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Kulbhushan Jadhav Case

Why in News Pakistan has urged India to appoint a lawyer to represent death row convict Kulbhushan Jadhav to implement the verdict of the...

21 Apr 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
China Not Leaving Hot Springs & Gogra Post

Why in News Recently, during the 11th round of discussions between the senior military commanders of India and China to resolve the standoff in...

19 Apr 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
17th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting

Why in News Recently, the External Affairs Minister of India participated in the 17th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and...

03 Apr 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
Trade Between India and Pakistan

Why in News Pakistan will allow the import of cotton and sugar from India, partially reversing a two-year old decision to suspend all trade with...

01 Apr 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
Evolving India-Bangladesh Relations

This article is based on “Good neighbours: On India-Bangladesh ties” which was published in The Hindu on 31/03/2021. It talks about the...

01 Apr 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process

Why in News External Affairs Minister of India attended the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. He called for a...

31 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
PM’s Visit to Bangladesh

Why in News The Prime Minister of India paid a State Visit to Bangladesh to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of...

31 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
Permanent Indus Commission

Why in News The 116th Meeting of Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) between India and Pakistan is underway in New Delhi. The first day of the...

24 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
Gandhi Peace Prize

Why in News The father of the nation of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the late Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said Al Said are to be awarded the...

23 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
Changes in Electoral System of Hong Kong

Why in News Recently, China has made changes in Hong Kong’s electoral system. The measures are part of China’s efforts to consolidate...

16 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
Illegal Influx from Myanmar

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh to check illegal influx from...

15 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
Bharat Bangla Maitri Bridge

Why in News Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated Bharat Bangla Maitri Bridge in Tripura’s South district. Key Points About: The...

11 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
Significance of India-Bangladesh Transport Connectivity: World Bank

Why in News Recently, a World Bank report named “Connecting to Thrive: Challenges and Opportunities of Transport Integration in Eastern South...

11 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
India in Afghan Peace Process

Why in News Recently, the USA President has envisaged a New Peace Initiative (Plan) to decide on the roadmap for peace in Afghanistan. Under the...

09 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
Push for Chabahar Port in INSTC Corridor

Why in News India expressed its intent to include Chabahar port in the 13-nation International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that extends...

09 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
Amending the Relations

This article is based on Friend in deed which was published in the Indian Express on 08/03/2021. It talks about Bangladesh as a key partner to...

08 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
India - Sweden Virtual Summit

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

06 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
India-Bangladesh Bilateral Meet

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

05 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
Knowledge Diplomacy

This article is based on “Knowledge and diplomacy” which was published in The Indian Express on 03/03/2021. It talks about the...

04 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood
West Container Terminal Offer to India-Japan: Sri Lanka

Why in News Sri Lanka has decided to offer the West Container Terminal (WCT) to Indian and Japanese companies. The decision comes a month after...

