UPSC PT Pointers

The Sevilla Forum on Debt was recently launched at the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) in Geneva as part of global efforts to address the challenges of sovereign debt and ensure debt sustainability for developing countries. This new initiative is expected to foster collaborative dialogue and action on sovereign debt reform. About the Sevilla Forum on Debt: Initiative: The forum is led by Spain and supported by the UNCTAD and the UN Department of

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

India and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently celebrated 80 years of partnership on World Food Day 2025. About the FAO The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in October 1945. It is the oldest permanent specialized agency of the UN and plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts to combat hunger and improve food security worldwide. Mandate: The primary goals of FAO i

International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

Recently, US President Donald Trump expressed his outrage over the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) plan to vote on imposing a carbon emissions price on global shipping. He criticized the move, calling it a “Global Green New Scam Tax.” This has sparked a debate about the potential impacts of environmental regulations on the international shipping industry. About the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nation

New Development Bank (NDB)

Pakistan has approached China, which it regards as an "iron friend," to assist in securing a membership for Pakistan in the New Development Bank (NDB). About New Development Bank (NDB) The New Development Bank (formerly known as the BRICS Development Bank) is a multilateral development bank founded by the BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Establishment and Founding Members: The NDB was established in 2014 after an agreement was

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

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

International Seabed Authority (ISA)

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

28th Universal Postal Congress

The 28th Universal Postal Congress, the highest decision-making body of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), recently opened. About Universal Postal Congress: The Universal Postal Congress (UPC) is the supreme body responsible for decision-making within the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a United Nations specialized agency. It serves as the primary global forum for coordinating international postal policies, and facilitating cooperation between postal services around the world. Here&rsquo

Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development

Latest News India has been elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of AIBD during the 23rd AIBD General Conference held in Phuket, Thailand. This marks an important leadership role for India in the regional electronic media development sector. About AIBD Established in 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO. It is a unique regional inter-governmental organisation serving countries under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Why in the News? India recently called for significant reforms at the World Trade Organization (WTO) during a high-level mini-ministerial meeting in Paris ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference scheduled in Cameroon in 2026. About WTO Genesis: Established in 1995 after the Marrakesh Agreement, succeeding GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade). Uruguay Round: Negotiations from 1986 to 1994 led to the creation of the WTO. Functions: Administe

UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLD

The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) has recently opened in Awaza, Turkmenistan. This conference, held once every ten years, draws global attention to the 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), which collectively house over 600 million people. The primary aim of this conference is to facilitate international coordination in overcoming the persistent challenges these countries face, particularly related to trade, infrastructure, and economic dive