June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR

INTERNATIONAL ⇨ Reduces Agartala to Kolkata travel time from

31 to 10 hours.

RELATIONS ⇨ Funded by India, supported by the Ministry for

Development of North East Region and the
June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) Ministry of External Affairs.

Contents Free Movement Regime (FMR)

India and its Relations.............................................. 1 ⇨ Exists between India and Myanmar.
Organisations, Groups, etc......................................4 ⇨ Hill tribe members from areas within 16 km of
UN-Related................................................................13 the Indo-Myanmar border can cross with a
Miscellaneous........................................................... 19 border pass.
⇨ Pass valid for one year; allows two-week stays
per visit.
India and its Relations
India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway
India-Nepal Hydropower Cooperation ⇨ 1,360 km route under construction to connect
⇨ Agreement targets 10,000 megawatts of Moreh, India with Mae Sot, Thailand via
electricity export to India within a decade. Myanmar.
⇨ Key projects include West Seti, Seti River ⇨ 70% of construction completed.
(SR6), Sapta Kosi, Mahakali Treaty, Upper ⇨ Proposal to extend to Cambodia, Laos, and
Karnali, Arun-III, Phukot Karnali, and Lower Vietnam.
Arun Hydroelectric Projects.
"India Out" Campaign
India-Nepal Joint Commission ⇨ Led by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM),
⇨ 7th meeting held in Kathmandu, agreements influenced recent electoral victory.
signed. ⇨ Initiated in response to India’s gift of two
⇨ Established in 1987 to review bilateral Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters in 2010 and
partnerships. 2015.
⇨ India is Nepal’s largest trading partner and ⇨ Maldives is strategically located near Indian
biggest source of foreign direct investment. Navy patrolled waters, close to Minicoy Island
⇨ Nepal is a priority under India’s and India's Western Coast.
‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
⇨ Power Exchange Agreement in place since India-Oman Relations
1971, updated in 2023. ⇨ Oman recognized as a strategic partner since
2008, significant in Gulf Cooperation Council,
Maitri Setu Arab League, and Indian Ocean Rim Association.
⇨ Friendship bridge between India and ⇨ Home to a large Indian Diaspora of 700,000.katya124905@gmail.
Bangladesh over the Feni River. ⇨ Bilateral trade grew from USD 5.4 billion in
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⇨ Spans 1.9 kilometres, connecting Sabroom 2020-21 to USD 12.3 billion in 2022-23.
(Tripura) with Ramgarh (Bangladesh). ⇨ Oman was the second-largest market for its
⇨ Feni River forms part of the India-Bangladesh crude oil exports to India in 2022, after China.
border, flows into the Bay of Bengal, tributaries
9654469135 ⇨ Launched Rupay debit card in Oman in
include Muhuri, Raidak, Chandkhira, Ryang, and October 2022.
Kushiyara Rivers. ⇨ Oman crucial to the proposed
India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Agartala-Akhaura Railway Project
⇨ Tripura-Bangladesh railway link spans about India – UAE Relations
12km. ⇨ UAE is India's 3rd largest trading partner and
2nd largest export destination for 2022-23.

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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA) signed, first such agreement
for India in a decade.
⇨ Key outcomes from recent Indian PM's visit:
⇨ Local Currency Settlement System
Framework established for INR and AED usage
in cross-border transactions.
⇨ Financial integrations include linking UPI with
UAE’s IPP, mutual card acceptance of RuPay and
UAESWITCH, and connection of financial
messaging systems.
⇨ Memorandum of Understanding signed to
establish IIT-Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA)
⇨ Came into force in 2022, first full free trade
agreement by India in ten years.
⇨ Covers trade in goods and services, rules of
origin, customs cooperation, and dispute
settlement.
⇨ Bilateral trade increased by approximately
15% since CEPA’s inception.
⇨ Enhances maritime cooperation and security
through military exercises like Desert Eagle.
India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership
Council (SPC)
⇨ Established in 2019, India is the fourth
country to form such a partnership with Riyadh.
⇨ Aims to steer Indo-Saudi relations through a
high-level council.
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⇨ Two main pillars: Political, Security, Social and
Cultural Cooperation; and Economy and
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Investments.
Greece and India Relations
⇨ Indian Prime Minister's first visit to Greece in
four decades.
⇨ Bilateral ties upgraded to strategic
partnership.
⇨ Indian PM awarded the Grand Cross of the
Order of Honour.
⇨ Historical linkages include trade, diplomacy
(Megasthenes as ambassador), and cultural
exchanges like Gandhara art.
India-Kenya Relations
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katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ 1981 trade agreement grants Most Favored
Nation status to each other.
⇨ 80,000 people of Indian origin in Kenya; India
is a significant source of tourists.
⇨ Kenya actively participates in the African
Union; India has longstanding ties with the
union.
⇨ Key Kenyan geographic and international links
include Lake Turkana and the UN-Habitat
headquarters in Nairobi.
Horizon 2047 Framework
⇨ Marked 25 years of strategic relations
between India and France.
⇨ Outlines bilateral ties trajectory until 2047.
⇨ Includes defense, nuclear energy, space,
environmental, and visa initiatives.
⇨ Adopted three pillars: Security, Planet, and
People.
India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
⇨ 2nd dialogue held in New Delhi, co-chaired by
India's Defence Minister & External Affairs
Minister with Australian counterparts.
⇨ Discussed enhancing Indo-Pacific defense
partnership and collaboration in information
exchange and research.
India-South Korea Relations
⇨ 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of
diplomatic ties.
⇨ Historical connections include Princess
Suriratna’s marriage to King Kim-Suro in 48 AD
and Buddhist Monk Hyecho's travels.
⇨ Strategic partnership evolved to 'Special
Strategic Partnership' in 2015.
⇨ Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement in effect since 2009; bilateral trade
reached US$ 27.8 billion in 2022.
⇨ Initiatives like 'Korea Plus' promote Korean
investments in India; annual 'Sarang' festival
showcases Indian culture in South Korea.
⇨ Defense Policy Dialogue upgraded to a 2+2
Dialogue in 2019.
Future Leaders Scholarship Programme
⇨ Imperial College London's largest scholarship
programme for Indian students announced.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ Supports 30 Master’s scholars in engineering,
sciences, business, and medical research over
three years, covering tuition and living
expenses.
Migration and Mobility Agreement
⇨ Agreement between India and Italy approved
by the Union Cabinet.
⇨ Allows Indian students in Italy temporary
residence for up to 12 months post-study.
⇨ Italian quota for Indian non-seasonal and
seasonal workers set for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
⇨ Agreement effective for five years,
auto-renews unless terminated.
Global Alliance for Global Good - Gender
Equity and Equality
⇨ Launched by India at the 54th World
Economic Forum in Davos to promote women's
empowerment and gender equality.
⇨ Aims to amalgamate global best practices,
knowledge sharing, and investment in women's
education, health, and enterprise.
⇨ Supported by industry leaders like
MasterCard, Uber, Tata, TVS, Bayer, Godrej,
Serum Institute of India, IMD Lausanne.
⇨ Over 10,000 partners including the
Confederation of Indian Industry.
⇨ Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supports;
housed at the CII Centre for Women
Leadership.
⇨ World Economic Forum and Invest India
joined as Network and Institutional Partners
respectively.
U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership
(SCEP)
⇨ Launched under the US-India Climate and
Clean Energy Agenda 2030osloPartnership
announced in 2021.
⇨ Aims to accelerate climate and clean energy
goals.
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⇨ Includes the Climate Action and Finance
Mobilization Dialogue.
⇨ Related initiatives:
⇨ South Asia Group for Energy (SAGE): Phased
launch with USAID and MNRE collaboration.
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⇨ Renewable Energy Technologies Action
Platform (RETAP): Focuses on developing
critical clean energy technologies.
India-US Strategic Partnership
⇨ Indian Prime Minister's 31st visit to the
United States, third Official State Visit.
⇨ Agreements include:
1. Innovation Handshake under the
US-India Initiative on Critical and
Emerging Technology (iCET), started
January 2023.
2. Co-production of GE F414 jet engine by
General Electric and Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited, used in US Navy
for over 30 years.
3. Purchase of 31 MQ-9B drones for
high-altitude long-endurance
operations.
4. Launch of US-India Defence
Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) for
joint defense technology innovation.
5. Signing of the Artemis Accord for
cooperation in outer space exploration;
NASA and ISRO collaboration for
astronaut missions to the International
Space Station by 2024.
Artemis Accord
⇨ India became the 27th member, endorsing a
set of principles for space exploration.
⇨ Main missions include:
1. Artemis-I: Unmanned Moon mission
launched on November 16, 2022.
2. Artemis-II: Crewed Lunar Flyby
scheduled for 2024. katya124905@gmail.
3. Artemis-III: Human return to the Moon
set for 2025.
India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
⇨ 5th dialogue concluded in Delhi, discussing
strategic and security issues.
⇨ Part of India's broader 2+2 dialogue
mechanism with Australia, Japan, the United
Kingdom, and Russia.
