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India’s Two-Front Challenge

This article is based on “Dealing with India’s two-front challenge” which was published in The Hindu on 29/12/2020. It talks...

29 Dec 2020 International Relations
India-Qatar

Why in News Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister met the top leaders of Qatar and discussed strengthening the economic and security...

29 Dec 2020 International Relations
Post-Brexit Trade Deal

Why in News Recently, the UK and the European Union (EU) have published the full text of the post-Brexit trade agreement aimed at governing their...

28 Dec 2020 International Relations
Europe In Indo-Pacific

This article is based on “India’s new Europolitik” which was published in The Indian Express on 22/12/2020. It talks about the...

23 Dec 2020 International Relations
The Big Picture: India's Vision for Indo- Pacific

Why in News? The Russian Foreign Minister has described New Delhi as an "object" of the West's "persistent, aggressive, and devious" policy...

22 Dec 2020 International Relations
India-Vietnam Virtual Summit

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

22 Dec 2020 International Relations
International River Governance

This article is based on “China’s Brahmaputra dam: Trans-boundary water governance in South Asia needs a rethink” which was...

21 Dec 2020 International Relations
India-Bangladesh Virtual Summit

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

19 Dec 2020 International Relations
Loan Pact with NDB

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

18 Dec 2020 International Relations
Challenges Faced By The WTO

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

17 Dec 2020 International Relations
US Puts India on Currency Watchlist

Why in News Recently, the US treasury has placed India on its currency manipulator watch list. Vietnam and Switzerland have been labelled as...

17 Dec 2020 International Relations
Indian Diaspora in the United Kingdom

Why in News Recently, British Foreign Secretary has stated that “India’s politics” is, in some sense, “Britain’s...

17 Dec 2020 International Relations
CAATSA Sanctions on Turkey

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

17 Dec 2020 International Relations
Israel-Bhutan Ties

Why in News Recently, Israel has established diplomatic ties with Bhutan. The development comes two days after Israel and Morocco agreed to...

15 Dec 2020 International Relations
San Isidro Movement (MSI): Cuba

Why in News The Movimiento San Isidro started two years ago and has now become a platform for Cuban dissidents both within and outside the...

15 Dec 2020 International Relations
Negotiations on UK’s Brexit Deadline

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

15 Dec 2020 International Relations
India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit

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

12 Dec 2020 International Relations
Parliamentary Scrutiny

This article is based on “Pointing the finger at parliamentary scrutiny” which was published in The Hindu on 12/12/2020. It talks about...

12 Dec 2020 International Relations
Changing Paradigms of Human Rights

This article is based on “Reinvigoration of human rights is imperative to emerge from COVID-19 crisis” which was published in The...

11 Dec 2020 International Relations
Morocco Normalises Relations with Israel

Why in News Recently, Morocco and Israel have agreed to normalise relations in a deal brokered by the USA. It makes Morocco the fourth Arab...

