Origin Membership and Institutional Structure Full Members China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Belarus. Permanent Bodies Main Organs Objectives and Core Mandate Key Areas of Cooperation Security Economic and Energy Cooperation Connectivity Initiatives Cultural & People-to-People Cooperation India’s Role and Interests in SCO
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
What is EPFO? Institutional Structure Understanding the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS)
Juvenile Justice Board (JJB)
Composition Powers Functions Significance
Just Transition
What Just Transition Means Core principles include: What Just Transition Means Core principles include: Why Just Transition Is Needed Key Challenges Major Initiatives India’s Efforts Global Efforts Way Forward Strengthen renewable-energy infrastructure, including transmission upgrades and grid modernisation. Key Challenges Major Initiatives India’s Efforts Global Efforts Way Forward Strengthen renewable-energy infrastructure, including transmission upgrades and grid modernisation.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
About the Scheme Major Achievements Key Strategic Initiatives Significance Supports gender inclusion and climate-preparedness in coastal and inland fisheries.
Article 142: Supreme Court’s Power to Ensure Complete Justice
Idea of Complete Justice Scope of Article 142 Positive Impacts Concerns
WHO Clarifies Doctor Norm: India Below Global Health Workforce Benchmark | Health Policy UPSC
Mains Enrichment • Mains Question “The U.S. boycott of the Johannesburg G-20 Summit exposes the fragility of multilateralism. In this context, critically analyse the significance of the 2024 G-20 Summit for the Global South and evaluate India’s role in strengthening Global South leadership.” (150 words)
INS Mahe Commissioned: First Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Watercraft | Defence & Maritime Security UPSC
Context • INS Mahe, India’s first Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow watercraft, has been commissioned.• It is 80% indigenous, built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, and strengthens India’s coastal and near-sea anti-submarine capability.• Part of India’s push for self-reliance and modernisation of maritime security infrastructure. Is this India’s first anti-submarine ship? No. It is not India’s first anti-submarine ship.India already operates multiple classes of anti-submarine warfare vessels: India already has ASW Ships (Examples):• Kamorta-class (P-28) ASW Corvettes → INS Kamorta, Kadmatt, Kiltan, Kavaratti• Abhay-class ASW CorvettesSo India has a strong ASW fleet.What is “first” about INS Mahe?• First of the Mahe-class shallow water ASW craft• It is the lead ship of 8 vessels planned in this new Mahe-class series.
GAVI–UNICEF Deal for Easy Malaria Vaccine Access | Health & S&T UPSC Current Affairs
1. Context • Gavi + UNICEF sign deal to make R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine cheaper and widely accessible.• Expected savings: $90 million; vaccination for ~7 million children.• Price to drop to $2.99 per dose. 2. Malaria Cause: • Plasmodium parasite (P. falciparum most lethal). Transmission: • Bite of infected female Anopheles mosquito. Disease: • Fever, chills, anaemia; severe cases → organ failure, death.• Major burden in sub-Saharan Africa. 3. Gavi – The Vaccine Alliance (Crisp) • Global public–private vaccine partnership (est. 2000).• Expands immunisation in low-income nations.• Partners: WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, governments, Gates Foundation.• Key driver of vaccine access in the Global South. 4. Malaria Vaccines Mentioned 1. R21/Matrix-M • Developed by Oxford + Serum Institute of India.• Cheaper, scalable; main vaccine in new deal. 2. RTS,S/AS01 • Developed by GSK + PATH.• First malaria vaccine (approved 2021).• Moderate efficacy; used in several African nations.
G-20 Summit Boycott by U.S.: Understanding the ‘Ubuntu’ Issue | International Relations UPSC
Context • Editorial discusses the U.S. boycott of the G-20 Summit at Johannesburg.• Highlights implications for Global South solidarity, multilateralism, and future G-20 leadership. Key Points 1. Significance of the Summit • First G-20 summit held in Africa.• African Union participated as a new G-20 member (announced in India’s 2023 Presidency).• Focus on Global South issues: conflicts, inequality, economic uncertainty. 2. India’s Role India proposed six initiatives:• Traditional Knowledge Repository• G20–Africa Skills Multiplier• Global Healthcare Response Team• Anti Drug-Terror Nexus initiative• Open Satellite Data Partnership• Critical Minerals Circularity InitiativeShows India projecting itself as a leader of Global South. 3. U.S. Boycott • President Donald Trump skipped the summit.• The U.S. government boycotted, sending only an observer.• First such boycott of a G-20 summit by the U.S. 4. Implications of U.S. Absence • Questions the U.S.’s commitment to the G-20, especially as it takes 2026 Presidency.• Undermines G-20’s push toward a more democratic global order.• Contradiction: U.S. justifies tensions with South Africa but chooses to boycott an Africa-hosted summit. 5. Editorial Argument • U.S. decision weakens multilateral cooperation at a time global challenges need unity.• Violates the spirit of “Ubuntu” (“I am because we are”).• Collective values must be upheld by big powers, not sidelined.