INDUS-X Investors Meet
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ Preceded the 2+2 Indo-US Ministerial
Dialogue, organized by Innovations for Defence
Excellence and US Department of Defence.
⇨ Launch of the INDUS-X Educational Series
(Gurukul) to guide innovators and startups.
⇨ INDUS-X initiative fosters defense innovation
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and strategic partnerships.
Innovation Handshake
⇨ Launched under the US-India Commercial
Dialogue.
⇨ Focuses on strengthening startup ecosystems
and fostering cooperation in critical and
emerging technologies.
Organisations, Groups, etc.
Group of Seven (G7)
⇨ Inter-governmental forum: Canada, France,
Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, US.
⇨ EU is a 'nonenumerated member'.
⇨ Represents over 50% of global net wealth,
32-46% of GDP, 10% of population.
⇨ Originated from 1973 finance ministers'
gathering.
⇨ No treaty, permanent office.
⇨ Presidency rotates annually, host sets agenda.
⇨ Russia was member (1997-2014).
⇨ France hosted first summit in 1975.
⇨ 49th summit held in Hiroshima, Japan.
G20
⇨ Formed in 1999 after Asian Financial Crisis.
⇨ Raised to summit level in 2008 during global
financial crisis.
⇨ Presidency rotates annually among 19
countries.
⇨ No permanent secretariat or HQ.
⇨ India hosted 18th summit with theme “One
Earth, One Family, One Future”.
⇨ Delhi Declaration aims to triple global
renewable energy by 2030, supports Black Sea
grain initiative, strengthens AMIS and
GEOGLAM.
⇨ Various initiatives announced like GBA and
IMEC.
⇨ African Union formally inducted.
Troika
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⇨ Working association between current, past,
and next presidency.
African Union
⇨ Continental body of 55 African states.
⇨ Promotes unity, socio-economic integration,
peace.
⇨ Launched in 2002, HQ in Addis Ababa.
G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion
Document
⇨ Lauds India's DPI impact.
Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG)
⇨ Aims for sustainable finance, global growth.
⇨ G20 Sustainable Finance Roadmap guides.
G20 Generic Framework for Mapping GVCs
⇨ Non-binding framework for GVC mapping.
⇨ Based on Data, Analysis, Representation.
⇨ GVCs optimize production across firms,
countries.
⇨ Involves multi-border transactions.
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G20 Pandemic Fund
⇨ $1.4 billion fund launched in 2022.
⇨ Aims for global pandemic preparedness.
⇨ Supported by G20, non-G20, philanthropies.
⇨ India major donor.
⇨ $25 million grant for Animal Health System.
Business 20 (B20) Summit
⇨ Established in 2010 as G20 dialogue forum.
⇨ Brings policymakers, business leaders
together.
⇨ Recent theme: R.A.I.S.E.
⇨ Global SDG Acceleration Fund (GSAF)
created.
⇨ GSAF proposed for SDG financing.
Group of 77 (G-77)
⇨ Established in 1964.
⇨ Largest UN organization of developing
katya124905@gmail.com
nations.
⇨ Aims: Collective economic interests, joint UN
negotiating.
⇨ Comprises 134 developing nations.
⇨ India first to preside, China not officially
member.
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BRICS
⇨ Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
⇨ Aims: Peace, security, development,
cooperation.
⇨ Represents 42% population, 23% GDP, 30%
territory, 18% global trade.
⇨ Coined by economist Jim O'Neill (2001).
⇨ First summit: 2009 in Russia.
⇨ Recently, 15th summit in Johannesburg.
⇨ Key outcomes: Induction of six new members,
Johannesburg II Declaration.
South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC)
⇨ Aims: Welfare, economic growth, cultural
development.
⇨ 8 members, China as observer.
⇨ Headquarters: Kathmandu, Nepal.
BIMSTEC
⇨ Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation.
⇨ Involves South and Southeast Asian countries.
⇨ Free trade agreement under negotiation.
⇨ Leadership rotates alphabetically.
⇨ Permanent secretariat in Dhaka.
⇨ Founded in 1997, expanded in 2004.
⇨ Recent summit in Nepal.
⇨ Principles: Addition to bilateral, regional,
multilateral cooperation.
⇨ Acts as bridge between South and Southeast
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Asia.
⇨ Finalized charter after 23 years.9654469135
⇨ First Foreign Ministers' meeting in Bangkok.
⇨ Bangkok Vision 2030 aims for prosperous,
resilient, open BIMSTEC by 2030.
IBSA
⇨ Trilateral initiative: India, Brazil, South Africa.
⇨ Aims for South-South cooperation.
⇨ Formed officially in Brasilia (2003).
⇨ No headquarters or permanent secretariat.
⇨ Six Leadership Summits held.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
⇨ Founded in Shanghai (2001).
⇨ Focus: Political, economic, military
cooperation.
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katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ Members include China, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan.
⇨ Working languages: Russian, Mandarin.
⇨ Represents 24% GDP, 43% global population.
⇨ Recent virtual summit concluded with "New
Delhi Declaration".
Regional Anti-Terror Structure Mechanism
(RATS)
⇨ Under SCO, HQ in Tashkent.
⇨ Permanent organ.
⇨ India chaired Council in 2021.
ASEAN
⇨ Political, economic organization.
⇨ Founded in 1967.
⇨ Ten current members.
⇨ 20th ASEAN-India Summit held in Jakarta.
⇨ Celebrating 30th anniversary.
⇨ Theme: "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of
Growth".
⇨ ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement
signed in 2009.
ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Plus
(ADMM-Plus)
⇨ 10th meeting held in Jakarta.
⇨ Platform for ASEAN and eight Dialogue
Partners.
⇨ India's proposal on Counter-Terrorism
endorsed.
East Asia Summit
⇨ Established in 2005.
⇨ Premier forum in Asia-Pacific.
⇨ Represents 54% world population, 58% GDP.
⇨ Comprises ASEAN and eight other members.
⇨ Six priority areas of regional cooperation.
⇨ Chair position rotates annually.
⇨ 18th summit held in Jakarta.
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
⇨ 19th Summit held in Kampala, Uganda.
⇨ Theme: 'Deepening Cooperation for Shared
Global Affluence'.
⇨ Kampala Declaration adopted.
⇨ Originated from Asia-Africa Conference
(1955).
⇨ Ten Principles of Bandung adopted.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ 121 members including India.
⇨ South Sudan became 121st member.
Kampala Declaration
⇨ Adopted at 19th NAM Summit.
⇨ Commits to strengthen UN.
⇨ Joint efforts for 2030 Agenda and AAAA.
African Union (AU)
⇨ Continental body of 55 member states.
⇨ Founded in 2002, replaces OAU (1963).
⇨ Aims for political, economic, social integration.
⇨ Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
⇨ India proposes AU as G-20 permanent
member.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
⇨ Founded in 1969.
⇨ 57 member states including Iran, Pakistan.
⇨ Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
⇨ Aims to represent Muslim world.
⇨ India blocked due to Kashmir issue.
⇨ Second largest inter-governmental
organization.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
⇨ Alliance of Arabian Peninsula countries.
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⇨ Established in 1981.
⇨ Members: UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman,
9654469135
Qatar, Kuwait.
⇨ Iran, Iraq not members.
⇨ Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
⇨ Official language: Arabic.
Arab League
⇨ Regional organization in Middle East, parts of
Africa.
⇨ Founded in Cairo (1945).
⇨ Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt.
⇨ Aims for member state coordination.
⇨ 22 current members including Palestine.
Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)
⇨ Consultative forum for Indian Ocean
countries.
⇨ Theme: “Peace, Prosperity and Partnership for
a Resilient Future”.
⇨ 1st edition in Singapore (2016).
⇨ Recent 6th edition hosted by Bangladesh.
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Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
⇨ Intergovernmental organization.
⇨ Created by Port-Louis Declaration (1982).
⇨ Institutionalized in Seychelles (1984).
⇨ Comprises five-member states.
katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ Enhances security cooperation.
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
⇨ Conceived by Indian Navy in 2008.
⇨ Discusses maritime security.
⇨ Foster friendly relationships.
⇨ 8th Conclave hosted in Bangkok.
⇨ Thailand assumes Chair for next two years.
⇨ Republic of Korea Navy joins as Observer.
Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
⇨ International organization of 23 Indian Ocean
bordering states.
⇨ Formed in 1997 in Mauritius.
⇨ Aims for a free, open, inclusive Indian Ocean.
⇨ Secretariat located in Ebene, Mauritius.
⇨ Membership based on consensus.
Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation
(FIPIC)
⇨ Cooperation between India and 14 Pacific
Islands nations.
⇨ Recent 3rd Summit held in Port Moresby.
⇨ Engagement through development assistance.
⇨ Focus on capacity building and community
development.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
⇨ Autonomous organization, reports to UN GA
and SC.
⇨ Headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
⇨ Promotes scientific and technical cooperation.
⇨ Ensures nuclear activities remain peaceful.
⇨ Implements safeguards mandated by NPT.
Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB)
⇨ Largest association of Election Management
Bodies.
⇨ Founded in 2013 in Seoul.
⇨ ECI serves as Chairperson for 2019-22 term.
