Daily Prelims Notes 5 September 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

5 September 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Latest ILO Study Links AI to Decline in Labour Income
2. Ethanol Push Turns India into a Net Corn Importer, Reshaping Global Market
3. What do we know about ANIIDCO?
4. Satellite-Based Highway Toll Collection: A Step Towards Faster and Smoother Traffic Flow
5. Genome Mapping of Chandipura Virus: Key Findings and Implications
6. Why Mongolia refused to arrest Vladimir Putin

1. Latest ILO Study Links AI to Decline in Labour Income

Sub: Eco

Sec: Unemployment

• Global Decline in Labour Income:
  • A recent study by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) reveals a stagnation in labour income worldwide, contributing to a rise in inequality.
  • A significant factor behind this trend is the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has impacted the share of labour income.
• Impact of AI and Technological Innovations:
  • The ILO study, which analysed data from 36 countries over the last two decades, found that while technological innovations, including AI, have boosted productivity and output, they have also reduced the share of income earned by workers.
  • The report highlights that automation-based technological advancements are driving these effects.
• Warning from the ILO:
  • The ILO warns that, without stronger policy interventions, the labour income share could decline further.
  • Policy responses across a wide range of sectors are essential to mitigate the adverse impacts on inequality.
• Slow Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • The report indicates slow progress toward achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the 2030 deadline approaches.
  • The global labour income share fell by 0.6 percentage points from 2019 to 2022, continuing a long-term downward trend.
  • If the labour income share had remained at 2004 levels, global labour income would have been $2.4 trillion larger in 2024.
• COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact:
  • The report notes that the COVID-19 pandemic was a key factor in the decline, with 40% of the reduction in labour income share occurring between 2020 and 2022.
• Call for Action:
  • ILO Deputy Director-General, stressed the need for policies to counter the declining labour income share.
• Suggested policies include:

1. Promoting equitable distribution of economic benefits.
2. Supporting freedom of association and collective bargaining.
3. Strengthening labour administration for inclusive growth.

This study highlights the critical need for policy interventions to balance the benefits of AI and protect labour income globally.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015 to address major global challenges. These goals are designed to achieve a better and more sustainable future by 2030, focusing on eliminating poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Key Aspects of SDGs:

• Definition of Sustainable Development: Sustainable development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Brundtland Commission, 1987). This concept is built on three core pillars:
  • Economic growth
  • Social inclusion
  • Environmental protection
• Core Elements of Sustainable Development:
  • Economic Sustainability: Equal growth that generates wealth for all without damaging the environment.
  • Social Sustainability: Inclusive development ensuring equality, quality education, healthcare, and community development.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Preservation and protection of natural resources through renewable energy, conservation, and innovative technologies.
  • Global and Regional Initiatives on Sustainable Development: Several international conventions and summits have shaped the global agenda for sustainability:
  • Stockholm Conference (1972): Raised global environmental awareness.
  • Earth Summit (1992): Led to conventions like UNFCCC, Convention on Biological Diversity, and Agenda 21.
  • Kyoto Protocol (1997) and Paris Agreement (2015): Climate change mitigation strategies.
  • Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions: Focus on chemical and waste management.
  • Regional frameworks like the SAARC Environment Action Plan and ASEAN’s environmental legal instruments.

