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Japan Signs Pact with Maldives

Why in News Japan, India’s strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, has recently signed a pact to strengthen Maldives security...

23 Nov 2020 International Relations
APEC Virtual Meet

Why in News Recently, a virtual meeting of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum was held. The meeting was hosted by...

21 Nov 2020 International Relations
RCEP & Sri Lanka’s Dilemma

Why in News Various economists have speculated chances of Sri Lanka joining Regional Cooperation Economic Partnership (RCEP) and its impact on the...

21 Nov 2020 International Relations
India-Luxembourg Virtual Summit

Why in News Recently, the Prime Ministers of India and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg have held the first-ever India-Luxembourg Virtual...

20 Nov 2020 International Relations
The Big Picture: 75 Years of UN

Why in News? On October 24, 2020 the United Nations marked its diamond jubilee. Far from a joyous celebration, it was an occasion sombrely...

19 Nov 2020 International Relations
12th BRICS Summit

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

18 Nov 2020 International Relations
RCEP & India

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

17 Nov 2020 International Relations
Conflict in Ethiopia

Why in News The Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed has vowed to continue the military operation in the Tigray region amid concerns it could descend...

17 Nov 2020 International Relations
UAE Issues Golden Card Visa

Why in News Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has approved the issuance of a 10-year golden card visa for more professionals, including PhD...

17 Nov 2020 International Relations
RCEP Comes into Existence

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

16 Nov 2020 International Relations
China’s Railway Near Arunachal Border

Why in News China has begun work on a strategically significant railway line that will link Sichuan province with Nyingchi in Tibet, which lies...

16 Nov 2020 International Relations
17th ASEAN-India Summit

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

13 Nov 2020 International Relations
MoUs Between India-Maldives

Why in News Recently, India and the Maldives have signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Key Points Four MoUs: Two MoUs for High...

12 Nov 2020 International Relations
India-Maldives Relations

This article is based on “Strategic comfort’ with the Maldives” which was published in The Hindu on 09/11/2020. It talks about...

11 Nov 2020 International Relations
Armenia Azerbaijan Peace Deal

Why in News Recently, Russia has brokered a new peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both counties have been in a military conflict over the...

11 Nov 2020 International Relations
SCO Summit

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

11 Nov 2020 International Relations
Chabahar Project

Why in News Recently, Iran’s Port and Maritime Organisation (PMO) has conveyed to India a request for locomotives and signalling equipment for...

10 Nov 2020 International Relations
Impact of US Election Results on India

Why in News Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. has defeated Donald Trump to become the 46th US President. Biden’s running mate Kamala Devi Harris...

09 Nov 2020 International Relations
India-Italy Bilateral Summit

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

07 Nov 2020 International Relations
India’s Annual Resolution on Counter-Terror

Why in News Recently, India’s annual resolution on the issue of counter-terrorism was adopted by consensus in the First Committee of the...