11 Dec 2020 International Relations

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		'title' => 'India’s Two-Front Challenge',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/dealing-with-indias-two-front-challenge/article33439804.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Dealing with India&rsquo;s two-front challenge&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 29/12/2020. It talks about the two-front war scenario for India.</p>
</div>
<p>In the last century, Indian strategic thinking was overwhelmingly focused on Pakistan and the security considerations emanating from there. However, in recent decades India&rsquo;s military intelligentsia is firm on the view that a collusive China-Pakistan military threat is a real possibility.</p>
<p>The Chinese intrusions in Ladakh in May 2020 and the deadlock in negotiations have now made the Chinese military threat more apparent and real. But some media reports had indicated that Pakistan had moved 20,000 troops into Gilgit-Baltistan, matching the Chinese deployments in Eastern Ladakh.</p>
<p>Given this, it would be prudent for India to be ready for a two-front threat.</p>
<h3>Growing China-Pakistan Military Links</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Sino-Pakistan relationship is nothing new, but it has far serious implications today than perhaps ever before.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China has always looked at Pakistan as a counter to India&rsquo;s influence in South Asia.</li>
<li>China, through its chequebook diplomacy, wants to exercise this hegemony over the South-Asian neighbours. In this pursuit, China would want to drain India&rsquo;s economic resources on the border confrontation.</li>
<li>Thus, a two-front war scenario can be a strategy by China to undermine India&rsquo;s role in its neighbourhood.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Over the years, the ties between the China &amp; Pakistan countries have strengthened and there is a great deal of alignment in their strategic thinking.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be understood by the fact that China has made massive investments in Pakistan via the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec#:~:text=The%20CPEC%20is%20bilateral%20project,Gwadar%20Port%20in%20Balochistan%2C%20Pakistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.</strong></a></li>
<li>Apart from this, military cooperation is growing, with China accounting for 73% of the total arms imports of Pakistan between 2015-2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India &amp; Issues Related to Two-front War Scenario</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Threat to Regional Peace:</strong> A two-front war scenario that might lead to a full-blown war between three nuclear-armed states.</li>
<li><strong>Dilemmas For India:</strong> A two-front conflict presents the Indian military with two dilemmas &mdash; of resources and strategy.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Resources:</strong> A major decision will be the quantum of resources to be allocated for the two-front attack scenario.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, according to some estimates that about 60 combat squadrons are needed to deal with a serious two-front threat. This is double the number of squadrons currently with the Indian Air Force (IAF).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strategy:</strong> If a majority of the assets of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are sent towards the northern border, it will require the military to rethink its strategy for the western border.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Also, adopting a more offensive strategy against Pakistan could draw limited resources into a wider conflict.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Constraints:</strong> Capability building also requires a serious debate, particularly in view of the fact that the country&rsquo;s economic situation will not permit any significant increase in the Defence Budget for the foreseeable future.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Requirement of Security Doctrine:</strong> Developing a doctrine will require close interaction with the political leadership. Any doctrine that is prepared without a political aim and guidance will not stand the test when it is actually to be executed.</li>
<li><strong>Finding the Right Balance of Technologies:</strong> There is too much focus on major platforms such as aircraft, ships, and tanks, and not enough on future technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, cyber, electronic warfare, etc.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The right balance will have to be struck based on a detailed assessment of China and Pakistan&rsquo;s war-fighting strategies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Crucial Role of Diplomacy:</strong> Diplomacy has a crucial role to play in meeting the two-front challenge.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Improving Relations in South Asian Neighbourhood:</strong> To begin with, India would do well to improve relations with its neighbours so as not to be caught in an unfriendly neighbourhood given how China and Pakistan will attempt to contain and constrain India in the region.</li>
<li><strong>Improving Relations in Extended Neighborhood:</strong> The government&rsquo;s current engagement of the key powers in West Asia, including Iran, should be further strengthened in order to ensure energy security, increase maritime cooperation and enhance goodwill in the extended neighbourhood.</li>
<li><strong>Improving Relation With Russia:</strong> India must also ensure that its relationship with Russia is not sacrificed in favour of India-United States relations given that Russia could play a key role in defusing the severity of a regional gang up against India.</li>
<li><strong>Improving Condition in Kashmir:</strong> From a long-view perspective, a political outreach to Kashmir aimed at pacifying the aggrieved citizens there would go a long way towards that end.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>China, a rising and aggressive and a superpower next door is the bigger strategic threat for India and with Pakistan being a second-order accessory to <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-11-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China's Contain India strategy&rsquo;.</strong></a> In this context, it is certain that the threat of a two-front war cannot be ignored and therefore we need to develop both the doctrine and the capability to deal with this contingency.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffefa;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The threat of a two-front war cannot be ignored and therefore India needs to develop both the doctrine and the capability to deal with this contingency. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cGAkmKLEePQ" 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://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/european-union-britain-eu-trade-brexit-7122501/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;New Britain&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on December 28<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7328,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Qatar',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister <strong>met the top leaders of Qatar</strong> and discussed <strong>strengthening the economic and security cooperation</strong> between the two countries.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The visit is <strong>part of India&rsquo;s ongoing outreach to West Asia,</strong> which the country sees as part of its extended neighbourhood.</li>
<li>Qatar is a member of the <a href="/pdf/1605663500-gulf-cooperation-council-and-india.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gulf Cooperation Council.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609234554_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1609234554_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India and Qatar</strong> agreed to maintain <strong>regular consultations and coordination</strong> on all issues of mutual interest at multilateral fora.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Issues of mutual interest include energy, power, petrochemicals, investments, infrastructure, development, project exports and education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Discussed ways to strengthen the multifaceted bilateral relationship in areas such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/need-for-a-sound-energy-policy-for-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>energy</strong></a>, <strong>trade, investment, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-processing-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">food processing</a>, healthcare, education, culture, defence </strong>and<strong> security.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bilateral trade was worth <strong>USD 10.95 billion in 2019-20.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <strong>thanked</strong> Qatar for <strong>taking care</strong> of people from the<strong> Indian community</strong> during the <a href="/printpdf/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Qatar have maintained close <strong>high-level contacts</strong> during the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India appreciated <strong>Qatari Businessmen Association&rsquo;s</strong> commitment for business partnerships with India and briefed them about new opportunities flowing from <a href="/pdf/1589369378-atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat.</strong></a></li>
<li>Qatar&rsquo;s leader <strong>appreciated the contribution of the Indian community</strong> in Qatar and recalled his visits to India.</li>
<li><strong>Recent Developments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both the countries have decided to set up a <strong>special task force</strong> to facilitate investments by the <strong>Qatar Investment Authority,</strong> part of India&rsquo;s ongoing outreach to key West Asian states to overcome the economic impact of the <strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></li>
<li>The two sides have agreed on <strong>institutionalising measures</strong> to <strong>promote and protect the rights of workers,</strong> including settling labour issues and facilitating the movement of people between the two countries in a safe and secure manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Qatar Relation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Economic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Trade volume:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The last few years witnessed a palpable <strong>decline in the trade volume</strong> between the two countries due to the <strong>decline in the rates of gas and oil</strong> in the international market.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> is considered to be the<strong> fourth largest export destination for the State of Qatar.</strong></li>
<li>Both India and Qatar also have a<strong> good relation in the banking sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Qatar&rsquo;s key exports to India</strong> include LNG, LPG, chemicals and petrochemicals, plastics, and aluminium articles.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s key exports to Qatar</strong> include cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, plastic products, construction material, textiles &amp; garments, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in the Field of Energy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Qatar is the <strong>largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India.</strong></li>
<li>India <strong>imports around 70%</strong> of its needs for the <strong>natural gas from Qatar.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s defence cooperation with Qatar has so far been limited to training, participation in each other's conferences/events and visits by ships of Indian Navy and Coast Guard.</li>
<li><a href="/printpdf/bilateral-maritime-exercise-za-ir-al-bahr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Za&rsquo;ir-Al-Bahr</strong></a> (Roar of the Sea) is the <strong>naval exercise</strong> between Indian and Qatar Navy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Cultural exchange:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is a regular flow of Indian artists performing in Qatar at events organised by community organizations affiliated to the <strong>Indian Cultural Centre (ICC).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>ICC</strong> is an <strong>apex body of associations of the Indian community</strong> functioning under the aegis of Embassy of India, Doha, and private sponsors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Yoga:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India <strong>appreciated</strong> Qatar&rsquo;s support, as a co-sponsor, to its Resolution at the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations General Assembly</strong></a>, adopted unanimously with a record 177 co-sponsors, declaring <strong>21 June as the <a href="/pdf/1592823142-international-day-of-yoga.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Day of Yoga (IDY).</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Education:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There are <strong>14 Indian schools in Qatar,</strong> offering CBSE curricula to over 30,000 students, most of whom are the children of Indian nationals working in Qatar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Community:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian community is the<strong> largest expatriate group</strong> in Qatar which is estimated to be around<strong> 700 million people.</strong></li>
<li>They are making their <strong>contribution in different sectors.</strong> Indians are <strong>highly respected</strong> in Qatar for their <strong>sincerity, hard work, technical expertise and law-abiding nature.</strong></li>
<li>Indians are <strong>employed in almost every local establishment, governmental or private, in various capacities.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Remittances:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The remittances which the Indian expatriate community in Qatar send to India are <strong>estimated to be around 750 million dollar per annum.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Qatar</strong> wants to make investment in India in the domain of the infrastructure which includes roads, highways, <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/21-11-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>economic corridors</strong></a>, airports, ports, tourism and hotels apart from the projects related to <strong>gas and fertilizers.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India</strong> is looking forward to the direct investment in the<strong> manufacturing and production of the liquefied natural gas</strong> and in <strong>chemical industries,</strong> especially the industry of <strong>fertilizers, urea, petrochemicals.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jaishankar-meets-qatar-leaders-talks-economic-and-security-ties-7123926/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7316,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Post-Brexit Trade Deal',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>UK and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a></strong> (EU) have published the full text of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/brexit-deal-what-lies-ahead" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>post-Brexit trade agreement</strong> </a>aimed at governing their relationship when the <strong>UK definitively leaves the bloc's single market on 31<sup>st</sup> December 2020.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The document lays out <strong>detail on trade, law enforcement, and dispute settlement among other arrangements.</strong> Despite the complexity of the document, which includes explanatory notes and side <strong>agreements on nuclear cooperation and the exchange of classified information,</strong> both sides have indicated they will rush through the adoption.</li>
<li>The deal ensures the two sides can <strong>continue to trade in goods without tariffs or quotas</strong> but despite the breakthrough,<strong> key aspects of the future relationship</strong> between the 27-nation bloc and its former member remain uncertain.</li>
<li>The two sides held extensive <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/negotiations-on-uk-s-brexit-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>negotiations</strong></a> on <strong>three key issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Level Playing Field:</strong> It essentially means that in order to trade with the EU&rsquo;s single market, the <strong>UK will have to follow the same rules and regulations</strong> to ensure that it <strong>does not have an unfair advantage</strong> over other EU businesses.</li>
<li><strong>Rules of Governance:</strong> These will<strong> dictate how any deal is enforced</strong> as well as the <strong>penalties</strong> that will be imposed if one party violates the terms of a mutually-approved agreement.</li>
<li><strong>Fishing Rights:</strong> The agreement gives <strong>free access to EU fleets to fish in UK waters,</strong> including up to six miles off the shoreline<strong> for a five-year transition period.</strong> At the end of the transition, everything will return to normal arrangements and the UK will have full control over its waters.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the <strong>UK's fishing industry has expressed disappointment</strong> on the agreement on fishing rights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Despite the deal, there are still <strong>unanswered questions about huge areas,</strong> including <strong>security cooperation</strong> and <strong>access to the EU market for Britain&rsquo;s huge financial services sector.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>European Commission</strong> (EC) has proposed the <strong>agreement be applied on a provisional basis until 28<sup>th</sup> February 2021.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>EC is the <strong>executive branch of the EU,</strong> which brings together the executives of all 27 member states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>European Parliament</strong> will be asked for its <strong>consent to the deal in 2021</strong> and<strong> for the process to be concluded, the EC must adopt the decision.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Opportunities for India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India should <strong>aggressively<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-uk-free-trade-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> pursue free trade agreements</a></strong> (FTAs) separately with both the EU and the UK.</li>
<li>Although it is<strong> premature to assess the gains for India</strong> from the agreement, India can <strong>explore opportunities in service sectors like IT, architecture, research and development and engineering</strong> in both the markets as the EU-UK pact does not cover the services sector.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian competitors like <strong>Vietnam have greater duty advantage</strong> in sectors like apparel and marine goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India had a lot of<strong> contentious issues while <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-eu-virtual-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">negotiating FTA with the EU.</a></strong> However, after Brexit, the <strong>UK could have a different stand on those issues</strong> and so India should continue pursuing FTA talks.</li>
<li>The <strong>Apparel Export Promotion Council</strong> (AEPC) held that India-UK FTA would help in removing the customs duty disadvantages faced by domestic players in Britain.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/capping-of-meis-scheme-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Federation of Indian Export Organisations</strong></a> (FIEO) highlighted that there are no specific customs duty benefits for domestic goods from this agreement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>bilateral trade</strong> between India and the UK <strong>dipped to USD 15.5 billion in 2019-20</strong> from USD 16.9 billion in 2018-19.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/economy/india-should-now-aggressively-pursue-ftas-with-eu-uk-trade-experts/2157502/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: FE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7290,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Europe In Indo-Pacific',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/delhi-now-sees-european-powers-as-natural-partners-in-constructing-a-durable-balance-of-power-in-indo-pacific-7114110/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;India&rsquo;s new Europolitik&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 22/12/2020. It talks about the need for strategic engagement between India and European countries in the Indo-pacific narrative.</p>