⇨ India hosts A-WEB Centre in New Delhi.
⇨ Theme of 2023 meeting: “A global view on the
challenges of regional elections.”
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
⇨ International organisation of national
parliaments.
⇨ Established in 1889 in Paris.
⇨ Works with UN and other organizations for
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conflict resolution.
⇨ 179 member countries including India.
⇨ Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
⇨ Recent address at Indian Parliament by IPU
President.
P20 Summit
⇨ 9th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit of G20
nations.
⇨ Set up during G20 Presidency of Canada
(2010).
⇨ Recent theme: “Parliaments for One Earth,
One Family, One Future.”
⇨ Highlights “LiFE is Beautiful” initiative for
eco-friendly practices.
Interpol
⇨ International Criminal Police Organisation.
⇨ 194 member intergovernmental organisation.
⇨ Headquarters in Lyon, France.
⇨ India joined in 1949.
⇨ Issues 8 types of notices for critical
crime-related information.
Red notice - wanted person
Green notice - warning and intelligence
Yellow notice - missing person
Orange notice - imminent threat
Blue notice - additional information
Purple notice - modus operandi
Black notice - unidentified body
Interpol-UNSC Special Notice: informs UN
sanctions.
Operation Storm Makers II
⇨ Exposed human trafficking victims forced into
cyber fraud.
⇨ Led to 281 arrests in multiple countries.
Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance
⇨ Multilateral intelligence-sharing network.
⇨ Members: Australia, Canada, New Zealand,
UK, US.
www.meritnest.com
⇨ Nature: Surveillance-based, tracks SIGINT.
⇨ Operates in various intelligence domains.
⇨ Shares intelligence via secret database ‘Stone
Ghost’.
I2U2 Initiative
⇨ Grouping of India, Israel, USA, UAE.
⇨ Formed in October 2021.
⇨ Deals with maritime security, infrastructure,
transport.
⇨ Initially named ‘International Forum for
Economic Cooperation’.
Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
⇨ Trilateral maritime security grouping.
⇨ Members: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives,
Mauritius.
⇨ Bangladesh & Seychelles are observers.
⇨ Permanent secretariat in Colombo.
⇨ India attended 6th NSA level meeting in
Mauritius.
Global Alliance of National Human Rights
Institutions
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⇨ HQ in Geneva, Switzerland.
⇨ Formerly known as ICC of NHRIs.
⇨ Promotes role of NHRIs worldwide.
⇨ Reviews and accredits NHRIs.
⇨ Recently deferred NHRC accreditation due to
objections.
International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
⇨ Established in 1951.
⇨ Leading intergovernmental organization in
migration.
⇨ Part of the UN system.
⇨ India is a member.
⇨ Promotes orderly and humane migration
management.
OPEC+ and Asian Premium
⇨ OPEC formed Vienna group in 2016 with
other oil-producing nations. katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ Asian Premium: Extra charge on Asian
countries for oil.
⇨ Roots in market-oriented crude pricing in
1986.
⇨ Brent, WTI, Dubai/Oman: Global benchmarks.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ AIIB & ADB: Multilateral development banks
in Asia.
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
⇨ Multilateral bank to improve social, economic
outcomes.
⇨ 57 founding members, over 100 members
now.
⇨ HQ: Beijing, China largest shareholder.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
⇨ Established in 1966, 68 members.
⇨ HQ: Manila, Philippines.
⇨ ADB assists with loans, technical assistance.
⇨ CPS 2023-2027 launched for India.
Country Partnership Strategy (CPS),
2023-2027
⇨ ADB's primary platform for development
results.
⇨ Advances Strategy 2030’s operational
priorities.
⇨ ADB and domestic cost-sharing ratio: 70:30.
Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia
and the Pacific (IF-CAP)
⇨ ADB’s multi-donor financing facility for
climate action.
⇨ Initial partners: Denmark, Japan, Korea,
Sweden, UK, US.
New Development Bank (NDB)
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⇨ Formed in 2014-2015 by BRICS under
Fortaleza Declaration. 9654469135
⇨ Focuses on infrastructure projects.
⇨ Each BRICS country has one vote.
⇨ Egypt, Bangladesh, UAE, Uruguay are new
members.
Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
⇨ Owned by 62 member central banks.
⇨ Facilitates global financial cooperation.
⇨ Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
(BCBS) under BIS.
⇨ Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland.
Project Mariana
⇨ Collaboration between BIS, France, Singapore,
Switzerland.
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⇨ Tested cross-border trading of central bank
digital currencies.
⇨ Used DeFi technology concepts.
⇨ Demonstrated successful settlement of
wCBDCs.
G20 TechSprint
⇨ Technology competition for cross-border
payments.
⇨ Organized by RBI and BIS Innovation Hub.
⇨ Aims to promote innovative solutions.
⇨ Focuses on Central Bank Digital Currencies
(CBDCs).
European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD)
⇨ Promotes transition to open market economy.
⇨ Headquarters: London.
⇨ Provides project financing for private
enterprises.
⇨ India joined as 69th shareholder in 2018.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
⇨ Founded in 1944 at Bretton Woods
conference.
⇨ Releases World Economic Outlook (WEO).
⇨ IMF Quota formula includes GDP, openness,
reserves.
⇨ SDR is an international reserve asset.
Special Drawing Rights (SDR)
⇨ Known as ‘Paper Gold’.
⇨ Value based on a basket of five currencies.
⇨ IMF approves $650 billion SDR allocation.
⇨ India's quota is 2.75%.
World Bank Group
⇨ Headquarters in Washington DC, USA.
⇨ Comprises five development institutions.
⇨ India is not a member of ICSID.
⇨ IBRD provides loans to middle-income
countries.
International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD)
⇨ Provides loans, credits, grants.
⇨ Assists middle-income and creditworthy
poorer countries.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
International Development Association (IDA)
⇨ Provides low- or no-interest loans.
⇨ Focuses on the world’s poorest countries.
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
⇨ Provides investment, advice.
⇨ Strengthens private sector in developing
countries.
Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
⇨ Insures lenders against political risk.
⇨ Part of World Bank Group.
International Centre for the Settlement of
Investment Disputes (ICSID)
⇨ Settles investment disputes.
⇨ India is not a member of ICSID.
World Bank President
⇨ Ajay Banga appointed first Indian-American
President.
⇨ Selection process is open, merit-based.
⇨ President traditionally U.S. citizen.
⇨ President chairs IBRD and IDA.
B-READY Project
oslo
⇨ Replaces World Bank's Doing Business
project.
⇨ Focuses on ten topics for business readiness.
⇨ Aims for balanced, transparent business
climate.
⇨ Enhances private sector dynamics.
World Federation for Medical Education
(WFME)
⇨ Founded in 1972, headquartered in France.
⇨ Represents medical educators globally to
WHO.
⇨ Accredits medical institutes internationally.
⇨ NMC of India awarded WFME recognition.
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National Medical Commission (NMC)
⇨ Established under NMC Act, 2019.
⇨ Replaced Medical Council of India (MCI).
⇨ Regulates medical education and
professionals.
⇨ Headquarters in New Delhi.
www.meritnest.com
Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without
Borders)
⇨ Independent international medical
humanitarian organization.
⇨ Provides emergency aid in conflict, epidemics,
disasters.
⇨ French NGO known for work in conflict zones,
endemic diseases.
⇨ Offers care for various diseases including
COVID-19.
World Economic Forum (WEF)
⇨ Swiss nonprofit foundation since 1971.
⇨ Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
⇨ Recognized for public-private cooperation.
⇨ Founder: Klaus Schwab.
⇨ Organizes Davos meetings annually.
⇨ Major reports include Global
Competitiveness, Gender Gap.
⇨ Recent 54th summit held in Davos.
AI Governance Alliance (AIGA)
⇨ Launched by World Economic Forum in 2023.
⇨ Focuses on responsible generative AI.
⇨ Union of industry, governments, academia,
civil society.
⇨ Aims for transparent, inclusive AI systems.
katya124905@gmail.com
Bletchley Declaration or AI Safety Summit
⇨ First AI Safety Summit held at Bletchley Park.
⇨ Nations including US, China, UK signed
Bletchley Declaration.
⇨ Aims for international collaboration on AI
safety.
Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence
(GPAI)
⇨ Established June 2020 with 15 member
countries.
⇨ Now has 29 members including India.
⇨ India leads GPAI in 2024.
⇨ Adopted New Delhi Declaration to mitigate AI
risks.
⇨ Focus on AI safety risks.
Hiroshima AI Process (HAP)
⇨ G7 effort to regulate AI.
⇨ Encourages OECD analysis and GPAI projects.
9
 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
Centre for AI Safety (CAIS)
⇨ Based in San Francisco, California.
⇨ Funded by Dustin Moskovitz's Open
Philanthropy.
⇨ Aims to mitigate existential AI risks.
⇨ Conducts research, publishes papers, provides
training.
Chip 4 Alliance
⇨ Alliance of top semiconductor producers.
⇨ Includes US, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea.
⇨ India not part of Chip 4.
⇨ Aims at supply chain security, reducing
reliance on Chinese chips.
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
⇨ Trade body founded in 1945.
