PRELIMS DATA & FACTS

Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty

Recently, Russia officially declared that it no longer considers itself bound by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. About the INF Treaty The INF Treaty was a pivotal arms control agreement signed between the United States and the Soviet Union (now Russia) in 1987. The agreement aimed to address the growing concerns of nuclear proliferation in Europe and the escalating a

UN World Food Programme (WFP)

India has launched a new collaborative initiative with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to strengthen rice fortification and supply chain management in Nepal. This initiative aims to enhance nutritional quality and food security for communities in Nepal through the fortified rice program, addressing malnutrition challenges. About UN World Food Programme (WFP) The United Nations World Fo

BIMSTEC First-Ever Traditional Music Festival

Recently, the first-ever BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the BIMSTEC member countries. About BIMSTEC Formation and Purpose: Full Name: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Inception: BIMSTEC came into existence on June 6, 1997, follow

UN Women

Recently, UN Women celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey to promote gender equality and empower women worldwide. About UN Women UN Women is the United Nations (UN) entity dedicated to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was established in July 2010 by the UN General Assembly as part of a broader UN reform agenda. Main R

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) revealed that contaminated medicines have led to the death of 1,300 people over the past 90 years. About the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Established: In 1997, through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for Inte

WHO Launches 'Global Specs 2030' Initiative

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global initiative called 'Global Specs 2030' with the ambitious goal of ensuring that everyone has access to affordable eyecare services by 2030. Key Features of the Global Specs 2030 Initiative The Global Specs 2030 initiative seeks to address the growing need for eye care across the world by focusing on five critical areas:

Codex Alimentarius Commission

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. About the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC): Overview: The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an international body responsible for se

United States to Exit UNESCO

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. About UNESCO 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

European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an important player in global trade, especially with respect to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and economic cooperation. What is the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)? Established: 1960, under the Stockholm Convention. Objective: EFTA aims to promote free trade and economic integration between its member countries and global

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025

Talisman Sabre is a large-scale bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States. It is conducted biennially, with the 2025 iteration being the largest and most sophisticated of all previous exercises. Key Details about Talisman Sabre 2025: Origin and Frequency: The exercise started in 2005 and has been held biennially since then. It is pri

World Population Day (WPD) 2025

World Population Day (WPD) has observed on Friday, July 11, 2025, with the theme: "Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world". It is an important United Nations initiative that highlights the significance of global population growth and its implications for sustainable development. Key Highlights of World Population Day (WPD) Theme fo

Erasmus+ Programme

The Erasmus+ programme is a major initiative by the European Union aimed at fostering international academic mobility. Recently, 101 Indian students (including 50 women) were awarded the Erasmus+ scholarship for pursuing master's programs in Europe, marking a significant milestone for academic exchange and global cooperation. About Erasmus+ Programme Launched in 1987, the Erasmus+ p

QUAD ‘At Sea Observer Mission’

QUAD ‘At Sea Observer Mission’ A first-ever maritime cross-embarkation initiative involving Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. It is a Part of broader QUAD efforts to ensure a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.Two officers, including women officers from each country have embarked on board US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton, whi

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