</div>
<p>The rise of China has been redrawing the balance of power in Asia. With the recent border clashes and China&rsquo;s aggressive posture in the Indian ocean, has created serious geostrategic challenges for India.</p>
<p>Therefore, in order to assertively counter China, strengthening international coalitions becomes an important priority for Indian foreign and security policies. In this context, the US becomes an even more important security partner for India.</p>
<p>However, to cope with the uncertain political trajectory of the US, India needs to strategically collaborate with European powers, especially in<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importancehttps://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indo-pacific theatre.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Recent Engagement With European Powers in Indo-Pacific</h3>
<p>Three recent developments underline India&rsquo;s changing strategic perceptions of Europe.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>One is India&rsquo;s support for France&rsquo;s membership of the <a href="/printpdf/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).</strong> </a></li>
<li>Second, India&rsquo;s backing for a larger European role in the Indo-Pacific. India has welcomed the interest of Germany and Netherlands in building a new geopolitical architecture in the Indo-Pacific.</li>
<li>Third, security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is also emerging as an important theme in India-UK relations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of Indo-European Cooperation in Indo-Pacific</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Multi-Polar World Order:</strong> India is looking beyond the bipolar geopolitical competition between the US and China and works towards the establishment of a Multi-polar world.</li>
<li><strong>Welcoming Role of Extra-Regional Players:</strong> India is breaking out of its past approaches to the Indo-Pacific defined by such binaries as<strong> &ldquo;regional vs extra-regional&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Departure From Post-Colonial Mindset:</strong> India has also begun to shed the postcolonial mental block against regional security cooperation with post-imperial Europe.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bipolar <a href="/printpdf/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong></a> dynamic (the East-West dimension) and the North-South framework (developing world versus the developed) prevented India from taking a more nuanced view of Europe&rsquo;s political agency after <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/world-war-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World War II.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Difficulty in Consolidation of Approaches:</strong> Despite the European Union(EU) being a major player in multilateral forums, there are many differences in uniting all aspects of foreign policy. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, after Brexit, the UK wants to follow an independent foreign policy (not getting influenced by other EU countries) and define a new international role for itself.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Left-Over Conflicts:</strong> France and Britain still have lingering disputes leftover from the era of decolonisation in parts of the Western Indian Ocean.</li>
<li><strong>Direct Confrontation With China:</strong> Quad alliance, coming together of democratic countries, their joint naval exercises is seen by China as its encirclement.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Similarly, the European Powers getting engaged in Indo-pacific may antagonise China.</li>
<li>Also, given the economic cooperation with China, it is unlikely that the EU would start expending energy on an Indo-Pacific strategy immediately.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geo-Economic Cooperation:</strong> India can pursue EU countries to engage in Indo-pacific narrative, geo-economically if not from security prism.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can mobilise massive economic resources for sustainable development of regional infrastructure, wield political influence and leverage its significant soft power to shape the Indo-Pacific discourse.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Finalisation of Indo-EU BIT Treaty:</strong> India and the European Union have been negotiating a free trade deal, but it is pending since 2007. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, for closer convergence between India and the EU, both should engage in finalisation of the trade deal as soon as possible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Collaborating With Important Players:</strong> French President Emmanuel Macron&rsquo;s visit to India in early 2018 unveiled an expansive framework for revitalising the strategic partnership.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s partnership with France now has a strong regional anchor in the Indo-Pacific narrative.</li>
<li>Also, France with its territories in the Western Indian Ocean and the South Pacific as well as a historic naval presence can be quick to see the challenges arising from China&rsquo;s maritime expansion.</li>
<li>Further, India should supplement its partnership with the US with a network of multilateral groups with other middle powers, such as the<strong> India-Australia-Japan forum</strong> and the <strong>trilateral dialogue with France and Australia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>If the intensification of security cooperation with the United States has become an important milestone in India&rsquo;s foreign policy in this decade, integrating Europe into India&rsquo;s new strategic calculus ought to be a major objective in the upcoming decade.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5f9ff;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Regional security cooperation with the European countries has now become a strategic necessity. Comment</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/20nNW3qgZPE" 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/nepal-in-turmoil-on-dissolution-of-parliament-by-kp-sharma-oli/article33387983.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Nepal in turmoil&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on December 18<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 4 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7277,
		'category_id' => (int) 15,
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: India's Vision for Indo- Pacific',
		'description' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1HILrVR42RU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Russian Foreign Minister has described New Delhi as an "object" of the West's "persistent, aggressive, and devious" policy against China in the Indo-Pacific. The Russian Minister has also criticised QUAD.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In response to Russia, India has clarified that it has always pursued an independent foreign policy based on its national interest
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Its relationship with each country is independent of its relationship with the third country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Prime Minister during<strong> Shangri La dialogue</strong> marked, &ldquo;India does not see Indo- Pacific as a strategy or a club of limited members or as a grouping that seeks to dominate others&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The QUAD, still in its fledgling phase, has the potential to emerge as one of strongest unions.</li>
<li>China for a very long time has been concerned about expanding its power and asserting its control and has started exercising its power and dominance.</li>
<li>The ASEAN countries are dependent mainly on China as most of them share borders with the country.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Shangri-La Dialogue:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Shangri-La Dialogue is <strong>Asia's premier defence summit.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an inter-governmental security forum held annually by an London-based independent think tank, the<strong> International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In this unique meeting, ministers debate the region&rsquo;s most pressing security challenges, engage in important bilateral talks and come up with fresh solutions together.</li>
<li>It was launched for the first time in <strong>2002</strong> at the Shangri-La Hotel in <strong>Singapore.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Relations with Russia</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-russia-strategic-economic-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Russia</strong> </a>share a very close strategic relationship.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In terms of defence equipment, defence purchases and development of the defence platform, it is not just a buyer-seller relationship but India is also manufacturing these defence equipment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the Nuclear energy sector, Russia is the only country with whom India has a civil-nuclear technology cooperation.</li>
<li>Russia is the only country which has installed nuclear power plants in India, the first 3 units of these plants installed in <a href="/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-21st-july-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kudankulam town</strong></a> (Tamil Nadu) are already functioning.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Six more units are expected to come up in Andhra Pradesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Although both the countries share good relations, the interests of Russia lie with China.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-pacific-wing-in-mea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Prime Minister in the Shangri-La dialogue</strong></a> held that Indo-Pacific Region is neither a strategy, nor a club of limited members directed against any country but a pure geographical construct.</li>
<li>It is to ensure a free, open and inclusive region in which countries both inside and outside (countries who have stakes in this region) the Indo-Pacific region would participate.</li>
<li>India has been trying to explain to Russia the basic cause that is to ensure that in the global commons of this region, there should be freedom of navigation, resolution of disputes through dialogue and an international law to regulate all the activities.</li>
</ul>
<h3>China as a Threat to the World</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Chinese Expansion Instinct:</strong> Chinese are always trying to perceive a shift in balance of power.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China has always adopted policies for its unilateral expansion of power like in the South China Sea, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/galwan-valley-clash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Galwan Valley Clash</strong></a> or the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-hong-kong-national-security-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hong-Kong National Security Law.</strong></a></li>
<li>China has been flexing its muscles, with its<strong> nine dash line policy</strong> claiming 90% of the south china sea, exercising its control and domination, in terms of ships, overflights, east china sea and Taiwan straits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Weaponizing supply chains:</strong> China has also been weaponizing its supply chains.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China has refused to supply PPE kits, the ventilators or any kind of assistance to countries that even suggested that the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/humidity-and-spread-of-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coronavirus</strong> </a>emerged in China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>ASEAN countries and China:</strong> Most of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN</strong></a> countries share borders with China and it is obvious for China to exercise control over them.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is where the Quad comes into play.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The policies of Quad have to be made effective, otherwise other smaller countries will not see it really in their interest to go along with it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Nine-dash Line</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> &lsquo;nine-dash line&rsquo;</strong> stretches hundreds of kilometers south and east of its southerly Hainan Island, covering the strategic <strong>Paracel and Spratly island</strong> chains. China buttresses its claims by citing 2,000 years of history when the two island chains were regarded as its integral parts.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608635890_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608635890_pasted image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="620" height="330" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Role of Quad</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/four%20corners:%20on%20the%20quad%E2%80%99s%20agenda" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>QUAD</strong></a> is the grouping of four democracies &ndash;India, Australia, the US, and Japan.</li>
<li>Currently, it is still in a fledgling phase and a clearer image of what it will evolve to is yet to obtain. But a few improvements within the group are taking place in recent times.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2017, when the QUAD came into position, the level of performance in terms of meetings and defining agenda was not up to the mark.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There has been an increased participation from all the four countries, they have declared several issues as their agenda of the meeting such as the pandemic, economic recovery, connectivity, infrastructure, cyber security, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Quad is believed to have the potential to go from a very loose structure organisation to a very cohesive structure organisation in a very short span of time.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Way Forward for QUAD</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geographical limit:</strong> QUAD should define the limits of Indo-Pacific region.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All four member countries have different notions of this geographical region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Common agenda:</strong> Make a common agenda.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At this point of time, the Quad does not have an agenda so it should frame an agenda and completely stick to it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Military component + Economic component:</strong> There has to be a military component to act against the coercive activities of China.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Putting the military component and the economic component together will help QUAD emerge as a very strong alliance as without military muscle all other fields cannot be excelled.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unified strategy at world level:</strong> Bringing in contact the countries like Germany, France and the UK will eventually bring ASEAN nations on board too.</li>
<li><strong>Hedging strategy:</strong> ASEAN needs to hedge itself with Quad against China.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unless these countries have someone else to hedge over with they will continue to go with whatever is available, i.e., China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s maritime space:</strong> India must have the<strong> Indian Ocean Region (IOR)</strong> as its priority. Currently, it doesn't have any navy that can assert itself to distant seas.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, in coordination with other navies like the US Navy, the Royal Navy (UK) and the French Navy, India can participate in the exercises out of the Indian Ocean Area.</li>
<li>Also India&rsquo;s navy&rsquo;s share in the defence budget has come down from 18% to 14%. If India wants to emerge as a global power, then it must invest in its navy and strengthen it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Help for small nations:</strong> Smaller countries in the IOR must be on India&rsquo;s top list and it must ensure that these nations are dependent on India only for their security.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India should be their preferred security partner.</li>
<li>India should also ensure that they do not have to look beyond India with regard to meeting their traditional &amp; non-traditional needs.</li>
<li>India should not allow China to have an opportunity to come in between India and these small nations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>QUAD&rsquo;s military muscle:</strong> QUAD must have its military muscle to accomplish other areas but it should not be brought to front, it should be kept in the back burner.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Indian Ocean Region (IOR)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The IOR consists of the Indian Ocean and several countries and seas around the ocean including India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Madagascar, Australia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, Tanzania and Yemen.</li>
<li>The Indian Ocean region has 30 straits and channels in and adjoining the Indian Ocean. few of them are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bab-el-Mandeb</strong> (between South Yemen and Djibouti);</li>
<li><strong>Bass Strait</strong> (between Australian continent and Tasmania);</li>
<li><strong>Strait of Hormuz</strong> (between Iran and Oman);</li>
<li><strong>Lombok, Bali, Sunda and Makassar Straits</strong> (in the Indonesian archipelago)</li>
<li><strong>Singapore Strait</strong> (between Singapore and Riau island of Indonesia)</li>
<li><strong>Malacca Strait</strong> (between Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore)</li>
<li><strong>Mozambique channel</strong> (between Mozambique and Malagasy Republic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The anti-China sentiment exists at a global level but the world hasn't actually done anything concrete to take on China and that is the biggest problem.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Time has come for an overly aggressive China to be addressed holistically.The Quad has to be made more effective by militarising it and framing a common agenda.</li>
<li>Also bringing other like minded countries in the frame and expanding the network of quad and make it more stronger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7276,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Vietnam Virtual Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>India and Vietnam</strong> signed <strong>seven pacts</strong> during their virtual summit, in areas such as defence, petrochemicals, and nuclear energy, and agreed to <strong>intensify their development partnership</strong> that will enable achievement of <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainable Development Goals</a> (SDGs)</strong>, and develop capabilities to address <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/climate-change-and-land-ipcc-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608634585_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608634585_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)/Agreements:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agreements covered diverse areas such as<strong> IT, <a href="/pdf/1602514626-indian-peacekeepers-in-south-sudan.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UN peacekeeping</a> and cancer research.</strong></li>
<li>One specific agreement will cover <strong>USD 5 million Indian Grant Assistance for Army Software Park</strong> at National Telecommunications University, Nha Trang, Vietnam.</li>
<li>Both sides committed to promote bilateral cooperation between the &ldquo;regulatory bodies of the two countries in the <strong>fields of radiation protection and nuclear safety.&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence and Security:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Defence and security partnership between India and Vietnam will be an important factor of stability in the <a href="/pdf/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific region.</strong></a></li>
