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India - Sweden Virtual Summit

Why in News Indian Prime Minister held a Virtual Summit with the Prime Minister of Sweden to discuss bilateral issues and other regional and...

06 Mar 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India-Bangladesh Bilateral Meet

Why in News Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister visited Bangladesh for a bilateral meet. This meeting comes ahead of Indian Prime...

05 Mar 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Humanitarian Assistance to Drought-Hit Madagascar

Why in News India is sending a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and 1,00,000 hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets to Madagascar as assistance...

03 Mar 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Exercise Desert Flag-VI: UAE

Why in News For the first time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the Exercise Desert Flag-VI, hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE)...

03 Mar 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India-USA Bilateral Trade

Why in News According to annual reports of US Trade Representative (USTR), India's recent emphasis on import substitution through the 'Make in...

02 Mar 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Switzerland’s Policy of Neutrality

Why in News Recently, Switzerland’s Ambassador said that its traditional foreign Policy of Neutrality (Swiss Neutrality) has become attractive...

01 Mar 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
CECPA: India & Mauritius

Why in News The Union Cabinet has approved signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) between India and...

25 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
IAEA - Iran Deal over Nuclear Inspections

Why in News Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed to temporary measures to offset Iran's decision to restrict access to...

23 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India - Maldives

Why in News Recently, India and the Maldives have signed a defence Line of Credit agreement worth USD 50 million. The agreement was signed during...

23 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Transatlantic Alliance

Why in News The USA President Joe Biden in his first address to the annual Munich Security Conference declared that the 'transatlantic alliance is...

20 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
NAVDEX 21 and IDEX 21: UAE

Why in News Indian Naval Ship (INS) Pralaya arrived at Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate in the NAVDEX 21 (Naval Defence Exhibition) and IDEX 21...

20 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Quad Meeting

Why in News Recently, India joined Australia, Japan and the United States for a ministerial meeting under the Quadrilateral grouping (Quad) and...

20 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India-China Disengagement

This article is based on “Looking ahead after the Ladakh walk back” which was published in The Hindu on 17/02/2021. It talks about the...

17 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
World Trade Organisation

Why in News Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was appointed as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the leading international trade...

17 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
New India-Russia Ties

This article is based on “Bridge the geopolitical distance with Russia” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 16/02/2021. It...

16 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India-Poland Relations

Why in News Recently, Poland has invited India’s Prime Minister while he will be visiting Portugal for the European Union-India summit (May...

10 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India-Myanmar Relations

This article is based on “The long and the short of India’s Naypyitaw dilemma” which was published in The Hindu on 09/02/2021. It...

09 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
India - Ukraine

Why in News Recently, Ukraine has shown interest to procure some military hardware from India in addition to efforts to deepen its presence in the...

09 Feb 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Agreement With IEA

Why in News India has inked a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to strengthen cooperation in global energy...

28 Jan 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements
Russia Agrees To Extend START Treaty

Why in News Recently, Russia approved the extension of the New START treaty . It is the last remaining nuclear Russia-USA arms control treaty which...

