Hornbill Conservation Centre in Tamil Nadu, India

 

Introduction and Overview

• The state government in Tamil Nadu, India, recently unveiled plans to establish the country's first specialised Centre for Hornbill Conservation. 
• This centre will be located within the premises of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR).

 

Core Focus and Geographic Expansion

• The centre will specifically direct its conservation efforts towards four species of Hornbill that are indigenous to the Western Ghats; the Great Hornbill, the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Malabar Pied Hornbill, and the Indian Grey Hornbill.
• In addition to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, the operations of the centre will also extend to the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, plus sections of Kanyakumari. 

 

Broader Conservation Strategy in Tamil Nadu

• The unveiling of the Hornbill Conservation Centre represents the latest stride in Tamil Nadu's broader conservation efforts.
• These initiatives have seen previous establishments such as the Dugong Conservation Reserve, Slender Loris Conservation Centre, and other AI-assisted elephant conservation projects.

 

Hornbills and Their Place in Ecology

• Hornbills refer to a range of large, fruit-eating birds that predominantly reside in tropical forests with tall trees.
• They have large curved beaks and distinctive wing beats, and are renowned for their unique breeding pattern wherein the female seals herself inside a tree cavity, with the male providing food through a slim slit.
• In India, there are a total of 9 species of Hornbill, 4 of which are found in the Western Ghats.
• The Great Hornbill, for instance, is a common birdsong in this region, and the Narcondam Hornbill is endemic to Narcondam Island only.
• Hornbills are immensely crucial to ecology because they serve as key seed dispersers and are referred to as the "farmers of the forest", thus, affirming their status as keystone species.

 

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50 Years of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

 

Introduction and About CITES

• CITES marked its 50th anniversary on 1st July 2025. The United Nations recognises this significant event, tying it with the UN World Wildlife Day on 3rd March.
• Also known as the Washington Convention, CITES came into existence on 3rd March 1973 and became operative on 1st July 1975 after it was proposed in 1963 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• The convention consists of 185 parties, counting India (since 1976) and the European Union among its members.
• Based in Geneva, under the management of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), CITES monitors global trade involving over 40,000 wildlife species, including live specimens and products derived from wildlife.

 

Objectives and Working Procedure of CITES

• Its primary goal is to facilitate sustainable, lawful, and traceable trade of wild flora and fauna, backing biodiversity, local livelihoods, and national economies, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• The convention controls international wildlife trade by issuing permits for export, import, re-export, and sea introduction. Each member country assigns management and scientific authorities to supervise licensing and conservation matters.
• CITES categorises species into three Appendices: Appendix I (species threatened with extinction), Appendix II (species not endangered but requires controlled trade), and Appendix III (species protected by at least one country that requests help to control trade). 

 

Importance of CITES and its Achievements

• Wildlife trade is an international multi-billion-dollar industry. Unregulated trading coupled with environmental damage perpetuates the risk of extinction for numerous species.
• CITES is globally acknowledged as one of the most influential environmental treaties. It provides tools such as the CITES Trade Database and guidelines for enforcement and lawful acquisition. 
• Thanks to CITES, several critically endangered species like African elephants, pangolins, and crocodiles have seen an improvement in their populations. Anti-poaching programmes like MIKE (Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants) have been successful in Asia and Africa.

 

The Role of CITES in India and its Relation with the UN

• Reflecting improved cooperation with CITES, India has included all species listed in the CITES Appendices in Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022.
• CITES supplements the efforts of other UN bodies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization's work to enhance fisheries management, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific's capacity building and technical cooperation, and initiatives focusing on the youth with the UN Development Programme.

 

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Discovery of Garcinia Kusumae in Assam

 

Introduction and About Garcinia Kusumae

• Garcinia Kusumae is a newly discovered species in the genus Garcinia, found in the rich biodiversity of Assam. 
• The tree is local to Assam and is colloquially termed as 'thoikora' by Assamese residents. 
• It's considered an evergreen tree that grows up to 18 meters, showcasing beautiful flowers from February to April, followed by fruiting from May to June.
• - It sets itself apart by flowering and fruit structure and the unique characteristics of the fruit's resin, making it different from its relatives like G. assamica, G. cowa, and G. succifolia.

