Prelims Facts

PRELIMS DATA & FACTS Prelims Facts

Prelims fact is an exclusive column to assist the students, in preparation for subject wise prelims facts and data this section not only helps in UPSC prelims in interview but also helps in various public service commission examination like OAS UPPCS UKPCS Rajasthan PCS Haryana PCS

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 Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)

Why in News? A tanker was recently boarded by six armed people, who took control of the vessel and diverted it towards Somalia. The incident was reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). About UKMTO The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) is a British Royal Navy-sponsored organisation established in 2001. It was initially established with an office

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

Why in News? Recently, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) organised the 8th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Ocean Polar Science and Technology (OPST) in Goa. The meeting was hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR). About National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) was established as an autono

South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)

Recently, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) dismantled a major network involved in importing South-East Asian areca nuts into India by falsely declaring them as being of Bangladeshi origin. The network allegedly attempted to avail concessional customs duty benefits under SAFTA. This case highlights the importance of rules of origin in determining whether imported goods are eligi

Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026)

Why in News? The Indian Army contingent has departed for Surat Thani, Thailand, to participate in the 15th edition of India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026). About Exercise MAITREE Exercise MAITREE is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army. It aims to strengthen military cooperation, interoperability, mutual trust and camarade

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Latest News The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently announced a plan to evacuate all ships and nearly 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, highlighting the IMO's role in ensuring maritime safety and security during international crises. About the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

New Development Bank (NDB)

Latest News Recently, Uzbekistan officially joined the New Development Bank (NDB) as its 10th member, becoming the first Central Asian country to join this BRICS-led multilateral development institution. About the New Development Bank (NDB) The New Development Bank (NDB) is a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and

International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

Latest News India’s candidate, Professor Bimal N. Patel, has been elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term. About International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) is an independent judicial body established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on

World Gold Council (WGC)

Latest News Recently, the World Gold Council (WGC) released its 2026 Central Bank Gold Reserves (CBGR) Survey, which revealed that central banks across the world are expected to continue increasing their gold reserves. The survey reflects growing confidence in gold as a strategic reserve asset amid global economic uncertainty and geopolitical risks. About the World Gold Council (WGC)

Mombasa Declaration

Latest News Recently, 15 countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific adopted the Mombasa Declaration during the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in Mombasa, Kenya to strengthen global cooperation against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. About the Mombasa Declaration The Mombasa Declaration is an international agreement adopted by 15 countries t

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

Exercise Pitch Black

Latest News India will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, hosted by Australia, from 20 July to 7 August 2026, alongside 18 other nations. The exercise highlights the growing defence cooperation between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and partner air forces in the Indo-Pacific region. About Exercise Pitch Black Introduction Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial (held every two years)

International Labour Conference (ILC)

Latest News Recently, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, led the Indian delegation at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) held in Geneva, Switzerland. About the International Labour Conference (ILC) The International Labour Conference (ILC) is the highest deliberative and decision-making body of the International Labour Organization (ILO)

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

Recently, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) launched a USD 10 billion fund facility to support member countries affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, highlighting its role in promoting economic resilience and regional stability during crises. About the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilatera

Asian Productivity Organization (APO)

The 68th Session of the Governing Body of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) is being hosted by the Government of India in New Delhi. The session brings together representatives from member economies to discuss strategies for enhancing productivity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region. About the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) The Asian

India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)

The India–Africa Forum Summit-IV (IAFS-IV) has been postponed due to the Ebola virus outbreak, highlighting the challenges that global health emergencies can pose to international diplomatic engagements. About the India–Africa Forum Summit The India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is the highest institutional platform for dialogue and cooperation between India and African countr

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Recently, India strengthened its position in the global telecommunications and digital governance landscape during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council 2026 meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland. India's active participation reflected its growing role in shaping international policies related to telecommunications, digital connectivity, emerging technologies, and global in