28 Jan 2021 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements

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		'title' => 'India - Sweden Virtual Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Indian Prime Minister held a <strong>Virtual Summit</strong> with the Prime Minister of Sweden to discuss bilateral issues and other regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Summit provided an opportunity to discuss the international situation and response to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19#:~:text=Covid%2D19%20pandemic%20is%20a,crises%20in%20recent%20human%20history." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> as well as regional and global issues of mutual importance including climate action, sustainable development, gender equality, counter-terrorism and disaster resilient infrastructure, among others.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615035039_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615035039_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Highlights of the Summit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Welcomed the <strong>launch of a second joint industrial R&amp;D call on Smart and Sustainable Cities</strong>, Transport Systems, Clean Technologies and Digitalization and Internet of Things under <strong>India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research &amp; Development Programme.</strong></li>
<li>Confirmed the ambition to scale up bilateral research and innovation on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-australia-circular-economy-hackathon#:~:text=Meaning%3A%20It%20is%20an%20economy,as%20a%20source%20of%20energy." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Circular Economy</strong></a> including the themes of Health and Life Sciences and Waste to Wealth during 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Other Sectors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Welcomed the creation of a <strong>Sweden-India Health Hub at AIIMS-Jodhpur.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Noted advances in hydrogen research and their possible applications</strong>, i.e. in the Energy and other key industries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation at Multilateral Forums:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Welcomed Sweden&rsquo;s decision to join the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-solar-technology-summit-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance (ISA)</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Sweden <strong>congratulated India on its eighth term as an elected member of the UN Security Council for 2021-2022.</strong></li>
<li>Reaffirmed the <strong>importance of the urgent reform of the UN Security</strong> <strong>Council</strong>, including its expansion not only to sustain credibility of multilateralism but also to deliver on the several serious common challenges facing humanity.</li>
<li>India <strong>thanked Sweden for its support to India&rsquo;s permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.</strong></li>
<li>India <strong>congratulated Sweden on assuming the Chairmanship of the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Action:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Welcomed the USA re-entry into the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris agreement</strong></a> which gives new momentum to global climate action ahead of <strong>COP 26</strong> to be held in <strong>Glasgow, UK.</strong></li>
<li>Agreed to continue their outreach to expand the membership of the<strong> Leadership Group on Industry Transition (LeadIT).</strong></li>
<li>Agreed further to intensify their collaboration within the framework of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/arctic-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Arctic Council</strong> </a>to address global environmental protection and combating climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Welcomed the finalization of the <strong>General Security Agreement in 2019</strong> on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information, enabling a comprehensive partnership in all defence sectors.</li>
<li>Indian Prime Minister <strong>invited Swedish defence firms to participate in the "Make in India programme&rdquo;, especially in the two Defence Production Corridors</strong> in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India - Sweden Relations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Political Relations:</strong> The first <strong>India-Nordic Summit</strong> took place in the year 2018.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The King and Queen of Sweden gave a Royal Visit to India in December, 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic and Commercial relations:</strong> The bilateral trade between two countries presently stands around USD 2 billion. After China and Japan, India is Sweden's third largest trade partner in Asia.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The main items of <strong>Indian exports to Sweden</strong> are articles of apparel, clothing accessories; textiles yarn, fabrics, made-ups; manufactures of metals; road vehicles; general industrial machinery and equipment.</li>
<li>The main items of <strong>Indian imports from Sweden</strong> are pulp and waste paper; road vehicles; paper and paper board, general industrial machinery and equipment etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Being a member of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a>, Sweden can play an important role in India&rsquo;s partnership with the European Union and EU countries.</li>
<li>The close relations will <strong>further the values of democracy</strong>, rule of law, pluralism, equality, freedom of speech, and respect for human rights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>First India-Nordic Summit</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was held in April, 2018.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> and five Nordic countries - <strong>Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark</strong> held the summit to deepen cooperation.</li>
<li><strong>Significance of Nordic for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Discussion of key issues of <strong>security, economic growth and climate change.</strong></li>
<li>India can imitate the <strong>Nordic approach</strong> to innovation systems, characterised by a strong collaboration between public sector, private sector and academia.</li>
<li>In areas like <strong>clean technologies, maritime solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health, life-sciences and agriculture</strong>, Nordic solutions can be useful.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Leadership Group on Industry Transition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) gathers countries and companies that are committed to action to achieve the <strong>Paris Agreement</strong>.</li>
<li>It was launched by the <strong>governments of Sweden and India at the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/un-climate-action-summit-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UN Climate Action Summit</a></strong> in September 2019 and is supported by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/davos-dialogue-world-economic-forum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Economic Forum.</strong></a></li>
<li>LeadIT members subscribe to the notion that energy-intensive industry can and must progress on low-carbon pathways, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1702753" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Bangladesh Bilateral Meet',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister visited Bangladesh for a bilateral meet.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This meeting comes ahead of <strong>Indian Prime Minister&rsquo;s visit to Bangladesh</strong> scheduled in March 2021.</li>
<li>Earlier a 122-member contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces has participated in the 72<sup>nd</sup> <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/republic-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Republic Day</strong></a> parade, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/50-years-of-india-bangladesh-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>commemorating 50 years of the 1971 India-Pakistan war that led to the liberation of Bangladesh</strong></a>.</li>
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<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614936692_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614936692_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bangladesh&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Resolution of Problems:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Problems between neighbouring countries should be resolved <strong>through discussions and negotiations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prioritising Each Others Benefit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Need to focus on possible ways to materialise commitments and accommodate each other&rsquo;s priorities in a mutually beneficial manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation During Covid-19:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bangladesh <strong>acknowledged</strong> the collaborative initiative of the two countries in implementing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-vaccine-diplomacy#:~:text=The%20vaccination%20drive%20in%20India,India%20who%20cannot%20afford%20it." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>vaccination programme</strong></a> against the ongoing pandemic.</li>
<li>Bangladesh purchased the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid</strong></a> vaccine from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covishield-and-covaxin-approved-for-restricted-use" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Serum Institute of India.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bangladesh is the<strong> largest recipient of 9 million doses</strong> of Made in India vaccine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multidimensional Relationship:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both countries are committed to expand their relationship in all dimensions, ranging from <strong>security, trade, transport and connectivity, culture, people-to-people ties, energy,</strong> joint development of our <strong>shared resources and defence.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Congratulated Bangladesh :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>On its graduation from the <strong>Least Developed Country (LDC)</strong> status.</li>
<li>Bangladesh has been on the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a> </strong>(UN) Least Developed Countries list since 1975.</li>
<li>Bangladesh fulfilled all the criteria necessary for its elevation to a developing country in 2018.</li>
<li>Therefore the <strong>UN</strong> has recommended <strong>graduation of Bangladesh from the category of Least Developed Country (LDC).</strong></li>
<li>Once it receives the final recommendation, <strong>Bangladesh will formally graduate to the developing nation bracket in 2026.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More than Strategic Partners:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India-Bangladesh relations transcend strategic partnership, and <strong>bonding of both the countries is central</strong> to the realisation of a dream of a <strong>peaceful, prosperous and progressive South Asia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Continued Interaction During Covid:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Despite the Covid<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> pandemic</strong></a>, interactions and consultations continued unabated such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh-virtual-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Bangladesh had a Virtual Summit in December 2020.</strong></a></li>
<li>A Joint Consultative Commission between the two Foreign Ministers in September 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Teesta Issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India and Bangladesh would have a meeting of Water Resources secretaries to discuss the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chinese-involvement-in-teesta-river#:~:text=India%2DBangladesh%20Teesta%20Dispute%3A,Barrage%20near%20their%20mutual%20border." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Teesta</strong> </a>issue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Development of Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is keen to <strong>focus on the development of connectivity</strong> with Bangladesh and beyond for next 20 years to change the <strong>region's geo-economic scenario.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bangladesh Central to India&rsquo;s Policies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bangladesh was central to India's <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-is-indias-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Neighbourhood First' policy</strong> </a>and increasingly relevant to the country's <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East Policy</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Bangladesh as a <strong>key neighbour and a valued partner</strong> not only in South Asia but also in the broader <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific region</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Progress on Ground Situation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Practical progress has been made on the ground. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Conducting a <strong>trial run of container cargo</strong> through<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Chattogram port</strong></a> to Agartala.</li>
<li>Adding two new protocol routes to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sonamura-daudkandi-inland-waterway-route#:~:text=Key%20Points,Waterways%20of%20India%20through%20Bangladesh." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>inland waterways connecting Tripura to the national waterways.</strong></a></li>
<li>Handing over <strong>10 broad gauge locomotives.</strong></li>
<li>Forming a <strong>Joint venture in the energy sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A year after the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-paper-2-national-register-of-citizens-nrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019-National Register of Citizens (NRC)</strong></a> issue strained the robust ties between the two countries,<strong> quiet diplomacy appears to have worked.</strong> India must keep up the partnership that allows for <strong>economic growth and improved developmental parameters</strong> for both countries.</li>
<li>Deepening <strong>relationship with Bangladesh</strong> has become a<strong> necessity in the face of shifting geo-economics.</strong> Bangladesh, with its growing economic success provides a vital partnership in the region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two countries share <strong>54 transboundary rivers,</strong> and water management is the key to prosperity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bangladesh-India relations have reached a stage of maturity.</strong> There is scope for India-Bangladesh ties to move to the next level, based on <strong>cooperation, coordination and consolidation.</strong></li>
<li>It is important to address specific issues like Teesta and to respond to Dhaka&rsquo;s call for help on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rohingyas-at-isolated-bangladesh-island" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohingya</strong> </a>issue.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/delhi-reaches-out-to-dhaka-for-ties-beyond-strategic-partnership-7214715/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'Humanitarian Assistance to Drought-Hit Madagascar',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>India is sending</strong> a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of <strong>rice</strong> and 1,00,000 <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-revokes-ban-on-export-of-hydroxychloroquine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)</a> tablets to Madagascar</strong> as assistance to deal with the humanitarian crisis triggered by a severe drought.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Latest Assistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The humanitarian assistance is being delivered on-board <strong>Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa.</strong></li>
<li>During this trip, INS Jalashwa will also have on board an <strong>Indian naval training team,</strong> which is being deployed in Madagascar for <strong>capacity building and training</strong> of the Malagasy Special Forces.</li>
<li>INS Jalashwa will also call at<strong> Port Anjoun</strong> in the <strong>Republic of Comoros</strong> where it will deliver a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of Indian rice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Past Assistance to Madagascar:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kesari</strong> carried food items and medical assistance teams to countries including Madagascar to deal with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19#:~:text=Covid%2D19%20pandemic%20is%20a,crises%20in%20recent%20human%20history." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong> </a>as part of a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-sagar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>"Mission Sagar"</strong></a> initiative.</li>
<li>In March 2020, <strong>INS Shardul</strong> visited the port of Antsiranana and delivered 600 tonnes of rice as <strong>Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)</strong> assistance to Madagascar for dealing with heavy floods in the Northern region of Madagascar.</li>
<li>Indian Navy was the first to respond when <strong>Cyclone Diane</strong> struck Madagascar and prompt assistance was delivered under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-vanilla" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Operation Vanilla</strong></a> by INS Airavat in January 2020.</li>
<li>India is also actively engaged in training Malagasy people in capacity building and other high skilled/technical fields, courses for which are offered through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vice-president-s-visit-to-comoros-and-sierra-leone" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)</strong> </a>and <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-africa-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India Africa Forum Summit.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The supplies of food assistance and support for capacity building to the friendly countries of Madagascar and Comoros is in line with the vision of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAGAR.</strong></a></li>
<li>Showcases India&rsquo;s time-tested role as a<strong> net security provider</strong> in the Indian Ocean Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Developments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has been accepted as an observer of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-as-an-observer-at-ioc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This has strategic importance as the Commission is an important regional institution in the Western/African Indian Ocean.</li>