⇨ Represents 300 airlines, 94% air traffic.
⇨ HQ: Montreal, Canada.
⇨ Mission: Represent and serve airlines.
⇨ Formulates industry policy, addresses
environmental concerns.
Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean
Region (IFC-IOR)
⇨ Established in Gurugram in 2018.
oslo
⇨ Enhances maritime awareness, shares vessel
info.
⇨ Covers Indian Ocean Region, adjoining seas.
⇨ Combats maritime security threats.
⇨ Addresses piracy, smuggling, IUU fishing.
International Organisation of Legal Metrology
(OILM) Certificate
⇨ Founded in 1955.
⇨ 64 members including India.
⇨ Based in Paris.
⇨ Develops regulations, standards.
⇨ India now 13th OILM certificate-issuing
authority.
⇨ Increases exports, foreign exchange, 9654469135
employment.
International Sugar Organisation (ISO)
⇨ Inter-governmental body.
⇨ 87 member states, representing production,
consumption.
⇨ Administers 1992 International Sugar
Agreement.
www.meritnest.com
⇨ HQ: London.
⇨ India chairs ISO for 2024.
International Coffee Organization (ICO)
⇨ Established in 1963.
⇨ Only intergovernmental coffee organization.
⇨ Represents 93% production, 63%
consumption.
⇨ Member countries: 49.
⇨ India is a member.
Coffee Cultivation
⇨ Coffea Arabica (Arabica) and Coffea
Canephora (Robusta).
⇨ Grown in hot, humid climate.
⇨ Rainfall: 150-250 cm.
⇨ Temperature: 15-28°C.
⇨ Grown under shade trees, on hill slopes.
⇨ Karnataka leads in Indian production.
World Coffee Conference
⇨ 5th conference in Bengaluru.
⇨ Hosted by ICO and Coffee Board of India.
Coffee Board of India
⇨ Statutory organization under Coffee Act,
1942.
⇨ Functions under Ministry of Commerce and
katya124905@gmail.com
Industry.
⇨ HQ: Bangalore.
⇨ Coffee varieties: Arabica, Robusta.
⇨ Arabica grown at higher altitudes, prized for
aroma.
⇨ Robusta known for strength, used in blends.
South Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization
(SARADO)
⇨ NADA India signed MoU with SARADO.
⇨ Formed in May 2007.
⇨ Member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan,
Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka.
⇨ Mission: Fight doping in sport in South Asia.
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for
Prosperity (IPEF)
⇨ Economic initiative launched by US President
in 2022.
⇨ Four pillars: Trade, Supply Chains, Clean
Energy, Tax.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ Aims for resilience, sustainability,
inclusiveness.
⇨ Intends to benefit workers, consumers in
region.
Regional Comprehensive Economic
9654469135
Partnership (RCEP)
⇨ Free trade agreement among ASEAN, FTA
partners.
⇨ Represents 30% of global GDP.
⇨ Aims to eliminate up to 90% of tariffs.
⇨ India not part of RCEP.
⇨ Sri Lanka, Bangladesh considering
membership.
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement
for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
⇨ Free trade agreement among 12 countries.
⇨ Britain recently joined as 12th member.
⇨ Formed from TPP-11 after US withdrawal.
⇨ India did not join due to labor, environmental
standards.
Paris Club
⇨ Group of western creditor countries.
⇨ Aims for sustainable debt-relief solutions.
⇨ Members include OECD countries.
⇨ Forum for solving debtor countries' payment
difficulties.
Price Cap Coalition Countries
⇨ Composed of Australia, Canada, EU, Japan,
UK, US.
⇨ Price caps on Russian petroleum products.
⇨ Addresses inflation, stabilizes energy costs.
⇨ Three price caps in force, subject to revision.
Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS)
⇨ Regional organization since 1975.
⇨ Aims for economic integration, cooperation.
⇨ Secretariat HQ: Abuja, Nigeria.
⇨ 15 member states, including Nigeria, Ghana.
⇨ Active in addressing aftermath of Niger coup.
South African Customs Union (SACU)
⇨ World's oldest customs union, established in
1910.
www.meritnest.com
⇨ Members: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana,
Lesotho, Eswatini.
⇨ HQ: Windhoek, Namibia.
⇨ Single tariff, no customs duties among
members.
Laundromat Countries
⇨ India, China, Turkey, UAE, Singapore.
⇨ Responsible for 70% of Russia's crude oil
exports.
⇨ Europe sidesteps Russian sanctions via them.
⇨ India leads in buying Russian oil.
Mineral Security Partnership (MSP)
⇨ US-led alliance for critical mineral supply
chains.
⇨ India recently joined.
⇨ Aims to reduce dependency on China.
⇨ Focus on Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium, rare earth
minerals.
⇨ No global definition of critical minerals.
Critical Mineral
High economic vulnerability, global supply
⇨oslo
chain risk.
⇨ Includes rare earth elements (LREE, HREE).
⇨ Major producers: Chile, Indonesia, Congo,
China, Australia, South Africa.
⇨ India has world's fifth-largest reserves.
South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE)
⇨ Seeks support for Gulf to India gas pipeline.
⇨ Promoted by Siddho Mal Group, UK-based
company.
⇨ Aims to secure India's energy needs.
Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI)
⇨ India, Japan, Australia initiative.
⇨ Enhances supply chain resilience in
Indo-Pacific.
⇨ Aims for strong, sustainable growth.
International Organization of Supreme Audit
katya124905@gmail.com
Institutions (INTOSAI)
⇨ Autonomous, non-political organization.
⇨ Umbrella for government audit community.
⇨ Promotes auditing standards, good
governance.
⇨ CAG of India represents India.
11
 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
St. Petersburg International Economic Forum
(SPIEF)
⇨ Held annually in St. Petersburg, Russia.
⇨ Brings global business leaders, officials.
⇨ Platform for economic discussions,
9654469135
agreements.
⇨ Recently hosted 26th edition.
Moscow Format
⇨ Established in 2017 with 6 parties.
⇨ Discusses Afghan situation, regional security.
⇨ India participated in 5th meeting.
⇨ Held in Kazan, Russia.
International Competition Network (ICN)
⇨ Formed in 2001 by 15 competition agencies.
⇨ Provides informal venue for competition
concerns.
⇨ Represents 140 competition agencies
worldwide.
⇨ No formal Secretariat.
⇨ CCI part of 18-member steering committee.
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)
⇨ Military alliance established in 1949.
⇨ Article 5: Attack on one member = attack on
all.
⇨ Has 30 member states.
⇨ Includes former Warsaw Pact members.
NATO Plus
⇨ NATO plus 5 countries: Australia, New
Zealand, Japan, Israel, South Korea.
⇨ Aims to boost global defence cooperation.
⇨ US Committee recommends India's inclusion.
Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) Status
⇨ US designation for defense trade benefits.
⇨ No security commitments.
⇨ 30 countries designated, not including India.
Collective Security Treaty (CSTO)
⇨ Intergovernmental military alliance since
1992.
⇨ Members: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan.
⇨ Aims for peace, security, cybersecurity.
⇨ Headquarters: Moscow, Russia.
www.meritnest.com
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
⇨ Intergovernmental organization of former
Soviet Republics.
⇨ Founded in 1991 after Soviet dissolution.
⇨ Members include Russia, Belarus, Ukraine.
⇨ Headquarters: Minsk, Belarus.
⇨ Focuses on multidimensional cooperation.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
⇨ Multinational maritime partnership.
⇨ Focuses on counter-narcotics, piracy.
⇨ Commanded by a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.
⇨ Headquartered in Bahrain.
⇨ UAE withdrew participation recently.
Conference on Disarmament (CD)
⇨ Established in 1979 for arms control.
⇨ Negotiated BW and CW conventions.
⇨ Not a formal UN organization.
⇨ Deadlocked since CTBT in 1996.
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), 1968
Aims to prevent spread of nuclear weapons.
⇨oslo
⇨ Binding commitment to disarmament.
⇨ Review conference held every five years.
⇨ IAEA verifies compliance.
Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
(TPNW)
⇨ Legally binding global treaty.
⇨ Adopted by UN Conference in 2017.
⇨ 86 member-states signed, 51 ratified.
⇨ None of the nuclear-armed countries support.
⇨ India supports Comprehensive Nuclear
Weapons Convention.
Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT)
⇨ Bans nuclear tests except underground.
⇨ Went into effect in 1963.
⇨ 123 states party to treaty.
⇨ Negotiations abandoned comprehensive ban.
katya124905@gmail.com
Nuclear Supplier Groups, 1974
⇨ Established in 1975, post-Indian Nuclear Test.
⇨ Aims to prevent nuclear proliferation.
⇨ India not a member due to NPT opposition.
⇨ 48 members including nuclear weapon states.
⇨ Publishes lists to control exports.
12
 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
(CTBT)
⇨ Bans nuclear test explosions globally.
⇨ Adopted in 1996, awaiting ratification.
⇨ Not ratified by 8 key nations.
⇨ Signed by 187 states, ratified by 177.
⇨ India has not signed CTBT yet.
