INDUS WATER TREATY

1. Context

2. The dispute over the hydel projects

• The notice appears to be a fallout of a longstanding dispute over two hydroelectric power projects that India is constructing one on the Kishanganga river, a tributary of Jhelum and the other on the Chenab.
• Pakistan has raised objections to these projects and dispute resolution mechanisms under the Treaty have been invoked multiple times. But a full resolution has not been reached.
• In 2015, Pakistan asked that a Neutral Expert should be appointed to examine its technical objections to the Kishanganga and Ratle HEPs.
• But the following year, Pakistan unilaterally retracted this request and proposed that a Court of Arbitration should adjudicate its objections.
• In August 2016, Pakistan approached the World Bank, which brokered the 1960 Treaty, seeking the constitution of a Court of Arbitration under the relevant dispute redressal provisions of the Treaty.

• India argued that Pakistan's request for a Court of Arbitration violated the graded mechanism of dispute resolution in the Treaty.
• In between, a significant event happened that had consequences for the Treaty.
• A Pakistan-backed terror attack on Uri in September 2016 prompted calls within India to walk out of the Indus Waters Treaty, which allows a significantly bigger share of the six river glasses of water to Pakistan.
• The Prime Minister had famously said that blood and water could not flow together and India has suspended routine bi-annual talks between the Indus Commissioners of the two countries.

3. Applications moved by Pakistan and India

• The World Bank, the third party to the Treaty and the acknowledged arbiter of disputes were, meanwhile faced with a unique situation of having received two separate requests for the same dispute.
• New Delhi feels that the World Bank is just a facilitator and has a limited role.
• On December 12, 2016, the World Bank announced a "pause" in the separate processes initiated by India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty to allow the two countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements.
• The regular meetings of Indus Waters Commissioners resumed in 2017 and India tried to use these to find mutually agreeable solutions between 2017 and 2022.
• Pakistan refused to discuss these issues at these meetings.
• At Pakistan's continued insistence, the World Bank, in March last year, initiated actions on the requests of both India and Pakistan.

• They will carry out their duties in their capacity as subject matter experts and independently of any other appointments they may currently hold.
• On October 19, 2022, the Ministry of External Affairs said, " We have noted the World Bank's announcement to concurrently appoint a Neutral Expert and a Chair of the Court of Arbitration in the ongoing matter related to the Kishanganga and Ratle projects".
• Recognising the World Bank's admission in its announcement that "carrying out two processes concurrently poses practical and legal challenges".
• India would assess the matter that "India believes that the implementation of the Indus Water Treaty must be in the letter and spirit of the Treaty".
• Such parallel consideration of the same issues is not provided for in any provisions of the Treaty and India has been repeatedly citing the possibility of the two processes delivering contradictory rulings, which could lead to an unprecedented and legally untenable situation, which is unforeseen in Treaty provisions.

4. Dispute redressal mechanism 

• The dispute redressal mechanism provided under Article IX of the IWT is graded.
• It's a 3-level mechanism.
• So, whenever India plans to start a project, under the Indus Water Treaty, it has to inform Pakistan that it is planning to build a project.
• Pakistan might oppose it and ask for more details. That would mean there is a question and in case there is a question, that question has to be clarified between the two sides at the level of the Indus Commissioners.
• If that difference is not resolved by them, then the level is raised. The question then becomes a difference.
• That difference is to be resolved by another set mechanism, which is the Natural Expert.
• It is at this stage that the World Bank comes into the picture.
• In case the Neutral Expert says that they are not able to resolve the difference or that the issue needs an interpretation of the Treaty, then that difference becomes a dispute.
  It then goes to the third stage the Court of Arbitration.
• To Sum up, it's a very graded and sequential mechanism first Commissioner, then the Neutral Expert and only then the Court of Arbitration.

5. India's notice and its implications

• While the immediate provocation for the modification is to address the issue of two parallel mechanisms, at this point, the implications of India's notice for modifying the treaty are not very clear.
• Article XII (3) of the Treaty that India has invoked is not a dispute redressal mechanism.
• It is in effect, a provision to amend the Treaty.
• However, an amendment or modification can happen only through a "duly ratified Treaty concluded for that purpose between the two governments". 
• Pakistan is under no obligation to agree to India's proposal.
• As of now, it is not clear what happens if Pakistan does not respond to India's notice within 90 days.

