In News:

• North Korea recently announced the successful test-firing of its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the ‘Hwasong-19’.
• Claims by North Korea: The missile was described as ‘the world’s strongest strategic missile’ and a ‘perfected weapon system’ by North Korean state media.

Key Features of the Hwasong-19:

• Solid-Fuel Propulsion: The Hwasong-19 reportedly uses solid-fuel propulsion, which enables quicker launches and greater secrecy. This contrasts with liquid-fuel missiles, which take longer to prepare and are more visible.
• Enhanced Performance: The missile is said to have improved altitude and flight duration compared to previous North Korean ICBMs, marking significant progress in missile technology.
• Size: The Hwasong-19 is estimated to be 28 meters long (92 feet), which is notably larger than many other ICBMs, including those from the U.S. and Russia, which are typically under 20 meters (66 feet).

Strategic Implications:

• Reach and Targeting: The Hwasong-19 is believed to have a range of over 13,000 kilometers, which is sufficient to target the U.S. mainland, signaling a significant advancement in North Korea’s missile capabilities.
• Nuclear Capability: While specific details on the missile’s payload remain undisclosed, the Hwasong-19 could potentially be equipped with a nuclear warhead, enhancing North Korea's strategic deterrence.

Impact on Regional and Global Security:

• US-North Korea Tensions: The launch occurred against the backdrop of ongoing U.S.-North Korea tensions, particularly over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. The missile could potentially alter the regional security dynamics, especially in East Asia.

What is an ICBM?

• ICBM Definition: An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a long-range missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads (or other payloads) across continents.
• Range and Speed: ICBMs typically have a minimum range of 5,500 km (3,400 miles), with some capable of reaching up to 16,000 km or more, making them far faster and more capable than other ballistic missiles.
• Launch Mechanism: ICBMs are launched from land or submarine platforms, traveling through space before re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere and targeting distant objectives.
• Comparison with India's Agni-V: India’s Agni-V ICBM, which has a range of over 5,000 km, is often compared to North Korea’s missile systems.

In News:

• India, represented by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), has joined the Steering Committee of the Asset Recovery Interagency Network-Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP).
• Leadership Role: India will assume the presidency of ARIN-AP and host the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2026, providing a platform for global cooperation in asset recovery and tackling economic crimes.

ARIN-AP Overview:

• Establishment: ARIN-AP is a multi-agency network formed to address the proceeds of crime across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Network Goals: Its mission is to facilitate cross-border collaboration in the areas of asset tracing, freezing, and confiscation.
• Membership: ARIN-AP includes 28 member jurisdictions and 9 observers, and operates as a key component of the Global CARIN Network (Camden Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network).
• Functioning: ARIN-AP operates through a network of contact points that enable intelligence exchange among member agencies, promoting effective communication and coordination for asset recovery.

Significance of ARIN-AP's Work:

• Combating Economic Crimes: ARIN-AP enhances the efforts of law enforcement agencies in tracing and recovering assets linked to criminal activities, including both movable and immovable assets.
• Informal Exchange of Intelligence: The network allows for the informal exchange of intelligence between agencies, which often accelerates the identification and recovery of proceeds of crime. This can later lead to formal actions through bilateral or multilateral agreements.
• Global Impact: With over 100 jurisdictions in the broader CARIN Network, ARIN-AP plays a key role in global efforts to combat fugitive economic offenders and illicit financial flows.

India’s Contribution and Alignment with G-20 Priorities:

• India’s Leadership: India’s presidency in ARIN-AP will enhance its leadership in asset recovery, facilitating closer cooperation with regional and international law enforcement agencies.
• G-20 Alignment: This role aligns with India’s priorities under the G-20 framework, particularly focusing on the Nine-Point Agenda aimed at tackling fugitive economic offenders and improving asset recovery mechanisms.

In News:

• Brazilhas opted not to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), becoming the second BRICS country after India to reject the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project.
• Brazil prefers to explore alternative ways to collaborate with Chinese investors without signing a formal treaty, aiming to avoid the perceived risks of the BRI.

BRICS and India’s Role:

• Brazil’s decision follows India’s long-standing opposition to the BRI, particularly due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which India views as a violation of its sovereignty.
• India has consistently argued that BRI projects should adhere to international norms, good governance, and transparency, emphasizing that such initiatives should be financially sustainable and not lead to debt traps.

Brazil’s Broader Economic Strategy:

• Brazil aims to balance its relationship with China, which is a major economic partner, but without being bound by the BRI. This decision reflects broader concerns within Brazil about the long-term financial sustainability of BRI projects, especially after witnessing debt crises in other countries like Sri Lanka.

Global Context and the BRI's Impact:

• The BRI, launched by China in 2013, spans several infrastructure sectors and has expanded globally, but it has faced criticism for its potential to trap smaller nations in unsustainable debt.
• India and Brazil’s resistance to the BRI highlights growing skepticism among emerging economies about the long-term implications of joining China's flagship project.

In News:

United Nations Day is celebrated each year on October 24 to mark the anniversary of the UN Charter's entry into force, aiming to raise awareness about the goals and achievements of the international body.

