🔆India and the four Nation European free trade association is likely to sign a Free Trade Agreement on March 10
#gs2
#prelims
@upsc_4_ir
#gs2
#prelims
@upsc_4_ir
🔆2023 The deadliest year for migrants
✅The year 2023 has been the deadliest year on record for migrants, with at least 8,565 deaths documented by the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Missing Migrants Project.
✅This tragic figure represents a 20 percent increase compared to 2022, underscoring the urgent need for action to prevent further loss of life.
✅As the Missing Migrants Project marks its tenth year, IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels emphasized the importance of remembering the lives lost and the impact on families and communities. The alarming figures serve as a reminder of the need for greater action to ensure safe migration for all.
✅The total number of migrant deaths in 2023 surpassed the previous record year of 2016, which saw 8,084 deaths. Since the inception of the Missing Migrants Project in 2014, slightly more than half of the deaths were a result of drowning, with nine percent caused by vehicle accidents and seven percent by violence.
✅The Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants on record, with at least 3,129 deaths and disappearances in 2023, the highest death toll in the region since 2017
✅The Missing Migrants Project serves as the sole indicator measuring the level of ‘safety’ of migration in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
✅The year 2023 has been the deadliest year on record for migrants, with at least 8,565 deaths documented by the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Missing Migrants Project.
✅This tragic figure represents a 20 percent increase compared to 2022, underscoring the urgent need for action to prevent further loss of life.
✅As the Missing Migrants Project marks its tenth year, IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels emphasized the importance of remembering the lives lost and the impact on families and communities. The alarming figures serve as a reminder of the need for greater action to ensure safe migration for all.
✅The total number of migrant deaths in 2023 surpassed the previous record year of 2016, which saw 8,084 deaths. Since the inception of the Missing Migrants Project in 2014, slightly more than half of the deaths were a result of drowning, with nine percent caused by vehicle accidents and seven percent by violence.
✅The Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants on record, with at least 3,129 deaths and disappearances in 2023, the highest death toll in the region since 2017
✅The Missing Migrants Project serves as the sole indicator measuring the level of ‘safety’ of migration in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
Forwarded from UPSC PIB NEWS
🔺🔺Current Affairs --- Chamkaana padega / Needed to Brush Up 🔺🔺
🟣 Questions : Every Year --- 50+ Direct or Indirect
🟣 Aspirants: "Itna kaise padhen? " ---
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🟢 Any Past record : First Check Brahmastra Series / Destinaire Program / PT astra➖➖➖Then believe .
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🟣 Questions : Every Year --- 50+ Direct or Indirect
🟣 Aspirants: "Itna kaise padhen? " ---
🎖My answer(Chandramouli) ---- Jitna aata hai , utna h bas padhna hai , baaki bas 2 log kr skte hain --- Paper banane wala aur HM sbko banane wala.
🔴 Hit Ratio by Me : Around 40% Direct and indirect.
🟢 Any Past record : First Check Brahmastra Series / Destinaire Program / PT astra➖➖➖Then believe .
🔥 Any New course : Current affairs Capsule module
Starting -- 13 March💡
Mode : Online + offline (Both)
Is it free ? 🔸🔸 Free ka value hota to aaj YouTube se sb ho jaata.
🕹 Apne life ka aur is exam ka apne paas rkhie.
Fill the form if you are interested and join me , DM me for more details.
Join --- www.tg-me.com/ChandramouliSir
Fill the form ----https://bit.ly/3v3pJ3b
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India's upcoming FTA with EFTA countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein) promises $100-billion investment and one million jobs over 15 years.
The pact, aimed at trade liberalisation, will showcase India's commitment as global trends lean towards protectionism.
Goods exports may see minimal gains as existing tariffs with EFTA are already low or non-existent, especially for industrial goods to Switzerland which makes up 98% of India's exports to the bloc.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
The pact, aimed at trade liberalisation, will showcase India's commitment as global trends lean towards protectionism.