04 Mar 2021 India and its Neighbourhood

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		'article_id' => (int) 8199,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Kulbhushan Jadhav Case',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Pakistan has urged India to appoint a lawyer to represent death row convict Kulbhushan Jadhav to implement the verdict of the <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-international-court-of-justice" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Court of Justice (ICJ)</a>.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Point</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Kulbhushan Jadhav Case:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Kulbhushan Jadhavwas <strong>sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court</strong> on charges of espionage and terrorism <strong>in April 2017.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India approached the ICJ against Pakistan for denial of consular access (Vienna Convention)</strong> to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence.</li>
<li><strong>ICJ ruled in July 2019</strong> that <strong>Pakistan must undertake an &ldquo;effective review and reconsideration&rdquo; of the conviction</strong> and sentence of Jadhav, and also <strong>grant consular access to India</strong> without further delay.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>had asked Pakistan to provide a proper forum for appeal</strong> against the sentence given to Jadhav by the military court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications of 'Effective Review and Reconsideration' for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Effective review and reconsideration is a phrase which is different from &lsquo;review&rsquo; as one understands in a domestic course.</li>
<li>It <strong>includes giving consular access and helping Jadav in preparing his defence.</strong></li>
<li>It means that <strong>Pakistan has to disclose the charges and also the evidence</strong> which it has been absolutely opaque about uptill now.</li>
<li>Pakistan <strong>would also have to disclose the circumstances in which Jadhav&rsquo;s confession was extracted </strong>by the military.</li>
<li>It implies that <strong>Jadhav will have a right to defend</strong> whichever forum or court hears his case.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vienna Convention:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Vienna Convention on Consular Relations</strong> is an international treaty that defines consular relations between independent states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A consul (who is not a diplomat), is a representative of a foreign state in a host country, who works for the interests of his countrymen.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Article 36 of the Vienna Convention</strong> states that foreign nationals who are arrested or detained in the host country must be given notice without delay of their right to have their embassy or consulate notified of that arrest.</li>
<li>If the detained foreign national so requests, the police must fax that notice to the embassy or consulate, which can then verify the detained person.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The notice to the consulate can be as simple as a fax, giving the person's name, the place of arrest, and, if possible, something about the reason for the arrest or detention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Court of Justice</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>ICJ is <strong>a principal judicial organization of the United Nations (UN).</strong> It was established in 1945 by a UN Charter and began working in 1946 as the successor to the Permanent Court of International Justice.</li>
<li>It <strong>settles legal disputes between member countries</strong> and gives advisory opinions to authorized UN Organs and Specialized Agencies.</li>
<li>An Indian, Judge Dalveer Bhandari has been a member of the ICJ since April 2012.</li>
<li>It is <strong>seated in the Peace Palace of Hague, Netherlands.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/clear-indias-doubts-in-kulbhushan-jadhav-case/article34331098.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8183,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'China Not Leaving Hot Springs & Gogra Post',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, during the 11<sup>th</sup> round of discussions between the senior military commanders of India and China to resolve the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/face-off-between-india-and-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>standoff in eastern Ladakh</strong></a>, <strong>China refused to vacate two of the four original friction points.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>At two friction points,<strong> Patrolling Point 15 (PP15) in Hot Springs,</strong> and <strong>PP17A near Gogra Post,</strong> China still has a platoon-level strength each, along with vehicles.</li>
<li>Other two are the <strong>Galwan valley</strong> and the <strong>Depsang plains.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618831742_image9.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1618831742_image9.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="488" height="374" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Patrolling Point 15 and 17A:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Along the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Line of Actual Control (LAC)</strong></a> between India and China, Indian Army has been given certain locations that its troops have access to patrol the area under its control.</li>
<li>These points are known as patrolling points, or PPs, and are decided by the<strong> China Study Group (CSG).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>CSG was set-up in 1976,</strong> when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister, and is the <strong>apex decision-making body on China.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Barring certain areas, like<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/depsang-plains" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Depsang Plains</strong></a>, these patrolling points are on the LAC, and troops access these points to assert their control over the territory. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is an important exercise since the <strong>boundary between India and China is not yet officially demarcated.</strong></li>
<li><strong>LAC</strong> is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>PP15 and PP17A are <strong>two of the 65 patrolling points in Ladakh along the LAC.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both these points are in an area where <strong>India and China largely agree on the alignment of the LAC.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>PP15 is located in an area known as the<strong> Hot Springs,</strong> while PP17A is near an area called the<strong> Gogra post.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Location of Hot Springs and Gogra Post:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hot Springs is just <strong>north of the Chang Chenmo river</strong> and Gogra Post is <strong>east of the point where the river takes a hairpin bend</strong> coming southeast from Galwan Valley and turning southwest.</li>
<li>The area is<strong> north of the Karakoram Range of mountains,</strong> which lies north of the <strong>Pangong Tso lake,</strong> and south east of Galwan Valley.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The area lies close to<strong> Kongka Pass,</strong> one of the main passes, which, according to China marks the boundary between India and China. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s claim</strong> of the international boundary lies significantly east, as it includes the entire <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aksai-chin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aksai Chin</strong></a> area as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Hot Springs and Gogra Post are <strong>close to the boundary between two of the most historically disturbed provinces</strong> (Xinjiang and Tibet) <strong>of China.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pangong Tso lake</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pangong Lake is <strong>located in the Union Territory of Ladakh.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>situated at a height of almost 4,350m</strong> and is the <strong>world&rsquo;s highest saltwater lake.</strong></li>
<li>Extending to almost 160km, <strong>one-third of the Pangong Lake lies in India and the other two-thirds in China.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Galwan Valley</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The valley refers to the<strong> land that sits between steep mountains that buffet the Galwan River.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> river has its source in Aksai Chin,</strong> on China&rsquo;s side of the LAC, and it flows from the east to Ladakh, where<strong> it meets the Shyok river on India&rsquo;s side of the LAC.</strong></li>
<li>The valley is<strong> strategically located between Ladakh in the west and Aksai Chin in the east,</strong> which is currently controlled by China as part of its Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Chang Chenmo River</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Chang Chenmo River or Changchenmo River is a <strong>tributary of the Shyok River,</strong> part of the <strong>Indus River system.</strong></li>
<li>It is at the southern edge of the disputed Aksai Chin region and north of the Pangong Lake basin.</li>
<li>The source of Chang Chenmo is near the <strong>Lanak Pass.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Kongka Pass</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Kongka Pass or Kongka La is a low mountain pass over a hill that intrudes into the Chang Chenmo Valley. It is <strong>in the disputed India-China border area in Ladakh.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Karakoram Range</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is also known as <strong>Krishnagiri</strong> which is situated in the northernmost range of the Trans-Himalayan ranges. It forms India's frontiers with Afghanistan and China.</li>
<li>It <strong>extends eastwards from the Pamir for about 800 km.</strong> It is a range with lofty peaks [elevation 5,500 m and above].</li>
<li>Some of the peaks are more than 8,000 metre above sea level.<strong> K2 (8,611 m)[Godwin Austen or Qogir] is the second highest peak in the world</strong> and the highest peak in the Indian Union.</li>
<li>The <strong>Ladakh Plateau lies to the north-east of the Karakoram Range.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-hot-springs-gogra-post-india-china-ladakh-strategic-significance-7279037/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8066,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => '17th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the External Affairs Minister of India participated in the <strong>17<sup>th</sup> <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-bimstec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)</a> Ministerial Meeting.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The meeting, <strong>chaired by Sri Lanka,</strong> was held in virtual mode.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand at the Meeting:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Commitment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To further<strong> build the momentum of regional cooperation</strong> under the <strong>BIMSTEC framework</strong> and make the organization stronger, vibrant, more effective and result-oriented.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Progress:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Highlighted progress</strong> achieved in sectors where India is the Lead Country viz Counter Terrorism &amp; Trans-national Crime, Transport &amp; Communication, Tourism, and Environmental &amp; Disaster management and other activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Robust <strong>connectivity is an essential prerequisite for economic integration</strong> of the region with smooth cross-border movement of people and goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Outcome of the Meeting:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The meeting endorsed the BIMSTEC<strong> Master Plan for Transport Connectivity</strong> for adoption at the next BIMSTEC Summit, which will be held in Sri Lanka. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s northeastern states form a key part of the master plan,</strong> with several road and river links passing through the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Called for early<strong> adoption of the BIMSTEC Charter.</strong></li>
<li>The meeting also endorsed three MoUs/agreements relating to <strong>convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal matters, cooperation between diplomatic</strong> and <strong>training academies and establishment of BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility in Colombo</strong> (Sri Lanka).</li>
<li>Took note that the <strong>BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate,</strong> being<strong> hosted in India,</strong> is fully functional with state of the art facilities to provide Disaster Early Warnings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concern:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cohesion among the members has been difficult to achieve mainly because of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rohingyas-at-isolated-bangladesh-island" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohingya refugee crisis</strong> </a>which created <strong>bitterness between Myanmar and Bangladesh.</strong></li>
<li>This affected the working of the organisation to some extent as it could not develop a common charter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>BIMSTEC</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a <strong>regional organization.</strong></li>
<li>It comprises<strong> seven countries.</strong> Five of these seven countries- <strong>India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh-</strong> are from South Asia while the remaining two, <strong>Thailand and Myanmar,</strong> are from Southeast Asia.</li>
<li>The group remained dormant for many years till it was revived a few years ago as an alternative to the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)</strong></a>, which despite having the potential, has not been able to move forward due to friction between India and Pakistan.</li>
<li>With a focus on intra-regional cooperation, the BIMSTEC has also<strong> formed a platform with the SAARC and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</a> member countries.</strong></li>
<li>Currently, the BIMSTEC is<strong> involved in 15 sectors</strong> including trade, technology, agriculture, tourism, fisheries, energy and climate change among others, for sectoral cooperation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 1997, it started with just six sectors and later expanded to the remaining nine sectors in 2008.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Secretariat:</strong> Dhaka, Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Creating an<strong> enabling environment for the rapid economic development</strong> of the sub-region.</li>
<li>Encouraging the spirit of <strong>equality and partnership.</strong></li>
<li>Promoting active <strong>collaboration and mutual assistance</strong> in the areas of common interests of the member countries.</li>
<li>Accelerating <strong>support for each other</strong> in the fields of education, science, and technology, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1617435202_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1617435202_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/at-bimstec-jaishankar-calls-for-integration-7255083/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8056,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Trade Between India and Pakistan',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Pakistan will allow the import of cotton and sugar from India, partially reversing a two-year old decision to suspend all trade with India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The decision to cancel trade was taken by the Pakistan government in August, 2019, days after the Indian government <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-article-370#:~:text=On%20October%2017%2C%201949%2C%20Article,legislative%20powers%20in%20the%20state." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>amended Article 370</strong></a> and <a href="/blog/implications-of-j&amp;k-reorganisation-act#:~:text=Along%20with%20this%20the%20Jammu,and%20Union%20Territory%20of%20Ladakh." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reorganised Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pakistan&rsquo;s Trade Ban:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Pakistan&rsquo;s decision to suspend bilateral trade with India in August 2019 was a fallout of the constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir.</li>
<li>However, an <strong>underlying reason for suspending trade was the 200% tariff imposed</strong> by India on Pakistani imports earlier that year after India revoked Pakistan&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-revokes-mfn-status-to-pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status</strong></a> in the aftermath of the<strong> Pulwama terrorist attack.</strong></li>
<li>Trade between the two countries suffered greatly.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s exports to Pakistan dropped nearly 60% to USD 816.62 million, and its imports fell 97% to USD 13.97 million in 2019-20.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-Pakistan Trade Before Ban:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Over the years, <strong>India has had a trade surplus with Pakistan,</strong> with much less imports than exports and trade has always been linked to politics.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s exports to Pakistan fell around 16% to <strong>USD 1.82 billion in 2016-17 as compared to 2015-16</strong> after relations deteriorated in the aftermath of the <strong>Uri terror attack</strong> and the <strong>Indian Army&rsquo;s surgical strikes</strong> on militant launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2016.</li>
<li>Despite continuing tensions, trade between the two countries grew marginally in subsequent years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Indian exports rose</strong> nearly 6% to USD 1.92 billion in 2017-18, and then by around 7% in 2018-19.</li>
<li><strong>Imports from Pakistan,</strong> though much less in volume, <strong>also increased by 7.5%</strong> to USD 488.56 million in<strong> 2017-18</strong> as compared to <strong>2016-17.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Products Traded:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Pakistan was among <strong>India&rsquo;s top 50 trade partners in 2018-19,</strong> but was pushed out of the list in 2019-20. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It had been anticipated that<strong> a trade ban between the countries would affect Pakistan more,</strong> since it relied heavily on India for key raw materials for its textiles and pharmaceuticals industries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Export to Pakistan:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2018-19, <strong>cotton and organic chemicals</strong> accounted for around <strong>half of Indian export to Pakistan.</strong></li>