 

The Garcinia Genus 

• The Garcinia genus falls under the Clusiaceae family, comprising globally around 414 species. 
• In India, we see about 33 species and 7 varieties of Garcinia. 
• Assam uniquely hosts 12 species and 3 distinct varieties of this genus, including the recently discovered Garcinia Kusumae.

 

Ethnobotanical Significance of Garcinia Kusumae

• Beyond its botanical interest, Garcinia Kusumae holds cultural and medicinal relevance.
• The pulp of the fruit is utilised widely in Assam for both culinary and traditional medicinal purposes.
• It's used in different ways like in a sherbet to counteract heatstroke, as an addition to curries, or consumed raw with condiments.
• It's viewed as a traditional remedy for multiple ailments, notably diabetes and dysentery.

 

Why Garcinia Kusumae is in News?

• The discovery of Garcinia Kusumae is a significant breakthrough in Botanical Science, enriching Assam’s floral biodiversity.
• The finding has put Assam’s unique biodiversity in the spotlight, encouraging further exploration and conservation efforts.
• The potential medicinal properties of the fruit add considerable value to this discovery, foreseeing its usage in traditional medicinal practices.
• This new discovery broadens the Garcinia genus, contributing further to the global botanical catalog.

 

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Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025

 

Introduction and Background

• The Bonn Climate Change Conference is a mid-year summit orchestrated under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is officially known as the Sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SBs).
• Key players include the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) of UNFCCC and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) of UNFCCC.
• The conference plays a pivotal role in the review of climate change implementation, hosting of technical discussions, and setting the agenda for the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) summit. 

 

Key Takeaways from Bonn Conference 2025 

• The conference saw progress on defining indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), but consensus was delayed due to financial disagreements.
• The Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) witnessed significant progress, with negotiators agreeing to launch the Belém Action Mechanism for sharing transition strategies. 
• However, most countries missed the February 2025 deadline to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), slowing down efforts to bring down global warming to 1.5°C.
• In addition, the discussions on climate finance were heated, with developing countries (including India) pressing for the fulfillment of financial pledges.
• The Loss and Damage Fund remains underfunded, far from the $1 trillion needed.

 

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

• NDCs are country-specific climate action plans to cut emissions and adapt to climate change, updated every five years. The current submissions target the period of 2035, revealing a commitment towards combatting climate change.
• India has been particularly proactive in submitting its NDCs, achieving its prior targets ahead of their scheduled time.

 

 India's Commitment to Climate Change Mitigation

• India met its targets for the first NDC in 2015 ahead of schedule, including a 33-35% reduction in the emission intensity of GDP and 40% in non-fossil fuel-based power capacity by 2030.
• In the most recent update in 2022, India raised its emission intensity target to a 45% reduction and aimed for a 50% non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030.
• By December 2024, India's emission intensity reduced by 36%, non-fossil fuel capacity reached 47.10%, and a carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes was created. 

 

Impact and Consequences

• The current NDCs remain incomplete and insufficient towards maintaining global warming within the 1.5°C target aspiration.
• The underfunding of the Loss and Damage Fund illustrates a lack of commitment by key players towards climate change mitigation.
• Despite India's promising strides, global climate finance must significantly increase (to around USD 9 trillion annually by 2030) to keep global temperature increases within the targets set by the Paris Agreement.

 

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International Relations

 

India-UK Vision 2035 and Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

 

 Introduction of the Vision 2035 and CETA

• The India-UK Vision 2035 and the CETA were unveiled during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to the UK.
• With these agreements, both nations aim to push bilateral trade beyond USD 100 billion by 2030.