2. Ethanol Push Turns India into a Net Corn Importer, Reshaping Global Market

Sub: Eco

Sec: Unemployment

• India Becomes a Net Corn Importer:
  • India, traditionally an exporter of corn, has now turned into a net importer for the first time in decades due to a shift in ethanol production policies.
  • Ethanol distilleries have begun using domestic corn, previously absorbed by the poultry and starch industries.
• Shift in Ethanol Production Policy:
  • In January 2024, India increased the procurement price of ethanol made from corn to encourage a move away from sugarcane-based ethanol for blending in gasoline.
  • This policy aims to reduce carbon emissions and ensure an ample supply of sugar in the domestic market.
• Impact on Corn Imports and Global Prices:
  • India is set to import a record 1 million tons of corn in 2024, primarily from Myanmar and Ukraine.
  • The surge in Indian demand is expected to support global corn prices, currently near four-year lows.
  • India’s corn exports are expected to drop to 450,000 tons, down from 2-4 million metric tons in previous years.
• Pressure on Domestic Poultry Producers:
  • Rising domestic corn prices, far above global benchmarks, have increased feed costs for India’s poultry industry, leading producers to call for the removal of duties on imports and a lifting of the ban on genetically modified (GM) corn.
  • Corn imports currently attract a 50% duty, although India allowed 500,000 tons to be imported at a concessional duty of 15%.
• Increase in Domestic Corn Demand:
  • Ethanol distilleries now need 6-7 million tons of corn annually, which can only be met through imports.
  • The government aims to increase the ethanol blend in gasoline to 20% by 2025-26, up from 13% currently.
  • This will require more than 10 billion litres of ethanol, double the amount produced in 2023.
• Challenges for Poultry Farmers:
  • Rising corn prices have pushed poultry growers into losses, as feed costs account for 75% of production expenses.
  • Farmers report production costs exceeding selling prices, leading to unsustainable losses for the poultry industry.
  • To mitigate costs, some farmers are substituting corn with rice and wheat stalk waste in feed.
• Corn Planting and Price Trends:
  • Higher domestic corn prices have encouraged farmers to expand the area under corn cultivation by 7%.
  • However, smaller poultry farmers are struggling to adjust, with some reducing production due to high feed costs.
• Global Supply Chain Effects:
  • Booming Indian demand has raised corn prices in Myanmar to $270 per metric ton (FOB) from $220, incentivizing farmers to plant more corn.
  • Imports from Myanmar are duty-free due to its status as a least developed country, while starch makers are importing duty-free corn from Ukraine under India’s Advance License Scheme.
• Surge in Corn Imports and Decline in Exports:
  • In the first half of 2024, India’s corn imports surged to 531,703 tons, a significant jump from just 4,981 tons a year earlier.
  • Meanwhile, corn exports plummeted by 87%, from 1.8 million tons to 241,889 tons, reflecting the impact of increased domestic demand for ethanol production.

Ethanol Blending Program (EBP)

The Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting the use of ethanol as a renewable, environment-friendly fuel blended with petrol. This initiative has multiple benefits, including reducing the dependency on imported fuels, conserving foreign exchange, and supporting domestic industries, particularly the sugar industry.

National Policy on Biofuels (2018)

India’s National Policy on Biofuels (2018) aims to promote the production and use of biofuels in the country to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote renewable energy, and address environmental concerns like greenhouse gas emissions. The policy also emphasizes the development of indigenous biofuel production capacity, particularly from domestic feedstock.

Key Features of India’s Biofuel Policy (2018):

Types of Biofuels:

• Basic Biofuels: Ethanol, biodiesel.
• Advanced Biofuels: 2G (Second Generation) biofuels, including ethanol from agricultural residues, and 3G (Third Generation) biofuels like algal biofuels.
• New Feedstocks: The policy allows for the production of biofuels from various feedstocks, including surplus food grains, sugarcane juice, and damaged food grains.

Categorization of Biofuels:

• 1st Generation (1G) Biofuels: These are made from edible feedstocks like sugarcane and corn. Ethanol and biodiesel are examples of 1G biofuels.
• 2nd Generation (2G) Biofuels: These are made from non-edible feedstocks such as agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, and lignocellulosic materials.
• 3rd Generation (3G) Biofuels: Derived from algae, they are highly efficient and less resource-intensive.
• Advanced Biofuels: Includes biofuels like ethanol produced from forest and agricultural residues, waste, and other non-food feedstock.

Blending Targets:

• Ethanol Blending in Petrol: The policy targets 20% ethanol blending (E20) by 2025-26. The government encourages the production of ethanol from various sources, including damaged grains and molasses.
• Biodiesel Blending in Diesel: The target is 5% blending of biodiesel with diesel by 2030.