Goods exports may see minimal gains as existing tariffs with EFTA are already low or non-existent, especially for industrial goods to Switzerland which makes up 98% of India's exports to the bloc.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
🔆India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
✅India and the UK are currently engaged in negotiations to resolve contentious issues in the ongoing talks for the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
✅This comprehensive trade deal holds significant importance for India as it will serve as a template for upcoming trade pacts, including those with the EU (European Union) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries (viz., Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
📍What are the Contentious Issues under the Negotiations?
✅Intellectual Property Rights: In Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), India does not want to compromise on the production of life-saving generics.
✅Global Value Chains (GVC): Discussions are underway to address the complexities associated with global value chains and ensure favorable outcomes for India.
✅Digital Trade: In the area of digital trade and data protection, India is yet to firm up its own domestic laws and hence doesn’t want to take on commitments.
✅Rules of Origin (ROO): ROO, which determines the national source of a product, has been a contentious issue in the FTA talks.
✅These are important in trade negotiations since countries levy duties or impose restrictions on products based on the source of imports.
India wants to have strict rules of origin in place to ensure that third countries do not take unfair advantage of the FTA.
✅Labour and Environment: Labour and environmental commitments are being taken for the first time and they have to be done in a manner which is not unfavorable to India.
✅India has unilaterally made tremendous progress and does not want additional conditions.
✅The UK, on the other hand, wants more stringent IPRs, free cross-border data flow and rules against data localisation, liberal ROOs and commitments in the areas of labour and environment,
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
✅India and the UK are currently engaged in negotiations to resolve contentious issues in the ongoing talks for the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
✅This comprehensive trade deal holds significant importance for India as it will serve as a template for upcoming trade pacts, including those with the EU (European Union) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries (viz., Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
📍What are the Contentious Issues under the Negotiations?
✅Intellectual Property Rights: In Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), India does not want to compromise on the production of life-saving generics.
✅Global Value Chains (GVC): Discussions are underway to address the complexities associated with global value chains and ensure favorable outcomes for India.
✅Digital Trade: In the area of digital trade and data protection, India is yet to firm up its own domestic laws and hence doesn’t want to take on commitments.
✅Rules of Origin (ROO): ROO, which determines the national source of a product, has been a contentious issue in the FTA talks.
✅These are important in trade negotiations since countries levy duties or impose restrictions on products based on the source of imports.
India wants to have strict rules of origin in place to ensure that third countries do not take unfair advantage of the FTA.
✅Labour and Environment: Labour and environmental commitments are being taken for the first time and they have to be done in a manner which is not unfavorable to India.
✅India has unilaterally made tremendous progress and does not want additional conditions.
✅The UK, on the other hand, wants more stringent IPRs, free cross-border data flow and rules against data localisation, liberal ROOs and commitments in the areas of labour and environment,
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
India has signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with four European countries - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The agreement aims to reach $100 billion in investments in India and generate one million jobs within 15 years.
The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) represents the second full-fledged FTA signed by India, following the agreement with the United Arab Emirates. It anticipates significant tariff reduction, increased market access, and simplification of customs procedures.
For the first time, the FTA includes a chapter dedicated to commitments to human rights and sustainable development. The agreement will be enforced after ratification by the EFTA states, which is expected by the end of the year.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) represents the second full-fledged FTA signed by India, following the agreement with the United Arab Emirates. It anticipates significant tariff reduction, increased market access, and simplification of customs procedures.
For the first time, the FTA includes a chapter dedicated to commitments to human rights and sustainable development. The agreement will be enforced after ratification by the EFTA states, which is expected by the end of the year.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
🔆What are the hurdles of fair global trade
✅ The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) held in Abu Dhabi saw 166 member countries adopt a ministerial declaration to reform and strengthen global trade regulations.
