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Adaptation Gap Report 2020: UNEP

Why in News Recently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Adaptation Gap Report 2020 estimated the annual cost of adaptation to the...

16 Jan 2021 Important International Institutions
India at UNSC: Previous Contribution & Current Challenges

Why in News India, for the eighth time, has entered the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)as a non-permanent member recently. It will stay on...

13 Jan 2021 Important International Institutions
Seventh Trade Policy Review of India at the WTO

Why in News Recently, the final session of India’s seventh Trade Policy Review (TPR) concluded at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in...

09 Jan 2021 Important International Institutions
World Food Price Index: FAO

Why in News The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) food price index averaged 107.5 points in December 2020, up 2.3 points from November...

08 Jan 2021 Important International Institutions
Air Pollution and Pregnancy Losses: Lancet Report

Why in News According to recent study poor air quality is associated with a considerable proportion of pregnancy loss in India, Pakistan, and...

07 Jan 2021 Important International Institutions
Iran Steps Up Uranium Enrichment

Why in News Recently, Iran has resumed enriching uranium up to 20% in violation of the 2015 nuclear deal and also seized a South Korean-flagged...

05 Jan 2021 Important International Institutions
PCA Ruling on Retrospective Taxation

Why in News Recently, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has ruled that the Indian government was wrong in applying a retrospective tax on...

24 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
India-Vietnam Virtual Summit

Why in News Recently, India and Vietnam signed seven pacts during their virtual summit, in areas such as defence, petrochemicals, and nuclear...

22 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
Early Health Warning System

Why in News The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is developing an unique Early Health Warning System which is expected to forecast the possibility...

22 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
India-Bangladesh Virtual Summit

Why in News Recently, India and Bangladesh have held a virtual summit covering comprehensive discussions on all aspects of bilateral relations and...

19 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Why in News Hawker Culture in Singapore has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the...

18 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
Loan Pact with NDB

Why in News Government has recently announced a 1 billion USD loan pact with New Development Bank (NDB) to boost rural employment and...

18 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
Challenges Faced By The WTO

This article is based on “The many challenges for WTO” which was published in The Hindu on 17/12/2020. It talks about the issues...

17 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
Threats to Freedom of Press

Why in News According to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a record number of journalists were imprisoned during 2020. The...

17 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
CAATSA Sanctions on Turkey

Why in News The USA administration has recently imposed sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of the S-400 missile system from Russia. The issue...

17 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
Negotiations on UK’s Brexit Deadline

Why in News Recently, the UK and the European Union (EU) have agreed to continue Brexit trade deal talks and abandon the 31st December deadline, end...

15 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
Five Years of Paris Climate Accord

Why in News Recently, India has reiterated her commitment to the Paris Climate Accord, prior to the Climate Ambition Summit which will start from...

12 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit

Why in News In a recent virtual summit, India and Uzbekistan have deliberated on expanding bilateral ties aiming to expand cooperation in a range of...

12 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
Global Health Estimates 2019: WHO

Why in News Recently, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) released the 2019 Global Health Estimates. The WHO Global Health Estimates...

11 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions
Emissions Gap Report 2020: UNEP

Why in News United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s Emissions Gap Report 2020 has been published recently. The annual report from...

