Table of Contents
GS-2
- Restoring the World Trade Organization’s crown jewel
Facts for Prelims
- Enteroviruses
- Geocoding
- Takeshima Island
Restoring the World Trade Organization’s crown jewel
Introduction:
In June 2022, member-countries of the WTO reached a deal to revive the WTO\’s Dispute Settlement System (DSS) by 2024. The system has been paralyzed since 2019 due to the United States blocking the appointment of appellate body members.
The \’Precedent\’ Problem:
- The U.S. criticizes the appellate body for exceeding its mandate and creating binding precedents, contrary to the WTO\’s dispute settlement understanding (DSU).
- While the DSU emphasizes consistency, it does not establish a rule of precedent in international law.
- The appellate body aims for consistency but allows deviations with \”cogent reasons.\”
De-judicialization of Trade Multilateralism:
- The U.S. seeks to de-judicialize trade multilateralism, challenging the role of international courts like the WTO.
- This reflects a shift from the neoliberal consensus towards reclaiming decision-making power from international courts.
- Emerging geo-economic challenges, especially with China\’s rise, prompt the U.S. to exercise full control over its trade policies.
On Voting:
- Negotiating with the U.S. to revive the appellate body seems challenging.
- One option is to resort to voting at the WTO\’s General Council meeting to elect appellate body members, but this may antagonize the U.S.
- Countries must decide whether they are willing to take this route, considering the potential consequences.
Conclusion:
Resurrecting the WTO\’s Dispute Settlement System faces hurdles due to concerns over precedents and the U.S.\’s de-judicialization approach. Exploring alternatives like voting requires careful consideration of the implications and potential backlash.
Enteroviruses
Context
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against the rising incidence of enterovirus infections in a few countries across Europe.
What are Enteroviruses?
- Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that can cause different infectious illnesses.
- They are responsible for annual epidemics and are found worldwide.
- Examples of enteroviruses include coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, polioviruses, and the hepatitis A virus.
Who is at Risk?
- Enteroviruses can infect anyone, but they are more likely to cause illnesses in:
- People with weak immune systems.
- Infants, children, and teenagers who have not developed immunity to the virus.
How are Enteroviruses Transmitted?
- Enteroviruses can be transmitted in multiple ways, especially in the neonatal period:
- During childbirth through exposure to maternal blood, secretions, or stool.
- After birth, through close contact with infected caregivers.
What are the Symptoms?
- Most people with an enterovirus infection do not get sick.
- Symptoms vary depending on the type of enterovirus and the affected body part.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Mild cold symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, coughing, or muscle aches.
Is there a Treatment?
- There is no specific treatment for enterovirus infections.
- The main focus is on managing symptoms until the infection resolves, which usually takes a few days.
Treatment involves:
- Easing symptoms such as fever and pain.
- Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated.
Geocoding
Context
Recently, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) made the geocoding functionality live for all states and union territories.
What is Geocoding?
- Geocoding is a process that converts an address or location description into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude).
Why is Geocoding Important for GSTN?
- Geocoding helps ensure the accuracy of address details in GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network) records.
- It helps streamline the address location and verification process.
Geocoding in GSTN
- GST Network has already geocoded 1.8 crore principal places of businesses.
- The functionality is available for various taxpayer categories, including normal, composition, SEZ units, SEZ developers, input service distributor, and casual taxpayers.
- This activity is a one-time process, and once submitted, changes to the address are not allowed.
- Taxpayers who have already geocoded their address through new registration or core amendment won\’t see this functionality.
Key Facts about Goods and Services Tax Network
- GSTN is a nonprofit non-government company registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- It provides shared IT infrastructure and services to both central and state governments, taxpayers, and other stakeholders.
- Private players hold 51% equity in the GSTN, while the Centre and State governments together hold 49% equity.
Takeshima Island
Context
Recently, Japan lodged a protest with South Korea over military drills it conducted on disputed Takeshima islands
Location of Takeshima Island
- Takeshima Island is situated in the middle of the Sea of Japan.
- It is located almost equidistant between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.
- The island is known as Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan.
- It was also named the Liancourt Rocks by French whalers after their ship in 1849.
- Takeshima Island consists of two main islands and around 30 smaller rocks.
Key Facts about the Sea of Japan
- The Sea of Japan is a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean.
- It is located in Eastern Asia and is bordered by Japan and Sakhalin Island to the east.
- On the Asian mainland, it is bordered by Russia and Korea to the west.
- The sea is situated in a deep basin and is separated from the East China Sea to the south by the Tsushima and Korea straits.
- It is separated from the Sea of Okhotsk to the north by the La Perouse (or Soya) and Tatar straits.