✅Key decisions included commitment to a functional dispute settlement system by 2024 and improved provisions for developing and least developed countries within trade norms.
✅India focused on finding a resolution for its public stockholding (PSH) programme to ensure food security, arguing against WTO norms that limit food subsidy bills.
✅India raised concerns regarding the fisheries sector and sought the end of the moratorium on customs duties for cross-border e-commerce to generate revenue.
✅Despite progress in some areas, the exemption from customs duties for e-commerce will continue for at least two more years, reflecting a mixed outcome for India and other developing economies at MC13.
#gs2
#ir
#gs3
#economy
@upsc_4_economy
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
✅ The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) held in Abu Dhabi saw 166 member countries adopt a ministerial declaration to reform and strengthen global trade regulations.
✅Key decisions included commitment to a functional dispute settlement system by 2024 and improved provisions for developing and least developed countries within trade norms.
✅India focused on finding a resolution for its public stockholding (PSH) programme to ensure food security, arguing against WTO norms that limit food subsidy bills.
✅India raised concerns regarding the fisheries sector and sought the end of the moratorium on customs duties for cross-border e-commerce to generate revenue.
✅Despite progress in some areas, the exemption from customs duties for e-commerce will continue for at least two more years, reflecting a mixed outcome for India and other developing economies at MC13.
#gs2
#ir
#gs3
#economy
@upsc_4_economy
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
🔆Chicago Convention
✅ India recently approved the ratification of three Chicago Convention amendment protocols.
📍Ratified Protocols:
✅Protocol to insert Article 3: Prohibits the use of weapons against Civil Aircraft in flight.
✅ Protocol to amend Article 50 (a): Increases the ICAO's Council's strength from 36 to 40.
✅ Protocol to amend Article 56: Raises the Air Navigation Commission's strength from 18 to 21.
📍 International Civil Aviation Organization- ICAO
✅In 1947, the Chicago Convention established the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO), a specialised UN agency.
✅Its purpose is to coordinate principles and techniques for international air transport.
✅Membership: 193 Members (India).
✅Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
✅ ICAO collaborates with the UN Economic and Social Council.
✅It follows a structured "Amendment Process"
to develop international aviation Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and Procedures for Air Navigation Services (PANS).
✅ ICAO is not an international aviation regulator.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
✅ India recently approved the ratification of three Chicago Convention amendment protocols.
📍Ratified Protocols:
✅Protocol to insert Article 3: Prohibits the use of weapons against Civil Aircraft in flight.
✅ Protocol to amend Article 50 (a): Increases the ICAO's Council's strength from 36 to 40.
✅ Protocol to amend Article 56: Raises the Air Navigation Commission's strength from 18 to 21.
📍 International Civil Aviation Organization- ICAO
✅In 1947, the Chicago Convention established the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO), a specialised UN agency.
✅Its purpose is to coordinate principles and techniques for international air transport.
✅Membership: 193 Members (India).
✅Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
✅ ICAO collaborates with the UN Economic and Social Council.
✅It follows a structured "Amendment Process"
to develop international aviation Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and Procedures for Air Navigation Services (PANS).
✅ ICAO is not an international aviation regulator.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
🔆The High Seas Treaty
✅ Recently, the world’s first international treaty to protect the high seas was adopted by the United Nations.
📍 High Seas Treaty:
✅The High Seas Treaty is a legally binding international agreement that provides a
comprehensive legal framework for the governance and use of the world's oceans.
✅Officially known as the treaty on “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction” (BBNJ).
✅It encompasses the high seas which extends beyond exclusive economic zones or national waters.
✅It was negotiated under UNCLOS of 1982 which governs the rights of countries regarding marine resources.
✅It aims to prevent species extinctions caused by
overfishing, oil extraction, deep-sea mining, and other impactful activities on the high seas
📍The High Seas”:
✅The 1958 Geneva Convention defines high seas as the parts of the ocean beyond a country's Exclusive Economic Zone.