06 Nov 2020 International Relations

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		'title' => 'Japan Signs Pact with Maldives',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Japan, India&rsquo;s strategic partner</strong></a> in the Indo-Pacific region, has recently signed a pact to strengthen Maldives security infrastructure that would contribute to stability in the Southern Indian Ocean.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Maldives and Japan recently signed an agreement under the<strong> Economic and Social Development Programme</strong> of the Government of Japan.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under it, a<strong> grant aid of 800 million Japanese Yen</strong> is to be extended to the Maldives Coast Guard and the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Center.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The grant aid will be utilized to<strong> further strengthen the capabilities</strong> of the Maldives Coast Guard, the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Center, Sub-Regional Centers and Vessels.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This includes the provision of <strong>communications equipment, professional search and rescue dive equipment</strong> to be used by the Maldives Coast Guard during search and rescue operations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Previously in October 2019, Japan donated 21 paramedic ambulances to the Maldives health sector.</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Combating <strong>Piracy,</strong></li>
<li>Countering <strong>violent extremism </strong>and<strong> narco-trafficking.</strong></li>
<li>Ensuring<strong> a free and open Indian Ocean</strong> that would bring about peace and prosperity to the region.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Indian Ocean archipelago, that is home to nearly<strong> 4 lakh people,</strong> assumes geopolitical significance, owing to its strategic location.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-maldives-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maldives, a Toll Gate in Indian Ocean:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Located at the southern and northern parts of this island chain lies the two important <strong>sea lanes of communication</strong> (SLOCs).</li>
<li>These SLOCs are critical for maritime trade flow between the <strong>Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Hormuz in West Asia and the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia.</strong></li>
<li>The SLOCs are of vital importance for India since <strong>nearly 50% of India&rsquo;s external trade and 80% of her energy imports transit these westward SLOCs in the Arabian Sea.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pact with a Quad Member:</strong> The &ldquo;grant aid&rdquo; is the Maldives&rsquo;s <strong>second major pact</strong> with a member of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Quad&rsquo;,</strong></a> an informal strategic grouping of the USA, Japan, Australia and India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Previously, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-maldives-framework-on-defense-and-security-relationship#:~:text=USA%2DMaldives%20Framework%20on%20Defense%20and%20Security%20Relationship,-14%20Sep%202020&amp;text=Recently%2C%20a%20Framework%20on%20Defense,IOR)%20and%20Indo%2DPacific." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>a framework related to defence and security was signed with the USA.</strong></a></li>
<li>Quad member countries <strong>Foreign Ministers</strong> met in<strong> Tokyo</strong> last month and held discussions, including on ways to <strong>counter Chinese presence and influence in the region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606128823_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606128823_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/maldives-to-receive-japanese-grant-to-strengthen-coastguard/article33155784.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7039,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'APEC Virtual Meet',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a virtual meeting of the<strong> 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)</strong> forum was held.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The meeting was <strong>hosted by Malaysia. New Zealand</strong> will also <strong>host next year's APEC meetings</strong> virtually due to the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With <strong>growth in the Asia-Pacific region expected to decline by 2.7%</strong> this year, from a 3.6% growth in 2019, APEC's focus was on accelerating economic recovery and developing an affordable vaccine.</li>
<li><strong>Focus Areas:</strong> Trade and investment, Digital Economy and Technology, Structural Reform, Economic and Technical Cooperation and Thematic and institutional matters.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>APEC leaders adopted the <strong>Putrajaya Vision 2040,</strong> a new 20-year growth vision to <strong>replace the Bogor Goals</strong> named after the Indonesian town where leaders agreed in 1994 to free and open trade and investment.</li>
<li>Recognised the <strong>importance of a free, open, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent and predictable trade and investment environment</strong> to drive economic recovery at such a challenging time (Covid-19).</li>
<li>Discussed the <strong>Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) agenda</strong> and the <strong>APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap (AIDER).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China has become the main driving force</strong> behind the grouping after the <strong>United States began withdrawing from multilateral bodies</strong> during Trump's presidency.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>But Trump made the surprise decision to take part in this year's event, after <strong>not participating at APEC since 2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It vowed to keep its &ldquo;super-sized&rdquo; economy open for business and warned against protectionism as the world battles the Covid-19 pandemic. It needs to be noted that Trump&rsquo;s <strong>"America First"</strong> policy has alienated trading partners.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After the signing of the world&rsquo;s largest trade pact <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)&rsquo;</strong></a>, China is trying to set the agenda for global commerce.</li>
<li>Although China is promoting openness in trade, its own actions go against it, for example:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Australian exports of beef, wine and barley to China, their biggest market, have been restricted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Established:</strong> 1989</li>
<li><strong>Members: 21</strong></li>
<li><strong>India is not a Member.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Member Nations:</strong> Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam and the United States.</li>
<li>Its 21 member economies are home to around <strong>2.8 billion</strong> people and represented approximately <strong>59% of world GDP</strong> and<strong> 49% of world trade</strong> in 2015.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>India and APEC</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India had requested membership in <strong>APEC,</strong> and received initial support from the United States, Japan, Australia and Papua New Guinea. Officials have decided<strong> not to allow India to join as India does not border the Pacific Ocean, which all current members do.</strong></li>
<li>India was invited to be an<strong> observer for the first time in November 2011.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Reasons for India to join APEC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India will be more integrated with the global economy since APEC economies constitute an important trading bloc in the world.</li>
<li>It will help India bargain and negotiate a better deal with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expected Benefits to APEC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In India, APEC will find an<strong> alternate market</strong> for labour, consumers and investments, and an additional counterweight to help check unilateral economic ambitions in the region.</li>
<li>It will also help APEC embrace<strong> some notion of &lsquo;Indo-Pacific&rsquo;</strong> and give it a renewed purpose in a renewed 21<sup>st</sup> century.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/in-apec-speech-xi-touts-chinas-economy-as-base-of-free-trade/article33134975.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7038,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'RCEP & Sri Lanka’s Dilemma',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Various economists have speculated chances of Sri Lanka joining <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Cooperation Economic Partnership</strong> </a>(RCEP) and its impact on the island nation.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Recently, the RCEP, a mega trade bloc comprising 15 countries, has come into existence.</li>
<li>Even as <strong>India opted to stay out</strong> after walking out of discussions last year, the new trading bloc has made it clear that the door will remain open for India to return to the negotiating table.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Advantages to Sri Lanka on joining RCEP: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Trade expansion:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Diversify its trade basket in the asia pacific region and beyond.</li>
<li>Many leaders in the past have argued that Sri Lanka needs to turn more eastward in its economic and trade diplomacy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strategic location:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sri Lanka is located along one of the busiest shipping routes in the world.</li>
<li>Recently, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka said that the country must develop the Hambantota and Colombo Ports together with the Airports to be at a centre in the international commercial processes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the current situation amid a<strong> global pandemic,</strong> <strong>no country can stick to an isolationist policy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges in joining:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unclear Trade policy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government&rsquo;s position on <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/a-note-on-free-trade-agreements-and-their-costs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Free Trade Agreements</strong> </a>(FTA) has not been consistent.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India has not been finalised, while the country has expressed interest to revive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with China.</li>
<li>The government is also re-examining the FTA signed with Singapore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increase in Competition:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>RCEP would make it more difficult for Sri Lanka to compete with the <strong>markets</strong> of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, etc. in other countries unless a <strong>bilateral agreement</strong> is finalised.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pandemic</strong></a>, marked by the disruption to <strong>global supply chains,</strong> led to a critique of globalization making Sri Lanka suspicious of joining it.</li>
<li><strong>Sri Lanka's Dilemma:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India will be a powerful economy in the world in the next decade. China together with several other Asian countries (part of RCEP) will be amongst the five most powerful economies in the world.</li>
<li>India and China are also two biggest sources of imports for the country.</li>
<li>Thus it would be tough for Sri Lanka to decide whether to join China led RCEP or side with India by not joining it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sri Lanka joining RCEP will increase the <strong>influence of China</strong> in India&rsquo;s neighbourhood.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government of Sri Lanka has a focus on China-backed 1.4 billion USD Colombo Port City as a hub for international business and investment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Reduce Sri Lanka&rsquo;s dependency on India.</li>
<li>Sri Lanka has a list of highly strategic ports located among busiest sea lanes of communication. India may get limited access to them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/analysis-what-are-sri-lankas-prospects-with-rcep-sans-india/article33133056.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7032,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Luxembourg Virtual Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Prime Ministers of India</strong> and the <strong>Grand Duchy of Luxembourg</strong> have held the <strong>first-ever India-Luxembourg Virtual Summit.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Both countries have cordial and friendly relations for over more than seven decades since the <strong>establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605863409_image1.gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605863409_image1.gif" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Focus Areas:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Strengthening <strong>India-Luxembourg relationship in the post-<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> world,</strong> especially in the areas of financial technology, green financing, space applications, digital innovations and start-ups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promote Multilateralism:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Strengthen cooperation on realising<strong> effective multilateralism and combating global challenges</strong> like the Covid-19 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a>, terrorism and climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Initiatives:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India welcomed <strong>Luxembourg&rsquo;s announcement to join the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/third-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Solar Alliance</a></strong> (ISA), and also invited it to join the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure</strong> </a>(CDRI).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Agreements Signed at the Summit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between <strong>India International Exchange (India INX)</strong> and <strong>Luxembourg Stock Exchange.</strong></li>
<li>MoU between State Bank of India (SBI) and Luxembourg Stock Exchange.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both these provide for cooperation in financial services, industry maintenance of orderly markets in securities, ESG (environmental, social and governance) and green finance in the local market.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>MoU between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/invest-india-business-immunity-platform" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Invest India</strong> </a>and <strong>Luxinnovation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provides for support and development of mutual business cooperation, including promotion and facilitation of inbound FDI, coming from or proposed by Indian and Luxembourgish investors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Luxembourg Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Economic Relationship:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both countries have a <strong>long-standing cooperation in the steel</strong> sector and the leaders called upon businesses, including SMEs and startups, to <strong>explore further opportunities</strong> for expanding the economic relationship.</li>
<li>Both nations look forward to the<strong> 17<sup>th</sup> Joint Economic Commission</strong> (JEC) between <strong>India and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-and-belgium-luxembourg-economic-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union</a></strong> to review the economic and trade relations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Finance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> proposed agreement</strong> between the regulatory authorities <strong>Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier</strong> (CSSF) and the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/securities-and-exchange-board-of-india-sebi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Securities and Exchange Board of India</strong> </a>(SEBI) would deepen bilateral cooperation in the financial sector.</li>