• India has not spelt out exactly what it wants to be modified in the Treaty.
• But over the last few years, especially since the Uri attack, there has been a growing demand in India to use the Indus Waters Treaty as a strategic tool, considering that India has the natural advantage of being the upper riparian state.
• India has not fully utilized its rights over the waters of the three east-flowing rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej over which India has full control under the Treaty.
  It has also not adequately utilized the limited rights over the three west-flowing rivers Indus, Chenab and Jhelum which are meant for Pakistan.
• Following the Uri attack, India established a high-level task force to exploit the full potential of the Indus Waters Treaty.
• Accordingly, India has been working to start several big and small hydroelectric projects that had either been stalled or were in the planning stages.

For Prelims & Mains

GAGANYAAN

1. Context 

Philippe Baptiste, chief of Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales, the French space agency, says India-France collaboration is not only a great success of the past but an ongoing one, and that France is impressed by what India is doing, especially in lunar exploration; on Gaganyaan mission

2. Gaganyaan Mission

• Gaganyaan, meaning "Sky Craft" in Sanskrit, is India's ambitious human spaceflight program aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space.
• It is a testament to India's growing prowess in the field of space exploration and a source of immense national pride.
• The program, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), envisions launching a crewed orbital spacecraft into low Earth orbit (LEO) for a period of up to seven days.
• The spacecraft will carry three astronauts, marking a historic first for India.

3. About The TV-D1 Mission

• The TV-D1 mission consists of two abort missions designed to test the safety mechanisms that will allow the Gaganyaan crew to escape the spacecraft during emergencies.
• In this mission, a rocket will ascend to an altitude of nearly 17 km before an abort signal triggers the separation of the crew module.
• The crew module will then descend using a parachute for a splashdown in the Bay of Bengal.
• The TV-D1 mission will have a total duration of 532 seconds, from liftoff at 8 a.m. to the crew module's splashdown about 10 km from the Sriharikota coast.
• The rocket used for this mission is ISRO's low-cost Test Vehicle, designed specifically for system testing.
• During the flight, the rocket will reach a peak relative velocity of 363 meters per second, approximately 1307 km per hour. It's important to note that the crew module will be empty for this test.

4. Key Objectives of the TV-D1 Mission

The TV-D1 mission serves two primary objectives.

1. It aims to demonstrate the capabilities of the new Test Vehicle, hence its name Test Vehicle-Demonstration 1 (TV-D1).
2. It will showcase a basic version of the crew module, testing the systems responsible for separating the crew module from the rocket during an abort mission and ensuring the safe escape of astronauts.

The TV-D1 mission simulates an abort condition during the ascent trajectory, corresponding to a Mach number of 1.2, as anticipated in the Gaganyaan mission.

5. The Low-Cost Test Vehicle

• Unlike the upcoming full-fledged test flight of the crew module into space and back, which will use the human-rated LVM3 rocket in 2024, the TV-D1 mission employs a low-cost basic rocket.
• This Test Vehicle utilizes existing liquid propulsion technology but introduces innovations such as the throttleable and restartable L110 Vikas engine, capable of controlling propellant use.
• ISRO developed this cost-effective solution as each GSLV Mk III launch, which was previously used for such missions, costs between Rs 300-400 crore.

6. Safety and Crew Escape System

• Safety remains a top priority for ISRO in the Gaganyaan project, especially in light of international incidents involving space missions.
• The TV-D1 mission aims to test the systems ensuring the crew module's safety, such as environmental control, life support systems, and an integrated vehicle health management system.
• This system can detect anomalies that may jeopardize astronauts' safety and initiate mission abort procedures.

7. Preparations and Timeline for Gaganyaan

• ISRO has set a target timeframe for the Gaganyaan mission in 2024, with flexibility based on the development stages and ensuring the mission's safety.
• The schedule includes an unmanned mission at the beginning of the next year, abort missions this year, and discussions of the manned mission for late 2024 or early 2025.
• ISRO has completed the human rating of the LVM 3 rocket and performed static tests for human-rated solid rocket boosters.

8. Conclusion

The TV-D1 mission represents a significant milestone in the Gaganyaan program, as it integrates a near-complete system for a flight test. The success of this mission paved the way for further qualification tests and unmanned missions, ultimately leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian astronauts. ISRO's dedication to safety and rigorous testing is paramount as India advances its space exploration endeavours.

