International Conference on Glacier’s Preservation

Introduction and Overview 

  • The First UN International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation recently took place in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. 
  • The event was facilitated by Tajikistan in collaboration with UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
  • This occasion resulted in the adoption of the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration as a measure of addressing issues related to glacier preservation.

 

 About Glaciers

  • Glaciers are essentially vast bodies of moving ice formed over centuries from compacted snow. 
  • Predominantly found in polar regions such as Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, and Antarctica, due to low solar insolation.
  • Tropical glaciers, although less common, occur at high altitudes near the Equator, like those found in the Andes.

 

 Importance of Glaciers

  • Glaciers are a critical source of freshwater, holding about 70% of the world's total freshwater supply, whilst only 3% of Earth's water is freshwater. 
  • They contribute significantly to the river systems; The Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) often called the “Water Tower of Asia," provides about 40% of the Indus River system’s water flow.
  • Glaciers act as climate archives, preserving climate records dating back to 800,000 years. This allows scientists to study historical warming and cooling patterns.
  • The temperature difference between the Himalayan glaciers and the Indian Ocean is crucial in driving the South West monsoon winds.

Glacier Retreat

Glacier retreat is a critical global concern. For instance, Nepal lost the Langtang’s Yala Glacier and Venezuela became the 2nd country, following Slovenia, to lose all its glaciers.

 

Initiatives Taken

  •  At a national level, India has introduced the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE), Centre for Cryosphere and Climate Change Studies, and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk mapping.
  • Globally, initiatives include the International Year of Glaciers Preservation (2025), Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034), and establishment of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

 

2025 Osaka World Expo: India's Cultural Representation

Introduction and Theme

  • India made a striking cultural statement at the 2025 Osaka World Expo in Japan, presenting its civilisational ethos and soft power.
  • Under the theme of compassion and inclusivity, India blended ancient wisdom with modern innovation, demonstrating its unique cultural heritage.
  • The Osaka World Expo 2025 is themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," offering a platform for global innovators to create solutions for future challenges.

 

The Purpose and Design of Osaka Expo

  • The Osaka Expo works as a 'Living Lab,' promoting innovation using shared knowledge and advanced technologies.
  • It explicitly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations to encourage a sustainable future.

 

 India’s Pavilion

  • The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) formed India's Pavilion under the Ministry of Culture’s supervision.
  • India introduced itself as a modern sutradhar (narrator), recounting its civilisational story and presenting its cultural assets.

 

 Key Elements of India's Pavilion

  • The ‘Bodhisattva Padmapani,’ symbolising compassion and knowledge in Mahayana Buddhism from the Ajanta Caves, is the primary motif of India's Pavilion.
  • The Lotus Courtyard features Bodhisattva forms and frescoes from the 2,000-year-old UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves.
  • Other elements such as the 'Oneness Lounge' with a reimagined Bodhi Tree symbolise spiritual unity. The 'Wall of Life' promotes internal wellness using Yoga and Ayurveda.

 

 Implication of India's Pavilion

  • The exposition of India's Pavilion showcases India's use of soft power in its foreign policy.
  • By combining spiritual, cultural, and scientific achievements, India aims to foster robust global partnerships.
  • Emphasizing its rich history and utilising its cultural fruits, India underscores its significant role in global society and future development.

 

Updates on the United Nations Security Council

New Non-Permanent Members to the UNSC

  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has elected Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2-year term, from 1st January 2026.
  • These countries will unite with Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia elected in 2024 serving through 2026.

 

 Pakistan's Role in UNSC

  • Pakistan has been named as the Chair of the UNSC 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee for 2025.
  • Additionally, it will fulfil the role of vice-chair of the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee during its 2025–26 tenure as a non-permanent member of the Council.