 

Key Elements of India-UK Vision 2035

• Trade and Economic Cooperation: Through CETA, the goal is to boost bilateral trade, generate employment, and oversee the planning of a Bilateral Investment Treaty.Technology and Innovation: The focus is primarily on advancing technologies like Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, telecom, etc. 
• Defence: Agreements include a 10-year regional defence industrial strategy with emphasis on joint study and production.
• Climate and Sustainability: Collaboration to enhance green finance, develop offshore wind and nuclear technologies, and establish joint supply chains for green goods.
• Education and Skills: The UK will support the establishment of university campuses in India, and mutual qualification recognition will be encouraged.
• Global Governance: Both nations are committed to advocating multilateralism and reforms in various institutions.

 

Key Highlights of India-UK CETA

• Promises 99% duty-free access for India to the UK market, benefiting numerous industries.
• Indian professionals will have simplified market access in several sectors, along with simplified visa processes. 
• Aims at inclusive growth by promoting participation from women, youth, MSME, farmers, and innovators. 

 

 Potential Impact of CETA

• Anticipated to double bilateral trade, increase UK exports to India, and stimulate job creation by expanding economic activities.
• The agreement will encourage investment from both countries.

 

Evolution of India-UK Relations

• Bilateral trade reached USD 21.34 billion in 2023–24, with exports and imports from both countries experiencing growth.
• The UK and India have strengthened their ties in the field of defence, healthcare, technology, and innovation.

 

Friction between India-UK

Key areas of differences include extradition issues, disagreements over the Russia-Ukraine war, disagreements over implementation of climate tariffs, and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights. 

 

Steps to Strengthen India-UK Relations

• Deepen security ties through partnerships like AUKUS and expand cooperation on multiple fronts.
• Collaborate on various environmental initiatives.
• Expand market access and promote India as a hub for global capability. 
• Engage the extensive Indian community in the UK for various strategic roles. 

 

Conclusion

• With the establishment of the India-UK Vision 2035 and CETA, both nations have an opportunity to strengthen their ties in various sectors.
• Careful handling of policy differences and focused diplomacy is needed for a more robust partnership.

 

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Strengthening India-Brazil Relations: The Five Priority Pillars 

 

Introduction 

• The government of India, led by its Prime Minister, recently completed a state visit to Brazil.
• During the visit, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to an established strategic partnership created in 2006.
• Five core pillars of cooperation were agreed upon to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

 

Special Honours

• The Prime Minister of India was conferred the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, the highest state honour of Brazil.
• This took place after his participation in the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 in Rio de Janeiro. 
• India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, taking over the BRICS Chairship.

 

 The Five Pillars of India-Brazil Relations 

• Defence and Security Cooperation: Both countries signed agreements to deepen strategic cooperation, including a Cybersecurity Dialogue.
• Food & Agricultural Security: Emphasis was laid on sustainable agriculture and food access, and opposition was voiced against trade barriers impacting food security.
• Energy Transition & Climate Action: The importance of sustainable biofuels and support for Brazil’s UNFCCC COP30 Presidency was discussed.
• Digital Transformation & Emerging Technologies: The countries agreed to convene joint commission for technological collaboration in various areas.
• Industrial Partnerships in Strategic Areas: Key sectors of collaboration identified included pharmaceuticals, mining and critical minerals, and oil & gas. 

 

Key Highlights and Challenges of India-Brazil Relations 

• Diplomatic ties were established in 1948, with India having an embassy in Brasília and a Consulate General in Sao Paulo.
• However, geographical distance, competition in agricultural & biofuels markets, cultural & awareness gaps, and diverging global priorities pose challenges.
• Despite these, collaborations in defence, space & technology, energy & biofuels, and cultural exchanges have been significant. 

 

Strengthening India-Brazil Relations Further

• Both countries can boost trade and economic engagement through diversification of trade commodities and reduction of non-tariff barriers.
• Logistics can be improved by establishing an India-Brazil maritime corridor and direct flights.
• Green partnerships can be enhanced with more collaboration on biofuels and critical minerals.
• Agricultural ties can be deepened through joint ventures in organic food and GM crops.
• Strengthening institutional mechanisms helps build stronger diplomatic ties, such as annual Prime Minister-President summits and state-level partnerships.

