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Global Coalition Against HIV

Why in News Recently, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare digitally addressed the Ministerial meeting of the Global Prevention...

19 Nov 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
12th BRICS Summit

Why in News The Prime minister of India while addressing the 12th BRICS summit held online touched upon issues like terrorism, Covid-19 pandemic and...

18 Nov 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
RCEP & India

This article is based on “Threat or treat: on RCEP trade deal” which was published in The Hindu on 17/11/2020. It talks about the...

17 Nov 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
RCEP Comes into Existence

Why in News Recently, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has come into existence on the sidelines of the 37th ASEAN...

16 Nov 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
17th ASEAN-India Summit

Why in News Recently, India has participated in the 17th ASEAN-India Virtual Summit on the invitation of Vietnam, the current Chair of Association...

13 Nov 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
SCO Summit

Why in news The 20th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State was held recently via Video...

11 Nov 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
India-Italy Bilateral Summit

Why in News Recently, a virtual Bilateral Summit between India and Italy has been held to comprehensively review the broad framework of the...

07 Nov 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
Promoting South Asian Tourism

This article is based on “How India can take the lead in reviving tourism in South Asia” which was published in The Hindustan Times on...

05 Nov 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
Second Meeting of India-Central Asia Dialogue

Why in News Recently, India virtually hosted the second meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue. The first meeting of the dialogue was held in...

29 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement

This article is based on “The Delhi-DC strategic dance” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 27/10/2020. It talks about the...

28 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
Pakistan on FATF Grey List

Why in News The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has decided to keep Pakistan on the “greylist” till the next review of its compliance...

24 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting

Why in News Recently, Saudi Arabia hosted the first-ever Ministerial Meeting of the G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG)...

23 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
India Invited to Join the Blue Dot Network

Why in News A group of the US Senators, in a letter, has asked India to join the Blue Dot Network (BDN). The letter also backed India’s...

22 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
Australia to Join Malabar Exercise

Why in News Recently, Australia has agreed to join the Malabar Exercise on India’s request. The exercise is scheduled to be held in November...

20 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
Israel and Bahrain Diplomatic Ties

Why in News Bahrain and Israel are signing a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations, as well as a...

19 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
Road to Zero Hunger

This article is based on “The road to zero hunger by 2030” which was published in The Hindu on 16/10/2020. It talks about the...

16 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
Geneva Conventions

Why in News After the Galwan (India-China) clash in Ladakh in June 2020, the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) urged both the Indian...

16 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
65th Anniversary of Bandung Conference: NAM

Why in News The year 2020 marks the 65th anniversary of the landmark Bandung Conference that resulted in the adoption of the founding principles of...

16 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
Third Assembly of ISA

Why in News Recently, India and France have been re-elected as the President and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a term...

15 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests
India-Mexico

Why in News Recently, the 5th meeting of the India-Mexico Bilateral High-Level Group (BHLG) on Trade, Investment and Cooperation has been held...