 

For Prelims: Gaganyaan programme, TV-D1 mission, Low Earth Orbit, Isro, LVM3, GSLV Mk III,  For Mains:  1. Discuss the key objectives of the TV-D1 mission within the Gaganyaan program. How does this mission contribute to astronaut safety and the overall success of Gaganyaan? (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018) 1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 2 D. 3 only Answer: A   2. India's first human space mission "Gaganyaan" will be launched in which year? (ESIC UDC 2022) A. 2022          B. 2023          C. 2024          D. 2025      E.  2026   Answer: B   3. Find the incorrect statements, about the Gaganyaan Mission of India. (MPSC 2020) 1. Four pilots from Indian Air Force were shortlisted to be astronauts of Gaganyaan. 2. They will be trained at Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Centre in Russia. 3. This mission was announced by Prime Minister in 2014. 4. It is scheduled for 2022 with a team of 5 crew members and a month-long stay in space. A. 1, 2, 3, 4     B.  2, 3, 4           C. 3, 4          D. 2, 3   Answer: C   4. ISRO is related to: (SSC JE EE 2020) A. space research      B. agricultural research          C. seed research          D. marine research Answer: A   5.  Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? (UPSC 2014) Spacecraft                                    Purpose Cassini-Huygens:                  Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth Messenger:                             Mapping and investigating the Mercury Voyager 1 and 2:                    Exploring the outer solar system Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only         (b) 2 and 3 only          (c) 1 and 3 only          (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B 6. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016) The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO 1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission 2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA 3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only        (b) 2 and 3 only          (c) 1 and 3 only            (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: C

Source: The Indian Express

QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS

1. Context

In order to develop capabilities in quantum-related science and technology, India announced the setting up of the National Quantum Mission last year. What is the National Quantum Mission and how does it aim to support, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D in quantum technology?

2. Key points

• The new economy is based on innovations that disrupt established business models.
• Artificial intelligence, Internet-of-Things (IoT), 3D printing, drones, DNA data storage, quantum computing, etc., are re-writing the world economic order.
• Quantum technology is opening up new frontiers in computing, communications and cyber security with widespread applications.
• It is expected that lots of commercial applications would emerge from theoretical constructs which are developing in this area.
• It is proposed to provide an outlay of 8000 crores over five years for the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications.

3. Quantum technologies Mission

• Quantum technologies are rapidly developing globally with huge disruptive potential.
• The next-generation transformative technologies that will receive a push under this mission include quantum computers and computing, quantum communication, quantum key distribution, encryption, crypt analysis, quantum devices, quantum sensing, quantum materials, quantum clock and so on.
• The areas of focus for the Mission will be fundamental science, translation, technology development, human and infrastructural resource generation, innovation and start-ups to address issues concerning national priorities.
• Their applications which will receive a boost include those in aerospace engineering, numerical weather prediction, simulations, securing communications and financial transactions, cyber security, advanced manufacturing, health, agriculture, education and other important sectors with a focus on the creation of highly skilled jobs, human resources development, start-ups and entrepreneurship leading to technology lead economic growth.

4. The major technology disruptions

• The range of quantum technologies is expected to be one of the major technology disruptions that will change the entire paradigm of computation, communication and encryption.
• It is perceived that the countries that achieve an edge in this emerging field will have a greater advantage in garnering multifold economic growth and dominant leadership role.
• The transition of quantum science and technology from a field of active interest in research laboratories to one that can be applied in day-to-day life is also the opportune moment that provides the space for many startup companies to form and develop.
• The Mission draws upon the existing deep strengths within academic institutes across India to support interdisciplinary research projects in key verticals involving quantum technology, while simultaneously developing key foundational strengths in important core areas.
• QT research, operational implementations, Human resource availability and technology development are in a rudimentary stage
• It has become imperative both for the government and industries to be prepared to develop these emerging and disruptive technologies to secure our communications and financial transactions, remains competitive, drives societal progress, generate employment, foster economic growth and improves the overall quality of life.