 

 The Role of the UNSC

  • The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), established in 1945 under the UN Charter, is one of the UN's six main bodies, with the primary aim of maintaining international peace and security.
  • The council comprises 15 members, including 5 permanent members (P5) (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US), who have veto power, and 10 non-permanent members, elected for 2-year terms by the UNGA.
  • The non-permanent seats on the UNSC are distributed regionally: 5 for African and Asian States, 1 for Eastern European States, 2 for Latin American and Caribbean States, and 2 for Western European and other states. 
  • Elections are conducted annually through a secret ballot, and a two-thirds majority vote is necessary even if the candidates are unopposed.

 

India's Participation in the UNSC

India's participation in the UNSC as a non-permanent member has been during 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92, 2011-12, and 2021-22.

 

The 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee

  • The UNSC 1988 Sanctions Committee was instituted under UNSC Resolution 1988 (2011).
  • This committee focuses on monitoring and enforcing targeted sanctions against individuals and entities associated with the Taliban that pose a threat to the peace, stability, and security of Afghanistan.
  • India chaired this committee until December 2021.

 

 The UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC)

  • Established after the 9/11 terrorist attacks through Resolution 1373, the UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) is comprised of all 15 UNSC members.
  • Its mandate includes promoting the implementation of the Resolution 1373, criminalising terrorism financing, denial of support to terrorists, suppressing safe havens and training for terrorist groups, and encouraging cooperation by sharing information on terrorism activities.
  • In 2025, the chair of the CTC will be Algeria, with vice-chairs being France, Russia, and Pakistan.
  • India chaired the CTC in 2022, during its 2021–22 UNSC tenure, actively voicing concerns over Pakistan sheltering UN-designated terrorists.

 

The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference

Introduction to 3rd UN Ocean Conference

  • The 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held in Nice, France in 2025.
  • Adoption of the declaration “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action”.
  • The declaration reaffirms commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 14: Life Below Water.
  • Indigenous leaders advocated a binding treaty for plastic regulation from production to disposal, supported by 95 countries.
  • Aim to address the Triple Planetary Crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution threatening the world's oceans.

 

About United Nations Ocean Conference

  • UNOC is a high-level global summit by the UN to hasten action towards SDG 14.
  • Its theme focuses on accelerating action and mobilizing all actors for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.
  • Addressing critical ocean challenges: climate change, marine pollution, overfishing, IUU fishing and biodiversity loss.
  • UNOC3 aimed to establish the "Nice Ocean Agreements" and ensure ratification from 60 countries for the BBNJ Agreement. 

 

 Major Outcomes of Past Conferences

  • The 2017 New York Conference, adopted the "Call for Action" declaration focusing on marine pollution and overfishing.
  • The 2022 Lisbon Conference renewed pledges for 30% marine protection by 2030, known as the 30x30 target.

 

 Key Outcomes of UNOC3

  • The declaration urged full implementation of key agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity.
  • It called for enhanced global action against climate change, including ocean acidification.
  • The conference registered concern over plastic pollution and its environmental harm.
  • Recognition of the economic potential of sustainable ocean activities.
  • Importance of scientific research, indigenous knowledge, and ocean mapping.

 

Ocean Conservation Initiatives Announced at UNOC3

  • Notable commitments by the European Commission, French Polynesia, Spain, Indonesia, and the World Bank.
  • Formation of High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean, focused on combating underwater noise pollution.

 

 Impact of the Triple Planetary Crisis on Oceans and Marine Ecosystems

  • Climate change impacts causing thermal expansion, increased salinity, and disruption of marine ecosystems.
  • Decline of coral reefs due to increased temperature causing coral bleaching.
  • Overexploitation of marine resources and the detrimental effects of plastic and chemical pollution.
  • Destruction of habitats, such as mangrove forests, due to industrial and recreational activities.

 

Importance of Safeguarding Oceans

  • Ecological and biodiversity significance of the marine ecosystem.
  • Climate regulation capabilities of oceans.
  • Economic importance and livelihood support provided by the oceans.
  • Oceans' contribution to scientific research and medical value.