 

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India-Namibia Relations and India's Strategic Interest in Africa

 

Introduction to India-Namibia Relations

• The Indian Prime Minister's State Visit to Namibia marked the first by an Indian PM in 27 years. 
• During his visit, he addressed the Namibian Parliament and showed India’s commitment to a partnership with Africa. 
• India's Prime Minister was conferred Namibia's highest civilian award – the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. 
• Namibia expressed their intentions to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuels Alliance, and signed a licensing agreement to adopt UPI technology. 

 

Brief Overview of Namibia

• Namibia is located in Southern Africa, bordered by Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa, with the Atlantic Ocean along its western edge.
• Namibia is known as the driest nation in sub-Saharan Africa and is home to many deserts, including the Namib, the Kalahari, the Succulent Karoo, and the Nama Karoo.
• Germany established colonial rule over most of the region in 1884. The main rivers in the country are Zambezi, Okavango, and Kunene. 

 

The Significance of Welwitschia Mirabilis

• Welwitschia mirabilis, a native plant of the Namib Desert in Namibia and southern Angola, is known as a "living fossil" due to its longevity and unique features.
• This plant is the namesake of Namibia's highest civilian award - the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. 
• Many desert-dwelling animals, such as zebras, oryx, and black rhinoceros, rely on this plant's leaves as a vital water source. 

 

Key Highlights of India-Namibia Relations

• India has had historical and political ties with Namibia since 1946, and full diplomatic relations were established in 1990.
• The two countries have cooperated on various projects, including the Cheetah Translocation Project.
• India provides development assistance to Namibia, including vaccines, establishment of INCEIT and the India Wing at the University of Namibia, and an IAF Technical Team for training Namibian Air Force pilots.
• Bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 568.40 million in 2024–25.

 

Africa's Strategic Importance to India

• Africa’s geographical position is vital for securing India’s maritime trade routes.
• Africa's rising economic power and access to critical minerals have strengthened India-Africa relations.
• Africa is also a key geopolitical ally for India, due to its diplomatic leverage as a powerful global bloc and the large diaspora of Indians in Africa.

 

Key Obstacles in Deepening India-Africa Ties

• Despite growing ties, Indian investments in Africa trail behind China and the West.
• Issues over the perceived quality of Indian exports and a diplomatic perception of India over-focusing on certain regions of Africa limit stronger relations.
• Security crises and instability in Africa, as well as India-China competition for African resources, present significant challenges.

 

Suggestions for Deepening India-Africa Relations

• Revamping trade frameworks and instituting strategic dialogue are necessary to strengthen economic partnerships.
• India should also play a role in helping African nations counter neo-colonialism and promote self-reliance.
• Innovative capacity building in sectors like agri-tech, renewable energy, and healthcare, as well as deepening security partnerships and infrastructure development, are also recommended.

 

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Reset in India-Maldives Relations

 

 Introduction

• India's Prime Minister marked a reset in bilateral ties between India and the Maldives by participating as the guest of honour at the 60th Independence Day celebrations in the Maldives. 
• The relationship had previously been strained due to the Maldivian President's India Out campaign and negative social media remarks connected to his administration.

 

 Key Outcomes of Visit

• Progress on Strategic Partnership: India reiterated its "Neighbourhood First" and MAHASAGAR policies during both countries' review of the 2024 Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
• Economic & Digital Partnership: The countries agreed on a proposed Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty, which promise to create new opportunities. Further, they welcomed the local currency trade and agreements on Unified Payments Interface and RuPay card to boost the digital economy and tourism.
• Financial Support: India extended a USD 550 million Line of Credit (LoC) for infrastructure, decreasing the Maldives’ annual debt repayment by 40% through an Amendatory Agreement on existing LoCs. 

 

 Why is Maldives Recalibrating its Ties with India?