10 Dec 2020 Important International Institutions

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		'title' => 'Adaptation Gap Report 2020: UNEP',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/emissions-gap-report-2020-unep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Environment Programme</strong></a> (UNEP) <strong>Adaptation Gap Report 2020</strong> estimated the annual cost of adaptation to the effects of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a> for <strong>developing countries to at least quadruple by 2050.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The current cost for these countries is in the range of <strong>USD 70 billion (Rs 5.1 lakh crore) and may rise to USD 140-300 billion in 2030</strong> and<strong> USD 280-500 billion in 2050.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Adaptation Cost:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It includes costs of <strong>planning, preparing for, facilitating and implementing adaptation measures.</strong></li>
<li>The ever-increasing <strong>adaptation cost has also outpaced the growth in adaptation finance</strong> and that is the reason for a maintained<strong> Adaptation Finance gap.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Adaptation Finance:</strong> It refers to the flow of funds to developing countries to help them tide over the damages caused by weather events from climate change.</li>
<li><strong>Adaptation Finance gap:</strong> It is the difference between <strong>Adaptation Cost </strong>and<strong> Adaptation Finance.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Adaptation costs, in actual terms, is <strong>higher in developed countries</strong> but the <strong>burden of adaptation is greater for developing countries</strong> in relation to their gross domestic product.</li>
<li>The developing countries, especially in Africa and Asia, which are <strong>least equipped to tackle climate change</strong> will also be the <strong>most impacted by it.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Challenges :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rising Temperature:</strong> The world is heading for at least a<strong> 3&deg;C temperature rise</strong> this century, according to current <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></a> pledges. Even if we limit global warming to well below 2&deg;C, or even 1.5&deg;C, the <strong>poor countries will suffer.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Pandemic:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> has impacted adaptation efforts but its effect is not yet quantified.</li>
<li><strong>Other Challenges:</strong> Last year was not just marked by the pandemic but also by devastating natural calamities like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/flood-management-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>floods</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/el-ni%C3%B1o-drought" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>droughts</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-laura" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>storms</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-fires" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>forest fires</strong></a> <strong>and</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/swarm-of-desert-locust" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>locust plagues</strong></a> impacting around 50 million lives globally.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Adaptation for Climate Change:</strong> Three-quarters of all the countries have adopted at least one climate change adaptation planning instrument and <strong>most developing countries are working on national adaptation plans. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Some of the Indian Initiatives to Fight Climate Change:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has shifted from <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-india-will-shift-to-bs-vi-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission</strong></a> norms from 1<sup>st</sup> April 2020 which was earlier to be adopted by 2024.</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-environment-forest-and-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)</strong></a>:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was launched in <strong>January 2019.</strong></li>
<li>It is a five-year action plan with a tentative target of <strong>20-30% reduction in concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 by 2024,</strong> with 2017 as the base year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has distributed more than<strong> 360 million LED bulbs</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/report-on-energy-efficiency-measures" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UJALA scheme</strong></a>, which has led to energy saving of about 47 billion units of electricity per year and <strong>reduction of 38 million tonnes of CO2 per year.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-may-miss-100-gw-solar-power-target-by-2022-crisil-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission</a>:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was<strong> launched in 2009</strong> with the primary aim of achieving grid parity by 2022 and with coal-based thermal power by 2030.</li>
<li>Aims to<strong> increase the share of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/solar-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">solar energy</a> in India's energy mix.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Action Plan on Climate Change</a> (NAPCC):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was<strong> launched in 2008.</strong></li>
<li>It aims at <strong>creating awareness</strong> among the representatives of the public, different agencies of the government, scientists, industry and the communities on the <strong>threat posed by climate change and the steps to counter it.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Environment Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The UNEP is a leading global environmental authority established on 5th june 1972.</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> It sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the sustainable development within the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection.</li>
<li><strong>Major Reports: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/emissions-gap-report-2020-unep" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emission Gap Report</a></strong>, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet.</li>
<li><strong>Major Campaigns:</strong> Beat Pollution, UN75, World Environment Day, Wild for Life.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Nairobi, Kenya.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/emissions-gap-report-2020-unep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7441,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India at UNSC: Previous Contribution & Current Challenges',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India, for the<strong> eighth time,</strong> has entered the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1#:~:text=Its%20primary%20responsibility%20is%20to,China%20and%20the%20United%20Kingdom." target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</a></strong>as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc#:~:text=All%20the%20countries%20in%20the,China%20have%20supported%20India's%20candidature." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-permanent member</strong> </a>recently. It will stay on the council for two years i.e <strong>2021-22.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Contributions of India at UNSC:</strong> India has served <strong>seven times</strong> in the <strong>UN Security Council.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>1950-51:</strong> India, as President of UNSC, presided over the<strong> adoption of resolutions</strong> calling for cessation of hostilities during the<strong> Korean War and for assistance to the Republic of Korea.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1967-68:</strong> India <strong>co-sponsored Resolution 238</strong> extending the mandate of the<strong> UN mission in Cyprus.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1972-73:</strong> India pushed strongly for<strong> admission of Bangladesh into the UN.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1977-78:</strong> India was a<strong> strong voice for Africa in the UNSC</strong> and<strong> spoke against apartheid</strong> and for <strong>Namibia&rsquo;s independence</strong> in 1978.</li>
<li><strong>1984-85:</strong> India was a <strong>leading voice in UNSC for resolution of conflicts in the Middle East, especially Palestine and Lebanon.</strong></li>
<li><strong>1991-92:</strong> Participated in the<strong> first ever summit-level meeting</strong> of the UNSC and <strong>spoke on its role in maintenance of peace and security.</strong></li>
<li><strong>2011-2012:</strong> India was a<strong> strong voice for developing world,</strong> peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and Africa. First statement on Syria was during India&rsquo;s Presidency at the UNSC.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During the 2011-12 term, India chaired the <strong>UNSC 1373 Committee concerning Counter-Terrorism, the 1566 Working Group concerning threat to international peace and security by terrorist acts, and Security Council 751/1907 Committee concerning Somalia and Eritrea.</strong></li>
<li>Earlier in 1996, India took the initiative to pilot a draft <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/at-unga-india-call-for-early-adoption-of-ccit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)</strong> </a>with the objective of providing a comprehensive legal framework to combat terrorism.</li>
<li>India worked closely with its partners in the UNSC to ensure the listing of <strong>Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar under the UNSC&rsquo;s 1267 Sanctions Committee</strong> (May 2019) concerning al-Qaeda and ISIS and associated individuals and entities, which was pending since 2009.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges at UNSC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>China Challenge:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is entering the UNSC at a time when Beijing is asserting itself at the global stage much more vigorously than ever. It heads at least six UN organisations and has challenged the global rules.</li>
<li>China&rsquo;s aggressive behaviour in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific</strong></a> as well as the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India-China border</strong></a> has been visible in all of 2020.</li>
<li>China has tried to raise the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked#:~:text=Issues%20in%20Revoking&amp;text=India%20has%20used%20Article%20370,the%20Indian%20Constitution%20to%20J%26K.&amp;text=It%20will%20also%20clear%20the,and%20settle%20permanently%20in%20J%26K." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>issue of Kashmir</strong> </a>at the UNSC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Post Covid World Order:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As the global economy is in shambles with various countries facing <strong>recession and health emergencies.</strong> To handle all these situations need <strong>careful strategy</strong> to move the world out of this burdening challenge.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Balancing USA and Russia and Unstable West Asia:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>With the situation deteriorating between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/recalibration-of-india-russia-ties" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA and Russia</strong></a> and increasing tensions between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assassination-of-iranian-general-qassem-soleimani" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA and Iran</strong></a>, it will be tough situation to handle for India. India needs to uphold rule based world order with due respect to human rights ensuring the national interest.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nation Security Council</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The United Nations Charter established<strong> six main organs of the United Nations,</strong> including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Article 23 of the UN Charter concerns the composition of the UNSC.</li>
<li>The UNSC has been given primary responsibility for maintaining <strong>international peace and security to the Security Council,</strong> which may meet whenever peace is threatened.</li>
<li>While other organs of the United Nations make recommendations to member states, only the Security Council <strong>has the power to make decisions that member states are then obligated to implement under the Charter.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Permanent and Non-Permanent Members:</strong> The UNSC is composed of <strong>15 members, 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Five permanent members:</strong> China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.</li>
<li><strong>Ten non-permanent members: Elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Each year, the General Assembly elects<strong> five non-permanent members</strong> (out of ten in total) for a<strong> two-year term.</strong> The ten non-permanent seats are distributed on<strong> a regional basis.</strong></li>
<li>As stipulated in rule 144 of the rules of procedure, a <strong>retiring member is not eligible for immediate re-election</strong>.</li>
<li>In accordance with rule 92 of the rules of procedure, the election is <strong>held by secret ballot and there are no nominations</strong>.Under rule 83 of the rules of procedure, the non-permanent members of the Security Council are elected by a two-thirds majority.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Five for African and Asian countries.</li>
<li>One for Eastern European countries.</li>
<li>Two for Latin American and Caribbean countries.</li>
<li>Two for Western European and other countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has been advocating a permanent seat in UNSC.</li>
<li>India has the following objective criteria, such as <strong>population, territorial size, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a>, economic potential, civilisational legacy, cultural diversity, political system and past and ongoing contributions to UN activities </strong>especially to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-peacekeepers-in-south-sudan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> UN peacekeeping operations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-at-un-high-table-7142523/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'Seventh Trade Policy Review of India at the WTO',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the final session of India&rsquo;s seventh<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/trade-policy-review-at-wto#:~:text=The%20Trade%20Policy%20Review%20Mechanism,result%20of%20the%20Uruguay%20Round.&amp;text=The%20trade%20policies%20of%20developing,services%20trade%20and%20intellectual%20property." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Trade Policy Review (TPR)</strong></a> concluded at the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Trade Organization (WTO)</strong></a> in Geneva, Switzerland.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> TPR</strong> is an<strong> important mechanism under the WTO&rsquo;s monitoring function</strong> in which member countries&rsquo; trade and related policies are examined by the WTO with an aim to contribute towards<strong> improved adherence</strong> to WTO rules.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s last TPR took place in <strong>2015.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Appreciation for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Introduction of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Goods &amp; Services Tax</strong> </a>in 2016.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s efforts in the implementation of <strong>WTO&rsquo;s Trade Facilitation Agreement.</strong></li>
<li>Role played by India in furthering <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/steps-to-boost-ease-of-doing-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Ease of Doing Business&rdquo;</strong></a> in the country.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s improved ranking in<strong> &ldquo;Trading across Borders&rdquo;</strong> indicator under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-makes-doing-business-easier#:~:text=In%20the%20latest%20ranking%20for,77th%20position%20last%20year.&amp;text=India's%20score%20improved%20from%2067.23,)%20to%2071.0%20(2020)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ease of Doing Business Report.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA),</strong> aims to speed up customs procedures and make trade easier, faster, and cheaper.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The steps taken by India for<strong> liberalizing its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</a></strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-fdi-rule" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>regime</strong></a> and India&rsquo;s <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/intellectual-property-rights#:~:text=The%20National%20Intellectual%20Property%20Rights,of%20IPRs%20in%20the%20country.&amp;text=India's%20IPR%20regime%20is%20in,Intellectual%20Property%20Rights%20(TRIPS)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Intellectual Property Rights Policy, 2016.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s trade<strong> policy remained largely unchanged</strong> since the previous review.</li>
<li>India continues to <strong>rely on trade policy instruments</strong> such as the <strong>tariff, export taxes, minimum import prices, import and export restrictions, and licensing,</strong> WTO said.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These are <strong>used to manage domestic demand and supply requirements,</strong> protect the economy from wide domestic price fluctuations, and ensure conservation and proper utilization of natural resources.</li>
<li>As a result,<strong> frequent changes</strong> are made to tariff rates and other trade policy instruments, which<strong> create uncertainty for traders.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Request:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ongoing pandemic has again brought to the fore, the importance of food and livelihood security and<strong> urged for a permanent solution to Public Stock Holding (PSH) for food security.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Public Stockholding (PSH)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a policy tool used by governments to procure, stockpile and distribute food when needed.</li>
<li>Currently, public distribution programmes of developing countries are included under <strong>trade-distorting Amber Box</strong> measures <strong>that attract reduction commitments of WTO.</strong></li>
<li>India with the group of developing countries is<strong> demanding that the programmes for food security purposes be exempted from subsidy reduction commitments</strong> of WTO.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has repeatedly demanded a permanent solution for public stockholding issues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Trade Policy Review Mechanism</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM)</strong> was an early result of the <strong>Uruguay Round.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>main transparency instrument of the WTO,</strong> affording opportunities for a process of collective evaluation of the trade policies and practices of individual members.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Facilitating the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system by enhancing the transparency of Members&rsquo; trade policies.</li>
<li>To examine the impact of a Member&rsquo;s trade policies and practices on the multilateral trading system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mechanism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The reviews<strong> take place in the Trade Policy Review Body</strong> which is actually the WTO General Council &mdash; comprising the WTO&rsquo;s full membership &mdash; operating under special rules and procedures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Function:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The trade policy review <strong>allows members to put the overall trade and economic policies of a country under the scanner.</strong></li>
<li>The trade policies of developing countries are taken up for review every four years while developed ones face similar scrutiny every two years.</li>
<li>The mandate of the TPRM was <strong>broadened to cover services trade and intellectual property.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>All WTO Members are subject to review </strong>under the TPRM.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1687117" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7405,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'World Food Price Index: FAO',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Food and Agriculture Organization&rsquo;s (FAO) food price index</strong> averaged<strong> 107.5 points in December 2020, up 2.3 points</strong> from November 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This marks the <strong>seventh month of consecutive increase.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Index:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>introduced in 1996</strong> as a public good to help in monitoring developments in the <strong>global agricultural commodity markets.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) is a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities.</strong></li>