 

 Actions Needed for Promoting Ocean Sustainability

  • For governments & policymakers: Expansion of MPAs, reduce plastic pollution, combat climate change.
  • For business & industries: Sustainable fishing practices, green shipping, and tourism, promotion of a circular economy.
  • For individuals: Choose sustainable seafood options, ditch single-use plastics, promote beach cleanups.
  • Learning and adopting traditional methods from coastal communities to protect fish stocks.

 

'51st G7 Summit and India's Involvement'

 'Introduction and India’s Role'

  • The 51st G7 Summit saw participation from India's Prime Minister, held in Kananaskis, Canada.
  • India, not an official member of the G7, has received an invitation annually for the last six years, counting up to twelve times in total as an outreach country.

  

'Guests and Invitations'

The European Commission's President was invited to attend the G7 summit for the first time.

 

'Key Outcomes of the 51st G7 Summit'

  • The summit resulted in several important action plans and commitments:
  • Kananaskis Wildfire Charter: This commitment prioritises addressing wildfire threats using local actions, science-based and nature-based solutions. The endgoal is to halt and reverse deforestation and land degradation by 2030, with alignment to the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration (2021).
  • G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan: The plan aims to diversify critical mineral production, boost investment and local value creation, and encourage innovation. This aligns with the Five-Point Plan for Critical Minerals Security, which is also endorsed by India.
  • Strengthening of the World Bank-led Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement (RISE) Partnership was another significant outcome.
  • Condemnation of Transnational Repression (TNR): The G7 denounced aggressive foreign interference where states or their representatives attempt to intimidate or harm individuals or communities beyond their own borders.
  • Preventing Migrant Smuggling: The G7 members pledged to prevent migrant smuggling through the G7 Coalition to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants and a G7 Action Plan due in 2024.

 

 'About G7'

  • The G7, standing for 'Group of Seven,' represents an informal forum of the world's most developed economies — US, UK, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada.
  • While not an enumerated member, the European Union participates in the G7, alongside leaders from the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations who are often invited.

 

'Origin and Evolution of G7'

  • The G7 originated in 1975 as the G6 in response to the 1973 oil crisis and ensuing financial instability, with Canada joining a year later.
  • Russia's inclusion in 1997 expanded the group to G8, but it regressed back to G7 after Russia's expulsion in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea.
  • This grouping is informal, with no formal treaty, permanent secretariat or bureaucracy and decisions occur by consensus, despite the group lacking legislative authority.

 

'Economic Significance of G7'

  • The G7 countries represent 40% of the global economy and 10% of the global population.
  • They account for 36% of global power generation capacity, 30% of the global energy demand, and 25% of global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

 

Understanding Zonal Councils in India

 Introduction and About Zonal Councils

  • Zonal Councils in India are statutory, advisory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. They serve as a platform for fostering cooperative working among states and creating a healthy inter-state and Centre–State environment. 
  • These councils are not constitutional bodies and were first proposed by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956 following debates on the States Reorganisation Commission’s Report.
  • There are five Zonal Councils established under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, each representing a different geographic area of the country.

 

Meeting Held Recently

Recently, the 25th Central Zonal Council meeting was held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This meeting was chaired by both the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation and was organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat in cooperation with the Uttar Pradesh Government.

 

Organisational Structure

  • Each of the five Zonal Councils have the same structure with the Union Home Minister acting as Chairman. This includes the Chief Minister of one of the member states who acts as Vice-Chairman on rotation and the Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, or Administrators from member States and Union Territories.
  • Each state also contributes two ministers as members of the Council, as nominated by the Governor of the respective state.
  • In addition, the Council includes a nominee from NITI Aayog, Chief Secretaries, and Development Commissioners of the member states.

 

Functioning and Objectives

  • Zonal Councils aim to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between the Centre and states as well among states. They allow discussions on issues that affect multiple states or both the Centre and states.
  • The Councils have had significant impact on enhancing cooperative federalism, having held 61 meetings within the past decade.
  • Major issues addressed by the Councils include the swift investigation of sexual offenses, the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts, financial inclusion, implementation of the Emergency Response Support System, and matters such as nutrition, education, health, electricity, urban planning, and cooperative sector development.