Concept of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones
(NWFZ)
⇨ Regional approach to nuclear disarmament.
⇨ Five treaties established in different regions.
Treaty of Conventional Armed Forces in
Europe (CFE)
⇨ Russia recently withdrew from CFE.
⇨ Limits military equipment deployment.
⇨ Negotiated post-Cold War, signed in 1990.
Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting
Project (OCCRP)
⇨ Nonprofit investigative platform.
⇨ Founded in 2006 for transnational reporting.
⇨ Publishes over 100 investigations yearly.
⇨ Aims to expose and combat crime and
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corruption.
UN-Related
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
⇨ A principal UN organ, established by the UN
Charter in 1945.
⇨ Directs and coordinates UN's economic,
social, humanitarian, and cultural activities.
⇨ Decisions made by simple majority vote.
⇨ Annually rotating presidency.
⇨ 54 members elected for three-year terms by
the General Assembly.
⇨ Four out of the five permanent Security
Council members recurrently re-elected, 9654469135
predominantly funding ECOSOC.
International Labour Organization (ILO)
⇨ Tripartite U.N. agency established in 1919,
comprising governments, employers, and
workers.
⇨ India, a founding member, has ratified 6 of 8
conventions, excluding numbers 87 and 98.
www.meritnest.com
⇨ Headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland.
⇨ Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.
⇨ Key publications include Social Dialogue
Report, World Employment and Social Outlook,
and World Social Protection Report.
ILO Conventions for Protection of Migrant
Workers
⇨ Migration for Employment Convention
(Revised), 1949 (No. 97) promotes free and
adequate migrant employment services.
⇨ Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions)
Convention, 1975 (No. 143) addresses illegal
migrant employment.
⇨ India has not ratified either convention.
Hours of Work (Industry) Convention
⇨ Limits working hours to eight per day and 48
per week.
⇨ Ratified by British India on 14 July 1921.
International Social Security Association
⇨ Founded in 1927 under the International
Labour Organization to enhance global social
security.
⇨ Headquartered in Geneva, co-located with the
International Labour Office.
⇨ Membership exceeds 320 institutions from
katya124905@gmail.com
over 160 countries.
⇨ Provides expertise, standards, guidelines, and
platforms for dynamic social security systems.
⇨ Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
awarded "ISSA Vision Zero 2023" at the 23rd
World Congress on Safety and Health in Sydney.
Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
⇨ Established under the ESI Act, 1948 as a
statutory corporate body.
⇨ Oversees the ESI Scheme, headquartered in
New Delhi.
⇨ Chaired by the Union Minister of Labour, with
a Director General as CEO.
L.69 Grouping
⇨ L.69 Grouping, convened in India, calls for
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform.
⇨ Comprises developing countries from Africa,
Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and the
Pacific.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ Members share the goal of comprehensive
UNSC reform and enhanced multilateralism.
⇨ India plays a pivotal role in L.69.
Intergovernmental Negotiations Framework
(IGN)
⇨ IGN facilitates UNSC reform discussions
within the United Nations.
⇨ Includes diverse entities: African Union, G4
nations (India, Brazil, Japan, Germany), Uniting
for Consensus Group ("Coffee Club"), L.69
Group, Arab League, and Caribbean Community
(CARICOM).
⇨ Each entity presents unique positions on
UNSC reform.
⇨ Discussions are informal; United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) procedural rules are
inapplicable.
United Nations Human Rights Council
(UNHRC)
⇨ Established by UN General Assembly
Resolution 60/251 in 2006.
⇨ Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
⇨ Secretariat operated by the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
⇨ 47 Member States elected by UNGA for
3-year terms, renewable once.
⇨ Conducts 'Universal Periodic Review' to
evaluate states' human rights records, currently
in its fourth cycle.
⇨ Decisions are not legally binding.
⇨ India elected for 2022-24 term, marking its
sixth tenure.
⇨ India's fourth cycle review conducted by
representatives from Sudan, Nepal, and the
Netherlands.
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UN Commission for Social Development
(CSocD)
⇨ Established in 1946 by the Economic and
Social Council (ECOSOC), renamed in 1966.
9654469135
⇨ Consists of 46 members elected by ECOSOC,
ensuring geographical equity.
⇨ India chaired the 62nd session in February
2023, a first since 1975.
⇨ Oversees the Copenhagen Declaration and
Programme of Action from the 1995 World
Summit for Social Development (WSSD).
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⇨ Annual sessions focus on a priority theme and
an emerging issue to advance the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development and eradicate
poverty.
World Summit for Social Development (WSSD)
⇨ Held in 1995 in Copenhagen, Canada.
⇨ Governments agreed to prioritize people in
UN development strategies.
⇨ Aimed for poverty reduction, full employment,
and social integration as primary development
objectives.
⇨ Adopted the Copenhagen Declaration and
Programme of Action, establishing new
developmental consensus.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
⇨ Established in 1969, headquartered in New
York, USA.
⇨ Operates as the UN's sexual and reproductive
health agency under the Economic and Social
Council.
⇨ Funded solely through voluntary
contributions.
⇨ Supports technical and financial aspects of
statistical activities like censuses.
⇨ Programs initiated only upon governmental
requests.
United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR)
⇨ Dedicated to aiding refugees, displaced
communities, and stateless persons since 1950.
⇨ Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
⇨ Governed by the 1951 Refugee Convention,
twice Nobel Peace Prize winner (1954, 1981).
⇨ Reports to the United Nations General katya124905@gmail.
Assembly.
Article 99 of U.N. Charter
⇨ Enables the Secretary-General to alert the
Security Council about threats to peace.
⇨ Invoked only four times historically.
⇨ UN Charter, a foundational document
established in 1945, emphasizes sovereign state
equality.
⇨ Recently used to highlight a humanitarian
crisis in Gaza.
14
 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
UN Commission on International Trade Law
(UNCITRAL)
⇨ A subsidiary body of the UN General
Assembly, founded in 1966.
⇨ Headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
⇨ Comprises 60 member States, elected for
six-year terms.
⇨ India is a founding member.
Arbitration in India
⇨ Governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation
Act, 1996.
⇨ Adopts the 1985 UNCITRAL Model Law on
International Commercial Arbitration.
⇨ Arbitration Council of India established under
the 2019 Amendment Act.
⇨ Promotes arbitration and conciliation as
alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
International Seabed Authority (ISA)
⇨ Autonomous organization established by the
1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
⇨ Headquartered in Jamaica, founded in 1994.
⇨ Governs the international seabed,
representing half the world's ocean area.
⇨ Composed of 167 member states and the
European Union.
UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)
⇨ Signed in 2003, effective from 2005, and
globally the only legally binding anti-corruption
framework.
⇨ Has 190 member states, including India.
⇨ Addresses various corruption forms: bribery,
trading in influence, abuse of functions, private
sector corruption.
⇨ Overseen by the United Nations Office on
Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which also acts as
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the Secretariat for the Convention's Conference
of States Parties.
⇨ The Conference, the main policymaking body,
meets biennially to adopt resolutions and
9654469135
further its mandate.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR)
⇨ Articulates 30 civil, political, social, economic,
and cultural rights.
www.meritnest.com
⇨ Not a treaty, hence does not impose legal
obligations.
⇨ Along with the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights and its Optional Protocols,
and the International Covenant on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights, forms the
International Bill of Human Rights.
⇨ Human Rights Day, on 10th December,
commemorates UDHR's 1948 adoption.
⇨ Celebrated 75th anniversary in 2023 with the
theme "Freedom, Equality and Justice for All".
Human Rights 75 Initiative
⇨ Marks the 75th anniversary of the UDHR with
a year-long initiative.
⇨ Culminates in a high-level event in December
2023 to announce global human rights vision
pledges.
⇨ 2023 Theme: "Dignity, Freedom, and Justice
for All".
Human Rights and Universal Declaration of
Human Rights (UDHR)
⇨ Emphasizes universal rights inherent
regardless of status.
⇨ Ranges from the right to life to rights ensuring
quality of life (food, education, work, health,
liberty).
⇨ UDHR, from 1948, was the first to outline
universal fundamental human rights.
⇨ Forms part of the International Bill of Rights
with two covenants.
Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
(VDPA)
⇨ Celebrated 30th anniversary recently.
⇨ Adopted at the 1993 World Conference on katya124905@gmail.
Human Rights in Vienna, Austria.
⇨ Established the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights.
⇨ Reinforces the universality, indivisibility, and
interdependency of human rights.
International Institute for the Unification of
Private Law (UNIDROIT)
⇨ Independent intergovernmental organisation,
initially part of the League of Nations in 1926,
re-established in 1940.
15
 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ Comprises 65 Member States from five
continents.
⇨ India has been a member since 1950.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
⇨ Also known as the World Court, the principal
judicial organ of the UN, established in 1945.
⇨ Holds public hearings, located in Peace Palace,
Hague, Netherlands.
⇨ Handles contentious state cases and advisory
proceedings from UN entities.
⇨ Composed of 15 judges elected for 9-year
terms by the UN General Assembly and Security
Council.
⇨ Has no jurisdiction over individual, NGO, or
private group applications.
⇨ Decisions are binding on involved states.