<li>It measures changes for <strong>a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Base Period:</strong> 2014-16.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the Food and Agriculture Organization:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>FAO is a <strong>specialized agency of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a></strong> that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-food-day-1#:~:text=About%20World%20Food%20Day%3A,Together.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Food Day</strong> </a>is celebrated every year around the world on <strong>16<sup>th</sup> October.</strong> The day is celebrated to mark the <strong>anniversary of the founding of the FAO in 1945.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India</strong> released a <strong>commemorative coin of Rs. 75 denomination</strong> to mark the<strong> 75<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the FAO</strong> (16<sup>th</sup> October 2020).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>one of the UN food aid organisations based in Rome (Italy).</strong> Its sister bodies are the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-food-programme-wfp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Food Programme</strong></a> and the <strong>International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Initiatives Taken:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-tea-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).</strong></a></li>
<li>Monitors the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/locusts-appeared-early-in-rajasthan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Desert Locust</a> situation</strong> throughout the world.</li>
<li>The<strong> Codex Alimentarius Commission or CAC</strong> is the body responsible for all matters regarding the implementation of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-seed-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture</strong> </a>was adopted by the Thirty-First Session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2001.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flagship Publications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA).</li>
<li>The State of the World's Forests (SOFO).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/food-security-and-nutrition" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI).</strong></a></li>
<li>The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA).</li>
<li>The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/world-food-price-index-rises-for-seventh-straight-month-in-december/article33523068.ece#:~:text=The%20Food%20and%20Agriculture%20Organization%27s,month%20versus%20105.2%20in%20November.&amp;text=For%20all%20of%202020%2C%20the,averaged%206.6%25%20above%202019%20levels." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7401,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Air Pollution and Pregnancy Losses: Lancet Report',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to recent study <strong>poor air quality is associated</strong> with a considerable proportion of <strong>pregnancy loss in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the <strong>first study to estimate the effect of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/air-pollution-concerted-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">air pollution</a> on pregnancy loss</strong> across the region.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They created a model to <strong>examine how exposure to PM 2.5 increased women&rsquo;s risk of pregnancy loss</strong>, calculating risk for each 10 &micro;g/m&sup3; increased in PM 2.5 after <strong>adjusting for maternal age, temperature and humidity, seasonal variation, and long-term trends</strong> in pregnancy loss.</li>
<li>Each <strong>increase in 10 &micro;g/m&sup3;</strong> was estimated to <strong>increase a mother&rsquo;s risk of pregnancy loss by 3%.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The increase in <strong>risk was greater for mothers from rural areas or those who became pregnant at an older age</strong>, compared to younger mothers from urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Area Specific Report:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Of the pregnancy loss cases, <strong>77% were from India</strong>, 12% from Pakistan, and 11% from Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Limitations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The study was <strong>unable to distinguish between natural pregnancy loss and abortions</strong>, which may have led to an underestimation of the effect of air pollution on natural pregnancy loss.</li>
<li>There was <strong>under-reporting</strong> of pregnancy losses because of <strong>stigma</strong> or <strong>ignoring very early pregnancy losses.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Air Pollution</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Air pollution refers to any <strong>physical, chemical, or biological change in the air</strong>. It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust, and smoke which <strong>affects plants, animals, and humans drastically.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Air Pollutants:</strong> Pollutants are the substances which cause pollution. <strong>Types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Primary:</strong> The pollutants that directly cause air pollution or the pollutants that are formed and <strong>emitted directly from particular sources</strong>. Examples are <strong>particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur oxide.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Secondary:</strong> The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants are known as secondary pollutants. Examples are <strong>ozone and secondary organic aerosol (haze).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes of Air Pollution:</strong> Major sources of air pollution are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indoor <strong>burning of fossil fuels, woods and other biomass</strong> to cook, heat and light homes.</li>
<li><strong>Industry</strong>, including power generation such as coal-fired plants and diesel generators.</li>
<li><strong>Transport</strong>, especially <strong>vehicles</strong> with diesel engines.</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture</strong>, including livestock, which produces methane and ammonia, rice paddies, which produce methane, and the burning of agricultural waste.</li>
<li>Open <strong>waste burning</strong> and organic waste in landfills.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/state-of-global-air-2020-hei" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State of Global Air 2020 (SoGA 2020)</strong></a> released by the <strong>Health Effects Institute (HEI):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>High PM contributed to the deaths of more than 1,16,000 Indian infants who did not survive their first month.</li>
<li>More than half of these deaths were associated with outdoor PM2.5 and others were linked to the use of solid fuels such as charcoal, wood, and animal dung for cooking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>According to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/malnutrition-and-disease-burden" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2017 Global Burden of Disease report</strong></a> published by the <strong>Lancet Planetary Health journal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India, which accounts for 18% of the global population, recorded 26% of the global premature deaths and disease burden due to air pollution.</li>
<li><strong>One in every eight deaths in India (2017)</strong> could be attributed to air pollution, which now contributes to more disease burden than smoking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Household air pollution causes about <strong>3.8 million premature deaths</strong> each year.</li>
<li>Air quality has become a <strong>serious health issue</strong> because the pollutants enter deep inside the lungs and the lungs capacity to purify blood gets reduced which affects the person&rsquo;s growth, mental ability and the working capacity especially for <strong>children, pregnant women and elderly people.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In children, it is associated with <strong>low birth weight, asthma, childhood <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-cancer-awareness-day#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20World%20Health,2018%20against%209.5%20million%20globally." target="_blank" rel="noopener">cancers</a>, obesity, poor lung development and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-autism-awareness-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">autism</a></strong>, among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Initiatives to Control Air Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/commission-for-air-quality-management-in-the-ncr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas</a>:</strong> It coordinates efforts of state governments to curb air pollution, and will lay down the parameters of air quality for the region.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/only-bs-vi-vehicles-to-be-sold-from-april-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bharat Stage (BS) VI norms</a>:</strong> These are emission control standards put in place by the government to keep a check on air pollution.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dashboard-for-monitoring-air-quality" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dashboard for Monitoring Air Quality</a>:</strong> It is a <strong>National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP)</strong> based dashboard, built on data from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/health-emergency-in-new-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Pollution Control Board</strong></a>&rsquo;s <strong>National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM)</strong> Network which was started in 1984-85 and covers 344 cities/towns in 29 states and 6 UTs.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/govt-launches-mission-to-fight-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Clean Air Programme</a>:</strong>&nbsp;Launched in 2019, it is a comprehensive pan-India air pollution abatement scheme for 102 cities.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/safar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Air Quality Index (AQI)</a>:</strong> It focuses on health effects one might experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-lists-cities-with-no-clean-up-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Ambient Air Quality Standards</a>:</strong> They are the standards for ambient air quality with reference to various identified pollutants notified by the Central Pollution Control Board under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-notifies-contaminated-sites#:~:text=It%20was%20entrusted%20with%20the,of%20Pollution)%20Act%2C%201981.&amp;text=to%20promote%20cleanliness%20of%20streams,and%20abatement%20of%20water%20pollution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/summary-of-important-reports/breathe-an-action-plan-for-combating-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breathe</a>:</strong> It is a 15 point action plan to fight air pollution by <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/niti-aayog-reconstituted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NITI Aayog</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)</a>:</strong> It aims at providing clean-cooking fuel to the poor households and bringing in qualitative charges in the living standards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Climate and Clean Air Coalition:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Launched in <strong>2019</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>voluntary partnership</strong> of governments, intergovernmental organizations, businesses, scientific institutions and civil society organizations <strong>committed to protecting the climate and improving air quality through actions to reduce short-lived climate pollutants.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India is a member</strong> of the coalition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nation</a>s</strong> <strong>Clean Air Initiative:</strong> It calls on national and subnational governments to commit to achieving air quality that is safe for citizens, and to align climate change and air pollution policies by 2030.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/air-pollution-concerted-efforts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Organization (WHO)&rsquo;s 4 Pillar Strategy</a></strong>: WHO adopted a resolution (2015) to address the adverse health effects of air pollution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>PM 2.5 is an atmospheric particulate matter of diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres, which is around 3% the diameter of a human hair.</li>
<li>It causes respiratory problems and also reduces visibility. It is an endocrine disruptor that can affect insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, thus contributing to diabetes.</li>
<li>It can only be detected with the help of an electron microscope because of them being very small.</li>
<li>Sources of fine particles include all types of <strong>combustion activities</strong> (motor vehicles, power plants, wood burning, etc.) and certain <strong>industrial processes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need to urgently confront air pollution and strengthen health systems. The short-term respite from air pollution that most big cities in the world experienced was because of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lockdown</a> measures and not a permanent fix</strong>.</li>
<li>Also there is a need to <strong>increase public awareness on air pollution. Educate and inform people about what they can do to reduce air pollution</strong>. Put out public health messages on the metro, buses, billboards, and radio to help change public behaviour.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/south-asia-air-pollution-pregnancy-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7365,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Iran Steps Up Uranium Enrichment',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Iran has<strong> resumed enriching uranium up to 20%</strong> in <strong>violation of the 2015 nuclear deal</strong> and also seized a<strong> South Korean-flagged tanker</strong> near the <strong>crucial Strait of Hormuz.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Meanwhile, the <strong>USA</strong> has decided to keep <strong>nuclear powered aircraft carrier Nimitz</strong> in the Gulf region in the wake of threats from Iran.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Uranium Enrichment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Natural uranium</strong> consists of two different isotopes - nearly<strong> 99% U-238</strong> and<strong> only around 0.7% of U-235.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>U-235 is a fissile material</strong> that can sustain a chain reaction in a nuclear reactor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enrichment process increases the proportion of U-235</strong> through the <strong>process of isotope separation</strong> (U-238 is separated from U-235).</li>
<li>For <strong>nuclear weapons,</strong> enrichment is required upto <strong>90% or more</strong> which is known as <strong>Highly Enriched Uranium</strong>/weapons-grade uranium.</li>
<li>For<strong> nuclear reactors,</strong> enrichment is required upto<strong> 3-4%</strong> which is known as Low Enriched Uranium/reactor-grade uranium.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2015 Nuclear Deal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>2015,</strong> Iran with the<strong> P5+1 group of world powers - the USA, UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany</strong> agreed on a long-term deal on its nuclear programme.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The deal was named as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-blocking-sites-access-iaea#:~:text=Iran%20Nuclear%20Program%20and%20JCPOA&amp;text=The%20deal%20was%20named%20as,parlance%20as%20Iran%20Nuclear%20Deal.&amp;text=The%20agreement%20allowed%20Iran%20to,reactor%20fuel%20and%20nuclear%20weapons." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)</strong> </a>and in common parlance as Iran Nuclear Deal.</li>
<li>Under the deal, <strong>Iran agreed to curb its nuclear activity</strong> in<strong> return for the lifting of sanctions and access to global trade.</strong></li>
<li>The agreement <strong>allowed</strong> Iran to<strong> accumulate small amounts of uranium for research</strong> but it<strong> banned the enrichment of uranium,</strong> which is used to make reactor fuel and nuclear weapons.</li>
<li>Iran was also <strong>required to redesign a heavy-water reactor</strong> being built, whose spent fuel would contain plutonium suitable for a bomb and to allow international inspections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>May 2018,</strong> the <strong>USA abandoned the deal</strong> criticising it as flawed and reinstated and tightened its sanctions.</li>
<li>Since sanctions were tightened, <strong>Iran has been steadily breaking some of its commitments</strong> to pressure the remaining signatories to find a way to provide sanctions relief.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The dual incidents come amid heightened<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/bigger-picture-of-usas-action-against-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> tensions between Iran and the USA.</strong></a></li>
<li>Enrichment could shorten Iran's time it would take to develop a<strong> nuclear bomb.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Israel criticised Iran&rsquo;s</strong> enrichment decision.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Iran&rsquo;s decision to begin enriching to 20% purity a decade ago nearly <strong>triggered an Israeli strike targeting its nuclear facilities,</strong> tensions that only abated with the <strong>2015 nuclear deal.</strong></li>
<li>A resumption of 20% enrichment (at <strong>fordow facility</strong>) could see that <strong>brinkmanship</strong> return as that level of purity is<strong> only a technical step away from weapons grade levels of 90%.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Brinkmanship</strong> is the art or practice of pursuing a dangerous policy to the limits of safety before stopping, especially in politics.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Previously the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/63rd-general-conference-of-iaea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)</strong></a> expressed serious concerns over Iran's blocking of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-blocking-sites-access-iaea#:~:text=Iran%20Nuclear%20Program%20and%20JCPOA&amp;text=The%20deal%20was%20named%20as,parlance%20as%20Iran%20Nuclear%20Deal.&amp;text=The%20agreement%20allowed%20Iran%20to,reactor%20fuel%20and%20nuclear%20weapons." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>inspections of two suspect locations of Uranium enrichment for more than four months.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Strait of Hormuz</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609843869_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609843869_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geographic Location:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the waterway <strong>separating Iran and Oman,</strong> linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.</li>
<li>On the north coast lies Iran, and on the south are the UAE and Musandam, an enclave of Oman.</li>
<li>The Strait is<strong> 21 miles wide</strong> at its narrowest point, but the<strong> shipping lane is just two miles wide</strong> in either direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Strait of Hormuz is <strong>one of the world&rsquo;s most strategically important choke points.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Two-thirds of the oil and half the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-natural-gas-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Liquefied Natural Gas</a> (LNG) Indian imports</strong> come through the strait between Iran and Oman.</li>
<li>As much as<strong> 18 million barrels of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz every day,</strong> accounting for one-third of the global oil trade.</li>
<li>A <strong>third of the world&rsquo;s LNG trade</strong> also passes through the strait.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues in the Strait:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The strait of Hormuz plays a vital geopolitical role to the point where the<strong> US Fifth Fleet guards this strait.</strong></li>
<li>During the recent years, Iran has threatened the safe passage of oil tankers in this strait.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>All countries part of the 2015 deal should engage constructively and resolve all issues peacefully and through dialogue.</li>