14 Oct 2020 Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests

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		'title' => 'Global Coalition Against HIV',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare digitally addressed the Ministerial meeting of the <strong>Global Prevention Coalition (GPC)</strong> for<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-aids-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)</strong></a> Prevention.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was hosted by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/round-table-of-unaids" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS</strong> </a><strong>(UNAIDS)</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/state-of-world-population-2019-unfpa#:~:text=According%20to%20State%20of%20World,annual%20growth%20rate%20of%20China." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)</strong></a> on behalf of the <strong>Global HIV Prevention Coalition (GPC).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Notes</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global HIV Prevention Coalition (GPC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>global coalition</strong> of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> Member States, donors, civil society organizations which was established in the year 2017 to support global efforts to accelerate <strong>HIV prevention. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Membership:</strong> It includes the 25 highest HIV burden countries, <strong>UNAIDS</strong> Cosponsors, donors, civil society and private sector organizations.</li>
<li><strong>Goal:</strong> To strengthen and sustain political commitment for primary prevention by setting a common agenda among key policy-makers, funders and programme implementers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Conference:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The conference this year holds significance in achieving the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)</strong> </a>commitment to <strong>end <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/hiv-new-hope" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome</a> (AIDS) by 2030.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Member States of the <strong>GPC</strong> had agreed to reduce new adult <strong>HIV</strong> infections by <strong>75%</strong> at the end of 2020 from 2010 levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India at the Conference:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Acknowledged that<strong> Global AIDS</strong> response has shown remarkable success in reducing new infections, improving access to prevention services for key population and treatment services for <strong>People Living with HIV (PLHIV),</strong> reducing <strong>AIDS</strong> related mortality, enabling reduction in mother to child transmission of<strong> HIV</strong> and creating an enabling environment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>GPC</strong> has shown to the world a model where multiple stakeholders can come together and work cohesively towards a common goal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Observed that the<strong> global AIDS response</strong> in general has been a fountainhead of innovative service delivery models with rich <strong>civil society involvement and cross learning.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India Against HIV:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s unique HIV prevention model:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To provide outreach, service delivery, counselling &amp; testing and ensuring linkages to HIV care</li>
<li><strong>Centered around</strong> the concept of <strong>Social Contracting</strong> through which the <strong>Targeted Interventions (TI) programme</strong> is implemented.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protected the gains made in HIV during <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-indian-federalism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a></strong> by taking swift and timely action to reach out to the last mile with a robust implementation plan for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hiv-aids-outreach" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anti-Retroviral drugs (ARV)</strong></a> dispensation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Advisories and guidance notes were issued by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hiv-aids-outreach" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Aids Control Organization (NACO)</strong></a> from time to time aligned with global guidelines in the context.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Revamped its Targeted Intervention (TI) programme</strong> to focus on hard-to-reach populations to keep its commitments- People living in prisons and other closed settings were considered as priority populations and interventions launched were gradually scaled up since <strong>2016.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>HIV Counselling &amp; Testing Services (HCTS) and Community based Screening of HIV</strong> for improving early diagnosis were also ramped up.</li>
<li>The <strong>coverage of testing for HIV</strong> across the country was increased to achieve the <strong>Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV. </strong></li>
<li><strong>The Test and Treat Policy:</strong> Approximately<strong> 50,000 PLHIV</strong> who were lost to follow-up were linked back to <strong>Antiretroviral Treatment services</strong> through <strong>Mission SAMPARK,</strong> while<strong> Viral Load Testing</strong> facilities have been scaled up from the existing ten public sector labs to 64 labs across the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Enacted<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hiv-aids-act-2017-implemented" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017</strong></a> which has provided a legal and enabling framework for safeguarding the human rights of the infected and affected populations.</li>
<li><strong>Project Sunrise</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A new initiative called<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-aids-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> 'Project Sunrise'</strong></a> was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2016, to tackle the rising HIV prevalence in north-eastern states in India, especially among people injecting drugs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Helping the world:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s provision of <strong>generic (ARV)</strong> to the world has had a critical impact in controlling the HIV epidemic.</li>
<li>India is ready to extend its <strong>unique HIV prevention model</strong> to the rest of the world by tailoring the intervention as per local settings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other international initiatives against AIDS:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Founded in 2002, it is a partnership organization designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1673749#:~:text=Press%20Information%20Bureau,-Government%20of%20India&amp;text=Hosted%20by%20UNAIDS%20and%20UNFPA,of%202020%20from%202010%20levels." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7013,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => '12th BRICS Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Prime minister of India while addressing the <strong>12<sup>th</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/11th-brics-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BRICS</a></strong> summit held online touched upon issues like <strong>terrorism, Covid-19</strong> pandemic and the need for <strong>reforms in global bodies.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Russia was the host and chair of<strong> BRICS</strong> this year.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Notes</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand at the Summit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Terrorism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Need to confront the countries</strong> that supported and sponsored terror and ensure that terrorists and those who support and sponsor terrorists <strong>should be held guilty</strong> and this problem is addressed in a collective manner.</li>
<li>India acknowledged the Russian support to the <strong>BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy</strong> and reiterated its support to the strategy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is well aligned with the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-brics-focus-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Brasilia Declaration</strong></a> which condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestation.</li>
<li>Earlier this year India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>annual resolution on the issue of counter-terrorism</strong></a> was adopted by consensus in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>First Committee</strong></a> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)</strong></a> which also strengthened the war against terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nation Security Council (UNSC)</a> Reforms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India raised the issue of <strong>credibility and effectiveness</strong> of the institutions that were necessary for global governance, and urged for support from<strong> BRICS</strong> partners.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India addressed the issue of cooperation among the <strong>BRICS</strong> countries on the production of vaccines for <strong>Covid-19.</strong></li>
<li>Referring to the post<strong> Covid-19</strong> economic hardships of the world, India highlighted the importance of <strong>BRICS</strong> in that scenario.</li>
<li><strong>BRICS</strong> countries will play a significant role in the recovery of the post <strong>Covid-19</strong> world as <strong>42%</strong> of the world&rsquo;s population resides in the <strong>BRICS</strong> countries and the economies are the major engines of the world.</li>
<li>India also highlighted the scope of <strong>increasing trade</strong> among the <strong>BRICS</strong> countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India introduced <strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat</strong> (self-reliant India) to the <strong>BRICS.</strong></li>
<li>India said that the <strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign</strong> is based on the subject that a self-reliant and resilient India can become a force multiplier for the post <strong>Covid-19</strong> world order.</li>
<li>A <strong>self-reliant India</strong> would make solid <strong>contributions</strong> to the global value chains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has offered to cooperate with India and other <strong>BRICS</strong> nations in the<strong> development of vaccines</strong> against the coronavirus</li>
<li>China said it will open the <strong>BRICS</strong> partnership on a new industrial revolution innovation centre in the Chinese city of<strong> Xiamen.</strong></li>
<li>China supported the <strong>BRICS counter-terrorism strategy</strong> that called upon on all countries to take steps to prevent the use of their territories for terrorist activities against other countries or their own citizens.</li>
<li>Also supported the <strong>declaration</strong> which talked about respect for territorial integrity of Syria, Libya, Iraq and in the context of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Russia&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Russia</strong> called for a joint effort by the <strong>BRICS</strong> countries on the development of the coronavirus vaccines.</li>
<li>It also highlighted the importance of establishing a <strong>Centre for Development and Research </strong>of <strong>BRICS</strong> vaccines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of BRICS Summit for India and China:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides the Chinese and the Indian leadership an opportunity to exchange their thoughts on key priorities in the backdrop of the continued tension along their borders.</li>
<li>Both the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</strong></a> and <strong>BRICS</strong> have provided recent opportunities for exchange of ideas between the two sides.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>BRICS,</strong> being one of the pillars of the emerging fairer polycentric world order, plays an important stabilising role in global affairs.</li>
<li>In the storming ocean of world politics, <strong>BRICS</strong> can contribute significantly in maintaining<strong> international stability</strong> and ensuring <strong>global economic growth</strong> and becoming a <strong>united center</strong> of the multipolar world.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/terrorism-biggest-global-problem-countries-supporting-terrorists-need-to-be-held-guilty-pm-modi-at-brics/article33117750.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/threat-or-treat/article33110441.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Threat or treat: on RCEP trade deal&rdquo;</a> which was published in The Hindu on 17/11/2020. It talks about the impact of India&rsquo;s stance to stay out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <strong><a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/16-11-2020#6999" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was signed into existence</a></strong> by 15 countries led by China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the 10-state ASEAN grouping, creating one of the world&rsquo;s largest trading blocs.</p>
<p>India had been a part of negotiations for almost nine years <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-and-rcep" target="_blank" rel="noopener">till it pulled out in November 2019</a>, stating that inadequate safeguards and lowering of customs duties will adversely impact its manufacturing, agriculture and dairy sectors.</p>
<p>However, by staying out, India has blocked itself from a trade bloc that represents 30% of the global economy and world population, touching over 2.2 billion people.</p>
<p>Further, as the summary of the final agreement shows that the pact does cover and attempt to address some issues that India had flagged, including rules of origin, trade in services, movement of persons. Therefore, this makes the case of India to review its decision and look RCEP through the lens of economic realism.</p>
<h3>Reasons for India's Withdrawal</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Unfavourable Balance of Trade:</strong> Though trade has increased the post-<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/country-of-origin-rules-carotar-2020#:~:text=Free%20Trade%20Agreement,on%20substantial%20trade%20between%20them." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Free Trade Agreement</a> with South Korea, ASEAN countries and Japan, imports have risen faster than exports from India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to a paper published by NITI Aayog, India has a bilateral trade deficit with most of the member countries of RCEP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chinese Angle:</strong> India has already signed FTA with all the countries of RCEP except China. Trade data suggests that India&rsquo;s deficit with China, with which it does not have a trade pact, is higher than that of the remaining RCEP constituents put together.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This trade deficit is the primary concern for India, as after signing RCEP cheaper products from China would have flooded the Indian market.</li>
<li>Further, from a geopolitical perspective, RCEP is China-led or is intended to expand China's influence in Asia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Non-acceptance of Auto-trigger Mechanism:</strong> To deal with the imminent rise in imports, India had been seeking an auto-trigger mechanism.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Auto-trigger Mechanism would have allowed India to raise tariffs on products in instances where imports cross a certain threshold.</li>
<li>However, other countries in the RCEP were against this proposal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection of Domestic Industry:</strong> India had also reportedly expressed apprehensions on lowering and eliminating tariffs on several products like dairy, steel etc.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For instance, the dairy industry is expected to face stiff competition from Australia and New Zealand.</li>
<li>Currently, India&rsquo;s average bound tariff for dairy products is on average 35%.</li>
<li>The RCEP binds countries to reduce that current level of tariffs to zero within the next 15 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Consensus on Rules of Origin:</strong> India was concerned about a &ldquo;possible circumvention&rdquo; of rules of origin.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rules of origin are the criteria used to determine the national source of a product.</li>
<li>Current provisions in the deal reportedly do not prevent countries from routing, through other countries, products on which India would maintain higher tariffs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Reasons For India to Review</h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605614956_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605614956_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="529" height="287" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Economic Stagnation due to Covid-19:</strong> With global trade and the economy facing a steep decline 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>, RCEP can serve as a bulwark in containing the free fall of the global economy and re-energising economic activity.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the RCEP presents a unique opportunity to support India&rsquo;s economic recovery, inclusive development and job creation even as it helps strengthen regional supply chains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need For Economic Realism:</strong> India should deter seeing RCEP only from the Chinese perspective.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India should acknowledge that the trade bloc represents 30% of the global economy and world population, touching over 2.2 billion people, and staying out of RCEP may result in suboptimal economic growth without leveraging Asia-Pacific demand.</li>
<li>In this regard, India can draw inspiration from Japan &amp; Australia, as they chose to bury their geopolitical differences with China to prioritise what they collectively see as a mutually beneficial trading compact.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Need:</strong> It is not just because gains from trade are significant, but the RCEP&rsquo;s membership is a prerequisite to having a say in shaping RCEP&rsquo;s rules.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is necessary to safeguard India&rsquo;s interests and the interests of several countries that are too small to stand up to the largest member, China.</li>
<li>Moreover, staying out of RCEP may also affect <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India's Act East policy</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Acknowledging India&rsquo;s economic heft and value as a market, the RCEP members have left the door open for India for inviting it to be an observer member and also waived a critical 18-month cooling period for interested applicants.</p>
<p>Given the global economic scenario in present times and the near future, it would be in India&rsquo;s interest to dispassionately review its position on RCEP and carry out structural reforms that will help India to mitigate some of the repercussions arising from the RCEP.</p>
