International organizations

Context The outcomes of COP29 in Baku concerning the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance have drawn criticism for falling short of addressing principles of climate justice and equitable burden-sharing. Key Takeaways from COP29 Origin of NCQG: Conceptualized at COP21, the NCQG builds on the $100 billion annual …

The ongoing discussions within the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) focus on establishing a global treaty to address plastic pollution. The treaty aims to provide a comprehensive framework to reduce plastic waste, with particular attention to creating fair conditions for informal waste workers. What …

Context: The recent COP29 summit in Baku concluded with a lackluster agreement on climate finance, raising serious concerns about the trajectory of global climate negotiations. Challenges in Climate Negotiations Insufficient Financial Commitments Developed countries have pledged only $300 billion annually until 2035, which falls significantly short of the estimated $1 …

Context (TH): At COP29, activists and experts called for holding fossil fuel-exporting nations accountable for emissions generated abroad, particularly in developing countries. This issue has gained global attention as the environmental impact of fossil fuel exports is increasingly recognized in climate negotiations. Advantages of Fossil-Fuel Exports Economic Growth: Fossil fuel …

Context (TH): Private universities in India are rapidly advancing in global rankings, surpassing public institutions through deliberate internationalization strategies and a heightened emphasis on research output. Internationalization of Higher Education incorporates a global outlook into teaching, learning, and research, promoting graduates who are culturally aware and globally proficient. Key Findings …

Context: The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) 2024 between India and the UAE has replaced the earlier Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA), aimed at fostering stronger economic cooperation between the two nations. The UAE, accounting for 3% of India’s total FDI, has invested around $19 billion in India between …

Context Recently, North Korea announced that over 1.4 million people had volunteered to join the military, while it destroyed infrastructure along the border in response to South Korean drone operations and propaganda. Current Issues in the Korean Peninsula: Destruction of Infrastructure: North Korea has destroyed roads and railways near the …

Context In October 2024, the Indian Prime Minister is attending the ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Vientiane, Laos, which marks the 10th anniversary of India’s “Act East Policy.” This engagement highlights ASEAN’s critical role in India’s foreign policy. Significance of ASEAN in India’s Foreign Policy Countering Chinese Influence: India …

Context: The sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit took place in Wilmington, Delaware, focusing on international cooperation, security, climate, health, and technological innovation. Major Discussions: UN Security Council Reform: Emphasis on making the UNSC more representative and inclusive by expanding both permanent and non-permanent members. Support for Rules-Based International Order: Reaffirmation of …

Context: Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister met with the Sri Lankan President to discuss collaboration across various sectors, highlighting the ongoing partnership between the two nations. Recent Developments in India-Sri Lanka Relations: Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC): India and Sri Lanka jointly launched the MRCC with a $6 million grant …

Context: The World Bank has elevated Russia from an ‘upper-middle income’ to a ‘high-income’ country, a classification it last held in 2014. Russia’s Economic Resilience Global Rankings: Russia is 72nd in per-capita GNI and 53rd in purchasing power parity worldwide. GDP Growth: In 2023, Russia saw a 3.6% increase in …

Relevancy for Mains: Implications of the Russia-North Korea security pact on the stability of the world, etc. The security pact reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, in which both countries promised mutual assistance “in the event of aggression”, has echoes from the …

International Criminal Court Recently, an application was presented to a pre-trial chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants against five individuals linked to the conflict in Gaza. The five individuals are- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders Yahya …

  Concept: The UNHRC is a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. It was established in 2006, replacing the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), with the aim of addressing the shortcomings of its predecessor and enhancing the …

TABLE OF CONTENTS UNODA Objectives and Functions Key Initiatives and Programs I.UNODA: United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs • Established in 1982, UNODA serves as the principal United Nations office dealing with disarmament matters. • Mandate includes promoting nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control, among other disarmament efforts. • Headquartered …