International Relations Marathon Session Prelims 2022Antonio Guteres: 2 Term UN Sesretary-General The United Nations General Assembly appointed Antonio Guterres as the ninth UN Secretary-General (UNSG) for a second term beginning 1st January 2022 and ending on 31 December 2026. About Antonio Guterres: Guterres took the oath of office on 1st January 2017 and his first term ended on 31st December 2021. Guterres served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for a decade from June 2005 to December 2015. He was the former Prime minister of Portugal.* BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa * In 2001, the British Economist Jim O’Neill coined the term BRIC to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. * The grouping was formalised during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers in 2006. * The 13th BRICS Summit was held under India’s Chairmanship in 2021 * It was the third time that India hosted the BRICS Summit after 2012 and 2016. * The Theme forthe Summit: ‘BRICS@15: Intra-BRICS cooperationGood to Remember: Background Check * The First BRIC Summit was held in June 2009 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. * Russia hosted the most recent 12th BRICS summit on 17 November 20 virtually. * India hosted the 4th BRICS summit in 2012 and the 8th BRICS summit in 2016. + The chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members, in accordance with the acronym B-R-I-C-S. * All five BRICS nations are G-20 members. ‘ none the Sixth BRICS Summit in Fortaleza (2014) the leaders the Agreement establishing the New Development Bank (NDB). SFATF Retains Pakistan on Grey ListWhat is Financial Action Task Force? 7 * An inter-governmental body was established Summit in Paris. * Assesses the strength of a country’s anti-money laundering and anti- terror financing frameworks, however, it does not go by individual cases. Objectives: To set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. Headquarters: Its Secretariat is located at. the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris Member Countries: The FATF currently has 39 members including two regional organisations - the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. India is a member of the FATF.What are Blacklist and Greylist? Black List: Countries known as Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs) are put in the blacklist. These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities. The FATF revises the blacklist regularly, adding or deleting entries. North Korea and Iran. Grey List: Countries that are considered a safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put on the FATF grey list. This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist. Considered in the grey list may face 1. Economic sanctions from IMF, World Bank, ADB. 2. Problem in getting loans from IMF, World Bank, ADB and other countries. 3. Reduction in international trade. 4. International boycott.a + FATF has retained Pakistan on its terrorism financing “grey list”. _ (October 2021) if JS Pakistan has been on the Task Force (FATF) sinc laundering. Paris-based Financial Action for failing to check money * The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has added Turkey, along with Jordan and Mali, to its revised list of “jurisdictions under increased monitoring”, also known as the FATF grey list. (Grey List: PTM Jana) * Botswana and Mauritius had been taken out of the grey list.Barbados: World’s Newest Republic* Location: It is a small island country in the south-eastern Caribbean Sea. * Capital: Bridgetown * Independence: On November 30, 1966, Barbados gained its independence * Barbados first became an English colony in 1625. It was a part of the British Empire for over 400 years, a link in the lines of trade, commerce and oppression that English mercantilism and colonialism fostered for centuries. * Recently, Barbados has officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and become the world’s newest republic nearly 400 years after the country became a British colony. ¢ The Caribbean island nation, 55 years after its independence, got tid of the remnants of colonial rule by separating from Britain. Barbados, however, will continue to be one of the 54 usIndia and the United Arab Emirates have signed a Comprehensive Economic CT Partnership Agreement (CEPA). ae What is CEPA and how is it different from FTA? * Itis a kind of free trade pact which covers negotiation on the trade in services and investment, and other areas of economic partnership * It may even consider negotiation in areas such as trade facilitation and customs cooperation, competition, and Intellectual Property Rights. * Partnership agreements or cooperation agreements are more comprehensive than Free Trade Agreements. + As per the CEPA signed between India and the UAE: 90% of India's exports will have duty-free access to the Emirates. It covers goods, services and digital trade.Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)USA has repeatedly asked India to withdraw S-400 Defence System Deal with Russia, failing which it may trigger Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). * The S-400 Triumf is a mobile, surface-to-air missile system (SAM) designed by Russia. * It is the most dangerous operationally deployed modern long-range SAM (MLR SAM) in the world.. Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)‘s core objective is to counter Iran, Russia and North Korea through punitive measures. o * Enacted in 2017. * Includes sanctions against countries that engage in significant transactions with Russia’s defence and intelligence sectors. What sanctions will be imposed? * prohibition on loans to the sanctioned person. * prohibition of Export-Import bank assistance for exports to sanctioned persons. * prohibition on procurement by United States Government to procure goods or services from the sanctioned person. * denial of visas to persons closely associated with the sanctioned person.India elected to the UN Economic and Social Council for the 2022-24 termIndia has been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) for two years starting next year. S What is ECOSOC? ‘The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the 6 principal organs of the United Nations System established by the UN Charter in 1945. It consists of 54 Members of the United Nations elected by the General Assembly. ECOSOC coordinates the economic, social, and related work of the fourteen United Nations specialized agencies, functional commissions, and regional commissions. The Council’s 54 member Governments are elected by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms. Seats on the Council are allotted based on geographical representation with 14 allocated to African states, 11 to Asian states, six to Eastern European states, 10 to Latin American and Caribbean states and 13 to western European and other states. oOther New members in Kazakhstan and Oman. African states: Céte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Mauritius, Tunisia and the United Republic of Tanzania. Eastern European states: Croatia and the Czech Republic. Latin American and Caribbean States: Belize, Chile and Peru. India, Afghanistan,* Anew sea-road-rail link providing Chengdu (China) with access to the Indian Ocean via Yangon Bangladesh (Myanmar) was opened. * The trade corridor is China's first to link western China with the Indian CAbout New Trade Corridor: * The new trade corridor passage connects the logistics lines of Singapore, Myanmar and China, and is currently the most convenient land and sea channel linking the Indian Ocean with southwest China. * China also has plans to develop another port in Kyaukphyu in the Rakhine state, Myanmar including a proposed railway line from Yunnan (China) directly to the port, but the progress there has been stalled by unrest in Myanmar. * China plans to develop this region in Myanmar as a ‘border economic cooperation zone’ under the Belt and Road Initiative. * It is expected to become the lifeblood of international trade for China while providing a source of income for Myanmar. * This trade corridor is another direct Chinese outlet to the Indian ocean. * The first one is at the Gwadar port in Pakistan.+ Gwadar is being developed as part of theCPEC}to the far western * Such "strongpoints" offer the potential for China to form a network of supply, logistics and intelligence hubs along the perimeter of the Indian Ocean. * This is referred to as the String of Pearl’s theory.¢ The US has announced a new trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific, between Australia, the UK and the US (AUKUS). ¢ The major highlight of this arrangement is the sharing of US nuclear submarine technology with Australia. * Focusing on Indo-Pacific: The security grouping AUKUS will focus on advancing strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. * Though the US has explicitly denied that the grouping is targeted against China, its Indo-pacific orientation makes it an alliance against China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea. ¢ Transferring Nuclear Submarines to Australia: As part of this initiative, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines with help from the UK and the US. ¢ The three countries alongside Canada and New Zealand already share extensive intelligence through the Five Eyes alliance.Good to Remember: Five Eyes Alliance * The Five Eyes alliance is an intelligence-sharing arrangement between five English-speaking democracies: the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. ¢ The alliance was created during the Cold War (1946- 1991) that was fought between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as their respective allies. * The alliance was needed to share sensitive information regarding their adversaries on all possible fronts available. * It is often described as the world's most successful intelligence alliance.Developing Country Tag to China: WTO* The WTO has not defined ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ y countries and therefore member countries are free to announce whether they are ‘developed’ or ‘developing’. * However, other members can challenge the decision of a member to make use of provisions available to developing countries. * The WTO lacks a proper definition of a developing nation although two-thirds of its 164 members classify themselves as developing. ¢ As WTO members can declare themselves developing nations, this provides an advantage to nations like China to expand their dominance in global trade even while classifying themselves as developing and thereby obtaining Special and Differentiated Treatment (S&DT).Weud ¢ Given the rise in China’s per capita income to become an upper- middle-income country according to the World Bank and the country’s alleged use of unfair trade practices, a number of nations have called on China to either refrain from seeking benefits available to developing countries or forgo its classification as a developing country altogether. * Some of China’s unfair trade practices include preferential treatment for state enterprises, data restrictions and inadequate enforcement of intellectual property rights. * China is the world’s second-largest economy — which accounted for a quarter of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2021 —and considers itself the largest developing country.Pakistan Violating Freedom of AirRecently, India has launched a direct flight between Srinagar and Sharjah (UAE) operated by budget airline GoFirst (formerly known as GoAir). The flight was to operate through Pakistani airspace. * However, the flight was denied permission to enter Pakistan and the flight had to take a longer route to reach the destination. ¢ This has raised the concern of Pakistan violating the FIRST freedom of the air.