<li>IOC consists of Madagascar, Comoros, La R&eacute;union (French overseas territory), Mauritius and Seychelles as members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India hosted <strong>Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Conclave</strong> to promote dialogue in an institutional, economic and cooperative environment that can foster the development of peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Defence Minister of Madagascar also participated in it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614769411_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614769411_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/india-sending-humanitarian-assistance-to-drought-hit-madagascar-7210520/#:~:text=Oliva%20(%20file%20photo%20)-,India%20is%20sending%20a%20consignment%20of%201%2C000%20metric%20tonnes%20of,External%20Affairs%20said%20on%20Monday." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 3 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7829,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Exercise Desert Flag-VI: UAE',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>For the first time, the <strong>Indian Air Force (IAF)</strong> is participating in the <strong>Exercise Desert Flag-VI, hosted by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-uae-meet-on-investments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Arab Emirates</a></strong> <strong>(UAE) Air Force.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614757903_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614757903_image 0.jpg" width="550" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> Ex Desert Flag is an <strong>annual multinational large force employment warfare exercise</strong> hosted by the <strong>UAE Air Force.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To provide operational exposure to the participating forces while training them to undertake simulated air combat operations in a controlled environment.</li>
<li><strong>Exercise Desert Flag-VI:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Duration:</strong> It isbout <strong>a three week long exercise</strong> scheduled from 3<sup>rd</sup> - 27<sup>th</sup> March 2021 at <strong>Al-Dhafra air base, UAE.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Participants:</strong> The air forces of the UAE, India, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-usa-bilateral-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United States of America</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-france-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">France</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saudi Arabia</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-south-korea-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Korea</a></strong> and <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bahrain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bahrain</a></strong>.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Participation:</strong> The IAF is participating with six <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sukhoi-30-mki-equipped-with-the-brahmos-missile" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Su-30 MKI</strong></a>, two <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indias-new-sop-for-arms-export" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>C-17 Globemasters</strong></a> and one IL-78 tanker aircraft.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Joint Military Exercises with the UAE:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With the UAE, India has <strong>In-UAE BILAT</strong> (bilateral <strong>naval</strong> exercise) as well as <strong>Desert Eagle-II</strong> (bilateral <strong>air force</strong> exercise).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Engagements:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India participated in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/navdex-21-and-idex-21-uae" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NAVDEX 21 (Naval Defence Exhibition) and IDEX 21 (International Defence Exhibition).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The exhibitions showcase the latest technologies and innovation in the global defence sector, support the growth of UAE&rsquo;s defence industry, and forge new relationships between major international companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Examples of Other Multinational Exercises:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pitch-black" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pitch Black</strong></a><strong>:</strong> Biennial, multilateral air combat training exercise of <strong>Australia.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-cancels-red-flag" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Red Flag</a>:</strong> Multilateral air exercise of <strong>USA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1701975" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7822,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-USA Bilateral Trade',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to annual reports of <strong>US Trade Representative (USTR),</strong> India's recent emphasis on<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/import-cut-to-become-self-reliant" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> import substitution</strong> </a>through the<strong> '<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Make in India</a>' campaign</strong> is one the several challenges facing the bilateral trade relationship.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bilateral Trade between India and USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019-20, the bilateral trade between the USA and India stood at<strong> USD 88.75 billion.</strong></li>
<li>The USA is one of the few countries with which<strong> India has a trade surplus.</strong></li>
<li>India&rsquo;s trade surplus with the USA increased to USD 17.42 billion in 2019-20 from USD 16.86 billion in 2018-19.</li>
<li>For the USA,<strong> India was the sixth largest</strong> supplier of services imports.</li>
<li>India's large market, economic growth, and progress towards development make it an essential market for USA exporters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues in the Trade Relationship:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tariffs:</strong> Both the countries cite market barriers including both tariff and non-tariff barriers, as well as multiple practices and regulations that disadvantage foreign companies.</li>
<li><strong>Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Programme:</strong> Effective from June 2019, the USA decided to withdraw duty-free benefits to Indian exporters under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-withdraws-gsp-for-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GSP programme.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Services:</strong> A key issue for India is the <strong>USA's temporary visa policies,</strong> which affect Indian nationals working in the United States. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India also continues to seek a<strong> &ldquo;totalization agreement&rdquo;</strong> to coordinate social security protection for workers who split their careers between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture: <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) barriers</a></strong> in India limit USA agricultural exports.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Each side also sees the other&rsquo;s agricultural support programs as market-distorting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Intellectual Property (IP):</strong> The two sides differ on how to balance<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/intellectual-property-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> IP protection</strong> </a>to incentivize innovation and support other policy goals, such as access to medicines.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India remains on the <strong>&ldquo;Special 301&rdquo; Priority Watch List for 2020,</strong> based on concerns owing to its treatment of patents, infringement rates, and protection of trade secrets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>"Forced" Localization:</strong> The United States continues to press India on its &ldquo;forced&rdquo; localization practices.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Initiatives to grow India&rsquo;s manufacturing base and support jobs include requirements for in-country data storage, domestic content (such as laws protecting India&rsquo;s solar sector), and domestic testing in some sectors.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s new data localization requirements for electronic payment service suppliers such as MasterCard, Visa, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investment:</strong> US concerns about investment barriers remain nevertheless, heightened by new Indian restrictions on how e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Walmart owned Flipkart conduct business.</li>
<li><strong>Defense Trade:</strong> The United States urges more reforms in India&rsquo;s defense offsets policy and higher <strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</strong> caps in its defense sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Generalized System of Preferences</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)</strong> is a USA trade program designed to promote economic growth in the developing world by providing preferential duty-free entry for up to 4,800 products from 129 designated beneficiary countries and territories.</li>
<li>GSP was instituted on 1<sup>st</sup> January, 1976, by the Trade Act of 1974.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a huge potential to boost bilateral trade between the countries especially on account of increasing anti-China sentiment in both the nations.</li>
<li>Thus, the negotiation should focus on the resolution of various non-tariff barriers and other market access improvements as early as possible.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/us-trade-report-flags-challenges-from-make-in-india-policy/article33966691.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7809,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Switzerland’s Policy of Neutrality',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Switzerland&rsquo;s Ambassador said that its traditional foreign <strong>Policy of Neutrality (Swiss Neutrality)</strong> has become <strong>attractive again because of the changing political reality</strong> in the world.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614589926_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614589926_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Policy of Neutrality:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a foreign policy position wherein a <strong>state intends to remain neutral in future wars.</strong> A sovereign state that reserves the right to become belligerent if attacked by a party to the war is in<strong> a condition of armed neutrality.</strong></li>
<li>A permanently neutral power is a sovereign state which is bound by international treaty, or by its own declaration, to be <strong>neutral towards the belligerents of all future wars.</strong> An example of a permanently neutral power is Switzerland. Other being Ireland, Austria, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The concept of neutrality in war is <strong>narrowly defined and puts specific constraints on the neutral party</strong> in return for the internationally recognized right to remain neutral.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Day of Neutrality</strong> is a <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-75-years-of-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> recognized day held on <strong>12<sup>th</sup> December</strong> each year to raise public awareness of the value of neutrality in international relations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>National policies of neutrality are aimed at promoting the <strong>use of preventive diplomacy,</strong> which is a core function of the<strong> United Nations.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The term "Preventive diplomacy"</strong> refers to diplomatic action taken to prevent disputes from escalating into conflicts and to limit the spread of conflicts when they occur.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Swiss Neutrality and its Evolution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Switzerland is renowned for its neutrality, but this should not be confused with pacifism. The country <strong>maintains an army,</strong> including obligatory conscription for men, and did so throughout both World Wars.</li>
<li>The last time Switzerland (Swiss) fought a military battle was <strong>500 years ago,</strong> against the<strong> French</strong> (the Swiss lost).</li>
<li>In 1783, Switzerland was <strong>acknowledged as a neutral state</strong> in the<strong> Treaty of Paris.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Treaty of Paris was signed in Paris by Great Britain and the United States of America and Canada on 3rd September, 1783, and it officially ended the <strong>American Revolutionary War.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Switzerland maintained its impartial stance through <strong>World War I (1914-18),</strong> when it mobilized its army and accepted refugees but also refused to take sides militarily.</li>
<li>In 1920, meanwhile, the newly formed <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1#:~:text=The%20forerunner%20of%20the%20United,to%20achieve%20peace%20and%20security.%22" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>League of Nations</strong></a> officially recognized Swiss neutrality and established its headquarters in Geneva.</li>
<li>A more significant challenge to Swiss neutrality came during <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-war-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World War II</strong></a>, when the country found itself encircled by the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Axis powers</strong></a>. However even then Switzerland maintained its independence by promising retaliation in the event of an invasion.</li>
<li>Since World War II, Switzerland has taken a more active role in international affairs by aiding humanitarian initiatives, but it remains fiercely neutral with regard to military affairs. It has never joined the<strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nato-ally-status-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)</a></strong> or the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a>, and only joined the <strong>United Nations</strong> in 2002.</li>
<li>In the 21<sup>st</sup> century, Switzerland is again becoming a destination for dialogue on difficult issues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Discussions on Syria, Libya and Yemen were held in Geneva.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s policy of <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-alignment</strong> </a>and <strong>Switzerland&rsquo;s traditional policy of neutrality</strong> have led to a close understanding between the two countries.</li>
<li>In 1948, a <strong>Treaty of Friendship</strong> was concluded between both the countries. Both believe in the spirit of <strong>democracy and pluralism.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Non-Aligned Movement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>a forum of 120 developing world states</strong> that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origin:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The group was <strong>started in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1961.</strong></li>
<li>It was created by Yugoslavia&rsquo;s President, Josip Broz Tito, <strong>India&rsquo;s first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru,</strong> Egypt&rsquo;s second President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Ghana&rsquo;s first president Kwame Nkrumah, and Indonesia&rsquo;s first President, Sukarno.</li>
<li>The most important antecedent to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement was the <strong>Bandung Conference of 1955.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has sought to <strong>"create an independent path in world politics that would not result in member States becoming pawns in the struggles between the major powers."</strong></li>
<li>It identifies the right of independent judgment, the <strong>struggle against imperialism and neo-colonialism,</strong> and the use of moderation in relations with all big powers as the three basic elements that have influenced its approach.</li>
<li>At present, an additional goal is facilitating a <strong>restructuring of the international economic order.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Principles:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Respect for<strong> fundamental human rights</strong> and of the objectives and principles of the Charter of the <strong>United Nations.</strong></li>
<li>Respect for the<strong> sovereignty and territorial integrity</strong> of all countries.</li>
<li>Recognition of<strong> equality among all races</strong> and of <strong>equality among all nations,</strong> both large and small.</li>
<li><strong>Non-interference or non-intervention</strong> into the internal affairs of another country.</li>
<li>Respect the <strong>right of every nation</strong> to defend itself, either individually or collectively, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations.</li>
<li><strong>Non-use of collective defence pacts</strong> to benefit the specific interests of any of the great powers.</li>
<li>Refraining from acts or threats of aggression and use of force against the territorial integrity or <strong>political independence</strong> of any nation.</li>
<li>Settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means.</li>
<li>Promotion of <strong>mutual interest and cooperation.</strong></li>
<li>Respect for justice and international obligations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/swiss-neutrality-in-world-affairs-again-attractive-envoy/article33955471.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7774,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'CECPA: India & Mauritius',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Union Cabinet has approved signing of the <strong>Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA)</strong> between India and Mauritius.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The India-Mauritius CECPA is the <strong>first trade agreement signed by India</strong> with a <strong>country in Africa.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614235506_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614235506_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About CECPA :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>a kind of free trade pact</strong> that aims to provide an institutional mechanism to encourage and improve trade between the two countries.</li>
<li>Under this agreement, countries reduce or eliminate the duties on the products. The countries also give relaxation in the norms to promote the services trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Types of Trade Agreements</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Free Trade Agreement (FTA):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A free trade agreement is an agreement in which <strong>two or more countries agree to provide preferential trade terms, tariff concession etc.</strong> to the partner country.</li>
