The introduction of the Cy-TB test by Kerala health authorities is a significant step in advancing the detection and treatment of latent tuberculosis (TB) in India, especially under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Intradermal Test: The Cy-TB is an intradermal test, meaning that the substance is injected into the skin rather than under the skin, which makes it relatively easy and safe to administer.
Third-Generation Test: This is a third-generation test approved by the Central TB Division, Government of India, reflecting significant improvements in accuracy and specificity compared to older TB tests.
Target Population: The test is recommended for individuals aged 18 years and above, which aligns with the focus on detecting and treating latent TB among adults as part of India's strategy to eliminate TB by 2025.
How It Works:
The test involves injecting 0.1 ml doses of M. tuberculosis-specific antigens (namely ESAT-6 and CFP-10) into the skin on the inner forearm.
After 48-72 hours, if a raised area (induration) of 5 mm or more forms, it indicates that the person has been exposed to the TB infection.
User-Friendly: The test is described as highly specific, accurate, and user-friendly, meaning it can be easily conducted and interpreted, leading to more effective and timely treatment.
TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits, and it only takes a few germs to become infected.
According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, India remains the country with the highest burden of TB worldwide, accounting for 26% of global TB cases.
India is also a hub for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) and contributes significantly to global TB deaths.
TB is a major cause of death among people living with HIV, making it a critical issue for public health. It is also a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which complicates treatment.
Enhanced Early Detection: Cy-TB is particularly useful for identifying latent TB, which is the stage when a person is infected with the TB bacteria but does not show active symptoms. People with latent TB are at risk of developing active TB later, especially if their immune system weakens.
Tackling the Burden of Latent TB: By identifying individuals with latent TB, it becomes possible to treat them early, preventing the progression to active TB, which is contagious and more difficult to treat. This is especially critical in India's efforts to meet the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Elimination by 2025.
Cost-Effective and Accessible: The skin test is likely to be more affordable and accessible than other diagnostic methods, making it suitable for widespread use, particularly in rural areas, where TB is still a significant problem.
Part of NTEP's Strategy: The NTEP (National Tuberculosis Elimination Program) is a government initiative aimed at eliminating TB from India by 2025. The introduction of Cy-TB aligns with the broader strategy of improving detection, treatment, and elimination of TB.
The Cy-TB test marks an important step towards tackling latent TB, and its introduction will likely make a significant impact in identifying and treating TB early. With the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)’s focus on both active and latent TB, India is on the right path to achieve its goal of TB-free India by 2025.
The recent polyandrous marriage involving two brothers of the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh has brought attention to the tribe's unique cultural practices. This traditional practice of polyandry, where one woman marries multiple men (in this case, brothers), remains a distinctive aspect of the Hatti community's customs.
Name and Occupation:
The Hatti tribe derives its name from their traditional occupation, which involves selling home-grown crops, vegetables, meat, and wool in local markets called ‘haats’.
Location:
The Hattis predominantly reside in the Himachal-Uttarakhand border area, particularly around the Giri and Tons rivers, which are tributaries of the Yamuna. The Hattis live in the Trans-Giri area of Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh and the Jaunsar Bawar area of Uttarakhand.
Distinctive Customs:
Men of the Hatti tribe are known for wearing distinctive white headgear during ceremonial occasions, an important cultural symbol.
The Hatti community is known for intermarriages between the two main clans: one in Himachal Pradesh and the other in Uttarakhand. These inter-clan marriages help in maintaining social harmony and ties between the communities.
Governance:
The Hatti tribe is traditionally governed by a ‘khumbli’, a community council that makes decisions on matters affecting the tribe and acts as a local judicial body.
Economy:
The primary livelihood of the Hattis is agriculture, especially in the cultivation of cash crops, as the climate in the region is favorable for this purpose.
Population and Demographics:
According to the 2011 census, the Hatti community had a population of around 2.5 lakh. Present estimates place their population at approximately 3 lakh.
