is central to India’s Act East Policy.
14
Q
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
A
- Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
- Aim: To coordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries to ensure fair and stable prices.
- India: Not a member, but a major importer of OPEC oil.
- Note: India engages with OPEC+, especially for oil pricing, energy security, and supply chain negotiations. Over 80% of India’s crude oil comes from OPEC countries.
15
Q
Group of Twenty (G20)
A
- Headquarters: No permanent secretariat; hosted by rotating presidency
- Aim: To bring together major economies to discuss international financial and economic policy coordination.
- India: Member, and hosted G20 in 2023.
- News: India hosted G20 Summit in 2023 under the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam; adoption of Delhi Declaration without mentioning Russia.
16
Q
Group of Seven (G7)
A
- Headquarters: No formal headquarters; rotating annual presidency
- Members: Canada, US, France, Germany, Italy, UK and Japan
- Aim: To discuss and coordinate economic policies among the world’s most advanced economies.
- India: Not a member, but invited as a guest country on multiple occasions.
17
Q
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
A
- Headquarters: Rotating presidency, with New Development Bank headquartered in Shanghai, China
- Aim: To promote peace, development, and reform of global governance institutions.
- India: Founding member.
- News: BRICS expanded in 2024 to include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE
- Associated Protocols/Bodies: New Development Bank (NDB), BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement, BRICS Summit
18
Q
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
A
- Headquarters: Kathmandu, Nepal
- Aim: To promote regional integration and development in South Asia.
- India: Founding member
- Why in News/Recent Developments: Activities stalled due to India–Pakistan tensions; India prefers BIMSTEC now
- Associated Protocols/Bodies: SAARC Development Fund (SDF), SAARC Disaster Management Centre, SAFTA
19
Q
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
A
- Headquarters: Beijing, China
- Aim: Originally a security grouping, now expanding into economic and cultural cooperation.
- India: Full member since 2017.
- Associated Protocols/Bodies: Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), SCO Summit, SCO Council of Ministers
20
Q
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
A
- Headquarters: Singapore
- Aim: To promote free trade and economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
- India: Not a member, though it has sought membership since the 1990s.
- Note: APEC includes major economies like the US, China, and Australia. India’s entry has been blocked due to criteria like “Pacific Rim” geographical location.
21
Q
Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
A
Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Aim: To promote cooperation in areas like trade, energy, and connectivity in the Bay of Bengal region.
India: Founding member.
Note: Seen as a complement to SAARC, especially given Pakistan’s absence. Focuses on regional integration and India’s Neighborhood First and Act East policies.
22
Q
Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
A
- Headquarters: Ebene, Mauritius
- Aim: To promote regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, focusing on maritime security, trade, and disaster risk management.
- India: Founding member.
- Note: India’s role is critical due to strategic maritime concerns and ambitions under the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
23
Q
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)
A
- Headquarters: No official headquarters
- Aim: An informal strategic forum between the US, India, Japan, and Australia focusing on a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
- India: Core member.
24
Q
United Nations (UN)
A
- Headquarters: New York City, USA
- Aim: To maintain international peace and security, foster cooperation among nations, and promote human rights and development.
- India: Founding member
- Note: As part of the UN80 initiative, reform of global governance structures is a current focus
25
World Trade Organization (WTO)
* Headquarters: **Geneva**, Switzerland
* Aim: To regulate international trade and resolve disputes between nations through a **rules-based system**.
* India: **Member** since 1995
26
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
* Headquarters: **Washington D.C**., USA
* Aim: To promote global **financial stability**, facilitate **international trade**, and **reduce poverty** around the world.
* India: Founding **member**
* Note: India holds **2.75% voting power** and has been advocating for **quota reforms**.
27
World Bank Group
* Headquarters: **Washington D.C**., USA
* Aim: To provide **long-term loans and grants to developing countries** for development projects and poverty alleviation.
* India: **Founding member**
28
World Health Organization (WHO)
* Headquarters: **Geneva**, Switzerland
* Aim: To direct international health responses and **promote public health** globally.
* India: Founding **member**
29
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
* Headquarters: **Paris**, France
* Aim: To promote global peace through education, science, culture, and information.
* India: Founding member
* Note: India has **42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites**.
30
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
* Headquarters: **Vienna**, Austria
* Aim: To promote the **peaceful use** of nuclear energy and prevent its use for military purposes.
* India: **Member**; signed Safeguards Agreement under Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal (2008)
31
African Union (AU)
* Headquarters: **Addis Ababa**, Ethiopia
* Aim: To promote unity, peace, and **sustainable development** across Africa.
* India: **Not a member**, but a key development partner
32
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
* Headquarters: **Paris**, France
* Aim: To promote policies that improve the **economic and social well-being** of people around the world.
* India: **Not a member**, but closely cooperates and contributes to data and policy exchanges
* Note: OECD publishes important indices like **PISA Test (education)**, Economic Outlook, and Environmental Performance Reviews.
33
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
* Headquarters: **Gurugram**, Haryana, India
* Aim: To promote **solar energy deployment** and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, especially among tropical countries.
* India: Founding member and host country
* Note: Treaty based Inter governmental Organization under **Art. 102 of UN Charter**; Launched by **India and France in 2015 at COP21 (Paris Agreement)**.
34
International Labour Organization (ILO)
* Headquarters: **Geneva**, Switzerland
* Aim: To promote **social justice** and internationally recognized human and labor rights.
* India: Founding **member**
* Note: The ILO is a **tripartite organization** — includes governments, employers, and workers.
* Important reports: World Employment and Social Outlook, **Global Wage Report**.