⇨ India is a founding member; proceedings are in
English and French.
Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)
⇨ Founded in 1899, based in The Hague,
Netherlands.
⇨ Provides arbitration for disputes between
states, international organizations, or private
parties.
⇨ Allows parties to select their arbitrators.
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⇨ Not a United Nations agency but holds
observer status at the UN General Assembly. 9654469135
⇨ Rulings are binding, yet the tribunal lacks
enforcement powers.
⇨ India is a member.
International Criminal Court (ICC)
⇨ Established by the Rome Statute in 2002 as
the first permanent judicial body with
treaty-based jurisdiction over genocide, crimes
against humanity, war crimes, and aggression.
⇨ Jurisdiction includes nations party to the
Rome Statute or those accepting its jurisdiction.
⇨ Independent from the UN but cooperates and
reports annually to the United Nations General
Assembly; also hears cases referred by the UN
Security Council.
⇨ Located in The Hague, Netherlands.
⇨ India has not signed or ratified the Rome
Statute.
⇨ Contextual note: ICC issued an arrest warrant
against the Russian president over war crimes in
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the Russia-Ukraine conflict; potential arrest
issues noted for the BRICS summit in South
Africa.
Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
⇨ Established in 1963 by the World Health
katya124905@gmail.com
Organization and Food and Agriculture
Organization.
⇨ Develops food standards, guidelines, and
practices known as the Codex Alimentarius or
"Food Code."
⇨ Voluntary membership, currently includes 189
countries.
⇨ Meets annually, alternating between Geneva
and Rome.
⇨ Funded by WHO and FAO; work approved by
their governing bodies.
⇨ Operates in the UN's six official languages.
⇨ Praised India for its millet standards and
approved the proposal for global millet
standards at the 46th session in Rome.
⇨ Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
set quality standards for 15 types of millets.
United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
(UNAIDS)
⇨ Joint venture established in 1996,
headquartered in Geneva, under the auspices of
the Economic and Social Council.
⇨ Combines efforts of 11 UN organizations
including UNICEF, UNHCR, World Food
Programme, UNFPA, UNDP, UNODC, UNESCO,
UN Women, International Labour Organization,
World Bank, and World Health Organization.
⇨ Collects data on HIV, issues authoritative
epidemic reports.
Dar-Es-Salaam Declaration
⇨ Declaration to end AIDS in children by 2030,
announced at the Global Alliance's first
ministerial meeting.
World Local Production Forum (WLPF)
⇨ Initiative by the World Health Organization
aimed at increasing access to medicines and
health technologies.
⇨ First held virtually in 2021.
16
 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ 2nd forum recently took place; Indian
delegation led by the Union Minister of State for
Chemicals and Fertilizers.
WHO Auditor
⇨ India’s Comptroller and Auditor General
re-elected as WHO's External Auditor for
2024-2027.
⇨ Currently serving a term from 2019 to 2023.
⇨ Member of the United Nations Panel of
External Auditors.
Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate
and Health (ATACH)
⇨ Established in 2022 by the World Health
Organization.
⇨ An informal voluntary network focused on
building climate-resilient and sustainable health
systems post-COP26.
Group of Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG)
⇨ Established in 2022 by the UN
Secretary-General to tackle global crises in food
security, energy, and finance.
⇨ Overseen by the Champions Group including
leaders from Bangladesh, Barbados, Denmark,
Germany, Indonesia, and Senegal.
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⇨ Aims to assist decision-makers in mobilizing
solutions and formulating strategies for 9654469135
vulnerable countries.
⇨ India recently joined the United Nations'
GCRG.
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
⇨ Specialized United Nations agency focused on
the safety, security, and environmental
performance of international shipping.
⇨ Founded as Inter-Governmental Maritime
Consultative Organization in 1948, renamed in
1982.
⇨ Headquarters in London; comprises 175
member states.
⇨ Recently, India was re-elected to the IMO
Council for the 2024–25 biennium with the
highest votes.
⇨ IMO's Marine Environment Protection
Committee adopted a strategy to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from ships.
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United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC)
⇨ Leads global efforts against illicit drugs and
crime, and implements the United Nations'
terrorism prevention program.
⇨ Established in 1997 from the merger of the
katya124905@gmail.com
United Nations Drug Control Programme and
the Centre for International Crime Prevention.
⇨ Based in Vienna, Austria.
⇨ Funded primarily through voluntary
contributions from governments.
UN Peacekeeping
⇨ Combines military, police, and civilian
peacekeepers to fulfill mandates from the UN
Security Council and General Assembly.
⇨ Funding is a collective responsibility of UN
Member States, as mandated by the UN
Charter.
⇨ India is a significant contributor, ranking
second among troop-contributing countries.
⇨ In 2007, India was the first to deploy an
all-women contingent in a UN peacekeeping
mission.
⇨ Celebrated 75 years with the theme "Peace
begins with me," including a campaign
recognizing peacekeepers' service and calling
for global peace support.
Action for Peace (A4P)
⇨ Initiated in 2018 to enhance peacekeeping
through agreed principles and collective action
involving all stakeholders.
⇨ Focuses on eight priority areas.
⇨ A4P+ is the implementation strategy for
2021-23 with seven priorities.
United Nations Convention against
Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC)
⇨ Also known as the Palermo Convention, aims
to combat transnational organized crime
including human trafficking, migrant smuggling,
and illicit firearms trafficking.
⇨ Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2000
after negotiations beginning in 1994.
⇨ Opened for signature in Palermo, Italy, in
December 2000.
⇨ Has 191 parties including India, which joined
in 2002 and ratified in 2011.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ India's Central Bureau of Investigation serves
as the national Nodal Authority.
⇨ India also passed the Criminal Law
Amendment Act in 2013, defining human
trafficking.
UN Office for South-South Cooperation
(UNOSSC)
⇨ Established by the United Nations General
Assembly in 1974.
⇨ Focuses on coordinating South-South and
Triangular cooperation, working alongside the
G-77.
⇨ Utilizes the 'Brandt Line' to distinguish
between the economic North and South.
UN Statistical Commission
⇨ Established in 1947, highest body of the global
statistical system.
⇨ Comprises Chief Statisticians from member
states worldwide.
⇨ Functional Commission of the United Nations
Economic and Social Council.
⇨ Consists of 24 member countries elected
based on equitable geographical distribution for
four-year terms.
⇨ Recently, India was elected for a term starting
1 January 2024.
Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting
Development (AIBD)
⇨ Founded in 1977 under the auspices of the
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United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization. 9654469135
⇨ Regional intergovernmental organization
servicing the United Nations Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in
electronic media development.
⇨ Secretariat hosted by the Government of
Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
⇨ Founding organizations include the
International Telecommunication Union, the
United Nations Development Programme,
UNESCO, and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting
Union.
⇨ Currently has 92 member organizations from
44 countries, including 26 governmental
members.
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⇨ India is a founding member, represented by
Prasar Bharati.
⇨ Hosts the annual Asia Media Summit.
⇨ India recently elected for the third
consecutive term as president of the General
Conference.
Prasar Bharti
⇨ Established under the Prasar Bharati Act in
1997 as a statutory autonomous body.
⇨ Serves as India's public service broadcaster.
⇨ Aims to provide autonomy to Doordarshan
and Akashvani for public education and
entertainment.
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
⇨ Specialized agency of the United Nations
coordinating global postal policies.
⇨ Established by the Treaty of Bern in 1874.
⇨ Headquartered in Bern, Switzerland.
⇨ Membership open to United Nations members
and approved non-member countries, requiring
a two-thirds member approval.
⇨ Comprises 192 member countries; India
joined in 1876.
⇨ Recently, India approved establishing a
Regional Office of the UPU in New Delhi.
Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU)
⇨ Intergovernmental organization of 32
Asian-Pacific countries.
⇨ Established by an international treaty during
the Asian-Pacific Postal Convention in
Yogyakarta on 27 March 1981.
⇨ Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand.
⇨ Restricted Union of the Universal Postal
Union, a specialized agency of the United
Nations.
⇨ India recently assumed leadership for four
years following elections at the 13th Congress
in Bangkok in 2022.
Miscellaneous
Hamas
⇨ Officially the Islamic Resistance Movement,
established in 1987 post-First Intifada to
oppose Israeli control over Gaza, West Bank,
and East Jerusalem.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ A Sunni Islamist political and military
organization, reportedly supported by Iran.
⇨ Governs Gaza Strip, present in West Bank
which is predominantly controlled by Fatah.
⇨ The West Bank is larger than the Gaza Strip.
Operation Toofan Al-Aqsa
⇨ A Hamas attack on Israel, coinciding with the
Jewish Sabbath and the 50th anniversary of the
Yom Kippur War.
Operation Iron Swords
⇨ Israel's response to Hamas, targeting militants
in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza Strip
⇨ A Palestinian territory on the Mediterranean's
eastern coast.
⇨ Claimed by the sovereign State of Palestine,
along with the West Bank.
⇨ Separated from the West Bank by Israeli
territory, governed by Hamas since June 2007.
Two-State Solution
⇨ A proposed resolution to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, creating Israel for
Jews and Palestine for Palestinians.