<li>The two sides will step up their <strong>military-to-military exchanges, training and capacity building programmes</strong> across the <strong>three services and coast guards</strong> and will intensify their defence industry collaboration <strong>building on India&rsquo;s defence credit lines extended to Vietnam.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>VINBAX</strong> is the<strong> military exercise</strong> between armies of India and Vietnam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Both sides will <strong>engage more closely through institutionalized dialogue mechanisms</strong> in dealing with traditional and non-traditional security threats in <strong>cyber and maritime domains, terrorism, natural disasters, health security, water security, transnational crimes</strong> etc, including through enhanced legal and judicial cooperation, where required.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>One such example is the successful implementation of the <strong>High Speed Guard Boat (HSGB)</strong> Manufacturing Project for Vietnam Border Guard Command under the <strong>US dollar 100 million Defence Line of Credit extended by the Government of India</strong> to Vietnam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Terrorism:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two sides will step up joint efforts in building a strong consensus for early adoption of the <a href="/printpdf/the-big-picture-international-convention-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>South China Sea:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining <strong>peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea,</strong> while pursuing the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the<strong><a href="/printpdf/un-begins-talks-to-regulate-the-high-seas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Both leaders further called for the full and effective implementation of the <a href="/printpdf/south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea</strong></a> (DOC) in its entirety.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation at Various Forums:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both sides will strengthen multilateral and regional cooperation, including in the <strong>United Nations, ASEAN-led mechanisms </strong>and<strong><a href="/pdf/1588250738-dams-in-china-over-transboundary-rivers.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Mekong</a> sub-regional cooperation. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Association of SouthEast Asian Nations (ASEAN):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To foster practical cooperation between <a href="/printpdf/association-of-southeast-asian-nations-asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN</strong></a> and India in the key areas and in line with the objectives and principles as stated in the<strong> ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP)</strong> and India&rsquo;s<a href="/printpdf/india-vietnam-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The two sides will actively <strong>promote reformed multilateralism to make international organizations,</strong> including the <a href="/printpdf/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Security Council</strong></a>, more representative, contemporary and capable of dealing with current challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Management of Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They will encourage experience-sharing and cooperation in the management of <a href="/printpdf/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, support <strong>on-line training of health professionals,</strong> forge institutional cooperation in<strong> vaccine development,</strong> promote open supply chains, facilitate essential cross-border movement of people, and maintain close contact and coordination in multilateral bodies like the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization</strong></a>.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in the Post Pandemic Era:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Acknowledging the new challenges as well as opportunities brought upon by Covid-19 pandemic, the two sides will work towards reliable, <strong>efficient and resilient</strong> supply chains, and will promote <strong>human-centric globalization. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>New horizons for partnership created by <strong>India&rsquo;s goal to become a US dollar<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/19-07-2019/print" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 5 trillion economy by 2024</a></strong> and <strong>Vietnam&rsquo;s ambition to become a high-income economy by 2045</strong> will be fully explored for all segments of economy, including <strong><a href="/printpdf/sustainable-blue-economy-conference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blue economy</a>, MSMEs and farming communities of the two countries.</strong></li>
<li>India and Vietnam share a <strong>comprehensive strategic partnership.</strong> One great example of economic cooperation is completion of the<strong> Development Projects</strong> with<strong> Indian &lsquo;Grant-in-Aid&rsquo; Assistance</strong> of US dollar 1.5 million for the benefit of the local community in Vietnam&rsquo;s Ninh Thuan province.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation on Climate Change:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both sides will partner in<strong> new and renewable energy resources,</strong> energy conservation and other climate-resilient technologies.</li>
<li>India advocated that Vietnam&rsquo;s possible future participation in the<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/18-08-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Solar Alliance</strong></a> would bring new opportunities for cooperation in large scale deployment of solar energy.</li>
<li>India looks forward to Vietnam&rsquo;s joining the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure#:~:text=India's%20initiative%20for%20Coalition%20for,developing%20countries%20with%20natural%20calamities." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure</strong></a> in the near future.</li>
<li>They agreed to expand the <a href="/pdf/1598434502-india-vietnam-meeting.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mekong - Ganga Quick Impact Projects.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Cooperation and Links:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both sides will actively cooperate to publish an<strong> Encyclopedia of India - Vietnam Cultural and Civilizational Relations</strong> to mark the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of India - Vietnam diplomatic relations in 2022.</li>
<li>The two sides will promote understanding and research of their shared cultural and civilizational heritage, including <strong><a href="/pdf/buddhism-in-india.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buddhist</a> and Cham cultures, traditions and ancient scriptures.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The traditional systems of medicine like<a href="/pdf/1598412747-renaissance-in-ayurveda.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Ayurveda</strong> </a>and <strong>Vietnam-Traditional Medicine</strong> share many common threads of rich knowledge of health.</li>
<li><a href="/printpdf/international-yoga-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Yoga</strong></a> has emerged as a symbol of peace and harmony and shared pursuit of spiritual wellbeing and happiness.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Development Partnership projects</strong> in heritage conservation in Vietnam (F-block of Temple at My Son; Dong Duong Buddhist Monastery in Quang Nam and Nhan Cham Tower in Phu Yen) will be materialised.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>People-to-People Exchange:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>By<strong> increasing direct flights,</strong> providing ease of travelling through<strong> simplified visa procedures</strong> and facilitating <strong>tourism.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Education and Institutional Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They will further <strong>strengthen and institutionalize linkages</strong> such as Parliamentary exchanges; relations between Indian States and Vietnamese Provinces; exchanges between social organisations and youth organizations; collaboration between educational institutions; engagement between think tanks; joint research programmes; and exchanges in media, film, TV shows and sports.</li>
<li>They will also facilitate cooperation between respective agencies on the two sides to promote contents related to India - Vietnam relations and<strong> their historical links in each other&rsquo;s school textbooks.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Vietnam is a key pillar</strong> of India&rsquo;s<a href="/pdf/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Act East policy</strong></a> and there is a scope for further cooperation between the countries.</li>
<li>The close relationship between the two countries is <strong>significant for the maintenance of strategic balance in South East Asia</strong> which is witnessing aggressive Chinese activities.</li>
<li>Both Countries need to leverage the economic opportunities available because of <strong>anti-China sentiments</strong> and several manufacturing firms deciding to shift from China.</li>
<li>Keeping in mind the strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, primarily those posed by China, India and Vietnam should work in close coordination at multilateral institutions such as the UN Security Council, where both<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India and Vietnam are elected to be non-permanent members</strong> </a>in 2021.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1682468" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7264,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'International River Governance',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/water/china-s-brahmaputra-dam-trans-boundary-water-governance-in-south-asia-needs-a-rethink-74698" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;China&rsquo;s Brahmaputra dam: Trans-boundary water governance in South Asia needs a rethink&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Down to Earth on 18/12/2020. It talks about the issues related to Trans-Boundary river governance.</p>
</div>
<p>In recent times, there are many reports of China building dams on the Brahmaputra river, close to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-chinese-transgression" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Line of Actual Control</strong></a> in Tibet. The move could have a far-reaching impact on water security in India&rsquo;s North East.</p>
<p>The major rivers that drain South Asian states, the Indus, the Brahmaputra and many of the midstream tributaries of the Ganga originate in Tibet.</p>
<p>This transboundary nature of major rivers and China being an upper riparian state has a clear advantage in building dams and other infrastructure to reduce or divert water flow from river systems originating in Tibet.</p>
<p>As the whole of South Asia comes under &lsquo;high&rsquo; to &lsquo;extremely high&rsquo; water-stressed areas, the establishment of trans-boundary rivers cooperation is the need of the hour.</p>
<h3>Significance of Trans-Boundary River Cooperation</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Linkage With Climate Change:</strong> Transboundary water cooperation offers opportunities to realize and capitalise on the wider benefits e.g. strengthen resilience to climate change and prevent and resolve conflicts over water resources. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, building dams in the Himalayan region will result in emerging risks like extreme events (floods, droughts), landslides, forest fires and many other ecological threats pose new governance challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Linkage With SDG:</strong> Recognition of the importance of transboundary cooperation is a prerequisite for realising the water-related SDG targets and the broader <a href="/printpdf/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals.</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Target 6.5: By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Linkage With Regional Development:</strong> As international waters can be catalytic agents, transboundary water cooperation has often resulted in improved wider economic integration between riparian states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Transboundary water cooperation can, directly or indirectly, act as a catalyst to improve international trade, economic development, navigation, energy generation, wildlife conservation, and broader regional integration.</li>
<li>Transboundary water cooperation arrangements also facilitate investments by providing a stable and reliable legal and institutional environment for investors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Challenges</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Natural Advantage:</strong> Dams or water diversion projects in the upstream areas of rivers have a significant effect on downstream flows. Communities in the lower riparian areas have to accept what is being offered to them.</li>
<li><strong>Neglect of International Law:</strong> Even though there is an international convention regarding the trans-boundary river governance, there is a lack of a cooperative framework for managing river systems in South Asia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, around 60% of transboundary river basins worldwide still lack any cooperative arrangement.</li>
<li>In addition, existing transboundary water treaties and institutions are often weak in terms of their mandate, design, resources, and enforcement mechanisms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Existing Legal Framework on Trans-boundary Rivers</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, 1997</li>
<li>Helsinki Convention on the protection and use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, 1992</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lack of Trust:</strong> The real issue for developing trans-boundary river governance, is not the scarcity of water resources, but the scarcity of &lsquo;social resources&rsquo; and abundance of &lsquo;power disparities&rsquo; between China and South Asian countries.</li>
<li><strong>Long-term, Evolving Process:</strong> Given the dependence on these collective on water resources, coming to a consensus may take longer negotiations and even a small political tussle can derail development of cooperation framework.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Water Diplomacy:</strong> Trans-boundary river governance can be adopted by the exercise of water diplomacy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/pdf/1600513479-60-years-of-indus-water-treaty.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Water diplomacy</strong></a> is a process which operates under the authority of sovereign national governments, but which also unlocks cooperation among multiple stakeholders, including at the level of municipalities and states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>River basin management:</strong> Rather than treating rivers from the lens of political borders, there is a need to adopt a river basin management approach. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This approach respects the integrity of the landscape and the catchments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Setting-up Institutional Framework:</strong> Agreements and institutional arrangements, such as river basin organizations, can offer an important means to manage transboundary waters in an equitable and sustainable way<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A trans-boundary river governance framework should, share water in river basins and aquifers, pursue legal frameworks for international cooperation, and establish joint institutions for transboundary water governance.</li>
<li>Apart from this, there is a need for the adoption of common standards for water data collection, sharing, and analysis on transboundary waters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Disasters and climate impacts do not stop at borders and already about two billion people are living in water-stressed areas. In this context, without transboundary water cooperation, inclusive sustainable development is severely curtailed, and risks to peace and security increased.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608552772_image0.PNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608552772_image0.PNG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fafaff;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Without transboundary water cooperation, inclusive sustainable development is severely curtailed, and risks to peace and security increased. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
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	(int) 7 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7248,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Bangladesh Virtual Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Bangladesh</strong></a> have held a <strong>virtual summit</strong> covering comprehensive discussions on all aspects of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bangladesh also invited India for the celebration of <strong>50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vijay-diwas-50-years-of-indo-pak-war-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bangladesh&rsquo;s</a></strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vijay-diwas-50-years-of-indo-pak-war-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <strong>Independence</strong></a> in <strong>1971</strong> and <strong>50 years of India-Bangladesh diplomatic relations,</strong> to be held in <strong>March 2021.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608361143_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608361143_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Signing of Bilateral Documents and Inauguration of Projects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sealed <strong>seven agreements</strong> to expand cooperation in <strong>diverse areas</strong> viz. hydrocarbons, elephant conservation, sanitation, and agriculture, and <strong>restored a cross-border rail link</strong> which was in operation till 1965.</li>
<li>Inaugurated a <strong>digital exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi and Bangladesh&rsquo;s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Health Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reiterating the highest priority India attaches to Bangladesh under India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-is-indias-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Neighbourhood First</strong> </a>policy, India assured that <strong>vaccines for Covid-19 would be made available to Bangladesh</strong> as and when produced in India.</li>
<li>India also<strong> offered collaboration in therapeutics and partnership in vaccine production.</strong></li>
<li>Bangladesh <strong>appreciated India&rsquo;s conducting capacity building courses</strong> for medical professionals in Bangla language.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Jointly unveiled a <strong>commemorative postal stamp issued by the Government of India on the occasion of birth centenary of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sheikh-mujibur-rehman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.</a></strong></li>
<li>India thanked Bangladesh for <strong>issuing a stamp in honour of</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mahatma-gandhi-jayanti" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi</strong> </a>on the occasion of his <strong>150<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary</strong> celebrations.</li>
<li>Bangladesh requested India to consider <strong>Bangladesh&rsquo;s proposal to name</strong> the historic road from Mujib Nagar to Nodia on Bangladesh-India border as <em><strong>"Shadhinota Shorok&rdquo;</strong></em> commemorating the historic significance of the road during Bangladesh&rsquo;s Liberation War.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Border Management and Security Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agreed to hold an early meeting of the <strong>Joint Boundary Conference</strong> to prepare a new set of strip maps with a view to finalizing the delineation of the boundaries.</li>
<li>It was agreed to carry out necessary work to convert the <strong>International Boundary along <em>Kuhsiyara</em> river</strong> into a fixed boundary.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Kuhsiyara river (known as <strong>Barak river in India</strong>) is <strong>one of the transboundary rivers</strong> between India-Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Bangladesh reiterated the request for 1.3 km<strong> Innocent Passage through river route along River Padma</strong> (main<strong> channel of Ganga in Bangladesh</strong>) near Rajshahi district (Bangladesh). India assured to consider the request.</li>
<li>Stressed on the full implementation of the ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bangladesh-general-elections" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coordinated Border Management Plan.</strong></a></li>
<li>Expressed satisfaction on<strong> efforts against smuggling of arms, narcotics and fake currency and to prevent trafficking,</strong> particularly of women and children.</li>
<li>Directed officials to expeditiously conclude the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the area of <strong>disaster management cooperation</strong> as both countries are prone to frequent natural disasters.</li>