<table border="1" style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #cff6fa; border-color: #058f9e;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question<br /><br /></strong></em>Given the global economic scenario in near future, it would be in India&rsquo;s interest to dispassionately review its position on RCEP. Discuss.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vqKMrySdyQg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This editorial is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/farmers-fertiliser-subsidy-india-modi-7052724/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Fertile opportunity&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on November 16th, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6999,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'RCEP Comes into Existence',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)</strong></a> has come into existence on the sidelines of the 37th ASEAN Summit.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has laid down the <strong>path for restarting discussion that had failed to admit India earlier</strong> and said &ldquo;new&rdquo; developments would be taken into consideration if India re-applies.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605516927_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605516927_image3.png" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" width="466" height="306" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It consists of 10 <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a> (ASEAN) members, as well as South Korea, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It excludes the USA, which withdrew from the <strong>Trans-Pacific Partnership </strong>(TPP) in <strong>2017</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Negotiations over the RCEP deal began in 2012. India was also part</strong> of the negotiations but it <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-exits-rcep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pulled out in 2019</strong></a> over concerns that <strong>lower tariffs could hurt local producers</strong>.</li>
<li>Members of the RCEP make up nearly a <strong>third of the world's population</strong> and account for<strong> 29% of global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low#:~:text=Growth%20in%20Fiscal%20Year%202019,6.1%25%20in%202018%2D19." target="_blank" rel="noopener">gross domestic product</a></strong> (GDP).</li>
<li>The <strong>China-backed</strong> group will emerge as the <strong>largest free trade agreement</strong> (FTA) in the world surpassing both the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-future-of-free-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>US-Mexico-Canada Agreement</strong></a> and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU).</li>
<li>It is <strong>expected to eliminate a range of tariffs on imports within 20 years</strong> and also includes provisions on <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/intellectual-property-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>intellectual property</strong></a>, telecommunications, financial services, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/e-commerce-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-commerce</strong></a> and professional services.</li>
<li>Under RCEP, <strong>parts from any member nation would be treated equally,</strong> which might give companies in RCEP countries an <strong>incentive to look within the trade region for suppliers</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Businesses with global supply chains might face tariffs even within an FTA because their products contain components that are made elsewhere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The deal could <strong>increase global national income by USD 186 billion annually by 2030</strong> and add 0.2% to the economy of its member states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, some analysts think the deal is <strong>likely to benefit China, Japan and South Korea more</strong> than other member states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, it could be <strong>some time before any country sees the benefits, because six Asean nations and three other nations have to ratify</strong> it before it takes effect.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ratification will likely be <strong>tricky</strong> in national parliaments, owing to both <strong>anti-trade and anti-China sentiments</strong> among the countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance for China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The beginning of RCEP is a major development that will <strong>help China and trade in the Asia-Pacific region</strong> in the <strong>post-<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> scenario</strong>.</li>
<li>It will give <strong>China access to Japanese and South Korean markets</strong> in a big way, as the three countries have not yet agreed on their FTA.</li>
<li>While China already has a number of bilateral trade agreements, this is the first time it has signed up to <strong>a regional multilateral trade pact</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While addressing the ASEAN Summit, India <strong>highlighted the necessity for peace and stability in the region but maintained silence regarding RCEP</strong> as it is <strong>not very welcoming</strong> of the China-backed grouping in the light of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ongoing military tension in eastern Ladakh</strong></a> <strong>along the Line of Actual Control </strong>(LAC).</li>
<li>In the meantime, India <strong>held <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-be-included-in-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malabar Exercise</a> with Japan and the USA for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quadrilateral Security Dialogue</a></strong> (QUAD) which was interpreted as an anti-China move.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, these moves <strong>did not influence Japanese and Australian plans</strong> regarding RCEP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <strong>ended negotiation</strong> on RCEP over terms that were <strong>perceived to be against its interests</strong>.</li>
<li>One of the major concerns for India was <strong>inadequate protection against surges in imports</strong> as its industry had fears that signing RCEP would <strong>allow cheaper products from China to flood the market</strong> in India.</li>
<li>The <strong>extended power to China</strong> could lead to <strong>actions and incidents eroding trust in the maritime region</strong> disrespecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, the ongoing tensions at LAC and <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/disputed-territories-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chinese activities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>RCEP on India&rsquo;s Membership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, as an original negotiating participant of the RCEP, has the <strong>option of joining the agreement without having to wait 18 months</strong> as stipulated for new members in the terms of the pact.</li>
<li>RCEP signatory states plan to commence negotiations with India once it <strong>submits a request of its intention to join the pact "in writing"</strong>, and it may participate in meetings as an observer prior to its accession.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The mega trade bloc is a landmark trade initiative which is expected to boost commerce among the member-countries spread across the Asia-Pacific region.</li>
<li>India needs to keep its interests on the table as the road to further expansion of its exports to RCEP member nations is very much still open, given that India already has trade and investment agreements with 12 of them.</li>
<li>Utilising existing agreements better while proactively exploring new opportunities in other geographies will diversify both Indian markets as well as an export basket.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rcep-signatories-ready-for-negotiations-once-india-gives-written-request-to-join-pact/article33102130.ece#:~:text=Photo%20Credit%3A%20Reuters-,India%20will%20have%20to%20re%2Dapply%20for%20membership%20negotiation,to%20restart%20negotiation%20for%20membership." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6989,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => '17th ASEAN-India Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India has participated in the <strong>17<sup>th</sup> ASEAN-India Virtual Summit</strong> on the invitation of Vietnam, the current Chair of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Association of Southeast Asian Nations</strong> </a>(ASEAN).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The summit focused on <strong>measures to recover from the economic turmoil triggered by the</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and ways to <strong>further broad-base strategic ties.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>ASEAN&rsquo;s Centrality with respect to:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India's Act East Policy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Against the backdrop of aggressive moves by China, including the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ladakh standoff</strong></a>, India placed the ASEAN at the centre of India&rsquo;s <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East policy</strong></a> and held that a cohesive and responsive ASEAN is essential for security and growth for all in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India's Indo-Pacific Vision and Security And Growth for All in the Region Vision:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India underscored the importance of strengthening convergence between India's <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-vietnam-meeting#:~:text=Key%20Points,for%20all%20in%20the%20region." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative</strong></a> (IPOI) and the ASEAN Outlook on <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific</strong></a>, to ensure a free, open, inclusive and rules-based region.</li>
<li>It also highlighted the importance of cooperation by ASEAN in for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-sagar#:~:text=Security%20and%20Growth%20for%20All%20in%20the%20Region%20(SAGAR)%20was,building%20their%20maritime%20security%20capabilities." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Security And Growth for All in the Region</strong></a> (SAGAR) Vision.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India would explore ways to <strong>increase trade despite</strong> its exit from the 15-nation <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RCEP agreement</strong></a> in 2019.</li>
<li>The RCEP free trade agreement is<strong> expected to be signed on 15<sup>th</sup> November 2020</strong> between <strong>China, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and the ASEAN Members.</strong></li>
<li>However, experts have warned that <strong>once the RCEP is adopted, trade between RCEP nations will assume primacy,</strong> which <strong>could affect trade ties with other countries</strong> including India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>South China Sea:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Affirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, safety and security in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South China Sea</strong></a>, and <strong>ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight.</strong></li>
<li>Noted the importance of promoting a rules-based order in the region including through <strong>upholding adherence to international law,</strong> especially the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unclos-maritime-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea</strong></a> (UNCLOS).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulating Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India welcomed ASEAN&rsquo;s <strong>initiatives to fight the pandemic</strong> and announced a <strong>contribution of USD 1 million to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/36th-asean-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 ASEAN Response Fund.</a></strong></li>
<li>It also underlined the importance of cooperation and regular exchanges in the field of traditional medicines as a source of healthy and holistic living.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade and Investment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India underlined the <strong>importance of diversification and resilience of supply chains</strong> for post-Covid-19 economic recovery.</li>
<li>India called for an early review of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asean-india-economic-ministers-consultations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement</strong></a> (AITIGA), which is pending for a long time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Underscoring the importance of greater physical and digital connectivity, India reiterated its offer of <strong>USD 1 billion Line of Credit to support ASEAN</strong> connectivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Significance Highlighted by ASEAN:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Towards <strong>promoting peace and stability in the region</strong> and India&rsquo;s support to ASEAN centrality.</li>
<li>Welcomed the adoption of the new <strong>ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2021-2025.</strong></li>
<li>Acknowledged <strong>India&rsquo;s capacity-building initiatives,</strong> including the<strong> PhD Fellowship Programme</strong> at IITs and<strong> setting up of Centres for Excellence</strong> in Software Development and Training.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Association of Southeast Asian Nations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>regional grouping</strong> that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation.</li>
<li>It was established on<strong> 8<sup>th</sup> August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand</strong> with the signing of the <strong>ASEAN Declaration</strong> (Bangkok Declaration) by the <strong>founding fathers</strong> of ASEAN, namely <strong>Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ten Members:</strong> Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.</li>
<li><strong>Chairmanship:</strong> It rotates annually, based on the alphabetical order of the English names of Member States.</li>
<li>ASEAN countries have a <strong>total population of 650 million</strong> people and a combined <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a> (GDP) of USD 2.8 trillion.</strong> It is<strong> India&rsquo;s 4<sup>th</sup> largest trading partner</strong> with about USD 86.9 billion in trade.</li>
<li>The group has <strong>played a central role in Asian economic integration,</strong> signing six free-trade agreements with other regional economies and helping spearhead negotiations for what could be the world&rsquo;s largest free trade pact.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605259785_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605259785_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A cohesive and responsive ASEAN is essential for security and growth for all in the region and cementing the connection between India and ASEAN on all fronts, including economic, social, digital, financial, maritime, is an important priority area.</li>
<li>ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership stands on a strong foundation of shared geographical, historical and civilisational ties. A fruitful exchange with ASEAN leaders and a successful Summit will further strengthen this relationship.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1672455" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6974,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'SCO Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in news</h3>
<p><strong>The 20<sup>th</sup> Summit</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)</strong> </a>Council of Heads of State was held <strong>recently</strong> via <strong>Video Conferencing.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Meeting was <strong>chaired</strong> by<strong> Russian President</strong> Mr. Vladimir Putin.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance of SCO Meet:</strong> 20<sup>th</sup> Summit of SCO Heads of State is important as it <strong>brought President Xi Jinping of China and Mr. Modi together</strong> in the virtual format even as <strong>both sides are caught in the high tension confrontation in Eastern Ladakh</strong> along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This was the <strong>first SCO Summit</strong> held in <strong>Virtual Format</strong> and the <strong>third meeting</strong> that India participated after becoming a <strong>full member in 2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Republic of Tajikistan assumed chairmanship</strong> of SCO for 2021-22.</li>
<li>India has proposed to set up a<strong> Special Working Group </strong>on Innovation and Startups and a <strong>Sub Group on Traditional Medicine</strong> within SCO.</li>
<li>The Prime Minister of India indirectly referred chinese infrastructure projects in <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan Occupied Kashmir</strong></a> and<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/galwan-valley-clash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India China standoff at line of actual control</strong> </a>and urged members of the SCO to respect <strong>&ldquo;territorial integrity&rdquo;</strong> and<strong> &ldquo;sovereignty&rdquo;</strong> of each other.</li>
<li><strong>Connectivity:</strong> PM highlighted India's role in<strong> supporting infrastructure and connectivity development</strong> projects in the SCO region. <strong>Examples: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chabahar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chabahar port</a>,</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>International North&ndash;South Transport Corridor (INSTC)</strong> is a multi-modal connectivity project to establish transport networks <strong>(ship, rail, and road route)</strong> for moving freight between <strong>India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Responsible Global Governance:</strong> Bringing changes in <strong>global governance</strong> will be the focus of India as a non-permanent member of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nation (UN) Security Council.</strong></a> From 2021 India will take part in the UN Security Council as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-permanent member.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Reformed Multilateralism:</strong> In the context of the fallout of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong> </a>and the <strong>economic downturn,</strong> India sought support of the<strong> SCO members</strong> in attaining a reformed multilateralism.</li>
<li><strong>Organised Crime:</strong> India highlighted the challenges posed by the <strong>smuggling of illegal weapons, drugs and money laundering.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Cultural Heritage:</strong> The <strong>National Museum of India</strong> will hold an exhibition on <strong>the Buddhist heritage of the SCO countries</strong> and India will host a<strong> food festival</strong> reflecting the <strong>culinary traditions of the SCO region.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s a Eurasian<strong> political, economic and military</strong> organisation aiming to maintain peace, security and stability in the region.</li>
<li>It was <strong>created in 2001.</strong></li>
<li>The SCO Charter was signed in 2002, and entered into force in 2003.</li>
<li>The SCO's <strong>official languages are Russian and Chinese.</strong></li>
<li>SCO has <strong>two Permanent Bodies</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>SCO Secretariat in Beijing,</strong> and</li>
<li>Executive Committee of the <strong>Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Chairmanship of SCO is by rotation for a year by Member States.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Genesis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of the<strong> Shanghai Five.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Shanghai Five (1996)</strong> emerged from a series of border demarcation and demilitarization talks which the four former Soviet republics held with China to ensure stability along the borders.</li>
<li>Following the accession of Uzbekistan to the organisation in 2001, the Shanghai Five was renamed the SCO.</li>