In 2023, the Indian government granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Hatti community in Himachal Pradesh. The Jaunsar-Bawar region of Uttarakhand had already been granted tribal status in 1967.
Polyandry Tradition:
The polyandrous marriage system is still practiced by the Hatti tribe, where one woman marries multiple men, typically brothers. This form of marriage is thought to be rooted in ensuring family property stays within the lineage, and it's seen as a method of controlling population growth and land division in the region.
The Hatti tribe of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is a fascinating example of India’s tribal diversity. Their polyandrous marriage system, unique cultural practices, and recent recognition as a Scheduled Tribe reflect both the rich cultural heritage and evolving socio-political dynamics of the community.
India’s role in global food standard development has recently been recognized at the 88th session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC 88), which took place at the FAO Headquarters in Rome.
Overview:
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an international body responsible for setting food standards globally.
It was established in May 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the global food trade.
The headquarters of the Commission is in Rome, Italy.
Objective:
The primary goal of the Codex Alimentarius is to protect consumers’ health and ensure fair trade practices in food. It achieves this through the development of international standards, guidelines, and codes of practice.
Membership:
The Codex Alimentarius Commission has 189 members, consisting of 188 member countries and 1 member organization (the European Union).
India became a member of the CAC in 1964, making it one of the longstanding contributors to the Commission's work.
Organizational Structure:
The Codex Alimentarius Commission consists of four main organizational elements:
The Commission
Executive Committee
Codex Secretariat
Codex subsidiary bodies (committees focused on specific aspects of food standards)
The Commission meets once a year, alternating between Geneva and Rome.
Funding:
The Commission's programmes are funded through the regular budgets of WHO and FAO, with all work being subject to approval by the governing bodies of these organizations.
Codex Alimentarius (Latin for "Food Code") refers to a collection of international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice designed to:
Protect consumer health.
Ensure fair practices in the food trade.
Codex standards are widely used to harmonize national food safety regulations across countries. These standards are also recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures Agreement, serving as an international reference point for food safety.
Compliance with Codex standards by food producers and traders helps:
Guarantee the safety and quality of food products for consumers.
Provide confidence to importers that the food they import will meet the required safety standards.
India’s Role:
India’s National Codex Contact Point (NCCP), established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), plays a crucial role in keeping a liaison with the Codex Alimentarius and coordinating Codex activities within India. The NCCP ensures that India’s contributions and inputs to Codex are well-coordinated and aligned with national priorities.
Coordination with National Codex Committee:
The National Codex Committee (NCC), in collaboration with the NCCP, promotes Codex activities across India. It facilitates the country’s participation in the Codex process through a consultative mechanism, ensuring that India's voice is heard in the formulation of international food safety and quality standards.
Impact on India’s Food Standards:
The adoption of Codex standards helps India to:
Strengthen its food safety regulations.
Boost international trade by ensuring that Indian food products meet global safety standards.
Improve consumer trust in the safety and quality of food.
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development, to promote its Bima Sakhi Yojana in rural areas. This initiative aims to empower women, promote financial literacy, and increase insurance awareness in rural India.
Purpose:
The Bima Sakhi Yojana is an exclusive women's empowerment scheme by LIC designed to increase financial inclusion, specifically focusing on insurance awareness in rural areas.
Key Features:
Performance-Oriented Scheme: The scheme is designed to provide stipends and specialized training to women aged 18 to 70 years who have passed at least Class 10.
The selected women, called Bima Sakhis, will receive training to promote financial literacy and insurance awareness.
Stipend and Commission:
First Year: Women will receive a stipend of Rs. 7,000 per month.
Second Year: Rs. 6,000 per month.
Third Year: Rs. 5,000 per month.
Commissions: In addition to the stipend, Bima Sakhis will earn a commission of Rs. 48,000 (excluding bonuses) during their first year.
Post-Training Opportunities:
After completing the training, the women can serve as LIC agents.
Graduate Bima Sakhis will have the opportunity to be considered for the role of Development Officer within LIC.