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

Recently, the 10th edition of the Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD) was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Secretariat. The dialogue serves as an important platform for discussions on issues concerning the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including maritime security, economic cooperation, and sustainable d

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a US$70 billion programme to expand energy and digital infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region by 2035. The initiative aims to strengthen connectivity, improve energy access, accelerate digital transformation, and promote sustainable economic growth throughout the region. About the Asian Development Bank The Asian Development Ban

OPEC+

Recently, OPEC+ agreed in principle to maintain steady crude oil production despite rising political tensions among some member countries and growing geopolitical uncertainty across the world. The decision reflects the group’s effort to ensure stability in global oil markets and prevent sudden fluctuations in international crude oil prices. About OPEC+ OPEC+ is an alliance of major

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

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Recently, the OECD projected that India’s economy is expected to grow at 6.1% in 2026–27. This projection highlights India’s strong economic resilience and positions it among the fastest-growing major economies in the world. Establishment The OECD was established on December 14, 1960, by 18 European countries along with the United States and Canada. It was created to pr

GlobE Network

India recently hosted the 12th Steering Committee Meeting of the GlobE Network in New Delhi. This reflects India’s growing role in global anti-corruption cooperation and enforcement mechanisms. India is actively contributing to strengthening international collaboration against corruption. About GlobE Network The GlobE Network is a global platform of specialised anti-corruption law

IOS SAGAR

The second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR has recently commenced, marking an important step in enhancing maritime cooperation and security collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This initiative reflects India’s growing role in promoting regional stability and collective security at sea. About IOS SAGAR Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR is a maritime security cooperat

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

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Amid rising global concerns over nuclear non-proliferation, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently held discussions with the head of Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation. About the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) The International Atomic Energy Agency is the world’s leading intergovernmental organisation for sci

Raisina Dialogue 2026

The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, reinforcing India’s role as a hub for global strategic and economic discussions. About Raisina Dialogue The Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, aimed at addressing the most pressing international challenges. It is modeled after

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

India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management 2026 (IICDEM 2026) at Bharat Mandapam. The conference aims to bring together global stakeholders to discuss best practices, challenges, and innovations in election management and democratic governance. About IICDEM 2026 The conference will be a three-day inte

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

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an international independent agency established in 1999 to lead global efforts for doping-free sport. Its primary goal is to harmonize anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries, ensuring fair play in international competitions. Headquarters Location: Montreal, Canada Roles and Functions Rule-making and Coo

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.

Blue Corner Notice

The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has recently issued a Blue Corner Notice against the missing owners of a nightclub in Goa following a deadly fire incident. The notice was issued to assist Indian investigating agencies in locating the individuals and verifying their identities through international cooperation. Meaning of a Blue Corner Notice A Blue Corner Notice

Colombo Security Conclave

The 7th National Security Adviser (NSA)-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was recently held in New Delhi, highlighting the growing importance of regional security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. About the Colombo Security Conclave The Colombo Security Conclave is a regional security framework comprising India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Sey

Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

The ongoing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meetings in Paris are focused on deliberating the issue of state sponsorship of terrorism, particularly regarding how certain states may be involved in financing banned terrorist outfits and their proxies. The discussions are expected to highlight the financing of terrorism and the role of Pakistan in supporting such groups through state sponsorsh

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:

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

India and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently celebrated 80 years of partnership on World Food Day 2025. About the FAO The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in October 1945. It is the oldest permanent specialized agency of the UN and plays a crucial role in coordinating international e

International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

Recently, US President Donald Trump expressed his outrage over the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) plan to vote on imposing a carbon emissions price on global shipping. He criticized the move, calling it a “Global Green New Scam Tax.” This has sparked a debate about the potential impacts of environmental regulations on the international shipping industry. About t

New Development Bank (NDB)

Pakistan has approached China, which it regards as an "iron friend," to assist in securing a membership for Pakistan in the New Development Bank (NDB). About New Development Bank (NDB) The New Development Bank (formerly known as the BRICS Development Bank) is a multilateral development bank founded by the BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Steadfast Noon 2025