5. The Benefits of the Mission

• The mission will be able to address the ever-increasing technological requirements of society and take into account the international technology trends and road maps of leading countries for the development of next-generation technologies.
• Implementation of the mission would help develop and bring quantum computers, secured communications through fibre and free space, quantum encryption and crypt-analysis and associated technologies within reach in the country and help address India-specific national and regional issues.
• The mission will help prepare next-generation skilled manpower, boost translational research and also encourage entrepreneurship and start-up ecosystem development.
• By promoting advanced research in quantum science and technology, technology development and higher education in science, technology and engineering disciplines India can be brought to par with other advanced countries and can derive several direct and indirect benefits.
• Quantum Technology is based on the principles of quantum theory, which explains the nature of energy and matter on the atomic and subatomic levels.
• It concerns the control and manipulation of quantum systems, to achieve information processing beyond the limits of the classical world.
• Quantum principles will be used for engineering solutions to extremely complex problems in computing, communications, sensing, chemistry, cryptography, imaging and mechanics.
• The Quantum field has not yet matured for commercialization, due to the extreme scientific challenges involved.
• Quantum computers store and process information using quantum two-level systems (quantum bits or qubits) which, unlike classical bits, can be prepared in superposition states.
• This key ability makes quantum computers extremely powerful compared to conventional computers when solving certain kinds of problems like finding prime factors of large numbers and searching large databases.
• The prime factorization quantum algorithm has important implications for security as it can be used to break RSA encryption, a popular method for secure communication.
• Indian physicists and engineers are preparing for a deep dive into the quantum world that holds the secrets for developing exciting technologies for computing, communication, cryptography and many more.

6. The way forward

• With a solid research base and workforce founded on significant and reliable government support, it can lead to the creation of innovative applications by industries, thereby stimulating economic growth and job creation, which will feed back into a growing quantum-based economy.
• The government's financial and organizational support will also ensure that both the public and private sectors will benefit.
• It will establish standards to be applied to all research and help stimulate a pipeline to support research and applications well into the future.

For Prelims: National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications, Internet-of-Things,  For Mains: 1. Discuss the need for implementing the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications. (250 Words)

 

Previous Year Questions 1. Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned? (UPSC 2022) A. Cloud Services B. Quantum Computing C. Visible Light Communication Technologies D. Wireless Communication Technologies Answer: B

Source: Ministry of Science and Technology

 

CLIMATE FINANCE TAXONOMY

 

 

1. Context

The world has to close the inequality gap between countries on the issue of technology and finance to achieve the joint goal of tackling climate change and an exact definition of climate finance is needed, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said Wednesday during the RE-Invest summit at Gandhinagar.

 

2. What is a climate finance taxonomy?

 

A climate finance taxonomy is a framework for identifying sectors of the economy that can be promoted as sustainable investments. This system aids investors and financial institutions in channeling significant funds into meaningful projects aimed at combating climate change.

According to a report by the Canadian government, "Taxonomies are often utilized to establish standards for categorizing climate-related financial tools, such as green bonds. However, their application is expanding to other areas where the benchmarking feature is advantageous, including climate risk management, planning for a net-zero transition, and climate disclosure

 

3.Why is a taxonomy significant?

 

• With global temperatures rising and the negative impacts of climate change intensifying, countries must move towards a net-zero economy, which balances the greenhouse gases emitted with those removed from the atmosphere.
• Taxonomies can be crucial in this transition by determining whether economic activities follow credible, science-based transition pathways. They can also boost the allocation of climate capital and mitigate the risks of greenwashing.
• For India, implementing a taxonomy could attract more international climate funds. Presently, green finance in India falls significantly short of the country's needs, representing only about 3% of total FDI inflows, according to the 2022 Landscape of Green Finance in India report by the Climate Policy Initiative.
• One major reason for the low levels of green finance is the lack of clear definitions for sustainable activities. A taxonomy would address this issue

 

4. Green Investments in India

 