<li>Both the USA and Iran must act with strategic restraint as any crisis in West Asia will not only affect the region as a whole but will have a detrimental impact on global affairs as well.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/iran-says-it-begins-20-uranium-enrichment-amid-us-tensions/article33493313.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7303,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'PCA Ruling on Retrospective Taxation',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-tribunal-rejects-claims-against-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Permanent Court of Arbitration</strong></a> (PCA) has ruled that the <strong>Indian government was wrong in applying a retrospective tax on energy giant Cairn Plc</strong>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The verdict comes barely three months after <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pca-decision-on-retrospective-taxation-by-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India lost arbitration to Vodafone Plc</strong></a> over the retrospective tax legislation amendment.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>2006-07, Cairn UK transferred shares</strong> of Cairn India Holdings to Cairn India on which <strong>Income Tax authorities</strong> slapped a <strong>tax demand of Rs. 24,500 crore</strong> as it contended that Cairn UK had made capital gains.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Owing to different interpretations of capital gains, the <strong>company refused to pay the tax,</strong> which prompted <strong>cases being filed at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/79th-foundation-day-of-itat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Income Tax Appellate Tribunal</a></strong> (ITAT) and the <strong>Delhi High Court</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>2012,</strong> Indian government&rsquo;s budget <strong>retrospectively amended the tax code,</strong> giving itself the power to go after <strong>mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) deals all the way back to 1962</strong> if the underlying asset was in India.</li>
<li>In <strong>2015,</strong> Cairn Energy Plc <strong>commenced international arbitration</strong> proceedings against the Indian government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>PCA Ruling:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Indian government must pay roughly Rs. 8,000 crore in damages</strong> to Cairn.</li>
<li>Cairn Tax Issue was <strong>not just a tax-related issue but an investment-related dispute,</strong> and therefore the issue comes under its jurisdiction.</li>
<li>The Indian government&rsquo;s <strong>retrospective demand was in breach of the guarantee of fair and equitable treatment</strong>.</li>
<li>The Centre had <strong>failed to uphold its obligations under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/model-bilateral-investment-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK-India Bilateral Investment Treaty</a></strong> and international laws in seeking tax payments from the company for its business reorganisation in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government <strong>will study the award and all its aspects</strong> carefully in consultation with its counsel.</li>
<li>After such consultations, the government will <strong>consider all options and make a decision on the further course of action</strong>, including legal remedies before appropriate fora.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Retrospective Taxation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It <strong>allows a country to pass a rule on taxing certain products, items or services</strong> and deals and charge companies from a time behind the date on which the law is passed.</li>
<li>Countries <strong>use this route to correct any anomalies in their taxation policies</strong> that have, in the past, allowed companies to take advantage of such loopholes.</li>
<li>Retrospective Taxation <strong>hurts companies that had knowingly or unknowingly interpreted the tax rules differently</strong>.</li>
<li>Apart from India, many countries including the <strong>USA, the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Australia</strong> and <strong>Italy</strong> have retrospectively taxed companies.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Permanent Court of Arbitration</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was <strong>established in 1899</strong> and is <strong>headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Purpose:</strong> It is an <strong>intergovernmental organization</strong> dedicated to serve the international community in the field of dispute resolution and to facilitate arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution between States.</li>
<li>It has a <strong>three-part organizational structure</strong> consisting of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Administrative Council -</strong> to oversee its policies and budgets,</li>
<li><strong>Members of the Court -</strong> a panel of independent potential arbitrators, and</li>
<li><strong>International Bureau -</strong> its Secretariat, headed by the Secretary-General.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Funds:</strong> It has a <strong>Financial Assistance Fund</strong> which aims at helping developing countries meet part of the costs involved in international arbitration or other means of dispute settlement offered by the PCA.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An investment-friendly business environment would increase economic activity and help raise more revenue over time for the government. It is to be hoped that tax officials&rsquo; desire to deny their defeat and to try and hang on to legally untenable revenue finds an unsympathetic hearing from politicians in the finance ministry.</li>
<li>India needs to craft meaningful and clear dispute resolution mechanisms in cross-border transactions to prevent the disputes from going to international courts, and save the cost and time expenditure. Improving the arbitration ecosystem will have a positive impact on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/steps-to-boost-ease-of-doing-business" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ease of doing business</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/cairn-india-tax-dispute-case-hague-ruling-explained-7116416/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7276,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Vietnam Virtual Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>India and Vietnam</strong> signed <strong>seven pacts</strong> during their virtual summit, in areas such as defence, petrochemicals, and nuclear energy, and agreed to <strong>intensify their development partnership</strong> that will enable achievement of <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainable Development Goals</a> (SDGs)</strong>, and develop capabilities to address <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/climate-change-and-land-ipcc-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608634585_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608634585_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)/Agreements:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agreements covered diverse areas such as<strong> IT, <a href="/pdf/1602514626-indian-peacekeepers-in-south-sudan.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UN peacekeeping</a> and cancer research.</strong></li>
<li>One specific agreement will cover <strong>USD 5 million Indian Grant Assistance for Army Software Park</strong> at National Telecommunications University, Nha Trang, Vietnam.</li>
<li>Both sides committed to promote bilateral cooperation between the &ldquo;regulatory bodies of the two countries in the <strong>fields of radiation protection and nuclear safety.&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence and Security:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Defence and security partnership between India and Vietnam will be an important factor of stability in the <a href="/pdf/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific region.</strong></a></li>
<li>The two sides will step up their <strong>military-to-military exchanges, training and capacity building programmes</strong> across the <strong>three services and coast guards</strong> and will intensify their defence industry collaboration <strong>building on India&rsquo;s defence credit lines extended to Vietnam.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>VINBAX</strong> is the<strong> military exercise</strong> between armies of India and Vietnam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Both sides will <strong>engage more closely through institutionalized dialogue mechanisms</strong> in dealing with traditional and non-traditional security threats in <strong>cyber and maritime domains, terrorism, natural disasters, health security, water security, transnational crimes</strong> etc, including through enhanced legal and judicial cooperation, where required.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>One such example is the successful implementation of the <strong>High Speed Guard Boat (HSGB)</strong> Manufacturing Project for Vietnam Border Guard Command under the <strong>US dollar 100 million Defence Line of Credit extended by the Government of India</strong> to Vietnam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Terrorism:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two sides will step up joint efforts in building a strong consensus for early adoption of the <a href="/printpdf/the-big-picture-international-convention-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>South China Sea:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining <strong>peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea,</strong> while pursuing the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the<strong><a href="/printpdf/un-begins-talks-to-regulate-the-high-seas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Both leaders further called for the full and effective implementation of the <a href="/printpdf/south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea</strong></a> (DOC) in its entirety.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation at Various Forums:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both sides will strengthen multilateral and regional cooperation, including in the <strong>United Nations, ASEAN-led mechanisms </strong>and<strong><a href="/pdf/1588250738-dams-in-china-over-transboundary-rivers.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Mekong</a> sub-regional cooperation. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Association of SouthEast Asian Nations (ASEAN):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To foster practical cooperation between <a href="/printpdf/association-of-southeast-asian-nations-asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN</strong></a> and India in the key areas and in line with the objectives and principles as stated in the<strong> ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP)</strong> and India&rsquo;s<a href="/printpdf/india-vietnam-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The two sides will actively <strong>promote reformed multilateralism to make international organizations,</strong> including the <a href="/printpdf/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Security Council</strong></a>, more representative, contemporary and capable of dealing with current challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Management of Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They will encourage experience-sharing and cooperation in the management of <a href="/printpdf/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, support <strong>on-line training of health professionals,</strong> forge institutional cooperation in<strong> vaccine development,</strong> promote open supply chains, facilitate essential cross-border movement of people, and maintain close contact and coordination in multilateral bodies like the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in the Post Pandemic Era:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Acknowledging the new challenges as well as opportunities brought upon by Covid-19 pandemic, the two sides will work towards reliable, <strong>efficient and resilient</strong> supply chains, and will promote <strong>human-centric globalization. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>New horizons for partnership created by <strong>India&rsquo;s goal to become a US dollar<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-07-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 5 trillion economy by 2024</a></strong> and <strong>Vietnam&rsquo;s ambition to become a high-income economy by 2045</strong> will be fully explored for all segments of economy, including <strong><a href="/printpdf/sustainable-blue-economy-conference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blue economy</a>, MSMEs and farming communities of the two countries.</strong></li>
<li>India and Vietnam share a <strong>comprehensive strategic partnership.</strong> One great example of economic cooperation is completion of the<strong> Development Projects</strong> with<strong> Indian &lsquo;Grant-in-Aid&rsquo; Assistance</strong> of US dollar 1.5 million for the benefit of the local community in Vietnam&rsquo;s Ninh Thuan province.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation on Climate Change:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both sides will partner in<strong> new and renewable energy resources,</strong> energy conservation and other climate-resilient technologies.</li>
<li>India advocated that Vietnam&rsquo;s possible future participation in the<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/18-08-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Solar Alliance</strong></a> would bring new opportunities for cooperation in large scale deployment of solar energy.</li>
<li>India looks forward to Vietnam&rsquo;s joining the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure#:~:text=India's%20initiative%20for%20Coalition%20for,developing%20countries%20with%20natural%20calamities." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure</strong></a> in the near future.</li>
<li>They agreed to expand the <a href="/pdf/1598434502-india-vietnam-meeting.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mekong - Ganga Quick Impact Projects.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Cooperation and Links:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both sides will actively cooperate to publish an<strong> Encyclopedia of India - Vietnam Cultural and Civilizational Relations</strong> to mark the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of India - Vietnam diplomatic relations in 2022.</li>
<li>The two sides will promote understanding and research of their shared cultural and civilizational heritage, including <strong><a href="/pdf/buddhism-in-india.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buddhist</a> and Cham cultures, traditions and ancient scriptures.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The traditional systems of medicine like<a href="/pdf/1598412747-renaissance-in-ayurveda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Ayurveda</strong> </a>and <strong>Vietnam-Traditional Medicine</strong> share many common threads of rich knowledge of health.</li>
<li><a href="/printpdf/international-yoga-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Yoga</strong></a> has emerged as a symbol of peace and harmony and shared pursuit of spiritual wellbeing and happiness.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Development Partnership projects</strong> in heritage conservation in Vietnam (F-block of Temple at My Son; Dong Duong Buddhist Monastery in Quang Nam and Nhan Cham Tower in Phu Yen) will be materialised.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>People-to-People Exchange:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>By<strong> increasing direct flights,</strong> providing ease of travelling through<strong> simplified visa procedures</strong> and facilitating <strong>tourism.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Education and Institutional Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They will further <strong>strengthen and institutionalize linkages</strong> such as Parliamentary exchanges; relations between Indian States and Vietnamese Provinces; exchanges between social organisations and youth organizations; collaboration between educational institutions; engagement between think tanks; joint research programmes; and exchanges in media, film, TV shows and sports.</li>
<li>They will also facilitate cooperation between respective agencies on the two sides to promote contents related to India - Vietnam relations and<strong> their historical links in each other&rsquo;s school textbooks.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Vietnam is a key pillar</strong> of India&rsquo;s<a href="/pdf/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Act East policy</strong></a> and there is a scope for further cooperation between the countries.</li>
<li>The close relationship between the two countries is <strong>significant for the maintenance of strategic balance in South East Asia</strong> which is witnessing aggressive Chinese activities.</li>
<li>Both Countries need to leverage the economic opportunities available because of <strong>anti-China sentiments</strong> and several manufacturing firms deciding to shift from China.</li>
<li>Keeping in mind the strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, primarily those posed by China, India and Vietnam should work in close coordination at multilateral institutions such as the UN Security Council, where both<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India and Vietnam are elected to be non-permanent members</strong> </a>in 2021.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1682468" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7271,
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		'title' => 'Early Health Warning System ',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Earth Sciences</strong> (MoES) is developing an unique <strong>Early Health Warning System</strong> which is expected to forecast the possibility of disease outbreaks in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/statement-on-climate-of-india-during-2019-imd" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India Meteorological Department</strong></a> (IMD) is also involved in the development studies and the process.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The model being developed is based on the <strong>relationship between weather changes and incidence.</strong></li>
<li>There are certain diseases where <strong>weather patterns play a crucial role.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Such as<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-malaria-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> malaria</strong></a>, for which <strong>particular temperatures and rainfall patterns can approximately predict</strong> whether an area is likely to have an outbreak with fairly reasonable accuracy</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Early Health Warning System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to 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), <strong>early warning systems</strong> are timely surveillance systems that collect information on epidemic-prone diseases in order to trigger prompt public health interventions.</li>
<li>However, these systems<strong> rarely apply statistical methods to detect changes</strong> in trends, or sentinel events that would require intervention.</li>
<li>In most cases they<strong> rely on an in-depth review done by epidemiologists</strong> of the data coming in, which is rarely done in a systematic way.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Epidemiology</strong> is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states and events in specified populations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is expected to <strong>predict outbreaks of vector-borne diseases,</strong> particularly <strong>malaria</strong> and <a href="/printpdf/pneumonia-and-diarrhoea-progress-report-2020-ivac" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diarrhoea</strong></a>. Subsequently, it is likely to <strong>monitor <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/non-communicable-diseases-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">non-communicable diseases</a></strong> (NCDs) as well.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Vectors</strong> are organisms that<strong> transmit pathogens and parasites</strong> from one infected person (or animal) to another, causing serious diseases in human populations. For example,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/controlling-chikungunya-and-dengue-through-bacteria" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Chikungunya</strong></a>, Malaria, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sharp-drop-in-dengue-cases-in%20-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dengue</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/yellow-fever-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Yellow fever</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-symposium-on-lymphatic-filariasis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lymphatic filariasis</strong></a>, Chagas disease, etc.</li>
<li>Vector-borne <strong>diseases have direct links to weather patterns.</strong></li>
<li><strong>NCDs are affected by weather conditions.</strong> For example, <strong>cardiovascular problems and respiratory diseases</strong> are associated with <strong>rising heat waves and environmental pollution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Such a system, when deployed, would <strong>give local authorities ample time to prepare.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Analysis and Studies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To verify the robustness of the advance warning system, a <strong>detailed analysis was carried out of malaria and diarrhoea</strong> cases in two districts of Maharashtra, <strong>Pune and Nagpur.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While both districts have incidences of both diseases, Nagpur reports a higher number of malaria cases while diarrhoea cases are higher in Pune.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Temporal and spatial variability in weather parameters,</strong> for example, a <strong>short-term increase in temperature and rainfall</strong> as an effect of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/warmer-winters-ahead-as-el-nino-conditions-develop" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> El-Ni&ntilde;o</strong></a> can lead to <strong>malaria epidemics.</strong></li>
