ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 19 April. Click Here for more information.
ForumIAS Answer Writing Focus Group (AWFG) for Mains 2024 commencing from 24th June 2024. The Entrance Test for the program will be held on 28th April 2024 at 9 AM. To know more about the program visit: https://forumias.com/blog/awfg2024
News: Russia has announced that it is exiting the Open Skies treaty. It said that the pact had been seriously compromised by the withdrawal of the United States.
Facts:
- Open Skies Treaty: The treaty was signed in 1992 and came into effect in 2002.
- Aim: To build confidence among members through mutual openness thus reducing the chances of accidental war.
- Key Features of the Treaty:
- Under the treaty, a member state can spy on any part of the host nation, with the latter’s consent. A country can undertake aerial imaging over the host state after giving notice 72 hours before and sharing its exact flight path 24 hours before.
- The information gathered such as troop movements, military exercises and missile deployments has to be shared with all member states.
- Only approved imaging equipment is permitted on the surveillance flights and officials from the host state can also stay on board throughout the planned journey.
- Signatories: Currently, the treaty has 34 party states. India is not a member of this treaty.
- Treaty Implementation: The Open Skies Consultative Commission (OSCC), composed of representatives of all states-parties is responsible for the implementation of the Open Skies Treaty.
