India Bags IAEA External Auditor Job

India has been elected as the external auditor to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a prestigious institution that promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy, for a period of six years from 2022 to 2027 after beating Germany and the United Kingdom among other counties.
India's Comptroller and Auditor General GC Murmu was selected as the external auditor of IAEA.
India was the IAEA external auditor from 2012 to 2015.
Recently, the 65th annual regular session of the IAEA General Conference was held from September 20 to 24 in Vienna.

India Secures Membership in Codex Alimentarius Commission's Executive Committee

On 2^nd Dec, India achieved unanimous election to the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) during its 46th meeting in Rome, representing the Asian region.

Key Points

Significance of Committee Membership: India's membership offers a unique opportunity to actively contribute to global food standards.
It allows the country to partake in decision-making processes and critical reviews, supporting the CAC's program for standards development.
Committee Composition: The Executive Committee consists of the Chair, three vice Chairs, six regional coordinators, and seven elected representatives from different geographical regions of Codex, enhancing India's role in shaping international food standards.
Millets Standards Proposal: India's proposal for establishing group standards for millets gains approval from the Commission.
The country's initiative to set global standards for millets is recognized and supported by member nations, marking a significant achievement in global food regulations.
Project Approval: The Commission acknowledges India's proposition for global millets standards under Additional Agendas.
The proposal, discussed extensively during the CAC meeting, receives approval for the preparation of three Project documents, highlighting India's commitment to food standards.

India Secures Highest Votes, Re-elected to IMO Council for 2024–25 Biennium

On 1^st Dec, India was re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council with the highest votes during the assembly elections for the 2024–25 biennium.

Key Points

Category of Interest: India falls under the Category of 10 states with "the largest interest in international seaborne trade," alongside prominent maritime nations.
Term Duration: The Council's term will span the biennium 2024-25.
Proud Achievement: India maintains a proud and unbroken record in category B, showcasing continuous service at IMO.
Global Maritime Support: India secured large-scale support from the international community, allowing it to continue serving the global maritime domain.
IMO's Authority: The IMO is the leading authority regulating the maritime industry, crucial for global trade, transportation, and marine operations.
Council's Role: The council, as IMO's executive organ, supervises the organization's work and performs assembly functions between sessions, excluding recommendations to governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention.
Enhanced Representation: Under MIV 2030, India aims to appoint permanent representatives at IMO London for better representation.
JPO Program: Proposes nominating at least 2 qualified candidates for the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Program, contributing to international cooperation.
Strategic Goals: Amrik Kaal Vision 2047 outlines initiatives to strengthen India's global maritime presence, including a dedicated IMO cell in India, permanent representative at IMO headquarters, London, and implementing BIMSTEC Master Plan.
Regional Coordination: Emphasis on creating a robust BIMSTEC institutional structure for coordinated and timely implementation of regional projects.

ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023 Commences in Jakarta

The ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023 is being held in South Jakarta, Indonesia, from 22^nd November to 26^th November 2023, with the aim of promoting millets and millet-based products among ASEAN member states.

Key Points

Awareness and Market Creation: The festival, organized by the Indian Mission to ASEAN and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, seeks to raise awareness and create a market for millets and millet-based products in ASEAN countries.
Indian Delegation and Diverse Representation: The Indian delegation, representing various facets of the millet ecosystem, includes chefs, start-ups, FPO representatives, industry leaders, and state officials.
Millet-centric Exhibition: A dedicated exhibition featuring Millet-based FPOs, start-ups, and Indian chefs is part of the festival, showcasing the cultural and culinary diversity of millets.
Contributing to ASEAN-India Joint Leaders' Statement: The festival aligns with the ASEAN-India Joint Leaders' Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition, contributing to the goals outlined in the statement.

BRICS Summit Calls for Humanitarian Truce in Gaza

In a virtual summit, BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, called for an immediate and sustained humanitarian truce in Gaza.

Key Points

BRICS's Collective Statement: The group urged an immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce, emphasizing the cessation of hostilities.
They expressed strong support for regional and international efforts to achieve an immediate cessation of hostilities, ensuring civilian protection and humanitarian aid.
Hamas-Israel Conflict: The summit took place amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, triggered by cross-border raids by Hamas gunmen that resulted in numerous casualties. Israel responded with a bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza.
Leaders Call for Diplomatic Solution: BRICS leaders emphasized the need for a long-term diplomatic solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to ensure lasting peace.
India's Position: India's foreign minister asserted the importance of a two-state solution for a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Participants and International Dynamics: Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, slated to join BRICS in January 2024, were invited. BRICS sees itself as a counterweight to the U.S. and Western-led global order.
South Africa's Stance: South Africa, a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, has recalled diplomats from Israel and joined calls for an International Criminal Court investigation into the conflict.