<li>A study by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-warming-of-1-5-c-ipcc-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</strong></a> (IPCC) noted that climate change may increase the risk of <strong>diarrhoeal diseases,</strong> which is of major concern in developing countries, with increasing <strong>incidents of floods as well as drought.</strong></li>
<li><strong>On Covid-19:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Although there have been studies and analysis on weather patterns affecting the spread of <strong>viral diseases,</strong> researchers are <strong>unable to establish a certain link between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 pandemic</a> and the weather</strong> as it is a far more <strong>complex</strong> disease.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/weather-based-advance-warning-system-for-disease-outbreaks-in-the-works-govt-7112995/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7248,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Bangladesh Virtual Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Bangladesh</strong></a> have held a <strong>virtual summit</strong> covering comprehensive discussions on all aspects of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bangladesh also invited India for the celebration of <strong>50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vijay-diwas-50-years-of-indo-pak-war-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bangladesh&rsquo;s</a></strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vijay-diwas-50-years-of-indo-pak-war-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <strong>Independence</strong></a> in <strong>1971</strong> and <strong>50 years of India-Bangladesh diplomatic relations,</strong> to be held in <strong>March 2021.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608361143_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608361143_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Signing of Bilateral Documents and Inauguration of Projects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sealed <strong>seven agreements</strong> to expand cooperation in <strong>diverse areas</strong> viz. hydrocarbons, elephant conservation, sanitation, and agriculture, and <strong>restored a cross-border rail link</strong> which was in operation till 1965.</li>
<li>Inaugurated a <strong>digital exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi and Bangladesh&rsquo;s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Health Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reiterating the highest priority India attaches to Bangladesh under India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-is-indias-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Neighbourhood First</strong> </a>policy, India assured that <strong>vaccines for Covid-19 would be made available to Bangladesh</strong> as and when produced in India.</li>
<li>India also<strong> offered collaboration in therapeutics and partnership in vaccine production.</strong></li>
<li>Bangladesh <strong>appreciated India&rsquo;s conducting capacity building courses</strong> for medical professionals in Bangla language.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Jointly unveiled a <strong>commemorative postal stamp issued by the Government of India on the occasion of birth centenary of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sheikh-mujibur-rehman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</a></strong></li>
<li>India thanked Bangladesh for <strong>issuing a stamp in honour of</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mahatma-gandhi-jayanti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi</strong> </a>on the occasion of his <strong>150<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary</strong> celebrations.</li>
<li>Bangladesh requested India to consider <strong>Bangladesh&rsquo;s proposal to name</strong> the historic road from Mujib Nagar to Nodia on Bangladesh-India border as <em><strong>"Shadhinota Shorok&rdquo;</strong></em> commemorating the historic significance of the road during Bangladesh&rsquo;s Liberation War.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Border Management and Security Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agreed to hold an early meeting of the <strong>Joint Boundary Conference</strong> to prepare a new set of strip maps with a view to finalizing the delineation of the boundaries.</li>
<li>It was agreed to carry out necessary work to convert the <strong>International Boundary along <em>Kuhsiyara</em> river</strong> into a fixed boundary.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Kuhsiyara river (known as <strong>Barak river in India</strong>) is <strong>one of the transboundary rivers</strong> between India-Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Bangladesh reiterated the request for 1.3 km<strong> Innocent Passage through river route along River Padma</strong> (main<strong> channel of Ganga in Bangladesh</strong>) near Rajshahi district (Bangladesh). India assured to consider the request.</li>
<li>Stressed on the full implementation of the ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bangladesh-general-elections" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coordinated Border Management Plan.</strong></a></li>
<li>Expressed satisfaction on<strong> efforts against smuggling of arms, narcotics and fake currency and to prevent trafficking,</strong> particularly of women and children.</li>
<li>Directed officials to expeditiously conclude the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the area of <strong>disaster management cooperation</strong> as both countries are prone to frequent natural disasters.</li>
<li>Bangladesh requested for early implementation of<strong> India&rsquo;s commitment to remove remaining restrictions on entry/exit from land ports in India</strong> for Bangladeshis travelling on valid documents in a phased manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade Partnership for Growth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh has appreciated the <strong>Duty-Free and Quota Free access</strong> given to Bangladeshi exports to India under <strong>South Asian Free Trade Area</strong> (SAFTA) since 2011.</li>
<li>Emphasized on addressing issues of <strong>non-tariff barriers and trade facilitation</strong> including port restrictions, procedural bottlenecks and quarantine restrictions so that both countries can take full advantage of SAFTA flexibility.</li>
<li>Directed the officials to expeditiously conclude the ongoing joint study on the <strong>prospects of entering into a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement</strong> (CEPA).</li>
<li>Welcomed the <strong>first meeting of the India-Bangladesh Textile Industry Forum</strong> and directed the officials to conclude the ongoing negotiations on various MoUs on increased linkages and collaboration in the textile sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Connectivity for Prosperity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Jointly inaugurated the <strong>newly restored railway link between Haldibari</strong> (India) and <strong>Chilahati</strong> (Bangladesh) and noted that this rail link will further strengthen trade and people to people ties between the two sides.</li>
<li>Welcomed the signing of the second addendum to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/protocol-on-inland-water-transit-and-trade#:~:text=As%20per%20the%20Protocol%20on,transit%20and%20inter%20country%20trade." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade</strong> </a>(PIWTT).</li>
<li>Agreed to an early operationalization of the<strong> Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative Motor Vehicles Agreement</strong> through the expeditious signing of the Enabling MoU for Bangladesh, India and Nepal to commence the movement of goods and passengers, with provision for Bhutan to join at a later date.</li>
<li>Bangladesh expressed keen interest in the ongoing <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-myanmar-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India Myanmar Thailand trilateral highway project</strong> </a>and sought the support of India for enabling Bangladesh to connect with this project.</li>
<li>Satisfaction on commencement of a temporary <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air Travel Bubble</strong> </a>to facilitate the urgent requirements of travellers on both sides.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Water Resources, Power and Energy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh highlighted the need for <strong>early signing of an interim agreement for sharing of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/teesta-river#:~:text=Teesta%20river%20is%20a%20tributary,flowing%20through%20India%20and%20Bangladesh.&amp;text=The%20Teesta%20Barrage%20dam%20helps,issues%20between%20India%20and%20Bangladesh." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Teesta waters</a></strong>, as agreed upon by both the governments in 2011.</li>
<li>Underscored the need for early conclusion of <strong>Framework of Interim Agreement</strong> on sharing of waters of six joint rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.</li>
<li>Recalled the positive contribution of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh-joint-water-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Joint Rivers Commission</strong> </a>(JRC) and looked forward to the next round of Secretarial level JRC meeting at the earliest.</li>
<li>Agreed to expedite implementation of projects including <strong>India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, Maitree Super Thermal Power Project</strong> as well as other projects.</li>
<li>Welcomed the signing of the<strong> Framework of Understanding on Cooperation in the Hydrocarbon Sector</strong> which would further augment energy linkages by streamlining investments, technology transfer, joint studies, training and promoting <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/hydrocarbon-exploration-and-licensing-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>hydrocarbon</strong></a> connectivity.</li>
<li>Agreed to enhance cooperation in energy efficiency and clean energy, including in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biofuels-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biofuels.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Forcibly Displaced Persons from the Rakhine State of Myanmar (Rohingya):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India appreciated the generosity of Bangladesh in <strong>sheltering and providing humanitarian assistance to</strong> the 1.1 million forcibly displaced<strong> persons from the Rakhine State of Myanmar,</strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-report-on-myanmar-rohingya-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohingya Crisis.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Partners in the Region and the World:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India thanked Bangladesh for supporting India in its election to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council.</strong></a></li>
<li>Both countries agreed to continue working together towards achieving early reforms of the UN Security Council, combating <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">climate change</a></strong>, attainment of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals</strong></a> (SDGs) and protection of the rights of migrants.</li>
<li>Highlighted that regional organisations such as the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation</strong></a> (SAARC) and <strong>the</strong> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/drishti-specials-important-international-bimstec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation</strong> </a>(BIMSTEC) have an important role to play.</li>
<li>Bangladesh thanked India for convening the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/video-conference-of-saarc-leaders-on-covid-19#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20Emergency%20Fund%3A,a%20contribution%20to%20the%20fund." target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAARC leaders Video Conference</a> in March 2020</strong> and for creation of the <strong>SAARC Emergency Response Fund</strong> to counter effects of the global pandemic in the South Asian region.</li>
<li>Bangladesh will assume chairmanship of 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) in<strong> 2021</strong> and requested the support of India for working towards greater maritime safety and security.</li>
<li>Bangladesh appreciated the work of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/5th-annual-meeting-of-ndb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> New Development Bank</strong> </a>and thanked India for inviting Bangladesh to join the institution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1681428" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7245,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Hawker Culture</strong> in<strong> Singapore</strong> has been inscribed on the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> UNESCO</strong></a> <strong>Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity</strong> at the <strong>15<sup>th</sup> session of the Intergovernmental Committee</strong> (IGC) that was held online.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Hawker Culture in Singapore:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a living heritage shared by those who prepare hawker food and those who dine and mingle over hawker food in community dining spaces called hawker centres.</li>
<li>It reflects Singapore&rsquo;s multicultural identity as a people and nation, and resonates strongly with Singaporeans across all races and social strata.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UNESCO&rsquo;s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This coveted list is made up of those<strong> intangible heritage elements that help demonstrate diversity of cultural heritage</strong> and <strong>raise awareness</strong> about its importance.</li>
<li>The list was established in <strong>2008</strong> when the <strong>Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage</strong> came into effect.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Intangible Cultural Heritage of India, recognized by UNESCO:</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608287673_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608287673_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Culture</strong> has also launched the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-national-list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>draft National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The National ICH List is an attempt to recognize the diversity of Indian culture embedded in its intangible heritage.</li>
<li>This initiative is also a part of the <strong>Vision 2024 of the Ministry of Culture.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>UNESCO</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>UNESCO is the<strong> United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.</strong> It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture.</li>
<li>UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Sustainable Development Goals</strong> </a>defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.</li>
<li>It has 193 Members and 11 Associate Members. <strong>India joined UNESCO in 1946.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/united-states-and-israel-quit-unesco#:~:text=The%20United%20States%20and%20Israel,scientific%20and%20cultural%20agency%2C%20UNESCO.&amp;text=The%20United%20States%20had%20pulled,used%20to%20advance%20Soviet%20interests." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> the USA and Israel formally quit UNESCO.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is<strong> headquartered in Paris, France.</strong></li>
<li><strong>UNESCO-IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission)</strong> is leading a global effort to establish ocean-based tsunami warning systems as part of an overall multi-hazard disaster reduction strategy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, UNESCO-IOC approved the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tsunami-ready-programme-unesco-ioc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>recognition of two communities of Odisha</strong> </a>viz., Venkatraipur and Noliasahi as Tsunami Ready Communities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives of UNESCO:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biosphere-reserves-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Man and Biosphere Programme:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Biosphere Reserves focus on the harmonised management of <strong>biological and cultural diversity.</strong></li>
<li>Out of 18 notified biosphere reserves, India has 12 biosphere reserves under the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), the latest one included is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/panna-biosphere-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panna Biosphere Reserve.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-heritage-sites-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Heritage Programme:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>World Heritage Sites promote the <strong>conservation of natural and cultural sites</strong> of outstanding universal value.</li>
<li>India has <strong>38 world heritage sites, including 30 cultural properties, 7 natural properties and 1 mixed site.</strong> The latest one included is <strong>Jaipur city, Rajasthan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unesco-global-geoparks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO Global Geopark Network</a>:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>UNESCO Global Geoparks give <strong>international recognition</strong> for sites that promote the importance and significance of protecting the <strong>Earth&rsquo;s geodiversity</strong> through actively engaging with the <strong>local communities.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India does not have any UNESCO Global geopark.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unesco-s-network-of-creative-cities" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO's Network of Creative Cities:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was <strong>created in 2004</strong> to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.</li>
<li>The Network covers seven creative fields: <strong>Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music.</strong></li>
<li>There are<strong> five Indian cities</strong> in UCCN as follows:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hyderabad &ndash; Gastronomy (2019).</li>
<li>Mumbai &ndash; Film (2019).</li>
<li>Chennai - Creative city of Music (2017).</li>
<li>Jaipur - Crafts and Folk Arts (2015).</li>
<li>Varanasi - Creative city of Music (2015).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/singapore-street-hawker-food-unesco-recognition-7108347/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7236,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Loan Pact with NDB',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Government has recently announced a <strong>1 billion USD loan pact</strong> with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/5th-annual-meeting-of-ndb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Development Bank</strong> </a>(NDB) to boost rural employment and infrastructure.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government and the <strong>New Development Bank</strong> (NDB) signed a loan agreement worth<strong> 1 billion USD</strong> to help India&rsquo;s <strong>economic recovery from Covid-19</strong> by supporting:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Spending</strong> on rural infrastructure related to natural resource management (NRM) and</li>
<li><strong>Rural employment generation</strong> under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sub-group-of-chief-ministers-on-coordination-between-mgnrega-and-agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The loan has a tenor of<strong> 30 years, including a 5-year grace period.</strong></li>
<li>The funding comes under <strong>NDB&rsquo;s Policy on fast-track emergency response to Covid-19.</strong></li>
<li>The loan would specially help <strong>migrant workers</strong> who have returned from urban areas and have lost their livelihoods due to the pandemic.</li>
<li>Economic activity slowed down post lockdowns to contain the <strong>spread of virus,</strong> resulting in loss of employment and income of workers especially those employed in the informal sector, including rural areas.</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-grouphttps://www.drishtiias.com/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-grouphttps://www.drishtiias.com/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> has also approved four projects worth over 800 million USD for strengthening<strong> India&rsquo;s social protection architecture,</strong> promoting nutrition-supportive agriculture for tribal households in <strong>Chhattisgarh,</strong> enhancing quality education in<strong> Nagaland</strong> and improving safety and performance of existing<strong> dams</strong> across states.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>New Development Bank</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a multilateral development bank <strong>jointly founded by the BRICS countries</strong> (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) at the 6<sup>th</sup> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/brics-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BRICS</strong></a> Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014.</li>