Raw Materials for Biofuel Production:

• Ethanol: Can be produced from sugarcane juice, sugar, molasses, damaged food grains, surplus food grains, etc.
• Biodiesel: Can be produced from non-edible oilseeds, used cooking oil, animal fats, and other waste oils.
• 2G Ethanol: Will be produced from agricultural residues, biomass, and lignocellulosic feedstocks like rice husk, wheat straw, and bagasse.

3. What do we know about ANIIDCO?

Sub: Env

Sec: Protected Areas

About ANIIDCO:

• Founded: June 28, 1988
• Base: Port Blair
• Type: Quasi-government entity
• Main goal: Commercial exploitation of natural resources for balanced, eco-friendly development
• Key activities: 1) Trading petroleum products, liquor, and milk, 2) Managing tourism resorts, 3) Developing tourism and fisheries infrastructure
• Financial performance (last 3 years): • Average turnover: ₹370 crore, • Average profit: ₹35 crore.

Concerns about ANIIDCO’s Involvement:

• Lack of experience with large-scale projects
• Limited resources
• The initial absence of environmental policies
• Great Nicobar’s sensitivity: • Biodiversity hotspot • Home to Indigenous communities • Located in a tectonically active zone
• Conflicts of Interest:
  • Conservation Action Trust filed petition against forest clearance
  • ANIIDCO’s managing director also served as Commissioner cum Secretary (Environment and Forests)
  • ANIIDCO’s chairman (islands’ Chief Secretary) part of committee investigating project complaints
  • Many ANIIDCO employees involved in environmental and tribal welfare roles

The Great Nicobar Project (GNP):

• Aims to enhance India’s maritime and strategic presence in the Indian Ocean
• Proponent: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO)
• Location: Great Nicobar (southernmost island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago)
• Cost: ₹72,000 crore
• Promoter: NITI Aayog
• Components: Trans-shipment port, Greenfield airport, Tourism and township project, Solar and gas-based power plant.

Nicobar Islands:

• Part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India
• Located in the eastern Indian Ocean
• Consists of 22 islands, with Great Nicobar being the largest
• Known for rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems
• Home to Indigenous tribes, including the Shompen and Nicobarese
• Tropical climate with dense forests and coral reefs
• Vulnerable to natural disasters, especially earthquakes and tsunamis
• Strategic location near major shipping routes

Environmental and Social Concerns:

• Deforestation of pristine rainforests
• Threat to endangered species and ecosystems
• Potential impact on Indigenous communities
• Risk of increasing vulnerability to natural disasters
• Concerns about the scale of development in a sensitive area

4. Satellite-Based Highway Toll Collection: A Step Towards Faster and Smoother Traffic Flow

Sub : Sci

Sec : Awareness in IT

Why in News

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based software to monitor real-time traffic conditions at highway toll plazas. The new system aims to reduce wait times and improve traffic flow. Additionally, MoRTH is working on implementing a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection, which could eventually replace the current FASTag system, addressing congestion at toll booths more effectively.

GIS-based Software

Developed by: Indian Highways Management Company Ltd. (IHMCL), promoted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Purpose: To provide real-time monitoring of wait times and congestion at specific toll lanes, helping commuters plan better and avoid long queues.

Functionality of the GIS-based Software

Data Provided: The name and location of the toll plaza and queue lengths in meters, wait times, and vehicle speeds.

Traffic Analysis: The software will offer comparative traffic condition analyses on an hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly basis to ensure traffic data transparency and smoother operations.

Satellite-Based Tolling System (GNSS)

Development: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is also working on a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system.

Coexistence with FASTag: Initially, the GNSS-based system will operate alongside the existing FASTag system. Both systems will function simultaneously to ensure a smooth transition.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) refers to a constellation of satellites providing signals from space that transmit positioning and timing data to GNSS receivers. The receivers then use this data to determine location.

By definition, GNSS provides global coverage. Examples of GNSS include Europe’s Galileo, the USA’s NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS), Russia’s GLONASS)and China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and India ‘s IRNSS – NAVIC.