Target:
The goal is to appoint two lakh Bima Sakhi agents over the next three years.
Age: Applicants must be between 18 to 70 years of age.
Educational Qualification: The minimum qualification required is Class X pass.
Preference: Preference will be given to women residing in rural areas.
Ineligibility Criteria:
Relatives of Existing LIC Agents/Employees: Women who are related to current LIC agents or employees (such as spouses, children, parents, etc.) cannot apply.
Retired Employees/Ex-Agents: Women who are retired employees or ex-agents of LIC are ineligible.
Current Agents: Women who are already serving as LIC agents cannot apply for the scheme.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is currently in the midst of negotiations regarding the extraction of metals from the high seas, particularly as U.S. efforts to fast-track this practice have led to heightened pressure on the discussions.
Establishment:
The ISA is an autonomous international organization created under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement that clarifies the implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS.
It was officially established on November 16, 1994, following the entry into force of UNCLOS, and its headquarters are located in Kingston, Jamaica.
Mandate:
The ISA's core responsibility is to regulate mining and related activities in the international seabed area, which lies beyond national jurisdiction.
This region, which accounts for about 54% of the world's oceans, includes seabeds and the ocean floor along with its subsoil.
Purpose:
The ISA’s mandate is to organize and control mineral-resource-related activities in this international seabed area for the benefit of humankind as a whole, as per UNCLOS.
A crucial aspect of its mandate is to ensure the protection of the marine environment from harmful effects arising from deep-seabed mining activities.
Membership:
All States Parties to UNCLOS are automatically members of the ISA, which currently has 169 members, including 168 member states and the European Union.
Structure:
The Assembly is the supreme body of the ISA and is composed of all its members.
It sets general policies, approves budgets, and elects a 36-member Council, which functions as the executive authority.
The Council plays a crucial role in approving contracts with private corporations and government entities for exploration and mining in specific areas of the seabed.
The Council also oversees the implementation of UNCLOS seabed provisions and establishes provisional rules to regulate these activities.
The Secretary-General of the ISA is nominated by the Council and elected by the Assembly for a four-year term.
Marine Scientific Research Action Plan (MSRAP):
The Marine Scientific Research Action Plan supports the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
This initiative emphasizes the importance of scientific research in understanding the ocean's ecosystems, resources, and environmental health, ensuring that future exploitation of seabed resources is based on solid, evidence-based knowledge.
Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative:
This initiative aims to describe over 1,000 new deep-sea species, increasing understanding of the biodiversity of the deep-sea ecosystems.
By documenting and researching these species, the ISA hopes to highlight the importance of protecting marine life and ensure that seabed mining activities do not disrupt the delicate ecological balance.
Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs):
REMPs are designed to provide region-specific frameworks to manage environmental impacts of seabed mining.
Following the success of the first REMP for the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), the ISA is now developing additional plans for the following regions:
Mid-Atlantic Ridge: A major underwater mountain chain.
Indian Ocean: A rich and diverse marine area.
Northwest Pacific Ocean: A region known for its ecological significance and seabed mineral resources.
These plans aim to provide a comprehensive environmental management strategy that promotes sustainable seabed resource use while minimizing ecological damage.
India plays an important role in the governance and regulation of seabed resources under the ISA framework.
Permanent Mission to ISA:
India is one of 38 countries that maintains a permanent mission to the ISA. This reflects India's commitment to sustainable seabed resource management and its active participation in shaping international policies concerning the exploration and utilization of seabed minerals.
Recent Submissions by India:
India has submitted two applications for seabed exploration in two regions of the Indian Ocean:
Polymetallic Sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge: Polymetallic sulphides are rich in valuable metals like copper, gold, and silver. The Carlsberg Ridge is a tectonically active region that could provide new sources of such materials.
Cobalt-rich Ferromanganese Crusts of Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount: These crusts are rich in cobalt and rare earth metals, which are critical for modern technologies, including batteries and electronics.