<li>India has negotiated FTA with many countries e.g. Sri Lanka and various trading blocs as well e.g. <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this type of agreement, two or more partners give <strong>preferential right of entry to certain products.</strong> This is <strong>done by reducing duties</strong> on an agreed number of tariff lines.</li>
<li>Tariffs may even be reduced to zero for some products even in a PTA. <strong>India signed a PTA with Afghanistan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Partnership agreement or cooperation agreement are more <strong>comprehensive than an FTA.</strong></li>
<li>CEPA covers negotiation on the trade in services and investment, and other areas of economic partnership.</li>
<li>India has signed <strong>CEPAs with South Korea and Japan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>CECA generally covers <strong>negotiation on trade tariff and TRQ (Tariff Rate Quotas) rates</strong> only. It is <strong>not as comprehensive as CEPA.</strong> India has signed <strong>CECA with Malaysia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India-Mauritius CECPA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a<strong> limited agreement</strong> that will cover only select sectors. It will cover Trade in <strong>Goods, Rules of Origin, Trade in Services, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Dispute Settlement,</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit to India:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>More than 300 domestic goods from agriculture, textiles, electronics and other sectors will <strong>get market access at concessional customs duties</strong> in Mauritius.</li>
<li><strong>Indian service providers will have access to around 115 sub-sectors from the 11 broad service sectors,</strong> such as professional services, computer related services, research &amp; development, other business services, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit to Mauritius:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will benefit from<strong> preferential market access into India for its 615 products,</strong> including frozen fish, speciality sugar, biscuits, fresh fruits, juices, mineral water, beer, alcoholic drinks, soaps, bags, medical and surgical equipment, and apparel.</li>
<li><strong>India has offered around 95 sub-sectors from the 11 broad services sectors,</strong> including professional services, R&amp;D, other business services, telecommunication, environmental, health, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Negotiation on Automatic Trigger Safeguard Mechanism (ATSM):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India and Mauritius have also agreed to negotiate an Automatic Trigger Safeguard Mechanism (ATSM) for some highly sensitive products within two years of the signing of the agreement.</li>
<li>ATSM <strong>protects the country from any sudden or dramatic increase in imports.</strong></li>
<li>Under this mechanism, if the imports of a product are rising alarmingly, then after reaching a certain <strong>threshold,</strong> India can impose <strong>safeguard duties</strong> on imports from Mauritius automatically. The same provision applies to Mauritius as well against Indian imports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-Mauritius Economic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India had extended a <strong>&lsquo;Special Economic Package&rsquo;</strong> of USD 353 million to Mauritius in 2016. The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-supreme-court-building-of-mauritius" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Mauritius Supreme Court</strong></a> building project is one of the projects implemented under this package. This was jointly inaugurated by both the countries in 2020.</li>
<li>India and Mauritius have jointly <strong>inaugurated the Phase-I of the Metro Express Project</strong> and the <strong>100-bed state of the art ENT hospital project </strong>in<strong> Mauritius,</strong> also built under the special economic package.</li>
<li>According to the<strong> International Trade Centre (ITC),</strong> in 2019, the <strong>main import partners of Mauritius</strong> were<strong> India (13.85%), China (16.69%), South Africa (8.07%),</strong> and<strong> UAE (7.28%).</strong></li>
<li>The bilateral trade between India and Mauritius has registered a<strong> growth of 233%</strong> from <strong>USD 206.76</strong> million in the Financial Year (FY) <strong>2005-06</strong> to <strong>USD 690.02</strong> million in FY <strong>2019-20.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mauritius</strong> was the<strong> second</strong> top source of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</strong></a> into India in <strong>2019-20.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Recent Developments:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614236441_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614236441_image2.png" style="float: right;" caption="false" width="317" height="333" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Mauritius signed a<strong> USD 100 million Defence Line of Credit</strong> agreement</li>
<li>Mauritius would get a<strong> Dornier aircraft and an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/apache-helicopters-for-indian-army" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv</a> on lease</strong> which would build its <strong>maritime security capabilities.</strong></li>
<li>The two sides also<strong> discussed the Chagos Archipelago dispute,</strong> which was an issue of sovereignty and sustainable development before the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN).</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In <strong>2019, India voted at the UN General Assembly in support of the Mauritian position on the issue.</strong> India was one of the 116 countries that voted demanding that the UK end its &ldquo;colonial administration&rdquo; from the group of islands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-vaccine-diplomacy#:~:text=India%20has%20decided%20to%20ship,as%20a%20grant%20or%20gift." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>delivered 1,00,000 Covishield vaccines</strong></a> to Mauritius.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The evolving <strong>geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean (IO)</strong> has created new challenges &ndash; and opportunities &mdash; for the countries in and bordering the IO. Mauritius, along with India&rsquo;s other smaller island neighbours, is acutely aware of its maritime identity and geostrategic value. They especially understand what these mean for their larger neighbour India.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s approach to Mauritius is being increasingly entrenched within a regional framework, as seen with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-sagar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mission Sagar</strong></a>, India&rsquo;s initiative to deliver Covid-19 related assistance to countries in the Indian Ocean region. To take this engagement further, <strong>India needs to remain proactive in bringing together like-minded partners</strong> such as Mauritius, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles, Maldives, and Sri Lanka in numerous and overlapping ways.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1698689" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 7 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7761,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'IAEA - Iran Deal over Nuclear Inspections',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Iran and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/63rd-general-conference-of-iaea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)</strong></a> have agreed to temporary measures to offset Iran's decision to restrict access to inspectors.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In December 2020, Iran&rsquo;s Parliament passed the law demanding a suspension of some inspections if the USA failed to lift sanctions.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Iran will <strong>stop the implementation of the voluntary measures</strong> as envisaged in the <strong>2015 nuclear deal,</strong> as of 23rd February 2021.</li>
<li>However, Iran will<strong> continue to implement</strong> fully and without limitation its <strong>Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA as before.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under <strong>a comprehensive safeguards agreement,</strong> the IAEA has the right and obligation to ensure that safeguards are applied on all nuclear material in the territory, jurisdiction or control of the State for the exclusive purpose of verifying that such material is not diverted to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>No access will be given to the IAEA beyond safeguards of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/50-years-of-nuclear-non-proliferation-treaty-npt#:~:text=The%20treaty%20institutionalised%20the%20non,Russia%2C%20the%20UK%2C%20France%20and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Proliferation Treaty</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Iran would <strong>deny the IAEA real-time access to footage from surveillance cameras</strong> installed at some sites and, if sanctions are not lifted within three months, delete it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Deal:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It certainly seems likely to<strong> defuse a mounting sense of crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear activities</strong> and efforts to <strong>breathe new life into the 2015 nuclear deal.</strong></li>
<li>It <strong>significantly reduces the impact of a new Iranian law,</strong> passed in 2020, which would have seriously hampered the IAEA's ability to do its work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2015 Nuclear Deal:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2015, Iran with the<strong> P5+1</strong> group of world powers - the USA, UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany agreed on a long-term deal on its nuclear programme.</li>
<li>The deal was named as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-blocking-sites-access-iaea#:~:text=Iran%20Nuclear%20Program%20and%20JCPOA&amp;text=The%20deal%20was%20named%20as,parlance%20as%20Iran%20Nuclear%20Deal.&amp;text=The%20agreement%20allowed%20Iran%20to,reactor%20fuel%20and%20nuclear%20weapons." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)</strong></a> and in common parlance as Iran Nuclear Deal.</li>
<li>Under the deal, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear activity in return for the lifting of sanctions and access to global trade.</li>
<li>The agreement allowed Iran to accumulate small amounts of uranium for research but it <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-steps-up-uranium-enrichment#:~:text=The%20deal%20was%20named%20as,parlance%20as%20Iran%20Nuclear%20Deal.&amp;text=The%20agreement%20allowed%20Iran%20to,reactor%20fuel%20and%20nuclear%20weapons." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>banned the enrichment of uranium</strong></a>, which is used to make reactor fuel and nuclear weapons.</li>
<li>Iran was also required to <strong>redesign a heavy-water reactor</strong> being built, whose spent fuel could contain plutonium suitable for a bomb and to <strong>allow international inspections.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614079166_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614079166_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>USA Abandoning the Deal in 2018:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In May 2018, the USA abandoned the deal criticising it as flawed and reinstated and tightened its sanctions.</li>
<li>Since sanctions were tightened, Iran has been steadily breaking some of its commitments to pressure the remaining signatories to find a way to provide sanctions relief.</li>
<li>The USA held that it would attempt to force all countries to stop buying Iranian oil and put pressure on Iran to negotiate a new nuclear accord.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>IAEA&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2018, an International Atomic Energy Agency&rsquo;s report concluded that Iran&rsquo;s stockpile of uranium and heavy water, as well as its implementation of additional protocols, were &ldquo;in compliance&rdquo; with the agreement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Atomic Energy Agency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Widely known as the world&rsquo;s <strong>&ldquo;Atoms for Peace and Development&rdquo;</strong> organization within the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong> </a>family, the IAEA is the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The IAEA was created in 1957 in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong> Vienna, Austria.</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2005, it was awarded the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/nobel-prize-2020#:~:text=The%202020%20Nobel%20Peace%20Prize,weapon%20of%20war%20and%20conflict." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nobel Peace Prize</strong></a> for their work for a safe and peaceful world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an<strong> independent international organization</strong> that reports annually to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nation General Assembly.</strong></a></li>
<li>When necessary, the IAEA also reports to the UN Security Council in regards to instances of members&rsquo; non-compliance with safeguards and security obligations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/temporary-solution-found-ahead-of-iran-nuclear-deadline-iaea/article33898849.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7753,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India - Maldives',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and the Maldives have signed a <strong>defence Line of Credit agreement worth USD 50 million.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The agreement was <strong>signed during the visit by the External Affairs Minister of India to Maldives.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614072409_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614072409_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></strong></a>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Defence Line of Credit:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>signed pursuant to the request by the Government of Maldives in April 2013 for India&rsquo;s support and cooperation</strong> in enhancing the capability of the Maldives Defence Forces in maritime surveillance, and subsequent requests in October 2015 and March 2016.</li>
<li>It is seen as key to India&rsquo;s and Maldives&rsquo; strategic interests, particularly <strong>given China&rsquo;s increasing footprint in the Indian Ocean Region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Assistance to Build Dockyards:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A dockyard will be developed at the <strong>Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) Naval Base</strong> with Indian assistance, a few miles northwest of Male, which will strengthen the Maldivian defence capabilities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The agreement is <strong>part of the defence action plan signed in 2016</strong> by then Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom during a visit to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Indicating deepening security cooperation, an agreement to develop, support and maintain a <strong>Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard Harbour</strong> at Sifavaru was also signed. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India will also support development of other infrastructure needed for the harbour, support the development of communications resources and radar services, and provide training.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Countering Terrorism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agreed to convene the first meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, countering Violent Extremism and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/status-of-radicalisation-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>De-radicalisation</strong></a> at the the earliest.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Review of Infrastructure Projects:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A number of India-backed infrastructure projects including the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement Studies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Collaboration at Multilateral Bodies:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Discussed collaboration at multilateral bodies like the General Assembly and Security Council of the <a href="/pdf/united-nations-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Organisation.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Maldivian side <strong>assured India of its support for permanent membership of India</strong> at the &ldquo;expanded and reformed&rdquo; UN Security Council.</li>
<li><strong>India has also extended support for the candidature of the Maldives</strong> for the Presidency of the 76th session of the General Assembly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation for Police Reforms:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Noted progress on institutionalising linkages between the police organisations to support collaboration and cooperation in training management and exchange of trainers and trainees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India - Maldives Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geo-Strategic Importance of Maldives to India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Maldives, a Toll Gate in Indian Ocean:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Located at the southern and northern parts of this island chain lies the two important <strong>sea lanes of communication (SLOCs).</strong></li>
<li>These SLOCs are critical for maritime trade flow between the Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Hormuz in West Asia and the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia.</li>
<li>Nearly 50% of India&rsquo;s external trade and 80% of its energy imports transit these SLOCs in the Arabian Sea.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Part of Important Groupings:</strong> Besides, Maldives is a member of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)</strong></a> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/visit-of-home-minister-of-maldives" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South Asia</strong> <strong>Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation Between India &amp; Maldives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Security Cooperation:</strong> Through the decades, India has rushed emergency assistance to the Maldives, whenever sought.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 1988, when armed mercenaries attempted a coup against President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, India sent paratroopers and Navy vessels and restored the legitimate leadership under<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-sanjeevani" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Operation Cactus.</strong></a></li>