<li>It was formed to support infrastructure and sustainable development efforts in BRICS and other underserved, emerging economies for faster development through innovation and cutting-edge technology.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s ownership structure is unique, as the <strong>BRICS countries have an equal share and no country has any veto power.</strong></li>
<li>It is headquartered at <strong>Shanghai, China.</strong></li>
<li>In 2018, the NDB received <strong>observer status</strong> in the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> General Assembly, establishing a firm basis for active and fruitful cooperation with the United Nations.</li>
<li>All members of the United Nations could be members of the Bank, however <strong>the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55% of voting power.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/govt-inks-1-bn-loan-pact-with-ndb-to-boost-rural-employment-infrastructure-7107783/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7235,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Challenges Faced By The WTO',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-many-challenges-for-wto/article33349954.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The many challenges for WTO&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 17/12/2020. It talks about the issues related to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in present times.</p>
</div>
<p>The<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto#:~:text=The%20World%20Trade%20Organization%20(WTO,and%20ratified%20in%20their%20parliaments." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Trade Organization (WTO)</strong></a> has been the cornerstone of the multilateral rules-based global trading system since its inception in 1995.</p>
<p>However, even before the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, all three of the organization&rsquo;s functions &ndash; providing a negotiation forum to liberalize trade and establish new rules, monitoring trade policies, and resolving disputes between its 164 members are facing challenges.</p>
<p>Moreover, with trade tensions increasingly politicized and Covid-19 creating huge economic challenges, a modernized and fully functioning WTO is more essential than ever.</p>
<h3>Issues Related to WTO</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s State Capitalism:</strong> The nature of China&rsquo;s economic system, combined with the size and growth of its economy, has created tensions in the global trading system.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China&rsquo;s state-owned enterprises present a major challenge to the free-market global trading system.</li>
<li>However, a critical part of the problem is that the rulebook of the WTO is inadequate for addressing the challenges that China presents in respect of intellectual property, state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies.</li>
<li>It is due to this <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>US-China are engaged in Trade war.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Institutional Issues:</strong> The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto#:~:text=The%20World%20Trade%20Organization%20(WTO,and%20ratified%20in%20their%20parliaments." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Appellate Body&rsquo;s operations</strong></a> have effectively been suspended since December 2019, as the US&rsquo;s blocking of appointments has left the body without a quorum of adjudicators needed to hear appeals.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The crisis with the dispute settlement function of the WTO is closely linked to the breakdown in its negotiation function.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Transparency:</strong> There is a problem in WTO negotiations as there is no agreed definition of what constitutes a developed or developing country at the WTO.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Members can currently self-designate as developing countries to receive &lsquo;special and differential treatment&rsquo; &ndash; a practice that is the subject of much contention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>E-commerce &amp; Digital Trade:</strong> While the global trade landscape has changed significantly over the past 25 years, WTO rules have not kept pace.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1998, realizing that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-take-on-e-commerce-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-commerce</strong></a> would play a growing role in the global economy, WTO members established a WTO e-commerce moratorium to examine all trade-related issues relating to global electronic commerce.</li>
<li>Recently, however, the moratorium has been called into question by developing countries because of its implications for collecting revenue.</li>
<li>Moreover, as the Covid-19 pandemic accelerates the shift to e-commerce, rules to regulate online trade will be more important than ever. But in contrast to trade in goods and services, few international rules govern cross-border e-commerce.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture and Development:</strong> The WTO <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india%27s-disputes-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agreement on Agriculture</strong></a>, which came into force in 1995, was an important milestone.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agreement on Agriculture targets reform of subsidies and high trade barriers, which distort agricultural trade.</li>
<li>However, agreement on agriculture is facing issues due to food security and development requirements for developing countries like India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>New Set of Rules:</strong> Modernizing the WTO will necessitate the development of a new set of rules for dealing with digital trade and e-commerce.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>WTO members will also have to deal more effectively with China&rsquo;s trade policies and practices, including how to better handle state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Environmental Sustainability:</strong> Given the pressing issues around climate change, increased efforts to align trade and environmental sustainability could help to both tackle climate change and reinvigorate the WTO.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Trade and the WTO have key roles to play in efforts to achieve the UN <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</strong></a> and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-renewed-support-for-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Paris Agreement climate goals.</strong></a></li>
<li>Also, the WTO can play a role in reforming fossil fuel subsidies.</li>
<li>For example, at the Buenos Aires Ministerial Conference in 2017, a coalition of 12 WTO members led by New Zealand called on the WTO &lsquo;to achieve ambitious and effective disciplines on inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>In future, WTO members will have to strike a balance between moving forward with negotiations on 21<sup>st</sup>-century issues and keeping sight of the unresolved &lsquo;old trade issues&rsquo; such as agriculture and development.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdfa;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In order to stay relevant, World Trade Organization (WTO) members should engage in negotiations on 21<sup>st</sup>-century issues and keep sight of the unresolved old trade issues. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rQKN7u4SFrk" 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.hindustantimes.com/editorials/keep-a-close-watch-on-inflation-figures-ht-editorial/story-QrFK8fNoVZJhq0S8YHCVYI.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Keep a close watch on inflation figures&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on December 15<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7229,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Threats to Freedom of Press',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a report by the <strong>Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ),</strong> a record number of journalists were imprisoned during 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Committee to Protect Journalists</strong> is an <strong>independent, nonprofit</strong> organization that<strong> promotes press freedom worldwide.</strong></li>
<li>It defends the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Highlights of the Report:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The overall number of jailed journalists in 2020 is at<strong> record high of 272.</strong></li>
<li>Turkey remains the world&rsquo;s worst offender against press freedom with at least<strong> 68 journalists imprisoned for anti-state charges.</strong> At least <strong>25 journalists</strong> are in prison in <strong>Egypt.</strong></li>
<li>There are <strong>dozens of reporters missing or kidnapped</strong> in the <strong>Middle East and North Africa,</strong> including several held by Houthi rebels in Yemen.</li>
<li>Amid the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, authoritarian leaders tried to control reporting by arresting journalists.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Free Media:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Free Media<strong> promotes open discussion of ideas</strong> that allows individuals to fully participate in political life, making informed decisions and strengthening society as a result &mdash; especially in a large democracy such as India.</li>
<li>A free exchange of ideas, free exchange of information and knowledge, debating and expression of different viewpoints is important for <strong>smooth functioning of democracy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As the free media by virtue of being the voice of masses, empowers them with the right to express opinions.Thus, free media is critical in a democracy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>With Free Media,<strong> people will be able to exercise their rights as questioning decisions of government.</strong> Such an environment can be created only when freedom of press is achieved.</li>
<li>Hence, Media can be rightly considered as the<strong> fourth pillar of democracy,</strong> the other three being legislature, executive and judiciary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Threats to Freedom of Press:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> hostility</strong> towards the media which is <strong>openly encouraged by political leaders</strong> poses a great threat to democracy.</li>
<li>Government&rsquo;s pressure in the name of <strong>regulations, bombardment of fake news and over influence of social media</strong> is dangerous for the occupation. <strong>Corruption-paid news, advertorials and fake news</strong> are threats to free and unbiased media.</li>
<li>Security of journalists is the biggest issue, <strong>killings and assaults on the Journalists covering sensitive issues are very common.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Hate speech targeting journalists</strong> shared and amplified on social networks are targeted against journalists using social media.</li>
<li><strong>Corporate and political power has overwhelmed large sections of the media,</strong> both print and visual, which lead to vested interests and destroy freedom.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Press Freedom in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1950, the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Supreme Court</strong> </a>in <em><strong>Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras</strong> </em>observed that <strong>freedom of the press lay at the foundation of all democratic organisations.</strong></li>
<li>The Constitution, the supreme law of the land, guarantees freedom of speech and expression under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/access-to-internet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 19</strong></a>, which deals with<strong> &lsquo;Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, etc.</strong></li>
<li>Freedom of press is not expressly protected by Indian legal system but <strong>it is impliedly protected under article 19(1) (a) of the constitution,</strong> which states - "All citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression".</li>
<li>However, <strong>Freedom of press is also not absolute.</strong> A law could impose only those restrictions on the exercise of this right, <strong>it faces certain restrictions under article 19(2),</strong> which is as follows-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Matters related to interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Press Council of India (PCI):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a regulatory body established under the <strong><a href="/pdf/1587723916-press-council-of-india.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Press Council of India</a> Act of 1978.</strong></li>
<li>It aims to <strong>preserve the freedom of the press and maintain and improve the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International Initiative for Freedom of Press:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Paris based <strong>Reporters Without Borders (RSF)</strong> publishes annually a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-press-freedom-index-2020-reporters-sans-frontieres" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Press Freedom Index (WPFI)</strong></a> purporting to evaluate the level of freedom available to the media in 180 countries, which makes the governments and authorities aware of their policies and regulations against and for freedom of press.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has dropped to two places on the <strong>World Press Freedom Index, 2020</strong> to be ranked <strong>142<sup>nd</sup> out of 180 countries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Media freedom has been <strong>deteriorating around the world</strong> over the past decade. The threats to global media freedom are real and concerning in their own right,<strong> their impact on the state of democracy is what makes them truly dangerous.</strong></li>
<li>Countering content manipulation and fake news to<strong> restore faith in the media without undermining its freedom</strong> will require public education, strengthening of regulations and effort of tech companies to make suitable algorithms for news curation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any future<strong> legislation to curb fake news should take the whole picture into account and not blame the media</strong> and go for knee-jerk reactions; in this age of new media anyone can create and circulate new for undisclosed benefits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is important for the media <strong>to stick to the core principles like truth and accuracy, transparency, independence, fairness and impartiality, responsibility and fair play</strong> so that they can gain credibility.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/number-of-journalists-jailed-for-doing-job-near-record-high-report-5491726/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7228,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'CAATSA Sanctions on Turkey',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The USA administration has recently imposed <strong>sanctions on Turkey</strong> for its purchase of the <a href="/printpdf/india-going-ahead-with-purchase-of-S-400-air-defence-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>S-400 missile system</strong></a> from Russia.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The issue of <strong>sanctions under Section 231</strong> of the Countering America&rsquo;s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for purchase of Russian arms is of <strong>particular interest to India,</strong> which is also in the process of buying the<strong> S-400 from Russia.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Previously, the United States had made it clear to Turkey that its purchase of the S-400 system would <strong>endanger the security of the USA.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The procurement will provide substantial funds to <strong>Russia&rsquo;s defense sector,</strong> as well as Russian access to the <strong>Turkish armed forces</strong> and defense industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Turkey yet decided to move ahead with the procurement and testing of the S-400, despite the availability of alternatives such as <strong>NATO-interoperable systems (such as USA's Patriot missile defense system),</strong> to meet its defense requirements.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Turkey is a <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nato-ally-status-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)</a> ally</strong> of the USA.</li>
<li><strong>NATO</strong> is a <strong>military alliance</strong> established by the<strong> North Atlantic Treaty</strong> (also called the<strong> Washington Treaty</strong>) in 1949, by several Western nations to provide collective security against<strong> the Soviet Union.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In 2019, the USA had removed Turkey from its<strong> F-35 jet program</strong> over concerns that <strong>sensitive information could be accessed by Russia</strong> if Turkey used Russian systems along with the USA jets.</li>
<li>The<strong> S-400 Triumf air defence system</strong> integrates a <strong>multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and command and control centre.</strong> It is capable of firing<strong> three types of missiles</strong> to create a layered defence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a mobile, <strong>surface-to-air missile system</strong> (SAM). It is the most dangerous operationally deployed <strong>modern long-range SAM</strong> (MLR SAM) in the world, considered much ahead of the US-developed <strong>Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Thaad is <strong>US anti ballistic missile defence system</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sanctions on Turkey:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sanctions were imposed on Turkey&rsquo;s main defence procurement agency, <strong>the Presidency of Defense Industries</strong> (SSB).</li>
<li>These sanctions comprise a ban on granting <strong>specific U.S. export licenses and authorisations for any goods or technology.</strong></li>
<li>Also, a ban on loans or credits by U.S. financial institutions totaling more than 10 million USD in any 12-month period.</li>
<li>A <strong>ban</strong> on U.S. Export-Import Bank assistance for exports and mandated U.S. opposition to loans by international financial organisations to SSB.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Countering America&rsquo;s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act</strong> (CAATSA)</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Enacted in 2017, it is a US federal law that<strong> imposed sanctions on Iran, North Korea and Russia.</strong></li>
<li>Includes sanctions <strong>against countries that engage in significant transactions with Russia&rsquo;s defence and intelligence sectors.</strong></li>
<li>The Act empowers the US President to impose at least five of the 12 listed sanctions on persons engaged in a &ldquo;significant transaction&rdquo; with Russian defence and intelligence sectors.</li>
<li>Its &ldquo;ultimate goal&rdquo;, &ldquo;is to prevent<strong> revenue from flowing</strong> to the Russian Government.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, inked a Rs. 39,000 crore deal to buy the<strong> S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile</strong> systems from <strong>Almaz-Antey Corporation of Russia</strong> in October 2018 and the <strong>delivery is expected to start in 2021.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Apart from the S-400 air defence system, <strong>Project 1135.6 frigates</strong> and <strong>Ka226T helicopters</strong> will also be affected. Also, it will impact joint ventures, like<strong> Indo Russian Aviation Ltd, Multi-Role Transport Aircraft Ltd and Brahmos Aerospace.</strong> It will also affect India&rsquo;s purchase of <strong>spare parts, components, raw materials and other assistance.</strong></li>
<li>As per the <strong>Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Arms Transfer Database,</strong> during the period 2010-17, Russia was the <strong>top arms</strong> supplier to India</li>
<li><strong>Russian Origin Indian Weapon:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Nuclear submarine <strong>INS Chakra,</strong> the Kilo-class conventional submarine, the supersonic <strong>Brahmos cruise missile,</strong> the <strong>MiG</strong> 21/27/29 and<strong> Su-30 MKI</strong> fighters, IL-76/78 transport planes, <strong>T-72 and T-90 tanks,</strong> Mi-series of helicopters, and <strong>Vikramaditya</strong> aircraft carrier,</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The CAATSA contains 12 types of sanctions. Of these, <strong>10 will have very little, or no, impact</strong> on India&rsquo;s current relations with either Russia or the US. There are only <strong>two sanctions</strong> that may impact either <strong>India-Russia relations or India-US relations.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>first</strong> of these, which is likely to have an impact on India-Russia relations, is the <strong>&ldquo;Prohibition of Banking transactions&rdquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This would mean difficulties for India in making payments in US Dollars to Russia for the purchase of the S-400 systems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>second sanction</strong> will have greater consequences for India-US relations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is the<strong> &ldquo;export sanction&rdquo;</strong> which has the potential to completely derail the<strong> India-US Strategic and Defence partnership,</strong> as it will deny the license for, and export of, any items controlled by the US to the sanctioned person such as<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All dual-use high technology goods and technology,</li>