<li>Bangladesh requested for early implementation of<strong> India&rsquo;s commitment to remove remaining restrictions on entry/exit from land ports in India</strong> for Bangladeshis travelling on valid documents in a phased manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade Partnership for Growth:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh has appreciated the <strong>Duty-Free and Quota Free access</strong> given to Bangladeshi exports to India under <strong>South Asian Free Trade Area</strong> (SAFTA) since 2011.</li>
<li>Emphasized on addressing issues of <strong>non-tariff barriers and trade facilitation</strong> including port restrictions, procedural bottlenecks and quarantine restrictions so that both countries can take full advantage of SAFTA flexibility.</li>
<li>Directed the officials to expeditiously conclude the ongoing joint study on the <strong>prospects of entering into a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement</strong> (CEPA).</li>
<li>Welcomed the <strong>first meeting of the India-Bangladesh Textile Industry Forum</strong> and directed the officials to conclude the ongoing negotiations on various MoUs on increased linkages and collaboration in the textile sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Connectivity for Prosperity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Jointly inaugurated the <strong>newly restored railway link between Haldibari</strong> (India) and <strong>Chilahati</strong> (Bangladesh) and noted that this rail link will further strengthen trade and people to people ties between the two sides.</li>
<li>Welcomed the signing of the second addendum to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/protocol-on-inland-water-transit-and-trade#:~:text=As%20per%20the%20Protocol%20on,transit%20and%20inter%20country%20trade." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade</strong> </a>(PIWTT).</li>
<li>Agreed to an early operationalization of the<strong> Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative Motor Vehicles Agreement</strong> through the expeditious signing of the Enabling MoU for Bangladesh, India and Nepal to commence the movement of goods and passengers, with provision for Bhutan to join at a later date.</li>
<li>Bangladesh expressed keen interest in the ongoing <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-myanmar-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India Myanmar Thailand trilateral highway project</strong> </a>and sought the support of India for enabling Bangladesh to connect with this project.</li>
<li>Satisfaction on commencement of a temporary <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Air Travel Bubble</strong> </a>to facilitate the urgent requirements of travellers on both sides.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in Water Resources, Power and Energy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bangladesh highlighted the need for <strong>early signing of an interim agreement for sharing of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/teesta-river#:~:text=Teesta%20river%20is%20a%20tributary,flowing%20through%20India%20and%20Bangladesh.&amp;text=The%20Teesta%20Barrage%20dam%20helps,issues%20between%20India%20and%20Bangladesh." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Teesta waters</a></strong>, as agreed upon by both the governments in 2011.</li>
<li>Underscored the need for early conclusion of <strong>Framework of Interim Agreement</strong> on sharing of waters of six joint rivers, namely, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar.</li>
<li>Recalled the positive contribution of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bangladesh-joint-water-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Joint Rivers Commission</strong> </a>(JRC) and looked forward to the next round of Secretarial level JRC meeting at the earliest.</li>
<li>Agreed to expedite implementation of projects including <strong>India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, Maitree Super Thermal Power Project</strong> as well as other projects.</li>
<li>Welcomed the signing of the<strong> Framework of Understanding on Cooperation in the Hydrocarbon Sector</strong> which would further augment energy linkages by streamlining investments, technology transfer, joint studies, training and promoting <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/hydrocarbon-exploration-and-licensing-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>hydrocarbon</strong></a> connectivity.</li>
<li>Agreed to enhance cooperation in energy efficiency and clean energy, including in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biofuels-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biofuels.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Forcibly Displaced Persons from the Rakhine State of Myanmar (Rohingya):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India appreciated the generosity of Bangladesh in <strong>sheltering and providing humanitarian assistance to</strong> the 1.1 million forcibly displaced<strong> persons from the Rakhine State of Myanmar,</strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-report-on-myanmar-rohingya-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rohingya Crisis.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Partners in the Region and the World:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India thanked Bangladesh for supporting India in its election to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council.</strong></a></li>
<li>Both countries agreed to continue working together towards achieving early reforms of the UN Security Council, combating <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">climate change</a></strong>, attainment of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals</strong></a> (SDGs) and protection of the rights of migrants.</li>
<li>Highlighted that regional organisations such as the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/south-asian-association-for-regional-cooperation-saarc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation</strong></a> (SAARC) and <strong>the</strong> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/drishti-specials-important-international-bimstec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation</strong> </a>(BIMSTEC) have an important role to play.</li>
<li>Bangladesh thanked India for convening the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/video-conference-of-saarc-leaders-on-covid-19#:~:text=COVID%2D19%20Emergency%20Fund%3A,a%20contribution%20to%20the%20fund." target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAARC leaders Video Conference</a> in March 2020</strong> and for creation of the <strong>SAARC Emergency Response Fund</strong> to counter effects of the global pandemic in the South Asian region.</li>
<li>Bangladesh will assume chairmanship of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indian Ocean Rim Association</strong> </a>(IORA) in<strong> 2021</strong> and requested the support of India for working towards greater maritime safety and security.</li>
<li>Bangladesh appreciated the work of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/5th-annual-meeting-of-ndb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> New Development Bank</strong> </a>and thanked India for inviting Bangladesh to join the institution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1681428" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7236,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Loan Pact with NDB',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Government has recently announced a <strong>1 billion USD loan pact</strong> with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/5th-annual-meeting-of-ndb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New Development Bank</strong> </a>(NDB) to boost rural employment and infrastructure.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government and the <strong>New Development Bank</strong> (NDB) signed a loan agreement worth<strong> 1 billion USD</strong> to help India&rsquo;s <strong>economic recovery from Covid-19</strong> by supporting:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Spending</strong> on rural infrastructure related to natural resource management (NRM) and</li>
<li><strong>Rural employment generation</strong> under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sub-group-of-chief-ministers-on-coordination-between-mgnrega-and-agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The loan has a tenor of<strong> 30 years, including a 5-year grace period.</strong></li>
<li>The funding comes under <strong>NDB&rsquo;s Policy on fast-track emergency response to Covid-19.</strong></li>
<li>The loan would specially help <strong>migrant workers</strong> who have returned from urban areas and have lost their livelihoods due to the pandemic.</li>
<li>Economic activity slowed down post lockdowns to contain the <strong>spread of virus,</strong> resulting in loss of employment and income of workers especially those employed in the informal sector, including rural areas.</li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-grouphttps://www.drishtiias.com/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-grouphttps://www.drishtiias.com/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> has also approved four projects worth over 800 million USD for strengthening<strong> India&rsquo;s social protection architecture,</strong> promoting nutrition-supportive agriculture for tribal households in <strong>Chhattisgarh,</strong> enhancing quality education in<strong> Nagaland</strong> and improving safety and performance of existing<strong> dams</strong> across states.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>New Development Bank</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a multilateral development bank <strong>jointly founded by the BRICS countries</strong> (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) at the 6<sup>th</sup> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/brics-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BRICS</strong></a> Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014.</li>
<li>It was formed to support infrastructure and sustainable development efforts in BRICS and other underserved, emerging economies for faster development through innovation and cutting-edge technology.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s ownership structure is unique, as the <strong>BRICS countries have an equal share and no country has any veto power.</strong></li>
<li>It is headquartered at <strong>Shanghai, China.</strong></li>
<li>In 2018, the NDB received <strong>observer status</strong> in the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> General Assembly, establishing a firm basis for active and fruitful cooperation with the United Nations.</li>
<li>All members of the United Nations could be members of the Bank, however <strong>the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55% of voting power.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/govt-inks-1-bn-loan-pact-with-ndb-to-boost-rural-employment-infrastructure-7107783/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7235,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Challenges Faced By The WTO',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-many-challenges-for-wto/article33349954.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The many challenges for WTO&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 17/12/2020. It talks about the issues related to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in present times.</p>
</div>
<p>The<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto#:~:text=The%20World%20Trade%20Organization%20(WTO,and%20ratified%20in%20their%20parliaments." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Trade Organization (WTO)</strong></a> has been the cornerstone of the multilateral rules-based global trading system since its inception in 1995.</p>
<p>However, even before the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, all three of the organization&rsquo;s functions &ndash; providing a negotiation forum to liberalize trade and establish new rules, monitoring trade policies, and resolving disputes between its 164 members are facing challenges.</p>
<p>Moreover, with trade tensions increasingly politicized and Covid-19 creating huge economic challenges, a modernized and fully functioning WTO is more essential than ever.</p>
<h3>Issues Related to WTO</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s State Capitalism:</strong> The nature of China&rsquo;s economic system, combined with the size and growth of its economy, has created tensions in the global trading system.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China&rsquo;s state-owned enterprises present a major challenge to the free-market global trading system.</li>
<li>However, a critical part of the problem is that the rulebook of the WTO is inadequate for addressing the challenges that China presents in respect of intellectual property, state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies.</li>
<li>It is due to this <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>US-China are engaged in Trade war.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Institutional Issues:</strong> The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto#:~:text=The%20World%20Trade%20Organization%20(WTO,and%20ratified%20in%20their%20parliaments." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Appellate Body&rsquo;s operations</strong></a> have effectively been suspended since December 2019, as the US&rsquo;s blocking of appointments has left the body without a quorum of adjudicators needed to hear appeals.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The crisis with the dispute settlement function of the WTO is closely linked to the breakdown in its negotiation function.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Transparency:</strong> There is a problem in WTO negotiations as there is no agreed definition of what constitutes a developed or developing country at the WTO.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Members can currently self-designate as developing countries to receive &lsquo;special and differential treatment&rsquo; &ndash; a practice that is the subject of much contention.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>E-commerce &amp; Digital Trade:</strong> While the global trade landscape has changed significantly over the past 25 years, WTO rules have not kept pace.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1998, realizing that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-take-on-e-commerce-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-commerce</strong></a> would play a growing role in the global economy, WTO members established a WTO e-commerce moratorium to examine all trade-related issues relating to global electronic commerce.</li>
<li>Recently, however, the moratorium has been called into question by developing countries because of its implications for collecting revenue.</li>
<li>Moreover, as the Covid-19 pandemic accelerates the shift to e-commerce, rules to regulate online trade will be more important than ever. But in contrast to trade in goods and services, few international rules govern cross-border e-commerce.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agriculture and Development:</strong> The WTO <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india%27s-disputes-at-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agreement on Agriculture</strong></a>, which came into force in 1995, was an important milestone.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Agreement on Agriculture targets reform of subsidies and high trade barriers, which distort agricultural trade.</li>
<li>However, agreement on agriculture is facing issues due to food security and development requirements for developing countries like India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>New Set of Rules:</strong> Modernizing the WTO will necessitate the development of a new set of rules for dealing with digital trade and e-commerce.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>WTO members will also have to deal more effectively with China&rsquo;s trade policies and practices, including how to better handle state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Environmental Sustainability:</strong> Given the pressing issues around climate change, increased efforts to align trade and environmental sustainability could help to both tackle climate change and reinvigorate the WTO.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Trade and the WTO have key roles to play in efforts to achieve the UN <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</strong></a> and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-renewed-support-for-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Paris Agreement climate goals.</strong></a></li>
<li>Also, the WTO can play a role in reforming fossil fuel subsidies.</li>
<li>For example, at the Buenos Aires Ministerial Conference in 2017, a coalition of 12 WTO members led by New Zealand called on the WTO &lsquo;to achieve ambitious and effective disciplines on inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>In future, WTO members will have to strike a balance between moving forward with negotiations on 21<sup>st</sup>-century issues and keeping sight of the unresolved &lsquo;old trade issues&rsquo; such as agriculture and development.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdfa;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>In order to stay relevant, World Trade Organization (WTO) members should engage in negotiations on 21<sup>st</sup>-century issues and keep sight of the unresolved old trade issues. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rQKN7u4SFrk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/keep-a-close-watch-on-inflation-figures-ht-editorial/story-QrFK8fNoVZJhq0S8YHCVYI.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Keep a close watch on inflation figures&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on December 15<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7234,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'US Puts India on Currency Watchlist',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the US treasury has placed <strong>India on its currency manipulator watch list. Vietnam and Switzerland</strong> have been labelled<strong> as currency manipulators.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2019, the US Treasury Department<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-removes-india-from-currency-monitoring-watch-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> had removed India from its currency manipulator watch list</strong></a> of major trading partners.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Currency Manipulators:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is<strong> a label given by the US government to countries</strong> it feels are engaging in <strong>&ldquo;unfair currency practices&rdquo; by deliberately devaluing their currency against the dollar.</strong></li>
<li>The practice would mean that the country in question is<strong> artificially lowering the value of its currency</strong> to gain an unfair advantage over others. This is because the <strong>devaluation would reduce the cost of exports from that country</strong> and artificially show a reduction in trade deficits as a result.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Currency Manipulator Watch List:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The US Department of Treasury releases<strong> the semi-annual report</strong> where it has <strong>to track developments in international economies and inspect foreign exchange rates.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Criteria:</strong> An economy <strong>meeting two of the three criteria in the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015</strong> is placed on the Watch List. This includes:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>&ldquo;significant&rdquo; bilateral trade surplus with the US &mdash;</strong> one that is <strong>at least USD 20 billion</strong> over a 12-month period.</li>
<li>A material <strong>current account surplus equivalent to at least 2% of gross domestic product (GDP)</strong> over a 12-month period.</li>
<li>&ldquo;Persistent&rdquo;, one-sided intervention &mdash; when <strong>net purchases of foreign currency totalling at least 2% of the country&rsquo;s GDP</strong> over a 12 month period are conducted repeatedly, in at least six out of 12 months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Consequence:</strong> Inclusion in the list does not subject to any kind of penalty and sanctions but it <strong>deteriorates the global financial image</strong> of the country in the financial markets in terms of foreign exchange policies including undervaluation of currencies to gain export advantages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India, Taiwan and Thailand</strong> have been <strong>added to seven others</strong> already in <strong>the watch list.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Others on the list include China, Japan, Korea, Germany, Italy, Singapore and Malaysia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As per the report by the US Treasury, <strong>India and Singapore</strong> had intervened in the foreign exchange market in a "sustained, asymmetric manner" but did not meet other requirements to warrant designation as manipulators.</li>
