India signed the UN Convention Against Torture almost two decades back but has so far not ratified it. While elucidating the contours of this treaty, critically examine India's stand so far.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is the peer-reviewed mechanism under UN which is conducted every four or five years. Under UPR, any member country can make recommendations regarding other country’s human rights record. In the latest UPR, various countries recommended ..

Topics: GS-II: Bilateral Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Why India has chosen not to sign the Hague Convention despite being pressurised by US, UK and other countries? Give arguments in support or against the government stand.

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty that establishes procedures that provide for the prompt return of children wrongfully retained or removed from their habitual residence. India did not sign the convention ..

Topics: GS-II: Bilateral Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

How the withdrawal of US from the Iran Nuclear Deal deal affect the Iran as well as the global market? Discuss.

In 2015, P5+1 and Iran signed the historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action which intended to lift economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on the Iranian nuclear program. As per the accord, in order to restore sanctions, signatories ..

Topics: GS-II: Bilateral Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

In the light of recent issues, critically examine why India needs to change replace its old Bilateral Investment Treaties with a new one and establish a mechanism to address BIT disputes.

Bilateral investment treaty is a treaty between two nations to set certain basic protections for foreign investors. For example, assurance of “fair and equitable treatment”. India signed its first BIT with the UK in 1994. Adverse arbitral award in the ..

Topics: GS-II: Bilateral Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

Examine the possible implications of US withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Do you agree with the view that despite of US exit, TPP can be a game-changer for Indo-pacific region? Comment.

After the withdrawal of US, TPP is now 11 members regional trade agreement. Without the US it was considered that the group will have less economic and strategic importance. The economic and geopolitical impact of the loss of the US ..

Topics: GS-II: Bilateral Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

"Many challenges of South Asia can be addressed through "SAARC-minus-one". Discuss.|

SAARC was established with objectives of the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to provide a boost to economic growth. However, the prime challenge for SAARC and South Asia is economic and security cooperation for regional prosperity. One ..

Topics: GS-II: Bilateral Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements