Stockholm convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Why in news?

• The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved ratification of the Stockholm Convention by banning seven hazardous chemicals that are harmful for health and environment.
• The seven banned chemicals are listed as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention

About the convention:

• Stockholm convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is an international legally binding agreement. The conference held in 2001 and agreement is effective from 2004.
• It aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
• POPs are organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation through biological, chemical or photolytic processes.
• Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage to central and peripheral nervous systems, diseases of immune system, reproductive disorders and child development.
• POPs are listed in various Annexes to the Stockholm Convention after thorough scientific research, deliberations and negotiations among member countries.
• 181 parties including India ratified the convention, whereas USA, Italy, Malaysia and Israel are not ratified yet.
• India had ratified the Stockholm Convention on January 13, 2006.
• But as per Article 25 (4), of the convnention India has opted  to keep itself in a default “opt-out” position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/acceptance/approval or accession is explicitly deposited with the UN depositary.
• The current ratification is thus related to some amendments made in the annex list of chemicals under the convention.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements to Stockholm convention:
1.It is related to control of persistent organic pollutants.
2.India has ratified the convention.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a)1 only 
(b)2 only 
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to Prelims Question