<li>India and Maldive conduct the <strong>joint military exercise <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-ekuverin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Ekuverin&rsquo;.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disaster Management:</strong> The 2004 tsunami and the drinking water crisis in Male a decade later were other occasions when India rushed assistance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Maldives has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Covid-19 assistance and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-vaccine-diplomacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>vaccines delivered</strong></a> by India among India&rsquo;s all of neighbouring countries.</li>
<li>When the world supply chains were blocked because of the pandemic, India continued to provide crucial commodities to the Maldives under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-sagar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mission SAGAR.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>People To People Contact:</strong> Maldivian students attend educational institutions in India and patients fly here for superspeciality healthcare, aided by <strong>a liberal visa-free regime extended by India.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong> Tourism is the mainstay of Maldivian economy. The country is now a major tourist destination for some Indians and a job destination for others.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Given the geographical limitations imposed on the Maldives, India has exempted the nation from export curbs on essential commodities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Irritants in Relations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Political Instability:</strong> India&rsquo;s major concern has been the impact of political instability in the neighbourhood on its security and development.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The February 2015 arrest of Maldives&rsquo; opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed on terrorism charges and the consequent political crisis have posed a real diplomatic test for India&rsquo;s neighbourhood policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Radicalisation:</strong> In the past decade or so, the number of Maldivians drawn towards terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based madrassas and jihadist groups has been increasing.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Political instability and socio-economic uncertainty are the main drivers fuelling the rise of Islamist radicalism in the island nation.</li>
<li>This gives rise to the possibility of Pakistan based terror groups using remote Maldivian islands as a launch pad for terror attacks against India and Indian interests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China Angle:</strong> China&rsquo;s strategic footprint in India&rsquo;s neighbourhood has increased. The Maldives has emerged as an important 'pearl' in China&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-sri-lanka-leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;String of Pearls&rdquo;</strong></a> construct in South Asia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Given the uncertain dynamics of Sino-Indian relation, China&rsquo;s strategic presence in the Maldives remains a concern.</li>
<li>Also, the Maldives have started using the China card to bargain with India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India-Maldives defense cooperation will enhance India&rsquo;s capability to monitor Chinese maritime and naval movements along vital sea lanes of communication that run alongside the Maldives.</li>
<li>In accordance with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-is-indias-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Neighbourhood First Policy&rdquo;</strong></a> of the government, India remains a committed development partner for a stable, prosperous and peaceful Maldives.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-maldives-sign-defence-and-security-related-pacts/article33894011.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7741,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Transatlantic Alliance',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>USA President Joe Biden</strong> in his first address to the annual <strong>Munich Security Conference</strong> declared that the <strong>'transatlantic alliance is back'</strong> and <strong>stressed the need to defend democracy around the world.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The USA President <strong>intended to improve the strained relationship between the USA and other European allies.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Munich Security Conference</strong> is<strong> an annual conference on international security policy</strong> that has taken place in Munich, Bavaria (Germany) since 1963.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Transatlantic Alliance has been the <strong>cornerstone of the post-World War II world order.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a real-world expression of West - of a sense that <strong>both sides of Atlantic are in it together.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is the foundation on which the collective security and shared prosperity of the USA and Europe are built.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, this historic, long-established friendship between the world&rsquo;s two largest economies has become strained in recent years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>T-TIP is an ambitious, comprehensive, and high-standard <strong>trade and investment agreement being negotiated between the United States and the European Union (EU).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The TTIP negotiations were launched in 2013 and ended without conclusion at the end of 2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>T-TIP will be a cutting edge agreement aimed at providing greater <strong>compatibility and transparency</strong> in trade and investment regulation, while maintaining high levels of health, safety, and environmental protection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for Strained Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Donald Trump (former) administration flaunted its foreign policy through an <strong>&ldquo;America First&rdquo;</strong> lens.</li>
<li>The former American president <strong>not only attacked the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) -</strong> the fundamental structure of transatlantic alliance but also <strong>withdrew from virtually all multinational agreements</strong> recently <strong>championed by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union (EU)</a></strong>, such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-steps-up-uranium-enrichment#:~:text=Under%20the%20deal%2C%20Iran%20agreed,reactor%20fuel%20and%20nuclear%20weapons." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Iran nuclear deal</strong></a> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris climate agreement.</strong></a></li>
<li>The USA and the EU appear to be <strong>at odds with each other currently regarding their China interests,</strong> particularly on the economic and trade front.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Latest Declaration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A boost to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-role-in-multilateral-world-order" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> multilateralism.</strong></a></li>
<li>Concerned with maintaining its global strategic primacy, the <strong>USA was once equivocal about European defence</strong> and strategic autonomy. But as<strong> power has shifted eastward,</strong> subsequent <strong>USA governments have been keen to devote as much attention,</strong> money, and military muscle as possible <strong>to the Indo-Pacific.</strong></li>
<li>The Alliance <strong>can lead to development of an EU-USA carbon border adjustment mechanism,</strong> and can <strong>help in averting most catastrophic impacts of climate change.</strong></li>
<li>On<strong> Iran,</strong> Europeans can anticipate<strong> renewed negotiations on a revamped nuclear deal</strong> aimed at de-escalating tensions across the region.</li>
<li>Germany&rsquo;s Merkel spoke about the <strong>need of a transatlantic policy towards Russia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>North Atlantic Treaty Organization</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Establishment:</strong> North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was <strong>established by the North Atlantic Treaty (also called the Washington Treaty)</strong> of 4<sup>th</sup> April, 1949, by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NATO provides a<strong> unique transatlantic link</strong> for political and security cooperation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Brussels, Belgium.</li>
<li><strong>Functioning:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NATO is a <strong>political and military alliance</strong> whose primary goals are the collective defence of its members and the maintenance of a democratic peace in the North Atlantic area.</li>
<li>NATO has an <strong>integrated military command structure</strong> but very few forces or assets are exclusively its own. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Most forces remain under full national command and control until member countries agree to undertake NATO-related tasks.</li>
<li>All 30 allies have an equal say, the Alliance&rsquo;s decisions must be unanimous and consensual, and its members must respect the basic values that underpin the Alliance, namely democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong> As of 2020, there are <strong>30 member states,</strong> with <strong>North Macedonia (2020) becoming the latest member</strong> to join the Alliance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Member Countries: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the United States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/biden-declares-america-is-back-in-welcome-words-to-allies/article33885668.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7739,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'NAVDEX 21 and IDEX 21: UAE',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Indian Naval Ship (INS) Pralaya</strong> arrived at Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate in the <strong>NAVDEX 21 (Naval Defence Exhibition)</strong> and <strong>IDEX 21 (International Defence Exhibition),</strong> scheduled from 20 to 25 February 2021.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>INS Mysore</strong> (an indigenously built guided missile destroyer deployed in the Persian Gulf) is also participating in the exhibition.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About NAVDEX 21 and IDEX 21:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>IDEX</strong> and <strong>NAVDEX,</strong> and the <strong>International Defence Conference</strong> are<strong> organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC),</strong> in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and the General Command of the UAE Armed Forces.</li>
<li>IDEX/NAVDEX <strong>takes place biennially.</strong> The exhibitions<strong> showcase the latest technologies and innovation</strong> in the global defence sector, support the growth of UAE&rsquo;s defence industry, and forge new relationships between major international companies.</li>
<li><strong>IDEX</strong> is the only international defence exhibition and conference in the<strong> MENA region</strong> demonstrating the latest technology across land, sea and air sectors of defence. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>MENA Region:</strong> MENA is an acronym for the <strong>Middle East and North Africa region</strong> and includes <strong>approximately 19 countries.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The MENA region accounts for approximately 6% of the world's population, 60% of the world's oil reserves, and 45% of the world's natural gas reserves.</li>
<li>Countries are Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>INS Pralaya:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>INS Pralaya, a ship of the indigenously built <strong>Prabal Class Missile Vessels,</strong> was commissioned in the Indian Navy in 2002.</li>
<li>The ship, built indigenously at Goa Shipyard Limited, bears testimony to capabilities of the Indian shipbuilding industry and is a versatile platform capable of performing a wide variety of surface warfare missions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India and UAE Defence Relations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Defence relations between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-uae-meet-on-investments" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and UAE</strong></a> have been steadily growing since the upgradation of bilateral relations to a<strong> &lsquo;Comprehensive Strategic Partnership&rsquo;</strong> in 2017. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the <strong>Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi</strong> (capital of UAE), was a <strong>Chief Guest at India&rsquo;s Republic Day celebrations</strong> in 2017.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Towards enhancing interactions between the two navies, the inaugural edition of<strong> Indian &amp; UAE Navy bilateral exercise GULF STAR-1</strong> was conducted in March 2018. The <strong>next edition</strong> of the exercise is likely to be conducted in <strong>2021.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>India's Defence Exhibitions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>DefExpo:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/defexpo-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>11<sup>th</sup> edition of DefExpo</strong></a> was held for the first time in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) in 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It's a flagship biennial event of the Ministry of Defence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aero India:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aero-india-2021-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>13<sup>th</sup> edition of the Aero India</strong> </a>show was held at Bengaluru&rsquo;s Yelahanka Air Force Station (Karnataka).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Aero India is a biennial international military and civil airshow.</li>
<li>It is a premier event that draws international and Indian military and civil aircraft makers, their support industries, military brass and government dignitaries, and business visitors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1699469" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7737,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Quad Meeting',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> India joined Australia, Japan and the United States</strong> for a ministerial meeting under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3#:~:text=Quadrilateral%20Security%20Dialogue%20(Quad)%20is,prosperous%E2%80%9D%20Indo%2DPacific%20region.&amp;text=However%2C%20the%20idea%20couldn't,apparently%20due%20to%20Chinese%20pressure." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Quadrilateral grouping</strong> </a>(Quad) and discussed issues across Indo-Pacific and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/military-coup-in-myanmar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>military takeover in Myanmar</strong></a>.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Meeting Highlights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Discussed contemporary challenges, especially the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impact-of-covid-19-on-global-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>impact of Covid-19</strong></a> and agreed to enhance access to affordable vaccines, medicines and medical equipment.</li>
<li>Discussed countering <strong>disinformation, counter-terrorism, maritime security,</strong> and the &ldquo;priority of<strong> strengthening democratic resilience</strong> in the broader region&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Emphasised their commitment to <strong>upholding a rules-based international order,</strong> underpinned by <strong>respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty,</strong> rule of law, transparency, <strong>freedom of navigation in the international seas</strong> and peaceful resolution of disputes.</li>
<li>Reiterated their &ldquo;common vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, with clear support for <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN</strong></a> cohesion and centrality&rdquo;, and noted that the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/new-indo-pacific-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific concept</strong></a> had &ldquo;gathered growing international support, including in Europe&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Discussed <strong>climate change</strong> and cooperation in<strong> humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and supply chain resilience.</strong></li>
<li>Agreed on <strong>holding ministerial meetings of the Quad at least once a year</strong> and meetings at senior and working levels on a regular basis to bolster cooperation on advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The meeting, held in the backdrop of the ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-china-disengagement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>withdrawal of Chinese forces from positions</strong></a> along the Line of Actual Control, underlines that India&rsquo;s interest in the Quad is not tactical but profoundly strategic.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>For India,</strong> the Quad is also about <strong>addressing the growing power imbalance with China</strong> that has manifold consequences for India&rsquo;s security and prosperity as well its regional and international standing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It signalled the <strong>new USA administration&rsquo;s commitment to the Quad</strong> as a key formation in the Indo-Pacific.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The momentum behind the Quad picked up in 2020 in the wake of the <strong>Covid-19 crisis, China&rsquo;s growing assertiveness,</strong> and deterioration of <strong>China&rsquo;s bilateral relations with all Quad partners.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chinese</strong> officials have likened the<strong> Quad to a &ldquo;mini NATO&rdquo;</strong> and said its activities are aimed at <strong>targeting third parties,</strong> a charge rejected by the four members of the group.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/pdf/nato-ally-status-to-india.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation)</strong></a> is a <strong>political and military alliance</strong> whose primary goals are the collective defence of its members and the maintenance of a democratic peace in the North Atlantic area.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Quad</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is <strong>an informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia</strong> with a shared objective to ensure and support a &ldquo;free, open and prosperous&rdquo; Indo-Pacific region.</li>
<li>The <strong>idea of Quad was first mooted by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007.</strong> However, the idea couldn&rsquo;t move ahead with Australia pulling out of it, apparently due to Chinese pressure.</li>
<li>In <strong>December 2012,</strong> Shinzo Abe again floated the concept of <strong>Asia&rsquo;s &ldquo;Democratic Security Diamond&rdquo;</strong> involving Australia, India, Japan and the USA to safeguard the maritime commons from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific.</li>
<li>In <strong>November 2017,</strong> India, the USA, Australia and Japan <strong>gave shape to the long-pending "Quad" Coalition</strong> to develop a new strategy to<strong> keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence (especially China).</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2020, all four Quad Countries -</strong> Japan, India, Australia and the USA <strong>took part in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-join-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malabar exercise</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Malabar exercise is <strong>an annual trilateral naval exercise </strong>between the navies of<strong> India, Japan, and the USA</strong> which is held alternately in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/quad-ministers-meeting-india-us-call-for-rule-of-law-in-myanmar/article33869964.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7714,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'India-China Disengagement',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/looking-ahead-after-the-ladakh-walk-back/article33854596.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Looking ahead after the Ladakh walk back&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 17/02/2021. It talks about the recent agreement between India and China on disengagement at Pangong Lake.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India and China have decided to finally reach an agreement on disengagement at Pangong Lake, which has been at the heart of the recent LAC tensions.</p>
<p>Both sides have agreed to a withdrawal of frontline personnel, armored elements, and proposed the creation of a buffer zone that will put a temporary moratorium on patrolling in the disputed lake. China is also asking India to vacate the heights it occupied in an effective countermove in the Kailash Range.</p>
<p>This disengagement process is a promising start towards restoring peace in the border areas. However, there are many other issues that needed to be resolved to establish lasting peace.</p>
<h3>Major Issues Associated With Disengagement Process</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Partial Disengagement:</strong> The current disengagement is limited to two places on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh viz. north bank of Pangong lake and Kailash range to the south of Pangong.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, there are three other sites of contention on the Ladakh border where the PLA had come in &mdash; Depsang, Gogra-Hot Springs and Demchok &mdash; and talks will be held to resolve these after the current phase of disengagement is completed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unresolved Issue of Depsang Plains:</strong> The Depsang plains due to their proximity to the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road, the DBO airstrip, and the Karakoram Pass holds strategic importance for India when it comes to dealing with China.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, the Daulat Beg Oldie road is critical for India&rsquo;s control over the Siachen glacier.</li>
<li>Siachen glacier is the only area on the Indian landmass where China and Pakistan can physically collude militarily.</li>
<li>Therefore, the immediate concern is the status of the Depsang plateau where China has acquired a tactical advantage that can jeopardize India&rsquo;s access to Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) and air assets in that region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issue Regarding Creation of Buffer Zone:</strong> There are worries that the creation of proposed buffer zones would lie majorly on the Indian side of the LAC, thus converting a hitherto Indian-controlled territory into a neutral zone.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At best, these buffer zones can provide a temporary reprieve but are no alternative to the mutual delineation of the LAC and a final settlement of the Sino-Indian boundary.</li>
<li>Further, for the sake of disengagement at the north bank, China is asking India to withdraw from the important hills it acquired in the Kailash Range.</li>
<li>Thus, it raises questions about the wisdom of giving up the only leverage India had against China in Ladakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distrust Between India &amp; China:</strong> The events of last year have left enormous distrust, which remains a hurdle, and China&rsquo;s actions on the ground have not always matched its commitments.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, China is wary of India&rsquo;s attractiveness to the United States and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.</li>
<li>Owing to the disputed nature of the border and a lack of trust between the two sides, any perceived violations of &lsquo;no patrol&rsquo; zones can lead to deadly outcomes as seen in Galwan valley in 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Clubbing Depsang Issue With Current Negotiations:</strong> The Chinese excuse that the Depsang problem precedes the current crisis on the LAC and thus must be treated separately, is not in India&rsquo;s interest.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, India should pitch hard to club them together and find a holistic solution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Extending Counteraction:</strong> India should not confine its response to managing the border dispute but extend it to attacking Chinese commercial interests in India and aligning itself more closely with its Quad partners, especially in the maritime domain.</li>
<li><strong>Playing Taiwan Card:</strong> On the foreign policy front, India should explore diplomatic and militaristic routes to counter China. Apart from colluding with the Quad countries, one such viable option is establishing formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.</li>
<li><strong>Defense Reforms:</strong> India should look Ladakh crisis as an opportunity to carry out long-pending defense reforms.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One such much-needed reform is the military&rsquo;s internal organization. For instance, one of the biggest sources of concern for India&rsquo;s military is the pension bill.</li>
<li>This rise in the pension expenditure has a significant crowding-out effect on stores and modernization, two major components that determine a nation's war-fighting ability.&rdquo;</li>
<li>The current approach to this problem seems to be two-fold &mdash; a farcical three-year &ldquo;Tour of Duty&rdquo; to attract the young and an effort to prevent pensionable soldiers from leaving.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The current disengagement process is a welcome move because heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed Asian powers serve no useful purpose for anyone. However, the success of the new disengagement plan will finally depend on whether it is implemented on the ground in letter and in spirit.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffef7;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>This disengagement process between India and China is a promising start towards restoring peace in the border areas. However, there are many other issues that needed to be resolved to establish lasting peace. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6g0ZOXb9LfA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/death-trap-on-labour-reforms/article33845038.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Death trap: On Labour reforms&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Hindu on February 16<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7706,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'World Trade Organisation',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Nigeria's <strong>Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala</strong> was appointed as <strong>Director-General</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation (WTO)</strong></a>, the leading international trade body.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala</strong> is the <strong>first African official</strong> and the<strong> first woman</strong> to hold the position.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Origin of WTO:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WTO is the successor to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-moved-to-wto-on-us-tariffs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)</strong></a>, which was created in 1947.</li>
<li>The<strong> Uruguay Round (1986-94)</strong> of the GATT led to the WTO's creation. WTO began operations on 1<sup>st</sup> January, 1995.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Agreement Establishing the WTO, commonly known as the <strong>&ldquo;Marrakesh Agreement&rdquo;,</strong> was signed in Marrakesh, Morocco in 1994.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>WTO is an<strong> international organization</strong> dealing with the rules of trade between nations.</li>
<li>Main difference between GATT and WTO was that <strong>GATT mostly dealt with trade in goods,</strong> the <strong>WTO and its agreements could not only cover goods but also trade in services and other intellectual properties</strong> like trade creations, designs, and inventions.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Geneva, Switzerland.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WTO has <strong>164 members</strong> (including <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a>) and <strong>23 observer governments</strong> (like Iran, Iraq, Bhutan, Libya etc).</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> is <strong>a founder member</strong> of the 1947 GATT and its successor, the WTO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governing Structure:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613553941_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1613553941_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ministerial Conference:</strong></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Structure of the WTO is dominated by its highest authority, the Ministerial Conference, <strong>composed of representatives of all WTO members,</strong> which is required to <strong>meet at least every two years</strong> and which can take decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>General Council:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is <strong>composed of all WTO members</strong> and is <strong>required to report to the Ministerial Conference. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dispute Settlement Body and Trade Policy Review Body:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>General Council convenes in two particular forms:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Dispute Settlement Body:</strong> To oversee the dispute settlement procedures.</li>
<li><strong>Trade Policy Review Body:</strong> To conduct regular reviews of the trade policies of individual WTO members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To set and<strong> enforce rules for international trade.</strong></li>
<li>To provide a<strong> forum for negotiating and monitoring</strong> further trade liberalization.</li>
<li>To <strong>resolve trade disputes.</strong></li>
<li>To<strong> increase the transparency</strong> of decision-making processes.</li>
<li>To <strong>cooperate with other major international economic institutions</strong> involved in global economic management.</li>
<li>To <strong>help developing countries</strong> benefit fully from the global trading system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Achievements of WTO:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Global Facilitation of Trade:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By <strong>building binding rules for global trade</strong> in goods and services, WTO has facilitated dramatic growth in cross-border business activity.</li>
<li>The WTO has not only <strong>enhanced the value and quantity of trade but has also helped in eradicating trade and non-trade barriers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improved Economic Growth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since 1995, the value of <strong>world trade has nearly quadrupled,</strong> while the <strong>real volume of world trade has expanded by 2.7 times.</strong></li>
<li>Domestic reforms and market-opening commitments have resulted in the lasting boost to national income of nations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Global Value Chains:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The predictable market conditions fostered by the WTO, have combined with improved communications to <strong>enable the rise of global value chains,</strong> trade within these value chains today accounts for almost 70% of total merchandise trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Upliftment of Poor Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The least-developed countries receive extra attention in the WTO. All the WTO agreements recognize that they must benefit from the greatest possible flexibility, and <strong>better-off members must make extra efforts to lower import barriers on least-developed countries&rsquo; exports.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s State Capitalism:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China&rsquo;s state-owned enterprises present a major challenge to the free-market global trading system and the rulebook of the WTO is inadequate for addressing these challenges.</li>
<li>It is due to this that<strong> USA-China</strong> are also engaged in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Trade war</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Institutional Issues:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> Appellate Body&rsquo;s operations have effectively been suspended</strong> since December 2019, as the USA&rsquo;s blocking of appointments has left the body without a quorum of adjudicators needed to hear appeals.</li>
<li>The<strong> crisis with the dispute settlement function of the WTO</strong> is closely linked to the breakdown in its negotiation function.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Transparency:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a problem in WTO negotiations as <strong>there is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/developing-country-status-in-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no agreed definition of what constitutes a developed or developing country</a></strong> at the WTO.</li>
<li>Members can currently self-designate as developing countries to receive &lsquo;special and differential treatment&rsquo; &ndash; a practice that is the subject of much contention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>E-commerce &amp; Digital Trade:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While the global trade landscape has changed significantly over the past 25 years, WTO rules have not kept pace.</li>
<li>In 1998, realizing that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-take-on-e-commerce-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-commerce</strong></a> would play a growing role in the global economy, WTO members established a WTO e-commerce moratorium to examine all trade-related issues relating to global electronic commerce.</li>
<li>Recently, however, the moratorium has been called into question by developing countries because of its implications for collecting revenue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture and Development: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india%27s-disputes-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agreement on agriculture</strong></a> is facing issues due to food security and development requirements for developing countries like India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Modernizing the WTO will necessitate<strong> the development of a new set of rules</strong> for dealing with digital trade and e-commerce.</li>
<li>WTO members will also have to <strong>deal more effectively with China&rsquo;s trade policies and practices,</strong> including how to better handle state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies.</li>
<li>Given the pressing issues around <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a>, <strong>increased efforts to align trade and environmental sustainability</strong> could help to both tackle climate change and reinvigorate the WTO.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/nigerias-ngozi-okonjo-iweala-to-head-world-trade-organization/article33844040.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7705,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'New India-Russia Ties',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/bridge-the-geopolitical-distance-with-russia-101613393990382.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Bridge the geopolitical distance with Russia&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 16/02/2021. It talks about the importance that Russia and India hold for each other in the present geopolitical scenario.</p>
</div>
<p>The year 2020 saw several geopolitical events that impacted both India and Russia. For instance, the sharpening rivalry between the US and China, the India-China border tussle, the continuing decline in ties between the West and Russia, and now change of leadership in the US.</p>
<p>As Russia and India both desire a multi-polar world, they are equally important for each other in fulfilling each other's national interests. However, due to the changing geopolitical scenario, the relationship between both countries is not as good as it used to be in the cold war era.</p>
<p>In this context, the forthcoming visit of India&rsquo;s Foreign secretary to Russia is a good occasion to examine the relevance of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/recalibration-of-india-russia-ties" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Russian ties</strong></a> in a world of changing geopolitical equations.</p>