✅High Seas continues beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone, which extends up to 200 nautical miles from the coast and no country is responsible for managing or protecting its resources.
📍Exclusive Economic Zones:
✅EEZs define a coastal nation's jurisdiction over oceanic resources, both living and non-living, within a certain distance.
✅It extends to 200 nautical miles beyond a nation's territorial sea.
📍 UNCLOS:
✅The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in 1982, is
commonly referred to as 'Law of the Sea.'
✅The convention establishes global rules for ocean use and resource management, serving as a framework for developing specific areas of maritime law.
✅UNCLOS defines countries' ocean rights and duties, sovereignty claims, and marine resource legality.
✅ It outlines general rules for various ocean activities like navigation, scientific research, and deepsea mining
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
✅ Recently, the world’s first international treaty to protect the high seas was adopted by the United Nations.
📍 High Seas Treaty:
✅The High Seas Treaty is a legally binding international agreement that provides a
comprehensive legal framework for the governance and use of the world's oceans.
✅Officially known as the treaty on “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction” (BBNJ).
✅It encompasses the high seas which extends beyond exclusive economic zones or national waters.
✅It was negotiated under UNCLOS of 1982 which governs the rights of countries regarding marine resources.
✅It aims to prevent species extinctions caused by
overfishing, oil extraction, deep-sea mining, and other impactful activities on the high seas
📍The High Seas”:
✅The 1958 Geneva Convention defines high seas as the parts of the ocean beyond a country's Exclusive Economic Zone.
✅High Seas continues beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone, which extends up to 200 nautical miles from the coast and no country is responsible for managing or protecting its resources.
📍Exclusive Economic Zones:
✅EEZs define a coastal nation's jurisdiction over oceanic resources, both living and non-living, within a certain distance.
✅It extends to 200 nautical miles beyond a nation's territorial sea.
📍 UNCLOS:
✅The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in 1982, is
commonly referred to as 'Law of the Sea.'
✅The convention establishes global rules for ocean use and resource management, serving as a framework for developing specific areas of maritime law.
✅UNCLOS defines countries' ocean rights and duties, sovereignty claims, and marine resource legality.
✅ It outlines general rules for various ocean activities like navigation, scientific research, and deepsea mining
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
🔆International arms transfers report by the SIPRI
✅The latest data on international arms transfers has been released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
✅As per this report, India was the world's top arms importer between 2019-2023.
📍Key highlights of the report by the SIPRI
✅India continues as the world’s largest arms importer despite ongoing efforts to bolster its defense-industrial base.
✅Between 2019 and 2023, the country accounted for a significant 9.8% of the total global arms imports.
✅Steady increase in arms import : 4.7% increase in India's arms imports between 2014-18 and 2019-23. This growth is partially attributed to emergency procurements made in response to the prolonged military standoff with China.
✅Changing Dynamics in Arms Suppliers: The report highlights that the period between 2019-23 marked the first five-year span since 1960-64 where Russian deliveries comprised less than half of India's arms imports.
✅Growing Role of Western Suppliers : France and the United States are emerging as key suppliers to India, collectively accounting for 46% of its arms imports.
📍Global Arms Trade Landscape
✅Top importers
India is followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ukraine, Pakistan, Japan, Egypt, Australia, South Korea, and China.
✅Top exporters
United States leads with a 42% share, followed by France and Russia.
✅India emerges as the largest arms customer for France, Russia, and Israel, indicating its significant role in global arms procurement.
✅This underscores India's reliance on diverse sources for its defense needs, reflecting its geopolitical positioning and security concerns.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
✅The latest data on international arms transfers has been released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
✅As per this report, India was the world's top arms importer between 2019-2023.
📍Key highlights of the report by the SIPRI
✅India continues as the world’s largest arms importer despite ongoing efforts to bolster its defense-industrial base.
✅Between 2019 and 2023, the country accounted for a significant 9.8% of the total global arms imports.