United Service Institution of India Hosts Annual UN Forum 2023

The United Service Institution of India (USI), founded in 1870 as the nation's premier think-tank on national security and military affairs, is set to conduct its Annual UN Forum 2023 on November 21-22, 2023, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Centre for UN Peacekeeping Operations.

Key Points

Forum Theme: The Annual UN Forum centres on 'International Humanitarian Law and Peacekeeping,' addressing the challenges posed by contemporary UN peacekeeping missions in volatile environments marked by asymmetric warfare.
Complexities of IHL Implementation: The forum recognizes the criticality of adhering to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) principles amid modern conflicts' complexity, non-state actor actions, and blurred lines between combatants and civilians in urban battlespaces.
Interactive Approach: The forum adopts an interactive, multi-stakeholder approach to discuss the applicability and limitations of implementing IHL frameworks in UN peace operations.
Contemporary Issues: Sessions delve into contemporary issues such as the protection of civilians, accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, the role of women in peacekeeping operations, and leveraging technology for more effective peacekeeping.
Perspectives from Academia and Practitioners: Insightful perspectives from both academicians and practitioners with firsthand peacekeeping experience will be presented, with keynote addresses by senior officials from the Indian Armed Forces and the Ministry of External Affairs.

DAKSHIN: A Global Centre for Excellence

On 17^th Nov, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated DAKSHIN, a global centre for excellence catering to countries of the Global South. The initiative was proposed during the First Voice of Global South Summit in January.

Key Points

Global South's Voice: Emphasizing the newfound voice of the Global South, PM highlighted its geographical existence and the joint efforts that have brought it to the forefront.
Technology and Global South: PM stressed responsible technology use, ensuring it doesn't widen the gap between the Global North and Global South. India will organize the AI Global Partnership Summit next month to further this agenda.
G20 and Global South Priorities: During India's G20 presidency, over 200 meetings prioritized Global South concerns, leading to their inclusion in the New Delhi G20 Declaration. PM Modi underscored making the G20 "inclusive and human-centric."
Condemnation of Terrorism: India condemned the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel, advocating for restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy. Humanitarian aid was sent to Palestine, emphasizing unity for global well-being.
Second Voice of Global South Summit: The virtual summit, focusing on G20 outcomes during India's presidency, addresses global challenges and aims to sustain momentum for a more inclusive world order.
Summit Structure: The summit comprises ten sessions, including inaugural and concluding sessions hosted by PM Modi, discussing growth, trust, and the united future of the Global South.

Global South: Evolution, Significance and Challenges

About:

The Global South refers to countries categorized as developing, less developed, or underdeveloped, primarily situated in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
These nations often face higher levels of poverty, income inequality, and challenging living conditions compared to wealthier Global North nations in North America, Europe, and Oceania.

From "Third World" to "Global South":

Coined in 1969 by Carl Oglesby, the term gained traction after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, marking the end of the "Second World."
Previously termed the "Third World" by Alfred Sauvy in 1952, negative stereotypes led to the adoption of the more neutral "Global South."

Geopolitical and Economic Commonalities:

The Global South is not strictly defined geographically but signifies political, geopolitical, and economic similarities among nations.
Many countries share a history of Imperialism and Colonial Rule, particularly evident in African nations, shaping perspectives on the global political economy.

Significance of Global South Today:

Shifting Economic and Political Power:
- Wealth shift acknowledged by the World Bank challenges traditional notions of economic power distribution.
- Projections indicate Global South countries leading in the four largest economies by 2030, with China and India at the forefront.
- BRICS nations' combined GDP surpasses that of the G-7 nations.
Impact on Geopolitics:
- Growing economic and political power has implications for global geopolitics.
- Asian nations play a significant role in the projected "Asian Century," challenging historical Global North dominance.

