Read Current Affairs
- India is preparing to host the global conference of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) for the very first time.
- About the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA):
- The ICA is a non-profit global organization that unites, advocates for, and supports cooperatives across the world. Established in 1895, it stands as one of the oldest and largest non-governmental organizations, representing over one billion cooperative members globally.
- As the leading body for cooperatives, the ICA represents an estimated 3 million cooperatives worldwide, offering a global platform for collaboration, expertise, and coordinated action. Its members include both national and international cooperative organizations from every sector of the economy.
- The ICA has over 306 member organizations across 105 countries. Its headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium, and it operates four regional offices serving Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
- A newly discovered frog species, Raorchestes asakgrensis, has been identified in Meghalaya.
- About Raorchestes asakgrensis:
- This species is named after the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, where it was found, in recognition of the local community's contributions to conservation efforts.
- Features:
- Raorchestes asakgrensis is a small arboreal frog, discovered at an elevation of 174 meters in Eman Asakgre. It is characterized by its distinctively pointed snout and prominent tympanum (eardrum). Males have a snout-vent length of approximately 20.49 mm, while females are slightly larger at 22.8 mm. Males are known to call from shrubs at dusk, typically perched about 1.5 meters above the ground. Their calling activity is most intense following the first monsoon rains.
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister, and several Hamas officials, accusing them of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- About the International Criminal Court (ICC):
- The ICC is a global judicial body aimed at holding accountable individuals responsible for some of the world's most serious crimes. It is the only permanent international criminal tribunal.
- Background:
- The ICC was established by the Rome Statute, an international treaty signed on 17 July 1998, which outlines the Court’s jurisdiction, structure, and functions. The Rome Statute came into force on 1 July 2002.
- Mandate:
- The Court is responsible for investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of the most severe crimes of international concern, including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
- Headquarters:
- The ICC is based in The Hague, Netherlands.
- Membership:
- The Court has 123 member states that recognize its authority, though some notable countries, including the US, China, Russia, Israel, and India, are not members.
- Funding:
- The ICC is primarily funded by contributions from its member states and also receives voluntary contributions from governments, international organizations, corporations, individuals, and other entities.
- Composition:
- Judges: The ICC consists of 18 judges, each elected to non-renewable nine-year terms, with one judge from each of its member countries.
- Presidency: The Court’s leadership includes a President and two Vice-Presidents, who oversee its work and represent it internationally.
- Judicial Divisions: The Court's judges are divided into three divisions: Pre-Trial, Trial, and Appeals.
- Office of the Prosecutor (OTP): This office is tasked with investigating crimes within the Court's jurisdiction, based on referrals or information received, and conducting prosecutions.
- Registry: The Registry provides essential administrative and operational support to the Court's judicial and prosecutorial functions.