+ Freedom of Air: The freedom of air means a country grants airlines of a particular _ country the privilege to use and/ or land in another country’s airspace. * Freedom of air rule emanates from the Chicago Convention in 1944. * The signatories to the convention decided to set rules that would act as fundamental building blocks for international commercial aviation. + First Freedom Right: It is granted by one State to another State or states to fly across its territory without landing. In the case of the GoFirst flight (Indian carrier) was using the airspace of Pakistan (the second country) and was landing in the UAE (the third country).NEW QUAD @ a —— ————aa UNITED ARAB EMIRATESThe Foreign Ministers of India, the US, Israel and the UAE concluded a virtual meeting. The meeting is a strong manifestation of the changes in West Asian geopolitics and formation of another Quad like grouping in the Middle East. Key Points + Factors Responsible for New Grouping: Abraham Accord: The new grouping is possible after the resumption of formal diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, through the Abraham Accord. 7 ¢ US Pivot to Asia: In order to contain rising China’s assertivenes: US under its ‘pivot to Asia policy’ has launched Quad initiative. acific narrative.Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel has been appointed vice-president of the Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). What is AIIB? + Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia and beyond. + The Parties (57 founding members) to agreement comprise the Membershin of the Bank. == * It is headquartered in Beijing. * It commenced operations in January 2016.India and AIIB: @ * India has a 7.6% shareholding in the bank, which is second to China that has 26.6% shares. * India is one of the largest beneficiaries of infrastructure projects financed by AIIB. The bank has funded about 28 projects in India worth USD 6.7 billion.KACO 2 YEARS OF | INDIA-ISRAEL ay FRIENDSHIP ~-n N To mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic 1 ties between the two countries, India and Israel launched a commemorative logo.* Diplomatic Ties: Though India officially recognised Israel in 1950, the two countries established full diplomatic ties only on 29th January 1992 + Economic and Commercial Relations: From USD 200 million in 1992, bilateral merchandise trade stood at USD 4.14 billion (excluding defence) during the period April 2020 - to February 2021 with the balance of trade being in India’s favour. z Trade in diamonds constitutes about 50% of bilateral trade. + India is Israel’s third-largest trade partner in Asia and seventh largest globally * Israeli companies have invested in India in energy, renewable energy, telecom, real estate, and water technologies, and are focusing on setting up R&D centres or production units in India.* Defence: India is the largest buyer of military equipment from Israel, which, in turn, is the second-largest defence supplier to India, after Russia. * Cooperation in Agriculture: In May 2021, “a three-year work program agreement” for development in agriculture cooperation, was signed. * Others: Israel is also joining the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA), which aligns very well with the objectives of both countries to scale up their cooperation in renewable energy and partner in clean energy.Indian Ocean Naval Symposium+ Th&Zth edition)of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs was hosted by the French Navy at Paris from 15th- 16th Nov 21. * The IONS is a voluntary and inclusive initiative that brings together navies of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) littoral states to increase maritime cooperation and enhance regional security. ¢ It also serves to develop an effective response mechanism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) against natural disasters. * The chairmanship of IONS has been held by India (2008-10° *** (2010-12), South Africa (2012-14), Australia (2014-16), Bau... (2016-18) and the Islamic Republic of Iran (2018-21). France assumed the Chairmanship in June 2021 for a two-year tey* Members: IONS includes 24 member nations that touch or lie within the IOR and 8 observer nations. + The members have been geographically grouped into the following four sub-regions: South Asian Littorals: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and United Kingdom (British Indian Ocean Territory) * West Asian Littorals: Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates+ East African Littorals: France & eunion), Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania. * South-East Asian and Australian Littorals: Australia, Indonesia,Chile Rewrites Its ConstitutionThe South American country of Chile has formed a Constitution Convention, to write a new constitution to tackle a "climate and ecological emergency.” Background: * Chilean politicians want to leverage its lithium to make the country richer. As Most Chileans disagree with the government's approach, similar measures in the past (including privatisation of water) have done little to help out people who need these resources the most. * Under the leadership of military ruler Augusto Pinochet (who overthrew communist Salvador Allende in a coup in 1980), Chile began its ongoing journey of resource exploitation.