Steadfast Noon is NATO's annual nuclear deterrence exercise, and for 2025, it will be hosted by the Netherlands. Key Details of Steadfast Noon 2025: Location and Hosts: The main site for the exercise will be Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands. Additional bases will be involved in the exercise, including those in Kleine Brogel (Belgium), Lakenheath (UK), a

Wassenaar Arrangement

The recent protests against Microsoft over allegations that its Azure cloud services were used to support Israeli military operations, and the concerns about the Wassenaar Arrangement’s export control framework, highlight the growing ethical, legal, and security challenges in regulating dual-use technologies. What is the Wassenaar Arrangement? The Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) is a multil

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

The AI for Good Summit at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 marks an important step in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for global development and technological collaboration. The summit, hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is an excellent platform to discuss the evolving role of AI in shaping the futu

Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement

The Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) is a significant arms control deal aimed at reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation and securing the disposal of excess weapons-grade plutonium, which both Russia and the United States accumulated during the Cold War. Plutonium Management and Disposition Agreement (PMDA) Background and Purpose: The PMDA was signed in 2

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

International Seabed Authority (ISA)

India recently hosted the 8th Annual Contractors' Meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) at the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography in Goa. This significant event brought together global experts to discuss the latest developments in deep-sea exploration, with a focus on sustainable resource management and India’s leadership role in ocean exploration. The meeting h

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 2025 Summit

The 2025 SCO Heads of State Summit was held in Tianjin, China, marking a significant moment for the organization’s expanding role on the global stage. Key Highlights: Terrorism: The SCO strongly condemned all acts of terrorism, including the Pahalgam incident in India and other attacks in Pakistan. A unified call was made for countries to stop cross-bo

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

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in 2025

India has been selected to host the 89th General Meeting (GM) of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) from 15th to 19th September 2025 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This marks the fourth time India will host the prestigious event, following earlier meetings in 1960, 1997, and 2013. About the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) The IEC is a nonprofit orga

Warm vaccine for COVID-19

Context: A team of scientists from IISc has completed pre-clinical trials and is now gearing up for human testing of the heat-tolerant Covid-19 vaccine About: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has developed a heat-tolerant vaccine called RS2 against COVID-19, which can be stored at high temperatures for extended periods of time, making it easier to transport and distribute to re

New Members of BRICS

Context: The five new candidates of BRICS formally became members on January 1, 2024. Introduction of New Members to BRICS: Expansion of BRICS: The inclusion of five new members, namely Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, marks a significant enlargement of the BRICS alliance. Argentina's Withdrawal: Argentina has opted to retract its initia

Argentina Withdraws From BRICS

Context: The newly elected far-right President of Argentina, Javier Milei, pulled out of plans to join the BRICS bloc. Argentina was set to join on January 1, 2024. Reasons for withdrawal: The decision to join BRICS had been taken by the previous administration, and the new dispensation was reviewing such policies. Milei cited China's communist ideology as a p

Sweden moves a step closer to NATO membership after Turkey's parliamentary committee gives approval

Context: Sweden’s NATO bid had been stalled amid opposition from Turkiye and Hungary A crucial committee in the Turkish Parliament, on December 26, granted approval for Sweden's NATO membership bid after facing delays. The approval comes amid obstacles posed by Turkey and Hungary against Sweden's NATO accession. The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs committee gav

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

B20 Summit

B20 Summit     The Business 20 (B20) is an event which is part of the G20 Summit which is meant to express common views from the international business community. The main purpose is to develop recommendations and issue relevant commitments from the business leaders and business organizations to deal with present issues. B20 are gathered in 12 working groups which

G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group

G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group   The Action Plan is guided by the political declaration of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGASS) against corruption. The ACWG focuses on promotion of international cooperation in the areas of Asset recovery Law enforcement cooperation Information-sharing Technology Denial of safe haven/entry The ACWG also seeks to

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

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