<li>Other major items included <strong>plastic, tanning/dyeing extracts,</strong> and <strong>nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, </strong>and<strong> mechanical appliances.</strong></li>
<li><strong>After the ban,</strong> imports of many items fell drastically, while cotton imports stopped altogether. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The only increase has been in <strong>pharmaceutical products.</strong> Pakistan has so far imported <strong>drug products and organic chemicals</strong> to ensure sufficient supplies of medicines during the <strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Import From Pakistan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s major imports from Pakistan in 2018-19 were <strong>mineral fuels and oils, edible fruits and nuts, salt, sulphur, stone and plastering materials,</strong> ores, slag and ash and raw hides and leather.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Removal of Trade Ban by Pakistan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Shortage in Raw Material:</strong> Pakistan decided to lift the ban on cotton imports as there is a shortage in raw material for<strong> Pakistan&rsquo;s textile sector,</strong> which has suffered due to <strong>low domestic yields of cotton. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Cheaper Imports from India:</strong> Cotton and sugar imports from countries like the USA and Brazil are <strong>costlier and take longer to arrive.</strong></li>
<li><strong>High Domestic Demand and Prices:</strong> The decision on sugar was dictated by high demand and high domestic prices. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The decision to import from India is a measure to stabilize the market prices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The decision by Pakistan to allow trade in the selected items will <strong>gradually lead to restoration of normalcy in India-Pakistan trade.</strong></li>
<li>This might be<strong> a good time for India to explore a reduction in its 200% import duties</strong> on products that its industries can benefit from.</li>
<li>The move by Pakistan has <strong>raised hopes for further measures</strong> besides the granting of sports related visas by India after a gap of three years, scheduling a much-delayed meeting of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/permanent-indus-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indus Water Commissioners</strong></a> in Delhi, peace at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ceasefire-along-line-of-control" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Line of Control (LoC)</strong> </a>after more than 5,000 ceasefire violations, as well as the exchange of salutary messages between Indian and Pakistan Prime Ministers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-pakistan-wants-to-lift-its-ban-on-cotton-sugar-imports-from-india-7252808/#:~:text=The%20Pakistani%20decision%20to%20lift,low%20domestic%20yields%20of%20cotton." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8054,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Evolving India-Bangladesh Relations',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <strong><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/good-neighbours-the-hindu-editorial-on-india-bangladesh-ties/article34201043.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Good neighbours: On India-Bangladesh ties&rdquo;</a></strong> which was published in The Hindu on 31/03/2021. It talks about the new trends in India-Bangladesh ties.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India visited Bangladesh to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the war of liberation and the centenary year of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gandhi-peace-prize-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</strong></a></p>
<p>Historically, India&rsquo;s has played a critical role in the creation of Bangladesh. India&rsquo;s political, diplomatic, military and humanitarian support during Bangladesh&rsquo;s Liberation War played an important role towards Bangladesh&rsquo;s independence.</p>
<p>This is the first foreign visit since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic of the Indian Prime Minister and it conveys that India attaches <strong>great importance to the relationship with its eastern neighbour.</strong></p>
<p>Further, the recent events highlight a deeper understanding on both sides of the India-Bangladesh relationship. However, there are few challenges that need to be resolved for a win-win relationship.</p>
<h3>New Trends in India-Bangladesh Ties</h3>
<p>In the last decade, India-Bangladesh relations have warmed up, entering a new era of cooperation, and moving beyond historical and cultural ties to become more assimilated in the areas of trade, connectivity, energy, and defence. This can reflected in the following events:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Military Cooperation:</strong> The Bangladesh government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has<strong> uprooted anti-India insurgency elements</strong> from its borders, making the India-Bangladesh border one of the region&rsquo;s most peaceful. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This has allowed India to make a massive redeployment of military resources to its more contentious borders elsewhere.</li>
<li>Further, Bangladesh handed over many of India&rsquo;s &ldquo;most wanted&rdquo; criminals.</li>
<li>India has also accepted an <strong>international tribunal verdict</strong> in favour of Bangladesh that resolved a <strong>40-year-old maritime dispute</strong> and built confidence as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Land Boundary Agreement:</strong> Bangladesh and India have achieved the rare feat of solving their border issues peacefully by ratifying the historic <strong>Land Boundary Agreement in 2015.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In that agreement, enclaves were swapped allowing inhabitants to choose their country of residence and become citizens of either India or Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade Relations:</strong> Bangladesh today is India&rsquo;s biggest trading partner in South Asia with exports to Bangladesh in FY 2018-19 at $9.21 billion and imports at $1.04 billion. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, India has offered duty free access to multiple Bangladeshi products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Development Sector:</strong> On the development front, cooperation has deepened, with India extending three lines of credit to Bangladesh in recent years amounting to $8 billion for the construction of roads, railways, bridges, and ports.</li>
<li><strong>Improved Connectivity:</strong> Connectivity between the two countries has greatly improved. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A direct bus service between Kolkata and Agartala runs a route distance of 500 km, as compared to the 1,650 km if it ran through the Chicken&rsquo;s Neck to remain within India.</li>
<li>Bangladesh allows the shipment of goods from its Mongla and Chattogram (Chittagong) seaports carried by road, rail, and water ways to Agartala.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>News Areas of Engagement:</strong> Bangladeshis make up a large portion of tourists in India, outnumbering all tourists arriving from western Europe in 2017, with one in every five tourists being a Bangladeshi. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh accounts for more than <strong>35% of India&rsquo;s international medical patients</strong> and contributes more than 50% of India&rsquo;s revenue from medical tourism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges in India-Bangladesh Ties</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Teesta River Dispute:</strong> Despite the remarkable progress, the unresolved Teesta water sharing issue looms large.</li>
<li><strong>Illegal Migration:</strong> The problem of Bangladeshi civilians being killed at the border has dented relations. The year 2020 saw the highest number of border shootings by the Border Security Force. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These shootings occur as many Bangladeshi people try to illegally migrate into India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NRC &amp; CAA:</strong> Indian government&rsquo;s proposal to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) across the whole of India and impetus for the Citizen Amendment Act (CAA), reflects poorly on India-Bangladesh relations.</li>
<li><strong>China Factor:</strong> Despite its &lsquo;Neighbourhood First Policy&rsquo;, India has been losing its influence in the region to China.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives, once considered traditional Indian allies, are increasingly tilting towards China due to the Asian giant&rsquo;s massive trade, infrastructural and defence investments in these countries.</li>
<li>China, in lieu of its cheque-book diplomacy, is well-entrenched in South Asia, including Bangladesh, with which it enjoys significant economic and defence relations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Learning From Bangladesh:</strong> Bangladesh is the region&rsquo;s fastest growing economy, with social indicators that other countries, including India, can learn.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is the vital link with which India can realise the full potential of either the economic or strategic underpinnings of its Act East policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Water Sharing:</strong> While all countries desire to be recognised as equal, they also want bigger countries to take more responsibility for protecting this equality. This, India must &ldquo;play a pioneering role in India-Bangladesh relations. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, as the larger country, the onus is on India to be generous enough to let the water flow and resolve the dispute over Teesta water and six other rivers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Balancing Trade:</strong> Trade could be more balanced if non-tariff barriers from the Indian side could be removed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>As Bangladesh celebrates its 50 years of independence, India continues to be one of its most important neighbours and strategic partners. To make the recent gains irreversible, both countries need to continue working on the three Cs &mdash; cooperation, collaboration, and consolidation.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fafffc;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The recent events highlight a deeper understanding on both sides of the India-Bangladesh relationship. Analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
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	(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8047,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>External Affairs Minister of India attended the 9<sup>th</sup> <strong>Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process</strong> held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He called for a<strong> &ldquo;double peace&rdquo;</strong> which means<strong> peace within Afghanistan and peace around Afghanistan</strong> and also said India supports the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-taliban-peace-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Intra-Afghan Negotiations (IAN).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was founded in November, 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey.</li>
<li>It provides a<strong> platform for sincere and results-oriented regional cooperation by placing Afghanistan at its center,</strong> in recognition of the fact that a secure and stable Afghanistan is vital to the prosperity of the Heart of Asia region.</li>
<li>This platform was established to <strong>address the shared challenges and interests of Afghanistan and its neighbors and regional partners.</strong></li>
<li>The Heart of Asia comprises 15 participating countries, 17 supporting countries, and 12 supporting regional and international organizations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India</strong> is a <strong>participating country.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Since its inception the process has become a cardinal element in regional cooperation and has created a <strong>platform for Afghanistan&rsquo;s near and extended neighbors, international supporters and organizations to engage in constructive dialogue</strong> and to <strong>address the existing and emerging regional challenges</strong> through regional cooperation with Afghanistan at its core.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Intra-Afghan Negotiations (IAN):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It refers to the<strong> talks between the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents</strong> with the goal of bringing an end to nearly two decades of a conflict that has laid waste to the country and killed tens of thousands of combatants and civilians.</li>
<li>The participants of intra-Afghan negotiations will discuss the <strong>date and modalities of a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire,</strong> including agreement over the <strong>future political roadmap</strong> of Afghanistan.</li>
<li>The negotiations will cover a variety of issues, including the<strong> rights of women, free speech, and changes to the country&rsquo;s constitution.</strong></li>
<li>The talks would also lay out the <strong>fate of tens of thousands of Taliban fighters</strong> as well as the heavily armed militias belonging to Afghanistan&rsquo;s warlords who have amassed wealth and power since the Taliban were ousted from power in 2001.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regional Connectivity Initiatives:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>During the conference, the Afghanistan President appreciated the number of regional connectivity initiatives including the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chabahar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Chabahar port project</strong></a>, as well as the <strong>Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India believes any peace process must be<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-afghan-policy-and-taliban" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled</strong></a>, has to respect the<strong> national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan</strong> and preserve the progress made in the establishment of a<strong> democratic Islamic Republic in Afghanistan.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> interests of minorities, women and vulnerable sections</strong> of society must be preserved and the issue of violence across the country and its neighbourhood has to be effectively addressed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>TAPI Pipeline</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>TAPI Pipeline, also called <strong>Peace pipeline,</strong> is a 1,814km natural gas pipeline that originates from Turkmenistan and passes through Afghanistan and Pakistan to reach India.</li>
<li>It aims to monetise Turkmenistan&rsquo;s gas reserves and supply them to neighbouring countries to promote the use of natural gas and improve energy security.</li>
<li>The project is being developed by<strong> TAPI Pipeline Company (TPCL),</strong> a consortium established by four individual state-owned gas companies Turkmengaz (Turkmenistan), Afghan Gas (Afghanistan), Interstate Gas Service (Pakistan), and <strong>Gas Authority of India and Indian Oil (India).</strong></li>
<li>The four countries signed an Inter Government Agreement (IGA) and Gas Pipeline Framework Agreements (GPFA) in December 2010 for the development of the pipeline.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1617190801_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1617190801_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/to-ensure-durable-peace-in-and-around-afghanistan-is-essential-jaishankar/article34198123.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8041,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'PM’s Visit to Bangladesh',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Prime Minister of India paid a State Visit to Bangladesh</strong> to join the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/50-years-of-india-bangladesh-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Independence of Bangladesh</strong></a>, the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sheikh-mujibur-rehman" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman</strong></a> and<strong> 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations</strong> between India and Bangladesh.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Joint Celebrations of Historical Links:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh thanked India for conferring <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gandhi-peace-prize-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gandhi Peace Prize</strong></a> for the year 2020 on <strong>Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</strong></li>
<li>Jointly inaugurated the <strong>Bangabandhu - Bapu Digital Exhibition</strong> in Dhaka.</li>
<li>To mark the <strong>50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of India-Bangladesh friendship:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both sides released respective <strong>commemorative postage stamps.</strong></li>
<li>Decided to <strong>commemorate 6<sup>th</sup> December as Maitri Diwas,</strong> the day when India recognized Bangladesh in the year 1971.</li>
<li>India announced the establishment of the <strong>Bangabandhu Chair at the University of Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Bangladesh<strong> thanked India for naming the historic road from Mujib Nagar to Nadia</strong> on the Bangladesh-India border as<strong> "Shadhinota Shorok&rdquo;</strong> commemorating the historic significance of the road during Bangladesh&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vijay-diwas-50-years-of-indo-pak-war-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Liberation War.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Water Resources Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh reiterated its long-pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the <strong>sharing of the waters of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/teesta-river" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Teesta river</a>.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The draft agreement has already been agreed upon by both Governments in January 2011.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India also requested for early finalization of the draft of the interim agreement for sharing of water of <strong>Feni River,</strong> pending with the Bangladesh side which had been agreed upon by both sides in 2011.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Also, requested working towards an early conclusion of the Framework of Interim Agreement on sharing of waters of six common rivers, namely, <strong>Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Directed the <strong>Joint Technical Committee</strong> to expeditiously commence the feasibility study of the <strong>Ganges-Padma barrage</strong> for optimum utilization of the Ganges waters received by Bangladesh as per the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/trans-boundary-water-conflicts#:~:text=Bangladesh%20has%20sought%20an%20%E2%80%9Cequitable,)%2C%20but%20to%20no%20avail." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, 1996.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1617176344_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1617176344_image6.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="694" height="383" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Trade for Growth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Stressed the need for<strong> predictability of trade policies, regulations and procedures</strong> and the need for <strong>removal of non-tariff barriers.</strong></li>