Current Exploration Contracts:
India holds two active exploration contracts for seabed mining in the Indian Ocean:
Polymetallic Nodules Exploration in the Central Indian Ocean Basin: Polymetallic nodules contain a mix of valuable metals, such as nickel, copper, and cobalt, that are critical for various industrial applications.
Polymetallic Sulphides Exploration in the Indian Ocean Ridge: This is aimed at exploring the potential of mineral-rich deposits found on the Indian Ocean Ridge, especially focusing on sulphide-rich deposits.
UNCLOS Overview:
UNCLOS, often referred to as the Law of the Sea Treaty, is an international agreement that provides a legal framework for marine and maritime activities.
UNCLOS defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in the use of the world's oceans, including the conservation of marine resources, environmental protection, and the settlement of disputes.
Major Provisions of UNCLOS:
It defines various maritime zones, such as the territorial sea, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), continental shelf, and contiguous zone.
It outlines the rights and duties of coastal states and flag states in regulating maritime activities.
UNCLOS also covers the conservation and management of marine resources and the protection of the marine environment.
It provides mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes related to maritime issues.
The ISA's role in regulating mining activities in international waters is essential to protect marine ecosystems and ensure that the resources from the seabed are utilized sustainably for the benefit of all humanity.
Article 64 of the Constitution of India specifies that the Vice-President's post cannot remain vacant for any period of time, as it is essential for the functioning of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). When the office of Vice-President is vacant, it is necessary for the Election Commission of India to conduct an election as soon as possible With the resignation of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The Vice-President of India is a crucial constitutional post and is elected by an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament — the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
The electoral college consists of all members of both Houses of Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The election of the Vice-President is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (STV). This means that MPs cast their votes in a way that allows for more proportional representation of votes.
Voting in the election is done via secret ballot.
A person can be elected as Vice-President only if they fulfill the following conditions:
Citizenship: The candidate must be a citizen of India.
Age: The candidate must have completed 35 years of age.
Qualifications: The person must be qualified for election as a member of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).
Office of Profit: The candidate must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any State Government, or any subordinate local authority.
Expiry of Term: When the term of the Vice-President expires, the election to fill the vacancy should be completed before the expiry of the current term.
Vacancy Due to Death, Resignation, or Removal: In case a vacancy arises due to death, resignation, or removal, the election to fill the vacancy should be held as soon as possible after the occurrence.
The newly elected Vice-President will hold office for a full term of 5 years, starting from the date they assume office.
Election Authority: The authority to conduct the election of the Vice-President lies with the Election Commission of India under Article 324 of the Constitution of India.
Returning Officer: The Secretary-General of either House of Parliament is generally appointed as the Returning Officer to conduct the election. This responsibility is rotated between the two Houses.
A candidate seeking election as Vice-President must be nominated by at least 20 Members of Parliament (MPs) as proposers and 20 MPs as seconders.
A security deposit of Rs. 15,000 is required from the candidate to stand for election.
Any doubts or disputes arising from the Vice-Presidential election are examined by the Supreme Court of India, whose decision is final.
If there is a challenge to the election results, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court hears the petition.
The role of the Vice President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is significant in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha and maintaining order and decorum in parliamentary proceedings.
The Chairman conducts and oversees the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). They ensure that discussions are orderly, fair, and within the established rules.
The Chairman has the power to maintain order during debates, and they can take action against members if their behavior disrupts the session.
Rule 256 of the Rajya Sabha Procedures empowers the Chairman to suspend a member for the remainder of the session if their conduct is considered grossly disorderly or if they disregard the authority of the Chair.
As a non-member of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President must be impartial, ensuring fair representation for all members.
The Chairman encourages free and fair debate and ensures that parliamentary norms and procedures are followed.
The Vice President, while presiding over the Rajya Sabha, does not have a vote in the first instance.
However, in the event of a tie (when the votes are evenly split on a matter), the Chairman can cast the deciding vote. This is a casting vote, which is exercised to break a deadlock.