The performance of GNSS is assessed using four criteria:

Accuracy: the difference between a receiver’s measured and real position, speed or time;

Integrity: a system’s capacity to provide a threshold of confidence and, in the event of an anomaly in the positioning data, an alarm;

Continuity: a system’s ability to function without interruption;

Availability: the percentage of time a signal fulfils the above accuracy, integrity and continuity criteria.

GNSS-based ETC is a technology that allows toll collection based on the distance traveled by a vehicle on highways using satellite navigation systems.

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): A satellite-based navigation system that provides geolocation and time information to GNSS receivers on the ground.

How Does It Work?

Onboard Unit (OBU): Vehicles are equipped with OBUs that communicate with GNSS satellites. These units track the vehicle’s movement and record the distance traveled.

Automatic Tolling: As vehicles pass through the highway, the GNSS-based system calculates the toll based on the distance traveled and debits the amount from the user’s account automatically, without needing physical toll booths.

No Boom Barriers: Unlike the FASTag system, GNSS-based tolling does not require boom barriers at toll plazas, reducing delays and congestion.

Comparison with FASTag

What is FASTag?

FASTag is a reloadable electronic tag that enables automatic toll payments without the need for physical cash transactions. It uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to deduct toll fees when the vehicle passes through a toll plaza.

How It Works: Once activated, the FASTag is affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen. As the vehicle passes through a toll booth, the RFID reader detects the tag, and the toll is automatically deducted from the associated account, reducing the need for stopping at toll plazas.

Key Features of FASTag

Validity: The FASTag is valid for five years from the date of issuance.

Colour-Coding System: FASTags come in seven different colours (violet, orange, yellow, green, pink, blue, black), each assigned to a particular category of vehicles to differentiate between vehicle types such as private cars, commercial vehicles, buses, and trucks.

FASTag was rolled out in April 2016, and it became mandatory for all new vehicles (cars and trucks) sold after December 1, 2017, to have FASTags installed before they were sold.

Nationwide Coverage: FASTag is operational on national and state highways, making it the preferred mode of toll collection for seamless travel across India’s extensive highway network.

Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL): A company incorporated by NHAI, responsible for implementing the FASTag program and managing toll collection across the country.

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI): The NPCI supports the integration of FASTag with the payment systems and ensures seamless transactions between banks, toll plazas, and customers.

What is RFID Technology?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a wireless technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.

Components:

RFID Tag: Consists of a microchip and antenna. It stores information, which is transmitted when the tag comes into the range of an RFID reader.

RFID Reader: A device that uses radio waves to communicate with the tag and capture its information.

Working Mechanism: The reader sends a radio signal, which is received by the tag. The tag then transmits the stored information back to the reader, enabling identification and data collection without physical contact.

Types of RFID Tags

Active RFID Tags: Equipped with a battery and can send data to a reader over long distances (up to 100 meters).

Passive RFID Tags: Do not have an internal power source. They rely on the reader’s signal to transmit data and typically work over shorter ranges (a few centimeters to meters).

Applications of RFID

Supply Chain Management: Used to track goods and products from manufacturing to delivery, providing real-time information on inventory and logistics.

Transportation: RFID is commonly used in toll collection systems, such as the FASTag system in India, where it allows vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping for cash transactions.

Security and Access Control: RFID is used in ID cards, passports, and access control systems to manage entry into secured areas.

The introduction of a GIS-based software for real-time monitoring and the upcoming GNSS-based toll collection system are set to revolutionize highway travel in India.

Convenience for Users

Faster Passage: The satellite-based toll collection system is expected to speed up the toll plaza process significantly. Currently, the FASTag system, which uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, takes about a minute to process a vehicle.

Issues with FASTag: The delay in reading FASTag codes and raising boom barriers has led to long queues and sometimes even disputes among drivers.

Current Usage of FASTag: Launched in 2015 and made mandatory in 2021, FASTag is responsible for more than 98% of user fee payments at National Highway toll plazas as of March 2024.

5. Genome Mapping of Chandipura Virus: Key Findings and Implications

Sub : Sci

Sec :  Biotech

Why this is in News?