<li>Luxembourg, as a <strong>leading international financial centre in Europe,</strong> can <strong>act as an important bridge</strong> to help connect India&rsquo;s financial services industry with international markets and reach European and global investors.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Space and Digital Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both countries have an <strong>ongoing space cooperation,</strong> including in the domain of <strong>satellite broadcasting and communications.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Luxembourg based space companies</strong> have <strong>started utilising the services of India</strong> for launching their satellites into space.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In November 2020, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation</strong> </a>(ISRO)<strong> launched the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/earth-observation-satellite-eos-01-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PSLV-C49 mission</a></strong>, which included 4 satellites from Luxembourg.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <strong>cooperation instrument in the area of exploration and <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/29-03-2019#:~:text=Global%20Rules%20and%20demands%20related%20to%20Space&amp;text=There%20are%20international%20treaties%20governing,be%20exploited%20for%20peaceful%20purposes.&amp;text=India%20is%20a%20party%20to%20the%20Outer%20Space%20Treaty." target="_blank" rel="noopener">use of outer space</a> for peaceful purposes</strong> is currently under discussion between the two Governments.</li>
<li>In the wake of the<strong> pandemic,</strong> both India and Luxembourg are <strong>promoting digitalisation</strong> through the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> "Digital India&rdquo;</strong></a> programme and the <strong>"Digital Luxembourg&rdquo;</strong> initiative respectively and agree to explore convergences between the two initiatives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Higher Education and Research:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Indian National Brain Research Centre</strong> and the <strong>Luxembourg Institute of Health</strong> and the<strong> Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine</strong> have an ongoing collaboration in the field of <strong>neurodegenerative diseases.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of <strong>disorders that are characterised by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system.</strong></li>
<li>Examples: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/preventive-methods-for-alzheimers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Alzheimer's disease</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/z-scan-method-for-parkinson-s-disease#:~:text=Parkinson's%20disease%20is%20a%20chronic,the%20brain%20to%20the%20body." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Parkinson's disease.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>IITs</strong> in Bombay, Kanpur and Madras and the <strong>National Law School of India</strong> have <strong>links</strong> with the <strong>University of Luxembourg</strong> which will be <strong>further expanded</strong> for higher education and research in both countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Culture and People-to-people Ties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019,<strong> Luxembourg</strong> issued a<strong> commemorative stamp to mark the 150<sup>th</sup> Birth Anniversary of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mahatma-gandhi-jayanti#:~:text=2nd%20October%202020%20was,of%20the%20Nation%20%2D%20Mahatma%20Gandhi." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mahatma Gandhi</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Both countries intend to <strong>conclude a Migration and Mobility agreement</strong> to further strengthen mobility as well as an <strong>agreement on an exemption of visas</strong> for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>EU-India Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>July 2020,</strong> a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-eu-virtual-summit#:~:text=Recently%2C%20India%20and%20the%20European,that%20define%20their%20bilateral%20ties." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>virtual summit between India and the European Union</strong></a> (EU) was held, where India expressed support for further intensification of the India-EU relationship, through strengthening cooperation in areas of common interest in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific region</strong></a>, and through comprehensive, sustainable and rules-based connectivity.</li>
<li><strong>Luxembourg,</strong> as <strong>one of the founding members of the EU,</strong> has<strong> played a constructive role</strong> in supporting stronger India-EU ties, which becomes even more important for the <strong>post-Covid-19 economic recovery.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multilateral Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Luxembourg <strong>welcomed <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/elections-for-non-permanent-members-of-the-unsc#:~:text=Key%20Points,129%20votes)%20to%20be%20confirmed.&amp;text=This%20would%20be%20India's%20eighth,will%20begin%20from%20January%202021." target="_blank" rel="noopener">India&rsquo;s election to a non-permanent seat</a></strong> in the <strong>UN Security Council</strong> for the term 2021-2022 and reiterated its <strong>support for the reforms in the UN Security Council,</strong> including its expansion in both categories of permanent and non-permanent membership. It <strong>supports <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India&rsquo;s candidature for the permanent membership</a></strong> of the UN Security Council.</li>
<li>Luxembourg supported India&rsquo;s entry into the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/multilateral-export-control-regimes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Missile Technology Control Regime</strong></a> (MTCR) and India&rsquo;s participation in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-nsg-bid" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nuclear Suppliers Group</strong> </a>(NSG).</li>
<li>India supports <strong>Luxembourg&rsquo;s candidatures to the <a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UN Human Rights Council</a></strong> for the term 2022-2024.</li>
<li>Both <strong>condemn <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-international-convention-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">terrorism</a> in all its forms and manifestations</strong> and agree on the need for continued cooperation to support international efforts at the UN and at forums like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/financial-action-task-force-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Action Task Force</strong> </a>(FATF) to prevent and combat terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>first stand-alone Summit between India and Luxembourg</strong> in the past two decades marks a new phase in the bilateral relations where both countries reaffirmed their commitment towards widening and deepening the spectrum of the bilateral relations and enhancing consultation and coordination in regional and multilateral fora on matters of mutual and global interest.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1674160" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7021,
		'category_id' => (int) 15,
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: 75 Years of UN',
		'description' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v8xa4uh2Au0" 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>On October 24, 2020 the United Nations marked its diamond jubilee.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Far from a joyous celebration, it was an occasion sombrely reflecting the stagnance of the UN at 75.</li>
<li>How it can regain its lost lustre is a matter of discussion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite that the UN has gone through several improvements, the tussle between 'principle' and 'power' still remains the same.</li>
<li>The UN is for global governance and not a global government.</li>
<li>Though the organisation was designed to maintain a peaceful and just world, it still privileges the most powerful states.</li>
<li>The UN has seen successes as well as failures almost equally.</li>
<li>The United Nations must be sustained as there is no parallel organisation to it.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The United Nations</h3>
<p>Founded in 1945, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong> </a>is an international organisation aimed at:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Maintaining international peace and security</li>
<li>Protecting human rights</li>
<li>Delivering humanitarian aid</li>
<li>Promoting sustainable development</li>
<li>Upholding international law.</li>
</ul>
<p>The UN headquarters is located in New York, USA.</p>
<p><strong>UN's Success Areas</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increment in the UN membership:</strong> Post- 1960's decolonisation, the membership of the UN expanded from about 50 members to double.</li>
<li><strong>Decolonisation:</strong> It was the UN which played the lead role in the 1960 decolonisation and helped around 80 colonies in gaining their freedom.</li>
<li><strong>Involvement with civil society:</strong> The UN is no more an organisation of nations only, more and more UN bodies have begun engaging with the people within the nations, experts, intellectuals and media with time.</li>
<li><strong>Better sustenance:</strong> The UN has successfully sustained itself till now, as compared to the <strong>League of Nations,</strong> which is an achievement.</li>
<li><strong>Peacekeeping:</strong> The UN has successfully prevented World War - III.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>1960's Decolonisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 1960, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV)), known also as the <strong>Declaration on Decolonization.</strong></li>
<li>When the United Nations was established in 1945, 750 million people- almost a third of the world's population then lived in Territories that were non-self-governing, dependent on colonial Powers.</li>
<li>About 80 former colonies had gained their independence.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At present, there are 17 only Non- Self- Governing Territories remaining and fewer than 2 million people live in such Territories.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The League of Nations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The League of Nations was an international diplomatic group developed after World War I as a way to solve disputes between countries before they erupted into open warfare.</li>
<li>It was established on 10 January, 1920 with its headquarter in <strong>Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
<li>A precursor to the United Nations, the League achieved some victories but had a mixed record of success, sometimes putting self-interest before becoming involved with conflict resolution, while also contending with governments that did not recognize its authority.</li>
<li>The League effectively ceased operations during World War II (1946).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>UN's Major Setbacks</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Arm races and Cold war:</strong> Although, the WW-III has been successfully prevented till date, violence, arm races, nuclear races and cold wars still occur among nations.</li>
<li><strong>Power suppressing principles:</strong> The world body still continues to see a tussle between &lsquo;principle&rsquo; and &lsquo;power&rsquo;.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While the hopes of a peaceful and just world are represented by the UN, the most powerful states are privileged by granting them commanding heights over international politics via the undemocratic instruments of veto power and permanent seats in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1#:~:text=Its%20primary%20responsibility%20is%20to,China%20and%20the%20United%20Kingdom" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Security Council</strong> </a>(UNSC).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Not a multipolar organisation:</strong> The UN has been unable to present itself as a multipolar and multilateral organisation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the time of formation, the UN had 5 permanent members with a total of 51 members, presently, it has 193 members but permanent members in the UN General Assembly are still 5.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Laggard in holistic growth:</strong> The organisation had not been able to cope up with the increasing globalisation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UN has been a laggard in overall development; no institutional arrangement is there to deal in particular with Pandemics or new technologies such as <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Significant Role of India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India and the UN:</strong> India is one of the founding members of the UN.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Since its independence and even before that,India has been an active participant in all initiatives undertaken by the UN like Millennium Development Goals, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable development goals</strong></a> and various UN summits, including on climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintaining peace:</strong> As far as the peacekeeping ambit of the UN is concerned, India has performed quite well in maintaining peaceful and friendly relations with most of the nations.</li>
<li><strong>India and UNSC:</strong> India has been recently elected as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/elections-for-non-permanent-members-of-the-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non permanent member of the UNSC</strong></a> and will be joining the latter from 1 January, 2021.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The non permanent membership of India can be taken as an opportunity to convince the like-minded nations for fighting international terrorism.</li>
<li>Moreover, India should also focus upon sitting upon the apex body in future; becoming a permanent member of the UN.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Raising concern over need of reforms:</strong> India has realised the urgent need of reforms in the UN specially at the UNSC and has raised concerns over the issue.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What can India do?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Perseverance:</strong> India must persevere and be determined about its position rather than bringing it out only on occasions.</li>
<li><strong>Alliance:</strong> It should make other allied nations that have ties with India realise its value and the power they can all gather together once India gets a permanent seat at the Security council.</li>
<li><strong>Balance its international and internal responsibilities:</strong> India must also see the added pressure it might receive if it becomes a member on the Security council and not have to compromise with its own internal issues.</li>
<li><strong>Principles over power:</strong> India&rsquo;s tilt towards principles is what is appreciated and shall be continued to maintain its goodwill.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reforming the UN charter:</strong> The UN charter talks only about the rights but not duties and responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities at individual, community, global and national level need to be emphasised too.</li>
<li><strong>Reforms in the UNSC:</strong> The UNSC should be expanded in terms of its core members, only five permanent members with a total of 193 members does not provide justice to the others.</li>
<li><strong>A more multilateral organisation:</strong> The UN should engage strongly with multilateralism and harness the capabilities of all those who matter, not just the P5.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>What is needed is a multipolar and multilateral approach rather than autocracy of the P5 countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Choosing principles over power:</strong> If the principles are written by the most powerful states, then it cannot create any difference; the unequal and iniquitous structure will remain the same.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The salience of power is what is needed to be reduced.</li>
<li>This is where India can take up the lead and may start a dialogue with the like minded countries first about the same.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judging the elements of power:</strong> It is needed to be looked upon what elements of power need to be appreciated- the crude, military power or the soft, economic power.</li>
<li><strong>Principles for the powerful too:</strong> The other members need to make sure that the powerful members are made to work within the framework of principles so the balance between the power and principle is maintained.</li>
<li><strong>Specialised agencies:</strong> The need for specialised agencies dealing with specific affairs such as Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Pandemics etc shall be looked and acted upon.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>P5 Countries:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The P5 refers to the UN Security Council's five permanent members; namely China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States plus Germany (making it P5 +1).</li>