<li>India, which has for several years maintained a &ldquo;significant&rdquo; bilateral goods trade surplus with the US, crossed the USD 20 billion mark, according to the latest report. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bilateral goods trade surplus totalled USD 22 billion in the first four quarters through June 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Further, <strong>India&rsquo;s net purchases of foreign exchange</strong> accelerated notably in the second half of 2019. Following sales during the initial onset of the pandemic, India sustained net purchases for much of the first half of 2020, which pushed net purchases of foreign exchange to USD 64 billion&ndash;or 2.4% of GDP&ndash;over the four quarters through June 2020.</li>
<li>According to some experts, the tag could <strong>lead to the rupee appreciating</strong> as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) might step back from its dollar purchases. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Currency appreciation</strong> is an increase in the value of one currency in relation to another currency. A currency is strong if it is becoming more valuable relative to another country&rsquo;s currency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608201738_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608201738_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/business/us-treasury-labels-switzerland-vietnam-as-currency-manipulators-adds-india-in-monitoring-list/articleshow/79762881.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:ET</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7233,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Indian Diaspora in the United Kingdom',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, British Foreign Secretary has stated that<strong> &ldquo;India&rsquo;s politics&rdquo;</strong> is, in some sense, <strong>&ldquo;Britain&rsquo;s politics&rdquo;</strong> because of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-diaspora" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian diaspora</a> in the United Kingdom (UK).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The statement came as he discussed the situation arising out of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-s-protest" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>farmers&rsquo; protests</strong> </a>with the External Affairs Minister of India.</li>
<li>British Prime Minister would be the <strong>chief guest at <a href="/pdf/republic-day.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Republic Day</a> celebrations in January 2021.</strong></li>
<li>Indian Prime Minister has been invited for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g-7-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G7</strong></a> summit in 2021.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indian Diaspora:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian Diaspora is a generic term used for addressing <strong>people who have migrated from the territories that are currently within the borders of India.</strong></li>
<li>The term<strong> &ldquo;diaspora&rdquo;</strong> is derived from the <strong>Greek word diaspeirein,</strong> which means <strong>&ldquo;dispersion&rdquo;.</strong> Over time, the term evolved, and now loosely refers to <strong>any person/s belonging to a particular country with a common origin or culture, but residing outside their homeland for various reasons.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Diaspora in the UK:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Historical Background:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>incorporation of the British Empire in India</strong> can be linked to the existence of modern Indian Diaspora all over the world.</li>
<li>Dating back to the nineteenth century, <strong>Indian indentured labor was taken over to the British colonies</strong> in different parts of the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Population:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Indian Diaspora in the UK is <strong>one of the largest ethnic minority communities in the country,</strong> with the 2011 census recording approximately <strong>1.5 million people of Indian origin in the UK</strong> equating to almost <strong>1.8%</strong> of Britain&rsquo;s population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economy:</strong> Indians contribute<strong> 6% of the UK&rsquo;s GDP.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Indian diaspora-owned companies</strong> with a combined revenue of 36.84 billion pounds <strong>employ over 1,74,000 people</strong> and pay over 1 billion pounds in Corporation Tax.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Culture:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There has been a gradual mainstreaming of Indian culture and absorption of Indian cuisine, cinema, languages, religion, philosophy, performing arts, etc.</li>
<li><strong>The Nehru Centre</strong> is the cultural wing of the High Commission of India in the UK which was <strong>established in 1992.</strong></li>
<li>2017 was celebrated as the <strong>India-UK year of Culture</strong> to mark the 70<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Indian independence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Politics:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2019, the British House of Commons had <strong>15 members of parliament of Indian origin.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of Indian Diaspora</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Huge Number:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-diaspora-largest-in-the-world-un-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Global Migration Report 2020</strong></a>, India continues to be the <strong>largest country of origin of international migrants</strong> with a <strong>17.5 million</strong>-strong diaspora across the world, and it received the <strong>highest remittance of USD 78.6 billion</strong> (this amounts to a whopping <strong>3.4% of India&rsquo;s GDP</strong>) from Indians living abroad.</li>
<li>It contributes by way of <strong>remittances, investment, lobbying for India, promoting Indian culture abroad and for building a good image of India</strong> by their intelligence and industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Front:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian diaspora is <strong>one of the richest minorities in many developed countries,</strong> this helps them to lobby for favourable terms regarding India's interests.</li>
<li>The migration of less-skilled labour (especially to West Asia) has also helped in <strong>bringing down disguised unemployment in India.</strong></li>
<li>In general, migrants' <strong>remittances have positive systemic effects on the balance of payments.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Remittances of USD 70-80 billion help to bridge a wider trade deficit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>By weaving a web of cross-national networks, the migrant workers facilitated the <strong>flow of tacit information, commercial and business ideas, and technologies into India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Political Front:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Many people of Indian origin hold<strong> top political positions in many countries,</strong> in the USA itself, they are now a significant part of Republicans and Democrats, as well as the government.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India's diaspora played an important role in the <strong>India-U.S. nuclear deal.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Indian diaspora is not just a part of <strong>India&rsquo;s soft power,</strong> but a fully transferable <strong>political vote bank</strong> as well.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Related Government Initiatives</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-23rd-january-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD):</a> </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is celebrated once in every two years to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their roots.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UMANG International App:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It would help all Indian international students, NRIs, and Indian tourists abroad to avail themselves of the services of the government of India anytime they want.</li>
<li>The app would be helpful in creating awareness about India in the world through &lsquo;Indian Culture&rsquo; services available on it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>VAJRA Faculty Scheme:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Scheme enables NRIs and the overseas scientific community to participate and contribute to research and development in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Know India Programme:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a three-week orientation programme for diaspora youth conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/discussed-protests-your-politics-ours-too-uk-dominic-raab-7107927/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7228,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'CAATSA Sanctions on Turkey',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The USA administration has recently imposed <strong>sanctions on Turkey</strong> for its purchase of the <a href="/printpdf/india-going-ahead-with-purchase-of-S-400-air-defence-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>S-400 missile system</strong></a> from Russia.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The issue of <strong>sanctions under Section 231</strong> of the Countering America&rsquo;s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for purchase of Russian arms is of <strong>particular interest to India,</strong> which is also in the process of buying the<strong> S-400 from Russia.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Previously, the United States had made it clear to Turkey that its purchase of the S-400 system would <strong>endanger the security of the USA.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The procurement will provide substantial funds to <strong>Russia&rsquo;s defense sector,</strong> as well as Russian access to the <strong>Turkish armed forces</strong> and defense industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Turkey yet decided to move ahead with the procurement and testing of the S-400, despite the availability of alternatives such as <strong>NATO-interoperable systems (such as USA's Patriot missile defense system),</strong> to meet its defense requirements.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Turkey is a <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nato-ally-status-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)</a> ally</strong> of the USA.</li>
<li><strong>NATO</strong> is a <strong>military alliance</strong> established by the<strong> North Atlantic Treaty</strong> (also called the<strong> Washington Treaty</strong>) in 1949, by several Western nations to provide collective security against<strong> the Soviet Union.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In 2019, the USA had removed Turkey from its<strong> F-35 jet program</strong> over concerns that <strong>sensitive information could be accessed by Russia</strong> if Turkey used Russian systems along with the USA jets.</li>
<li>The<strong> S-400 Triumf air defence system</strong> integrates a <strong>multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and command and control centre.</strong> It is capable of firing<strong> three types of missiles</strong> to create a layered defence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a mobile, <strong>surface-to-air missile system</strong> (SAM). It is the most dangerous operationally deployed <strong>modern long-range SAM</strong> (MLR SAM) in the world, considered much ahead of the US-developed <strong>Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Thaad is <strong>US anti ballistic missile defence system</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sanctions on Turkey:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sanctions were imposed on Turkey&rsquo;s main defence procurement agency, <strong>the Presidency of Defense Industries</strong> (SSB).</li>
<li>These sanctions comprise a ban on granting <strong>specific U.S. export licenses and authorisations for any goods or technology.</strong></li>
<li>Also, a ban on loans or credits by U.S. financial institutions totaling more than 10 million USD in any 12-month period.</li>
<li>A <strong>ban</strong> on U.S. Export-Import Bank assistance for exports and mandated U.S. opposition to loans by international financial organisations to SSB.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Countering America&rsquo;s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act</strong> (CAATSA)</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Enacted in 2017, it is a US federal law that<strong> imposed sanctions on Iran, North Korea and Russia.</strong></li>
<li>Includes sanctions <strong>against countries that engage in significant transactions with Russia&rsquo;s defence and intelligence sectors.</strong></li>
<li>The Act empowers the US President to impose at least five of the 12 listed sanctions on persons engaged in a &ldquo;significant transaction&rdquo; with Russian defence and intelligence sectors.</li>
<li>Its &ldquo;ultimate goal&rdquo;, &ldquo;is to prevent<strong> revenue from flowing</strong> to the Russian Government.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, inked a Rs. 39,000 crore deal to buy the<strong> S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile</strong> systems from <strong>Almaz-Antey Corporation of Russia</strong> in October 2018 and the <strong>delivery is expected to start in 2021.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Apart from the S-400 air defence system, <strong>Project 1135.6 frigates</strong> and <strong>Ka226T helicopters</strong> will also be affected. Also, it will impact joint ventures, like<strong> Indo Russian Aviation Ltd, Multi-Role Transport Aircraft Ltd and Brahmos Aerospace.</strong> It will also affect India&rsquo;s purchase of <strong>spare parts, components, raw materials and other assistance.</strong></li>
<li>As per the <strong>Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Arms Transfer Database,</strong> during the period 2010-17, Russia was the <strong>top arms</strong> supplier to India</li>
<li><strong>Russian Origin Indian Weapon:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Nuclear submarine <strong>INS Chakra,</strong> the Kilo-class conventional submarine, the supersonic <strong>Brahmos cruise missile,</strong> the <strong>MiG</strong> 21/27/29 and<strong> Su-30 MKI</strong> fighters, IL-76/78 transport planes, <strong>T-72 and T-90 tanks,</strong> Mi-series of helicopters, and <strong>Vikramaditya</strong> aircraft carrier,</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The CAATSA contains 12 types of sanctions. Of these, <strong>10 will have very little, or no, impact</strong> on India&rsquo;s current relations with either Russia or the US. There are only <strong>two sanctions</strong> that may impact either <strong>India-Russia relations or India-US relations.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>first</strong> of these, which is likely to have an impact on India-Russia relations, is the <strong>&ldquo;Prohibition of Banking transactions&rdquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This would mean difficulties for India in making payments in US Dollars to Russia for the purchase of the S-400 systems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>second sanction</strong> will have greater consequences for India-US relations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is the<strong> &ldquo;export sanction&rdquo;</strong> which has the potential to completely derail the<strong> India-US Strategic and Defence partnership,</strong> as it will deny the license for, and export of, any items controlled by the US to the sanctioned person such as<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All dual-use high technology goods and technology,</li>
<li>All defence related items,</li>
<li>All nuclear related items and</li>
<li>All other items from the US requiring prior review and approval of the United States Government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will effectively <strong>bar India from buying any major defence equipment from the US,</strong> putting a stop to any Defence and Strategic Partnership between India and the US. The MDP (Major Defence Partner) designation would lose its relevance in that context.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Russia always saw India as a balancer that's why Russia facilitated India's inclusion into SCO and formation of RIC doctrine. India today is in a unique position where it has a favourable relation with all great powers, and she must leverage this position to help in building a peaceful world order. Finally, there is a need to develop closer ties not only with Russia but also with the United States, which could balance any moves towards a strategic partnership between China and Russia.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-imposes-caatsa-sanctions-on-turkey-for-s-400-purchase/article33333317.ece/amp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7213,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Israel-Bhutan Ties',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Israel</strong> has established <strong>diplomatic ties</strong> with<strong> Bhutan.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The development comes two days after<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/morocco-normalises-relations-with-israel" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Israel and Morocco agreed to normalize</strong> </a>ties in a deal brokered with assistance from the USA.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Morocco became the <strong>fourth Arab country</strong>, after the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UAE, Bahrain</strong></a> (Abraham Accords) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sudan-and-israel-to-normalise-relations#:~:text=Sudan%2C%20which%20was%20technically%20at,well%2C%20to%20normalise%20their%20relations." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sudan</strong></a>, to set aside hostilities with Israel in the past four months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608026576_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608026576_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Israel has supported Bhutanese human resource development <strong>since 1982,</strong> especially in the area of <strong>agriculture development that has benefited hundreds of Bhutanese youths.</strong></li>
<li>Both the countries maintained a <strong>cordial relation</strong> despite a lack of formal ties.</li>
<li>Israel briefly had a <strong>non-resident ambassador</strong> to Bhutan in <strong>2010.</strong></li>
<li>Israel&rsquo;s Agency for <strong>International Development Cooperation MASHAV has trained hundreds of Bhutanese youth since 2013.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Development:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two nations established a formal diplomatic relation and agreed to work closely together in various sectors.</li>
<li>The two sides will <strong>not be setting up embassies</strong> in Thimphu and Tel Aviv however, and will <strong>coordinate through their missions in Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The establishment of diplomatic relations would create new avenues for cooperation between the two countries in <strong>water management, technology, human resource development, agricultural sciences</strong> and other areas of mutual benefit.</li>
<li>As for <strong>tourism,</strong> Bhutan that limits the number of outsiders who can enter will now likely be more open to Israelis.</li>
<li>The ties between the peoples through cultural exchanges and tourism would also be further enhanced.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bhutan's Foreign Relations:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India's Role:</strong> Bhutan's foreign relations till date are <strong>mostly under the guidance of India,</strong> with which Bhutan had official diplomatic relations from <strong>1949.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The basis for bilateral relations between India and Bhutan was formed by the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mou-between-india-and-bhutan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1949.</a></strong></li>