The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar has successfully published the fully mapped genome of the Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV). This virus was responsible for causing approximately one-third of the encephalitis (brain swelling) cases reported in Gujarat during the outbreak in July-August. The genome mapping provides crucial insights into the virus and its behavior, contributing significantly to the study of CHPV.

What is Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV)?

Symptoms: CHPV primarily causes encephalitis, fever, headaches, convulsions, coma, and can even lead to death within a few days of symptom onset.

Target Population: The virus most severely affects children below the age of 15.

Transmission Vectors: It is transmitted through sandflies, ticks, and the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also spreads dengue and chikungunya. In the recent outbreak, sandflies were identified as the primary vector.

Fatality Rate: CHPV has a high mortality rate, with some outbreaks witnessing mortality as high as 75%. For example, during India’s worst outbreak in 2003, 322 children died in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. The fatality rate for this year’s outbreak is about 45%, as of August 16.

CHPV is a virus of the Rhabdoviridae family.

Other members such as the lyssavirus that causes rabies.

There is no specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine available for treatment.

Disease progression can be as rapid as a patient reporting high fever in the morning, and their kidneys or liver being affected by the evening. This makes it harder to manage the symptoms.

Rhabdoviridae family:

CHPV is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family and is known to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks of AES in western, central and southern parts of India, especially during the monsoon season.

Rhabdoviridae virus: Rhabdoviridaeis a family of negative-strand RNA virus.

Vertebrates (including mammals, humans), invertebrates, plants, fungi and protozoans serve as natural.

Diseases associated with member viruses include rabies encephalitis caused by the rabies virus, and flu-like symptoms in humans.

The individual virus particles (virions) of rhabdoviruses are composed of RNA, protein, carbohydrate and lipid. 

How is it transmitted?

The virus resides in the salivary gland of these insects, and can be transmitted to humans or other vertebrates like domestic animals through bites.

The infection caused by the virus can then reach the central nervous system which can lead to encephalitis — inflammation of the active tissues of the brain.

Symptoms of CHPV infection: Initially with flu-like symptoms, acute onset of fever, body ache, headache

It may then progress to altered sensorium or seizures and

Other symptoms such as respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, or anaemia.

The infection often progresses rapidly after encephalitis, which may then lead to mortality within 24-48 hours of hospitalisation.

What is Genome Mapping?

Genome mapping is the process of determining the specific locations of genes on an organism’s chromosomes.

Significance: For deadly viruses like CHPV, genome mapping can provide essential information about the virus’s origin, mutations, and its evolutionary behavior. This knowledge is instrumental in developing testing kits, vaccines, and therapeutics.

GBRC Genome Mapping

Minimal Mutation Since 2003-04: The virus has not evolved much since the 2003-04 and 2012 outbreaks. Four significant mutations were detected in the glycoprotein gene when compared to the 2003-04 sample. Glycoproteins are responsible for binding the virus to human cell receptors and triggering immune responses.

Comparison with Covid-19 Mutations: While CHPV had only one significant mutation in its glycoprotein gene from 2012, Covid-19 variants showed 20 to 30 mutations every few months. This indicates that CHPV has not undergone rapid mutations to escape immunity.

Types of Genome Mapping:

Genetic Mapping (Linkage Mapping): Determines the relative position of genes based on genetic linkage and recombination frequencies.

Useful for locating genes associated with specific traits or diseases.

Physical Mapping: Identifies the physical distances between genes or markers on a chromosome, measured in base pairs.

Techniques include Restriction Mapping, Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), and DNA sequencing.

Techniques of Genome Mapping:

Genetic Mapping Techniques:

• Linkage Analysis: Determines the likelihood that two genes or markers are inherited together based on their recombination frequency.
• Cross-Breeding (Pedigree Analysis): Observes gene inheritance patterns across generations to map gene locations.

Physical Mapping Techniques:

• Restriction Mapping: Uses restriction enzymes to cut DNA at specific sites, then measures the length of fragments to determine distances between markers.
• Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH): Involves labelling DNA probes with fluorescent dyes to locate specific genes on chromosomes.
• Contig Mapping: Assembles overlapping DNA fragments (contigs) to map a larger sequence.
• Sequencing: Modern techniques like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) provide high-resolution physical maps by reading DNA sequences directly.