<li>The P5+1 is often referred to as the E3+3 by European countries.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The UN has survived and thrived and has certainly seen incremental changes over the last 75 years but the time has come for the UN to change and change for the better.</li>
<li>UNSC is in desperate need to undergo reforms, the sooner the better, the later the more redundant.</li>
<li>In a nutshell, as far as the whole UN is concerned complete reform is needed with principles not to be written by the most powerful anymore.</li>
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		'article_id' => (int) 7013,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => '12th BRICS Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Prime minister of India while addressing the <strong>12<sup>th</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/11th-brics-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BRICS</a></strong> summit held online touched upon issues like <strong>terrorism, Covid-19</strong> pandemic and the need for <strong>reforms in global bodies.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Russia was the host and chair of<strong> BRICS</strong> this year.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Notes</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand at the Summit:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Terrorism:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Need to confront the countries</strong> that supported and sponsored terror and ensure that terrorists and those who support and sponsor terrorists <strong>should be held guilty</strong> and this problem is addressed in a collective manner.</li>
<li>India acknowledged the Russian support to the <strong>BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy</strong> and reiterated its support to the strategy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is well aligned with the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-brics-focus-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Brasilia Declaration</strong></a> which condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestation.</li>
<li>Earlier this year India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>annual resolution on the issue of counter-terrorism</strong></a> was adopted by consensus in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>First Committee</strong></a> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)</strong></a> which also strengthened the war against terrorism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nation Security Council (UNSC)</a> Reforms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India raised the issue of <strong>credibility and effectiveness</strong> of the institutions that were necessary for global governance, and urged for support from<strong> BRICS</strong> partners.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India addressed the issue of cooperation among the <strong>BRICS</strong> countries on the production of vaccines for <strong>Covid-19.</strong></li>
<li>Referring to the post<strong> Covid-19</strong> economic hardships of the world, India highlighted the importance of <strong>BRICS</strong> in that scenario.</li>
<li><strong>BRICS</strong> countries will play a significant role in the recovery of the post <strong>Covid-19</strong> world as <strong>42%</strong> of the world&rsquo;s population resides in the <strong>BRICS</strong> countries and the economies are the major engines of the world.</li>
<li>India also highlighted the scope of <strong>increasing trade</strong> among the <strong>BRICS</strong> countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India introduced <strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat</strong> (self-reliant India) to the <strong>BRICS.</strong></li>
<li>India said that the <strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign</strong> is based on the subject that a self-reliant and resilient India can become a force multiplier for the post <strong>Covid-19</strong> world order.</li>
<li>A <strong>self-reliant India</strong> would make solid <strong>contributions</strong> to the global value chains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has offered to cooperate with India and other <strong>BRICS</strong> nations in the<strong> development of vaccines</strong> against the coronavirus</li>
<li>China said it will open the <strong>BRICS</strong> partnership on a new industrial revolution innovation centre in the Chinese city of<strong> Xiamen.</strong></li>
<li>China supported the <strong>BRICS counter-terrorism strategy</strong> that called upon on all countries to take steps to prevent the use of their territories for terrorist activities against other countries or their own citizens.</li>
<li>Also supported the <strong>declaration</strong> which talked about respect for territorial integrity of Syria, Libya, Iraq and in the context of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Russia&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Russia</strong> called for a joint effort by the <strong>BRICS</strong> countries on the development of the coronavirus vaccines.</li>
<li>It also highlighted the importance of establishing a <strong>Centre for Development and Research </strong>of <strong>BRICS</strong> vaccines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of BRICS Summit for India and China:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides the Chinese and the Indian leadership an opportunity to exchange their thoughts on key priorities in the backdrop of the continued tension along their borders.</li>
<li>Both the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</strong></a> and <strong>BRICS</strong> have provided recent opportunities for exchange of ideas between the two sides.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>BRICS,</strong> being one of the pillars of the emerging fairer polycentric world order, plays an important stabilising role in global affairs.</li>
<li>In the storming ocean of world politics, <strong>BRICS</strong> can contribute significantly in maintaining<strong> international stability</strong> and ensuring <strong>global economic growth</strong> and becoming a <strong>united center</strong> of the multipolar world.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/terrorism-biggest-global-problem-countries-supporting-terrorists-need-to-be-held-guilty-pm-modi-at-brics/article33117750.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7010,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'RCEP & India',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/threat-or-treat/article33110441.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Threat or treat: on RCEP trade deal&rdquo;</a> which was published in The Hindu on 17/11/2020. It talks about the impact of India&rsquo;s stance to stay out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <strong><a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/16-11-2020#6999" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was signed into existence</a></strong> by 15 countries led by China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the 10-state ASEAN grouping, creating one of the world&rsquo;s largest trading blocs.</p>
<p>India had been a part of negotiations for almost nine years <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-and-rcep" target="_blank" rel="noopener">till it pulled out in November 2019</a>, stating that inadequate safeguards and lowering of customs duties will adversely impact its manufacturing, agriculture and dairy sectors.</p>
<p>However, by staying out, India has blocked itself from a trade bloc that represents 30% of the global economy and world population, touching over 2.2 billion people.</p>
<p>Further, as the summary of the final agreement shows that the pact does cover and attempt to address some issues that India had flagged, including rules of origin, trade in services, movement of persons. Therefore, this makes the case of India to review its decision and look RCEP through the lens of economic realism.</p>
<h3>Reasons for India's Withdrawal</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Unfavourable Balance of Trade:</strong> Though trade has increased the post-<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/country-of-origin-rules-carotar-2020#:~:text=Free%20Trade%20Agreement,on%20substantial%20trade%20between%20them." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Free Trade Agreement</a> with South Korea, ASEAN countries and Japan, imports have risen faster than exports from India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to a paper published by NITI Aayog, India has a bilateral trade deficit with most of the member countries of RCEP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Chinese Angle:</strong> India has already signed FTA with all the countries of RCEP except China. Trade data suggests that India&rsquo;s deficit with China, with which it does not have a trade pact, is higher than that of the remaining RCEP constituents put together.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This trade deficit is the primary concern for India, as after signing RCEP cheaper products from China would have flooded the Indian market.</li>
<li>Further, from a geopolitical perspective, RCEP is China-led or is intended to expand China's influence in Asia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Non-acceptance of Auto-trigger Mechanism:</strong> To deal with the imminent rise in imports, India had been seeking an auto-trigger mechanism.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Auto-trigger Mechanism would have allowed India to raise tariffs on products in instances where imports cross a certain threshold.</li>
<li>However, other countries in the RCEP were against this proposal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection of Domestic Industry:</strong> India had also reportedly expressed apprehensions on lowering and eliminating tariffs on several products like dairy, steel etc.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For instance, the dairy industry is expected to face stiff competition from Australia and New Zealand.</li>
<li>Currently, India&rsquo;s average bound tariff for dairy products is on average 35%.</li>
<li>The RCEP binds countries to reduce that current level of tariffs to zero within the next 15 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Consensus on Rules of Origin:</strong> India was concerned about a &ldquo;possible circumvention&rdquo; of rules of origin.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rules of origin are the criteria used to determine the national source of a product.</li>
<li>Current provisions in the deal reportedly do not prevent countries from routing, through other countries, products on which India would maintain higher tariffs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Reasons For India to Review</h3>
<h3><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605614956_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605614956_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="529" height="287" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Economic Stagnation due to Covid-19:</strong> With global trade and the economy facing a steep decline due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, RCEP can serve as a bulwark in containing the free fall of the global economy and re-energising economic activity.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the RCEP presents a unique opportunity to support India&rsquo;s economic recovery, inclusive development and job creation even as it helps strengthen regional supply chains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need For Economic Realism:</strong> India should deter seeing RCEP only from the Chinese perspective.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India should acknowledge that the trade bloc represents 30% of the global economy and world population, touching over 2.2 billion people, and staying out of RCEP may result in suboptimal economic growth without leveraging Asia-Pacific demand.</li>
<li>In this regard, India can draw inspiration from Japan &amp; Australia, as they chose to bury their geopolitical differences with China to prioritise what they collectively see as a mutually beneficial trading compact.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Need:</strong> It is not just because gains from trade are significant, but the RCEP&rsquo;s membership is a prerequisite to having a say in shaping RCEP&rsquo;s rules.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is necessary to safeguard India&rsquo;s interests and the interests of several countries that are too small to stand up to the largest member, China.</li>
<li>Moreover, staying out of RCEP may also affect <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India's Act East policy</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Acknowledging India&rsquo;s economic heft and value as a market, the RCEP members have left the door open for India for inviting it to be an observer member and also waived a critical 18-month cooling period for interested applicants.</p>
<p>Given the global economic scenario in present times and the near future, it would be in India&rsquo;s interest to dispassionately review its position on RCEP and carry out structural reforms that will help India to mitigate some of the repercussions arising from the RCEP.</p>
<table border="1" style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #cff6fa; border-color: #058f9e;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question<br /><br /></strong></em>Given the global economic scenario in near future, it would be in India&rsquo;s interest to dispassionately review its position on RCEP. Discuss.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vqKMrySdyQg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This editorial is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/farmers-fertiliser-subsidy-india-modi-7052724/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Fertile opportunity&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on November 16th, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 7 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7008,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Conflict in Ethiopia',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed has vowed to continue the military operation in the <strong>Tigray region</strong> amid concerns it could descend into civil conflict.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605606629_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605606629_image3.png" width="567" height="382" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Military Operation:</strong> Abiy has declared war on the country’s Tigray region, which is ruled by the powerful <strong>Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)</strong>, in response to its attack on a federal military base in Tigray.</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>After becoming Ethiopia’s Prime Minister in April 2018, <strong>Abiy Ahmed</strong> reached out to the political opposition, ushered democratic reforms, lifted curbs on the media and made peace with Eritrea - moves that won him the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prize-for-peace-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nobel Peace Prize in 2019</strong></a>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eritrea is a sworn enemy of the TPLF,</strong> which shares a long border with the Tigray region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>He also <strong>removed TPLF from senior government positions</strong>. His push to concentrate more power in the hands of the government alienated the TPLF further. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Abiy has formed a new political coalition, the Prosperity Party, all constituents of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), except the TPLF, joined the new platform.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When the <strong>federal government postponed the general elections</strong> in August to 2021 citing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>coronavirus pandemic</strong></a>,<strong> Tigray politicians</strong> accused him of a power grab and <strong>held elections</strong>, in September, in the region, in defiance of the government.</li>
<li>Rising tensions led to an attack on the military base.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tigray People’s Liberation Front:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>militia-turned-party</strong>, which was part of the coalition that brought an end to the military dictatorship in 1991.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>TPLF leader <strong>Meles Zenawi</strong> took over as the interim President in 1991 and <strong>became the first elected Prime Minister</strong> in 1995.</li>
<li>He is largely seen as the <strong>architect of the country’s ethno-federal system</strong> and remained in power till 2012.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It had played a <strong>dominant role in the country’s ruling coalition,</strong> the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF - put together by Zenawi). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Though the EPRDF <strong>contains regional political parties</strong> such as the Amhara Democratic Party, the Oromo Democratic Party and the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement, the <strong>TPLF remained the dominant political force</strong>.<br />