<li><strong>India and Pakistan became members in 2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The SCO must be used as a platform to <strong>deepen solidarity</strong> and <strong>mutual trust</strong> and <strong>resolve disputes and differences through dialogue and consultations.</strong> It will help in <strong>de-escalating tensions</strong> between India and its neighbouring countries China and Pakistan.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/prime-minister-narendra-modi-addresses-sco-summit-through-videoconference/article33066158.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6947,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Italy Bilateral Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a <strong>virtual Bilateral Summit between India and Italy</strong> has been held to comprehensively review the broad framework of the bilateral relationship and also strengthen cooperation against common global challenges, including the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 pandemic.</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1604741531_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1604741531_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="400" height="283" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Both nations decided to adopt the <strong>Action Plan for an enhanced Partnership between India and Italy (2020-2024)</strong> to set up priorities, strategic goals and mechanisms of a bilateral partnership.</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1604741531_image3.png">Economic Engagement:</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Agreed to coordinate closely at multilateral fora especially <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-20</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Italy will assume the Presidency of G-20 in December 2021 followed by India in 2022.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/saudi-arabia-becomes-first-arab-nation-to-head-g20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saudi Arabia is holding the current presidency</strong></a> of G20.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Memorandum of Understanding</strong> (MoU) between <strong>Cassa Depositi Prestiti</strong> (CDP), an Italian investment bank and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-infrastructure-pipeline" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Infrastructure Investment Fund</strong></a> (NIIF) to <strong>promote innovative financial schemes</strong> capable of supporting bilateral investments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Italy is <strong>India&rsquo;s fifth-largest trading partner in the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a> (EU).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Underscored the need to<strong> further expand defence engagement</strong> through greater two-way collaboration and technology cooperation, co-development and co-production.</li>
<li>Recognised the opportunity to<strong> consolidate defence relations with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping activities</strong> within the framework of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation During Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Italy thanked India for extending support during the pandemic</strong> by supplying medicines and personal protection equipment (PPE).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Indian community in Italy is the <strong>second-largest community of Indians in Europe after the UK.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Reiterated that the pandemic calls for an inclusive multilateral approach to health protection, especially in the framework of the UN and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation</strong></a> (WHO).</li>
<li>Welcomed the <strong>World Health Summit,</strong> which will be held in Italy in 2021, in cooperation with the <strong>European Union</strong> (EU) Commission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The World Health Summit is <strong>one of the world&rsquo;s leading strategic forums for global health</strong> and is held in <strong>October every year.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Science, Technology and Research Collaboration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Welcomed the progress made under <strong>India-Italy Science and Technology Cooperation</strong> and the <strong>India-Italy Executive Programme of Cooperation.</strong></li>
<li>Welcomed the <strong>establishment of Thematic Working Groups</strong> as a method of work between the <strong>Italian Space Agency</strong> (ASI) and the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indian Space Research Organisation</strong> </a>(ISRO) as well as the creation of the<strong> first joint ASI-ISRO working group in heliophysics.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Heliophysics</strong> is the study of the effects of the Sun on the Solar System.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation for Counter-Terrorism and Security:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Pledged to strengthen cooperation in the<strong> fight against <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-international-convention-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">terrorism</a> and transnational crime</strong> both at a bilateral level and in multilateral fora and also agreed to hold the next meeting of the<strong> &lsquo;India-Italy Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism&rsquo;</strong> to further advance cooperation, exchange of expertise and capacity building in 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regional Cooperation and Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Italy acknowledged the potential of new international organisations such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure#:~:text=The%20Union%20Cabinet%20has%20given,on%2023rd%20September%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructures</strong></a> (CDRI) and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/third-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong></a> (ISA).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India welcomed Italy joining ISA after it coming into force of the universalisation of ISA.</li>
<li>India also welcomed Italy&rsquo;s engagement in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association</strong> </a>(IORA) and <strong>Italy&rsquo;s new status as Development Partner</strong> of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multilateral Cooperation on Environment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc#:~:text=It%20aims%3A,and%20switch%20to%20renewable%20energy." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change</strong></a> (UNFCCC) and its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-renewed-support-for-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong> </a>and their respective <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/11-07-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>nationally determined contributions</strong></a> (NDCs).</li>
<li>Highlighted the <strong>significance of cooperation in the run-up to the 26<sup>th</sup> Conference of Parties</strong> (COP26) of the UNFCCC, which will be <strong>organised in 2021 by the UK</strong> in partnership with Italy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1670763" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6933,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Promoting South Asian Tourism',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <strong><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/how-india-can-take-the-lead-in-reviving-tourism-in-south-asia/story-IjP7eEjSjnwfDSlWzV3EIL.html#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20India%20liberalised%20the,arrivals%20from%20Bangladesh%20in%202014.&amp;text=India%20should%20also%20leverage%20the,revive%20intra%2Dregional%20tourism%20flows.https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/how-india-can-take-the-lead-in-reviving-tourism-in-south-asia/story-IjP7eEjSjnwfDSlWzV3EIL.html#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20India%20liberalised%20the,arrivals%20from%20Bangladesh%20in%202014.&amp;text=India%20should%20also%20leverage%20the,revive%20intra%2Dregional%20tourism%20flows.https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/how-india-can-take-the-lead-in-reviving-tourism-in-south-asia/story-IjP7eEjSjnwfDSlWzV3EIL.html#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20India%20liberalised%20the,arrivals%20from%20Bangladesh%20in%202014.&amp;text=India%20should%20also%20leverage%20the,revive%20intra%2Dregional%20tourism%20flows.https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/how-india-can-take-the-lead-in-reviving-tourism-in-south-asia/story-IjP7eEjSjnwfDSlWzV3EIL.html#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20India%20liberalised%20the,arrivals%20from%20Bangladesh%20in%202014.&amp;text=India%20should%20also%20leverage%20the,revive%20intra%2Dregional%20tourism%20flows." target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;How India can take the lead in reviving tourism in South Asia&rdquo;</a></strong> which was published in The Hindustan Times on 05/11/2020. It talks about the challenges and opportunities for developing South Asian regional tourism.</p>
</div>
<p>According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/tourism-industry-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Travel &amp; Tourism Council (WTTC)</a>, the travel and tourism sector accounted for 10.3% of global GDP and 330 million jobs in 2019. The sector has seen high growth in the last decade, which can be largely attributed to factors such as rising disposable incomes, the emergence of low-cost carriers, etc.</p>
<p>While the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 pandemic</a> has affected all sectors of the economy, the travel and tourism (T&amp;T) sector is among those expected to suffer the most prolonged impact.</p>
<p>However, the pandemic provides an opportunity for India to take the lead in promoting regional tourism in South Asia. Further, there is immense potential in the travel and tourism sector, which can be harnessed to contribute to the region&rsquo;s economic recovery.</p>
<h3>Challenges for Regional Tourism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Disruption Caused by Covid-19:</strong> Tourism as an industry is built around mobility and the enabling mechanisms of consumption that are mostly intangible. The challenge posed to these factors by the Covid-19 pandemic is unparalleled in many ways.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the World Bank estimates, South Asia&rsquo;s T&amp;T sector has lost more than 10 million jobs and is further expected to incur losses of over $50 billion in GDP.</li>
<li>This makes the countries most economically dependent on tourism, such as Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, particularly vulnerable.</li>
<li>Further, post-pandemic, inter-regional mobility will remain limited due to reduced air connectivity, high costs, and a lack of willingness to travel long distances.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Informal Tourism Sector:</strong> Nearly three-fourths of the tourism sector in the South Asian region are in the informal sector.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is majorly dominated by bed &amp; breakfast facilities, guest houses and other small-scale units.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Geo-Political Tensions:</strong> Hostile political conditions in India&rsquo;s neighbourhood, especially between India &amp; Pakistan, discourages development of a South Asian regional circuit.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Opportunities For the Regional Tourism</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>High Tourism Potential:</strong> Over the last two decades, South Asia has emerged as an attractive tourist destination due to its natural and cultural diversity, and price competitiveness.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The region is home to tourism-based economies such as Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka that attract high spending per traveller.</li>
<li>In 2019, the World Economic Forum&rsquo;s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) ranked South Asia as &ldquo;the most improved region since 2017.</li>
<li>In South Asia, tourism was one of the fastest-growing sectors in the last decade, with double-digit growth leading to a contribution of $234 billion or 6.6% of the region&rsquo;s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Crisis Presents An Opportunity:</strong> Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unforeseen challenges to global tourism. With geography gaining significance and the importance of shorter distances becoming more pronounced, regional tourism is likely to grow.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such a push would also contribute locally through employment and revenue generation from foreign exchange earnings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Niche Tourism:</strong> There is an opportunity that can be explored to bring back the international traveler to the niche segment of South Asian Countries, Adventure Tourism circuit with Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example: India&rsquo;s medical, spiritual and Ayurveda tourism, Adventure Tourism circuit with Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Opportunity for India:</strong> In the last decade, India has witnessed an increase in the share of South Asian tourist arrivals. Additionally, tourist spill-overs from India to the rest of the region contribute significantly to the regional tourism economy.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, in particular, should leverage geographic proximity and the wide range of cultural similarities with its neighbours such as the regional Buddhist trail and pilgrimage, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Several steps can be taken to ensure a seamless flow of tourists in India and its neighbourhood:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>E-visa Facility:</strong> Technical modernisation, upgradation and other improvements are needed in the Indian visa application and delivery system for South Asian nationals.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, only China and Sri Lanka are eligible for an Indian e-visa.</li>
<li>Considering the rising share of tourists from the neighbourhood in India, the e-visa facility should be extended to other countries in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investing in Digitisation in the Tourism Industry</strong>: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is an increasing focus on digitisation of various services to revive the tourism sector.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Contact-less transfers, hotel check-ins, site-visits etc. will be crucial for revival of the industry.</li>
<li>This requires participation from both public and private sector stakeholders and significant investment in digitisation to enhance secure travel and ensure revenue from foreign exchange.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inter-Ministerial Coordination to Enhance Infrastructural Connectivity:</strong> The Ministry of Tourism should actively work with other ministries such as the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Home Affairs to undertake infrastructure-related connectivity initiatives.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example by further expanding the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/udan-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UDAN Scheme</a> to neighbouring countries and supporting digital immigration services at the Integrated Check Posts.</li>
<li>Apart from this, the government must play a role in facilitating tourism infrastructural development supported by multilaterals such as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tourism Promotion Through Regional Initiatives:</strong> India must take the lead in promoting intra-regional tourism through the <strong>South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral, Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) or the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal initiative (BBIN)</strong>.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Following the example of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</a>, India could host regional tourism summits and facilitate inter-regional cooperation among tour operators, for example with the Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA).</li>
<li>India should also work and cooperate bilaterally with other South Asian countries on joint tourism promotion and advertising campaigns, towards establishing the tourism industry as a regional value chain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Religious Tourism Circuits:</strong> The historical and cultural linkages between South Asian nations offer the potential to develop religious tourism circuits within the region.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There has been an interest towards developing a Buddhist circuit between India and Nepal, and a Ramayana circuit between India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s regional governments will have to play a vital role in targeted outreach initiatives to promote their religious heritage to specific countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has been the preferred short-haul destination for tourists from its neighbourhood. Tourists visit India not only for leisure and medical reasons, but also use the country for transit to other regions.</li>
<li>However, there is an urgent need to address the significant challenges towards promoting free and open intra-regional tourism such as visa-openness, gaps in cross-border infrastructure, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1604579774_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1604579774_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Answer</strong></em><br /><br />Developing South Asian regional tourism will not only help in boosting the economy of the region but bring people closer. Comment</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ql07Qwf5se8" 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://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/et-editorials/what-is-at-stake-in-us-elections/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;What is at stake in US Elections&rdquo;</a> which was published in The Economic Times on November 03rd, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6874,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Second Meeting of India-Central Asia Dialogue',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India virtually hosted the second meeting of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-central-asia-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Central Asia Dialogue</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-central-asia-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>first meeting of the dialogue</strong></a> was held in Samarkand, the Republic of Uzbekistan in January 2019.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Combat Terrorism:</strong> All the nations strongly <strong>condemned terrorism and reaffirmed their determination to combat</strong> it by destroying terrorist safe-havens, networks, infrastructure and funding channels.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They also underlined the need for <strong>every country to ensure that their territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks</strong> against other countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Afghan Peace Process:</strong> All countries called for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-position-shift-on-taliban" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>settlement of the Afghan conflict</strong> </a>on the basis of Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process.</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure:</strong> They appreciated <strong>India&rsquo;s efforts to modernise the infrastructure of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-firm-takes-over-chabahar-port-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chabahar port</a> in Iran</strong>, which could become an important link in trade and transport communications between the markets of Central and South Asia.</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives Announced by India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An additional <strong>USD 1 billion Line of Credit by India</strong> for the Central Asian countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is expected that the money will be <strong>spent on major infrastructural and connectivity projects</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Grant financing for high impact community development projects</strong> in the countries.</li>