+ There's a problem - lithium mining causes soil os moisture to decline and causes daytime temperatures to increase which in turn makes the area drier. While more lithium may be extracted, it may become even more unfit for humans. Lithium in Chile: * Chile's extremely rich in lithium (second-largest lithium producer after Australia) - an essential component of batteries that support almost all modern smart devices. + As the world races to replace fossil fuel consumption, the demand for lithium is causing a surge in its price.Lithium's U inB : 7 With countries looking for quick ways to decarbonise, lithium is s being seen as the choice of metal. Wit electric vehicles being pitched as the future of transportation and all industries looking for cleaner alternatives, lithium is seen as their best bet. Seen as a key part of renewable energy, lithium-ion batteries are considered "energy-dense, cheap and safe.” But in this fight against climate change, lithium mining might create toxic regions where water (saltwater brine) is unfit for human consumption and chances of growing vegetation are low.+ Lithium-ion batteries do pack’a lot of power and energy into a small package with a longer life-cycle. * Most gadgets including smartphones and laptops use lithium-polymer batteries, an alternative to lithium ion batteries. * Since lithium is considered the standard non- renewable mineral that makes renewable energy possible, its demand is expected to continue shooting up. + But in this fight against climate change, lithium mining might create toxic regions where water (saltwater brine) is unfit for human consumption and the chances of growing vegetation are low.MISSION SAGAR 4gy. \ cc , COMOROS MALAWI INDIAN OCEAN E 7 MADAGASCAR BOTSWANA ESWATINIK. MAPUTO LESOTHO. SOUTHoO ¢ Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari has reached the Port of Maputo, Mozambique to deliver 500 tonnes of food aid to support the efforts of the Government of Mozambique to cope with the ongoing drought and concurrent challenges of a pandemic. * Mission Sagar: Launched in May 2020, 'Mission Sagar’ was India’s initiative to deliver Covid-19 related assistance to the countries in the Indian Ocean Littoral states. The countries included were Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles. ¢ Under ‘Mission Sagar’, the Indian Navy has been deploying its ships to send medical and humanitarian aid to the counties in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond.Vision ‘SAGAR’ * Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) was launched in 2015. It is India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). ¢ Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their maritime security capabilities. + Further, India seeks to safeguard its national interests and ensure the Indian Ocean region becomes inclusive, collaborative and respects international law.S ss + Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari has reached the Port of Keron Ma lozambique to deliver 500 tonnes of food aid to SUpport the efforts of the Government of Mozambique to Sao cope with the ongoing drought and concurrent challenges of a pandemic. ae . Mission Sagar: Launched in May 2020," jon Sagar’ was India’s initiative to deliver Co’ related assistance to the countries in the ean = & Littoral states. The countries included were Maldives, Mauritius, Madage ‘ar, Comoros and Seychelles. * Under ‘Mission Sagar’, the Indian Navy has been deploying its ships to send medical and humanitarian aid to the counties in the Indian Ocean Region JOR) and beyond.RUSSIA -UKRAINE CONFLICTCause of Conflict Us ¢ Shared history: * Ukraine and Russia share hundreds of years of cultural, linguistic and familial links. * As part of the Soviet Union, Ukraine was the second-most powerful Soviet republic after Russia, and was crucial strategically, economically and culturally. * Emotional Exploitation of People: * For many in Russia and in the ethically Russian parts of Ukraine, the shared heritage of the countries is an emotional issue that has been exploited for electoral and military purposes.+ Balance of Power: + Ever since Ukraine split from the Soviet Union, both Russia and the West have vied for greater influence in the country in order to keep the balance of power in the region in their favour. + Acts as a buffer: + For the United States and the European Union, Ukraine is a crucial buffer between Russia and the West. + As tensions with Russia rise, the US and the EU are increasingly determined to keep Ukraine away from Russian control. Ubeoes 7 aEuromaidan Movement Origin: * November 2013 saw the start of mass protests across Ukraine, but particularly in Kiev's Maidan, or central square. Protest: * Protesters were angry at Ukraine’s then pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to join the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union instead of the EU. * The protests, known as the Euromaidan movement, saw massive clashes between the protesters and security forces that reached their peak in February 2014 and led to the ouster of Yanukovy.Criticism received Globally: * It was widely condemned by world powers and resulted in the US and EU imposing sanctions on Moscow. ¢ It also resulted in a strengthened commitment by both the US and the EU to protect the integrity of Ukraine’s borders.What is the Current Issue? ¢ Russia was keeping the tensions high at the