• Severe Economic Crisis: Recent severe economic downturns in the Maldives, depleted foreign exchange reserves, and a downgrade of Moody's credit rating prompt a need for stronger relations.
• Economic Dependence on India: Strained relations lead to loss of significant revenue from Indian tourists; additionally, dependence on India for essentials like food, medicines, and construction materials also influences Maldives' approach towards India. 

 

 Importance of Improved India-Maldives Relations

• Strategic Importance: The Maldives’ location along key International Shipping Lanes in the Indian Ocean makes it significant for facilitating global trade and energy flow. 
• Security Cooperation: India’s consistent security provision, marked by thwarting a coup in the Operation Cactus (1988) and consistent joint exercises, denotes its significance to the Maldives.
• Tourism, Education, and Climate Change Cooperation: Indian tourists contribute to a major share of arrivals in the Maldives; India serves as a preferred education destination for Maldivian students, and a key ally for India in advancing climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

 

 Strengthening India-Maldives Relations Further

• Economic & Developmental Cooperation: Accelerating agreements like FTA, boosting Indian investments, and adopting local currency trade could further solidify ties.
• Security & Strategic Collaboration: Strengthened maritime security through joint patrols, EEZ monitoring, donation of patrol vessels and drones, and enhanced intelligence-sharing could play a pivotal role. 
• People-to-People Ties: Engaging the Maldivian youth, supporting independent media, promoting film collaborations, and addressing sovereignty concerns with sensitivity could further enhance diplomatic ties.

 

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India-Argentina Relations

 

Introduction and Overview

• Commemorated 75 years of diplomatic relations and 5 years of strategic partnership between India and Argentina were highlighted when the Prime Minister of India visiting the country; the first visit in 57 years.
• Recognition of Indian global prominence and strong bilateral ties were emphasised with the awarding of "Key to the City of Buenos Aires" to the Prime Minister of India.

 

 About Argentina

• Located in Southern South America, Argentina is the second largest country in South America and the eighth largest globally.
• It shares borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Argentina is divided into four significant regions: the Andes Mountains, the Northern region, the Pampas, and Patagonia.
• With its resource-rich, industrialised economy and skilled workforce, Argentina is among South America’s largest economies.

 

Key Takeaways from PM's State Visit to Argentina 

• There was a focus on expanding the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to boost bilateral trade as two countries agreed to enhance strategic and economic engagement.
• Energy security was discussed in depth. Both countries expressed commitment to explore shale energy collaboration. India also expressed its interest in partnering with Argentina's state-owned energy company, YPF, to support its growing energy needs.
• Defence and digital cooperation formed an important part of the discussions. The countries pledged to boost defence manufacturing with co-development and technology transfer. They also discussed mutual adoption of digital infrastructure like UPI, telemedicine, and digital health.
• Reinforcement of their shared democratic values, South-South cooperation, and multilateralism was underscored by both sides. 

 

Key Areas of Cooperation Between India & Argentina 

• Decorated politics with the Indian establishment of an embassy in Buenos Aires in 1949 and Argentina maintaining a Consulate General in Mumbai since 2009.
• Economic cooperation between India and Argentina has seen steady growth; trade reached USD 5.2 billion in 2024. The main trading commodities include petroleum products, agrochemicals, textiles and pharmaceuticals from India, and soybean oil, leather, and cereals from Argentina.
• In terms of energy and critical minerals, Argentina supplies lithium, copper, and rare earth elements for India's clean energy transition.
• Technical and development cooperation has been strengthened with ITEC scholarships, ICCR programmes, and capacity-building initiatives. 
• The cultural and value-based relations are deep-rooted and shared among both nations and have seen large participation at international events.

 

 Historical Connections 

• Connections were made to past high-profile visits, such as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s visit to Argentina in 1968.
• Literary links bind both nations, seen through events, such as Rabindranath Tagore's 1924 visit to Argentina, where he fell ill and was hosted by intellectual Victoria Ocampo. Tagore forged a lasting cultural bond through his relationship with Ocampo and her magazine, deepening Argentina’s interest in Indian culture.