<li><strong>Establishment of working groups by India Central Asia Business Council</strong> comprising the key chambers of all participating countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The council was launched by the Government of India along with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-asean-expo-and-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry</strong></a> (FICCI) in February 2020.</li>
<li>It aims to promote business in the region and to collaborate and provide an industry view to the governments of the six countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Line of Credit</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>credit facility</strong> extended by a bank or any other financial institution to a government, business or an individual customer, that <strong>enables the customer to draw the maximum loan amount</strong>.</li>
<li>The borrower <strong>can access funds from the line of credit at any time as long as they do not exceed the maximum amount</strong> (or credit limit) set in the agreement and meet any other requirements such as making timely minimum payments.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>India-Central Asia Dialogue</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>ministerial-level dialogue</strong> between<strong> India</strong> and the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/connect-central-asia-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Asian</strong></a> countries namely <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-kazind-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kazakhstan</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-kyrgyzstan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyrgyzstan</a>, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uzbekistans-president-visit-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Uzbekistan</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All five nations became independent states after the <strong>collapse of the USSR in 1991, post-<a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cold war</a></strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>All the countries participating in the dialogue, <strong>except for Turkmenistan</strong>, are also members of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The dialogue focuses on a number of issues including ways to <strong>improve connectivity and stabilise war-ravaged Afghanistan</strong>.</li>
<li>In the first dialogue, <strong>India proposed</strong> setting up of <strong>&lsquo;India-Central Asia Development Group&rsquo;</strong> to take forward development partnership between India and Central Asian countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The group will enable India to <strong>expand its footprints in the resource-rich region</strong> amid an ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>standoff with China</strong></a> and to <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-international-convention-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fight terror</strong></a> effectively, including in Afghanistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969689_image2.webp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969689_image2.webp" width="582" height="344" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-central-asian-republics-call-for-destruction-of-terror-safe-havens/article32966365.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6867,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/the-delhi-dc-strategic-dance-ht-editorial/story-3StIXRnekFZN0vHDh76yvM.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The Delhi-DC strategic dance&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on 27/10/2020. It talks about the implications of signing the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA) agreement between India and US.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-usa-2-2-dialogue-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-United States (US) 2+2 talks</strong> </a>were conducted. The most striking outcome from these talks was the formal signing of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA).</strong></a></p>
<p>BECA is the last of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> four foundational defence agreements</strong></a> between the two countries that allow a much higher level of military cooperation in technology, interoperability, and defence manufacturing.</p>
<p>The signing of the BECA marks the end of the prolonged phase of mutual trust-building and sets the stage for more expansive security cooperation.</p>
<h3>What is BECA?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement largely pertains to geospatial intelligence, and sharing information on maps and satellite images for defence.</li>
<li>BECA will provide Indian military systems with a high-quality GPS to navigate and missiles with real-time intelligence to precisely target the adversary.</li>
<li>It will give access to topographical and aeronautical data and products that will aid navigation and targeting.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Foundational Agreements</h3>
<p>The BECA follows three other agreements:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) was signed by the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee back in 2002.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to protect the military information shared by the US.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) was signed a full 14 years later in 2016.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to provide mutual logistics support around the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Communication Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) was signed in 2018
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to facilitate communication between the weapons platforms of the two armed forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of Signing of BECA</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Converging Indo-Pacific Strategies:</strong> Signing of BECA will fast-forward the integration of the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indo-Pacific strategies</strong> </a>of their two countries.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, this is in sync with increasing formalization of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>QUAD</strong></a>, which can be seen in the recent joining of Australia in the Malabar naval exercises.</li>
<li>India will be able to keep a close watch on the movements of Chinese warships in the Indian Ocean.</li>
<li>Moreover, its signing comes at a time when India is locked in one of its most hostile standoffs with China along their disputed border in the Himalayan region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deep Military Implications:</strong> While LEMOA means one partner trusts the other enough to expose its valuable assets, COMCASA means one is confident that it can rely on encrypted systems to connect the two militaries, and BECA means it can share highly classified information in real time without fear of being compromised.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All this signals the level of trust that has developed between the two countries and their militaries, faced with an increasingly aggressive China.</li>
<li>BECA allows more intensive engagement between the armed forces &mdash;from interoperability to intelligence-sharing and joint defence research to production of weapons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multi-Polar World Order:</strong> Substantive and institutionalised cooperation between the two defence establishments will serve the long-term interests of a rising India and an America that is restructuring its global security burden.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Issues</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Aversion to Alliance System:</strong> Signing of these four foundational agreements would mean India getting strategically more close to US.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>From the perspective of the US, in order to counter China, it would want India to be getting close to an alliance system.</li>
<li>However, one aspect which remains unchanged is the Indian strategic establishment&rsquo;s aversion to the term alliance.</li>
<li>From the heyday of non-alignment to the present day possibilities of multi-alignment, this idea that alliances are inherently bad has been a constant in India&rsquo;s mainstream strategic thinking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dependence on Russia:</strong> India is one of the world's biggest defence equipment buyers, but around 60-70% of its inventory is supplied by Russia.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the US wants India to move away from Russian equipment and platforms, as it feels this may expose its technology and information to Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compromising Strategic Autonomy:</strong> Many foregin policy experts in India are of the view that, by synchronising its systems with those of the US, it will enable the US to enter its decision-making loop.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is something that no sovereign country would like.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Divergence of Foregin Policy Interest:</strong> There is divergence on foregien policy interests between US and India, especially relating to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On account of Indian Ocean issues, the US would want India&rsquo;s cooperation in the South China Sea, but India&rsquo;s primary naval challenge is in the western and north-western Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Expanding Scope of Convergence:</strong> If both the US and India want India to become a genuine strategic balancer to China, they need to leapfrog economic and technological cooperation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the US and India are now in talks of an &ldquo;innovation partnership&rdquo; that must develop along with all the military-to-military bonhomie taking place.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintaining Strategic Autonomy:</strong> India must clarify to the US that, it can sign the civil nuclear pact, it can sign foundational defence agreements, it can converge on the Indo-Pacific but it won&rsquo;t lead to an alliance relationship.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, India should realise agreements are a scrap of paper, unless they are backed by a mutuality of interest at the given time. Therefore, must continue its efforts of strategic hedging with our global powers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Signing of BECA will allow India and the US to act together and get into a better position to shape the regional and global environment in favour of peace and stability. However, both countries must not glamourize this signing as these agreements are not an end in themselves they are a means to a larger end &ndash; security and prosperity of its citizens.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603885711_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603885711_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></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: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Signing of various defence agreements will allow India and the US to act together and get into a better position to shape the regional and global environment. Critically analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N5yHKT0xjpI" 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/the-shade-of-grey-on-fatfs-mandated-tasks/article32947421.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The shade of grey&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on October 27<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6824,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Pakistan on FATF Grey List',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Financial Action Task Force (FATF)</strong> has <strong>decided to keep Pakistan on the &ldquo;greylist&rdquo;</strong> till the next review of its compliance to the recommendations in February 2021.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The decision was taken after a<strong> three-day virtual plenary session.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pakistan Remains on Grey List:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The FATF had issued the<strong> 27-point action plan</strong> after placing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fatf-s-grey-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan on the &lsquo;Grey List&rsquo; in June 2018.</strong></a> The action plan <strong>pertains to curbing <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/money-laundering-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">money laundering</a> and terror financing.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, the task force&rsquo;s <strong>International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG)</strong> noted that Pakistan had complied with 21 points.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Since 2007,</strong> the ICRG has analysed high-risk jurisdictions and recommended specific action to address the money laundering/terror financing risks emanating from them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>At the <strong>recent plenary session,</strong> the FATF observed that Pakistan has made progress across all action plan items and has <strong>largely addressed 21 of 27 action items.</strong></li>
<li>Keeping Pakistan on the &lsquo;Grey List&rsquo;, the<strong> FATF strongly urged Pakistan to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2021.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>points on which Pakistan failed to deliver</strong> included its lack of action against the non-profit organisations linked to the terror groups banned by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> UN Security Council (UNSC)</strong></a>; and<strong> delays in the prosecution of banned individuals and entities</strong> like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed and LeT operations chief, Zaki Ur Rahman Lakhvi, as well as Jaish-e- Mohammad chief <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/masood-azhar-listed-as-a-global-terrorist" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Masood Azhar.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While Saeed was sentenced in February 2020 to 11 years in prison for terror financing, the <strong>Pakistan government claims that others are &ldquo;untraceable&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, Pakistan was found <strong>non-compliant in cracking down on terror financing</strong> through narcotics and smuggling of mining products including precious stones.</li>
<li>The FATF process also <strong>showed concern about the 4,000 names</strong> that were on Pakistan&rsquo;s Schedule-IV list under the Anti-Terrorism Act up to January, but went missing in September 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Consequences for Pakistan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The FATF listing<strong> makes it extremely difficult for Pakistan to get financial aid</strong> from the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-monetary-fund-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Monetary Fund (IMF)</strong></a>, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> and the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> European Union.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Response of Different Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Turkey</strong> proposed that the<strong> members should consider Pakistan&rsquo;s good work</strong> and instead of waiting for completion of the remaining six of the 27 parameters, <strong>an FATF on-site team should visit Pakistan</strong> to finalise its assessment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>On-site teams are<strong> permitted only after jurisdictions complete their action plans.</strong> Normally such a visit is a<strong> signal for exit from the grey or black list.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When the proposal was placed before the Plenary,<strong> no other member seconded the move.</strong> It was <strong>not supported by even China, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Pakistan continues to provide <strong>safe havens</strong> to terrorist entities and individuals and has also <strong>not yet taken any action against several terrorist entities and individuals</strong> including those <strong>proscribed by the UNSC,</strong> such as Masood Azhar, Dawood Ibrahim, Zakir-ur-Rahman Lakhvi.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Financial Action Task Force</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Formation:</strong> The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an <strong>inter-governmental body</strong> established in<strong> 1989</strong> during the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/g-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G7</strong></a> <strong>Summit</strong> in Paris.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong> To set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.</li>
<li><strong>Secretariat:</strong> Its Secretariat is located at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oecds-forecast-for-global-economy-in-2060" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)</strong></a> <strong>headquarters</strong> in<strong> Paris.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Member Countries:</strong> The FATF currently has <strong>39 members</strong> including two regional organisations &mdash; the<strong> European Commission</strong> and <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gcc-backs-un-arms-embargo-on-iran#:~:text=set%20to%20expire.-,Gulf%20Cooperation%20Council,United%20Arab%20Emirates%20(UAE)." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gulf Cooperation Council.</a> India</strong> is a member of the FATF.</li>
<li><strong>Decision Making Body:</strong> The<strong> FATF Plenary</strong> is the decision making body of the FATF. It <strong>meets three times per year. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Lists under FATF:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Grey List:</strong> Countries that are considered safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put in the FATF grey list (or &lsquo;Jurisdictions under increased monitoring&rsquo;). This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist.</li>
<li><strong>Black List:</strong> Countries known as Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs) are put in the blacklist. These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities. The FATF revises the blacklist regularly, adding or deleting entries. As of this year, there are only two countries on the FATF's black list - <strong>North Korea</strong> and <strong>Iran.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/terror-financing-watchdog-fatf-keeps-pakistan-on-greylist-till-next-review-in-february-2021/article32931451.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6819,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Saudi Arabia hosted the <strong>first-ever Ministerial Meeting of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g20-meeting-in-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-20</a> Anti-Corruption Working Group</strong> (ACWG) virtually.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/saudi-arabia-becomes-first-arab-nation-to-head-g20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saudi Arabia holds the presidency of G-20</strong></a> and is the first Arab nation to do so.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was set up in <strong>June 2010 at the Toronto Summit of G-20.</strong> The year<strong> 2020</strong> marks its<strong> 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To prepare "comprehensive recommendations for consideration by leaders on how the G20 could continue to make practical and valuable contributions to international efforts to combat corruption".</li>