Ukraine border in order to get sanctions relief & other concessions from the West. + Also, it was seeking assurances from the US that Ukraine will not be inducted into NATO. * However, the failure of such assurance by the west, & the pro-outlook of Ukraine towards the west & NATO, gave an excuse to Russia to conduct a special military operation on Ukraine on the pretext of “demilitarization and denazification” of UkraineWay Forward: Minsk Agreements __/ + A practical solution for the Russia-Ukraine situation is to revive the Minsk peace process. * Minsk agreements were signed to stop the ongoing conflict between pro-Russian separatists & Ukraine administration in the mineral-rich Donbas region of Ukraine.Good to Remember : NATO ¢ It is an intergovernmental military alliance among 28 European and 2 North American countries. * It was established in the aftermath of World War II in 1949. ¢ Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium. * NATO constitutes a system of collective security, whereby its independent member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party. * Since its founding, the admission of new member states has increased the alliance from the original 12 countries to 30.Black Sea The Black Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean lying between Europe and Asia. *It is bordered by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine. It is supplied by major rivers, principally the Danube, Dnieper, and Don.* The Black Sea ultimately drains into the Mediterranean Sea, via the Turkish Straits and the Aegean Sea. ¢ The Bosporus Strait connects it to the small Sea of Marmara which in turn is connected to the Aegean Sea via the Strait of the Dardanelles. ¢ To the north, the Black Sea is connected to the Sea of Azov by the Kerch Strait. ¢ The Black Sea covers 436,400 km2 (not including the Sea of Azov), making it the world's largest inland body of water.© WorldAtlas.com EUROPE uirone Moldova Chisipaw SF Odessa Romania Sogponss Mineo Ankara » Dovganetes Turkey ASIA of Crete ; ., Mediterranean ,-7 \ ** Sea cyprs— ym. tebanon* The Black Sea ultimately drains into the Mediterranean Sea,wia the Turkish Straits and the Aegean Sea. ¢ The Bosporus Strait connects it to the small Sea of Marmara which in turn is connected to the Aegean Sea via the Strait of the Dardanelles. * To the north, the Black Sea is connected to the Sea of Azov by the Kerch Strait. * The Black Sea covers 436,400 km2 (not including the Sea of Azov), making it the world's largest inland body of water.* The Black Sea ultimately drains into the Mediterranean Se% via the Turkish Straits and the Aegean $éa. * The Bosporus Strait connects it to the small Sea of Marmara which in turn is connected to the Aegean Sea via the Strait of the Dardanelles. * To the north, the Black Sea is connected to the Sea of Azov by the Kerch Strait. * The Black Sea covers 436,400 km2 (not including the Sea of Azov), making it the world's largest inland body of water.The Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) & IndiaNEWS eae Ove India has lashed out at the isati Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for being "communal minded" amid the Karnataka hijab row. aThe Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Sf * The OIC is the second-largest intergovernmental organisation after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states. * It is the collective voice of the Muslim world. * It endeavours to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.¢ The Organisation of the Islamic Conference was established by the First Islamic Summit Conference held in Morocco in September 1969, to marshal the Islamic world after an act of arson at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem by a 28-year-old Australian 1969. ¢ Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. * Official Language: Arabic, English, French.1954 Hague Conventiono NEWS * UNESCO has pitched for protective measures to preserve Ukraine’s endangered cultural heritage in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict It is the first and the most comprehensive multilateral treaty dedicated exclusively to the protection of cultural heritage in times of peace as well as during an armed conflict. India is a party to Hague Convention 1954.Blue Shield Emblem Article 6 of the 1954 Hague Convention states that cultural property may bear a distinctive emblem so as to facilitate its recognition. In pursuance of this, the Blue Shield, formerly the International Committee of the Blue Shield was founded in 1996. About: It is a non-governmental, non-profit, international organisation committed to the protection of heritage across the world.sys) Nm \VAelke)maY{-lal (el (ose getclaal cialNEWS India, Bangladesh and Nepal finalised an enabling memorandum of understanding (MoU) for implementing the long-gestating Bangladesh- Agreement (MVA),¢ The BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement for the 6s Regulation of Passenger, Personal and Cargo Vehicular Traffic in Thimpu on 15" June 2015. . ¢ The BBIN project suffered a setback in 2017 when Bhutan temporarily opted out of it after being unable to get parliamentary approval for the MVA. ¢ The Asian Development Bank has supported the project as part of its i i i i and has been requested to prioritise about 30 road projects worth billions of dollars. ¢ The World Bank has also announced its interest in supporting infrastructure.NEWS the US and the European Commission have excluded several Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Messaging system to counter Russia’s war over Ukraine.What is SWIFT? * It is formally known as the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT). It is a trusted messaging system for banks and other financial institutions around the world. * It doesn’t settle any money itself , but provides instruction messages for just how to give and receive specific funds. ¢ It is controlled by the central banks of the G10 countries, the European Central Bank, and the National Bank of Belgium.