Key Highlights:

• Purpose: Celebrates the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into effect on October 24, 1945, after World War II.
• Goal: Raise awareness about the UN’s objectives and accomplishments.

UN Charter Overview

• Signing & Implementation:
  • Signed on June 26, 1945, in San Francisco.
  • Came into effect on October 24, 1945.
  • India ratified the UN Charter on October 30, 1945.
• Predecessor: The League of Nations, created in 1919 after WWI, aimed at promoting international cooperation and peace.
• Content:
  • Foundational document of the UN, binding all member states.
  • Establishes principles of international relations, including equality of nations and the prohibition of force between countries.
  • Amended three times: 1963, 1965, and 1973.

UN's Core Objectives

• Peace and Security: Maintaining global peace and preventing conflicts.
• Humanitarian Aid: Providing assistance to those in need.
• Human Rights: Protecting and promoting human rights globally.
• International Law: Upholding the rule of law on the global stage.

Main Organs of the UN

1. General Assembly (UNGA):
   • Comprises all 193 Member States, each with one vote.
   • Main policy-making body, addressing international issues covered by the UN Charter.
2. Security Council (UNSC):
   • Consists of 15 members (5 permanent, 10 elected for two-year terms).
   • Permanent members: China, France, Russia, UK, USA.
   • India has been elected to the UNSC eight times.
3. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):
   • Composed of 54 members elected by the General Assembly.
   • Coordinates policy and addresses economic, social, and environmental issues.
4. Trusteeship Council:
   • Established to oversee trust territories transitioning to independence.
5. International Court of Justice (ICJ):
   • The only international court resolving disputes between UN member states.
   • Handles contentious cases and provides advisory opinions.
6. Secretariat:
   • Led by the Secretary-General, appointed by the General Assembly based on Security Council recommendations.
   • Acts as the chief administrative body of the UN.

Note: Most UN organs, including the UNGA, UNSC, ECOSOC, Trusteeship Council, and Secretariat, are based in New York, while the ICJ is located in The Hague, Netherlands.

In News:

The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, an organisation of survivors of the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings. In doing so, the Nobel Committee has highlighted the power of their testimonies and the need for disarmament.

Key Points about Nihon Hidankyo and the Hibakusha Movement

• Nihon Hidankyo:
  • Established on August 10, 1956, as the nation-wide organization for survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
  • Focuses on the welfare of Hibakusha (A-bomb survivors), promoting nuclear disarmament, and advocating for compensation for victims.
  • Works to share the stories and experiences of Hibakusha, both within Japan and globally.
• Hibakusha (Bomb-affected People):
  • Survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
  • Played a pivotal role in the global nuclear disarmament movement.
  • Their testimonies have helped create the "nuclear taboo," ensuring nuclear weapons have not been used since 1945.

Role of Hibakusha in Nuclear Disarmament

• Global Impact:
  • The bombings ignited a global movement for nuclear disarmament.
  • Hibakusha's advocacy has highlighted the human cost of nuclear weapons, shaping international policy and promoting the nuclear taboo.
• Nihon Hidankyo’s Advocacy:
  • The organization has been instrumental in documenting the effects of nuclear weapons and advocating for their abolition.
  • Testimonies from Hibakusha have been key in raising awareness about the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear warfare.

Nobel Committee's Recognition and Current Nuclear Challenges

• Recognition of Hibakusha's Work:
  • The Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo for its role in promoting nuclear disarmament and for contributing to the nuclear taboo.
  • The nuclear taboo is under increasing pressure as new countries seek nuclear weapons and existing powers modernize their arsenals.
• Current Nuclear Landscape:
  • The US and Russia continue to maintain large nuclear stockpiles, with the US planning to spend over $1 trillion on upgrading its nuclear capabilities by the 2040s.
  • New Threats: Geopolitical tensions, including regional conflicts, raise concerns about the resurgence of nuclear arms races.

Previous Nobel Peace Prizes for Disarmament

• Past Laureates:
  • 1974: Former Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato awarded for Japan's commitment to non-nuclear weapons policy.
  • 2017: International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) awarded for its efforts to draw attention to the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and push for a nuclear ban treaty.
• Link with Alfred Nobel’s Vision:
  • Alfred Nobel, the founder of the Peace Prize, made his fortune with the invention of dynamite and sought to use his wealth to promote peace, especially through disarmament.

In News:

• India and Pakistan have extended the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement for another five years (until 2029).
• Purpose: The extension ensures uninterrupted operation of the corridor, allowing Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan.
• Significance: The extension reflects continued cooperation between India and Pakistan, with potential implications for improving bilateral relations.