<h3>Importance of Russia for India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Balancing China:</strong> The Chinese aggression in the border areas of eastern Ladakh, brought India-China relations to an inflection point, but also demonstrated that Russia is capable of contributing to defusing tensions with China.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Russia organized a trilateral meeting among the foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China following deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley in the disputed territory of Ladakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Emerging New Sectors of Economic Engagement:</strong> Apart from traditional areas of cooperation such as weapons, hydrocarbons, nuclear energy, and diamonds, new sectors of economic engagement are likely to emerge &mdash; mining, agro-industrial, and high technology, including robotics, nanotech, and biotech.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s footprint in the Russian Far East and in the Arctic is set to expand. Connectivity projects may get a boost too.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Combating Terrorism:</strong> India and Russia are working to close the gap on Afghanistan and are calling for early finalization of the <a href="/printpdf/at-unga-india-call-for-early-adoption-of-ccit#:~:text=In%201996%2C%20with%20the%20objective,International%20Terrorism%E2%80%9D%20(CCIT).&amp;text=To%20ban%20all%20terror%20groups%20and%20shut%20down%20terror%20camps." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Support At Multilateral Forums:</strong> Additionally, Russia supports India&rsquo;s candidacy for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council and of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance of India For Russia</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Balancing China:</strong> Russia and China are currently in a quasi-alliance setup. However, Russia repeatedly reiterates that it does not see itself as anybody&rsquo;s junior partner. That&rsquo;s why Russia wants India to act as a balancer.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For Instance, Russia&rsquo;s Far East is a huge landmass that is rich in resources but is sparsely populated and underdeveloped.</li>
<li>Till now, its development has primarily revolved around Chinese dominance and so Russia wants to diversify with the help of India to lessen Russia&rsquo;s growing dependence on China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reviving Eurasian Economic Union:</strong> Russia seeks to leverage India&rsquo;s soft power to gain legitimacy in the success of the Eurasian Economic Union, and re-establishing its hegemony, as it existed during the cold war era.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Main Challenge</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India Going West:</strong> China&rsquo;s expansionist foreign policy forced India to shed past hesitations and actively pursue closer ties with the West, particularly the US.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be reflected in a determined restart of the Quad process and a clearer enunciation of a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Russia Going East:</strong> The Western countries have imposed harsh economic sanctions towards Russia after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Russia responded to these efforts to isolate it, by revving up its own &ldquo;Pivot to the East&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The most distinct results of which are markedly improved relations with China, and better ties with Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan.</li>
<li>Russia&rsquo;s Pivot to the East policy is not in synergy with that of the US and subsequently, the relationship between India and Russia suffers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India Engaging Russia Into Indo-Pacific Narrative:</strong> India should pursue and facilitate Russia&rsquo;s engagement in the Indo-Pacific. However, Russia&rsquo;s role in the Indo-Pacific will depend on how successful it is in dealing with the fundamental problems hindering its economic development.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Russia&rsquo;s active engagement in the region would contribute to making the Indo-Pacific truly &ldquo;free and inclusive&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prioritizing RIC in Indian Foreign Policy:</strong> India must promote a mutually beneficial trilateral cooperation between Russia, China, and India that could contribute towards the reduction of mistrust and suspicion between India and China.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation At Multilateral Forums:</strong> India and Russia continue to share a common strategic rationale for their relationship.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from bilateral synergies, the two are members of various multilateral organizations including BRICS, RIC, G20, East Asia Summit, and SCO&mdash;where avenues for cooperation on issues of mutual importance exist.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>It is clear that India &amp; Russia still regard each other as valued partners with a friendship built on deep mutual trust, their foreign policy goals are taking them in different directions.</p>
<p>However, neither India nor Russia wants to be a junior partner to China or the United States. Thus, both countries can turn back to and bolster ties as existed in the cold war era.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffffc;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Despite the foreign policy, goals are taking them in different directions, it is imperative for India and Russia to bolster their ties. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bx7Z0UxoROA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/endless-war-the-hindu-editorial-on-why-saudi-arabia-should-end-its-yemen-blockade/article33836570.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Endless war: On why Saudi Arabia should end its Yemen blockade&rdquo;</strong> </a>published in The Hindu on February 15<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7661,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Poland Relations',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Poland</strong> has invited India&rsquo;s Prime Minister while he will be visiting <strong>Portugal</strong> for the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a>-India summit (May 2021),</strong> and<strong> Cornwall, United Kingdom</strong> to attend the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/g-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> G7</strong> </a><strong>grouping where India is a special invitee (June 2021).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Poland is also negotiating with India for a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble#:~:text=Key%20Points,and%20open%20travel%20and%20tourism." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> travel bubble arrangement</strong></a> to resume direct flights suspended due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Creating a travel bubble <strong>involves reconnecting countries or states which have shown a good level of success in containing the Covid-19 pandemic</strong> domestically.</li>
<li>Such a bubble would <strong>allow the members of the group to restart trade ties</strong> with each other and open travel and tourism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612954030_image10.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612954030_image10.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="500" height="384" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Poland <strong>diplomatic relations</strong> were <strong>established in 1954,</strong> leading to the opening of the <strong>Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957.</strong></li>
<li>The two countries shared common ideological perceptions, based on their opposition to colonialism, imperialism and racism.</li>
<li>During the<strong> Communist era of Poland (1944 to 1989), bilateral relations were close and cordial,</strong> with regular high level visits, coupled with planned trade and economic interactions by state trading organizations, underpinned by the rupee clearing arrangements.</li>
<li>The <strong>relationship continued to remain close after Poland chose the democratic path in 1989.</strong></li>
<li>A cordial political relationship has emerged in the current century, particularly after Poland joined the<strong> European Union</strong> in 2004, and became one of India&rsquo;s key economic partners in Central Europe.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic &amp; Commercial Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Export:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Poland is <strong>India&rsquo;s largest trade partner and export destination in the Central European region,</strong> with bilateral trade growing almost seven-fold over the last ten years.</li>
<li>As per Indian statistics, the overall value of <strong>bilateral trade in 2019 was USD 2.36 billion.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s export to Poland contributed to 0.48% of overall India&rsquo;s export. Only 0.15% of India&rsquo;s import was covered by Poland in 2019.</li>
<li>As per the statistics, the increase of bilateral trade by 2.5% was visible in 2019 in comparison with previous years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian investments in Poland are valued at over <strong>USD 3 billion.</strong></li>
<li>Total Polish investment in India is estimated at <strong>USD 672 million.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>From April 2000 to March 2019, India recorded over <strong>USD 672 million of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fdi-inflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FDI</a> from Poland,</strong> 0.16%of its total FDI inflows in that period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sectoral Collaboration: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Agro and<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-processing-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Food processing</a> sectors:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Poland possesses world class food processing including preservation/storage technologies while India is one of the largest producers for many fruits, dairy and agro products.</li>
<li>An MoU on agriculture for technical and institutional cooperation was signed between both countries in April 2017.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Information Technology (IT) Sector:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Around <strong>thirteen Indian IT companies, employing more than 10,000 professionals, are currently active in Poland</strong> and are also operating their Europe operation from here.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Textile Sector:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has presently a share of only<strong> 3.73% overall in the Polish Textile and Apparel Imports (valued at USD 400 million).</strong></li>
<li>There is of course, much potential for increase in its exports, provided conducive circumstances are created for Indian Exporters.</li>
<li>Presently, about 30-40% of goods exported by India to Poland are re-exported to other EU Countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mining/Energy Sector:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Poland possesses reputed <strong>clean coal technologies</strong> and Polish public sector companies have played a substantial role in development of mining and power sectors in India.</li>
<li>India and Poland signed a<strong> Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)</strong> in 2019 to enhance <strong>bilateral cooperation in the coal and mining sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pharmaceutical and Chemicals Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Given Poland&rsquo;s strategic location, shortages in healthcare personnel and 25% growth in the pharma market in the last 5 years, there are <strong>good opportunities for Indian exporters and investors.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural and Educational Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a strong tradition of Indology studies in<strong> Poland, with Polish scholars having translated Sanskrit into Polish as early as in the 19<sup>th</sup> Century.</strong></li>
<li>Polish Mission organised the <strong>150<sup>th</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mahatma-gandhi-jayanti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi</a></strong> in 2019. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Polish Post (Poczta Polska)<strong> issued a Commemorative Stamp on the 150<sup>th</sup> Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi</strong> which was released on the occasion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>On the occasion of 550<sup>th</sup> Prakash Purab of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/guru-nanak-dev-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Guru Nanak Dev ji</strong></a>, Mission and Gurudwara Sahib of Poland <strong>jointly organised functions at Gurudwara Sahib, Poland.</strong></li>
<li>The first <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-day-of-yoga" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Day of Yoga</strong></a> was organized in 21 cities in Poland on June 21, 2015. An estimated 11000 people participated in public events.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Community:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Estimated at approximately<strong> 10,000, the Indian community in Poland consists of traders (textiles, garments and electronics)</strong> who came after the collapse of communism, and professionals with multinational or Indian companies and software/IT experts, including a rising number of Indian students.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/as-pm-plans-two-europe-visits-poland-pitches-for-warsaw-stop/article33792728.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 16 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7654,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'India-Myanmar Relations',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-long-and-the-short-of-indias-naypyitaw-dilemma/article33785809.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The long and the short of India&rsquo;s Naypyitaw dilemma&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 09/02/2021. It talks about the strategic importance of Myanmar and the implications of the recent Coup D&rsquo;etat.</p>
</div>
<p>The long-lingering power struggle in Myanmar has finally ended. The Myanmar junta or Myanmar&rsquo;s military has toppled the democratically elected government in a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coup-d-etat-in-myanmar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Coup D&rsquo;etat.</strong> </a>This has smashed decade-long hopes for a truly democratic Myanmar.</p>
<p>As the future of Myanmar&rsquo;s democracy is now uncertain and given its strategic importance, this Coup D&rsquo;etat will have geopolitical implications for the region and India.</p>
<h3>Strategic Importance of Myanmar for India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong> India and Myanmar relationship officially got underway after the Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1951, after which the foundation for a more meaningful relationship was established during Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi&rsquo;s visit in 1987.</li>
<li><strong>Muti-faceted Relationship:</strong> India and Myanmar have traditionally had much in common, with cultural, historical, ethnic, and religious ties, in addition to sharing a long geographical land border and maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.</li>
<li><strong>Geo-Strategic Location of Myanmar:</strong> Myanmar is geopolitically significant to India as it stands at the center of the India-Southeast Asia geography.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Myanmar is the only Southeast Asian country that shares a land border with northeastern India, stretching some 1,624 kilometers.</li>
<li>The two countries also share a 725-km maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Confluence of Two Foreign policy Doctrines:</strong> Myanmar is the only country that sits at the intersection of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indias-neighbourhood-diplomacy#:~:text=Policy%20of%20the%20Government%20of,other%20countries%20in%20the%20neighborhood." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s &ldquo;Neighborhood First&rdquo; policy</strong></a> and its<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Act East&rdquo; policy.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Myanmar is an essential element in India&rsquo;s practice of regional diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific and serves as a land bridge to connect South Asia and Southeast Asia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Competition With China:</strong> If India is to become an assertive regional player in Asia, it has to work toward developing policies that would improve and strengthen its relationship with neighboring countries.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, in pursuance of this, China is a big roadblock, as it aims to diminish India&rsquo;s influence in its neighborhood. Therefore, both India and China are fighting for gaining influence in Myanmar.</li>
<li>For example, as part of its policy for the Indian Ocean called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)</strong></a>, India developed the Sittwe port in Myanmar&rsquo;s Rakhine state.</li>
<li>The Sittwe port is meant to be India&rsquo;s answer to the Chinese-fronted Kyaukpyu port, which is intended to cement China&rsquo;s geostrategic footprint in Rakhine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Critical For India&rsquo;s National Security Interests:</strong> North-eastern states in India are affected by left-wing extremism and narcotics trade routes (golden triangle).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To counter these threats, the Indian and Myanmar armies have carried out many joint military operations like Operation Sunshine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong> Many Indian companies made significant economic and trade agreements in infrastructure and other areas.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some other Indian companies such as Essar, GAIL, and ONGC Videsh Ltd. have invested in Myanmar&rsquo;s energy sector.</li>
<li>To elevate its &ldquo;Made in India&rdquo; arms industry, India has identified Myanmar as key to increasing its military exports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Implications of Coup on India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Political Realignments:</strong> The coup has attracted strong reactions and the threat of sanctions from the United States and the West. This could lead to unique political realignments in Myanmar.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These decisive western sanctions may force Myanmar&rsquo;s military to get closer to China, which may not be in the interest of India.</li>
<li>Moreover, a failed Myanmar state at India&rsquo;s doorstep and a weakened Myanmar falling into the clutches of China as a satellite state may increase China&rsquo;s bidding in regional affairs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rohingya Issue on Back Burner:</strong> Any effort to restore democracy in Myanmar will require supporting Aung San Suu Kyi. However, due to her silence on the Rohingya crisis, the plight of the hapless Rohingya may take a backseat or be conveniently forgotten.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is not in India&rsquo;s national security interest in the north-east.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Catch-22 Condition:</strong> While India&rsquo;s national interests, under the new circumstances, would clearly lie in dealing with whoever is in power in Myanmar, India would find it difficult to openly support the junta given the strong western and American stance.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Cultural Diplomacy:</strong> Myanmar&rsquo;s importance to India&rsquo;s conduct of cultural diplomacy through the lens of Buddhism for tourism purposes.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s &ldquo;Buddhist Circuit&rdquo; initiative, which seeks to double foreign tourist arrivals and revenue by connecting ancient Buddhist heritage sites across different states in India, should resonate with Buddhist-majority Myanmar.</li>