<li>Stressed the urgent need for up-gradation of infrastructure and facilities of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/8th-foundation-day-of-lpai" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Land Customs Stations (LCSs)/Land Ports</strong> </a>in a coordinated manner to facilitate trade between the two countries.</li>
<li>Reiterated the importance of <strong>harmonization of standards and mutual recognition</strong> of agreements and certificates for enhancing bilateral trade. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bureau-of-indian-standards-bis-act-2016" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)</a></strong> would collaborate for the capacity building and development of testing and Lab facilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India congratulated Bangladesh on its<strong> upcoming graduation from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/developing-country-status-in-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Least Developed Country (LDC)</a> status.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Emphasized on expeditious conclusion of</strong> the ongoing joint study on the prospects of entering into a <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Comprehensive+Economic+Partnership+Agreement+%28CEPA+drishti+ias&amp;rlz=1C1OKWM_enIN943IN943&amp;biw=1242&amp;bih=568&amp;sxsrf=ALeKk038BXMH1y-Nmi_jBNzDW_lLk4JyvQ%3A1617091355398&amp;ei=G9tiYLfOF-OF4-EP9fe-uAM&amp;oq=Comprehensive+Economic+Partnership+Agreement+%28CEPA+drishti+ias&amp;gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EANQ4FtY4Ftgpl5oAHACeACAAZwBiAGgApIBAzAuMpgBAKABAqABAaoBB2d3cy13aXrAAQE&amp;sclient=gws-wiz&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj3x7rextfvAhXjwjgGHfW7DzcQ4dUDCA0&amp;uact=5" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).</strong></a></li>
<li>Bangladesh invited<strong> Indian investment in the jute mills of Bangladesh</strong> to revitalize and modernize the jute sector.</li>
<li>India requested early finalization of modalities for implementation of the <strong>Katihar &ndash; Parbotipur &ndash; Bornagar cross border electricity interconnection.</strong></li>
<li>Took stock of progress in the implementation of the<strong> India Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline</strong> and unit-1 of the <strong>Maitree Super Thermal Power Project.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Connectivity for Prosperity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India expressed gratitude for Bangladesh&rsquo;s initiative of<strong> revitalizing the pre-1965 rail connectivity.</strong></li>
<li>Bangladesh reiterated its eagerness to partner in the ongoing initiative of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-myanmar-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India &ndash; Myanmar - Thailand trilateral highway project.</strong></a></li>
<li>Also agreed to an early operationalization of the <strong>BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement</strong> through 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>India urged for <strong>early operationalization of the trans-shipment Agreement</strong> on the use of <strong>Chattogram and Mongla Ports</strong> for the Movement of Goods to and from India<strong> (Kolkata to Agartala via Chattogram).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India also requested for trans-shipment arrangement in Munshiganj and Pangaon as part of the<strong> Protocol on <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">Inland Water Transit and Trade.</a></strong></li>
<li>Recently, <strong>Maitree Setu</strong> (between India and Bangladesh) <strong>over River Feni in South Tripura</strong> has been inaugurated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Bangladesh offered the use of<strong> Chattogram and Sylhet International Airport,</strong> by the people of North East India, especially of Tripura.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Public Health:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh thanked the Government of India for giving 3.2 million doses of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covishield-and-covaxin-approved-for-restricted-use" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Oxford Astra Zeneca Covishield</strong></a> vaccine made in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Border Management and Security Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh reiterated the request for 1.3 km <strong>Innocent Passage</strong> through river route along with <strong>River Padma,</strong> on humanitarian grounds. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India requested for completion of border fencing at all pending sectors at the international border at the earliest, beginning from the Tripura (India) - Bangladesh sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong> Emphasized on the frequent exchange of programs and enhancing cooperation in<strong> training and capacity building.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has offered<strong> a USD 500 million line of credit</strong> for defence imports from India into Bangladesh and thus requested for early operationalization of this defense Line of Credit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Welcomed the signing of an MoU on <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/disaster-management-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disaster Management</strong></a>, <strong>Resilience and Mitigation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Areas of Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Acknowledged the potential of new and emerging areas of cooperation in cutting edge areas of science, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>artificial intelligence</strong></a>, <strong>peaceful uses of nuclear technology, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/big-data-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">big data</a> and technology enabled services in health and education. </strong></li>
<li><strong>50 young entrepreneurs from Bangladesh</strong> were invited to visit India and present their ideas to venture capitalists.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Partners in the Region and the World:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agreed to continue working together for common objectives in the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> and other multilateral fora.</li>
<li>Emphasized that the regional organizations, such as <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAARC</strong></a> and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/drishti-specials-important-international-bimstec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BIMSTEC</strong></a> have an important role to play, particularly in the post-<strong>Covid-19</strong> situation.</li>
<li>Bangladesh thanked India for convening the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/video-conference-of-saarc-leaders-on-covid-19#:~:text=Key%20Points,a%20contribution%20to%20the%20fund." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAARC leaders Video Conference</strong></a> in March 2020 and for proposing creation of the<strong> SAARC Emergency Response Fund</strong> to counter effects of the global pandemic in the South Asian region.</li>
<li>Bangladesh highlighted that the country would 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 (IORA)</strong> </a>for the first time in October 2021 and requested the support of India for working towards greater maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean region.</li>
<li>India welcomed the <strong>decision of Bangladesh to join the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/5th-annual-meeting-of-ndb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Development Bank (NDB).</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The two Prime Ministers also announced/ unveiled the following:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Foundation stone laying ceremony for a <strong>memorial in the honour of the Martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces</strong> who sacrificed their lives during Liberation War of 1971 at Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria.</li>
<li>Foundation stone for five packages out of total eight packages of <strong>Rooppur Power Evacuation Project.</strong></li>
<li>Inauguration of <strong>3 border haats, Nalikata (India) - Saydabad (Bangladesh), Ryngku (India) - Bagan Bari </strong>(Bangladesh)<strong> and Bholagunj (India) &ndash; Bholagunj (Bangladesh).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Border Haats aim at promoting the wellbeing of the people dwelling in remote areas across the borders of two countries, by establishing a traditional system of marketing the local produce through local markets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Inauguration of <strong>&lsquo;Mitali Express&rsquo; -</strong> passenger train connecting Dhaka on Bangladesh side and New Jalpaiguri on the Indian.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/millions-depend-on-teesta-waters-hasina-tells-modi/article34179390.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 7 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7998,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Permanent Indus Commission',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>116<sup>th</sup> Meeting of Permanent Indus Commission (PIC)</strong> between India and Pakistan is underway in <strong>New Delhi.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The first day of the Meeting<strong> coincided with the National Day of Pakistan</strong> (marks <strong>Lahore Resolution </strong>of <strong>23<sup>rd</sup> March, 1940</strong>).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Latest Meeting:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The meeting is <strong>being held after a gap of more than two-and-a-half years,</strong> a period that witnessed:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Pulwama attack</strong> (14<sup>th</sup> February, 2019), <strong>Balakot air strike</strong> (26<sup>th</sup> february, 2019), and</li>
<li><strong>Abrogation of special provisions under <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-article-370" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 370</a></strong> that gave special status to J&amp;K.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A discussion on <strong>Pakistan&rsquo;s objections about two India Projects - Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai -</strong> is expected to be held.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is building <strong>Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project</strong> (1,000 MW) on river <strong>Marusudar,</strong> a tributary of the Chenab. The project is located in Kishtwar district of J&amp;K.</li>
<li>The second project &ndash; <strong>Lower Kalnai</strong> &ndash; is being developed on the <strong>Chenab.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Routine issues such as flood data exchange mechanisms</strong> are also expected to be discussed.</li>
<li>The meeting is being seen as a positive step <strong>after <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ceasefire-along-line-of-control" target="_blank" rel="noopener">both countries agreed</a> to &ldquo;strict observance of all agreements, understanding and ceasefire along the Line of Control</strong> and all other sectors&rdquo; last month.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the Permanent Indus Commission:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is<strong> a bilateral commission of officials from India and Pakistan,</strong> created to implement and manage goals of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/60-years-of-indus-water-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indus Waters Treaty, 1960.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Commission, according to the treaty, <strong>shall meet regularly at least once a year, alternately in India and Pakistan.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> functions</strong> of the Commission include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To study and report to the two Governments on any problem relating to the development on the waters of the rivers.</li>
<li>To solve disputes arising over water sharing.</li>
<li>To arrange technical visits to projects&rsquo; sites and critical river head works.</li>
<li>To undertake, once in every five years, a general tour of inspection of the Rivers for ascertaining the facts.</li>
<li>To take necessary steps for the implementation of the provisions of the treaty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>115<sup>th</sup> meeting of the PIC was held in Lahore in August, 2018.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indus Water Treaty, 1960:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>treaty brokered by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Bank</a></strong> and signed by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan&rsquo;s President Ayub Khan which <strong>administers how the waters of the Indus and its tributaries that flow in both the countries will be utilised.</strong></li>
<li>According to the treaty, <strong>waters of the eastern rivers &mdash; Sutlej, Beas and Ravi had been allocated to India,</strong> while the <strong>western rivers &mdash; the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab to Pakistan.</strong></li>
<li>Under the treaty, <strong>India has been given the right to generate hydroelectricity through a run of the river projects on the western rivers</strong> subject to specific criteria for design and operation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India has cleared several hydropower projects</strong> in Ladakh: Darbuk Shyok (19 MW), Shankoo (18.5 MW), Nimu Chilling (24 MW), Rongdo (12 MW), Ratan Nag (10.5 MW) for Leh; and Mangdum Sangra (19 MW), Kargil Hunderman (25 MW) and Tamasha (12 MW) for Kargil.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It also <strong>gives Pakistan the right to raise concerns</strong> on the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers.</li>
<li>The Treaty also <strong>provides an arbitration mechanism</strong> to solve disputes amicably.</li>
<li>There have been <strong>disagreements and differences between India and Pakistan over dams.</strong> For eg. In 2010, Pakistan instituted international arbitration proceedings over India&rsquo;s 330-megawatt hydropower project on a small Indus tributary, the <strong>Kishenganga (known as Neelum in Pakistan).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Though Indus originates from Tibet, China has been kept out of the Treaty.</strong> If China decides to stop or change the flow of the river, it will affect both India and Pakistan.</li>
<li><strong>Climate change is causing melting of ice in Tibetan plateau,</strong> which scientists believe will affect the river in future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Lahore Resolution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A historic<strong> session of the All-India Muslim League was held at Lahore in March 1940.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Muhammad Ali Jinnah</strong> explained how Hindus and Muslims cannot co-exist peacefully.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>On 23<sup>rd</sup> March, an epoch-making resolution was moved at that session demanding that <strong>areas of the subcontinent of India in which the Muslims were numerically</strong> in a majority, as in the<strong> North-Western and Eastern Zones,</strong> should be grouped to <strong>constitute independent States.</strong></li>
<li>Having regard to the place of its adoption, the resolution was<strong> originally referred to as the Lahore Resolution.</strong> The Hindu Press, however, dubbed it as the <strong>Pakistan Resolution</strong> and eventually, in popular parlance, it came to be called as such.</li>
<li>The Lahore Resolution was the<strong> beginning of the end of the administrative unity of the entire sub continent,</strong> which had been created by the Muslim Emperors and continued by the British;<strong> within eight years of its adoption the subcontinent was partitioned and Pakistan appeared as an independent sovereign State</strong> on its map.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-pakistan-set-to-return-to-dialogue-table-with-indus-water-meet-today-7240548/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7993,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Gandhi Peace Prize',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> father of the nation of Bangladesh <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sheikh-mujibur-rehman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sheikh Mujibur Rahman</a> and the late Sultan of Oman, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/arab-world-s-longest-serving-ruler-passes-away" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qaboos bin Said Al Said</a></strong> are to be awarded the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gandhi-peace-prize" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gandhi Peace Prize</a> for 2020 and 2019</strong> respectively.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Gandhi Peace Prize:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Institution of Award:</strong> The <strong>annual award</strong> was instituted by the Government of India in 1995 during the commemoration of the <strong>125<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mahatma-gandhi-jayanti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mahatma Gandhi</a></strong> for those involved in social, economic and political transformation through non-violence.</li>
<li><strong>Rewards:</strong> The award carries an amount of <strong>Rs. 1 crore, a Citation in a scroll, a plaque</strong> as well as an exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item.</li>
<li><strong>Conferred Upon:</strong> The prize can be given to<strong> individuals, associations, institutions or organizations.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It can be divided between two persons/institutions who are considered by the Jury to be equally deserving of recognition in a given year.</li>
<li>It is<strong> open to all persons</strong> regardless of<strong> nationality, creed, race or sex.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Selection Committee:</strong> The jury chaired by the Prime Minister and other members are the Chief Justice of India, the leader of the single largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha, Lok Sabha Speaker and founder of Sulabh International.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sheikh Mujibur Rahman:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616488178_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616488178_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>He was known as <strong>Bangabandhu.</strong> Also regarded as<strong> "Jatir Janak"</strong> or<strong> "Jatir Pita"</strong> (both meaning <strong>"Father of the Nation"</strong>) of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vijay-diwas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Bangladesh.</strong></a></li>