<li>All defence related items,</li>
<li>All nuclear related items and</li>
<li>All other items from the US requiring prior review and approval of the United States Government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will effectively <strong>bar India from buying any major defence equipment from the US,</strong> putting a stop to any Defence and Strategic Partnership between India and the US. The MDP (Major Defence Partner) designation would lose its relevance in that context.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Russia always saw India as a balancer that's why Russia facilitated India's inclusion into SCO and formation of RIC doctrine. India today is in a unique position where it has a favourable relation with all great powers, and she must leverage this position to help in building a peaceful world order. Finally, there is a need to develop closer ties not only with Russia but also with the United States, which could balance any moves towards a strategic partnership between China and Russia.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-imposes-caatsa-sanctions-on-turkey-for-s-400-purchase/article33333317.ece/amp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7208,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Negotiations on UK’s Brexit Deadline',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> UK</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) have <strong>agreed to continue <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/impact-of-brexit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brexit trade deal</a> talks</strong> and <strong>abandon the 31<sup>st</sup> December deadline,</strong> end of the transition period for a <strong>post-Brexit trade agreement.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the <strong>Withdrawal agreement</strong> between the UK and the EU, a transition period of 11 months was finalised until 31<sup>st</sup> December 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>During this period, the UK continues to <strong>participate in the EU&rsquo;s Customs Union</strong> and in the <strong>Single Market.</strong></li>
<li>The transition period makes sure that there is <strong>not a sudden shock but a degree of continuity that allows both parties to secure an orderly Brexit,</strong> minimising disruption for the citizens, businesses, public administrations, as well as for the international partners.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the negotiations on the post-Brexit trade agreement, significant differences remain on <strong>three critical issues: level playing field, governance</strong> and<strong> fisheries.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Level Playing Field:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>What measures there should be to ensure a &ldquo;level playing field&rdquo; for businesses between the UK and the EU and the role of the European Court of Justice.</li>
<li>Deadlock over <strong>the EU&rsquo;s demands for a mechanism that would make tariff-free trade with the both sides maintaining fair competition</strong> for business through a regulatory &ldquo;level playing field&rdquo;.</li>
<li><strong>The UK rejected &ldquo;evolution mechanism&rdquo;</strong> or<strong> &ldquo;equivalence mechanism&rdquo;.</strong> This mechanism<strong> intends to deter the UK from undercutting the EU</strong> if the bloc decides to raise its standards in areas such as environmental rules or workers&rsquo; rights.</li>
<li>The UK <strong>could not accept a deal that left it bound to EU rules</strong> in the future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UK<strong> wants to strike out a deal through bilateral talks with EU leaders.</strong></li>
<li>However, the EU had already proposed that the<strong> mechanism should be administered by a joint committee of EU-UK officials,</strong> with the arbitration in case of disputes and the <strong>negotiations must be conducted</strong> on behalf of all of the bloc&rsquo;s 27 member states <strong>by the committee.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fisheries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The key focus is over <strong>access to UK waters by the EU&rsquo;s fishing fleets.</strong></li>
<li>According to reports, <strong>France is leading the charge in this area</strong> and demanding access rights for at least 10 years, a demand the UK is unwilling to give in to, claiming it <strong>fails to meet its take back control criteria</strong> for leaving the bloc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Possibilities After Failed Negotiations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If a deal is not reached before the December-end deadline, the &ldquo;most likely&rdquo; outcome remains a<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-uk-s-constitutional-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> no-deal Brexit</strong></a> on <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organization</strong></a> (WTO) terms on 1<sup>st</sup> January.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In a no-deal situation, <strong>the UK would immediately leave the EU with no agreement about the divorce process</strong> (term used for the UK&rsquo;s separation from the EU), <strong>leave the single market and customs union arrangements</strong> overnight.</li>
<li>The UK will have to<strong> immediately leave EU institutes</strong> and other bodies like the European Court of Justice and Europol, its law enforcement body and will<strong> no longer contribute to the EU budget.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Without a trade deal, <strong>cross-Channel trade will revert to WTO rules,</strong> with <strong>tariffs driving up prices and generating paperwork</strong> for importers and <strong>border checks and taxes will be introduced for goods travelling</strong> between the UK and the EU.</li>
<li>It would have a far-reaching impact on the way business and trade is conducted in Europe and could<strong> spoil the relations between the UK and the EU.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a soft Brexit and there is a hard Brexit but the UK needs to find a way for a semi-soft Brexit so that people do not bear the sudden shock of leaving the EU at once.</li>
<li>The EU&rsquo;s core idea is that the member nations are stronger together and pooling the resources and initiatives is the best way of achieving common goals. Even if the UK has moved out of the EU, it will continue to move forward as a bloc of the 27 countries. Meanwhile, other nations of the world will have to accommodate themselves according to the shifting balance of power and politics.</li>
</ul>',
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	(int) 16 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7195,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Five Years of Paris Climate Accord',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India has reiterated her commitment to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-renewed-support-for-paris-agreement#:~:text=Paris%20Agreement%20(also%20known%20as,to%20deal%20with%20climate%20change." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Climate Accord</strong></a>, prior to the <strong>Climate Ambition Summit</strong> which will start from 12<sup>th</sup> December 2020 at Glasgow, Scotland.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> Climate Ambition Summit 2020</strong> will mark the<strong> fifth anniversary</strong> of the <strong>Paris Agreement,</strong> and will <strong>provide a platform f</strong>or government and non-governmental leaders to <strong>demonstrate their commitment</strong> to the Paris Agreement and the multilateral process.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607768808_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607768808_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Climate Ambition Summit 2020:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To set out new and ambitious commitments under the three pillars of the <strong>Paris Agreement</strong> that are<strong> mitigation, adaptation and finance commitments.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Scope:</strong> The Summit will provide a <strong>meaningful platform</strong> for businesses, cities and other non-state actors who are rallying together and collaborating to support governments and <strong>accelerate the systemic change required to reduce emissions and build resilience.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Hosted By:</strong> The<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations</strong></a>, United Kingdom and France in partnership with Chile and Italy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>History of Emissions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As the most abundant <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Greenhouse Gas (GHG)</strong> </a>in our atmosphere, <strong>carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>)</strong> has become a direct proxy for measuring climate change. Its levels have varied widely over the course of the Earth&rsquo;s 4.54 billion year history.</li>
<li>Historically it&rsquo;s the <strong>developed countries that have been major contributors</strong> to carbon emissions.</li>
<li><strong>Historical Emissions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The United States (US) has the highest historical emissions at<strong> 25%,</strong> followed by the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a></strong> (EU) at<strong> 22%</strong> and China at<strong> 13%.</strong></li>
<li>India has a low carbon emission contribution of only <strong>3%.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Paris Climate Accord</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Legal status:</strong> It is a<strong> legally binding international treaty</strong> on <strong>climate change.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Adoption:</strong> It was adopted by <strong>196 countries at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cop25-climate-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conference of the Parties</a> COP 21</strong> in Paris in <strong>December 2015.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Goal:</strong> To limit global warming to<strong> well below 2&deg; Celsius, and preferably limit it to 1.5&deg; Celsius,</strong> compared to pre-industrial levels.</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To achieve the <strong>long-term temperature goal,</strong> countries aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate-neutral world by mid-century.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Current Status of Global Emissions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Five years after the Paris agreement,</strong> all states have submitted their national contributions to mitigate and adapt to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> climate change.</strong></a></li>
<li>The contributions are<strong> radically insufficient</strong> to reach the well<strong> below 2 degrees Celsius limit and are even further from the 1.5 degrees Celsius</strong> temperature limit identified in the Paris Agreement.</li>
<li>Besides <strong>India,</strong> only Bhutan, the Philippines, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Morocco and Gambia were complying with the accord.</li>
<li><strong>China</strong> has the <strong>highest GHG</strong> emissions<strong> (30%)</strong> while the <strong>US</strong> contributes <strong>13.5%</strong> and the <strong>EU 8.7%.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India's Current Emissions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/emissions-gap-report-2020-unep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations report</strong></a> released earlier this year stated that India&rsquo;s per capita emissions are actually<strong> 60% lower than the global average.</strong></li>
<li>The emissions in the country<strong> grew 1.4% in 2019,</strong> much lower than its<strong> average of 3.3% per year over the last decade.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Some of the Measures taken by India to Control Emissions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/only-bs-vi-vehicles-to-be-sold-from-april-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bharat Stage (BS) VI</a> norms:</strong> These are emission control standards put in place by the government to keep a<strong> check on air pollution. </strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/mind-map/gs-paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change-mind-map" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Solar Mission</a>:</strong> It is a major initiative of the Government of India and State Governments to <strong>promote ecologically sustainable growth</strong> while addressing India's energy security challenge.</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-indias-wind-energy-potential#:~:text=A%20Solar-Wind%20Hybrid%20policy,resources%2C%20transmission%20infrastructure%20and%20land." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2018</strong></a>: The main objective of the policy is to provide a framework for promotion of large grid connected <strong>wind-solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid systems for optimal and efficient utilization of wind and solar resources,</strong> transmission infrastructure and land.</li>
<li>All these and many other initiatives helped India in cutting<strong> CO<sub>2</sub> emissions by 164 million kg.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues in Achieving the Pledged Targets:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most of the Nations have been slow to update their <strong>national contributions for reducing emissions for 2025-2030,</strong> however several have announced <strong>net zero emission targets</strong> in the recent past.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Net zero emission</strong> means that all man-made greenhouse gas emissions must be removed from the atmosphere through reduction measures, thus reducing the Earth&rsquo;s net climate balance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The net zero targets are<strong> subject to credibility, accountability and fairness checks.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Credibility:</strong> The plans and policies of nations is not credible enough to meet the long term<strong> net zero targets</strong> as :
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-warming-of-1-5-c-ipcc-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 1.5 degrees Celsius Report</strong> </a>indicated that to stay within a reasonable chance of achieving 1.5 degrees Celsius, global <strong>CO<sub>2</sub> emissions have to fall by 45% from the 2010 levels by 2030</strong> but<strong> current national contributions are not on track for such a fall.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Accountability:</strong> There is <strong>limited or no accountability</strong> for the long-term net zero goals and short-term national contributions as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Many <strong>net zero goals have not yet been embedded in national contributions and long-term strategies</strong> under the Paris Agreement.</li>
<li>In any case,<strong> accountability under the Paris Agreement is limited.</strong> States are not obliged to achieve their self-selected targets. There is <strong>no mechanism to review the adequacy</strong> of individual contributions. <strong>States are only asked to provide justifications</strong> for the fairness and ambition of their targets.</li>
<li>The <strong>transparency framework does not contain a robust review function,</strong> and the compliance committee is facilitative and limited to ensuring compliance with a short list of binding procedural obligations..</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fairness:</strong> Issues of fairness and justice,<strong> both between and within generations,</strong> are <strong>unavoidable:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is<strong> no mechanism</strong> to check that whether the net zero targets, and pathways to net zero are fair or how much are states doing in comparison to others and relative to how much they should.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To achieve this long-term temperature goal, <strong>countries should aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible</strong> to achieve a climate-neutral world by mid-century.</li>
<li><strong>Net zero pledges need to be credible, accountable and fair</strong> to get us to a stable climate. Not all states will be in a position to pledge net zero targets, nor should they be expected to. All states, including India, can, however, <strong>pledge actions that are credible, accountable and fair.</strong></li>
<li>Credible <strong>short-term commitments, with a clear pathway to medium-term decarbonisation,</strong> that take into account the multiple challenges states face, such as on air pollution, and development, might well be the more defensible choice for some.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-didnt-cause-climate-change-prakash-javadekar-7101545/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 17 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7194,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>In a recent virtual summit, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uzbekistans-president-visit-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Uzbekistan</strong></a> have deliberated on <strong>expanding bilateral ties aiming to expand cooperation in a range of areas,</strong> including new and renewable energy, digital technologies, cybersecurity and sharing of information.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The agreements also include cooperation on <strong>connectivity projects in Afghanistan</strong> and its <strong>peace process, trilateral dialogue with Iran, combatting terrorism,</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607768550_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607768550_pasted image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Making efforts to achieve the <strong>mutually identified target of USD 1 billion for bilateral trade.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>current bilateral trade</strong> level of about <strong>USD 285 million</strong> (2018) is far below the potential.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Fast-track the conclusion of the ongoing <strong>Joint Feasibility Study</strong> that will pave the way for the commencement of negotiations on a <strong>Preferential Trade Agreement.</strong></li>
<li>Early conclusion of the <strong>Bilateral Investment Treaty</strong> which shall facilitate investment promotion and protection for further improvement of trade and economic cooperation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The sides noted the prospects for greater opportunities in the free economic zones of the two countries, including in the<strong> Uzbek-Indian free pharmaceutical zone</strong> in the <strong>Andijan region</strong> (eastern part of the Fergana Valley in far eastern Uzbekistan).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Uzbekistan welcomed the opportunities in India for investing/manufacturing under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;</strong> </a>programme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Development Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India confirmed the <strong>approval of a USD 448 million Line of Credit for four developmental projects</strong> in Uzbekistan in the areas of road construction, sewerage treatment and information technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence and Security:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Appreciated the enhanced pace of bilateral defence cooperation since the convening of the first meeting of<strong> Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation in February 2019.</strong></li>
<li>Welcomed the holding of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-and-uzbekistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Dustlik 2019&rdquo;</a>, first-ever joint military exercises in November 2019.</strong></li>
<li>Agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the law enforcement agencies and special services of the two countries, including under the framework of the <strong>Uzbekistan-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Civil Nuclear Energy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Welcomed the conclusion of the bilateral agreement between the <strong>Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership</strong> (GCNEP) <strong>India</strong> and the<strong> Agency for Development of Nuclear Energy, Uzbekistan.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>GCNEP is the <strong>sixth research and development</strong> (R&amp;D) <strong>unit</strong> under the aegis of <strong>Department of Atomic Energy</strong> (DAE) and helps in capacity building, in association with the interested countries and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/63rd-general-conference-of-iaea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Atomic Energy Agency</strong></a> (IAEA).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reiterated continued commitment for <strong>enhancing connectivity</strong> between India and Uzbekistan and in the larger Central Asian region to bolster trade and investment.</li>
<li>India welcomed the <strong>proposal to hold trilateral dialogue among India, Iran and Uzbekistan</strong> to promote connectivity through the Chabahar port.</li>