35
Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
* Headquarters: **Paris**, France
* Aim: To set international standards and promote effective legal, regulatory, and operational measures to **combat money laundering and terrorism financing**.
* India: **Member** since 2010
* Note: Maintains **grey list** (increased monitoring) and **blacklist** (high-risk jurisdictions).
* News: Pakistan removed from Grey List in 2022
36
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
* Headquarters: **Geneva**, Switzerland
* Aim: To promote and protect human rights around the globe through **dialogue and recommendations**.
* India: Non- permanent Member (elected periodically)
* Note: Conducts **Universal Periodic Review (UPR)** of human rights records of UN members
* News: India has defended its position on Kashmir and minority rights before UNHRC
37
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
* Headquarters: **Beijing**, China
* Aim: To foster **sustainable economic development** and infrastructure investment in Asia and beyond.
* India: Founding member and **2nd largest shareholder** after China
* Note: India has been the **largest recipient of AIIB funds**, especially for transport, urban, and renewable energy projects.
38
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
* Headquarters: **Manila**, Philippines
* Aim: To promote social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific through **loans, grants, and technical assistance**.
* India: Founding member
* Note: Provides sovereign and non-sovereign loans
* News: pledged climate-related infrastructure investments in India
39
New Development Bank (NDB - BRICS Bank)
* Headquarters: **Shanghai**, China
* Aim: To mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable **development projects in BRICS** and other emerging economies.
* India: **Founding member**
40
Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
* Headquarters: **Basel**, Switzerland
* Aim: To act as a **bank for central banks** and foster international monetary and financial cooperation.
* India: **Member through RBI**
* Note: BIS is involved in shaping global financial standards, including **Basel I/II/III norms**.
41
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
* Headquarters: No central HQ
* Aim: To remove **trade barriers** and promote investment among **U.S., Canada, and Mexico**
* India: Not a member
* News: Replaced by the **United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA)**
42
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
* Headquarters: **Gland**, Switzerland
* Aim: Conservation and sustainable use of wetlands
* India: Party since 1982
* Note: Sites are designated under **Montreux Record** if threatened.
* News: India has designated **80+ Ramsar sites**, among the highest in Asia
43
Genocide Convention (1948)
* Headquarters: N/A
* Aim: To prevent and punish the crimes of **genocide,** ethnic cleansing and war crimes
* India: **Party**/Ratified in 1959
* Note: Basis for prosecutions in International Criminal Tribunals and **International Criminal Court (ICC)**
44
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
* Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
* Aim: **Military alliance** ensuring collective defense among member states.
* India: **Not a member**
* News: Russia–Ukraine war
* Note: **Article 5** – collective defense clause.
45
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
* Headquarters: **Geneva**, Switzerland
* Aim: To promote protection of **intellectual property** worldwide.
* India: **Member** since 1975
* Note: Administers treaties like **Berne Convention**(Copyrights), Paris Convention, Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
46
Treaty of Versailles (1919)
* Signed at the **Palace of Versailles**, France
* Aim: To formally **end World War I** and hold Germany accountable for the war.
* India: Represented through the British Empire; signed by Indian delegates.
* Note: Led to the creation of the **League of Nations**, which eventually gave way to the United Nations.
47
The Minamata Convention on Mercury (2017)
* legally binding global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury
* India is a party
* Methylmercury is a highly toxic chemical, and it was bio-accumulated and biomagnified in the fish and shellfish in the Minamata Bay and the Yatsushiro Sea (also called the Shiranui Sea)
48
Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants
* Signed **2001**
* to **eliminate or restrict** the production and use of POPs
* India is a **party** to the Stockholm Convention since 2002
* In July 2020, new restrictions on Perfluorooctanoic acids (**PFOAs**) came into effect
* United Nations Industrial Development Organization (**UNIDO**)
49
Rotterdam Convention (2004)
- establishes a **Prior Informed Consent Procedure** for Certain **Hazardous Chemicals** and Pesticides in International Trade
- open exchange of information, use proper labeling, include directions on safe handling, etc.
- India is a member
50
Which four International Treaties does the **Hazardous Substances Management Division** (HSMD) manage?
Nodal point within the **Ministry for management of chemical emergencies and hazardous substances**
Four Treaties:
* **Basel Convention** on Control of transboundary movement of Hazardous waste and their disposal;
* **Rotterdam Convention** on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for certain Chemicals and Pesticides in International trade;
* **Stockholm Convention** on Persistent Organic Pollutants,
* **Minamata Convention** on Mercury and Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management.
51
What is the **National Biodiversity Authority** (NBA)?
A **statutory autonomous body** under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and climate change (**MOEFCC**) established in **2003** to implement the provisions of the **Biological Diversity Act, 2002**
52
United Nations Conference on the Human Environment
* HQ - **Stockholm**
* Signed **1972**
* first world conference to make the environment a major issue
* adopted a series of 26 principles including the **Stockholm Declaration** and **Action Plan** for the Human Environment
* One of the major results of the Stockholm conference was the creation of the **United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)**.
53
What is the National Council for Environmental Policy and Planning
regulatory body established in 1972 in India for the overview of the environmental-related issues and concerns
later converted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests
54
What is CITES (1963)?
* Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
* Legally binding multilateral agreement under IUCN
* Enforced by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau in India - Mandate: Under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
55
Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)
* aka **Bonn Convention (1979)** - environmental treaty under **UNEP**
* global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats
* HQ: Bonn
* COP14 in Uzbekistan 2024
56
International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling
* 1946, Washington
* to set limits for commercial and subsistence whaling
* International Whaling Commission main decision-making body
* India is a member
* Note: no clear definition of Whale