<li>He was born on 17<sup>th</sup> March 1920 in Tungipara, India (now in Bangladesh) and passed away on 15<sup>th</sup> August 1975 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Year 2020 marked the <strong>birth centenary of Bangabandhu.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>He was a Bengali leader who became the <strong>first prime minister of Bangladesh</strong> (1972&ndash;75) and later became the <strong>president of the same in 1975.</strong></li>
<li>He began his formal political career in 1949 as a<strong> co-founder of the Awami League.</strong></li>
<li>He played a crucial role in <strong>advocating political autonomy for East Pakistan,</strong> the detached eastern part of Pakistan (now Bangladesh).</li>
<li>He was chosen for <strong>Gandhi Peace Prize 2020</strong> in recognition of his outstanding <strong>contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violent and other Gandhian methods.</strong></li>
<li>He was a<strong> champion of human rights and freedom,</strong> and is a hero to Indians as well. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu has made the heritage of both countries more comprehensive and deep-rooted, and that the path shown by Bangabandhu has laid a strong foundation for the partnership, progress and prosperity of both countries over the last decade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Qaboos bin Said Al Said:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616487983_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616487983_image2.png" style="float: right;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>He has been the<strong> Arab world's longest-serving ruler.</strong> He ruled Oman for almost half a century.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 1970, with the help of British, Qaboos overthrew his father in a bloodless coup, emerging as the Sultan at age 29.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>He was a visionary leader whose<strong> twin policy of moderation and mediation</strong> in addressing international issues won him praise and respect across the globe.</li>
<li>He was also the <strong>architect of the special ties between India and Oman.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>He had studied in India and always maintained a special relationship with India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Gandhi Peace Prize 2019 recognises his leadership in strengthening the ties between India and Oman and his efforts to promote peace in the Gulf region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gandhi-peace-prize-for-mujibur-rahman-late-oman-sultan/article34132406.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7941,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Changes in Electoral System of Hong Kong',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, China has made changes in <strong>Hong Kong&rsquo;s electoral system.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The measures are part of <strong>China&rsquo;s efforts to consolidate its authoritarian grip</strong> over <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hongkong-protest" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hong Kong Special Administrative Region</strong></a> (HKSAR) following the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-security-law-in-hong-kong" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>imposition of a national security law in June 2020.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615886451_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615886451_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The New Electoral System:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased Membership of the Legislative Council:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The number of <strong>Hong Kong&rsquo;s Legislative Council (HKLC)</strong> members will be <strong>increased to 90,</strong> with the <strong>additional members also nominated,</strong> thereby <strong>reducing the share of elected representatives.</strong></li>
<li>Currently, only half of the 70 members of HKLC are directly elected and the rest are nominated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expansion of Election Committee:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Election committee <strong>(Hong Kong electoral college)</strong> has been expanded to include Beijing-nominated members.</li>
<li>The <strong>Election Committee,</strong> as previously,<strong> will be responsible for electing the Chief Executive,</strong> and will also choose some of the members of HKLC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Candidate Qualification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The selection of &ldquo;patriots&rdquo; will be ensured by the setting up of a <strong>new candidate qualification review committee.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The change will give <strong>Beijing-appointed politicians a greater say</strong> in running the <strong>Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR),</strong> marking the biggest change since the handover in 1997.</li>
<li>An increased number of pro-Beijing officials would <strong>weaken the power of the opposition to influence the city's leadership.</strong></li>
<li>It will erode the political freedoms that distinguished Hong Kong from the mainland under the &ldquo;one country, two systems&rdquo; model.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implication for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hong Kong is a destination for <strong>re-export of Indian goods to the global market.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hong Kong is the <strong>fourth largest export market for India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is of the view that<strong> Hong Kong can play an important role in strengthening ties with China,</strong> as it is considered a gateway to China.</li>
<li>Thus, global tensions due to<strong> political unrest in Hong Kong carry consequences for India&rsquo;s trade with the rest of the world,</strong> as well as with China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criticism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union </strong></a>has condemned the change and warned China of broader sanctions.</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/g-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G7</strong></a> termed this move a step towards <strong>eliminating dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong.</strong></li>
<li>All major economies such as the <strong>USA, UK, Australia have condemned the move</strong> and have urged <strong>China to allow a more participatory and representative form of system.</strong></li>
<li>The change is <strong>non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Sino-British Joint Declaration</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a treaty signed between the <strong>United Kingdom and China in 1985</strong> on Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty.</li>
<li>According to the treaty, <strong>China would reassume control of Hong Kong,</strong> which was occupied by Britain after the <strong>Opium War in 1840,</strong> from July 1, 1997.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Opium Wars:</strong> The Opium Wars were two wars <strong>fought between the Chinese Qing dynasty and European powers.</strong> Both the wars were a result of the Qing Dynasty&rsquo;s attempts to curb the opium trade. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>first was fought from 1839-1842</strong> and the <strong>second one from 1856 &ndash; 1860.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It stated that<strong> China's basic policies regarding Hong Kong "will remain unchanged for 50 years"</strong> and ensured a<strong> high degree of autonomy to Hong Kong.</strong> These policies are stipulated in the <strong>Basic Law,</strong> the city&rsquo;s mini-constitution. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the Basic Law the Constitution that has governed Hong Kong since 1997 the HKSAR is a part of China but enjoys<strong> &ldquo;a high degree of autonomy&rdquo;</strong> and<strong> &ldquo;executive, legislative and independent judicial power&rdquo;,</strong> except in foreign policy and defence.</li>
<li>It also says <strong>&ldquo;the socialist system and policies shall not be practised&rdquo; in Hong Kong for 50 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It held that <strong>Britain would be responsible for the administration of Hong Kong until 1997</strong> and the Chinese government would give its cooperation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The new legislation has been seen as the<strong> final nail in the coffin for Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement</strong> and an <strong>erosion of the autonomy</strong> guaranteed to the city when it was handed over to China in 1997.</li>
<li>With the national security law and the new electoral changes, the <strong>space for the pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong has been drastically reduced.</strong></li>
<li>China must <strong>act in accordance with its legal obligations</strong> and respect fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/chinese-lawmakers-set-to-tighten-control-on-hong-kong/article34042532.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7932,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Illegal Influx from Myanmar',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed <strong>Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh </strong>to<strong> check illegal influx from Myanmar into India.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The instructions have also been given to <strong>Border Guarding Force</strong> (BGF), i.e. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/administration-of-assam-rifles" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Assam rifles.</strong></a></li>
<li>India already has a lot of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rohingyas-at-isolated-bangladesh-island#:~:text=Background%3A,into%20Bangladesh%20since%20August%202017." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohingya</strong> </a>migrated from Myanmar.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, treats all refugees entering the country as<strong> illegal immigrants.</strong></li>
<li>In 2020, it was estimated that <strong>40,000 Rohingya refugees</strong> lived in India, scattered across different states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615796741_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615796741_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="425" height="390" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>MHA&rsquo;s Instructions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The State governments have no powers to grant <strong>&ldquo;refugee status to any foreigner&rdquo;</strong> and <strong>India is not a signatory</strong> to the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/migration-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Refugee Convention of 1951</strong></a> and its 1967 Protocol.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Similar Instructions were Issued in <strong>August 2017 and February 2018.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The directive comes weeks after the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/military-coup-in-myanmar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>military coup</strong></a> and subsequent crackdown in Myanmar which led <strong>to several persons crossing over into India.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Tatmadaw, or Myanmar military,</strong> had taken over the country after a coup in February 2021.</li>
<li>North Eastern States readily provide shelter to people from across the border as some of the states have<strong> cultural ties</strong> with some border areas of Myanmar and many people have family relations as well. This had resulted in some states taking a <strong>sympathetic view of those fleeing Myanmar</strong> and giving them shelter.</li>
<li>Already there are<strong> clashes among the tribes</strong> (example <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bru-refugee-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bru</strong></a>), <strong>more refugees will further aggravate the situation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Influx:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than a dozen foreign nationals including policemen and women from Myanmar have<strong> fled to neighbouring Mizoram. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India Myanmar Border:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Myanmar share a <strong>1,643 km</strong> border and people on either side have familial ties.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Mizoram</strong> shares <strong>510-km.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Manipur</strong> shares <strong>398-km.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Arunachal Pradesh</strong> shares <strong>520 kms.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Nagaland</strong> shares <strong>215 kms</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The border along the four states is <strong>unfenced and porous.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Free Movement Regime:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-myanmar-to-relax-land-visa-norms#:~:text=Free%20Movement%20Regime%20(FMR),maintain%20their%20age%2Dold%20ties." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Free Movement Regime (FMR)</strong> </a>exists between India and Myanmar.</li>
<li>Under FMR <strong>every member of the hill tribes,</strong> who is either a citizen of India or a citizen of Myanmar and who is <strong>resident of any area within 16 km on either side</strong> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-myanmar-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Myanmar</strong> </a>Border (IMB) can <strong>cross the border with a border pass</strong> (with one-year validity) <strong>issued by the competent authority</strong> and can stay up to two weeks per visit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Refugee Convention 1951</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a United Nations multilateral treaty that<strong> defines who is a refugee, </strong>and <strong>sets out the rights of individuals</strong> who are granted <strong>asylum</strong> and the responsibilities of nations that grant asylum.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It also set out which people<strong> do not qualify as refugees,</strong> such as <strong>war criminals.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It<strong> grants certain rights to people fleeing persecution</strong> because of race, religion, nationality, affiliation to a particular social group, or political opinion.</li>
<li>The Convention also <strong>provides for some visa-free travel</strong> for holders of travel documents issued under the convention.</li>
<li>The Convention builds on Article 14 of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-human-rights-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948</strong></a>, which recognizes the right of persons to seek asylum from persecution in other countries.</li>
<li>A refugee may enjoy rights and benefits in a state in addition to those provided for in the Convention</li>
<li>The <strong>1967 Protocol</strong> included refugees from all countries as opposed to the<strong> 1951</strong> Convention that <strong>only included refugees from Europe.</strong></li>
<li>India is <strong>not a member</strong> of this convention.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/stop-illegal-influx-from-myanmar-mha-tells-ne-states/article34054308.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7900,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Bharat Bangla Maitri Bridge',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated<strong> Bharat Bangla Maitri Bridge</strong> in Tripura&rsquo;s South district.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615447598_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615447598_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="550" height="322" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bridge <strong>&lsquo;Maitri Setu&rsquo;</strong> has been built over the <strong>Feni river</strong> which flows between Indian boundary in Tripura State and Bangladesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Feni originates in the <strong>South Tripura district.</strong> The river passes through Sabroom town on the Indian side, and <strong>meets the Bay of Bengal</strong> after it flows into Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> 1.9 Km</strong> long bridge joins <strong>Sabroom (in Tripura) with Ramgarh (in Bangladesh).</strong></li>
<li>The name &lsquo;Maitri Setu&rsquo; <strong>symbolises <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/50-years-of-india-bangladesh-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">growing bilateral relations</a></strong> and friendly ties between India and Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constructed by and Cost:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The construction was taken up by the <strong>National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd</strong> at a project cost of<strong> Rs. 133 crore.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited is a <strong>fully owned company of the Government of India.</strong></li>
<li>It is responsible for <strong>development &amp; maintenance of National Highways &amp; Strategic Roads</strong> of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Now <strong>Agartala</strong> (capital of Tripura) <strong>will become the nearest city to an international sea port</strong> in India.</li>