<li>However, <strong>Article 2</strong> of the treaty critically gave India a role in guiding Bhutan&rsquo;s foreign policy. Hence, some alterations were made in the treaty in 2007. As per the new treaty, <strong>Bhutan can import arms as long as Indian interests are not harmed and there is no re-export of the weapons, either by the government or individuals.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It became a member of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN)</strong></a> in 1971.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However it does not have diplomatic ties with any of the<strong> five permanent members </strong>of the<strong> UN security council.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Until <strong>2007</strong> it had formal relations with just <strong>22 countries</strong> in the world but after their <strong>2008 elections,</strong> the Bhutanese government<strong> rapidly increased its diplomatic relations,</strong> signing agreements with <strong>31 countries in five years.</strong></li>
<li>Bhutan has diplomatic relations with some <strong>53 countries</strong> and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union.</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Recently, Bhutan established diplomatic relations with <strong>Germany.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/israel-bhutan-diplomatic-ties-7103079/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7212,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'San Isidro Movement (MSI): Cuba',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Movimiento San Isidro</strong> started two years ago and has now become a<strong> platform for Cuban dissidents both within and outside the nation.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Movimiento San Isidro, or the San Isidro Movement (MSI), started<strong> two years ago (2018)</strong> to protest <strong>state censorship of artistic work through Decree 349.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Decree 349 is a law that would have given powers to the Cuba’s Government to restrict <strong>cultural activity</strong> it did not approve of.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>To protest against the decree, artists, poets, journalists and activists gathered in San Isidro, <strong>a Black-majority locality</strong> that is among <strong>Havana’s poorest yet most culturally active regions.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Current Spark:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A member of the MSI, <strong>Afro-Cuban rapper Denis Solís, was arrested by the police.</strong> This led to widespread protests and strikes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global View:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Various<strong> National government and International human rights organisations</strong> such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/suspension-of-amnesty-international-operations-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Amnesty International</strong> </a>have raised concern for human rights in Cuba.</li>
<li>Cuban diaspora in many countries continue to hold rallies <strong>in support of the movement.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Cuban Government Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Cuban government alleges that the movement is <strong>funded by USA</strong> and are being used to <strong>subvert the state.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608023723_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1608023723_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>India Cuba Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India shares<strong> close, warm and historical relations with Cuba</strong> and both countries are <strong>founding members of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Aligned Movement.</a></strong></li>
<li>In 1959, the Cuban-Argentinean guerrilla commander Ernesto Che Guevara paid a diplomatic visit to India and was welcomed by the then Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.</li>
<li>In 2019,<strong> India supported the resolutions</strong> in the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN General Assembly</strong> </a>calling for lifting of <strong>US sanctions against Cuba.</strong></li>
<li>India and Cuba agreed to collaborate in the areas of<strong> Biotechnology, Homeopathy and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-indian-system-of-medicine-bill-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">traditional system of medicine</a></strong> during the visit of the President of India to Cuba in 2019.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-the-san-isidro-movement-cubas-7103555/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7208,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Negotiations on UK’s Brexit Deadline',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> UK</strong> and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU) have <strong>agreed to continue <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/impact-of-brexit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brexit trade deal</a> talks</strong> and <strong>abandon the 31<sup>st</sup> December deadline,</strong> end of the transition period for a <strong>post-Brexit trade agreement.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the <strong>Withdrawal agreement</strong> between the UK and the EU, a transition period of 11 months was finalised until 31<sup>st</sup> December 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>During this period, the UK continues to <strong>participate in the EU&rsquo;s Customs Union</strong> and in the <strong>Single Market.</strong></li>
<li>The transition period makes sure that there is <strong>not a sudden shock but a degree of continuity that allows both parties to secure an orderly Brexit,</strong> minimising disruption for the citizens, businesses, public administrations, as well as for the international partners.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the negotiations on the post-Brexit trade agreement, significant differences remain on <strong>three critical issues: level playing field, governance</strong> and<strong> fisheries.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Level Playing Field:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>What measures there should be to ensure a &ldquo;level playing field&rdquo; for businesses between the UK and the EU and the role of the European Court of Justice.</li>
<li>Deadlock over <strong>the EU&rsquo;s demands for a mechanism that would make tariff-free trade with the both sides maintaining fair competition</strong> for business through a regulatory &ldquo;level playing field&rdquo;.</li>
<li><strong>The UK rejected &ldquo;evolution mechanism&rdquo;</strong> or<strong> &ldquo;equivalence mechanism&rdquo;.</strong> This mechanism<strong> intends to deter the UK from undercutting the EU</strong> if the bloc decides to raise its standards in areas such as environmental rules or workers&rsquo; rights.</li>
<li>The UK <strong>could not accept a deal that left it bound to EU rules</strong> in the future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UK<strong> wants to strike out a deal through bilateral talks with EU leaders.</strong></li>
<li>However, the EU had already proposed that the<strong> mechanism should be administered by a joint committee of EU-UK officials,</strong> with the arbitration in case of disputes and the <strong>negotiations must be conducted</strong> on behalf of all of the bloc&rsquo;s 27 member states <strong>by the committee.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fisheries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The key focus is over <strong>access to UK waters by the EU&rsquo;s fishing fleets.</strong></li>
<li>According to reports, <strong>France is leading the charge in this area</strong> and demanding access rights for at least 10 years, a demand the UK is unwilling to give in to, claiming it <strong>fails to meet its take back control criteria</strong> for leaving the bloc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Possibilities After Failed Negotiations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If a deal is not reached before the December-end deadline, the &ldquo;most likely&rdquo; outcome remains a<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-uk-s-constitutional-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> no-deal Brexit</strong></a> on <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organization</strong></a> (WTO) terms on 1<sup>st</sup> January.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In a no-deal situation, <strong>the UK would immediately leave the EU with no agreement about the divorce process</strong> (term used for the UK&rsquo;s separation from the EU), <strong>leave the single market and customs union arrangements</strong> overnight.</li>
<li>The UK will have to<strong> immediately leave EU institutes</strong> and other bodies like the European Court of Justice and Europol, its law enforcement body and will<strong> no longer contribute to the EU budget.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Without a trade deal, <strong>cross-Channel trade will revert to WTO rules,</strong> with <strong>tariffs driving up prices and generating paperwork</strong> for importers and <strong>border checks and taxes will be introduced for goods travelling</strong> between the UK and the EU.</li>
<li>It would have a far-reaching impact on the way business and trade is conducted in Europe and could<strong> spoil the relations between the UK and the EU.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a soft Brexit and there is a hard Brexit but the UK needs to find a way for a semi-soft Brexit so that people do not bear the sudden shock of leaving the EU at once.</li>
<li>The EU&rsquo;s core idea is that the member nations are stronger together and pooling the resources and initiatives is the best way of achieving common goals. Even if the UK has moved out of the EU, it will continue to move forward as a bloc of the 27 countries. Meanwhile, other nations of the world will have to accommodate themselves according to the shifting balance of power and politics.</li>
</ul>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7194,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>In a recent virtual summit, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uzbekistans-president-visit-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Uzbekistan</strong></a> have deliberated on <strong>expanding bilateral ties aiming to expand cooperation in a range of areas,</strong> including new and renewable energy, digital technologies, cybersecurity and sharing of information.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The agreements also include cooperation on <strong>connectivity projects in Afghanistan</strong> and its <strong>peace process, trilateral dialogue with Iran, combatting terrorism,</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607768550_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607768550_pasted image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Making efforts to achieve the <strong>mutually identified target of USD 1 billion for bilateral trade.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>current bilateral trade</strong> level of about <strong>USD 285 million</strong> (2018) is far below the potential.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Fast-track the conclusion of the ongoing <strong>Joint Feasibility Study</strong> that will pave the way for the commencement of negotiations on a <strong>Preferential Trade Agreement.</strong></li>
<li>Early conclusion of the <strong>Bilateral Investment Treaty</strong> which shall facilitate investment promotion and protection for further improvement of trade and economic cooperation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The sides noted the prospects for greater opportunities in the free economic zones of the two countries, including in the<strong> Uzbek-Indian free pharmaceutical zone</strong> in the <strong>Andijan region</strong> (eastern part of the Fergana Valley in far eastern Uzbekistan).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Uzbekistan welcomed the opportunities in India for investing/manufacturing under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Make in India&rsquo;</strong> </a>programme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Development Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India confirmed the <strong>approval of a USD 448 million Line of Credit for four developmental projects</strong> in Uzbekistan in the areas of road construction, sewerage treatment and information technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence and Security:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Appreciated the enhanced pace of bilateral defence cooperation since the convening of the first meeting of<strong> Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation in February 2019.</strong></li>
<li>Welcomed the holding of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-and-uzbekistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Dustlik 2019&rdquo;</a>, first-ever joint military exercises in November 2019.</strong></li>
<li>Agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the law enforcement agencies and special services of the two countries, including under the framework of the <strong>Uzbekistan-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Civil Nuclear Energy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Welcomed the conclusion of the bilateral agreement between the <strong>Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership</strong> (GCNEP) <strong>India</strong> and the<strong> Agency for Development of Nuclear Energy, Uzbekistan.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>GCNEP is the <strong>sixth research and development</strong> (R&amp;D) <strong>unit</strong> under the aegis of <strong>Department of Atomic Energy</strong> (DAE) and helps in capacity building, in association with the interested countries and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/63rd-general-conference-of-iaea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Atomic Energy Agency</strong></a> (IAEA).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reiterated continued commitment for <strong>enhancing connectivity</strong> between India and Uzbekistan and in the larger Central Asian region to bolster trade and investment.</li>
<li>India welcomed the <strong>proposal to hold trilateral dialogue among India, Iran and Uzbekistan</strong> to promote connectivity through the Chabahar port.</li>
<li>India also <strong>requested Uzbekistan to consider joining</strong> the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-central-asia-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International North-South Transport Corridor</strong> </a>(INSTC) which would add to the overall improvement of connectivity in the larger Eurasian space.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Culture, Education and People-to-People Contacts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India invited Uzbekistan to avail of increased scholarship opportunities provided by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/70-years-of-indian-council-for-cultural-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council for Cultural Relations</strong></a> (ICCR) and training and capacity building under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vice-president-s-visit-to-comoros-and-sierra-leone" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Terrorism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Strongly <strong>condemned terrorism</strong> in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed the determination to combat this menace by destroying terrorist safe-havens, networks, infrastructure and funding channels.</li>
<li>Also underlined the need for every country to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks against other countries and called for early finalisation of a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/at-unga-india-call-for-early-adoption-of-ccit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism</strong></a> (CCIT).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Afghanistan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Called for the <strong>settlement of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/afghan-turmoil-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Afghan conflict</a></strong> on the principle of Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process and expressed unanimity in support for a united, sovereign and democratic Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reformed Multilateralism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reaffirmed that the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN) must play a central role in maintaining global peace and security and also called for <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/un-reforms-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">comprehensive reform</a> of the UN structures</strong> including the Security Council with expansion in both categories of membership.</li>
<li>Uzbekistan <strong>reaffirmed its support to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India&rsquo;s candidature for permanent membership</a> of the UN Security Council</strong> and congratulated India on its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>election as a non-permanent member</strong> </a>of the UN Security Council for the term <strong>2021-22.</strong></li>
<li>India also congratulated the <strong>Uzbek side on its successful election</strong> to the <a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Human Rights Council</strong> </a>for the term <strong>2021-23.</strong></li>
<li>Appreciated their close cooperation in the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Shanghai Cooperation Organization</strong></a> (SCO).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In November 2020, India hosted the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sco-summit-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first-ever meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of SCO</a> since its joining the SCO.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India appreciated Uzbekistan&rsquo;s support in the successful holding of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/second-meeting-of-india-central-asia-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2<sup>nd</sup> India-Central Asia Dialogue</strong></a> at the level of Foreign Ministers with the participation of Afghanistan.</li>
<li><strong>Uzbekistan is a member of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-oic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a></strong> (OIC), which is the second largest intergovernmental organization after the UN.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is not a member</strong> of the OIC. However, India was<strong> invited as a guest of honour at the 46<sup>th</sup> Session of the Council of Foreign Minister in 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Emphasized the need for bilateral and global cooperation to continue the<strong> fight against the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a></strong> including development and distribution of effective vaccines and other medicines.</li>
<li><strong>Uzbekistan thanked India for the assistance rendered to Uzbekistan in its fight against the pandemic</strong> and India reaffirmed its continued commitment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Agreements reached during various bilateral visits have strengthened cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in diverse sectors such as political, trade and investment, defence, security, counter-terrorism, science and technology, nuclear energy, space, information technology and have promoted cultural and academic linkages.</li>
<li>Both countries thanked each other for the productive discussions held during the virtual summit and expressed confidence that the understandings and agreements will further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries for the well-being of their peoples and mutual prosperity.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-uzbek-president-discuss-afghanistan-iran-connectivity/article33305691.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7197,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Parliamentary Scrutiny',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/pointing-the-finger-at-parliamentary-scrutiny/article33309735.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Pointing the finger at parliamentary scrutiny&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 12/12/2020. It talks about the lapses in the management of the legislative work in the Indian Parliament.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/2020-12-01" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>new Farm laws</strong> </a>passed by Parliament have led to a serious confrontation between the government and the agitating farmers.</p>
<p>Although the government is reportedly willing to amend these Acts, the protesting farmers want these laws to be repealed and if necessary, fresh laws to be enacted after discussions with the farmers and other stakeholders.</p>
<p>The demand for the repeal of the laws passed by Parliament only recently essentially points to a serious lapse in the management of the legislative work in Parliament. These lapses can be witnessed in frequent bypassing of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/parliamentary-committee-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>parliamentary committees</strong></a> and<a href="/mains-practice-question/question-764" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> use of ordinances.</strong></a></p>
