Q. The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of

(a) China

(b) Israel

(c) Iraq

(d) Yemen

Answer: (b) Israel

Notes:
  • The Two-State Solution is used in the context of the Israel Palestine issue.
  • It envisages an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel west of the Jordan River.
  • UNSC Resolution 1397 agreed in 2000 with support from the USA and became the first UNSC resolution to agree on a two-state solution.
Reasons for the Iran-Israel Conflict?
  • Historical Context: Iran and Israel have had a tumultuous relationship since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which transformed Iran from a close ally of Israel under the rule of the Shah to an Islamic Republic openly hostile towards Israel.
  • Religious and Ideological Differences: Iran is an Islamic republic governed by Shia Islam, while Israel is a predominantly Jewish state.
    • The religious and ideological differences between the two countries have contributed to mutual suspicion and animosity.
  • Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Iran has been a staunch supporter of Palestinian causes, including backing militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which are considered terrorist organisations by Israel.
    • Iran’s support for these groups and its calls for the destruction of Israel have heightened tensions.
  • Geopolitical Rivalry: Iran and Israel are regional rivals vying for influence in the Middle East. They have conflicting interests in various regional conflicts, including the civil wars in Syria and Yemen.
    • Where Iran supports the Assad regime and Houthi rebels, respectively, while Israel opposes Iranian influence in these countries.
  • Nuclear Program: Israel views Iran’s nuclear program with great concern, fearing that Iran may develop nuclear weapons that could pose an existential threat to Israel’s security.
    • Israel has been a vocal critic of the Iran nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and has taken measures, including covert operations, to disrupt Iran’s nuclear activities.
  • Proxy Conflicts: Iran and Israel have engaged in proxy conflicts through their support for opposing factions in neighbouring countries.
    • For example, Iran’s support for Hezbollah in Lebanon and for Shia militias in Iraq has been perceived as a threat by Israel.
  • Regional Power Dynamics: The balance of power in the Middle East is shaped by the competition between Iran and its allies on one side and Israel and its allies on the other.
  • This competition has contributed to a cycle of tensions and conflicts in the region.
Efforts Taken to bring Peace between Israel and Its Neighbours
  • Oslo Accords: The Oslo Accords in 1993, facilitated by the US, were a significant milestone in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, although the peace process has since stalled.
  • Abraham Accord: The Abraham Accord was signed in 2020 between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and was mediated by the US.
  • I2U2: I2U2 stands for India, Israel, USA and the UAE. It was formed in October 2021 following the Abraham Accords between Israel and the UAE, to deal with issues concerning maritime security, infrastructure and transport in the region.
  • United Nations: The United Nations has been actively involved in efforts to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict through its various agencies, including the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly.
    • The UN has repeatedly called for a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
  • Arab Peace Initiative: Arab states have also played a role in peace efforts, particularly through the Arab Peace Initiative.
    • This initiative, first proposed by Saudi Arabia in 2002 and later endorsed by the Arab League, offers Israel normalised relations with Arab states in exchange for a full withdrawal from the occupied territories and a just resolution to the Palestinian refugee issue.
  • India’s Role:
    • Diplomatic Relation: India has historically maintained diplomatic relations with both Israel and various Arab states including Palestine.
    • Two-State Solution: India has consistently advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which envisions the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
      • India’s support for this solution aligns with the consensus view of many global leaders and organisations.
    • India has participated in multilateral forums addressing Middle East issues, such as the United Nations General Assembly and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
      • Within these forums, India has voiced its support for peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and has called for dialogue and negotiations to achieve lasting peace.
    • Humanitarian Assistance: India has provided humanitarian assistance to Palestinians through various channels, including contributions to UN agencies and support for development projects in Palestinian territories.
      • This assistance aims to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians and contribute to stability in the region.

Q. International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to

(a) Child labour

(b) Adaptation of agriculture practices to global climate change

(c) Regulation of food prices and food security

(d) Gender parity at the workplace

Answer: (a) Child labour

Notes:
  • International Labour Organization (ILO) is the only tripartite U.N. agency, since 1919. 
    • It brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.
  • Core Conventions of the ILO:
    • The eight fundamental conventions form an integral part of the United Nations Human Rights Framework, and their ratification is an important sign of member States’ commitment to human rights.
    • Overall, 135 member States have ratified all eight fundamental conventions. Unfortunately, 48 member states (out of 183 member States), including member states with the highest populations, have yet to complete ratification of all eight conventions.
    • The eight-core conventions of the ILO are:
      • Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
      • Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105)
      • Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100)
      • Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention (No. 111)
      • Minimum Age Convention (No. 138)
      • Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182)
      • Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organised Convention (No. 87)
      • Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98)

Q. In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’?

(a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

(b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA

(c) The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

(d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

Answer: (a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

Notes:
  • The Additional Protocol is not a stand-alone agreement, but rather a protocol to a safeguards agreement that provides additional tools for verification.
  • In particular, it significantly increases the IAEA’s ability to verify the peaceful use of all nuclear material in States with comprehensive safeguards agreements.
  • India signed the Additional Protocol (AP) to the IAEA safeguards agreement on May 15, 2009.
  • An Additional Protocol (AP) to the Safeguards Agreement between the Government of India and the IAEA for the Application of Safeguards to Civilian Nuclear Facilities entered into force on 25 July 2014.
  • The ratification of additional protocol will ensure the collection of data of India’s nuclear exports, to guarantee that the material is not diverted for unauthorised use.

Q. Consider the following countries:

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. China
4. India
5. Japan
6. USA

Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN ?

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6

Answer: (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5

Notes:
  • The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional grouping that aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its ten members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
  • Establishment: It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the founding fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. 
  • Aim: The motto of ASEAN is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.
  • Secretariat: ASEAN Secretariat is located in Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • ASEAN countries have a total population of 662 million people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $3.2 trillion as of 2022.
  • It has free trade agreements (FTAs) with a number of countries like India, Japan, New Zealand, China, South Korea, etc.
  • Free-trade agreements (FTAs)
    • ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area
    • ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreements
    • ASEAN-India Free Trade Area
    • ASEAN – Japan Free Trade Area
    • ASEAN-Republic of Korea Free Trade Area
    • ASEAN – Hong Kong, China Free Trade Area
    • Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

Q. “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following ?

(a) Amnesty International

(b) International Court of Justice

(c) The Office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights

(d) World Justice Project

Answer: (d) World Justice Project

Notes:
  • The Rule of Law Index (ROLI) is released by the World Justice Project (WJP), a US-based civil society group.
  • It rates countries based on accountability of executives and respect for fundamental rights of people.
  • The index is prepared by examining these four principles through eight factors: constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, and criminal justice.