• Based on analysis by the International Finance Corporation, India's potential for climate-friendly investments is substantial, estimated at $3.1 trillion over the period from 2018 to 2030. The electric vehicle industry stands out as the most promising sector, with an investment potential of $667 billion, driven by India's goal to transition all new vehicles to electric power by 2030. Additionally, the renewable energy sector remains attractive to investors, with opportunities valued at $403.7 billion during this timeframe.
•  India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This ambitious goal opens significant investment opportunities in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects.
• Enhancing energy efficiency across various sectors, including industrial, residential, and commercial, presents vast investment prospects. This includes upgrading infrastructure, implementing smart grids, and adopting energy-efficient technologies
• Developing sustainable transportation systems, green buildings, and smart cities is crucial for India's growth. Investments in electric vehicles, public transit systems, and green construction technologies are essential components of this transformation
• Investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood defenses, water management systems, and agricultural technologies, are critical to mitigating the impacts of climate change
• As global attention on climate change intensifies, India has the potential to attract significant international climate finance. Implementing a robust climate finance taxonomy can enhance transparency and attract foreign investments
• The Indian government has introduced various policies and incentives to promote green investments. Programs like the National Solar Mission, FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme, and the Green Energy Corridor project provide a favorable environment for green investments
• Indian banks and financial institutions are gradually increasing their focus on green finance, offering green bonds and sustainable investment funds. This growing support from the financial sector can facilitate the flow of capital into green projects

 

5. Do other countries have taxonomies?

• The EU Taxonomy is one of the most comprehensive frameworks, establishing clear criteria for what can be considered environmentally sustainable economic activities. It covers various sectors and aims to direct investment towards the EU's climate goals
• China has implemented its own Green Bond Endorsed Projects Catalogue, which outlines the criteria for green projects eligible for green bond financing. This taxonomy focuses on promoting clean energy, pollution prevention, resource conservation, and other environmentally beneficial project
• The UK is developing a Green Taxonomy aligned with the EU framework but tailored to the specific needs and priorities of the UK economy. It aims to support the country's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050
• Japan has introduced its Green Bond Guidelines to encourage green bond issuance and investment in projects that contribute to environmental sustainability. These guidelines align with international standards but reflect Japan's unique environmental challenges and goals
• Canada is working on a national climate finance taxonomy to help standardize the classification of sustainable investments. This taxonomy aims to facilitate climate risk management, transition planning, and climate disclosure
• Singapore has developed the Singapore Green Bond Framework, which provides guidelines for green bond issuances in the country. This framework supports sustainable finance and investments in projects that address environmental challenges

 

6. Way Forward

 

India aims to achieve net-zero economy by 2070. It has also pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, from the 2005 level. India has committed to achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 as well

 

For Prelims: COP28, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Climate Finance, Climate Change, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,  Nationally Determined Contributions, COP27, Copenhagen Accord, Paris Agreement  For Mains:  1. Discuss the impact of climate change on developing economies. How can climate finance be effectively utilized to promote sustainable development in these economies? (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016) 1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017. 2. The Agreement aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility for global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries cope with climate change.   Select the correct answer using the code given below A. 1 and 3 only B.  2 only C.  2 and 3 only D.  1, 2 and 3 Answer: B   2. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of ( UPSC 2016) A. pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East B. plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change C. capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank D. plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals Answer: B 3. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has announced which country to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in 2023? (SSC CGL  2023)  A. UAE         B. US          C. UK         D. Russia Answer: A   4. Consider the following statements with reference to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): (RBI Grade B 2022) 1. OECD is an official Permanent observer to the United Nations and is referred to as a think-tank or as a monitoring group. 2. India is not a member of OECD. 3. OECD is funded by its member countries. Which of the statement given above is/ are correct?  A. 1 only       B. 1 and 2 only      C. 2 and 3 only        D. 1, 2 and 3          E. 2 only Answer: D 5. Which of the following statements regarding 'Green Climate Fund' is/are correct? (UPSC 2015) 1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change. 2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECS, Asian Development Bank and World Bank. Select the correct answer using the code given below. A. 1 only       B. 2 only         C. Both 1 and 2         D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: A 6. The 27th annual UN meeting on climate, COP27 (Conference of Parties) took place from 6th to 18th November, in which of the following country?  (SSC GD Constable 2023) A. France       B. Brazil        C. Indonesia       D. Egypt Answer: D 7. According to the Copenhagen Accord, what percentage of India has promised to reduce carbon emissions by the year 2020 as compared to 2005? (UP Police SI 2017)  A. 20-25 percent  B. 10-15 percent         C. 30-35 percent       D. 5-10 percent Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D, 5-A, 6-D, 7-A Mains 1. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (upsc 2021)

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

UNITED NATIONS (UN)

 

 

1. Context

India abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution that demanded that Israel bring an end, “without delay”, to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months

 