 

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India - Trinidad and Tobago Relations

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago

• Narendra Modi’s visit marked the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit since 1999.
• He was conferred with Trinidad and Tobago’s highest civilian honour, The Order of the Republic, for his global leadership and humanitarian efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Geography and Economy of Trinidad and Tobago

• It is located in the southeastern West Indies, comprised of two main islands along with several small islands.
• It is rich in resources like oil and gas and has key industries such as petroleum refining and tourism.
• Famous for its environmental diversity, from rainforests to swamps, it is home to diverse species and the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt deposit.

  

Agreement Highlights from the PM's Visit

• Agreements for cooperative efforts in healthcare, disaster resilient infrastructure, and biofuels were made.
• India will fund up to five grassroots community development projects annually.
• Both nations agreed to collaborate on digital solutions and extend support to each other's agricultural sectors.
• In terms of cultural ties, India will re-establish two Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chairs at the University of the West Indies.

 

Historical Relations and Economic Ties Between India and Trinidad and Tobago

• Connections trace back to 1845 when Bhojpuri Girmitiyas came to Trinidad and began shaping the socio-economic fabric of the country.
• Bilateral relations have been warm and dynamic since their formal establishment in 1962.
• Their trade relations have consistently grown, with India importing and exporting a considerable amount of goods.

 

The Indentured Labour System and the Bhojpuri Girmitiyas

• This exploitative system was introduced post-slavery and abolished in 1920 due to Mahatma Gandhi's efforts.
• 'Girmitiyas', from Bhojpuri districts, were transported to British colonies like Trinidad and Tobago under this system.

 

India - Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Relations 

• CARICOM, established to promote economic integration, consists of 15 Member States and 6 Associate Members.
• India has provided continuous capacity building and developmental aid to CARICOM countries.
• The India-CARICOM partnership is built on seven key pillars: capacity building, agriculture and food security, renewable energy and climate change, innovation, technology and trade, cricket and culture, ocean economy, and healthcare.

 

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United States Withdrawal from UNESCO

 

Introduction and About UNESCO

• UNESCO, stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. 
• This specialised agency of the United Nations facilitates peace through international cooperation in domains like education, science, and culture.
• Its headquarters resides in Paris and it holds the membership of 194 Nations and 12 Associate members.
• UNESCO's establishment dates back to 16th November 1945 with India as one of its founding members.
• Its primary responsibility includes promoting inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities, protecting cultural heritage, enhancing scientific research along with promoting sustainability, advancing mutual understanding and tolerance.

 

United States Association with UNESCO

• The US, quite recently, proclaimed its decision for the third time, to withdraw from UNESCO, pinpointing supposed bias against Israel as the reason.
• The US had its first exit in 1984 under the Reagan administration because of allegations regarding mismanagement, corruption, and alignment with Soviet interests.
• Its second exit was in 2017, during Trump’s first term, citing anti-Israel bias as justification, triggered after UNESCO's decision to include Palestine as a member state in 2011.
• The most recent exit is supposed to happen in 2025, under Trump’s second term. This was announced mere two years after the US had rejoined UNESCO under the Biden administration in 2023.

 

Potential Impact of US Withdrawal from UNESCO

• On a global scale, the US withdrawal from UNESCO could lead to a major financial crunch, a geopolitical power shift favouring China, and a setback to various science and education programs.
• Such recurring disengagements could also lead to a crisis in multilateralism, leaving developing countries disoriented and frustrated due to inconsistent international support and policies.
• For India, this could pose both opportunities and challenges - while India might get a scope to expand its diplomatic influence and exhibit soft power in UNESCO, funding cuts and rising Chinese influence could strain India’s resources and geopolitical balance.

 

The Way Forward

• To deal with such disruptions, UNESCO should aim for inclusive governance and organise its functioning that limits any geopolitical interference.
• Moreover, adopting equitable funding models should be considered seriously to address emergent issues like AI ethics, digital learning, and climate education.
• Additionally, efforts to ensure transparent governance, enhancing South-South cooperation and backing of regional programs would be beneficial for effective and impactful action.

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