UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)

Why in News? India recently condemned an attack on peacekeepers deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). About the UN Mission in South Sudan The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is a UN peacekeeping mission mandated under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Background UNMISS was established on 8 July 2011 under UN Security Council Resolution 199

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Latest News According to a recent United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, developing countries could save nearly USD 500 billion annually if they were able to borrow at the same interest rates as developed economies. The report highlights the growing burden of high borrowing costs, rising debt, and unequal access to global finance, which limit sustainable develop

Organization

World Trade Organization

Recently, India, along with South Africa, Türkiye, and several other developing countries, strongly opposed the proposed Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement at the World Trade Organization. The agreement, largely backed by China, aims to simplify and streamline investment-related procedures across participating countries. India’s opposition reflects concerns r

United Nations Development Partnership Fund

The United Nations Development Partnership Fund is an important global development initiative established in 2017 by the Government of India in partnership with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation. India launched this Fund with an initial contribution of USD 150 million to support sustainable development projects in developing countries. The initiative reflects India’s

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

Recently, India condemned the killing of three Indonesian peacekeepers who were deployed in southern Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The incident highlights the continuing security challenges in the region and the important role played by United Nations peacekeeping missions in maintaining stability and protecting civilians in conflict zones. About U

UN IGME 2025 Report

The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) released its 2025 report highlighting a slowdown in global progress on child survival since 2015, while recognising India as a global “exemplar” for its sustained reduction in child mortality. Key Global Highlights The report estimates that 4.9 million children died before the age of five in 2024,

World Trade Organization

The global system of trade multilateralism is currently facing one of its most serious challenges since the Second World War. Rising unilateral actions, especially by the United States, have weakened core principles such as Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment, which ensures non-discriminatory trade among countries. In this backdrop, the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the WTO, held i

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)

India has recently rejected the latest report released by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, calling it “motivated and biased.” The report had recommended that the United States designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” and consider sanctions against certain Indian entities. About USCIRF The United States Commission o

United Nations Commission for Social Development

The Minister of State for Women and Child Development will lead the Indian delegation at the 64th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (CSocD). This participation highlights India’s commitment to engaging in global policymaking on social issues such as inclusion, welfare, and poverty reduction. What is the United Nations Commission for Social Development?

World Economic Forum (WEF)

Recently, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that while India engages with global powers at international forums, the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Davos primarily serves as a platform for exchange of ideas rather than formal group-to-group trade negotiations. About the World Economic Forum The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-profit organization established in

United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will commemorate its 80th anniversary on 23 January 2026. It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for coordinating global efforts in economic, social, cultural, humanitarian, and development-related fields. About ECOSOC The United Nations Economic and Social Council was established in 1945 under the

UN DESA

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) has projected that India’s economy is expected to grow by 7.4 per cent in the current financial year. According to the report, this growth will be driven mainly by strong domestic consumption and increased public investment. About United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) The United Nati

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Recently, the Government of India highlighted the country’s pioneering achievements in rural transformation and development leadership at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) – India Day event, which was held in Rome, Italy. The event showcased India’s experiences and best practices in agricultural development, poverty alleviation, and rural empowerment.

United Nations Secretary-General

The United Nations has officially launched the selection process for the next Secretary-General (SG), who will assume office in January 2027, after Antonio Guterres completes his second term on 31 December 2026. About the UN Secretary-General The Secretary-General (SG) is the chief administrative officer of the United Nations under Article 97 of the UN Charter. The SG functions

Sevilla Forum

The Sevilla Forum on Debt was recently launched at the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) in Geneva as part of global efforts to address the challenges of sovereign debt and ensure debt sustainability for developing countries. This new initiative is expected to foster collaborative dialogue and action on sovereign debt reform. About the Sevilla Forum on Debt:

UNESCO

UNESCO's executive board has recently nominated Khaled el-Anani, the former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, to be the next Director-General of the organization. About UNESCO: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, founded in 1945. Its mission is to foster global peace and security by