Challenges to Global South Development:

Green Energy Fund: Global North neglects funding green energy, impacting less emitting, developing countries disproportionately.
Russia-Ukraine War Impact: Severely affects least developed countries, exacerbating concerns related to food, energy, and finance.
China’s Interference: China's Belt and Road Initiative raises questions about being a win-win or solely benefiting China.
US Hegemony: Despite a multipolar world, the US maintains dominance in international affairs, impacting global financial markets.
Inadequate Access to Resources: Historical North-South divergences persist, with major gaps in access to crucial developmental resources.
Impact of Covid-19: Pandemic exacerbates existing divides, revealing vulnerabilities in economies from Argentina to Sri Lanka.

Initiatives of India for Global South:

Global South Centre of Excellence: Research development solutions and best practices for implementation in developing countries.
Global South Science and Technology Initiative: Share Indian expertise in space technology and nuclear energy.
Aarogya Maitri Project: Provide essential medical supplies to developing countries affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises.
Global South Young Diplomats Forum: Connect young officers of foreign ministries.
Global South Scholarships: Provide higher education opportunities in India for students from developing countries.

Third IPEF Ministerial Meeting

The third IPEF Ministerial Meeting held in San Francisco, California on 14^th Nov, saw significant participation from India's Union Minister for Commerce and Industry.

Key developments and conclusions emerged during the meeting, emphasizing India's active involvement in advancing economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Points

IPEF Launch: The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) was jointly initiated by the USA and partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo.
It comprises 14 partner countries, including India, with a collective aim to foster growth, peace, and prosperity in the region.
Framework Structure: IPEF is organized around four pillars: Trade (Pillar I), Supply Chains (Pillar II), Clean Economy (Pillar III), and Fair Economy (Pillar IV). India participates in Pillars II to IV and holds an observer status in Pillar I.
Successful Negotiations: The Ministerial Meeting witnessed the substantial conclusion of negotiations under Pillar III (Clean Economy), Pillar IV (Fair Economy), and the Agreement on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. Additionally, the IPEF Ministers signed the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement, following the substantial conclusion of negotiations in May 2023.
Pillar-Wise Efforts: A Pillar-wise Press Statement was issued, outlining the planned efforts and contours for each substantially concluded Pillar.
Clean Economy (Pillar-III): Focuses on advancing cooperation in research, development, and commercialization of clean energy technologies.
Shri Goyal emphasized increased collaboration on innovative and affordable climate-friendly technologies, highlighting priorities like hydrogen supply chain and India's proposals for biofuels and e-waste recycling.
Fair Economy (Pillar-IV): Aims to strengthen anti-corruption and tax measures to boost commerce, trade, and investment.

NATO Suspends Cold War-Era Security Treaty

On 7^th November, 2023, NATO formally suspended a key Cold War-era security treaty in reaction to Russia's withdrawal from the agreement.

Key Points

Suspension of the Treaty: NATO announced the suspension of the Treaty of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, with most of its 31 allies signing the pact to prevent the massing of forces by Cold War rivals near mutual borders. The treaty was signed in November 1990 but ratified two years later.
Unsustainability of One-Sided Treaty: NATO stressed that a situation in which allied state parties uphold the treaty while Russia does not would be unsustainable.
The alliance made this decision in response to Russia's announcement of its withdrawal from the treaty.
Supported Decision by All NATO Allies: NATO members who signed the treaty have chosen to suspend its operation for as long as necessary, in line with their rights under international law. This decision is unanimously supported by all NATO allies.
Commitment to Reducing Military Risk: NATO emphasized its continued commitment to reducing military risk, preventing misperceptions, and avoiding conflicts as a primary objective.

International Solar Alliance (ISA) GSF to Receive $35 Million Capital Contribution

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has announced that the Global Solar Facility (GSF), a fund aimed at boosting investments in solar power projects, is set to receive a capital contribution of $35 million.