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li>The <strong>Tigray people make up roughly 6% of the population</strong>, while the <strong>Oromos have a 34% share and the Amharas 27%</strong>. The Oromos <strong>have alleged marginalisation</strong> and called for better representation.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>Over the years, the government led by the EPRDF, was <strong>accused of being increasingly authoritarian</strong> and there were <strong>frequent mass protests in the regions</strong>.</li>
<li>In 2018, the <strong>EPRDF chose Abiy</strong>, a former military intelligence officer, to lead the government amid growing protests and a political deadlock.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Abiy’s Stand:</strong> Abiy, the country’s <strong>first Oromo leader</strong>, claimed that his actions are not driven by ethnic calculations but rather <strong>aimed at addressing the historic power imbalance in the country</strong> and making <strong>peace with the neighbours</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>TPLF has fired rockets into Eritrea from Tigray, <strong>threatening a wider regional war in the Horn of Africa</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Horn of Africa houses the countries of <strong>Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Rebels also <strong>fired rockets into the neighbouring Amhara region</strong>. Even if Abiy is serious about keeping the operation short, it could <strong>spill out of control given the underlying complexities of the conflict</strong>. The TPLF has thousands of fighters under their command.</li>
<li>Also, the Tigray region <strong>shares a border with Sudan</strong>. The TPLF enjoyed good relations with Sudan’s ousted dictator Omar Bashir.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sudan has an <strong>unresolved border dispute with Ethiopia</strong>. If Sudan’s new rulers keep the old links with the TPLF active and the border open for the rebels, the conflict could go on.</li>
<li>Earlier this year, in the midst of Ethiopia’s long-standing conflict with Egypt over the construction of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/grand-ethiopian-renaissance-dam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam</strong></a> over the Blue Nile, Sudan had already found itself forcefully involved in the spat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There have also been <strong>reports of atrocities targeting civilians by both sides. </strong>Many have even fled to Sudan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>India-Ethiopia Relations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of long term concessional credit from India</strong> in Africa. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lines of Credit worth <strong>more than USD1 billion</strong> have been sanctioned to Ethiopia for sectors such as rural electrification, sugar industry and railways.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tele-Education and Tele-Medicine services</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vice-presidents-three-nation-tour" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pan African e-network Project</strong></a> was launched in Addis Ababa in July 2007. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Tele-Education project has been replicated by the Ethiopian side and linkages established between the Addis Ababa University and the Indian Institutes of Technology at Delhi and Kanpur.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bilateral trade</strong> between Ethiopia and India stood at USD 1.28 billion in 2018-19, out of which Indian exports to Ethiopia were USD 1.23 billion and imports were USD 55.01 million. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are <strong>more than 586 Indian companies in Ethiopia</strong> employing more than 55,000 people with licensed investment of over USD 4 billion.</li>
<li>About 58.7% of Indian investments are in the manufacturing sector, followed by agriculture (15.6%).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Indian Mission has been <strong>celebrating the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-day-of-yoga" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Day of Yoga</a></strong> in Addis Ababa. Mission held <strong>[email protected]</strong> celebrations in Addis Ababa (Oct 2020).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Abiy can reach out to regional political leaderships, especially the TPLF, find common ground, and run the country peacefully by restoring the balance between ethnicities and regions and decentralising the federal government.</li>
<li>The protection of civilian safety and security is essential. The <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/09-07-2019#:~:text=Background%20of%20Africa%27s%20economic%20integration,the%20Organization%20of%20African%20Unity." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>African Union</strong></a> can play a role in this.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/ethiopia-risks-falling-into-an-ethnic-civil-war-with-regional-implications/article33108288.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7004,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'UAE Issues Golden Card Visa',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>United Arab Emirates</strong> (UAE) has approved the issuance of a <strong>10-year golden card visa</strong> for more professionals, including PhD holders, physicians, engineers as well as graduates from certain universities.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Golden Visa</strong> is <strong>citizenship by investment or residency by investment program</strong>. It is <strong>directed to wealthy foreign nationals</strong> who want to acquire residency in a certain country by investing a substantial amount of money or by purchasing a property.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605591609_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605591609_image1.png" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" width="468" height="278" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>UAE&rsquo;s Golden Card Visa:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It grants <strong>10-year residency</strong> to these visa holders and their families.</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All holders of doctorate degrees, medical doctors and computer, electronics, programming, electrical and biotechnology engineers.</li>
<li>Those with specialised degrees in<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> artificial intelligence</strong> </a>(AI), <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/big-data-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>big data</strong></a> and <strong>epidemiology</strong>, as well as <strong>high school students</strong> living in the UAE who rank top in the country and students from certain universities with a <strong>Grade Point Average</strong> (GPA) of <strong>3.8 or higher</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The changes will take place from <strong>1<sup>st</sup> December 2020</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Foreigners in the UAE usually have <strong>renewable visas valid for only a few years tied to their employment</strong>.</li>
<li>In <strong>May 2019,</strong> the UAE <strong>started granting 5 and 10-year renewable visas</strong> to certain foreign investors, entrepreneurs, chief executives, scientists and outstanding students, under the <strong>Golden Card scheme</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The scheme offers unprecedented benefits to the cardholders and their families while creating an attractive environment for business and growth.</li>
<li>It attracts greater foreign investment and stimulates the local economy, making it more efficient and attractive for investors.</li>
<li>It also increases the UAE's competitiveness and reaffirms the country's position as a global incubator.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government in the past couple of years has made its <strong>visa policy more flexible, offering longer residencies</strong> for certain types of investors, students and professionals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons Behind the Move:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UAE's economy has been hit hard by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oil-prices-below-zero" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>low oil prices</strong></a>, <strong>prompting many expatriates to leave</strong>. The move <strong>intends to bring them back</strong> now and keep the &ldquo;talented people and great minds&rdquo; in the Gulf country and <strong>help in nation-building</strong>.</li>
<li>It will <strong>attract talented professionals from various fields</strong> of expertise and further <strong>encourage innovation, creativity and applied research,</strong> adding to the appeal of a career in the UAE for the world&rsquo;s brightest minds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It would <strong>attract more Indian professionals and businessmen</strong> to the Gulf nation and <strong>strengthen the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-uae-meet-on-investments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India-UAE Relations</a></strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Indian expatriate community is reportedly the largest ethnic community in the UAE,</strong> constituting roughly <strong>about 30%</strong> of the country's population, which has played a major <strong>role in the economic development</strong> of the UAE.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It will also <strong>facilitate the return of Indians who want to resume work</strong> after the <strong>relaxation of Covid-19-related restrictions,</strong> for which <strong>India had <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gulf-cooperation-council-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">requested the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council</a></strong> (GCC) in early November 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Recent Developmental Events in the UAE</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In <strong>March 2019,</strong> the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/an-opening-in-abu-dhabi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>46<sup>th</sup> session of the Council of Foreign Ministers</strong></a> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-oic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</strong></a> (OIC), was held in Abu Dhabi where India was invited as a guest of honour.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UAE hosted the event and had strongly defended the decision to invite India despite Pakistan&rsquo;s strong objection and threat to boycott the event.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>February 2020,</strong> the UAE issued an operating licence for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/arab-world-s-first-nuclear-power-plant" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Arab world's first nuclear power plant</strong></a>, paving the way for it to start production in 2020.</li>
<li><strong>UAE Mars Mission:</strong> In <strong>July 2020,</strong> the UAE launched a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hope-uae-mars-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mars probe named Amal</strong></a> (Hope) from Japan, marking the Arab world&rsquo;s first interplanetary mission.</li>
<li>In <strong>September 2020,</strong> the UAE signed the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Abraham Accord</a> with Israel and Bahrain</strong>, which is the first Arab-Israeli peace deal in 26 years.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/uae-to-extend-golden-visas-eligibility-criteria/article33103220.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6999,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'RCEP Comes into Existence',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)</strong></a> has come into existence on the sidelines of the 37th ASEAN Summit.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has laid down the <strong>path for restarting discussion that had failed to admit India earlier</strong> and said &ldquo;new&rdquo; developments would be taken into consideration if India re-applies.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605516927_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605516927_image3.png" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" width="466" height="306" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It consists of 10 <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a> (ASEAN) members, as well as South Korea, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It excludes the USA, which withdrew from the <strong>Trans-Pacific Partnership </strong>(TPP) in <strong>2017</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Negotiations over the RCEP deal began in 2012. India was also part</strong> of the negotiations but it <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-exits-rcep" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pulled out in 2019</strong></a> over concerns that <strong>lower tariffs could hurt local producers</strong>.</li>
<li>Members of the RCEP make up nearly a <strong>third of the world's population</strong> and account for<strong> 29% of global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low#:~:text=Growth%20in%20Fiscal%20Year%202019,6.1%25%20in%202018%2D19." target="_blank" rel="noopener">gross domestic product</a></strong> (GDP).</li>
<li>The <strong>China-backed</strong> group will emerge as the <strong>largest free trade agreement</strong> (FTA) in the world surpassing both the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-future-of-free-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>US-Mexico-Canada Agreement</strong></a> and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU).</li>
<li>It is <strong>expected to eliminate a range of tariffs on imports within 20 years</strong> and also includes provisions on <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/intellectual-property-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>intellectual property</strong></a>, telecommunications, financial services, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/e-commerce-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>e-commerce</strong></a> and professional services.</li>
<li>Under RCEP, <strong>parts from any member nation would be treated equally,</strong> which might give companies in RCEP countries an <strong>incentive to look within the trade region for suppliers</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Businesses with global supply chains might face tariffs even within an FTA because their products contain components that are made elsewhere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The deal could <strong>increase global national income by USD 186 billion annually by 2030</strong> and add 0.2% to the economy of its member states.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, some analysts think the deal is <strong>likely to benefit China, Japan and South Korea more</strong> than other member states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, it could be <strong>some time before any country sees the benefits, because six Asean nations and three other nations have to ratify</strong> it before it takes effect.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ratification will likely be <strong>tricky</strong> in national parliaments, owing to both <strong>anti-trade and anti-China sentiments</strong> among the countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance for China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The beginning of RCEP is a major development that will <strong>help China and trade in the Asia-Pacific region</strong> in the <strong>post-<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> scenario</strong>.</li>
<li>It will give <strong>China access to Japanese and South Korean markets</strong> in a big way, as the three countries have not yet agreed on their FTA.</li>
<li>While China already has a number of bilateral trade agreements, this is the first time it has signed up to <strong>a regional multilateral trade pact</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While addressing the ASEAN Summit, India <strong>highlighted the necessity for peace and stability in the region but maintained silence regarding RCEP</strong> as it is <strong>not very welcoming</strong> of the China-backed grouping in the light of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ongoing military tension in eastern Ladakh</strong></a> <strong>along the Line of Actual Control </strong>(LAC).</li>
<li>In the meantime, India <strong>held <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-be-included-in-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malabar Exercise</a> with Japan and the USA for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quadrilateral Security Dialogue</a></strong> (QUAD) which was interpreted as an anti-China move.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, these moves <strong>did not influence Japanese and Australian plans</strong> regarding RCEP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <strong>ended negotiation</strong> on RCEP over terms that were <strong>perceived to be against its interests</strong>.</li>