<li>ACWG has <strong>led the G-20 anti-corruption efforts</strong> coordinating the collective and national actions taken by its members.</li>
<li>It actively works with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank Group</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oecds-forecast-for-global-economy-in-2060" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development</strong></a> (OECD), the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/illicit-drug-supply-and-covid-19-unodc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime</strong></a> (UNODC), the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-monetary-fund-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Monetary Fund</strong> </a>(IMF), the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/financial-action-task-force-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Action Task Force</strong></a> (FATF), etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The World Bank and the UNODC are also involved in the ACWG through the active participation and contribution of <strong>Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative</strong> (StAR) to its work, which <strong>plays an advisory role</strong> on asset recovery, anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing, transparency and beneficial ownership, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>G-20 on Corruption:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In recent years the <strong>G-20 has played a critical role in global and national anti-corruption efforts.</strong></li>
<li>It<strong> recognises the negative impact of corruption</strong> which, &lsquo;threatens the integrity of markets, undermines fair competition, distorts resource allocation, destroys public trust, and undermines the rule of law&rsquo;.</li>
<li>It is <strong>committed to ensuring that member countries lead by example and add value to existing international instruments and commitments.</strong></li>
<li>The G-20 agreed on the <strong>Anti-Corruption Action Plan, 2019-2021</strong> in <strong>Buenos Aires in 2018.</strong> In the framework of this action plan, G-20 members look forward to developing targeted actions where the<strong> G-20 can best add value in promoting international efforts</strong> in the fight against corruption.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Initiatives in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/central-vigilance-commission-cvc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Vigilance Commission:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Though <strong>created in 1964,</strong> it became an <strong>independent statutory body in 2003.</strong></li>
<li>Its mandate is to oversee the vigilance administration and to advise and assist the executive in matters relating to corruption.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/anti-corruption-law-covers-deemed-universities#:~:text=The%20Supreme%20Court%20has%20held,under%20the%20anti%2Dcorruption%20law." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act aims at <strong>checking corruption in big places and striking hard against corporate bribery.</strong> It seeks to establish a vicarious liability so that the actual bribe giver is also exposed.</li>
<li>It was <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rajya-sabha-passes-amendments-to-anti-corruption-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>amended in 2018</strong></a> to introduce a number of new provisions including <strong>criminalizing the act of giving bribes</strong> also in addition to taking the bribe and at the same time putting in place an effective deterrence for such actions by individuals as well as corporate entities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/lokpal-lokayukta-ombudsman-upsc-governance-transparency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lokpal and Lokayuktas:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013</strong> provided for the establishment of Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for States.</li>
<li>These institutions are operational in the country to<strong> bring in more transparency, more citizen-centricity and accountability</strong> in governance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fugitive-economic-offenders-act-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>empowers authorities for non-conviction based attachments and confiscation of proceeds</strong> of crime and properties as well as assets of a fugitive economic offender.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/changes-in-the-prevention-of-money-laundering-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Money laundering</strong> is the<strong> process of making large amounts of money generated by criminal activity,</strong> such as drug trafficking or terrorist funding, appear to have come from a legitimate source.</li>
<li>The law was <strong>enacted to prevent and control money laundering,</strong> provide for confiscation and seizure of property obtained from laundered money and to deal with any other issue connected with money-laundering in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Legislation and Moves:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information Act, 2005.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/whistleblowers-protection-act#:~:text=The%20act%20establishes%20a%20mechanism,an%20inquiry%20into%20such%20disclosure." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/prosecution-under-benami-act-stuck#:~:text=Benami%20Transactions%20(Prohibition)%20Amendment%20Act,or%20paid%20by%20another%20person." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2016.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Ratification of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-anti-corruption-day#:~:text=The%20United%20Nations%20General%20Assembly,in%20fighting%20and%20preventing%20it." target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Convention Against Corruption</a> in 2011.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Introduction of <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/e-governance-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">e-governance</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>G-20</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>informal group of 19 countries</strong> and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU), with representatives of the<strong> IMF</strong> and the<strong> World Bank.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The G20 membership comprises a <strong>mix of the world&rsquo;s largest advanced and emerging economies,</strong> representing about two-thirds of the world&rsquo;s population, 85% of global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low#:~:text=Growth%20in%20Fiscal%20Year%202019,6.1%25%20in%202018%2D19." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>gross domestic product</strong></a> (GDP) 80% of global investment and over 75% of global trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The G20 <strong>operates as a forum and not as an organisation.</strong> Therefore, it <strong>does not have any permanent secretariat.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origins:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>1997-1999 Asian Financial Crisis:</strong> This was a ministerial-level forum which emerged after G7 invited both developed and developing economies. The<strong> finance ministers and central bank governors began meeting in 1999.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Amid the 2008 Financial Crisis,</strong> the world saw the need for a<strong> new consensus-building at the highest political level</strong> and it was decided that the G20 leaders would begin meeting once annually.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The members of the G20 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the USA, and the EU.</li>
<li><strong>One nation holds the chair every year,</strong> known as the<strong> 'G20 Presidency'.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1666850" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6814,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India Invited to Join the Blue Dot Network',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>A group of the US Senators,</strong> in a letter, has asked India to join the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/blue-dot-network" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Blue Dot Network (BDN).</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The letter also <strong>backed India&rsquo;s decision to invite Australia</strong> to the annual <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-be-included-in-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar naval exercise.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Blue Dot Network:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The BDN was formally announced on 4<sup>th</sup> November 2019 at the<strong> Indo-Pacific Business Forum</strong> in Bangkok, Thailand. It is <strong>led by the USA along with Japan and Australia.</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>multi-stakeholder initiative</strong> to bring together governments, the private sector and civil society to promote high-quality, trusted standards for global infrastructure development.</li>
<li>It is expected to serve as a globally recognized evaluation and certification system for roads, ports and bridges with a<strong> focus on the Indo-Pacific region.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Infrastructure projects would be graded on debt, environmental standards, labour standards etc.</li>
<li>This system would apply to projects in any citizen-centric country where citizens would like to evaluate such projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is planned as a <strong>direct counter to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/italy-joins-belt-road-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China&rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).</a></strong></li>
<li>However, unlike the BRI, the <strong>BDN would not offer public funds or loans for the project.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Blue Dot certification:</strong> BDN will serve as a<strong> globally recognized seal of approval</strong> for major infrastructure projects, letting people know that projects are sustainable and not exploitative.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Malabar Exercise:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an<strong> annual</strong> exercise between the navies of India, Japan, and the U.S. held alternately in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.</li>
<li>Australia&rsquo;s inclusion to Malabar followed the recent <strong>2+2 ministerial meeting</strong> of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quadrilateral Security Dialogue</a> [the Quad]</strong> in Tokyo.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The new Blue Dot Network, can be a strategy to persuade developing countries in Asia-Pacific not rely on Chinese funds (debt traps) for sustainable infrastructure development.</li>
<li>India, Japan, and Australia can take the lead in infrastructural projects, while the USA needs to be more proactive in pushing ahead the vision of connectivity.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bipartisan-senate-letter-backs-indias-inclusion-of-australia-in-malabar-naval-exercise/article32910969.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6787,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Australia to Join Malabar Exercise',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Australia has agreed to join the Malabar Exercise</strong> on India&rsquo;s request. The exercise is scheduled to be held in November 2020.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Malabar Exercise</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>annual trilateral naval exercise</strong> between the navies of <strong>India, Japan, and the USA</strong> which is held <strong>alternately in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.</strong></li>
<li>It began as a <strong>bilateral <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-8th-september-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">naval exercise</a></strong> between <strong>India and the USA in 1992</strong> and was expanded into a trilateral format with the<strong> inclusion of Japan in 2015.</strong></li>
<li>The Exercise is <strong>aimed to support free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific</strong> and remain committed to a <strong>rules based international order.</strong></li>
<li>It is<strong> also aimed at interoperability</strong> with an emphasis on humanitarian assistance, surface war manoeuvres, anti-submarines warfare, counter-terror operations, gunnery training and aerial surveillance.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>2020 Malabar Exercise:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2020 Exercise is expected to be held in the<strong> Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.</strong> In 2019, the exercise was conducted off the coast of Japan.</li>
<li>Due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> the exercise had been planned in a <strong>&lsquo;non-contact - at sea&rsquo; format.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Its objective</strong> is to enhance safety and security in the maritime domain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Australia&rsquo;s Inclusion:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The issue of Australia&rsquo;s inclusion in Malabar had again come up for discussion at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad</strong></a> foreign ministers meet in Tokyo held in October 2020. Thereafter, India invited Australia to join the Exercise.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Quad</strong> is the informal strategic dialogue between India, the USA, Japan and Australia with a shared objective to ensure and support a <strong>free, open and prosperous&rdquo; Indo-Pacific region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The move will bolster the ability of India, Australia, Japan and the United States to work together to<strong> uphold peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.</strong></li>
<li>It is also expected to further lay the foundations for the eventual <strong>formalisation of the Quad grouping.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Despite regular requests from Australia, India resisted issuing the invitation due to its concerns that the move would give the appearance of a<strong> &lsquo;quadrilateral military alliance&rsquo;</strong> aimed at China.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2017, Australia had requested for observer status in the Malabar Exercise.</li>
<li>China has repeatedly expressed strong opposition to any expansion of the Malabar Exercise, which it sees as a multilateral naval construct designed to &ldquo;counter and contain&rdquo; it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/face-off-between-india-and-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-China tensions</strong></a> over the situation at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aksai-chin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Line of Actual Control</strong> </a>(LAC) may have brought more flexibility to India's decision making process.</li>
<li><strong>Japan and the U.S.A also have been pressing India</strong> for Australia&rsquo;s inclusion in Malabar Exercise.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Cooperation Between Quad Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Japan had signed a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-logistics-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>military logistics agreement</strong></a> in September, 2020.</li>
<li>India has signed maritime information sharing agreements for <strong>Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)</strong> with Australia and Japan and a similar agreement is under discussion with the U.S.A.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>MDA</strong> is defined by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Maritime Organization</strong> </a>as the effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of a country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India and U.S.A. are also stepping up efforts to conclude the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement</a> (BECA)</strong> ahead of the <strong>Indo-US 2+2 ministerial meeting</strong> on 26-27 October, 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>BECA, a key military pact, will allow India to use U.S.A.&rsquo;s geospatial intelligence and enhance accuracy of automated systems and weapons like missiles and armed drones.</li>
<li>BECA is one of the <strong>four foundational military communication agreements</strong> between the two countries. The other three being <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GSOMIA, LEMOA, CISMOA.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>GSOMIA:</strong> General Security Of Military Information Agreement</li>
<li><strong>LEMOA:</strong> Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement</li>
<li><strong>CISMOA:</strong> Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Defence and Foreign ministers of the two countries will Participate at the 2+2 ministerial meeting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As India seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain, high-end military exercises like Malabar are key to enhancing maritime capabilities, building interoperability with its close partners, and demonstrating its collective resolve to support an open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.</li>
<li>The fast-tracking of work on BECA and the decision of the four Quad countries to participate in the Malabar Exercise are perceived to be a strategic signal to an aggressive China.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/australia-to-join-malabar-naval-exercise-next-month/article32892277.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6784,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Israel and Bahrain Diplomatic Ties',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Bahrain and Israel are signing a <strong>joint communique</strong> on the establishment<strong> of diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations,</strong> as well as a number of <strong>memorandums of understanding</strong> in areas of mutual benefit.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603101908_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603101908_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bahrain has a history of open politics and civil society movements, although rights have been curtailed in the past decade.</li>
<li>The decision to normalise ties comes from the belief in the values of tolerance in a region whose people have suffered from wars and conflicts.</li>
<li>The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain became only the third and fourth Arab states to agree to normalise ties with Israel, following Israel&rsquo;s <strong>1979</strong> peace deal with Egypt and a <strong>1994</strong> pact with Jordan.</li>
<li>Under the deal, <strong>Israel would suspend its plans to annex large parts of the occupied <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/west-bank-settlements" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Bank</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The West Bank is<strong> sandwiched between Israel and Jordan.</strong> One of its major cities is <strong>Ramallah,</strong> the <strong>de facto administrative capital of Palestine.</strong></li>
<li>Israel took control of it in the<strong> Six-day Arab-Israeli war, 1967</strong> and has over the years established settlements there.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact on the USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is the second deal in 2020 after the Israel-UAE Peace Deal brokered by the USA. The recognition<strong> grants a diplomatic win</strong> to the USA President Donald Trump ahead of the Presidential election.</li>
