INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

Context: In a major global recognition, India has for the first time assumed the Vice-Presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, has been appointed to this post.

About FATF

Financial Action Task Force is an international body that monitors and combats money laundering and terrorist financing.

Objectives

Initially focused on preventing money laundering.
After 2001, its scope expanded to include terrorist financing.
In 2012, it further added measures against financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).

Membership

The FATF consists of 39 member countries, representing major financial systems worldwide.
It also has observer participation, with Indonesia being the only observer country.

India’s Position

India became an observer in 2006 and a full member in 2010.
It follows FATF standards through laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Current Facts

The Supreme Court of India declared the freedom to walk on demarcated and well-maintained footpaths a fundamental right.The ruling linked this right with Article 19(1) (d), Article 19(1) (a), Article 19(1)(b), Article 19(1)(c), and Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

TIRUKKURAL

A minister is he who grasps, with wisdom large,

Means, time, work’s mode, and functions rare he must discharge

Explanation: The minister is one who can make an excellent choice of means, time, manner of execution, and the difficult undertaking (itself).

Project Super 50

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) organizes “Project Super 50”, a Civil Services Examination Guidance Programme aimed at mentoring Scheduled Caste (SC) youth under the theme “Guide • Mentor • Empower”.
The event involves serving officers and Commission members providing strategic guidance on the exam.