The Chairman plays an administrative role, which includes referring bills, motions, and resolutions to various parliamentary committees for detailed consideration and study.
Joint Sessions: Unlike the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha does not preside over joint sittings of Parliament (when both Houses meet together). Joint sittings are usually called to resolve differences between the two Houses.
Money Bills: The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha cannot certify a bill as a Money Bill. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha holds this exclusive power.
If the office of the President becomes vacant (due to death, resignation, etc.), the Vice President of India acts as President temporarily for a maximum period of six months.
During this period, the Vice President's role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is temporarily suspended, and the Deputy Chairman steps in to preside over the Rajya Sabha.
|
Feature |
India |
United States |
|---|---|---|
|
Presiding Role |
Chairman of Rajya Sabha (Upper House). |
Chairman of the Senate (Upper House). |
|
Voting Power |
Only votes in case of a tie in the Rajya Sabha. |
Only votes in case of a tie in the Senate. |
|
Succession to President During Vacancy |
Acts as President temporarily (max 6 months). |
Becomes full President for the remainder of the term. |
|
Executive Role |
Mostly ceremonial, steps in only if needed. |
Part of the executive branch, often has an active role. |
Conclusion
The election of the Vice-President of India is a key aspect of the country’s governance structure. As stipulated in the Constitution, the Vice-President is elected by members of Parliament, following a proportional representation system with a secret ballot. This ensures that the election process is democratic and fair, with all MPs having a say in choosing the individual who will hold this prestigious office
A rare and untouched tomb from the Etruscan civilization has recently been discovered in central Italy, shedding light on a culture that predated the Roman Republic.
The Etruscans were a Mediterranean civilization that flourished between the 8th and 3rd centuries BCE. They are considered to be one of the most significant ancient cultures in Italy before the rise of the Romans.
The Etruscans inhabited the region known as Etruria (or Tuscia), which is present-day central Italy.
Their land was bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, the Arno River to the north, and the Tiber River to the east and south.
The Etruscans were great seafarers and had a powerful navy that dominated the seas on the western coast of Italy.
They possessed some of the largest iron reserves in the western Mediterranean, a critical resource for their civilization.
The Etruscans were pioneers in city planning, being the first in the Mediterranean region to build cities based on a grid plan. This method of laying out streets (north-south and east-west) was later adopted by the Romans in their military camps and cities.
Etruscan art and culture significantly influenced Roman civilization, with many practices and ideas being passed down, including religious beliefs and social customs.
Aristocracy: A powerful elite class ruled over Etruria.
Middle Class: This group consisted of merchants, sailors, and artisans.
Enslaved People: At the bottom of the social hierarchy were enslaved individuals.
One of the notable aspects of Etruscan society was the equality between men and women. Etruscan women were not only considered equal in status but also had the right to education, and many could read and write.
The Etruscans had a polytheistic religion, believing in gods that controlled both the natural world and human-made objects.
They interpreted natural phenomena such as lightning as messages from the gods.
Their mythology overlapped with that of the Greeks and Romans, with gods such as Zeus, Hermes, and Athena having equivalents in the Etruscan pantheon.
By the end of the 6th century BCE, the Etruscan civilization began to decline.
509 BCE marked the expulsion of the last Etruscan kings from Rome, and by 474 BCE, the Greeks destroyed the Etruscan fleet, significantly weakening their naval power.
By the middle of the 3rd century BCE, the Romans absorbed Etruria into the Roman Republic.
Latin, the Roman language, gradually replaced Etruscan, and by the 1st century BCE, Etruscan culture was fully absorbed into the Roman Empire.
The discovery of this Etruscan tomb is a vital addition to our understanding of this ancient civilization. As one of the precursors to Roman culture, the Etruscans played a pivotal role in shaping early Mediterranean history. The continued exploration of their legacy promises to uncover more about their rich cultural practices, social structure, and religious beliefs, offering invaluable insights into one of the most influential civilizations of ancient Italy
In a renewed push under President Donald Trump, the United States has announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), established in 1945, shortly after World War II. The agency was created to promote peace and security by fostering international cooperation in areas such as education, the sciences, and culture.