<li>One of the major concerns for India was <strong>inadequate protection against surges in imports</strong> as its industry had fears that signing RCEP would <strong>allow cheaper products from China to flood the market</strong> in India.</li>
<li>The <strong>extended power to China</strong> could lead to <strong>actions and incidents eroding trust in the maritime region</strong> disrespecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, the ongoing tensions at LAC and <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/disputed-territories-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chinese activities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>RCEP on India&rsquo;s Membership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, as an original negotiating participant of the RCEP, has the <strong>option of joining the agreement without having to wait 18 months</strong> as stipulated for new members in the terms of the pact.</li>
<li>RCEP signatory states plan to commence negotiations with India once it <strong>submits a request of its intention to join the pact "in writing"</strong>, and it may participate in meetings as an observer prior to its accession.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The mega trade bloc is a landmark trade initiative which is expected to boost commerce among the member-countries spread across the Asia-Pacific region.</li>
<li>India needs to keep its interests on the table as the road to further expansion of its exports to RCEP member nations is very much still open, given that India already has trade and investment agreements with 12 of them.</li>
<li>Utilising existing agreements better while proactively exploring new opportunities in other geographies will diversify both Indian markets as well as an export basket.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rcep-signatories-ready-for-negotiations-once-india-gives-written-request-to-join-pact/article33102130.ece#:~:text=Photo%20Credit%3A%20Reuters-,India%20will%20have%20to%20re%2Dapply%20for%20membership%20negotiation,to%20restart%20negotiation%20for%20membership." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6997,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'China’s Railway Near Arunachal Border',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>China has begun work on a strategically significant railway line that will <strong>link Sichuan province with Nyingchi in Tibet</strong>, which lies close to Arunachal Pradesh border.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This will be the <strong>second</strong> such route linking <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/60-years-of-1959-tibetan-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)</a> with mainland China</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier <strong>Qinghai-Tibet railway line connected</strong> Lhasa to the hinterland.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605514007_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605514007_image3.png" width="375" height="390" style="float: right;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Implications on India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Security Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The railway line will largely improve the <strong>efficiency and convenience</strong> of military personnel and material transportation and <strong>logistical supplies in the border area</strong>.</li>
<li>In situations of direct standoff near Arunachal Pradesh border, as was seen during <strong>Doklam</strong> or recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/face-off-between-india-and-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ladakh standoff</strong></a>, China might be at an advantageous position.<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Doklam Issue:</strong> Indian troops intervened to block the path of Chinese soldiers engaged in building road-works on the <strong>Doklam plateau</strong> of Bhutan&rsquo;s territory that Beijing laid claim.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecological Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The fragile ecological environment along the project line, may have ecological concerns for India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Steps Taken by India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India will spend 10% funds of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/boosting-infrastructure-along-china-border" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Border Area Development Programme (BADP)</strong></a> only to improve the infrastructure along the China border.</li>
<li>The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) constructed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/daporijo-bridge" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Daporijo bridge over Subansiri river</strong></a> in Arunachal Pradesh in a record span of just 27 days.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It links roads leading upto the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recently the defence minister virtually laid the foundation of a tunnel at <strong>Nechiphu in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will shorten travel time for troops till the LAC through Tawang, which China claims to be its territory.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The BRO is already constructing an <strong>all-weather tunnel under the Se La pass in Arunachal Pradesh</strong> which connects Tawang to the rest of Arunachal and Guwahati.</li>
<li>The state government of Arunachal Pradesh has advocated <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/depopulation-in-border-areas-of-arunachal-pradesh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>selection of 10 census towns along the India-China border</strong></a> as pilot projects for infrastructure development in order to stop people living along its international borders, specifically with China, from migrating to faraway urban centres in the State.</li>
<li>Recently, the Defence Minister inaugurated the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sisseri-river-bridge" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sisseri River Bridge</strong></a> located at lower Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh connecting <strong>Dibang Valley and Siang</strong>.</li>
<li>In 2019, the Indian Air Force inaugurated resurfaced runway at India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-eastern-most-village" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>easternmost Village-Vijaynagar (Changlang district)</strong></a> in Arunachal Pradesh.</li>
<li>In 2019, the Indian Army conducted <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-himvijay" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>exercise &lsquo;HimVijay&rsquo;</strong></a> in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam with its newly created Integrated Battle Groups (IBG).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bogibeel-bridge" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bogibeel bridge,</strong></a> which is India&rsquo;s longest road-rail bridge connecting <strong>Dibrugarh in Assam to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh</strong> was inaugurated in 2018.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will facilitate quicker movement of troops and equipment to areas near the India-China border.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Border Area Development Programme (BADP)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The BADP was launched by the<strong> Ministry of Home Affairs in 1986-87</strong> as part of a comprehensive approach to Border Management.</li>
<li>BADP was initiated in the border areas of the western region during the Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-90), for ensuring balanced development of border areas through development of infrastructure and promotion of a sense of security among the border population.</li>
<li>It is a <strong>centrally sponsored scheme</strong>. Funds are provided to the states as a non-lapsable special central assistance for the execution of projects relating to infrastructure, livelihood, education, health, agriculture and allied sectors.</li>
<li>The States covered are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Sectors of India-China Border</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India and China share a boundary that stretches 3,488 km from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.</li>
<li>The border dispute still stands unresolved.</li>
<li>It is divided into <strong>three</strong> sectors:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Western Sector:</strong> It falls in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh and is 1597 km long.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It witnesses the highest transgressions between the two sides.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Middle Sector:</strong> It falls in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and is 545 km long.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is the least disputed sector between the two countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eastern Sector:</strong> It falls in the states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh and is 1346 km long.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of south Tibet which is firmly rejected by India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India needs to be <strong>vigilant enough</strong> for any new development in China near its border to protect its interests efficiently. Further, it needs to build robust Infrastructure in difficult border areas in its territory to ensure movement of personnel and other logistical supplies in an <strong>efficient manner</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-begins-work-on-railway-up-to-arunachal-border/article33087125.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6989,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => '17th ASEAN-India Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India has participated in the <strong>17<sup>th</sup> ASEAN-India Virtual Summit</strong> on the invitation of Vietnam, the current Chair of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Association of Southeast Asian Nations</strong> </a>(ASEAN).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The summit focused on <strong>measures to recover from the economic turmoil triggered by the</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> and ways to <strong>further broad-base strategic ties.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>ASEAN&rsquo;s Centrality with respect to:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India's Act East Policy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Against the backdrop of aggressive moves by China, including the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ladakh standoff</strong></a>, India placed the ASEAN at the centre of India&rsquo;s <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East policy</strong></a> and held that a cohesive and responsive ASEAN is essential for security and growth for all in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India's Indo-Pacific Vision and Security And Growth for All in the Region Vision:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India underscored the importance of strengthening convergence between India's <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-vietnam-meeting#:~:text=Key%20Points,for%20all%20in%20the%20region." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative</strong></a> (IPOI) and the ASEAN Outlook on <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific</strong></a>, to ensure a free, open, inclusive and rules-based region.</li>
<li>It also highlighted the importance of cooperation by ASEAN in for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-sagar#:~:text=Security%20and%20Growth%20for%20All%20in%20the%20Region%20(SAGAR)%20was,building%20their%20maritime%20security%20capabilities." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Security And Growth for All in the Region</strong></a> (SAGAR) Vision.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India would explore ways to <strong>increase trade despite</strong> its exit from the 15-nation <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RCEP agreement</strong></a> in 2019.</li>
<li>The RCEP free trade agreement is<strong> expected to be signed on 15<sup>th</sup> November 2020</strong> between <strong>China, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and the ASEAN Members.</strong></li>
<li>However, experts have warned that <strong>once the RCEP is adopted, trade between RCEP nations will assume primacy,</strong> which <strong>could affect trade ties with other countries</strong> including India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>South China Sea:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Affirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, safety and security in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South China Sea</strong></a>, and <strong>ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight.</strong></li>
<li>Noted the importance of promoting a rules-based order in the region including through <strong>upholding adherence to international law,</strong> especially the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/unclos-maritime-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea</strong></a> (UNCLOS).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regulating Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India welcomed ASEAN&rsquo;s <strong>initiatives to fight the pandemic</strong> and announced a <strong>contribution of USD 1 million to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/36th-asean-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 ASEAN Response Fund.</a></strong></li>
<li>It also underlined the importance of cooperation and regular exchanges in the field of traditional medicines as a source of healthy and holistic living.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade and Investment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India underlined the <strong>importance of diversification and resilience of supply chains</strong> for post-Covid-19 economic recovery.</li>
<li>India called for an early review of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asean-india-economic-ministers-consultations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement</strong></a> (AITIGA), which is pending for a long time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Underscoring the importance of greater physical and digital connectivity, India reiterated its offer of <strong>USD 1 billion Line of Credit to support ASEAN</strong> connectivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Significance Highlighted by ASEAN:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Towards <strong>promoting peace and stability in the region</strong> and India&rsquo;s support to ASEAN centrality.</li>
<li>Welcomed the adoption of the new <strong>ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2021-2025.</strong></li>
<li>Acknowledged <strong>India&rsquo;s capacity-building initiatives,</strong> including the<strong> PhD Fellowship Programme</strong> at IITs and<strong> setting up of Centres for Excellence</strong> in Software Development and Training.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Association of Southeast Asian Nations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>regional grouping</strong> that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation.</li>
<li>It was established on<strong> 8<sup>th</sup> August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand</strong> with the signing of the <strong>ASEAN Declaration</strong> (Bangkok Declaration) by the <strong>founding fathers</strong> of ASEAN, namely <strong>Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ten Members:</strong> Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.</li>
<li><strong>Chairmanship:</strong> It rotates annually, based on the alphabetical order of the English names of Member States.</li>
<li>ASEAN countries have a <strong>total population of 650 million</strong> people and a combined <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/base-year-for-gdp-calculations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a> (GDP) of USD 2.8 trillion.</strong> It is<strong> India&rsquo;s 4<sup>th</sup> largest trading partner</strong> with about USD 86.9 billion in trade.</li>
<li>The group has <strong>played a central role in Asian economic integration,</strong> signing six free-trade agreements with other regional economies and helping spearhead negotiations for what could be the world&rsquo;s largest free trade pact.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605259785_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605259785_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A cohesive and responsive ASEAN is essential for security and growth for all in the region and cementing the connection between India and ASEAN on all fronts, including economic, social, digital, financial, maritime, is an important priority area.</li>