<li>The deal buys UAE a lot of <strong>goodwill in the US,</strong> where its image has been tarnished by its involvement in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ceasefire-in-yemen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Yemen war</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Saudi Arabia</strong> made clear that it will not normalise ties without a resolution to the Palestinian issue despite signs of rapprochement.</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>For Palestine:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Palestinians have not embraced the USA&rsquo;s vision. 86% of Palestinians believed the normalization agreements with the UAE and Bahrain served only Israel&rsquo;s interests and not their own.</li>
<li>For Palestinians, who long have relied on Arab backing in their struggle for independence, the announcement <strong>marked both a win and setback</strong> for the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Israel-Palestine relations.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While the deal <strong>halts Israeli annexation plans of the west Bank,</strong> the Palestinians have repeatedly <strong>urged Arab governments not to normalize relations with Israel until a peace agreement</strong> establishing an independent Palestinian state is reached.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Shia-Sunni rifts</strong> in the region may get wide and violent.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Saudi Arabia (Sunni) and Iran (representing Shia) have a long history of enmity. For decades, one of the main sources of instability in West Asia has been the cold war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.</li>
<li>The Sunni-Shiite schism may also provoke violence between Muslims in such places as Pakistan, Nigeria and Indonesia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Interest in West Asia:</strong> A peaceful and prosperous West Asia is necessary for India. Such deals between Arab Countries and Israel are having a positive impact for Indian interests in the region. Also, difficulty in balancing Arab countries and Israel will become easy. Indian interests include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Geopolitical:</strong> West Asia occupies an important position in international relations due to its geographical location and proximity to continents and countries South Asia, China, Central Asia, Europe, and Africa.</li>
<li><strong>Energy:</strong> The region is strategically significant due to its enormous energy resources, trade route links to different parts of the world.</li>
<li>It is the world's largest oil-producing region accounting for 34% of world production, 45% of crude oil exports and 48% of oil proven reserves.</li>
<li><strong>Diaspora:</strong> Indian expatriates have constituted a substantial share of the regional labour market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Remittances from the region constitute a major chunk of total remittances to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A balance between <strong>Shia and Sunni,</strong> between Iran and Arab, is key to any sustainable peace.</li>
<li>The US may be a pre-eminent power in the Middle East, but Russia has made a space for itself, spending a lot less money. In recent years, China has indicated its willingness to play a larger role in this region.</li>
<li>India should make its moves before this market and this extended neighbourhood come under the Chinese sphere of influence.</li>
<li>A deal that could, if played right, open the doors for a changed geopolitical arrangement in the Middle East should have a stronger Indian footprint.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-and-bahrain-to-formalise-diplomatic-ties/article32887549.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6762,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Road to Zero Hunger',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-road-to-zero-hunger-by-2030/article32865528.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The road to zero hunger by 2030&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 16/10/2020. It talks about the significance of Nobel Peace Prize 2020 to the World Food Programme and some measures to achieve the zero hunger target.</p>
</div>
<p>Several poor countries have suffered a severe setback to their developmental aspirations due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>. But, the pandemic, more strikingly, poses a threat to food security and agricultural livelihoods. It compounds the threats already faced by 690 million people around the world.</p>
<p>In India, the Covid-19 containment measures have brought out the multi-dimensionality of India&rsquo;s food challenges.</p>
<p>Therefore, As countries begin to develop and implement Covid-19 recovery plans, it is also an opportunity to adopt innovative solutions based on scientific evidence so they can build back better and make food systems more resilient and sustainable.</p>
<p>In this context, countries can draw inspiration from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prize-for-peace-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Food Programme (WFP)</strong> </a>which has been awarded with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prize-for-peace-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nobel peace prize, 2020.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602847617_image0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602847617_image0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Significance of Nobel Peace Prize to WFP</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This year&rsquo;s Nobel Peace Prize to the World Food Programme (WFP) is a recognition of its role in combating hunger and malnutrition across the developing world.</li>
<li>According to the WFP, 132 million more people could become malnourished as a consequence of the pandemic.</li>
<li>This counts for a major world-wide catastrophe and unless the conscience of the world is aroused, we will be condemning vast pools of humanity to living in wretchedness and deprivation.</li>
<li>It is also a warning that the novel coronavirus pandemic is reversing the substantial gains made in the fight against poverty.</li>
<li>Thus, the Nobel Prize to the WFP will hopefully nudge collective conscience across the globe to come together and relieve this looming humanitarian crisis.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Challenges In Combating Global Hunger</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Retreat of Multiculturalism:</strong> Challenges like Global Hunger are cross-domain but also cross-national in character, and hence demand greater multilateral cooperation in order to succeed.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, paradoxically as the salience of cross-national and global challenges has significantly increased, nation states are less willing to cooperate and collaborate in tackling them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threat of Climate Change:</strong> Climate change continues to be a real and potent threat to agrobiodiversity, which may impact everything from productivity to livelihoods across food and farm systems.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Intensified food production systems with excessive use of chemicals and unsustainable farming practices cause soil degradation, fast depletion of groundwater table and rapid loss of agro-biodiversity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inter-Linked Challenges:</strong> Food, energy and water security are inter-linked with strong feedback loops.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Enhancing food security may lead to diminished water and energy security.</li>
<li>It will also have collateral impact on health security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Case of India</h3>
<p><strong>Positive Side &mdash;Tackling of Food Crisis During Pandemic</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has gone from being a net importer to a net exporter of food grains. This strength has been evident through the pandemic.</li>
<li>Central and State governments were able to distribute around 23 million tonnes from India&rsquo;s large domestic food grain reserves, during lockdown, through the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Distribution System (PDS).</strong></a></li>
<li>Thereby, providing much-needed emergency assistance to families around the country.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Flip Side &mdash; Prevalence of Malnutrition &amp; Threat to Food Security</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Prevalent Malnutrition:</strong> Even as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/malnutrition-and-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>malnutrition in India</strong></a> has notably declined over the past decade, the <strong>Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016-18</strong> revealed that over 40 million children are chronically malnourished, and more than half of Indian women aged 15-49 years are anaemic.</li>
<li><strong>Threat to Food Security:</strong> India is dealing innovatively with climate change through programs like the development of drought and flood tolerant seed varieties, weather-based agricultural advisories, promotion of millets, and small-scale irrigation etc.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this year, India witnessed how climate-related shocks made it difficult for farmers to deal with pest and locust attacks, as well as floods and cyclones.</li>
<li>Further, these challenges multiply with an increase in fragmentation of landholdings.</li>
<li>In India, more than 86% farmers have less than two hectares of land contributing around 60% of the total food grain production and over half the country&rsquo;s fruits and vegetables.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Improving Agricultural Productivity:</strong> Agricultural productivity has improved significantly in recent decades, yet more than two billion people globally still lack access to sufficient, nutritious and safe food.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, to achieve <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>zero hunger by 2030 (SDG 2)</strong></a>, there is a need for collaboration among global players.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need For Global Cooperation:</strong> Global solidarity is needed to help all populations, and especially the most vulnerable, to recover from the crisis, and to make food systems more resilient and robust.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Clearly, without stronger commitment from the big powers, the challenge to feed the millions who suffer acute hunger due to conflict and failed agriculture would be very difficult.</li>
<li>Thus, there is a need to mobilise a global fund on the lines of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/climate-finance-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Green Climate Fund of UNFCCC.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adoption of Food System Approach:</strong> Food System Approach is a framework that includes every aspect of feeding and nourishing people from growing, harvesting and processing to packaging, transporting, marketing and consuming food.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To be sustainable, a food system must provide enough nutritious food for all without compromising feeding future generations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Every section of society, whether the governments, the private sector, civil society and local communities &mdash; has a role to play in transforming our food systems. So that humanity can withstand increasing volatility and climate shocks, deliver affordable and sustainable healthy diets for all, and provide decent livelihoods for food chain workers.</p>
<p>Therefore, countries need to act in concert to make sure that our food systems nourish a growing population and sustain the planet, together.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edeffc;">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Achieving zero hunger by 2030, requires determination to mitigate carbon emissions early and avert effects on agriculture from disastrous climate events. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rg0yGKkK7cI" 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.business-standard.com/article/opinion/falling-behind-120101500078_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Falling behind&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Business Standard on October 15<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 16 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6754,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Geneva Conventions',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>After the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Galwan (India-China) clash</strong> </a>in Ladakh in June 2020, the<strong> International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC)</strong> urged both the Indian and Chinese governments that they <strong>observe the Geneva Conventions to which both countries are signatories.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Geneva Conventions (1949)</strong> and<strong> their Additional Protocols</strong> are <strong>international treaties</strong> that contain the most important rules <strong>limiting the barbarity of war.</strong></li>
<li>They <strong>protect people who do not take part in the fighting</strong> (civilians, medics, aid workers) and those <strong>who can no longer fight</strong> (wounded, sick and shipwrecked troops, prisoners of war).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> first Geneva Convention</strong> protects wounded and sick soldiers on land during war.</li>
<li>The <strong>second Geneva Convention</strong> protects wounded, sick and shipwrecked military personnel at sea during war.</li>
<li>The<strong> third Geneva Convention</strong> applies to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/geneva-convention-for-prisoner-of-wars" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>prisoners of war.</strong></a></li>
<li>The<strong> fourth Geneva Convention</strong> affords protection to civilians, including in occupied territory.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Article 3,</strong> common to the four Geneva Conventions, covers <strong>situations of non-international armed conflicts.</strong> They include traditional civil wars, internal armed conflicts that spill over into other States or internal conflicts in which a third State or a multinational force intervenes alongside the government.</li>
<li><strong>Two Protocols of 1977:</strong> Additional to the four 1949 Geneva Conventions were adopted in<strong> 1977.</strong> They strengthen the protection of victims of international (Protocol I) and non-international (Protocol II) armed conflicts and place limits on the way wars are fought.</li>
<li>In <strong>2005,</strong> a <strong>third Additional Protocol</strong> was adopted creating an additional emblem, the Red Crystal, which has the same international status as the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems.</li>
<li>The<strong> International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC),</strong> an international humanitarian organisation, has the mandate to monitor that signatories follow the rules in situations of conflict.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Established in <strong>1863,</strong> the ICRC operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence and promoting the laws that protect victims of war.</li>
<li>An <strong>independent and neutral organization,</strong> based in <strong>Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
<li>The ICRC is <strong>funded</strong> mainly by voluntary donations from governments and from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/after-galwan-clash-icrc-approaches-india-and-china-6727037/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 17 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6752,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => '65th Anniversary of Bandung Conference: NAM',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The year <strong>2020</strong> marks the<strong> 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary</strong> of the landmark<strong> Bandung Conference</strong> that resulted in the adoption of the founding principles of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Aligned Movement</strong> </a>(NAM).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The basic concept for NAM originated in <strong>1955</strong> during discussions that took place at the <strong>Asia-Africa Bandung Conference</strong> held in<strong> Indonesia.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The milestone of the 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary is a <strong>good time to reflect upon the philosophy</strong> behind the movement.</li>
<li>India reiterated that NAM <strong>never was and can never be a platform for pursuits that undermine the territorial integrity</strong> of a State by another State.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India will deploy her rich developmental experience for the peace and welfare of humanity, treating the world as one family.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India also <strong>emphasized</strong> that in order to make NAM a relevant entity in the global decision making process, its <strong>members must avoid raising issues that divide the forum.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> is a reminder of the interconnectedness and dependence of NAM members on each other.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Members must work to reduce the socio-economic impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable sections of society. NAM's unique tradition of promoting <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-africa-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South-South cooperation</strong> </a>can provide a way out as societies look to rebuild and regenerate in the wake of this crisis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Apart from the global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-international-convention-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>terrorism</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-in-climate-change-negotiations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a>, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cyber-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cybersecurity threats</strong></a> and the uneven <strong>impact of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/frontier-technologies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">frontier technologies</a> (<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Artificial Intelligence</a></strong>, robotics, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-must-get-on-the-iot-highway-fast" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Internet of Things</strong></a>, etc.)<strong> and development concerns</strong> are few other challenges which can only be tackled if all the members work together.</li>
<li>The strength of the NAM lies in its<strong> diversity,</strong> its <strong>shared developmental experience,</strong> and its <strong>youthful populations.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Non-Aligned Movement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was formed during the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong></a> as an organisation of<strong> States that did not seek to formally align</strong> themselves with either the <strong>USA (<a href="/mains/model-essays/can-capitalism-bring-inclusive-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Capitalism</a>)</strong> or the <strong>Soviet Union (<a href="/be-mains-ready-daily-answer-writing-practice-question/papers/be-mains-ready-idea-of-socialism-india-adopted-after-its-independence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Socialism</a>)</strong> but sought to<strong> remain independent or neutral.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Foundation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Six years after the Bandung Conference, the <strong>Movement of Non-Aligned Countries was founded</strong> on a wider geographical basis at the <strong>First Summit Conference of Belgrade,</strong> which was held in <strong>September 1961.</strong></li>
