The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 15th April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Breach of Convention

Why in News?

Ecuador’s raid on April 5 at the Mexico embassy in Quito is a serious violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations on which nations operate their missions in foreign lands. The raid was to arrest Jorge David Glas, a former Vice-President in the administration of leftist and former President Rafael Correa, who has been sentenced for corruption.

The Vienna Convention

• The Vienna Convention, also known as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, serves as a crucial international treaty that outlines the procedures for establishing, maintaining, and ending diplomatic relations between independent nations.
• Enacted in 1961, this convention establishes the core principles and regulations concerning diplomatic immunity, privileges, and duties, which are essential for the effective operation of diplomatic missions and the promotion of global collaboration.
• Playing a fundamental role in diplomatic law, the Vienna Convention substantially contributes to the facilitation of diplomatic relationships and the protection of diplomats' rights and privileges worldwide.

Vienna Convention for Protection of Ozone Layer

• The Vienna Convention for Protection of Ozone Layer constitutes a significant topic for the UPSC IAS Examination, holding paramount importance.
• This article delves into the structure, goals, authorities, and relevance of the Vienna Convention for Protection of Ozone Layer, particularly focusing on its significance for India.
• Aspiring candidates preparing for the UPSC Prelims Exam can greatly benefit from understanding this convention.
• Additionally, it is recommended to explore the NCERT Notes on Geography Environment provided in the associated resource for comprehensive preparation.

Objective of the Vienna Convention

• The primary aim of the Vienna Convention is to safeguard the ozone layer from depletion.
• Initially endorsed on March 22, 1985, by a coalition of 28 nations.
• On September 16, 2009, both the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol garnered unanimous approval, marking a historic achievement within the United Nations.

Key Features of Vienna Convention

• The Montreal Protocol was established in 1987 with the aim of reducing the production and usage of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) to support the ozone layer preservation goals set by the Vienna Convention.
• In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly designated September 16th as World Ozone Day, marking the day the Montreal Protocol was made available for signatures and the Vienna Convention was universally ratified.
• The Kigali Agreement, named after the city of Kigali in Rwanda where it was signed, aims to decrease the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 80-85 percent from baseline levels by 2045.
• Member countries convene every three years to discuss research and systematic observations related to the ozone layer.
• Following the Vienna Convention, the Ozone Research Managers Forum was established, serving as an expert forum focusing on ozone modification research.
• A multilateral fund has been set up to assist developing nations in transitioning away from ozone-depleting harmful substances.
• The Vienna Convention is associated with two trust funds: the Vienna Convention Trust Fund for Research and the Vienna Convention Trust Fund for Systematic Observations.

Current Relevance

• World Ozone Day is commemorated annually on September 16th since 2022.
• The Vienna Convention has been actively in force for 35 years.
• In the year 2020, the Vienna Convention marked its 35th anniversary, coinciding with the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commonly known as Ozone Day.
• Ozone Day 2020 was themed "Ozone for Life: 35 Years of Ozone Layer Protection."

The Vienna Convention's Conference of Parties

The Conference of Parties (COP) under the Vienna Convention convenes every three years. The upcoming 12th COP for the Vienna Convention is scheduled to occur from November 23 to November 27, 2020, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Previously, the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention was hosted in Montreal, Canada, during November 2017.

• The Conference of Parties (COP) is held triennially.
• The forthcoming 12th COP for the Vienna Convention is slated for November 23 to November 27, 2020, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
• The 11th Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention occurred in Montreal, Canada, in November 2017.

The Vienna Convention's Participant Nations

• The Vienna Convention comprises 198 member nations. Oversight of the Convention is under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Initiatives to Protect the Ozone Layer in India:

• The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change is responsible for upholding and implementing the Montreal Protocol within India.
• Execution of the Montreal Protocol is facilitated by the Ozone Cell to ensure timely and proper implementation.
• By January 1, 2010, India successfully phased out carbon tetrachloride (CTC) as part of its commitment.