* It was established in 1973 and is based in Belgium. * Since it began in 1973, SWIFT has become an integral part of the flow of LO * India’s financial system has access to the SWIFT. 0 ¢ Iran and North Korea are already out of the SWIFT platform.— SWIFT Messaging SystemMontreux Convention BULGARIASoviet 7 ey and has been in effect since November 1936. The Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits gives Turkey control over the water route between the Black Sea.* It guarantees “complete freedom” of passage for all civilian vessels during peacetime and permits Turkey to restrict the passage of navies not belonging to Black Sea states. * In the event of a war, the pact gives Turkey the right to regulate the transit of naval warships and fo block the straits to warships belonging to the countries involved in the conflict. ° Ani country with coastline on the Black Sea — Romania, Bulgaria, G ia, Russia or Ukraine — must notify Turkey eight days in advance of its intention to send vessels of war through the straits. * Other countries, the ones that don’t border the Black Sea, must give Turkey 15 days’ advance notice.Significance of Article 19 oe Ge 35% the treaty contains an exception for the countries on the Blac! ea that can effectively undermine Turkey’s power in blocking the Russian warships entering or exiting the Black Sea: “Vessels of war belonging to belligerent powers, whether they are Black Sea Powers or not, which have become separated from their bases, may return thereto,” it says. For example, a Russian fleet registered in the Black Sea but currently located in the Mediterranean Sea, is allowed to pass through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits and return to its base.a - aul IViul a € Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) grouping °s fifth summit took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka (Host for the Fifth Summit).What is BIMSTEC? * The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation comprising seven Member States: five deriving from South Asia, e including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and two from Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Thailand. * This sub-regional organisation came into being on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. * With 21.7% of the world’s population and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 3.8 trillion, BIMSTEC has emerged as an influential engine of economic growth. * The BIMSTEC Secretariat is in Dhaka.What are the Key Highlights of the Summit? ¢ BIMSTEC Charter: The signing of the BIMSTEC Charter was the main outcome of this summit. * Under this Charter, the members were expected to meet once every two years. ¢ With the Charter, the BIMSTEC now has an international personality. It has an emblem, it has a flag. o* It was established in 1973 and is based in Belgium. Q. oo * Since it began in 1973, SWIFT has become an integral part of | the flow of dl + lopli’ financial svete has access to in(Sirt) . wa North yea are already out of the SWIFT platform.¢ It has a formally listed purpose and principles that it is going to adhere to. ¢ In line with the development of the organisation into a formal structure, the leaders of the member countries have agreed to divide the working of the grouping into seven segments, with India providing leadership to the security pillar.+ Security ‘Sub-sectors: Counter-Terrorism and Trasnational Crime, Disaster Management, Energy + People-to-People Contact ‘Sub-sectors: ao Culture, Tgurism, People-to-People Contact (forums of think tanks, media etc.) 7 Science, Technology & Innovation (Sri Lanka) hae ‘Sub-sectors: Technology, ‘Health, Human Resource DevelopmentThe Bucharest NineWhat is Bucharest Nine? Ni * The B 9 is a group of nine NATO countries in Eastern Europe that became part of the US-led military € alliance after the end of the Cold War, ¢ * The members of B9 are Romania and Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the three Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. * The B 9 or Bucharest Format, often abbreviated as the B9, was founded on November 4, 2015. * It takes its name from Bucharest, the capital of Romania. * B9 is also regarded as the “voice of the Eastern Flank” in the NATO alliance.* BY offers a platform for deepening the dialogue and consultation among the participant allied states across the members of NATO. + All nine countries were once closely associated with the now-dissolved Soviet Union, but later chose the path of democracy” ¢ All members of the B9 are part of the European Union (EU) and NATO. * The B9 countries have been critical of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine since 2014, when the war in the Donbas started and Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula.Three Seas Initiative* BO should not be confused with Three Seas Initiative (3S]. * The 3SI is a regional effort in Europe to expand cross- border energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure and boost economic development in the area between the Adriatic Sea, Baltic Sea, and the Black Sea. * Twelve countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia), all of which are members of the EU, participate in the 3SI.