Current Context : Recently, India’s Minister of Health, JP Nadda, has been elected as the Chairperson for the 77th Session (RC77) of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region. The session took place from October 7–9, 2024, in New Delhi, India. ABOUT REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR SOUTH-EAST ASIA (SEARO) It is the main governing body for the WHO in the region. It is composed of representatives from the 11 Member States in the region, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. The Regional Committee meets annually to discuss regional health priorities, review....Read More

Current Context : Recently, The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has suspended the membership of the Delhi Zoo over concerns about the treatment of its lone African elephant named Shankar. ABOUT WAZA It is a global organization that supports and guides zoos, aquariums, and other organizations in their efforts to care for and conserve animals and their habitats. Established: WAZA was initially formed in 1935 and became an international NGO in 1949. Purpose: It aims to promote high standards of animal welfare and husbandry, and foster collaboration among zoos and aquariums worldwide. Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland. Membership: WAZA has....Read More

Current Context : Recently, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization under Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has become an affiliate member of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF). Benefits: This membership will help harmonize medical device regulations across countries, simplifying global market access for Indian manufacturers and promoting public health safety. Opportunities for India: Indian medical device manufacturers will gain access to new markets, improve product competitiveness, and contribute to global medical device regulations, boosting India's presence on the global stage. ABOUT IMDRF  It is a group of global medical device regulators whose aim is to speed up....Read More

Current Index : India has secured a position on the 15-member Steering Committee of the GlobE Network, an international anti-corruption body, following a multi-stage voting process during the plenary session held in Beijing . ABOUT GLOBE NETWORK The GlobE Network (Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities) is an initiative aimed at combating international corruption and financial crime through global cooperation. Formation: Launched under the G20 framework to enhance member countries' abilities to combat corruption. Launched on June 3, 2021, during a UN General Assembly session focused on anti-corruption. Membership: Comprises 121 member countries and 219 member authorities. India's....Read More

Current Context : Foreign ministers from India, Brazil, and South Africa jointly condemned terrorism and called for concerted action against Pakistan-based groups like LeT and JeM. ABOUT IBSA FORUM : Establishment : in 2003 as a Trilateral Dialogue Forum between India, Brazil, and South Africa. Formalized under the Brasilia Declaration to promote closer coordination on global issues. Aim: to enhance cooperation on global matters among three large, multicultural, and multiracial democracies from Asia, South America, and Africa. Focus areas include promoting democracy, human rights, sustainable development, and cooperation in various sectors like trade, education, and health​ IBSA Fund : Established in 2004, the IBSA Fund supports human development projects focused on....Read More

Current Context : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the first-ever Joint Ministerial Meeting of L.69 and C-10 groupings of nations on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. ABOUT L69 GROUPING Composition: The L69 Group consists of 32 developing countries, including India, from regions like Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands. Established in 2007, the group is named after the draft resolution L.69, which was presented to the UN General Assembly. Focus: to advocate for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to improve representation for developing countries. Goals:....Read More

Current Context : Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a significant address at the 79th U.N. General Assembly session, themed “Summit of the Future,” held in New York. KEY ACHIEVEMENT : India has formally joined the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN), a US-led initiative focused on enhancing cooperation among members to secure supply chains for critical minerals. The announcement, made by the US State Department on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, involves a pact signed by 14 countries and the European Union. ABOUT UNGA : The UNGA remains a central forum for multilateral discussions on global issues, contributing to....Read More

Current Context : EAM Jaishankar meets G4 foreign ministers at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly to assess the state of play and discuss prospects for a reform of the United Nations Security Council. About G4 : Members : Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan. Objective: To achieve permanent seats for all four countries on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and comprehensive reforms to make the UNSC more representative.Read More

Current Context : President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates the 16th Assembly of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) in New Delhi ABOUT ASIAN ORGANIZATION OF SUPREME AUDIT INSTITUTIONS (ASOSAI) It is a regional group under the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). Established in 1979 with 11 members. Aim : Promoting cooperation among audit institutions in Asia. It plays a central role in promoting collaboration, sharing experiences, knowledge, exchange, and capacity building in the field of public audit amongst its members. The first ASOSAI Assembly and Governing Board meeting was held in New Delhi in May 1979.Read More

Current Context : India has formally become a member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). Besides India, three other countries - Nicaragua, Eswatini and Somalia - have also formally joined the Alliance by ratifying its framework. ABOUT INTERNATIONAL BIG CAT ALLIANCE It is a global initiative launched by India on April 9, 2023. Aim : to protect and conserve big cat species, including tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, snow leopards, pumas, and cheetahs. The alliance seeks to unite 96 countries that are home to these species, promoting collaboration on research, conservation efforts, and anti-poaching measures. Headquarter in New Delhi This....Read More