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- Why in News?
- The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), in collaboration with India’s National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), recently held a regional meeting aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
- Key Provisions:-
- As the implementing body of the CWC, OPCW continues to support global efforts to eliminate chemical weapons. Adopted in 1992 and enforced in 1997, the CWC remains the first multilateral treaty to mandate the complete destruction of an entire class of weapons of mass destruction within a defined timeline.
- With 193 member states, the Convention represents near-universal commitment. India, an original signatory, enforces the CWC through NACWC, established under the Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000.
- In a significant recognition, the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), the country's oldest chemical industry body, received the prestigious OPCW–The Hague Award in 2024—the first industry group globally to do so—for promoting chemical safety and furthering the Convention’s objectives in India.
- Why in News?
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹1.05 lakh crore, marking a major step in strengthening India’s defence capabilities. This move reflects the government's ongoing push toward self-reliance and modernization of the armed forces.
- About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):-
- The DAC is the highest decision-making body for defence procurement in India, responsible for ensuring streamlined and strategic planning of acquisitions. Chaired by the Union Defence Minister, the Council plays a pivotal role in aligning long-term defence needs with national security objectives.
- Key responsibilities of the DAC include granting ‘in principle’ approval to capital acquisition plans under the Long-Term Perspective Plan, monitoring the progress of major defence projects, and approving the acceptance of necessity (AoN) for procurement proposals. By providing policy direction and oversight, the DAC ensures transparency, accountability, and efficiency in defence acquisitions, supporting the broader goals of operational readiness and indigenization within India’s defence sector.
- Why in News?
- Amid India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently raised concerns over two pressing issues: a governance crisis within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and a troubling increase in doping violations. These developments may impact India’s credibility as a future Olympic host unless addressed promptly.
- About International Olympic Committee (IOC):-
- Established in 1894, the IOC is an independent, non-profit international organization responsible for overseeing the Olympic Games and upholding the Olympic Charter. It plays a key role in promoting ethics, integrity, and good governance in global sports administration.
- Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, the IOC operates entirely on private funding. Importantly, its members are not national representatives but serve as ambassadors of the IOC in their respective countries. As the custodian of the Olympic movement, the IOC monitors national sports bodies closely, ensuring alignment with Olympic values, which include transparency, athlete welfare, and fair competition.