<li>Tripura will become the<strong> &lsquo;Gateway of North East&rsquo;</strong> with <strong>access to Chittagong</strong> Port of Bangladesh, which is just 80 km from Sabroom.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bangladesh and India have a long standing and time-tested <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/protocol-on-inland-water-transit-and-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Protocol on Transit and Trade</strong></a> through inland waterways.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It would serve as a <strong>new trade corridor</strong> between the two countries, helping the <strong>Northeast states grow.</strong> It will <strong>enhance people-to-people contact.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-inaugurates-maitri-setu-between-india-and-bangladesh/article34026410.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7899,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Significance of India-Bangladesh Transport Connectivity: World Bank',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong> </a>report named <strong>&ldquo;Connecting to Thrive: Challenges and Opportunities of Transport Integration in Eastern South Asia&rdquo;</strong> stated that seamless <strong>transport connectivity between India and Bangladesh</strong> has the potential to increase national income by as much as 17% in Bangladesh and 8% in India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report analyzes the <strong>Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA).</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615446337_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615446337_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="600" height="484" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Trade:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bilateral trade accounts for only about <strong>10%</strong> of Bangladesh&rsquo;s trade and a mere <strong>1%</strong> of India&rsquo;s trade. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In <strong>East Asian and Sub-Saharan African economies,</strong> intraregional trade accounts for <strong>50% and 22%</strong> of total trade, respectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>High tariffs, para-tariffs, and nontariff barriers</strong> also serve as major trade barriers. Simple average tariffs in Bangladesh and India are more than twice the world average.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Difficulty in Crossing Border:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Weak transport integration makes the border between Bangladesh and India thick. Crossing the India&ndash;Bangladesh border at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chinese-involvement-in-teesta-river" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Petrapole&ndash;Benapole</strong></a>, the most important border post between the two countries, takes several days.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In contrast, the time to cross borders handling similar volumes of traffic in other regions of the world, including <strong>East Africa, is less than six hours.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Isolated North-East:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian trucks are not allowed to transit through Bangladesh. As a result, the northeast of India is particularly isolated with the rest of the country and connected only through the <strong>27-km-wide Siliguri corridor,</strong> also called the <strong>&ldquo;chicken&rsquo;s neck&rdquo;.</strong> This leads to <strong>long and costly routes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits of Better Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased Real Income:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All districts in <strong>Bangladesh</strong> would benefit from integration, with the <strong>eastern districts enjoying larger gains</strong> in real income.</li>
<li>States bordering Bangladesh such as <strong>Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura in the northeast, and West Bengal</strong> on the west, and states further away from Bangladesh such as<strong> Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra</strong> would also <strong>gain huge economic benefits</strong> from seamless connectivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Exports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Will yield a<strong> 297%</strong> increase in Bangladesh&rsquo;s exports to India and a<strong> 172%</strong> increase in India&rsquo;s exports to Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Importance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Geographically, Bangladesh&rsquo;s location makes it a <strong>strategic gateway to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other East Asian countries.</strong> Bangladesh can also become an <strong>economic powerhouse</strong> by improving regional trade, transit and logistics networks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Important Recommendations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Strengthen the MVA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Harmonizing <strong>driver&rsquo;s licensing and visa regimes.</strong></li>
<li>Establishing an <strong>efficient regional transit</strong> regime.</li>
<li>Rationalizing and <strong>digitizing trade and transport</strong> documents.</li>
<li><strong>Liberalizing</strong> the selection of <strong>trade routes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Regional Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Expand the effective capacity</strong> of core transport and logistics infrastructure along regional corridors.</li>
<li>Ensure <strong>competition in transport service</strong> markets.</li>
<li>Deploy<strong> modern information technology infrastructure</strong> at land ports and seaports.</li>
<li>Develop<strong> off-border custom clearance facilities</strong> in Bangladesh and India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Integration of Local Communities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Connecting local markets to regional corridors.</li>
<li><strong>Removing logistics bottlenecks</strong> in export-oriented value chains.</li>
<li>Improving <strong>women&rsquo;s participation in export-oriented agricultural value chains</strong> at the macro, community, and household levels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement </strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>BBIN:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN)</strong> <strong>Initiative</strong> is a sub-regional architecture of countries in<strong> Eastern South Asia,</strong> a sub-region of South Asia.</li>
<li>The group meets through the official representation of member states to <strong>formulate, implement and review quadrilateral agreements</strong> across areas such as <strong>water resources management, connectivity of power, transport, and infrastructure.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>MVA</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was signed on <strong>15<sup>th</sup> June 2015</strong> in Thimphu, Bhutan.</li>
<li>It seeks to facilitate the unrestricted cross-border movement of cargo, passenger, and personal vehicles between BBIN countries.</li>
<li>As per the agreement, <strong>member countries would allow vehicles registered in the other countries to enter their territory under certain terms and conditions.</strong> Customs and tariffs will be decided by the respective countries and these would be finalised at bilateral and trilateral forums.</li>
<li><strong>Implementation of the MVA has been delayed</strong> as the countries work to clarify some of the provisions that are supposed to be elaborated in protocols.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To provide <strong>seamless people-to-people contact and enhance economic interaction by facilitating cross border movement</strong> of people and goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/trust-deficit-hampering-seamless-movement-of-goods-between-india-bangladesh-world-bank-7221737/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7882,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India in Afghan Peace Process',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the USA President has envisaged a<strong> New Peace Initiative (Plan)</strong> to decide on the roadmap for peace in Afghanistan.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the plan, the USA proposed a <strong>regional conference</strong> under the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> auspices with <strong>foreign ministers of the USA, India, Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran</strong> to discuss a<strong> &ldquo;unified approach&rdquo;</strong> on Afghanistan.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>USA President&rsquo;s New Peace Initiative: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Delay in Withdrawal of Troops:</strong> This peace plan has kept open the possibility that the USA troops, currently deployed in Afghanistan, might stay on for a longer time. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the earlier <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA- Taliban Deal</strong></a>, the USA had promised to withdraw all troops by May, 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Immediate Action:</strong> The USA is pressing the Taliban to accept an immediate agreement to reduce violence for 90 days that will provide the space for the peace initiative.</li>
<li><strong>Inclusive Process:</strong> The USA will <strong>not be &ldquo;dictating terms&rdquo;</strong> to the Afghan parties, but<strong> facilitating</strong> an inclusive interim government, an agreement on the <strong>&ldquo;foundational principles&rdquo;</strong> for a new political order, and a<strong> &ldquo;permanent and comprehensive ceasefire&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Turkey&rsquo;s Role:</strong> The USA is asking <strong>Turkey to convene a meeting of the government</strong> in Kabul (capital of Afghanistan) and the Taliban to finalise a peace settlement.</li>
<li><strong>Unified Approach:</strong> The USA asked the<strong> United Nations</strong> to convene a meeting of the <strong>foreign ministers from China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, India and the United States</strong> to develop a &ldquo;unified approach&rdquo; to peace in Afghanistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Role in Peace Process Through &ldquo;Unified Approach&rdquo;:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is an <strong>important player</strong> in the peace process &ndash; it has also been acknowledged by the USA.</li>
<li>India supports all efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan which are <strong>inclusive</strong> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-afghan-policy-and-taliban" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Afghan-led, Afghanowned and Afghan-controlled.</strong></a></li>
<li>India has invested heavily in infrastructure developments, training security forces and supplying them with necessary equipment.</li>
<li>India has a major stake in the <strong>stability of Afghanistan</strong> since it has invested considerable resources in Afghanistan's development.</li>
<li>India hopes to have a role in setting the terms especially concerning terrorism, violence, women&rsquo;s rights and democratic values.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615281114_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615281114_pasted image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Interest in Afghanistan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Economic and Strategic Interest:</strong> Afghanistan is a gateway to the oil and mineral-rich <strong>Central Asian republics.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Anyone who is in power in Afghanistan controls the land routes connecting India with Central Asia (via Afghanistan).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Developmental Projects:</strong> The massive reconstruction plans for the country to offer a lot of opportunities for Indian companies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Major projects include <strong>the Afghan Parliament, the Zaranj-Delaram Highway, and the Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam).</strong></li>
<li>Also India&rsquo;s assistance of more than <strong>USD 3 billion in projects,</strong> hundreds of small development projects (of schools, hospitals and water projects) have cemented its position in Afghanistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security Interest:</strong> India has been the victim of <strong>state-sponsored terrorism</strong> emanating from Pakistan supported terrorist group operating in the region (e,g. Haqqani network). Thus, setting up a friendly government in Afghanistan can help tackling Pakistan supported terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Afghan government as well as Taliban are unwilling for any power sharing.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Taliban is even not willing to give up its sanctuaries in Pakistan. Nor will it accept any dilution of the strict Islamic system that it wants to enforce.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Also, the Taliban is fragmented or divided internally. It is composed of various regional and tribal groups acting semi-autonomously.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Therefore, it is possible that some of them may continue to engage in violence impacting the peace process and dialogue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>An independent, sovereign, democratic, pluralistic and inclusive Afghanistan is crucial for peace and stability in the region.</li>
<li>In order to ensure the same, the Afghan peace process should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.</li>
<li>Also, there is a need for the global community to fight against the global concern of terrorism. In this context, it high time to adopt the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-international-convention-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism</strong> </a>(proposed by India at UN in 1996).</li>
<li>Though the new initiative by the USA is a good step, the road ahead would not be easy. Achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan will require patience and compromise among all parties.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/joe-biden-afghan-peace-ashraf-ghani-7220108/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7878,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Push for Chabahar Port in INSTC Corridor',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>India</strong> expressed its <strong>intent to include Chabahar port in the 13-nation International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)</strong> that extends from India to Russia, and to <strong>expand INSTC membership</strong> by including Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, at a &ldquo;Chabahar Day&rdquo; event organised as part of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maritime-india-summit-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maritime India summit.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This Summit saw participation from several regional officials including infrastructure Ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About India&rsquo;s Proposal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Pitching for Chabahar in the INSTC which goes via Iran&rsquo;s biggest port Bandar Abbas, India proposed that the land route via Kabul (Afghanistan) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan) would form the INSTC&rsquo;s &ldquo;Eastern corridor&rdquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s push to include Chabahar in the INSTC could have been made with <strong>an eye on the new Biden administration&rsquo;s push for restoring talks with Iran on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/restoration-of-jcpoa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JCPOA nuclear agreement</a></strong>, and the possible <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/falling-rupee-reserves-of-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener">easing of some sanctions</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Establishing an eastern corridor through Afghanistan would maximise its potential. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India highlighted Chabahar&rsquo;s role in recent years in <strong>sending Indian humanitarian aid and emergency supplies to Afghanistan and Iran</strong> and in <strong>opening up trade opportunities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chabahar Port:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is located on the Gulf of Oman and is only 72 km away from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/viability-of-bri-and-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gwadar port</strong></a> in Pakistan which has been developed by China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian ocean and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari.</li>
<li>Afghanistan, Iran and India signed a tripartite agreement on developing Chabahar port and setting up a trilateral transport and transit corridor in 2016.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615275123_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615275123_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>For India:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Connectivity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is <strong>a key part of India&rsquo;s plans to enhance connectivity to Afghanistan and the Central Asian states.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Countering China and Pakistan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It opens up a <strong>permanent alternative route for trade</strong> with Afghanistan and Central Asia, given the hurdles in the direct route through Pakistan.</li>
<li><strong>China and Pakistan</strong> are striving to increase their economic and trade cooperation through the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar port, which both are part of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/viability-of-bri-and-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China&rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Part of Indo-Pacific Strategy:</strong> Chabahar Port is a key element in India's Indo-Pacific strategy that also includes Eurasia's connection with the Indian Ocean Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>For Afghanistan:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will facilitate India&rsquo;s role in Afghanistan&rsquo;s development through infrastructure and education projects and also allow Afghanistan to have a commercial fleet under the Afghan flag sailing from Chabahar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>For Central Asian Countries:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Central Asian countries like&ndash; Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan&ndash; also view Chabahar Port as their gateway to the Indian Ocean Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>multi-modal transportation established on 12<sup>th</sup> September 2000 in St. Petersburg</strong>, by Iran, Russia and India for the purpose of promoting transportation cooperation among the Member States.</li>
<li>The INSTC <strong>was expanded</strong> to include eleven new members, namely: the Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Armenia, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Ukraine, Republic of Belarus, Oman, Syria, Bulgaria (Observer).</li>
<li>It envisions a <strong>7,200-km-long multi-mode network of ship, rail and road route</strong> for transporting freight, aimed at reducing the carriage cost between India and Russia by about 30% and bringing down the transit time from 40 days by more than half.</li>
<li>This corridor <strong>connects India Ocean and the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea</strong> via the Islamic Republic of Iran and then is connected to St. Petersburg and North Europe via the Russian Federation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615275156_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615275156_image3.jpg" width="700" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-pushes-for-chabahar-in-india-iran-russia-instc-corridor/article33988009.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7877,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Amending the Relations',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/india-bangladesh-s-jaishankar-narendra-modi-7218606/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Friend in deed</strong></a> which was published in the Indian Express on 08/03/2021. It talks about Bangladesh as a key partner to India in various fields and the recent areas of conflicts and cooperations between them.</p>