✅Steady increase in arms import : 4.7% increase in India's arms imports between 2014-18 and 2019-23. This growth is partially attributed to emergency procurements made in response to the prolonged military standoff with China.
✅Changing Dynamics in Arms Suppliers: The report highlights that the period between 2019-23 marked the first five-year span since 1960-64 where Russian deliveries comprised less than half of India's arms imports.
✅Growing Role of Western Suppliers : France and the United States are emerging as key suppliers to India, collectively accounting for 46% of its arms imports.
📍Global Arms Trade Landscape
✅Top importers
India is followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ukraine, Pakistan, Japan, Egypt, Australia, South Korea, and China.
✅Top exporters
United States leads with a 42% share, followed by France and Russia.
✅India emerges as the largest arms customer for France, Russia, and Israel, indicating its significant role in global arms procurement.
✅This underscores India's reliance on diverse sources for its defense needs, reflecting its geopolitical positioning and security concerns.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
Forwarded from CSE EXAM ( UPSC prelims mains)
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🔆What is the significance of Bhutan's Gelephu gambit?
Bhutan plans to build a "Gelephu Mindfulness City" (GMC) as a regional economic hub, focusing on non-polluting industries such as IT, education, and healthcare, to strengthen its economy and offer controlled opening to international investments.
GMC aims to be a carbon-neutral city positioned at a strategic crossroads that aligns with India's "Act East" connectivity plans, enhancing regional connectivity to ASEAN, the Indo-Pacific region, and beyond
India's involvement and support are crucial for GMC's infrastructure and sustainability, given Gelephu's geographical challenges and the strategic imperative of maintaining Bhutan's alignment away from Beijing's influence.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
Bhutan plans to build a "Gelephu Mindfulness City" (GMC) as a regional economic hub, focusing on non-polluting industries such as IT, education, and healthcare, to strengthen its economy and offer controlled opening to international investments.
GMC aims to be a carbon-neutral city positioned at a strategic crossroads that aligns with India's "Act East" connectivity plans, enhancing regional connectivity to ASEAN, the Indo-Pacific region, and beyond
India's involvement and support are crucial for GMC's infrastructure and sustainability, given Gelephu's geographical challenges and the strategic imperative of maintaining Bhutan's alignment away from Beijing's influence.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
🔆India Ireland relation :What is the significance of St. Patrick's day
The article highlights the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and India, celebrating their shared history of freedom from colonial oppression and their growing links in trade, education, and people-to-people connections.
It reflects on Ireland's National Day, St. Patrick's Day, as a global celebration of Irish heritage, while acknowledging the challenges of celebrating amidst global conflicts, specifically mentioning Ireland's stand on the conflict in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The article underlines the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in Ireland, noting the presence of about 10,000 Indian students in Irish universities and the role of over 80,000 Indians in various sectors in Ireland, thereby strengthening the bilateral relationship.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
The article highlights the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and India, celebrating their shared history of freedom from colonial oppression and their growing links in trade, education, and people-to-people connections.
It reflects on Ireland's National Day, St. Patrick's Day, as a global celebration of Irish heritage, while acknowledging the challenges of celebrating amidst global conflicts, specifically mentioning Ireland's stand on the conflict in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The article underlines the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in Ireland, noting the presence of about 10,000 Indian students in Irish universities and the role of over 80,000 Indians in various sectors in Ireland, thereby strengthening the bilateral relationship.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
NSA Ajit Doval’s visit to Israel earlier this week has created much buzz, with one expert calling it a sign that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “losing patience” with his Israel counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
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ThePrint
NSA Doval visits Israel to discuss Gaza, Haaretz op-ed says Modi ‘losing patience’ with Netanyahu
Scholar Khinvraj Jangid writes that Ajil Doval’s visit to Israel signals Modi govt's concerns about Israel's actions in Gaza and should be seen as a 'warning call'.