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INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU)

16th October, 2024

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Oct/14/om-birla-highlights-indias-push-for-multilateralism-innovation-at-ipu-assembly-in-geneva

Context:

The Lok Sabha Speaker addressed the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva.

Key Highlights of the Lok Sabha Speaker's Speech

He underlined the significance of using science, technology, and innovation for a peaceful and sustainable future. 

India has always been a strong advocate of multilateralism—countries working together for the common good—and believes that advancements in technology and science should be shared fairly. This means that no country should be left behind, and all should benefit from progress.

India is utilizing technology to improve public services, by making government processes more transparent and accountable. 

Dialogue and cooperation between countries, especially in areas like science and technology, are key to achieving inclusive development, where everyone, including the most vulnerable, can benefit.

India’s rapid growth in renewable energy has increased its capacity from 76 gigawatts (GW) to 203 GW over the past decade.  

India focuses on encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Start-up India programme, currently, India has 118 unicorns (start-ups valued over $1 billion), making it the third largest start-up nation in the world.

About Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

The IPU was started in 1889 by Frédéric Passy from France and William Randal Cremer from the UK. Their goal was to create a space where countries could talk to each other to solve problems without fighting. Today, the IPU is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and has 180 national parliaments as members.

The IPU conducts regular meetings that allow parliaments to work as a team to solve global challenges like peace, democracy, and sustainable development.

The IPU also has specific committees and geopolitical groups (like the African Group or Asia-Pacific Group) that meet to work on regional issues.

Significance

It helps make sure parliaments around the world are more democratic, meaning they represent their people well and work effectively.

It provides a platform for parliament members to discuss global problems, like climate change, and find solutions together.

It defends the rights of parliamentarians (the people in parliaments) and helps them protect the rights of their citizens.

It believes that more women and young people should be involved in politics. They work to make sure that parliaments are more diverse.

It encourages parliaments to focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include fighting poverty, improving healthcare, and protecting the environment.

Source: 

NEWINDIANEXPRESS

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements in the context of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU):

1. It is a United Nations specialized agency to promote democratic values around the world. 

2. The headquarters of IPU is located in New York, USA. 

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect:

The IPU is an independent international organization founded in 1889.

It is not a United Nations specialized agency, the United Nations was established in 1945.

Statement 2 is incorrect:

The headquarters of the IPU is located in Geneva, Switzerland.