</div>
<p>For India, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/50-years-of-india-bangladesh-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bangladesh</strong> </a>holds importance as a key partner in 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 region</strong></a> and in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-pacific-trilateral-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific region</strong></a>. It is also an important part of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India's Act East Policy</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-is-indias-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Neighbourhood First' policy.</strong></a></p>
<p>Despite the strategic significance and several areas of cooperation, a lot of conflicts persist between India and Bangladesh..</p>
<p>Maintaining ties with a country of such great importance becomes even more crucial when China is already asserting its dominance and intervening in India&rsquo;s relations with its neighbouring countries.</p>
<h3>Recent Areas of Cooperation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bilateral Ties:</strong> The year 2021 marks the<strong> 50<sup>th</sup> year</strong> of the establishment of bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Prime Minister of India will also be visiting the country for the<strong> centenary celebrations of Father of the Nation,</strong> Mujibur Rehman.</li>
<li>The Bangladesh Army contingent had also participated in the Republic Day 2021.</li>
<li>Moreover, India's commitment to remove non-tariff barriers has reset the positive course of bilateral ties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Swarnim Vijay Varsh:</strong> As part of the 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' (50<sup>th</sup> year of independence), Indian Naval Ships are scheduled to make their first visit to the Mongla port in Bangladesh. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The indigenously developed <strong>Sumedha</strong> (Offshore Patrol vessel) and<strong> Kulish</strong> (guided missile corvette) will be heading to the port to commemorate the day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Major Progress:</strong> A trial run of container cargo has been conducted through Bangladesh&rsquo;s Chattogram (Chittagong) port to Agartala<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Two new protocol routes to inland waterways have been added connecting Tripura with the national waterways through Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Maitri Setu:</strong> The PM of India will inaugurate &lsquo;Maitri Setu&rsquo; bridge built over the Feni river which flows between the Indian boundary in Tripura and Bangladesh. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The name &lsquo;Maitri Setu&rsquo; symbolizes growing bilateral relations and friendly ties between India and Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Train and Bus Routes:</strong> In December 2020, rail connectivity between <strong>Haldibari</strong> in West Bengal and <strong>Chilahati</strong> in Bangladesh was resumed after almost 55 years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two countries are now working out the modalities to open up a bus route between <strong>Dhaka</strong> and <strong>Siliguri</strong> (WB).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Obstacles in the Relation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>CAA and NRC:</strong> An enormous reserve of goodwill for India exists in Bangladesh for historical, linguistic as well as cultural links. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, a few recent courses of action such as the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-paper-2-national-register-of-citizens-nrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Register of Citizens (NRC)</strong></a> in Assam and <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-amendment-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Citizenship Amendment Act</strong></a> have casted shadow on the ties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Water Disputes:</strong> The issues shared resources of the two countries such as the waters of the river <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/trans-boundary-water-conflicts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Teesta</strong> </a>are taking too long to get resolved. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sharing these waters with Bangladesh has been a long-pending promise by Delhi to Dhaka.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The China Aspect:</strong> Currently, Bangladesh is an active partner of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)</strong></a> that India has not signed up to.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the security sector, Bangladesh is also a<strong> major recipient of Chinese military inventory,</strong> including submarines.</li>
<li>Moreover in 2020, China has promised to enhance support for Bangladesh&rsquo;s infrastructure projects as a "development partner".</li>
<li>Bangladesh had also sought a loan of about USD 1 billion from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chinese-involvement-in-teesta-river" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China to develop the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Killing of Bangladeshi Nationals:</strong> There have been increased incidents of killings of Bangladesh nationals in 2020. These incidents of killings were the highest within a decade.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Criminal activities are responsible for the killings along the India-Bangladesh border.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Strengthening Ties with the Developing Bangladesh:</strong> Bangladesh is now basking in a new self-confidence because of its spectacular economic performance even during the pandemic. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Deepening relationship with Bangladesh has become a necessity in the face of shifting geo-economics. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The country, with its growing economic success provides a vital partnership in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Moreover, India and Bangladesh share the fifth-longest land boundary in the world. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is important for India to maintain a positive working relationship with Bangladesh to bolster security and border management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolving the Water Issues:</strong> The two countries share 54 transboundary rivers, and water management is the key to prosperity.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Teesta project is important and urgent from India&rsquo;s point of view, so it is crucial to solve it as soon as possible.</li>
<li>India must implement all its assurances in a time-bound manner otherwise the latent anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh could threaten the friendly ties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Minimising Chinese Influence:</strong> With the ongoing India-China conflict, both of them seek to expand their influence in Bangladesh, but so far China has offered the best card to Bangladesh. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh is in need of more foreign funds and assistance which it will accept either from India or China, it is India who must come forward and act first in order to counter China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Possible Cooperations:</strong> The area where the two countries can collaborate is the north east in the agricultural and agro-products sector. .<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agriculture has game-changing potential in terms of relations of the two countries.</li>
<li>Bilateral cooperation in this sector can pave the way to overcome the current economic challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has a stake in Bangladesh not only for the security of its eastern borders but also for other strategic advantages. Therefore, it cannot afford to let go of the recently achieved opportunity to break away from the past trajectory and establish new contours of engagement with Bangladesh. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government needs to be constantly mindful of the significance of a good relationship with Bangladesh. Else, it may be all too easy to lose the moment and pave the way for China&rsquo;s inroads in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffef7;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Bangladesh is a &ldquo;key partner&rdquo; to India not only in South Asia but also in Indo-Pacific region. Analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
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	(int) 16 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7867,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India - Sweden Virtual Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Indian Prime Minister held a <strong>Virtual Summit</strong> with the Prime Minister of Sweden to discuss bilateral issues and other regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Summit provided an opportunity to discuss the international situation and response to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19#:~:text=Covid%2D19%20pandemic%20is%20a,crises%20in%20recent%20human%20history." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> as well as regional and global issues of mutual importance including climate action, sustainable development, gender equality, counter-terrorism and disaster resilient infrastructure, among others.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615035039_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615035039_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Highlights of the Summit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Welcomed the <strong>launch of a second joint industrial R&amp;D call on Smart and Sustainable Cities</strong>, Transport Systems, Clean Technologies and Digitalization and Internet of Things under <strong>India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research &amp; Development Programme.</strong></li>
<li>Confirmed the ambition to scale up bilateral research and innovation on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-australia-circular-economy-hackathon#:~:text=Meaning%3A%20It%20is%20an%20economy,as%20a%20source%20of%20energy." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Circular Economy</strong></a> including the themes of Health and Life Sciences and Waste to Wealth during 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Other Sectors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Welcomed the creation of a <strong>Sweden-India Health Hub at AIIMS-Jodhpur.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Noted advances in hydrogen research and their possible applications</strong>, i.e. in the Energy and other key industries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation at Multilateral Forums:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Welcomed Sweden&rsquo;s decision to join the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-solar-technology-summit-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance (ISA)</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Sweden <strong>congratulated India on its eighth term as an elected member of the UN Security Council for 2021-2022.</strong></li>
<li>Reaffirmed the <strong>importance of the urgent reform of the UN Security</strong> <strong>Council</strong>, including its expansion not only to sustain credibility of multilateralism but also to deliver on the several serious common challenges facing humanity.</li>
<li>India <strong>thanked Sweden for its support to India&rsquo;s permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.</strong></li>
<li>India <strong>congratulated Sweden on assuming the Chairmanship of the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Action:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Welcomed the USA re-entry into the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris agreement</strong></a> which gives new momentum to global climate action ahead of <strong>COP 26</strong> to be held in <strong>Glasgow, UK.</strong></li>
<li>Agreed to continue their outreach to expand the membership of the<strong> Leadership Group on Industry Transition (LeadIT).</strong></li>
<li>Agreed further to intensify their collaboration within the framework of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/arctic-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Arctic Council</strong> </a>to address global environmental protection and combating climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Welcomed the finalization of the <strong>General Security Agreement in 2019</strong> on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information, enabling a comprehensive partnership in all defence sectors.</li>
<li>Indian Prime Minister <strong>invited Swedish defence firms to participate in the "Make in India programme&rdquo;, especially in the two Defence Production Corridors</strong> in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India - Sweden Relations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Political Relations:</strong> The first <strong>India-Nordic Summit</strong> took place in the year 2018.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The King and Queen of Sweden gave a Royal Visit to India in December, 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic and Commercial relations:</strong> The bilateral trade between two countries presently stands around USD 2 billion. After China and Japan, India is Sweden's third largest trade partner in Asia.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The main items of <strong>Indian exports to Sweden</strong> are articles of apparel, clothing accessories; textiles yarn, fabrics, made-ups; manufactures of metals; road vehicles; general industrial machinery and equipment.</li>
<li>The main items of <strong>Indian imports from Sweden</strong> are pulp and waste paper; road vehicles; paper and paper board, general industrial machinery and equipment etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Being a member of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a>, Sweden can play an important role in India&rsquo;s partnership with the European Union and EU countries.</li>
<li>The close relations will <strong>further the values of democracy</strong>, rule of law, pluralism, equality, freedom of speech, and respect for human rights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>First India-Nordic Summit</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was held in April, 2018.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> and five Nordic countries - <strong>Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark</strong> held the summit to deepen cooperation.</li>
<li><strong>Significance of Nordic for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Discussion of key issues of <strong>security, economic growth and climate change.</strong></li>
<li>India can imitate the <strong>Nordic approach</strong> to innovation systems, characterised by a strong collaboration between public sector, private sector and academia.</li>
<li>In areas like <strong>clean technologies, maritime solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health, life-sciences and agriculture</strong>, Nordic solutions can be useful.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Leadership Group on Industry Transition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) gathers countries and companies that are committed to action to achieve the <strong>Paris Agreement</strong>.</li>
<li>It was launched by the <strong>governments of Sweden and India at the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/un-climate-action-summit-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UN Climate Action Summit</a></strong> in September 2019 and is supported by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/davos-dialogue-world-economic-forum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Economic Forum.</strong></a></li>
<li>LeadIT members subscribe to the notion that energy-intensive industry can and must progress on low-carbon pathways, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1702753" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7851,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Bangladesh Bilateral Meet',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister visited Bangladesh for a bilateral meet.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This meeting comes ahead of <strong>Indian Prime Minister&rsquo;s visit to Bangladesh</strong> scheduled in March 2021.</li>
<li>Earlier a 122-member contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces has participated in the 72<sup>nd</sup> <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/republic-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Republic Day</strong></a> parade, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/50-years-of-india-bangladesh-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>commemorating 50 years of the 1971 India-Pakistan war that led to the liberation of Bangladesh</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614936692_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614936692_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bangladesh&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Resolution of Problems:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Problems between neighbouring countries should be resolved <strong>through discussions and negotiations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prioritising Each Others Benefit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Need to focus on possible ways to materialise commitments and accommodate each other&rsquo;s priorities in a mutually beneficial manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation During Covid-19:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bangladesh <strong>acknowledged</strong> the collaborative initiative of the two countries in implementing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-vaccine-diplomacy#:~:text=The%20vaccination%20drive%20in%20India,India%20who%20cannot%20afford%20it." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>vaccination programme</strong></a> against the ongoing pandemic.</li>
<li>Bangladesh purchased the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid</strong></a> vaccine from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covishield-and-covaxin-approved-for-restricted-use" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Serum Institute of India.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bangladesh is the<strong> largest recipient of 9 million doses</strong> of Made in India vaccine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multidimensional Relationship:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both countries are committed to expand their relationship in all dimensions, ranging from <strong>security, trade, transport and connectivity, culture, people-to-people ties, energy,</strong> joint development of our <strong>shared resources and defence.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Congratulated Bangladesh :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>On its graduation from the <strong>Least Developed Country (LDC)</strong> status.</li>
