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- Why in News?
- The European Union has proposed a “New Strategic EU-India Agenda” to reinforce bilateral relations, detailed in a Joint Communication issued by the European Commission and the High Representative. The framework rests on five strategic pillars shaping future cooperation.
- Key Provisions:-
- The first pillar emphasizes prosperity and sustainability, targeting growth, job creation, industrial transformation, and decarbonization. The second prioritizes trade and investment, including the finalization of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) by 2025. The third enhances economic security and resilient supply chains, leveraging the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) and the EU-India Semiconductor Agreement. The fourth focuses on clean transition and innovation, spanning green industries, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies. The fifth covers security, defence, and global connectivity, fostering Indo-Pacific coordination, maritime cooperation, and partnerships through initiatives like the Global Gateway and India’s MAHASAGAR.
Despite these ambitions, the EU notes India’s ties with Russia as a potential challenge to deepening relations.
- Why in News?
- A recent report by the UN-mandated Independent International Commission of Inquiry presented a legal assessment of Israel’s actions in Gaza with reference to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention). The analysis examines whether the conduct aligns with or violates obligations under international law.
- Key Provisions:-
- The Genocide Convention, adopted in 1948, provides the first international legal definition of genocide—acts carried out with the intent to destroy, wholly or partly, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Importantly, it establishes that genocide is punishable both during war and in times of peace.
- Currently, 153 states are parties to the convention, while 41 have signed it. India signed the treaty in 1949 and ratified it a decade later in 1959. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) serves as the principal forum to adjudicate disputes concerning its interpretation, application, and alleged violations.
- Why in News?
- The Prime Minister launched the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan from Madhya Pradesh, marking a national movement to strengthen tribal leadership and decentralized governance. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the initiative aims to empower 11 crore tribal citizens across one lakh villages, making it the world’s largest grassroots leadership mission.
- Key Provisions:-
- The program envisions training 20 lakh officials, self-help group members, and tribal youth as Adi Karmayogis to ensure responsive governance and saturation of public services. Its framework rests on three leadership pillars: Adi Karmayogis (government officers ensuring convergence and delivery), Adi Sahyogis (youth, teachers, doctors driving education, health, and awareness), and Adi Saathis (community members, SHG women, and elders preserving traditions and mobilizing change).
- Villagers and officials will jointly design the Tribal Village Vision 2030, aligning with national and global sustainable development goals. Complementing this, tools like the Adi Vaani app, Adi Karmayogi portal, and Adi Sewa Kendras will enhance communication, registration, and grievance redressal.