Cycle Threshold (Ct) Value: In an RT-PCR test, the Ct value indicates the number of times genetic material in a sample needs to be amplified to detect the pathogen.

Higher Ct Value: Means lower viral load in the sample.

Lower Ct Value: Suggests a higher concentration of the virus in the sample.

Findings: The Ct values for CHPV samples were high, meaning the viral load in patients was low. Despite this, the virus caused severe symptoms in infected individuals.

Glycoprotein Gene:

The glycoprotein gene in the Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV) encodes for glycoproteins, which are essential proteins found on the virus’s surface. These proteins play a crucial role in:

Virus Attachment and Entry: Glycoproteins enable the virus to bind to human cell receptors, facilitating entry into the host cell and initiating infection.

Immune Response: They trigger an immune response in the host, making them a primary target for vaccine development.

Mutation in CHPV: In the Chandipura virus, four significant mutations in the glycoprotein gene were observed compared to the 2003-04 strain. These mutations affect how the virus binds to human cells but have not led to significant immune escape, unlike faster-mutating viruses like Covid-19.

The genome mapping of the Chandipura vesiculovirus by GBRC provides valuable insights into the virus’s behavior and its limited mutation since past outbreaks. The findings emphasize the need for continued research and development of vaccines and therapeutics for CHPV, especially given its high mortality rate and severe impact on children.

6. Why Mongolia refused to arrest Vladimir Putin

Sub: IR

SEC: Int org

Context:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar and he was not arrested by the Mongolian government despite the obligation under ICC.

Arrest warrant by ICC:

• The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for Vladimir Putin’s arrest in connection with alleged war crimes.
• The warrant was issued in March, 2023, after the ICC found Putin and Russia’s Commissioner for Child Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, responsible for the abduction and deportation of children from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation.
• This is in violation of article 8 (2) of the Rome Statute that deals with unlawful deportation, transfer and confinement.
• Mongolia is the first ICC signatory nation Putin visited since the issue of the warrant.

Obligation under Rome statute:

• Mongolia, as a party to the Rome Statute which established the court, had a duty to execute the warrant.
• Mongolia’s refusal to arrest Putin was met with global outrage. However, ICC has no mechanism to enforce the warrant.

Rationale behind Mongolia’s stand:

• Mongolia is a landlocked country firmly in Russia’s sphere of influence, and sandwiched between anti-West allies Russia and China.
• Mongolia depends heavily on Russia for fuel and electricity and has a long-standing friendship with Russia.
• Thus, Mongolia does not have the might to withstand Russia’s retribution for Putin’s arrest.

About Rome statute:

• The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the ICC and its relationship with the UN.
• It was adopted at a conference in Rome in 1998, and implemented in 2002.
• The Rome Statute addresses four core international crimes: aggression, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. 
• Article 8 of the statute deals with war crimes.

Signatories to the statute:

• The Statute has 124 countries as signatories. Three permanent members of the UN Security Council, US, Russia, and China have not signed it.
• Mongolia, however, is a signatory to the treaty.
• India is not a party to the Rome Statute. Ukraine also haven’t signed the statute.

International Criminal Court (ICC):

• It is a permanent judicial body established in 2002 by the Rome Statute (1998).
• It is the court of last resort for prosecution of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
• Its headquarters is in Hague, Netherlands.
• The Court has eighteen judges, each from a different member country, elected to non-renewable nine-year terms.

Jurisdiction of ICC:

• The ICC is authorised to prosecute individuals, in contrast to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
• ICC’s mandate applies only to offences committed after July 1, 2002.
• Under the Rome Statute, the ICC is authorised to investigate heinous international crimes only when the country’s own legal machinery fails.
• The alleged offences must be committed in a signatory nation, or by a member of a ratifying nation.
• The ICC’s jurisdiction can extend to cases referred to it by the UN Security Council.