2. History of UN

Countries that had dominated world affairs had suffered a great deal after the two wars, and there were two emerging new powers, in the form of the United States and the USSR, who looked set to rival each other. Born out of the horrors of that period, the UN was primarily tasked with the goal of maintaining world peace and saving future generations from the evils of war

 

3. Origin of UN

• The UN was born out of the ashes of yet another international organisation created with the intention of keeping war away.
• The League of Nations was created in June 1919, after World War I, as part of the Treaty of Versailles.
• However, when the Second World War broke out in 1939, the League closed down and its headquarters in Geneva remained empty throughout the war.
• Consequently, in August 1941, American President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill held a secret meeting aboard naval ships in Placenta Bay, located on the southeast coast of Newfoundland, Canada.
• The heads of the two countries discussed the possibility of creating a body for international peace efforts and a range of issues related to the war.
• Together they issued a statement that came to be called the Atlantic Charter. It was not a treaty, but only an affirmation that paved the way for the creation of the UN.
• It declared the realisation of “certain common principles in the national policies of their respective countries on which they based their hopes for a better future for the world.”
• The United States joined the war in December 1941, and for the first time the term ‘United Nations’ was coined by President Roosevelt to identify those countries which were allied against the axis powers – Germany, Italy and Japan. On January 1, 1942, representatives of 26 allied nations met in Washington DC to sign the declaration of the United Nations, which basically spelt out the war objectives of the Allied powers.
• India, which was under British colonial rule at the time, was also among these nations

4. Achievements and Failures of the UN

The United Nations (UN) has been a prominent international organization since its establishment in 1945. It has made significant achievements and faced challenges and failures throughout its history. Here are some notable achievements and failures of the United Nations:

Achievements:

1. Preventing World Wars: The UN was established after World War II with the primary aim of maintaining international peace and security. It has successfully prevented another world war on the scale of the two World Wars.

2. Humanitarian Aid: The UN, through agencies like UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and UNHCR, provides vital humanitarian aid, including food, shelter, and medical assistance, to people in need around the world.

3. Peacekeeping Operations: The UN has undertaken numerous peacekeeping missions to help resolve conflicts and maintain peace in various parts of the world, including Cyprus, Lebanon, and Sierra Leone.

4. Decolonization: The UN played a significant role in decolonization efforts, helping newly independent countries gain international recognition and supporting the end of colonial rule in many parts of the world.

5. Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, setting forth fundamental human rights and freedoms. This document has been instrumental in shaping international human rights norms.

6. Development Goals: The UN established the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and later the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which have provided a framework for addressing global poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges.

7. Environmental Protection: The UN has led efforts to address global environmental issues through conventions like the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Montreal Protocol on ozone depletion.

8. Public Health: The World Health Organization (WHO), a UN agency, has played a crucial role in international public health efforts, including vaccination programs, disease control, and pandemic response.

Failures and Challenges:

1. Ineffectiveness in Preventing Genocides and Mass Atrocities: The UN has faced criticism for its inability to prevent or effectively respond to genocides and mass atrocities, such as those in Rwanda (1994) and Bosnia (1992-1995).

2. Security Council Deadlocks: The UN Security Council, with its five permanent members (P5), often experiences deadlock due to conflicting national interests, hindering timely and decisive action on critical global issues.

3. Human Rights Violations by Member States: Some UN member states with poor human rights records have faced limited consequences for their actions, raising concerns about the UN's ability to enforce human rights norms.

4. Resource Constraints: The UN relies on contributions from member states, and funding shortfalls can hamper its ability to respond to crises effectively.

5. Lack of Global Consensus: Achieving consensus among 193 member states on complex issues can be extremely challenging, leading to slow progress or gridlock on important matters.

6. Peacekeeping Failures: Some UN peacekeeping missions have been criticized for not effectively preventing conflicts or abuses by peacekeepers themselves.

7. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The UN has struggled to mediate a lasting peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which remains unresolved after decades of efforts.

8. Complex Bureaucracy: The UN's complex bureaucratic structure can lead to inefficiency, redundancy, and lack of coordination in some areas.

5. Way forward

On a more fundamental level, its structure and other organisations associated with it, such as the World Bank and the IMF, have been criticised for furthering neo-liberal ideas – related to championing free markets and a reduced role of governments. This has been linked to deepening inequalities within countries. Further, the UN has been seen as unrepresentative of its members, particularly countries in the Global South

 

Source: indianexpress