<li>India also <strong>requested Uzbekistan to consider joining</strong> the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-central-asia-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International North-South Transport Corridor</strong> </a>(INSTC) which would add to the overall improvement of connectivity in the larger Eurasian space.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Culture, Education and People-to-People Contacts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India invited Uzbekistan to avail of increased scholarship opportunities provided by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/70-years-of-indian-council-for-cultural-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council for Cultural Relations</strong></a> (ICCR) and training and capacity building 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></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Terrorism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Strongly <strong>condemned terrorism</strong> in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed the determination to combat this menace by destroying terrorist safe-havens, networks, infrastructure and funding channels.</li>
<li>Also underlined the need for every country to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks against other countries and called for early finalisation of a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/at-unga-india-call-for-early-adoption-of-ccit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism</strong></a> (CCIT).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Afghanistan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Called for the <strong>settlement of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/afghan-turmoil-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Afghan conflict</a></strong> on the principle of Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process and expressed unanimity in support for a united, sovereign and democratic Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reformed Multilateralism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reaffirmed that the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN) must play a central role in maintaining global peace and security and also called for <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/un-reforms-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">comprehensive reform</a> of the UN structures</strong> including the Security Council with expansion in both categories of membership.</li>
<li>Uzbekistan <strong>reaffirmed its support to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India&rsquo;s candidature for permanent membership</a> of the UN Security Council</strong> and congratulated India on its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>election as a non-permanent member</strong> </a>of the UN Security Council for the term <strong>2021-22.</strong></li>
<li>India also congratulated the <strong>Uzbek side on its successful election</strong> to the <a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Human Rights Council</strong> </a>for the term <strong>2021-23.</strong></li>
<li>Appreciated their close cooperation in 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 Organization</strong></a> (SCO).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In November 2020, India hosted the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sco-summit-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first-ever meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of SCO</a> since its joining the SCO.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India appreciated Uzbekistan&rsquo;s support in the successful holding of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/second-meeting-of-india-central-asia-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2<sup>nd</sup> India-Central Asia Dialogue</strong></a> at the level of Foreign Ministers with the participation of Afghanistan.</li>
<li><strong>Uzbekistan is a member of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-oic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a></strong> (OIC), which is the second largest intergovernmental organization after the UN.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is not a member</strong> of the OIC. However, India was<strong> invited as a guest of honour at the 46<sup>th</sup> Session of the Council of Foreign Minister in 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Emphasized the need for bilateral and global cooperation to continue the<strong> fight against the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a></strong> including development and distribution of effective vaccines and other medicines.</li>
<li><strong>Uzbekistan thanked India for the assistance rendered to Uzbekistan in its fight against the pandemic</strong> and India reaffirmed its continued commitment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Agreements reached during various bilateral visits have strengthened cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in diverse sectors such as political, trade and investment, defence, security, counter-terrorism, science and technology, nuclear energy, space, information technology and have promoted cultural and academic linkages.</li>
<li>Both countries thanked each other for the productive discussions held during the virtual summit and expressed confidence that the understandings and agreements will further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries for the well-being of their peoples and mutual prosperity.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-uzbek-president-discuss-afghanistan-iran-connectivity/article33305691.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7187,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Global Health Estimates 2019: WHO',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization</strong></a>&rsquo;s (WHO) released the <strong>2019 Global Health Estimates.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>WHO Global Health Estimates</strong> provide a comprehensive and comparable assessment of mortality and loss of health due to diseases and<strong> injuries for all regions</strong> of the world.</li>
<li>The new data of <strong>Global Health Estimates</strong> cover the period from<strong> 2000 to 2019.</strong></li>
<li>The Estimates are in consonance with the report <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ten-threats-to-global-health-in-2019-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ten Threats to Global Health in 2019</strong></a> by <strong>WHO.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Key Findings of the Global Health Estimates 2019:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Top Ten Causes of Death:</strong> Ischaemic heart disease, Stroke, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Lower respiratory infections, Neonatal conditions, Trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, Alzheimer disease and other dementias, Diarrhoeal diseases, Diabetes mellitus, Kidney diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Non-communicable diseases:</strong> Make up <strong>7 of the world&rsquo;s top 10 causes</strong> of death, <strong>an increase</strong> from 4 of the 10 leading causes in <strong>2000.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Heart disease :</strong> It now represents <strong>16% of total deaths</strong> from all causes and the number of <strong>deaths from heart disease increased by more than two million</strong> since 2000 to nearly 9 million in 2019.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/preventive-methods-for-alzheimers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease</strong></a> <strong>and other forms of dementia:</strong> Ranked 3rd in both the Americas and Europe in 2019. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Women are disproportionately affected:</strong> globally, 65% of deaths from Alzheimer&rsquo;s and other forms of dementia are women.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Diabetes:</strong> Deaths from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-diabetes-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diabetes</strong></a> <strong>increased by 70%</strong> globally between 2000 and 2019, with an <strong>80%</strong> rise in deaths among males.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the <strong>Eastern Mediterranean,</strong> deaths from diabetes have more than doubled and represent the greatest percentage increase of all WHO regions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Communicable diseases:</strong> They still take in low-income countries: 6 of the top 10 causes of death in low-income countries are still communicable diseases, including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-malaria-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>malaria</strong> </a>(6<sup>th</sup>), <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-tuberculosis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tuberculosis</a> </strong>(8<sup>th</sup>) and <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-aids-day-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)</a> (9<sup>th</sup>).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-forum-on-childhood-pneumonia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pneumonia</a></strong> <strong>and other lower respiratory infections:</strong> These were the deadliest group of communicable diseases and together <strong>ranked as the fourth</strong> leading cause of death.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, compared to 2000,<strong> lower respiratory infections were claiming fewer lives than in the past,</strong> with the global number of deaths decreasing by nearly half a million.</li>
<li>The reduction is <strong>in line with a general global decline in the percentage of deaths caused by communicable diseases.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>AIDS :</strong> It dropped from the<strong> 8<sup>th</sup> leading cause of death in 2000 to the 19<sup>th</sup> in 2019,</strong> reflecting the success of efforts to prevent infection, test for the virus and treat the disease over the last two decades.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It remains the <strong>fourth leading cause of death in Africa,</strong> the number of deaths has dropped by more than half, falling from over 1 million in 2000 to 435 000 in 2019 in Africa.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tuberculosis :</strong> It is no longer in the global top 10, falling from<strong> 7<sup>th</sup> place in 2000 to 13<sup>th</sup> in 2019,</strong> with a <strong>30%</strong> reduction in global deaths. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, it remains among the <strong>top 10 causes of deaths</strong> in the <strong>African and South-East Asian regions,</strong> where it is the 8<sup>th</sup> and 5<sup>th</sup> leading cause respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>More <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/non-communicable-diseases-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-communicable diseases</strong></a> <strong>are now causing deaths worldwide,</strong> there has been a global decline in deaths from <strong>communicable diseases,</strong> which however still remain a <strong>major challenge in low- and middle-income countries.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Longevity:</strong> The estimates confirm the <strong>growing trend for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/on-longevity-and-related-concerns" target="_blank" rel="noopener">longevity</a> as in 2019,</strong> people were living more than 6 years longer than in 2000.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Global average of longevity was <strong>73 years in 2019 compared to nearly 67 in 2000.</strong></li>
<li>The new projections state that people are living longer but with more disability.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/issues-related-to-persons-with-disability" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disability</strong></a>, however, is on the rise.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a need for an <strong>intensified global focus on preventing and treating <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/higher-mortality-from-cardio-vascular-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a>, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases,</strong> as well as tackling injuries, in all regions of the world, as set out in the agenda for the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals.</strong></a></li>
<li>The world needs to rapidly <strong>step up prevention, diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases.</strong></li>
<li>There is an urgency to improve primary health care <strong>equitably and holistically. </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Strong primary health care</strong> is clearly the<strong> foundation on which everything rests,</strong> from combating non-communicable diseases to managing a global pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governments and stakeholders need to urgently invest</strong> in data and health information systems to <strong>support timely and effective decision-making.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Initiatives to Improve Health sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/ayushmanbharat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ayushman Bharat</a>:</strong> It is a flagship initiative that attempts to move away from the sectoral and segmented approach of service delivery to a <strong>comprehensive need-based health care service.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> It has been launched by the government with an aim to move towards a provision of universal healthcare in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/poshan-abhiyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong></a>: It aims to<strong> ensure service delivery and interventions</strong> by use of technology, behavioural change through convergence and lays-down specific targets to be achieved across different monitoring parameters.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-digital-health-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Digital Health Mission</strong></a>: It is a complete <strong>digital health ecosystem.</strong> The <strong>digital platform</strong> will be launched with four key features &mdash;<strong> health ID, personal health records, Digi Doctor and health facility registry.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/heart-disease-now-killing-more-people-than-ever-before-who-7099058/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7181,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Emissions Gap Report 2020: UNEP',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>United Nations Environment Programme</strong> (UNEP)&rsquo;s <strong>Emissions Gap Report 2020</strong> has been published recently.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The annual report from UNEP measures the gap between anticipated emissions and levels consistent with the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-climate-change-act-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></a> goals of limiting global warming this century to well below 2&deg;C and pursuing 1.5&deg;C.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Analysis for the year 2019:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Record high <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/greenhouse-gas-levels-reach-record-highs-un-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GreenHouse Gas</a> (GHG) emissions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Global GHG emissions continued to grow for the third consecutive year in 2019, reaching a record high of <strong>52.4 Gigatonne carbon equivalent</strong> (GtCO<sub>2</sub>e) <strong>without including land use changes (LUC).</strong></li>
<li>There is some indication that the <strong>growth in global GHG emissions is slowing.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, GHG emissions are <strong>declining in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oecds-forecast-for-global-economy-in-2060" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development</a></strong> (OECD) economies and <strong>increasing in non-OECD economies.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Record carbon emission:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Fossil<strong> carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) emissions (from fossil fuels and carbonates)</strong> dominate <strong>total GHG emissions.</strong></li>
<li>Fossil CO<sub>2</sub> emissions reached a record <strong>38.0 GtCO<sub>2</sub> in 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Forest fires increasing GHG emissions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since 2010, global GHG emissions have grown <strong>1.4% per year on average,</strong> with a more rapid increase of <strong>2.6% in 2019</strong> due to a large<strong> increase in vegetation forest fires.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>G20 countries account for bulk of emissions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Over the last decade, the <strong>top four emitters (China, the United States of America, EU27+UK and India)</strong> have contributed to <strong>55% of the total GHG emissions without LUC.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> top seven emitters</strong> (including the Russian Federation, Japan and international transport) have contributed to 65%, with G20 members accounting for 78%.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The ranking of countries changes when considering <strong>per capita emissions.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>On consumption-based emissions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a general tendency that <strong>rich countries have higher consumption-based emissions</strong> (emissions allocated to the country where goods are purchased and consumed, rather than where they are produced) than <strong>territorial-based emissions,</strong> as they typically have cleaner production, relatively more services and more imports of primary and secondary products.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both emission types have <strong>declined at similar rates.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of the Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Emissions Level: CO<sub>2</sub> emissions</strong> could <strong>decrease by about 7% in 2020</strong> compared with <strong>2019 emission levels,</strong> with<strong> a smaller drop expected in GHG emissions</strong> as <strong>non-CO<sub>2</sub></strong> is likely to be less affected.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The resulting atmospheric concentrations of GHGs such as <strong>methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) and nitrous oxide</strong> (N<sub>2</sub>O) <strong>continued to increase in both 2019 and 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sector reporting the lowest dip in emission due to pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The biggest changes have occurred in<strong> transport,</strong> as restrictions were targeted to <strong>limit mobility,</strong> though reductions have also occurred in other sectors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues and Possible Solutions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The world is still heading for a temperature rise in excess of<strong> 3&deg;C this century.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The levels of ambition in the Paris Agreement still must be roughly<strong> tripled for the 2&deg;C pathway</strong> and<strong> increased at least fivefold for the&nbsp;</strong>1.5&deg;C Pathway.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Rise of 3&deg;C in global temperatures <strong>could cause catastrophic weather-related events</strong> around the world. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>UN Experts believe the way to avoid it is encourage <strong>green recovery</strong> for countries facing Covid-induced economic slumps.</li>
<li>A green recovery involves <strong>investment in zero emissions tech and infrastructure,</strong> reducing <strong>fossil fuel subsidies, stopping new coal plants,</strong> and <strong>promoting nature-based solutions,</strong> according to the UN.</li>
<li>Such actions could cut 25% of predicted emissions by 2030, and gives the planet a 66% chance of keeping warming below the 2&deg;mark that the Paris pact had set as a long term goal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Environment Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The UNEP is a leading global environmental authority established on <strong>5<sup>th</sup> june 1972.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> It sets the <strong>global environmental agenda,</strong> promotes the sustainable development within the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a> system,</strong> and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection.</li>
<li><strong>Major Reports:</strong> Emission Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet.</li>
<li><strong>Major Campaigns:</strong> Beat Pollution, UN75, World Environment Day, Wild for Life.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Nairobi, Kenya.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/climate-change-what-the-emissions-gap-report-2020-tells-us-74578" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:DTE</strong></a></p>',
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Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/articlebox.ctp, line 5
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Articles/tags.ctp, line 61
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 765
Cake\Controller\Controller::render() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 623
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 125
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 93

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