Headquarters: Paris, France.
Parent Organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Membership: UNESCO has 194 member countries and 12 associate members.
UNESCO’s primary mission is to promote world peace and safety by encouraging global cooperation in the following areas:
Education
Natural Sciences
Social and Human Sciences
Culture
Communication and Information
Educational Initiatives: UNESCO works to eliminate illiteracy and promote free education. It serves as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas among countries.
Cultural Heritage: The agency is responsible for maintaining a list of World Heritage Sites, which are culturally significant places that deserve protection for future generations.
Sustainable Development: UNESCO contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Group and supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the fields of education and culture.
Global Education Monitoring Report
United Nations World Water Development Report
World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development
UNESCO, as a specialized agency of the United Nations, has a broad mandate focused on fostering global peace and cooperation through various channels such as education, science, culture, and communication.
Inclusive, Equitable, and Lifelong Learning: UNESCO works towards ensuring that all individuals have access to inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities, which aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.
Cultural Heritage Preservation: The agency plays a pivotal role in protecting both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, notably through its World Heritage List. This includes the conservation of ancient monuments, historic cities, natural sites, and traditional cultural practices.
Scientific Research and Sustainable Development: UNESCO promotes scientific research, encourages sustainable development, and advocates for the use of science for peace. This includes addressing global challenges like climate change, biodiversity conservation, and resource management.
Promoting Mutual Understanding and Tolerance: Through its various programs and initiatives, UNESCO seeks to build mutual understanding and tolerance among people, cultures, and nations, aiming to reduce conflicts and promote cooperation.
The U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO has occurred three times, with each departure marked by a specific political context and justifications related to U.S. foreign policy interests.
Reason for Exit: The United States under President Ronald Reagan withdrew from UNESCO in 1984. The official justification was concerns over the organization's mismanagement, corruption, and its perceived alignment with Soviet interests during the Cold War.
Key Points: The U.S. criticized UNESCO's growing political influence and its emphasis on issues that were seen as contrary to American interests. It was also felt that UNESCO's operations lacked efficiency and transparency.
Reason for Exit: Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. withdrew again in 2017, citing anti-Israel bias within the organization. The U.S. took particular issue with UNESCO's decision to admit Palestine as a full member state in 2011, which the U.S. viewed as a direct challenge to Israel's status.
Key Points: The U.S. expressed concerns about the agency's voting patterns, which were often seen as critical of Israel. This decision followed years of tensions over the issue, marking a key point in U.S.-UNESCO relations.
Reason for Exit: After briefly rejoining UNESCO in 2023 under President Joe Biden’s administration, the U.S. under President Donald Trump has announced a second withdrawal in his second term by December 2026.
Key Points: The U.S. decision to exit again comes after a period of re-engagement under President Biden, during which the U.S. was involved in UNESCO’s activities, contributing to global discussions on education, science, and culture. Trump's decision to leave again reflects his administration’s broader "America First" approach and a desire to limit U.S. involvement in multilateral organizations, especially those perceived as ineffective or biased.
The U.S.'s exit from UNESCO is part of a broader trend of disengagement from multilateral organizations that President Trump believed undermined American sovereignty or were perceived as biased. While the U.S. has withdrawn before, such as in 2017 under Trump's administration, the implications of this decision are multifaceted:
It may weaken global cooperation in key areas like education and cultural preservation.
Financial contributions from the U.S. were significant to UNESCO's operations, and their absence could lead to budgetary challenges.
The decision also casts a shadow on international diplomacy within UNESCO, especially in the context of initiatives like the World Heritage Sites and educational exchange programs.
UNESCO plays a pivotal role in fostering international collaboration in culture, education, science, and communication. The United States' withdrawal is likely to impact both the organization's capacity to function effectively and the global community's ability to address critical challenges in the future. The move reflects broader tensions regarding international institutions and their governance.
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In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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