<p>As the parliament is the symbol of democracy, it is the responsibility of the government to check the decline of parliament and restore the people&rsquo;s trust.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Parliamentary Committees: Background</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Improving the pieces of legislation through detailed scrutiny by Parliament through its committees is historically an ancient practice.</li>
<li>In fact, the British Parliament has been doing it since the 16th century.</li>
<li>The Indian experience of legislative scrutiny of Bills goes back to the post-Montagu&ndash;Chelmsford Reforms.</li>
<li>It is interesting to note that the Central Legislative Assembly which was the Parliament of British India, had set up three committees:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Committee on Petitions relating to Bills,</li>
<li>Select Committee of Amendments of standing orders</li>
<li>Select Committee on Bills.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Thus, even the colonial Parliament recognised the need and usefulness of parliamentary scrutiny of Bills brought to the House by the government.</li>
<li>Free India&rsquo;s Parliament established a vast network of committees to undertake scrutiny of various aspects of governance including the Bills.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Prior to the formation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extension-of-tenure-of-standing-committees" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Departmentally-related Standing Committees (DRSCs)</strong></a>, in 1993, the Indian Parliament used to appoint select committees, joint select committees, etc. for detailed scrutiny of important legislative proposals of the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Significance of Parliamentary Committee System</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Inter-Ministerial Coordination:</strong> They are envisaged to be the face of Parliament in a set of interrelated departments and ministries.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are assigned the task of looking into the demands for grants of the ministries/departments concerned, to examine Bills pertaining to them, to consider their annual reports, and to look into their long-term plans and report to Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Instrument For Detailed Scrutiny:</strong> Committee reports are usually exhaustive and provide authentic information on matters related to governance.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bills that are referred to committees are returned to the House with significant value addition.</li>
<li>Besides the standing committees, the Houses of Parliament set up ad hoc committees to enquire and report on specific subjects that are assigned the task of studying a Bill closely and reporting back to the House.</li>
<li>Also, in the discharge of their mandate, they can solicit expert advice and elicit public opinion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Acting As Mini-Parliament:</strong> These committees are smaller units of MPs from both Houses, across political parties and they function throughout the year.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, Parliamentary committees are not bound by the populistic demands that generally act as a hindrance in working of parliament.</li>
<li>As committee meetings are &lsquo;closed-door&rsquo; and members are not bound by party whips, the parliamentary committee work on the ethos of debate and discussions.</li>
<li>Moreover, they work away from the public glare, remain informal compared to the codes that govern parliamentary proceedings, and are great training schools for new and young members of the House.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Marginalization of Parliament Committee System</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bypassing the Parliament Committee System:</strong> According to data by PRS Legislative Research, while 60% of the Bills in the 14<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha and 71% in the 15<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha were referred to DRSCs concerned, this proportion came down to 27% in the 16<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from the DRSCs, there are negligible bills referred to Select Committees of the Houses or Joint Parliamentary Committees.</li>
<li>The last Bill referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee was The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Second Amendment) Bill, in 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of Speaker or Chairman:</strong> The reference to the committees is within the discretion of the Speaker or the Chairman. The Rules of the house held that important Bills should go before the committees for a detailed examination.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, many times, the speaker or chairman have exercised their discretion not to refer to the committee an important Bill which has serious implications for society.</li>
<li>For example, in the recent farm bills which were enacted through ordinances, were passed from Lok Sabha within three days without being referred to a Standing Committee.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Revitalising Parliamentary Committee System:</strong> Parliament should revitalise its committees to enable wider public participation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It should insist that every Bill is deliberated upon in a committee, much like what the British Parliament does.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Acting With Responsibility &amp; Amending Rules:</strong> Apart from the Speaker or the Chairman acting with probity, there is need to amend rules of procedure in both Lok Sabha and Rajya sabha, so that all major Bills should be referred to DRSCs.</li>
<li><strong>Setting Up New Committees:</strong> Given the increasing complexity in matters of economy and technological advancement, there is a need for setting up new parliamentary committees. For example:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Standing Committee on Federal issues to provide analysis of all the matters that overlapping in the Union List, Concurrent List and State List.</li>
<li>Standing Constitution Committee to scrutinise Constitutional Amendment Bills before they are introduced in Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The primary role of Parliament is deliberation, discussion and reconsideration, the hallmarks of any democratic institution. However, Parliament deliberates on matters that are complex and therefore needs technical expertise to understand such matters better.</p>
<p>Thus, Parliamentary Committees help with this by providing a forum where members can engage with domain experts and government officials during the course of their study. There is a need to strengthen the parliamentary committees rather than bypassing them for the betterment of the parliamentary democracy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607773282_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607773282_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7f8ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the significance of the parliamentary committee system in India and recent issues relating to their functioning.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lpeMG2fW_OA" 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://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/a-harsh-lesson-five-years-after-the-paris-agreement-the-world-gets-serious-again/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;A Harsh lesson: Five years after the Paris Agreement, the world gets serious again&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Times of India on December 10th, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7189,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Changing Paradigms of Human Rights',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/reinvigoration-of-human-rights-is-imperative-to-emerge-from-covid-19-crisis-7100004/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Reinvigoration of human rights is imperative to emerge from COVID-19 crisis&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 10/12/2020. It talks about the changing paradigm in the concept of Human Rights, especially in the context of Covid-19 crisis.</p>
</div>
<p>The world honours <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/human-rights-day-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Human Rights Day every year on December 10</strong></a> to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.</p>
<p>The UDHR is a milestone document that proclaims the inalienable rights which everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or another opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or another status.</p>
<p>In its remembrance also lies the recognition of the fundamental contribution of the UDHR, the codification of the inalienability and universality of human rights.</p>
<p>However, the idea and concept of human rights are still not fully realised, especially in many of the developing countries. Also, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-food-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 crisis</strong></a> has deepened poverty, raised inequalities &amp; structural discrimination and other gaps in human rights protection.</p>
<p>Thus, there is a need to look into what human rights should constitute today.</p>
<h3>The Evolution Of Human Rights</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Civil And Political Rights (First Generation Rights)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These rights began to emerge as a theory during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and were based mostly on political concerns.</li>
<li>The two central ideas were those of personal liberty, and of protecting the individual against violations by the state.</li>
<li>Civil and political rights today are set out in detail in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/protesting-is-a-fundamental-right-un#:~:text=The%20ICCPR%20is%20a%20key,International%20Bill%20of%20Human%20Rights." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social, Economic And Cultural Rights (Second Generation Rights)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These rights concern how people live and work together and the basic necessities of life.</li>
<li>They are based on the ideas of equality and guaranteed access to essential social and economic goods, services, and opportunities.</li>
<li>They became increasingly a subject of international recognition with the effects of early industrialisation and the rise of a working-class.</li>
<li>These led to new demands and new ideas about the meaning of a life of dignity.</li>
<li>Social, economic and cultural rights are outlined in the<strong> International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Third Generation Rights: Solidarity Rights</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>What is the Need:</strong> Covid-19 pandemic has led to the consequence of a deeper understanding of the different types of obstacles that may stand in the way of realising the first and second-generation rights.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In much of the world, conditions such as extreme poverty, war, ecological and natural disasters have meant that there has been only very limited progress in respect of human rights.</li>
<li>For these reasons, the need for the recognition of a new category of human rights is necessary.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>What are Solidarity Rights:</strong> The idea at the basis of the third generation of rights is that of solidarity, and the rights embrace collective rights of society or peoples. The specific rights that are most commonly included within the category of third generation rights are: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rights to development, to peace, to a healthy environment, to share in the exploitation of the common heritage of mankind, to communication and humanitarian assistance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related To Solidarity Rights</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Human Rights are Individually Oriented:</strong> Some experts object to the idea of these rights because they are &lsquo;collective rights', in the sense of being held by communities or even whole states. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They argue that human rights can only be held by individuals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Whose Accountability:</strong> Since it is not the state but the international community that is meant to safeguard third generation rights, accountability is impossible to guarantee.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Human Rights must be at the centre of the post-Covid-19 world. In this context, human rights should evolve and expand to include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ending Discrimination of Any Kind:</strong> Structural discrimination and racism have been fuelled by the Covid-19 crisis. Equality and non-discrimination are core requirements for a post-Covid world.</li>
<li><strong>Addressing Inequalities:</strong> In order to recover from the crisis, there is also a need to address the inequality pandemic. For that, countries should promote and protect broader economic, social, &amp; cultural rights and bring them under the ambit of UDHR.</li>
<li><strong>Encouraging Participation and Solidarity:</strong> From individuals to governments, from civil society and grass-roots communities to the private sector, everyone has a role in building a post-COVID world that is better for present and future generations.</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Sustainable Development:</strong> Human Rights are driven by progress on all <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</strong></a>, and the SDGs are driven by advancements on human rights.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, Human rights, the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement should act as the cornerstone of a recovery that leaves no one behind.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The measures to close these gaps and advance human rights can ensure we fully recover and build back a world that is better, more resilient, just, and sustainable.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fcfaff;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>As the Covid-19 crisis has deepened social inequalities &amp; structural discrimination, there is a need to relook into what human rights should constitute today. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g4xjZLfW2Dc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/the-trouble-with-russia-ht-editorial/story-cOBbuCRLZmjWzck8bkq6CN.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The trouble with Russia&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on December 9<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7186,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Morocco Normalises Relations with Israel',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Morocco and Israel</strong> have agreed to normalise relations in a <strong>deal brokered by the USA.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It makes Morocco the <strong>fourth Arab country, after <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the UAE, Bahrain</a> (Abraham Accords) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sudan-and-israel-to-normalise-relations#:~:text=Sudan%2C%20which%20was%20technically%20at,well%2C%20to%20normalise%20their%20relations." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sudan</a></strong>, to set aside hostilities with Israel in the past four months.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607678711_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607678711_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Highlights of the Deal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Morocco will<strong> establish full diplomatic relations and resume official contacts</strong> with Israel,<strong> reopen their liaison offices</strong> in Rabat (capital of Morocco) and <strong>Tel Aviv</strong> (a city in Israel) immediately with the intention to open embassies and <strong>promote economic cooperation</strong> between Israeli and Moroccan companies.</li>
<li>Morocco <strong>intends to facilitate direct flights</strong> for Israeli tourists to and from Morocco.</li>
<li>The USA has <strong>changed its longstanding policy</strong> and recognised <strong>Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Since 2007,</strong> the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Security Council</strong></a>, of which the USA is a veto-capable permanent member, has called on <strong>Morocco and the Polisario to engage in negotiations without preconditions</strong> to reach a <strong>&ldquo;mutually acceptable political solution,</strong> which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The USA is putting in efforts to <strong>present a united front against Iran and minimise Tehran&rsquo;s regional influence.</strong></li>
<li>This step is considered as a sovereign move and will <strong>contribute to strengthening the common quest for stability, prosperity and lasting peace</strong> in the region.</li>
<li>The deal would <strong>deepen Morocco&rsquo;s engagement with the West and will also boost Israel&rsquo;s motive</strong> which has made it a <strong>priority to forge ties with formerly hostile countries in Africa and the Arab</strong> world in the absence of any progress with the Palestinians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reactions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Palestinians have been critical</strong> of the normalisation deals, saying Arab countries have set back the cause of peace by<strong> abandoning a longstanding demand of Israel giving up land for a Palestinian state</strong> before it can receive recognition.</li>
<li><strong>Egypt and the UAE have welcomed</strong> Morocco&rsquo;s decision.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Egypt and Israel signed a <strong>peace treaty in 1979.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> Polisario Front &ldquo;highly regrets&rdquo;</strong> the change in USA&rsquo;s policy, which it called <strong>&ldquo;strange but not surprising.&rdquo;</strong> It holds that the deal will not change an inch of the reality of the conflict and the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Western Sahara</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607678734_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1607678734_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Western Sahara</strong> is a desert region, a <strong>former Spanish colony</strong> and was <strong>annexed by Morocco in 1975.</strong></li>
<li>Since then, it has been the subject of a long-running territorial dispute between Morocco and its <strong>indigenous Saharawi people,</strong> led by the <strong>pro-independence Polisario Front.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Morocco</strong> says it has <strong>always been part of its territory,</strong> while the <strong><a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/09-07-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">African Union</a> recognises it as an independent state.</strong></li>
<li>A 16-year-long insurgency ended with an <strong>UN-brokered truce in 1991</strong> and the <strong>promise of a referendum on independence,</strong> which has yet to take place.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The USA supported the <strong>ceasefire</strong> between <strong>Morocco and the Polisario Front.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>November 2020,</strong> after a border incident, the <strong>Polisario pulled out of that deal</strong> and announced a return to armed struggle.</li>
<li>The USA&rsquo;s backing of Morocco's claim to sovereignty over Western Sahara is a big deal because it <strong>diminishes the hope of a people who have aspired for the independence</strong> of that territory for decades.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>President-elect Joe Biden</strong> will face a decision <strong>whether to accept the USA deal on the Western Sahara,</strong> which no other Western nation has done till now.</li>
<li>While Biden is<strong> expected to move the USA&rsquo;s foreign policy away from the</strong> <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/28-06-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;America First&rdquo;</strong> </a>posture, he will <strong>continue the pursuit of &ldquo;the Abraham Accords&rdquo;</strong> between Israel and Arab and Muslim nations.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/morocco-joins-other-arab-nations-agreeing-to-normalize-israel-ties-7100425/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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