UNICEF Report on Childhood Obesity

  The UNICEF report, titled "Feeding Profit: How Food Environments Are Failing Children", highlights the alarming rise in childhood obesity and overweight worldwide, particularly in children aged 5-19 years. The report stresses that unhealthy food environments are a major driver of this global crisis, contributing to long-term health risks and escalating healthcare costs. Key

India Re-elected to U.N. Peacebuilding Commission

India Re-elected to U.N. Peacebuilding Commission India has been re-elected to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025-2026 term. This re-election reaffirms India's active involvement in global peace initiatives and highlights its commitment to supporting peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected regions worldwide. About the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission

Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality – WEF

Launch of “Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality” by India at World Economic Forum, Annual Meeting Davos, 15-19 January, 2024 Shri Narendra Modi’s “Women-led Development” agenda resonates globally at the WEF 2024,  with committed support from WEF and over 10,000 businesses  worldwide WEF hails India’s inclusive and remarkable growt

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

South Africa has moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ), invoking the Genocide Convention, 1948, against Israel accusing it of committing genocide during its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. What is ICJ? World’s court- It is the principal judicial organ of United Nations it is the only principal organ of UN to be not located in New York.

World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report

Context: UN report has revised India’s 2024 GDP growth forecast Key highlights: - The United Nations has revised India's GDP growth forecast for the year 2024 to 6.2%, down from the earlier estimate of 6.7%. - The revision is attributed to the projection of robust domestic demand and strong growth in the manufacturing and services sectors. - The larger South Asian region is

Genocide Convention, 1948

South Africa has moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to declare that the Israel was in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The convention was officially called as the UN’s Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It is an instrument of international law that codified for the first time the crime of genocide i

UN-THE LAWS OF WAR

    Why in the News? Hamas, a Palestine-based terrorist group launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and taking many as hostage which witnessed retaliatory attack from Israel triggering a war. What are the laws of war? The UN Charter spells out under what conditions or when can countries use force in their international rela

UN Security Council (UNSC) reform

    Why in the News? The recently ongoing General Assembly session of the UNSC saw voices for reform of the institution dominated by the political strategies of only five countries can called for reforms of the council.   Call for UNSC reform: It was announced that the Security Council reform must be accomplished in time for the 50th anniversary of t

OIML Certificates

OIML Certificates     India (Legal Metrology Division, Department of Consumer Affairs) has become one among the 13 countries in the world to become an OIML certificate-issuing authority. OIML stands for International Organisation of Legal Metrology, established in 1955 with headquartered in Paris. OIML is an international standard-setting body that develops m

International Criminal Court (ICC)

International Criminal Court (ICC)   ICC is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal having headquarters at The Hague, Netherlands. It is the first and only permanent international court with jurisdiction to prosecute  individuals for the international crimes of genocide crimes ag

OIML Certificates

OIML Certificates     India (Legal Metrology Division, Department of Consumer Affairs) has become one among the 13 countries in the world to become an OIML certificate-issuing authority. OIML stands for International Organisation of Legal Metrology, established in 1955 with headquartered in Paris. OIML is an international standard-setting body that develops m

India’s Rohingya refugee children are not criminals

  Why in the News? Recently, tear gas shells were used in an enclosed space in a Rohingyas refugee detention or holding centre in Jammu and there are allegations that the explosion led to death of an infant. It reflects the poor treatment of Rohingya refugees who are living in harsh conditions in the detention camps. It has been 6 years since Rohingyas fled from M

Economic Community of West African Nations (ECOWAS)

A regional political and Economic union of 15 West African nations established in 1975 with the signing of Treaty of Lagos. The goal of ECOWAS is to achieve  "collective self-sufficiency" " for its member states by creating a single large trade bloc by building a full economic and trading union. It also serves as a Peacekeeping force in the region includin