Background of Kartarpur Corridor:

• Inception: The agreement was first signed on October 24, 2019, to allow visa-free access for Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur near Narowal in Pakistan.
• Pilgrimage Details:
  • Eligibility: Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders can visit the gurdwara on a daily basis.
  • Return on Same Day: Pilgrims must return on the same day.
  • No Religious Restrictions: Pilgrims of any faith can use the corridor.
  • Capacity: Up to 5,000 pilgrims per day can visit the gurdwara.
• Historical Importance: The corridor facilitates the Sikh community's access to a key religious site, located just 4.7 km from the India-Pakistan border.
• Service Charge Dispute:
  • Pakistan's Service Fee: Pakistan continues to charge a $20 service fee (approx. ?1,680) per pilgrim, which India has consistently urged Pakistan to waive.
  • Pakistan’s Justification: Pakistan maintains the fee to cover the $17 million spent on refurbishing the gurdwara and developing infrastructure for the corridor.
• Geopolitical Context and Timing:
  • Recent Developments: The agreement renewal follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting.
  • Improved Bilateral Relations: Jaishankar’s visit marked the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years, signaling potential thaw in relations, despite the lack of formal bilateral dialogue.
• Strategic and Religious Importance:
  • Religious Diplomacy: The Kartarpur Corridor is viewed as a confidence-building measure and a symbol of religious diplomacy, particularly for the Sikh community.
  • Historical Legacy: The corridor links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan to Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak in India, facilitating access to a site of immense religious significance for Sikhs.
• Implications for India-Pakistan Relations:
  • No Formal Bilateral Talks: Despite the successful renewal of the agreement, formal talks between India and Pakistan remain suspended, particularly after India’s revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, which led to a diplomatic freeze.
  • Pakistan's Diplomatic Stance: Pakistan had recalled its high commissioner from India in August 2019, and tensions have remained high since then.
• Potential for Future Engagement:
  • Diplomatic Channels Opened: The renewal of the Kartarpur agreement and Jaishankar’s visit suggest that diplomatic channels are still open, and there may be scope for further engagement if both sides take steps to address outstanding issues.

In News:

• The 2024 edition of the IAEA’s Climate Change and Nuclear Power report has been released, highlighting the need for a significant increase in investment to achieve goals for expanding nuclear power.
• The new report was launched last week on the margins of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) in Brazil.

Key Highlights:

• Nuclear Power's Role in Climate Change Mitigation:
  • Nuclear energy is gaining global interest as nations seek to enhance energy security and decarbonize economies.
  • To meet net-zero emissions by 2050, nuclear power is projected to play a pivotal role, with a projected capacity increase of 2.5 times the current level by mid-century in the IAEA's high case scenario.
• Investment Needs for Nuclear Expansion:
  • Annual investment required to meet the IAEA's high case scenario (2050 nuclear capacity) is USD 125 billion, a significant increase from USD 50 billion annually from 2017-2023.
  • If the aspirational goal to triple nuclear capacity (as pledged by over 20 countries at COP28) is to be met, USD 150 billion annually would be necessary.
  • Challenges in Financing: Upfront capital for nuclear power plants is expensive, posing challenges, especially in market-driven economies and developing countries.
• Private Sector and Multilateral Support:
  • The private sector will need to play a larger role in financing nuclear projects.
  • The IAEA is engaging with multilateral development banks to improve financing options for developing countries to invest in nuclear energy.
  • Private finance initiatives: In September 2024, 14 major financial institutions signaled readiness to help fund nuclear newbuild projects.
• Nuclear Financing at Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM):
  • The IAEA report was launched during the 15th CEM in Brazil, a high-level forum for advancing clean energy technologies.
  • Key stakeholders from Brazil, the IAEA, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the U.S. discussed strategies for securing nuclear power financing, especially in the context of COP29 (2024) where clean energy financing will be a key focus.
• Nuclear Energy in the EU’s Sustainable Financing:
  • The EU taxonomy for sustainable activities now includes nuclear power, facilitating the issuance of green bonds for nuclear projects in Finland and France (2023).
  • EDF received €4 billion in green bonds and around €7 billion in green loans (2022-2024).
• Investment in Nuclear Power:
  • To meet global climate goals, nuclear power capacity must increase by 1.8 times by 2035.
  • Effective financing mechanisms are crucial to scale up nuclear power and develop the workforce and supply chains needed for the energy transition.
• Policy Reform and International Partnerships:
  • The report advocates for policy reforms and international partnerships to bridge the financing gap and accelerate nuclear power deployment, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies.
  • Focus on technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs), which could play a role in the energy transition.
• Key Areas to Support Nuclear Growth:
  • Robust regulatory frameworks and new delivery models are essential to unlock investments.
  • Development of skilled labor and effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for the expansion of nuclear energy.
• Energy System Modelling and Planning:
  • The IAEA’s energy system modelling tools assist countries like Brazil in planning nuclear power projects, including cost analyses for electricity generation and financing strategies.

Role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

• Mandate: The IAEA is the leading international body for promoting the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear energy and technologies.
• Functions:
  • Nuclear safeguards: Ensuring nuclear activities remain peaceful and preventing the diversion of nuclear materials for weapons purposes.
  • Assisting member states with technical support, knowledge sharing, and strengthening nuclear safety and security.
  • The IAEA also supports capacity-building and emergency response in case of nuclear or radiological incidents.
• Structure:
  • The IAEA General Conference is made up of all 178 member states, meeting annually to approve budgets and policies.
  • The Board of Governors (35 members) meets several times a year to oversee the agency's activities and appointments.
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
  • The IAEA is part of the United Nations family, reporting to both the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.