⇨ Agreed upon in the 1993 Oslo Accords which
established the Palestinian Authority.
⇨ Envisions a sovereign Palestinian state in
West Bank and Gaza, with a capital in East
Jerusalem.
Bedouin Arabs
⇨ Arab descendants of Palestinians who
remained after Israel's 1948 establishment.
⇨ Make up about 21% of Israel's population.
⇨ Speak Bedouin Arabic, spread among nomadic
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and sedentary groups across the Arab world.
Dead Sea
⇨ A landlocked salt lake between Israel and
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Jordan in southwestern Asia.
Yom Kippur War (Fourth Arab-Israel War)
⇨ Launched by Arab nations led by Egypt and
Syria in 1973 to reclaim territories lost in
1967's Six-Day War.
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⇨ Involved major powers: U.S. supported Israel;
Soviet Union backed Egypt and Syria.
⇨ Ceasefire facilitated by the United Nations
Organization.
Landmark Peace Agreements between Israel
and Arabs
⇨ 1978 Camp David Accords: Peace treaty
mediated by the U.S. between Egypt and Israel.
⇨ 1993 Oslo Accords: Established the
Palestinian Authority; PLO recognized Israel.
⇨ 1994 Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty: Jordan
became the second Arab nation to formalize
peace with Israel.
⇨ 2002 Arab Peace Initiative: Saudi-led proposal
offering Israel normalized relations for
Palestinian statehood and withdrawal from
territories captured in 1967.
Abraham Accords (2020)
⇨ Peace declaration and bilateral agreements
between Israel, UAE, and Bahrain; Morocco
Chemical Weapons Convention
⇨ Multilateral treaty banning and mandating
destruction of chemical weapons within
specified time.
⇨ Entered into force in 1997.
⇨ States-parties must declare to the
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons (OPCW) their chemical weapons
stockpiles, chemical weapons production
facilities (CWPFs), relevant chemical industry
facilities, and other weapons-related
information.
⇨ Open to all nations, with 193 states-parties.
⇨ India, a signatory and party, signed in Paris on
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14 January 1993.
⇨ Pursuant to convention provisions, enacted
the Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000.
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons (OPCW)
⇨ Implementing body for the Chemical Weapons
Convention (CWC).
⇨ Mission: To implement CWC, aiming for a
world free of chemical weapons and fostering
cooperation in peaceful chemistry.
⇨ Headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ Receives states-parties’ declarations of
chemical weapons-related activities or
materials and industrial activities.
⇨ Authorized to perform inspections to ensure
compliance.
⇨ Conducts testing on sites and victims of
suspected chemical weapons attacks.
Convention on Cluster Munitions
⇨ Adopted in Dublin in 2008, prohibits use,
stockpiling, production, and transfer of cluster
munitions.
⇨ Became binding international law in 2010.
⇨ India is not a signatory.
⇨ Cluster bomb: weapon dispersing smaller
bombs over large area, also known as cluster
munitions.
⇨ Bomblets, dropped from air or fired from
ground/sea, spread across large areas, posing
significant threat.
⇨ Unexploded bomblets can cause harm or
death years later.
⇨ Over 100 countries have ratified the
Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Convention
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⇨ Also known as the Budapest Convention,
came into force in 2001.
⇨ Sole binding international instrument
addressing Internet and computer crime.
⇨ Deals with copyright infringement,
computer-related fraud, child pornography,
network security violations.
⇨ Supplemented by a Protocol on Xenophobia
and Racism through computer systems.
⇨ Has 56 members, including the US and the UK.
⇨ India is not yet a member.
Convention on International Tax Cooperation
⇨ India supported United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) resolution for a UN 9654469135
Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
⇨ Resolution introduced by Nigeria, titled
“Promotion of Inclusive and Effective
International Tax Cooperation at the United
Nations.”
⇨ Resolution mandates formation of a member
state-led committee to develop a
comprehensive UN Tax Convention by 2025.
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Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
⇨ Adopted in 1961 at the United Nations
Conference on Diplomatic Intercourse and
Immunities in Vienna, Austria.
⇨ Came into force in 1964, nearly universally
ratified except by Palau and South Sudan.
⇨ Provides framework for diplomatic relations
based on consent between sovereign States.
⇨ Applies to diplomats and military/civilian
personnel under diplomatic mission authority.
⇨ Host nation responsible for security of High
Commissions or Embassies.
⇨ Diplomatic missions receive privileges
ensuring diplomats’ function without coercion
or harassment.
Genocide Convention 1948
⇨ Officially known as Convention on the
Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide, 1948.
⇨ Defines genocide as acts intending to destroy,
in whole or part, a national, ethnic, racial, or
religious group.
⇨ Genocide recognized as crime in both war and
peace.
⇨ Ratified by 153 States; India signed in 1949
and ratified in 1959, without enacting related
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legislation.
⇨ International Court of Justice (ICJ) hears
related cases.
Hague Apostille Convention, 1961
⇨ Aims to simplify global circulation of public
documents.
⇨ Public documents include birth, marriage,
death certificates, and educational documents.
⇨ Allahabad High Court mandates India to
accept foreign apostille-authenticated
documents.
⇨ Contracting parties issue Apostille certificates
authenticating document origin for
presentation abroad.
⇨ Non-member countries require extra
certification from State of origin for document
acceptance.
C+C5 Summit
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ China hosted the first "C+C5 summit" in Xi'an
with leaders from five Central Asian countries.
⇨ 'Xi’an Declaration' signed, outlining future
China-Central Asia relations.
⇨ First summit held virtually last year.
⇨ China invests heavily in Central Asia through
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Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and
institutionalized via Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation (SCO).
⇨ Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan are
border-sharing Central Asian countries with
China.
Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD-2023)
⇨ Held in New Delhi.
⇨ Theme: "Geopolitical Impacts upon
Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity."
⇨ Annual apex-level regional strategic dialogue
of Indian Navy.
⇨ Organised by National Maritime Foundation,
New Delhi, as knowledge partner.
⇨ Reviews maritime trends, opportunities, and
challenges in Indo-Pacific, fostering
solution-oriented exchange.
Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS)
⇨ India hosted the 2nd summit.
⇨ Indian Prime Minister unveiled DAKSHIN
(Global South Centre of Excellence) advocating
for Consultation, Cooperation, Communication,
Creativity, and Capacity building.
⇨ First VOGSS gathered 125 Global South
countries under "Unity of Voice, Unity of
Purpose."
⇨ "Global South" refers to countries often
described as developing or underdeveloped,
originating from the Brandt report of 1980.
1st WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit
⇨ Organised by World Health Organization
(WHO) and Ministry of AYUSH in Gandhinagar,
Gujarat.
⇨ Aimed to harness evidence-based traditional,
complementary, and integrative medicine
(TCIM).
⇨ Released 'Gujarat Declaration,' an outcome
document of the summit.
Gujarat Declaration
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⇨ Outcome document of the 1st WHO
Traditional Medicine Global Summit.
⇨ Reaffirmed commitments towards indigenous
knowledge, biodiversity, and Traditional,
Complementary, and Integrative Medicine.
Global Food Regulators Summit 2023
⇨ First-time event in Delhi as a G20 event,
organised by Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI).
⇨ Theme: "One Earth, One Family, One Future."
⇨ Launched Food-o-Copoeia, SaNGRAH, and a
Common Digital Dashboard.
⇨ SaNGRAH is a comprehensive database of
global Food Regulatory Authorities available in
multiple languages.
Global Clinical Trials Forum
⇨ First forum held to strengthen clinical
research capabilities.
⇨ Aligned with World Health Assembly
resolution on improving quality and
coordination of clinical trials.
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Gandhinagar Declaration
⇨ Adopted by WHO South-East Asia Region.
⇨ Aims to enhance efforts and accelerate ending
tuberculosis by 2030.
Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)
⇨ Announced by World Health Organization
(WHO) and G20 India presidency.
⇨ Aims to implement Global Strategy on Digital
Health 2020-2025 and related WHO norms and
standards.
Project Collaboration Agreement
⇨ Agreement between Ministry of Ayush and
WHO.
⇨ Aims to integrate Traditional and
Complementary Medical Systems into the
National Health System.
⇨ Focuses on training and practice in
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Complementary Medicine System, specifically
'Siddha.'
⇨ Includes formulation of guidelines for
Traditional and Complementary Medicines,
safety protocols, and development of an
International Herbal Pharmacopoeia.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
India-UN SDG Cooperation Framework
⇨ NITI Aayog and United Nations signed the
Government of India - United Nations
Sustainable Development Cooperation
Framework (GoI-UNSDCF) for 2023-2027.
⇨ Framework based on four strategic pillars:
People, Prosperity, Planet, and Participation.
⇨ Serves as the United Nations development
system’s collective offer to India for achieving
Sustainable Development Goals.
⇨ Designated as the principal planning and
implementation instrument for the United
Nations Development System at country level.
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
⇨ Project links India and Myanmar via the Bay of
Bengal.
⇨ Identified by India and Myanmar for
multi-modal transport of cargo from eastern
ports of India to Myanmar and North-Eastern
India.