<li>This could also build up India&rsquo;s diplomatic reservoir of goodwill and trust with Buddhist-majority countries such as Myanmar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Connectivity:</strong> India should realize that Myanmar is vital to fulfilling its ambition to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, facilitating connectivity is central to improving India-Myanmar economic relations.</li>
<li>In this context, Infrastructure projects such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport (KMMTT) should be financed into fruition expeditiously.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolving Rohingyas Issue:</strong> The quicker the Rohingya issue is resolved, the easier it will be for India to manage its relations with Myanmar and Bangladesh, focusing instead more on bilateral and subregional economic cooperation.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation at Multilateral Forums:</strong> Finally, cooperation in different multilateral forums such as ASEAN and BIMSTEC strengthens the relationship between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Given the strategic importance of Myanmar, it is therefore in India&rsquo;s geostrategic interest to see Myanmar prevail as a stable and autonomous country, thereby making possible greater bilateral engagement in India-Myanmar relations.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7fff0;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Given the strategic importance of Myanmar, the recent Coup D&rsquo;etat will have geopolitical implications for the region and India. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P3N0wjvIqCk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/staying-watchful-the-hindu-editorial-on-rbi-and-prices/article33776392.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Staying watchful: On RBI and prices&rdquo;</strong></a> published in The Hindu on February 8<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 17 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7645,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India - Ukraine',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Ukraine has shown interest to procure some military hardware from India</strong> in addition to efforts to deepen its presence in the Indian defence market.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is in sync with Indian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/urgency-of-defence-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>defence sector reforms</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a> which includes making India <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/self-reliance-in-defence-manufacturing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>self reliant in defence manufacturing.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ukraine has signed four agreements worth USD 70 million which includes sale of new weapons as well as maintenance and upgrades of existing ones <strong>(R-27 air-to-air missiles)</strong> in service with the Indian armed forces.</li>
<li>Ukraine also showed its intent to sell India its<strong> AN-178 medium transport aircraft.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ukraine is currently upgrading the AN-32 transport fleet of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-air-force-day#:~:text=India%20Air%20Force%20is%20the,the%20USA%2C%20China%20and%20Russia.&amp;text=Motto%20of%20the%20IAF%20is,chapter%20of%20the%20Bhagavad%20Gita.&amp;text=The%20Chief%20of%20Air%20Staff,command%20of%20the%20air%20force." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Air Force (IAF)</strong></a> under a deal finalised in 2009.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Ukraine team also held discussions with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)</strong></a> and looked at possible collaborations in research and development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-Ukraine Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Diplomatic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Immediately after the breakup of the Soviet Union, the Government of India <strong>recognized the Republic of Ukraine as a sovereign independent country</strong> in December 1991.</li>
<li>The Embassy of India in Kyiv was established in May 1992 and Ukraine opened its Mission in New Delhi in February 1993.</li>
<li>India and Ukraine enjoy warm and friendly relations and cooperate in areas like Education, Mutual Legal Assistance and Outer Space cooperation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Relations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ukraine has been a <strong>source of military technology and equipment</strong> for India since its independence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ukraine <strong>manufactures the R-27 air-to-air missiles</strong> which are in use by the IAF on its <strong>SU-30MKI fighters.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Now, India is also supplying its weapons to Ukraine to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is Ukraine&rsquo;s largest export destination in the Asia-Pacific</strong> and the <strong>fifth largest overall export destination. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Pharmaceuticals</strong> account for the majority of Indian exports to Ukraine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Culture:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There are more than 30 Ukrainian cultural associations/groups spread across the country, engaged in promoting Indian dances.</li>
<li>There are about 18,000 Indian students studying in Ukraine, mainly in the field of medicine. Indian business professionals work predominantly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, medicine, education, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> rift between Russia and Ukraine,</strong> which burst out into armed combat when Moscow annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, has created a potential dilemma for India.</li>
<li>Recently, a Russian press release has objected to the overhaul in Ukraine of military equipment built and sold by Russia.</li>
<li>Russia has begun <strong>objecting to customers dealing with Ukraine.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The potential for trouble with Russia exists because the Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently collaborating with Ukraine to overhaul its fleet of AN-32s.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Ukraine</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ukraine, a country located in eastern Europe. The capital is<strong> Kyiv (Kiev),</strong> located on the <strong>Dnieper River</strong> in north-central Ukraine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Surrounding Countries and Seas:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ukraine is bordered by Belarus to the north, Russia to the east, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea to the south, Moldova and Romania to the southwest, and Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland to the west.</li>
<li>In the far southeast, Ukraine is separated from Russia by the<strong> Kerch Strait,</strong> which connects the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>History:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With the dissolution of the U.S.S.R. (the Soviet Union) in December 1991, Ukraine gained full independence.</li>
<li>The country changed its official name to Ukraine, and it helped to found the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), an association of countries that were formerly republics of the Soviet Union.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Issues:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, Ukraine got at<strong> loggerheads with Russia over the occupation of Crimean peninsula</strong> by Russia.</li>
<li>In June 2020, Ukraine became &lsquo;Enhanced Opportunity Partners&rsquo; under the Partnership Interoperability Initiative of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nato-ally-status-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Ukraine is also seeking <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> and NATO membership, a move that could obstruct attempts to resolve other tensions with Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612849681_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1612849681_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ukraine-looking-at-defence-purchases-from-india/article33774835.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7569,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Agreement With IEA',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India has inked a <strong>Strategic Partnership Agreement with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-energy-review-2020-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Energy Agency (IEA)</a></strong> to strengthen cooperation in global<strong> energy security, stability and sustainability.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To encourage and promote strategic and technical cooperation in the energy sector.</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will lead to a wider exchange of knowledge and will be a step towards making India a full member of the IEA.</li>
<li>Strengthen mutual trust and cooperation &amp; enhance global energy security, stability and sustainability.</li>
<li>A phased increase in benefits and responsibilities for India as an IEA strategic partner.</li>
<li>Building on existing areas of work and the <strong>Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP),</strong> such as energy security, clean and sustainable energy, energy efficiency, enhancing petroleum storage capacity, expansion of gas-based economy in India etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implementation of the Agreement:</strong> IEA Secretariat</li>
</ul>
<h3>International Energy Agency</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Established: In 1974 as per framework of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oecds-forecast-for-global-economy-in-2060" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)</strong></a>. IEA is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation.</li>
<li><strong>Need:</strong> Established in the wake of the <strong>oil crisis of 1973-1974,</strong> to help its members respond to major disruptions in oil supply.</li>
<li><strong>Mandate:</strong> Over time, the mandate of the IEA has expanded to include tracking and analyzing key global energy trends, promoting sound energy policy and encouraging multinational energy technology cooperation.</li>
<li><strong>Mission:</strong> Its mission is to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its member countries and beyond.</li>
<li><strong>Areas of Focus:</strong> Its mission is guided by <strong>four main areas (4E&rsquo;s): </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Energy Security, </strong></li>
<li><strong>Economic Development, </strong></li>
<li><strong>Environmental Awareness </strong>and</li>
<li><strong>Engagement Worldwide.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarter (Secretariat):</strong> Paris (France).</li>
<li>The Governing Board is the main decision-making body of the IEA. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is composed of energy ministers or their senior representatives from each Member country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong> It has 30 members at present.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A candidate country <strong>must be a member country</strong> of the OECD. But all OECD members are not IEA members.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility for Membership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Crude oil and/or product reserves equivalent to <strong>90 days of the previous year&rsquo;s net imports.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India<strong> falls short</strong> on the criteria of <strong>Crude oil reserve:</strong> India stores 10 days of the country&rsquo;s crude oil requirements currently, with domestic refiners also maintaining 65 days of crude storage. The government is also building <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-strategic-petroleum-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>strategic crude oil reserves</strong></a> to support another 12 days of crude oil needs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduce national oil consumption by up to 10%.</strong></li>
<li>Legislation and organisation to operate the <strong>Coordinated Emergency Response Measures (CERM)</strong> on a national basis.</li>
<li>Measures in place to ensure the capability of contributing its share of an IEA collective action.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-energy-and-carbon-dioxide-emissions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Energy &amp; CO<sub>2</sub> Status Report</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-energy-outlook-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Energy Outlook</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-3rd-largest-producer-of-electricity#:~:text=As%20per%20the%20Key%20World,per%20capita%20consumption%20in%202017." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Energy Statistics</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>World Energy Balances</strong></li>
<li><strong>Energy Technology Perspectives</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Launched in<strong> November 2017,</strong> the IEA Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP) is an effort to accelerate global clean energy transitions.</li>
<li>The programme provides independent, cutting-edge support to governments in order to catalyze the global transition towards more sustainable energy production and use.</li>
<li>Priority countries include<strong> Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa,</strong> as well as <strong>other IEA Association countries and key regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa.</strong></li>
<li>CETP activities include collaborative analytical work, technical cooperation, training and capacity building and strategic dialogues.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/india-inks-mou-with-international-energy-agency-for-global-energy-security-sustainability/article33676836.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7568,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Russia Agrees To Extend START Treaty',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Russia approved the extension of the New START treaty . It is the last remaining nuclear Russia-USA arms control treaty which is about to expire in February 2021.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Approval:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both houses of Russian Parliament (Kremlin) approved the <strong>extension of the New START treaty for five years.</strong> It was done after a recent telephonic conversation between the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=new+president+of+usa+drishti+ias&amp;oq=new+president+of+usa+drishti+ias&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57.11698j1j4&amp;client=ms-android-xiaomi&amp;sourceid=chrome-mobile&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>newly elected USA President</strong></a> and the Russian President.</li>
<li>At the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/india-s-world-world-economic-forum-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Economic Forum</strong></a>&rsquo;s virtual meeting, the President of Russia hailed the decision to extend the treaty as <strong>&ldquo;a step in the right direction,&rdquo;</strong> but also warned about the rising global rivalries and threats of new conflicts.</li>
<li>The pact&rsquo;s extension <strong>doesn&rsquo;t require congressional approval in the USA,</strong> but Russian lawmakers must ratify the move and its President has to sign the relevant Bill into law.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The New START Treaty: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on measures for the further reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The term &lsquo;strategic offensive arms&rsquo; applies to nuclear warheads <strong>deployed by Strategic Nuclear Delivery Vehicles (&lsquo;SNDVs&rsquo;).</strong></li>
<li><strong>SNDVs are <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/successful-test-firing-of-agni-v" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles</a> (&lsquo;ICBMs&rsquo;)</strong> with a range exceeding 5,500 kilometres, strategic bombers, warships (including strategic submarines) and cruise missiles, including air and sea-launched cruise missiles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enforcement:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It came into force on 5<sup>th</sup> February, 2011.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Replaced START I Treaty (1991):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>New START has replaced the 1991 START I treaty, which expired in December 2009, and superseded the 2002 <strong>Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (SORT),</strong> which terminated when New START entered into force.</li>
<li><strong>The START Framework of 1991</strong> (at the end of the Cold War) limited both sides to 1,600 strategic delivery vehicles and 6,000 warheads.</li>
<li>The<strong> May 2002 Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (SORT),</strong> also known as the <strong>Moscow Treaty,</strong> committed the United States and Russia to reduce their deployed strategic nuclear forces to 1,700-2,200 warheads apiece.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Limiting Strategic Nuclear Arsenals:</strong> It continues the bipartisan process of verifiably reducing the USA and Russian <strong>strategic nuclear arsenals</strong> by limiting both sides to 700 strategic launchers and 1,550 operational warheads.</li>
<li><strong>Renewal:</strong> It was to lapse in February 2021, but after receiving renewal approval from USA and Russia, will be extended for a five-year period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This step by Russia is a welcome move after suspension of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-start-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Intermediate-Range Nuclear Force Treaty</strong></a> (INF Treaty) in 2019 and withdrawal of USA and Russia from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/russia-pulls-out-of-open-skies-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Open Skies Treaty</strong></a> recently.</li>
<li>An extension of the New START Treaty would mark a rare bright spot in the fraught USA-Russian relationship. This opportunity could be used by both the countries for conducting comprehensive bilateral negotiations on future control over nuclear missile weapons.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/russia-gives-nod-to-extend-start-treaty/article33678582.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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