<li>ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership stands on a strong foundation of shared geographical, historical and civilisational ties. A fruitful exchange with ASEAN leaders and a successful Summit will further strengthen this relationship.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1672455" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6984,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'MoUs Between India-Maldives',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-maldives-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and the Maldives</strong></a> have signed <strong>four Memorandums of Understanding</strong> (MoUs).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605180167_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605180167_image2.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>Four MoUs:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Two MoUs for High Impact Community Development Projects.</li>
<li>An MoU on Cooperation in Sports and Youth Affairs.</li>
<li>An MoU for a USD 100 million grant to fund the <strong>Greater Male Connectivity Project</strong> (GMCP) which is the largest ever such infrastructure project undertaken in the Maldives.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>GMCP is a financial package by India, consisting of a grant of USD 100 million and a new line of credit of USD 400 million.</li>
<li>This will be the largest civilian infrastructure project in the Maldives, connecting<strong> Mal&eacute;</strong> (the capital) with <strong>three neighbouring islands</strong> viz. Villingili, Gulhifalhu (where a port is being built under Indian <strong>line of credit</strong>) and Thilafushi (new industrial zone) by the <strong>construction of a bridge-and-causeway link.</strong></li>
<li>This will<strong> boost economic activity, generate employment and promote holistic urban development</strong> in the Mal&eacute; region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Recent Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In<strong> April 2020,</strong> India supplied 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines to the Maldives, under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-sanjeevani" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Operation Sanjeevani</strong></a> to tackle the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic.</strong></a></li>
<li>In<strong> May 2020,</strong> India under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-sagar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mission Sagar,</strong> </a>supplied food items and medical assistance teams to the countries in the southern Indian Ocean including the Maldives.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Indian Government assures that the <strong>Maldives will be among the first countries to receive <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pfizer-s-covid-19-vaccine-candidate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 vaccines</a></strong> as soon as one is developed in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>August 2020,</strong> the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bilateral Air Travel Bubble</strong> </a>was established which connects five Indian cities with Male through 13 weekly flights leading to a steep increase in the number of tourists.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Creating a travel bubble <strong>involves reconnecting countries or states which have shown a good level of success in containing the Covid-19 </strong>domestically.</li>
<li>Such a bubble would <strong>allow the members of the group to restart trade ties</strong> with each other and <strong>open travel and<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/tourism-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> tourism.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>October 2020,</strong> both governments inked a deal for a <strong>USD 400 million line of credit</strong> from the<strong> Export-Import Bank of India</strong> (Exim Bank), <strong>premier export finance institution</strong> of India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The soft loans to the Maldives have funded connectivity, water, sewerage projects, Addu Development Project, an international cricket stadium, Gulhifalhu port, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>MoUs are symbolic of India-Maldives&rsquo; <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-announces-package-to-maldives" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strong development partnership</a></strong> which is multi-faceted and designed to meet the specific requirements of the government and people.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Maldives enjoys a special and central place in India&rsquo; <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-is-indias-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Neighbourhood First policy</strong></a> and itself has a<strong> foreign policy of India First.</strong></li>
<li>India is supportive of <strong>Maldivian Foreign Minister&rsquo;s candidature</strong> for the <strong>Presidency of the 76<sup>th</sup> session</strong> of the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations General Assembly</a> in 2021.</strong></li>
<li>Both nations have consistently supported each other in multilateral fora such as the UN, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-14th-january-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Commonwealth</strong></a>, the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Aligned Movement</strong> </a>(NAM) and 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).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Amid India&rsquo;s growing concern over <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-27" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China&rsquo;s increasing influence</strong> </a>in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-and-emerging-concerns-in-indian-ocean-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Region</strong> </a>(IOR), the ties with the Maldives are of crucial importance.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> current Maldivian President</strong> is being criticised by the opposition for having an <strong>&ldquo;India-tilt&rdquo;.</strong> The Former President was dislodged from office in 2018 and was widely perceived as a close ally of China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-maldives-sign-four-mous-to-boost-ties/article33060726.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6977,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'India-Maldives Relations',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/strategic-comfort-with-the-maldives/article33053574.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Strategic comfort&rsquo; with the Maldives&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 09/11/2020. It talks about the relations between India and Maldives.</p>
</div>
<p>Maldives holds strategic importance for India under the Modi government&rsquo;s <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indias-neighbourhood-diplomacy#:~:text=Policy%20of%20the%20Government%20of,other%20countries%20in%20the%20neighborhood." target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Neighbourhood First&rsquo; policy</a> </strong>due to its location in the Indian Ocean. However, the relations between the two countries was strained under the pro-China regime of their former President Abdulla Yameen.</p>
<p>This can be reflected in the recent &lsquo;India Out&rsquo; campaign led by Abdulla Yameen, against India&rsquo;s massive developmental funding for creating physical, social and community infrastructure, and incumbent President Solih&rsquo;s government retaining two India-gifted helicopters and their operational military personnel.</p>
<p>While India-Maldives relations have always been close, cordial and multi-dimensional, recent regime instability in the Maldives has posed some limitations, especially in the political &amp; strategic arena . Therefore, the main challenge to India&rsquo;s diplomacy is balancing out all these contradictions into harmonious relations.</p>
<h3>Geo-Strategic Importance of Maldives to India</h3>
<p>Despite being the smallest Asian country with a land area, Maldives is one of the world&rsquo;s most geographically dispersed countries straddling a 960-km-long submarine ridge running north to south and which forms a wall in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Its strategic location defines the geo-strategic importance of Maldives far beyond its physical size, which can be reflected as the following:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Maldives, a Toll Gate in Indian Ocean:</strong> Located at the southern and northern parts of this island chain lies the two important sea lanes of communication (SLOCs).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These SLOCs are critical for maritime trade flow between the Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Hormuz in West Asia and the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia.</li>
<li>While the Indian Ocean is considered as the key highway for global trade and energy flow, Maldives virtually stands as a toll gate.</li>
<li>While SLOCs in the vicinity of the Maldives have broader strategic significance for global maritime trade, these are of vital importance for India since nearly 50% of India&rsquo;s external trade and 80% of her energy imports transit these westward SLOCs in the Arabian Sea.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing Maritime Activity:</strong> As maritime economic activity in the Indian Ocean has risen dramatically in recent decades, the geopolitical competition too in the Indian Ocean has intensified.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Due to this, China&rsquo;s strategic interests and logistical limitations in the Indian Ocean have prompted it to increase its presence in the Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Strategic Priority:</strong> A favourable and positive maritime environment in the Indian Ocean is essential for the fulfilment of India&rsquo;s Strategic priority.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, India continuously aims at promoting an ever-expanding area of peace and stability around it.</li>
<li>In addition, Maldives is an important partner in India&rsquo;s role as the net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Cooperation Between India &amp; Maldives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Security Cooperation</strong>: Through the decades, India has rushed emergency assistance to the Maldives, whenever sought.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1988, when armed mercenaries attempted a coup against President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, India sent paratroopers and Navy vessels and restored the legitimate leadership under<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/operation-sanjeevani" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Operation Cactus.</strong></a></li>
<li>Further, joint naval exercises have been conducted in the Indian ocean and India still contributes to the security of the maritime island.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disaster Management:</strong> The 2004 tsunami and the drinking water crisis in Male a decade later were other occasions when India rushed assistance.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the peak of the continuing COVID-19 disruption, the Maldives has been the biggest beneficiary of the Covid-19 assistance given by India among its all of India&rsquo;s neighbouring countries.</li>
<li>When the world supply chains were blocked because of the pandemic, India continued to provide crucial commodities to the Maldives under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-sagar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mission SAGAR.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>People To People Contact:</strong> Technology has made connectivity easier for everyday contact and exchanges. Maldivian students attend educational institutions in India and patients fly here for superspeciality healthcare, aided by a liberal visa-free regime extended by India.</li>
<li><strong>Economic Cooperation:</strong> Tourism is the mainstay of Maldivian economy. The country is now a major tourist destination for some Indians and a job destination for others.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Given the geographical limitations imposed on the Maldives, India has exempted the nation from export curbs on essential commodities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Irritants in Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Political Instability:</strong> India&rsquo;s major concern has been the impact of political instability in the neighbourhood on its security and development.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The February 2015 arrest of opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed on terrorism charges and the consequent political crisis have posed a real diplomatic test for India&rsquo;s neighbourhood policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Radicalisation:</strong> In the past decade or so, the number of Maldivians drawn towards terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based madrassas and jihadist groups has been increasing.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Political instability and socio-economic uncertainty are the main drivers fuelling the rise of Islamist radicalism in the island nation.</li>
<li>Events in West Asia, Afghanistan and Pakistan have also influenced Maldivian radicalisation.</li>
<li>This gives rise to the possibility of Pakistan based terror groups using remote Maldivian islands as a launch pad for terror attacks against India and Indian interests.</li>
<li>Further, India's concern is regarding how radical Islamist forces have been gaining political influence in the neighbourhood.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China Angle:</strong> China&rsquo;s strategic footprint in India&rsquo;s neighbourhood has increased. The Maldives has emerged as an important 'pearl' in China&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/new-sri-lanka-leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;String of Pearls&rdquo;</strong> </a>construct in South Asia.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Given the Maldives's strategic location in the Indian Ocean, there are speculations about China trying to develop strategic bases in the archipelago.</li>
<li>Given the uncertain dynamics of Sino-Indian relation, China&rsquo;s potential strategic presence in Maldives remains a concern.</li>
<li>Also, the Maldives have started using the China card to bargain with India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>In accordance with the &ldquo;Neighbourhood First&rdquo; policy of the government, India remains a committed development partner for a stable, prosperous and peaceful Maldives. However, for adherence of strategic comfort in relations, Maldives on its part should abide by its India First&rsquo; policy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605094129_image.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605094129_image.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="624" height="462" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; background-color: #f4fff0; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Maldives holds strategic importance for India under &lsquo;Neighbourhood First&rsquo; policy due to its location in the Indian Ocean. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/no-fireworks-on-ngt-ban-on-sale-and-use-of-firecrackers/article33061044.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;No fireworks: On NGT ban on sale and use of firecrackers&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on November 10<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6975,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Armenia Azerbaijan Peace Deal',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Russia has brokered a new peace deal between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Armenia and Azerbaijan</a></strong>. Both counties have been in a <strong>military conflict</strong> over the <strong>disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh</strong> in the South Caucasus.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Nagorno-Karabakh Region:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605090880_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605090880_image 0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The region extends across <strong>western Asia and Eastern Europe.</strong></li>
<li>It has been <strong>part of Azerbaijan territory</strong> since the Soviet era and is being internationally recognised so but most of the region is <strong>controlled by Armenian separatists</strong> who have declared it a republic called the <strong>&ldquo;Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast&rdquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While the <strong>Armenian government does not recognise Nagorno-Karabakh as independent,</strong> it<strong> supports the region</strong> politically and militarily.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conflict and Ceasefire:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>When the <strong>Soviet Union began to collapse</strong> (with the end of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong></a>) in the late 1980s, <strong>Armenia&rsquo;s regional parliament voted for the region&rsquo;s transfer to Armenia</strong> but the <strong>Soviet authorities turned down</strong> the demand.</li>