⇨ Constructed by India under the Grant in Aid
Scheme.
⇨ Connects Kolkata to Sittwe seaport in Rakhine
state, Myanmar, covering over 500 km.
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⇨ Envisages four stages: waterway from Kolkata
to Sittwe; inland waterway from Sittwe to
Paletwa along River Kaladan; from Paletwa to
the India-Myanmar border; and finally, a road
link to Lawngtlai in Mizoram.
India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
Trade Pact
⇨ Ministry of Commerce and Industry discussed
modalities for a comprehensive Trade and
Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with
representatives of EFTA states.
⇨ TEPA is a Free Trade Agreement between
India and EFTA members (Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland). 9654469135
⇨ EFTA, an intergovernmental organization,
promotes free trade and serves as an alternative
to the European Union for its members.
⇨ India is the 9th largest trading partner of
EFTA.
ISO COPOLCO
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⇨ India hosts the 44th annual ISO Committee on
Consumer Policy (COPOLCO) Plenary.
⇨ International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) develops global
standards, impacting various sectors; ISO has
168 member countries.
⇨ COPOLCO promotes consumer interests in
the standardization process and involves the
public in developing standards.
⇨ India, a founding member of ISO, actively
participates in international standardization.
⇨ Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) represents
India in ISO.
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
(IMEC)
⇨ Recently signed at the G20 Summit in New
Delhi.
⇨ Part of the Partnership for Global
Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).
⇨ Includes Railroad, Ship-to-Rail networks, and
Road transport routes.
⇨ East Corridor connects India to the Arabian
Gulf; Northern Corridor connects the Gulf to
Europe.
⇨ Features an electricity cable, a hydrogen
pipeline, and a high-speed data cable.
⇨ Signatories include India, the US, Saudi Arabia,
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UAE, the European Union, Italy, France, and
Germany.
⇨ Aims to provide a reliable, cost-effective
ship-to-rail transit network.
⇨ Railway line links Fujairah port (UAE) to Haifa
port (Israel) via Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Ports to be Connected
⇨ India: Mundra, Kandla (Gujarat), Jawaharlal
Nehru Port Trust (Navi Mumbai).
⇨ Middle East: Fujairah, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi
(UAE), Dammam, Ras Al Khair (Saudi Arabia).
⇨ Israel: Haifa port.
⇨ Europe: Piraeus (Greece), Messina (South
Italy), Marseille (France).
Partnership for Global Infrastructure and
Investment (PGII)
⇨ Collaborative effort of G7, presidency with
Japan.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ G7 includes the UK, the US, Canada, France,
Germany, Italy, Japan, and the EU.
⇨ Formerly Build Back Better World (B3W),
renamed at the 48th G7 summit in Germany,
2022.
⇨ Aims to fund critical infrastructure projects in
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developing countries.
⇨ Nearly $600 billion to invest by 2027.
⇨ The Blue Dot Network (BDN) shapes
standards and trust principles.
European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)
⇨ Creates a European air and missile defence
system.
⇨ Common acquisition of air defence equipment
and missiles.
⇨ Strengthens NATO’s Integrated Air and
Missile Defence.
⇨ Members include Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech
Republic, Norway, Slovakia, UK.
⇨ Spearheaded by Germany following Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine.
⇨ Recent members: Austria and Switzerland.
Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness
(IPMDA) Initiative
⇨ Announced at the 2022 Quad Leaders’
Summit in Tokyo.
⇨ Aims to track dark shipping and enhance
maritime transparency.
⇨ Focuses on Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and
the Indian Ocean region.
⇨ Integrates technology and training to improve
maritime domain awareness.
Dark Shipping
⇨ Vessels operating with their Automatic
Identification System (AIS) off.
⇨ AIS transponders transmit a ship’s position
and identification data at sea.
North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC)
⇨ 7,200-km trade corridor linking Russia’s Baltic
Sea coast to India’s Arabian Sea ports.
⇨ Connects through Azerbaijan and Iran.
⇨ Initially signed in 2002 by Russia, India, and
Iran.
⇨ Eventually ratified by 13 countries including
Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Turkey.
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⇨ Western branch features the Rasht-Astara
railway, linking Iran to Azerbaijan.
Black Sea Grain Deal
⇨ Brokered by the UN and Türkiye between
Russia and Ukraine.
⇨ Addressed food price escalation from Black
Sea blockage.
⇨ Created a safe corridor for Ukrainian food
grain exports.
⇨ Covered exports from Chornomorsk, Odesa,
and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi ports.
⇨ Initially set for 120 days, extended twice.
⇨ Russia recently withdrew, citing unmet
promises affecting its exports.
OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework Tax Deal
⇨ India and most OECD-G20 Inclusive
Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting
members agree to new two-pillar international
tax rule reform plan.
⇨ Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) combating tax evasion
and
oslo corporate tax avoidance since 2013 via
Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project.
⇨ Base Erosion and Profit Shifting involves tax
planning strategies by multinational enterprises
(MNEs) to exploit tax rule gaps.
⇨ Two-pillar plan aims for MNEs to pay fair taxes
globally.
⇨ 130 countries and jurisdictions are
signatories.
⇨ Pillar One: Reallocation of 25% of profits from
top MNEs to market jurisdictions.
⇨ Pillar Two: Establishes global minimum
corporate tax rate at 15%.
⇨ 138 countries, including India, endorse the
plan.
⇨ OECD is an intergovernmental economic
organisation, not including India, founded in
1960 by 18 European countries, the USA, and
Canada.
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Global Cooperation and Training Framework
(GCTF)
⇨ Initiated by USA and Taiwan in 2015, focuses
on global issues utilising Taiwan’s expertise.
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ GCTF enhances worldwide expert
connections in public health, supply chains,
humanitarian assistance, digital health.
⇨ Members include Taiwan, USA, Japan,
Australia; India is not a member.
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Abraham Accords
⇨ Agreement among the USA, United Arab
Emirates, and Israel signed in September 2020.
⇨ Later included Sudan, Bahrain, Morocco.
⇨ First normalisation of Israel-Arab ties since
Jordan in 1994.
⇨ Establishes diplomatic ties, cooperation in
tourism, trade, healthcare, security.
⇨ Named after Prophet Abraham, significant to
Islam, Christianity, Judaism.
Washington Declaration
⇨ Agreement between USA and South Korea
focusing on nuclear deterrence on Korean
Peninsula.
⇨ Upholds non-proliferation Treaty; South
Korea to avoid independent nuclear capabilities.
⇨ Emphasises US alliance-based deterrence
strategy.
⇨ US President holds sole authority for US
nuclear arsenal use.
Horizon Europe
⇨ European Union’s primary funding programme
for research and innovation until 2027.
⇨ Successor to Horizon 2020 (2014-2020).
⇨ Aims to tackle climate change, support UN’s
Sustainable Development Goals, enhance EU’s
growth.
⇨ Britain recently rejoined.
Tax Inspectors without Borders Programme
⇨ A collaboration between OECD and United
Nations Development Programme.
⇨ Enhances tax audit capabilities in developing
countries through practical training.
⇨ Recent launch in Saint Lucia.
⇨ India serves as Partner Administration,
contributing Tax Experts.
Sherpa
⇨ Sherpa is a personal representative of a
member country's leader at international
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summits like G8, G20, and the Nuclear Security
Summit.
⇨ Sherpas handle planning, negotiation, and
implementation, coordinate agendas, seek
consensus, and engage in pre-Summit
consultations to negotiate leaders' positions.
⇨ Sherpas are either career diplomats or senior
government officials appointed by their
country's leaders.
⇨ The term originates from the Nepalese Sherpa
people, guides for Himalayan mountaineers.
CAATSA
⇨ CAATSA stands for Countering America's
Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, a United
States act targeting Russia, Iran, and North
Korea.
⇨ Enacted due to Russia's military intervention
in Ukraine and alleged election meddling.
⇨ CAATSA could sanction India over its S-400
deal with Russia; similar sanctions have been
imposed on China and Turkey.
The
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⇨ Issued by leaders of the United States, Japan,
and South Korea to showcase unity against
China's rise and North Korea's nuclear threats.
U.S. Commission on International Religious
Freedom (USCIRF)
⇨ An independent, bipartisan federal entity
established by the International Religious
Freedom Act of 1998.
⇨ Monitors global religious freedom violations
using international standards.
⇨ Annually reports on religious freedom; India
has rejected its report alleging severe violations
in the country.
Title 42
⇨ The United States is ending COVID-19 asylum
restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border, set since
2020. katya124905@gmail.com
⇨ This policy allowed rapid expulsion of many
migrants to Mexico.
‘Silkworm Eating’ Strategy
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 June 2023 to January 2024 (Prelims 2024) — IR
⇨ A Chinese strategy of incremental territorial
encroachments, seen in regular incursions into
Taiwan.
⇨ Known as 'silkworm eating', analogous to the
Western 'salami-slicing' tactic.

katya124905@gmail.com
Wagner
⇨ Wagner, also known as PMC Wagner, is a
Russian paramilitary organization.
⇨ First noted in 2014 during conflicts with
Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine's Donbas
region.

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