Today's Brief 24/07/2025

1 .Climate Responsibility: The International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion definitively establishes that states have binding legal obligations under international law to protect the climate system from harmful greenhouse gas emissions, moving beyond mere political encouragement.

Crucially, the Court affirmed that customary international law principles – specifically the duties to prevent significant transboundary environmental harm and to cooperate in good faith – apply universally to climate change. States must exercise strict due diligence, grounded in the best available science, to prevent cumulative damage.

The ruling underscores that these obligations, recognized as erga omnes (owed to the international community), exist independently of and complement climate treaties like the Paris Agreement, and are deeply intertwined with human rights law, including the emergent right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

Violations trigger concrete legal consequences: cessation of wrongful acts, prevention of future breaches, and reparations.

Critically, these duties apply globally without territorial limits, cover past and ongoing failures, and demand special concern for vulnerable states (like small island nations) and future generations, empowering any state to se

ek accountability for breaches.

About ICJ:

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), based in The Hague, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, established in 1945 to settle legal disputes between states and provide advisory opinions on international legal issues.

Composed of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council, it handles cases ranging from territorial conflicts to human rights violations.

Unlike the International Criminal Court (ICC), which prosecutes individuals, the ICJ resolves state-to-state disputes and its rulings are legally binding, though enforcement relies on UN mechanisms.

It plays a crucial role in interpreting international law, including treaties, environmental obligations, and diplomatic relations, making it a cornerstone of global justice.

2 .Thailand and Cambodia:

General Studies Paper-I (Mains) - Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

Tensions Soar on Thai-Cambodian Border as Military Exchange Fire, Civilians Caught in Crossfire

Thailand, officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand, is a Southeast Asian nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage, tropical beaches, and bustling cities.

It is the only country in the region never colonized by European powers, maintaining its independence throughout history.

Bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia, Thailand features diverse landscapes, from the fertile plains of the Chao Phraya River to the mountains of the north and the pristine islands of the south, such as Phuket and Koh Samui.

The capital, Bangkok, is a vibrant metropolis known for its grand palaces, Buddhist temples (like Wat Arun and Wat Pho), and floating markets.

Thailand's history dates back to ancient kingdoms like Sukhothai (13th century) and Ayutthaya (14th–18th centuries), which were major regional powers before the rise of the Chakri Dynasty in 1782.

The country transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 1932, though the king remains a highly revered figure.

Thailand played a strategic role during the Cold War as a U.S. ally and today is a founding member of ASEAN, with a strong economy driven by tourism, manufacturing (automobiles, electronics), and agriculture (rice, rubber).

Culturally,

Thailand is famous for its Buddhist traditions, with over 90% of the population practicing Theravada Buddhism.

Key festivals include Songkran (Thai New Year water festival) and Loy Krathong (floating lanterns).

Cambodia, located in mainland Southeast Asia, is a country with a deep historical legacy and tragic modern history.

Bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand, its landscape is dominated by the Mekong River and Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

The capital, Phnom Penh, is a bustling city with French colonial architecture, while Siem Reap serves as the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, including Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cambodia’s history is marked by the Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries), which built Angkor Wat and ruled much of the region.

After periods of decline, it became a French protectorate (1863–1953) before gaining independence. The 1975–1979 Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, caused one of the worst genocides in modern history, killing 1.7 million people.

Since the 1990s, Cambodia has gradually recovered, though it remains a developing nation with challenges like corruption and deforestation.

Economically, Cambodia relies on textiles, tourism (Angkor Wat), and agriculture (rice, rubber).

The US dollar is widely used, alongside the riel (KHR).

Culturally, Cambodia is deeply influenced by Theravada Buddhism, with traditions like Pchum Ben (ancestor festival) and classical Apsara dance.

3 .BIND Scheme:

General Studies Paper-II (250 Marks) – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

The Indian government has launched a significant initiative to modernize Akashvani Kendras across the country under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme. 

This ambitious Central Sector Scheme, approved with a total outlay of ₹2,539.61 crore for the period 2021-2026, aims to bring state-of-the-art technology and enhanced capabilities to public broadcasting

The modernization efforts will primarily focus on the digitalization and upgrading of broadcasting equipment, replacement of outdated systems, and the enhancement of studio and transmitter infrastructure. 

The BIND scheme is designed to introduce new technologies and digital workflows, ensuring Akashvani (All India Radio) remains relevant and competitive in the evolving media landscape.