<li>It was held under the leadership of <strong>Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, </strong>and <strong>Sukarno of Indonesia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Purpose:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The purpose of the organisation was enumerated in the <strong>Havana Declaration of 1979</strong> to ensure <strong>"the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries"</strong> in their struggle against <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-135#:~:text=Imperialism%2C%20on%20the%20other%20hand,a%20territory%20without%20significant%20settlement.&amp;text=Imperialism%20is%20just%20exercising%20power,or%20indirect%20mechanisms%20of%20control." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>imperialism</strong></a>, <a href="/gs-special/gs-special-world-history/colonialism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>colonialism</strong></a>, <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-352" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>neo-colonialism</strong></a>, racism, and all forms of foreign subjugation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members and Observers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has <strong>120 members as of April 2018</strong> comprising 53 countries from Africa, 39 from Asia, 26 from Latin America and the Caribbean and 2 from Europe.</li>
<li>There are <strong>17 countries and 10 international organisations</strong> that are <strong>Observers</strong> at NAM.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NAM <strong>does not have a formal constitution or permanent secretariat,</strong> and its <strong>administration is non-hierarchical and rotational.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Decisions</strong> are made by<strong> consensus,</strong> which requires substantial agreement, but not unanimity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Even if members call for effective and reformed multilateralism, they need to introspect, reform and revitalise the current arrangements of their own movement, which will enable them to pursue a focused, positive and transformative agenda going forward.</li>
<li>The NAM has a glorious past but the future will depend on how the member nations perform in addressing the defining challenges of the current era, which could be solved easily with the help of the principles of solidarity and cooperation.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/nam-can-t-be-platform-to-undermine-territorial-integrity-says-india-120100901322_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: BS</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6748,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Third Assembly of ISA',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> India and France</strong> have been re-elected as the President and Co-President of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-solar-technology-summit-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong></a> (ISA) for a term of two years at the virtual third Assembly of ISA.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The first two assemblies were held in<strong> India in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-assembly-of-international-solar-alliance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018</a></strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/second-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2019</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Assembly approved institutionalising ISA&rsquo;s engagement with the private and public corporate sector through the <strong>Coalition for Sustainable Climate Action</strong> (CSCA).</li>
<li><strong>Various solar awards</strong> were conferred on countries as well as institutions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/birth-anniversary-of-m-visvesvaraya" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visvesvaraya</a> award</strong> recognises the countries with a maximum floating solar capacity in each of the four regions of ISA, which are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Asia Pacific Region.</li>
<li>Africa Region.</li>
<li>Europe and others Region.</li>
<li>Latin America and Caribbean Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Kalpana Chawla award</strong> for outstanding contribution of scientists and engineers working in the field of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/solar-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>solar energy</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The <strong>Diwakar award</strong> recognises organisations and institutions that have been working for the benefit of differently-abled people and have maximised the use of solar energy in the host country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Assembly was <strong>presented the report prepared by</strong> the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-forest-watch" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Resources Institute</strong></a> (WRI) which <strong>identifies the sources of funds, opportunities and constraints, in scaling up solar investments and the contribution</strong> of ISA in assisting Member countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ISA will work with WRI to develop a roadmap for <strong>mobilisation of USD 1 trillion by 2030</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the wake of the global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a>, ISA responded by setting up <strong>ISA CARES</strong> (like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-cares-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-CARES</strong></a> in India), an initiative dedicated to the deployment of solar energy in the healthcare sector.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The initiative <strong>aims to solarize one primary health sector</strong> in each district of the target member countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ISA Secretariat has launched a <strong>Seventh Programme on Solarising Heating and Cooling systems</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Demand for cooling alone outpaced solar deployment in 2017.</li>
<li>Heating and cooling systems have scope to directly convert solar radiation and at higher efficiency levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAARC</a> Development Fund&rsquo;s</strong> technical assistance along with the <strong>ISA Technical Assistance</strong> is proposed to be implemented jointly with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asian-development-outlook-2019-strengthening-disaster-resilience-adb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asian Development Bank</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The ISA has recently signed a tripartite agreement with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> and the Government of India and is now actively involved in preparing a vision and <strong>implementation plan for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-sun-one-world-one-grid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;One Sun, One World, One Grid&rdquo;</a> Initiative</strong> to harness the power of interconnected grids for enabling energy transition to a low-carbon world.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Perspective and Highlights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The President of the ISA Assembly, <strong>India&rsquo;s Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister</strong> appreciated the Alliance Members coming together to work for combating climate change.</li>
<li>He also<strong> highlighted various activities and programmes</strong> initiated by ISA since the 2<sup>nd</sup> Assembly like the <strong>development of a pipeline</strong> of more than USD 5 billion,<strong> aggregated demand</strong> for more than 270,000 solar pumps across 22 countries, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>France&rsquo;s Role:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>France has <strong>committed 1.5 billion Euros</strong> for financing solar projects in ISA member states up until 2022.</li>
<li>The <strong>first project under the Solar Risk Mitigation Initiative</strong> (SRMI) <strong>is being</strong> launched in<strong> Mozambique</strong> with the support of <strong>France and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a></strong> (EU).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SRMI will help mobilise billions in private investment to finance more than 10 GWs of solar projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the frame of the <strong>ISA&rsquo;s Solar Technology Application Resource Centre</strong> (Star-C) <strong>programme</strong>, the <strong>French National Institute for Solar Energy</strong> (INES) will launch a specific program for the small island states of the Pacific.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>Indian initiative</strong> that was launched by the <strong>Prime Minister of India and the President of France</strong> on <strong>30<sup>th</sup> November 2015 in Paris</strong>, France on the side-lines of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-climate-change-act-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Conference of the Parties</strong></a> (COP-21), with <strong>121 solar resource-rich countries</strong> lying <strong>fully or partially between the tropic of Cancer and tropic of Capricorn</strong> as prospective members.</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To collectively address key common challenges to the scaling up of solar energy in ISA member countries.</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong> Till now, <strong>87 countries have signed the Framework Agreement</strong> of the ISA and of these <strong>67 have deposited their instruments of ratification</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Nicaragua, a Central American country</strong> is the <strong>87<sup>th</sup> and the latest</strong> country to sign the agreement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Government of India has <strong>allotted 5 acres of land</strong> to the ISA in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/solar-thermal-energy-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Institute of Solar Energy</strong></a> (NISE) campus, Gurugram and has released a <strong>sum of Rs. 160 crore</strong> for creating a corpus fund, building infrastructure and meeting day to day recurring expenditure of the ISA up to the year 2021-22.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1664423" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'India-Mexico',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>5<sup>th</sup></strong> meeting of the<strong> India-Mexico Bilateral High-Level Group</strong> (BHLG) <strong>on Trade, Investment and Cooperation</strong> has been held through video conference.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>4<sup>th</sup> meeting</strong> of BHLG on Trade, Investment and Cooperation at the level of Commerce Secretary was held<strong> in Mexico City in July 2016.</strong></li>
<li>On <strong>1<sup>st</sup> August 2020,</strong> India and Mexico celebrated the <strong>70<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations</strong> between them.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Both sides discussed a number of bilateral ongoing and outstanding issues, ranging from <strong>Audio-visual Co-production, Bilateral Investment Treaty, market access for agricultural products, a cooperation framework on Sanitary and Phytosanitary</strong> (SPS) and <strong>Technical Barriers to Trade</strong> (TBT) measures, <strong>cooperation in the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/intellectual-property-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intellectual Property Rights</a></strong> (IPR), and exploring ways to <strong>promote <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/tourism-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tourism</a> and people-to-people contact.</strong></li>
<li>They also <strong>agreed to expand and diversify</strong> the bilateral trade relationship through enhanced cooperation in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, healthcare, agro-products, fisheries, food processing and aerospace industry, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Two Memorandum of Understandings</strong> (MoUs) have been signed, to foster the cooperation in the domains of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Electronics, Computer Software and Telecommunications and Information Technologies.</li>
<li>Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Mexico Relations</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602672435_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602672435_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="350" height="247" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Ties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Being <strong>colonies in the past,</strong> India and Mexico have <strong>European connections of the <a href="/gs-special/gs-special-world-history/colonialism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">colonial</a> era.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mexico</strong> was the<strong> first Latin American country to recognise India</strong> after Independence and establish diplomatic relations with India in 1950.</li>
<li><strong>Mexican wheat varieties</strong> used in Indo-Mexican hybrids were the <strong>backbone of India&rsquo;s<a href="/mains-practice-question/question-97" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Green Revolution</a></strong> in the 1960s.</li>
<li>In the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong> </a>years, Mexico and India had worked together closely as members of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN), both actively championing the interests of developing countries such as in the <strong>Uruguay Round of Trade Negotiations</strong> (under the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation</strong></a>).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both countries are the <strong>members of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-20</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Political and Bilateral Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both countries <strong>established a &lsquo;Privileged Partnership&rsquo; in 2007.</strong></li>
<li>In 2015, both countries <strong>agreed to work</strong> for achieving a<strong> &lsquo;Strategic Partnership&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The two countries have <strong>several bilateral agreements and MoUs,</strong> including for Investment Promotion and Protection, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extradition-treaty-between-india-and-belgium" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Extradition</strong></a>, Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, Space Cooperation, etc.</li>
<li>India gives<strong> 20 scholarships</strong> to Mexico under the <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) programme</strong> </a>and Mexican diplomats are also given training at <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/india-state-of-forest-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Forest Survey of India</strong></a> (FSI).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic and Commercial Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mexico is<strong> currently India&rsquo;s largest trading partner in Latin America.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2018-19, it accounted for almost a quarter of India&rsquo;s trade with the region. <strong>India is currently Mexico&rsquo;s ninth-most important</strong> global trading partner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> last decade has seen a spurt in trade</strong> between the two countries, which has grown from around USD 5 billion in 2015-16 to<strong> USD 9.4 billion in 2018-19.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Exports:</strong> Vehicles and auto parts, organic chemicals, electrical machinery and electronic equipment, aluminium products, readymade garments, iron and steel products and gems and jewellery.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Imports:</strong> Crude oil, electrical goods and machinery, organic chemicals, vehicles and auto parts and iron and steel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both countries share a<strong> common concern over growing traditional and non-traditional security challenges,</strong> particularly the <strong>rise of<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-international-convention-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> global terrorism</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Ties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Gurudev Tagore Indian Cultural Centre</strong> has been functioning in Mexico since October 2010, teaching Yoga, classical dances, music, etc.</li>
<li>An <strong>agreement on cultural cooperation</strong> has been in existence <strong>since 1975</strong> and cooperation activities are carried out through four-yearly<strong> &lsquo;Programmes of Cultural Cooperation&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Community:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indian community in Mexico is estimated to be more than 7,000, comprising mostly software engineers of Indian IT companies, academics/professors, and private businessmen.</li>
<li><strong>Tourism</strong> between the two countries is <strong>steadily increasing</strong> and Mexicans have been extended the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-july-7th-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>online e-Tourist Visa facility.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Indian nationals holding ordinary passports but having a valid visa for</strong> the USA, the UK, Canada, Schengen area or Japan, and holders of permanent residence in the same countries or Member States of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-future-of-free-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pacific Alliance</strong></a> viz. Colombia, Chile and Peru<strong> do not need a visa for short tourism or business visits</strong> to Mexico.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Differences:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mexico and India have had <strong>different viewpoints on the issue of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/50-years-of-nuclear-non-proliferation-treaty-npt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nuclear non-proliferation</a></strong>. However, during Indian Prime Minister&rsquo;s 2016 visit, Mexico pledged support for India's bid to be part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-nsg-bid" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nuclear Suppliers Group</strong></a> (NSG).</li>
<li>Both countries have differences on the issue of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/un-reforms-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Mexico has been a member of the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-un-security-council-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United for Consensus (UfC) group/Coffee Club</strong> </a>that, unlike India and the other <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet#:~:text=The%20foreign%20ministers%20of%20the,on%2027th%20September%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Group of Four</strong></a> (G-4) members (Japan, Germany and Brazil), opposes the expansion of permanent membership in the UNSC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India and Mexico have striking similarities in geo-climatic conditions, biodiversity, physiognomy and people, cultural and family values. Both are heirs to a great civilizational heritage and contacts between them indicatively go back centuries.</li>
<li>Both India and Mexico are non-permanent members of the Security Council for the period 2021-2022, which is a good opportunity to set aside their differences on global governance issues and work closely on areas of mutual interest.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1663960" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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