<li>Bangladesh has been on the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a> </strong>(UN) Least Developed Countries list since 1975.</li>
<li>Bangladesh fulfilled all the criteria necessary for its elevation to a developing country in 2018.</li>
<li>Therefore the <strong>UN</strong> has recommended <strong>graduation of Bangladesh from the category of Least Developed Country (LDC).</strong></li>
<li>Once it receives the final recommendation, <strong>Bangladesh will formally graduate to the developing nation bracket in 2026.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>More than Strategic Partners:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India-Bangladesh relations transcend strategic partnership, and <strong>bonding of both the countries is central</strong> to the realisation of a dream of a <strong>peaceful, prosperous and progressive South Asia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Continued Interaction During Covid:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Despite the Covid<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> pandemic</strong></a>, interactions and consultations continued unabated such as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh-virtual-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Bangladesh had a Virtual Summit in December 2020.</strong></a></li>
<li>A Joint Consultative Commission between the two Foreign Ministers in September 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Teesta Issue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India and Bangladesh would have a meeting of Water Resources secretaries to discuss the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chinese-involvement-in-teesta-river#:~:text=India%2DBangladesh%20Teesta%20Dispute%3A,Barrage%20near%20their%20mutual%20border." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Teesta</strong> </a>issue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Development of Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is keen to <strong>focus on the development of connectivity</strong> with Bangladesh and beyond for next 20 years to change the <strong>region's geo-economic scenario.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bangladesh Central to India&rsquo;s Policies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bangladesh was central to India's <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-is-indias-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Neighbourhood First' policy</strong> </a>and increasingly relevant to the country's <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East Policy</strong></a>.</li>
<li>Bangladesh as a <strong>key neighbour and a valued partner</strong> not only in South Asia but also in the broader <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific region</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Progress on Ground Situation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Practical progress has been made on the ground. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Conducting a <strong>trial run of container cargo</strong> through<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Chattogram port</strong></a> to Agartala.</li>
<li>Adding two new protocol routes to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sonamura-daudkandi-inland-waterway-route#:~:text=Key%20Points,Waterways%20of%20India%20through%20Bangladesh." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>inland waterways connecting Tripura to the national waterways.</strong></a></li>
<li>Handing over <strong>10 broad gauge locomotives.</strong></li>
<li>Forming a <strong>Joint venture in the energy sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A year after the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-paper-2-national-register-of-citizens-nrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019-National Register of Citizens (NRC)</strong></a> issue strained the robust ties between the two countries,<strong> quiet diplomacy appears to have worked.</strong> India must keep up the partnership that allows for <strong>economic growth and improved developmental parameters</strong> for both countries.</li>
<li>Deepening <strong>relationship with Bangladesh</strong> has become a<strong> necessity in the face of shifting geo-economics.</strong> Bangladesh, with its growing economic success provides a vital partnership in the region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two countries share <strong>54 transboundary rivers,</strong> and water management is the key to prosperity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bangladesh-India relations have reached a stage of maturity.</strong> There is scope for India-Bangladesh ties to move to the next level, based on <strong>cooperation, coordination and consolidation.</strong></li>
<li>It is important to address specific issues like Teesta and to respond to Dhaka&rsquo;s call for help on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rohingyas-at-isolated-bangladesh-island" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohingya</strong> </a>issue.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/delhi-reaches-out-to-dhaka-for-ties-beyond-strategic-partnership-7214715/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7847,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Knowledge Diplomacy',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-atmanirbharta-space-pharmaceuticals-isro-brazil-satellite-launch-covid-vaccine-export-211595/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Knowledge and diplomacy&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 03/03/2021. It talks about the declining role of India in knowledge diplomacy.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the launch of Brazil&rsquo;s Amazonia-1 satellite by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the export of the Covid-19 vaccine to Brazil, as part of its &ldquo;Vaccine Maitri&rdquo; diplomacy, reflects how India&rsquo;s knowledge economy can contribute to the diplomatic capital of the country.</p>
<p>Space and pharma sector&rsquo;s global success points to the knowledge industry&rsquo;s diplomatic potential and to India&rsquo;s &ldquo;soft power.&rdquo;</p>
<p>In the past, India&rsquo;s knowledge sector has helped the country to become a role model for other developing nations to develop into the knowledge economy.</p>
<p>However, in recent times India lost this leadership in the knowledge economy, barring sectors like space, pharma, and information technology.</p>
<h3>What is the Knowledge Economy?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The knowledge economy is an economic system in which goods and services are based principally on knowledge-intensive activities that contribute to a rapid pace of advancement in technical and scientific innovation.</li>
<li>The key element of value is the greater dependence on human capital and intellectual property for the source of innovative ideas, information and practices.</li>
<li>Knowledge economy features a highly skilled workforce within the microeconomic and macroeconomic environment; institutions and industries create jobs that demand specialized skills to meet global market needs.</li>
<li>In principle, one's primary individual capital is knowledge and the ability to perform to create economic value. Knowledge is viewed as an additional input to labour and capital.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What is Knowledge Diplomacy?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Knowledge diplomacy refers to international higher education, research and innovation, in building and strengthening relations between and among countries.</li>
<li>It presents a new approach to international relations where education, science, technology, and innovation, play an important role in global developmental politics.</li>
<li>Knowledge diplomacy recognizes that many domestic issues are now global issues; and conversely, many global challenges are now domestic challenges.</li>
<li>Knowledge diplomacy recognizes that as the world becomes increasingly globalized, the interconnected and interdependent world presents new issues, threats, and opportunities that one nation cannot address alone.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Examples of India&rsquo;s Knowledge Diplomacy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s knowledge diplomacy history goes back as early as the 1950s, when many developing countries looked to India to access development-oriented knowledge.</li>
<li>Students from across Asia and Africa sought admission to Indian universities for postgraduate courses.</li>
<li>Indian expertise was sought by global organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).</li>
<li>South Korea&rsquo;s government even sent its economists to the Indian Planning Commission till the early 1960s to be trained in long-term planning. By the 1970s, Korea was beginning to overtake India as a modern industrial economy.</li>
<li>Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES), which was also established by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1974, acquired a global profile with business in Africa and Asia.</li>
<li>The development of India&rsquo;s dairy and livestock economy also attracted global interest.</li>
<li>Today, due to self-sufficiency in space and the pharma sector, India can place satellites of several countries into space at globally competitive rates and can supply drugs and vaccines at affordable prices to developing countries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges to Leadership in Knowledge Diplomacy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Brain Drain:</strong> In India, the flight of Indian talent began in the 1970s and has since accelerated. Due to the better career prospects, this has sharply increased in recent years.</li>
<li><strong>Competition From China:</strong> China has emerged as a major competitor offering equally good, if not better quality, S&amp;T products and services at a lower cost.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While India has maintained its lead in IT software, China has developed competitive capabilities in space, pharma, railways and several other knowledge-based industries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Racing South-East Asian Countries:</strong> The Indian familiarity with the English language and the still good quality of teaching in mathematics and statistics have enabled Indian firms to remain competitive in data processing, business process outsourcing, and software services.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the competitive edge is beginning to blunt due to the competition from south-east Asian countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deteriorating Education Standards:</strong> The biggest setback in India&rsquo;s knowledge economy&rsquo;s global appeal has been in higher education.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Overseas students were drawn to Indian universities and institutions because they offered good quality education at a fraction of developed country institutions&rsquo; cost.</li>
<li>The appeal of education in India for overseas students has waned.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deteriorating Social Environment:</strong> Further, Indian institutions attract fewer foreign students not just because the quality of education offered in most institutions is below par, but due to the growing assertion of narrow-minded ideologies, the social environment offered here is no longer as cosmopolitan as it used to be.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Replicating Space and Pharma Success Story:</strong> If ISRO&rsquo;s global competitiveness is a tribute to public policy and government support, the pharma sector&rsquo;s global success is a tribute to private enterprise and middle-class talent in pharmacology and biotechnology.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s current global diplomacy in the fields of space and pharmaceuticals, engaging several countries around the world, is the fruit of 50 years of sustained state support for &ldquo;atmanirbharta&rdquo; in both fields.</li>
<li>Thus, there is a need for replicating the success story of Space and Pharma in other knowledge sectors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Addressing Brain Drain:</strong> The government and private sector needs to create better career prospects for Indian talent. This can help create a &ldquo;brain bank&rdquo; on which India can draw for its own development.</li>
<li><strong>Raising Education Standards:</strong> India&rsquo;s education sector is in a dire need of education reforms if India wants to make its human resource compete with the global talent.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is not only imperative for leveraging knowledge diplomacy but fulfilling the aspiration of a billion-plus country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Today, space and pharma are at the apex of a narrow pyramid of India&rsquo;s knowledge diplomacy. However, much more is needed to be done to leverage the full potential of knowledge diplomacy.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fefff2;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Indian &lsquo;atmanirbharta&rsquo; in space and pharmaceuticals is an exception. It must be the norm. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d25zFfi92r4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/reviving-the-iran-deal-on-biden-attempt-to-revive-jcpoa/article33974350.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Reviving the Iran deal: On Biden attempt to revive JCPOA&rdquo;</strong></a> published in The Hindu on February 26<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 19 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7841,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'West Container Terminal Offer to India-Japan: Sri Lanka',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Sri Lanka has decided to offer the <strong>West Container Terminal (WCT)</strong> to Indian and Japanese companies.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The decision comes a month after the Sri Lanka government ejected the two partners from a 2019 tripartite agreement to jointly develop the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-new-project-in-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>East Container Terminal (ECT)</strong></a>, citing resistance to &ldquo;foreign involvement&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614844284_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614844284_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="532" height="406" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sri Lanka has approved the proposal to develop the WCT on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/build-operate-transfer-model#:~:text=The%20Union%20government%20will%20soon,flagged%20lending%20for%20these%20projects." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT)</strong></a> basis for a period of 35 years as a public-private partnership with India&rsquo;s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited and its local representative in Sri Lanka. Japan is yet to name an investor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stakes:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the ECT project agreed upon earlier, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) was to hold a majority 51% stake, but in the WCT proposal, India and Japan will be accorded 85% stake.</li>
<li>This is similar to the terms set for the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), where China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited holds 85% stake.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WCT is <strong>adjacent to the China-run CICT</strong> and just<strong> a couple of kilometres away from the China-backed Port City</strong> being built on reclaimed land, making it a strategically desirable spot for India, whose concerns over China's presence in Sri Lanka are well known.</li>
<li>It will support India in accomplishment of its strategic vision <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sagar-vision" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(SAGAR)</strong></a> for the Indian Ocean, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indias-neighbourhood-diplomacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Neighbourhood First policy&rsquo;</strong></a>, and in countering China&rsquo;s <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-11-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>String of Pearls</strong></a> strategy.</li>
<li>Colombo&rsquo;s alternative comes at a time when Sri Lanka is seeking <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unhrc-s-new-resolution-against-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>support at the ongoing UN Human Right Council session</strong></a>, where a resolution on the country's rights record will soon be put to vote.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>India - Sri Lanka Relations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-sri-lanka-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Sri Lanka relationship</strong> </a>is more than 2,500 years old and both sides have built upon a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic intercourse.</li>
<li><strong>Support Against Terrorism:</strong> During the course of the civil war, India supported the right of the Government of Sri Lanka to act against terrorist forces.</li>
<li><strong>Support For Rehabilitation:</strong> The <strong>Indian Housing Project</strong> is Government of India&rsquo;s flagship project of developmental assistance to Sri Lanka. Its initial commitment is to build 50,000 houses for those affected by the civil war as well as for the estate workers in the plantation areas.</li>
<li><strong>Assistance during Covid-19: <a href="/printpdf/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Reserve Bank of India</a></strong> (RBI) had signed an agreement for extending a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-signs-currency-swap-for-sri-lanka" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USD 400 million currency swap</strong></a> facility to Sri Lanka to boost the foreign reserves and ensure financial stability of the country, which was badly hit by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid 19 pandemic</strong></a>. Recently, India has also supplied <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-vaccine-diplomacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 Vaccines</strong> </a>to Sri Lanka.</li>
<li><strong>Joint Exercises:</strong> India and Sri Lanka conduct joint Military (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-mitra-shakti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mitra Shakti</strong></a>) and Naval exercise (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/slinex-20-india-sri-lanka-naval-maritime-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SLINEX</strong></a>).</li>
<li><strong>Participation in Groupings:</strong> Sri Lanka is also a member of groupings like <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-bimstec-guests-of-honour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BIMSTEC</strong></a> (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAARC</strong> </a>in which India plays a leading role.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sri-lanka-clears-port-project-to-be-built-by-india-japan-firms-7211734/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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