Key Points

ISA Assembly in India: India is hosting the sixth assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a meeting that brings together ministers from 20 countries and delegates from 116 member and signatory countries.
The assembly aims to enhance cooperation and discussions on solar energy initiatives.
Global Solar Facility (GSF): The GSF, initiated by ISA, is designed to stimulate solar investments in underserved areas across Africa and encourage private capital to flow into off-grid solar projects, rooftop solar projects, and productive use solar projects.
The fund aims to mitigate project risks, provide technical assistance, address regulatory gaps, reduce currency risks, and resolve contractual and financial uncertainties in the solar energy sector.
Contributions to GSF: The Indian government is considering a $25 million investment as a capital contribution to the GSF, in addition to $10 million from ISA.
Bloomberg Philanthropies and Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) have also committed their support to the GSF.
Leveraging Investments for Solar Transition: The GSF's target is to raise $100 million to support solar projects in Africa, where there is significant untapped potential in solar energy.
Globalizing the GSF: India serves as an example of successful development due to private sector investments, with a strong legal and security framework that attracts investments.
The ISA aims to expand the GSF's reach globally in the future.
Confidence for Solar Investments: The GSF is expected to attract $10 billion in investments, providing clean energy access to millions of households and benefiting around 200 million people in the region by 2030.
Africa's Solar Potential: Despite having vast solar potential, Africa only possesses 1.3 percent of the world's installed solar capacity, with 11.4 gigawatts (GW) out of 849 GW in 2021.
The lack of electricity access for nearly 600 million people in Africa underscores the need for distributed solar power projects.
Facilitating Investments: The ISA has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with various institutions, including the Multi-Lateral Investment Guarantee Fund (MIGA), Africa 50, and the West African Development Bank (BOAD), to facilitate investments through the GSF in Africa.

CCI Joins International Competition Network's Steering Group

On 25^th Oct, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) announced that it has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a member of the steering group of the International Competition Network (ICN), marking its inaugural membership in this esteemed body.

The announcement came during the ICN Annual Conference 2023 held in Barcelona, Spain, after persistent efforts by the CCI.

Key Points

A Global Network for Competition Agencies: The International Competition Network, comprised of 140 competition agencies from 130 countries, plays a pivotal role in shaping global competition policies and practices.
It operates under the guidance of its apex body, the Steering Group, which is composed of 18 members.
A First-Time Achievement for CCI: This achievement represents a significant first for the Competition Commission of India, as it secures its position within the ICN's steering group for a two-year membership term.
The CCI's newfound role in the ICN's steering group is expected to bolster India's participation in global competition matters.
Fostering Collaboration on Competition Concerns: The ICN serves as an invaluable platform for competition authorities worldwide, offering an informal yet highly specialized venue for fostering regular communication and addressing practical competition concerns.
This collaboration is integral to the harmonization of competition policies on a global scale, benefiting both competition agencies and the broader public.

Competition Commission of India (CCI)

CCI is a statutory body of the Government of India responsible for enforcing the Competition Act, 2002.
It was constituted in March 2009, following the repeal of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act) based on the recommendations of the Raghavan committee.

Objective

CCI aims to establish a robust competitive environment through proactive engagement with all stakeholders.
These stakeholders include consumers, industry, government, and international jurisdictions.
CCI strives to be a knowledge-intensive organization with a high competence level.
The approach involves professionalism, transparency, resolve, and wisdom in enforcement.

The Competition Act, 2002

The Competition Act was passed in 2002 and has been amended by the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007, aligning with the philosophy of modern competition laws.
The Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements and the abuse of a dominant position by enterprises.
It also regulates combinations, including acquisitions, control acquisitions, and mergers, if they are likely to harm competition within India.
To enforce this Act, the Competition Commission of India and the Competition Appellate Tribunal were established.

Composition of CCI

The Commission consists of one Chairperson and six Members appointed by the Central Government.
CCI operates as a quasi-judicial body that provides opinions to statutory authorities and handles other cases.
The Chairperson and other Members are whole-time Members.
Eligibility for members includes having a legal background or special knowledge in areas such as international trade, economics, law, finance, management, and more.

Functions and Roles of CCI

CCI's functions include eliminating practices adversely affecting competition, promoting and sustaining competition, and protecting consumer interests.
It gives opinions on competition issues referred by statutory authorities and undertakes competition advocacy, public awareness, and training.
CCI aims to achieve these objectives through measures like ensuring consumer welfare, fostering fair and healthy competition, and implementing competition policies.
It maintains effective relations with sectoral regulators to align sectoral regulatory laws with competition law.
CCI carries out competition advocacy and spreads information on the benefits of competition.
It is responsible for monitoring competition in India's domestic market, preventing the abuse of a dominant position, and regulating foreign companies entering India through mergers or acquisitions.
Companies with assets and turnovers above a certain threshold fall under CCI's jurisdiction, ensuring compliance with competition laws.