<li>Clashes and the violence lasted till<strong> 1994,</strong> when<strong> Russia brokered a ceasefire,</strong> by which time ethnic Armenians had taken control of the region.</li>
<li>In <strong>2016,</strong> the region saw a <strong>Four-Day War</strong> before Russia mediated peace.</li>
<li>The<strong> Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe</strong> (OSCE) <strong>Minsk Group,</strong> chaired by France, Russia and the USA, has also tried to get the two countries to reach a peace agreement for several years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>OSCE</strong> is the <strong>world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organisation.</strong> Its mandate includes issues such as arms control, promotion of human rights, freedom of the press, and fair elections.</li>
<li><strong>OSCE Minsk Group</strong> was created in<strong> 1992</strong> by the <strong>Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe</strong> (CSCE) to encourage a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>October 2020,</strong> both countries <strong>agreed to a Russia brokered ceasefire</strong> agreement, however, it also proved to be <strong>unsuccessful.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for the Conflict:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Decades-old<strong> Ethnic tensions</strong> have a crucial role in the dispute. While the<strong> Azeris claim</strong> that the disputed <strong>region was under their control in known history, Armenians maintain</strong> that Karabakh was a <strong>part of the Armenian kingdom.</strong></li>
<li>Currently, the disputed region consists of a <strong>majority Armenian Christian population,</strong> even though it is <strong>internationally recognised as a part of Muslim-majority Azerbaijan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Peace Deal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both sides will now maintain positions in the areas that they currently hold, which will mean a <strong>significant gain for Azerbaijan</strong> as it has<strong> reclaimed over 15-20% of its lost territory</strong> during the recent conflict.</li>
<li>All <strong>military operations are suspended</strong> and<strong> Russian peacekeepers will be deployed for a period of five years,</strong> along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the <strong>Lachin corridor</strong> which links the Karabakh capital, Stepanakert, to Armenia.</li>
<li><strong>Refugees and internally displaced persons will return</strong> to the region and the adjacent territories and the two sides will also <strong>exchange prisoners</strong> of wars and bodies.</li>
<li>A <strong>new corridor will be opened</strong> from Nakhchivan to Azerbaijan, which will be <strong>under Russian control.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Reactions: Armenian people are against</strong> the deal and have protested while <strong>Azerbaijan is pleased</strong> with the deal and considered it of &ldquo;historic importance&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Russia&rsquo;s Role:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Russia has always taken a <strong>balanced position</strong> on the matter and has traditionally <strong>good relations with both countries.</strong> It<strong> supplies arms to both</strong> countries.</li>
<li>Russia has a<strong> military base in Armenia</strong> and both are <strong>members</strong> of the<strong> Moscow-led</strong> <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/10-10-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Collective Security Treaty Organisation.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The treaty envisages Russia's military support if Armenia is attacked. However, it does not include Nagorno-Karabakh or the other Azerbaijani regions around it seized by Armenian forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>At the same time, <strong>Russia also has strong ties to Azerbaijan,</strong> which is being <strong>openly backed by Turkey, a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nato-ally-status-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North Atlantic Treaty Organisation</a></strong> (NATO) member.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-the-new-peace-deal-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-7046542/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6974,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'SCO Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in news</h3>
<p><strong>The 20<sup>th</sup> Summit</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)</strong> </a>Council of Heads of State was held <strong>recently</strong> via <strong>Video Conferencing.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Meeting was <strong>chaired</strong> by<strong> Russian President</strong> Mr. Vladimir Putin.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significance of SCO Meet:</strong> 20<sup>th</sup> Summit of SCO Heads of State is important as it <strong>brought President Xi Jinping of China and Mr. Modi together</strong> in the virtual format even as <strong>both sides are caught in the high tension confrontation in Eastern Ladakh</strong> along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This was the <strong>first SCO Summit</strong> held in <strong>Virtual Format</strong> and the <strong>third meeting</strong> that India participated after becoming a <strong>full member in 2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Republic of Tajikistan assumed chairmanship</strong> of SCO for 2021-22.</li>
<li>India has proposed to set up a<strong> Special Working Group </strong>on Innovation and Startups and a <strong>Sub Group on Traditional Medicine</strong> within SCO.</li>
<li>The Prime Minister of India indirectly referred chinese infrastructure projects in <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/obor-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan Occupied Kashmir</strong></a> and<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/galwan-valley-clash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India China standoff at line of actual control</strong> </a>and urged members of the SCO to respect <strong>&ldquo;territorial integrity&rdquo;</strong> and<strong> &ldquo;sovereignty&rdquo;</strong> of each other.</li>
<li><strong>Connectivity:</strong> PM highlighted India's role in<strong> supporting infrastructure and connectivity development</strong> projects in the SCO region. <strong>Examples: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chabahar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chabahar port</a>,</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>International North&ndash;South Transport Corridor (INSTC)</strong> is a multi-modal connectivity project to establish transport networks <strong>(ship, rail, and road route)</strong> for moving freight between <strong>India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Responsible Global Governance:</strong> Bringing changes in <strong>global governance</strong> will be the focus of India as a non-permanent member of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nation (UN) Security Council.</strong></a> From 2021 India will take part in the UN Security Council as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-non-permanent-seat-at-the-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>non-permanent member.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Reformed Multilateralism:</strong> In the context of the fallout of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong> </a>and the <strong>economic downturn,</strong> India sought support of the<strong> SCO members</strong> in attaining a reformed multilateralism.</li>
<li><strong>Organised Crime:</strong> India highlighted the challenges posed by the <strong>smuggling of illegal weapons, drugs and money laundering.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Cultural Heritage:</strong> The <strong>National Museum of India</strong> will hold an exhibition on <strong>the Buddhist heritage of the SCO countries</strong> and India will host a<strong> food festival</strong> reflecting the <strong>culinary traditions of the SCO region.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s a Eurasian<strong> political, economic and military</strong> organisation aiming to maintain peace, security and stability in the region.</li>
<li>It was <strong>created in 2001.</strong></li>
<li>The SCO Charter was signed in 2002, and entered into force in 2003.</li>
<li>The SCO's <strong>official languages are Russian and Chinese.</strong></li>
<li>SCO has <strong>two Permanent Bodies</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>SCO Secretariat in Beijing,</strong> and</li>
<li>Executive Committee of the <strong>Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Chairmanship of SCO is by rotation for a year by Member States.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Genesis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of the<strong> Shanghai Five.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Shanghai Five (1996)</strong> emerged from a series of border demarcation and demilitarization talks which the four former Soviet republics held with China to ensure stability along the borders.</li>
<li>Following the accession of Uzbekistan to the organisation in 2001, the Shanghai Five was renamed the SCO.</li>
<li><strong>India and Pakistan became members in 2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The SCO must be used as a platform to <strong>deepen solidarity</strong> and <strong>mutual trust</strong> and <strong>resolve disputes and differences through dialogue and consultations.</strong> It will help in <strong>de-escalating tensions</strong> between India and its neighbouring countries China and Pakistan.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/prime-minister-narendra-modi-addresses-sco-summit-through-videoconference/article33066158.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 16 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6968,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Chabahar Project',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Iran&rsquo;s Port and Maritime Organisation</strong> (PMO) has <strong>conveyed to India a request</strong> for locomotives and signalling equipment for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-dropped-from-chabahar-rail-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chabahar-Zahedan railway line.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Iran has been facing <strong>difficulty in procuring</strong> them directly due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-reimposes-sanctions-on-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sanctions imposed by the USA.</strong></a></li>
<li>Iran has also asked India to activate the<strong> USD 150 million credit</strong> line which was offered to it by India during the Iranian President's visit in 2018.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Chabahar Port</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is located on the <strong>Gulf of Oman</strong> and is only <strong>72 km away from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/viability-of-bri-and-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gwadar port</a></strong> in <strong>Pakistan</strong> which has been developed by China.</li>
<li>The port serves as the<strong> only oceanic port of Iran</strong> and consists of<strong> two separate ports named Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari.]</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605009729_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605009729_image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>May 2016,</strong> India, Iran and Afghanistan signed the <strong>trilateral agreement</strong> which entailed the establishment of<strong> Transit and Transport Corridor</strong> among them using Chabahar port in Iran as one of the regional hubs for sea transportation.</li>
<li>Construction of a <strong>rail line from Chabahar port to Zahedan,</strong> along the border with Afghanistan as an <strong>alternate trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia,</strong> was also a part of it.</li>
<li>The state-owned <strong>Indian Railways Construction Ltd.</strong> (IRCON) <strong>signed a Memorandum of Understanding</strong> (MoU) <strong>with the Iranian Rail Ministry</strong> to provide all services, superstructure work and financing (around USD 1.6 billion).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Excluding India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Iran&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In <strong>July 2020,</strong> Iran decided to proceed with the rail line construction on its own, citing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-not-making-promised-investments-in-chabahar-port-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>delays from the Indian side</strong> </a><strong>in beginning and funding</strong> the project.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>IRCON completed the site inspection and feasibility report, and had been<strong> waiting for the Iranian side to appoint a nodal authority.</strong></li>
<li>Although the project has<strong> secured a special waiver from the USA,</strong> India is <strong>hesitant to deal with the construction company</strong> which has links with the <strong>Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps</strong> (IRGC) and is under the sanctions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The IRGC is a<strong> hard-line force which operates its own military infrastructure</strong> in parallel to Iran&rsquo;s regular armed forces. In<strong> April 2020</strong>, it launched <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/noor-iran-s-first-military-satellite" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Iran&rsquo;s first military satellite Noor.</strong></a></li>
<li>Fear of sanctions by the USA has also impacted Indian interest in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Farzad-B gas field project</strong> </a>of Iran.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of Chabahar Port for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Trade:</strong> It is being considered a <strong>gateway to golden opportunities</strong> for trade by the three countries with other <strong>Central Asian countries</strong> in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to India.</li>
<li><strong>Security:</strong> China is aggressively pursuing its own <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative</strong></a> (BRI) under the <strong>One Belt One Road</strong> (OBOR) project. The port can also act as a counter to Pakistan&rsquo;s <strong>Gwadar Port,</strong> which is being developed with Chinese investment.</li>
<li><strong>Connectivity:</strong> In future, the Chabahar project and the <a href="/search/International%20North%20South%20Transport%20Corridor" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International North South Transport Corridor</strong> </a>(INSTC) will complement each other by optimising Indian connectivity with Russia and Eurasia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Evolving Scenarios:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impact-of-us-election-results-on-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>results of the USA elections,</strong></a> both <strong>India and Iran look for the possibile ease of sanctions</strong> allowing for increased engagements.</li>
<li>India is also keeping an <strong>eye on the negotiations on a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement between China and Iran</strong> (worth USD 400 billion) which could fund other parts of the Chabahar development, including a <strong>free trade zone</strong> along the Makran coast, and <strong>oil infrastructure projects,</strong> impinging on India's strategic ties with Iran.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Farzad-B Gas Field</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is located in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/persian-gulf-region" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Persian Gulf</strong> </a>(Iran) and the contract for exploration of the field was signed in <strong>2002</strong> by Indian consortium comprising <strong>Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) Videsh, Indian Oil Corporation</strong> and <strong>Oil India.</strong></li>
<li>The contract <strong>expired in 2009</strong> after declaration of commerciality of the field, based on the gas discovery. Since then, the consortium has been <strong>trying to secure the contract</strong> for development of the field.</li>
<li>The <strong>major dispute</strong> between India and Iran was <strong>over setting up of two pipelines,</strong> and also over<strong> money to be quoted</strong> on the development plan.</li>
<li>Around 75% of the deal was finalised by <strong>May 2018,</strong> when the <strong>USA unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal and announced sanctions</strong> on Iran.</li>
<li>In <strong>January 2020,</strong> Iran clarified that it would develop the field on its own and would like to<strong> involve India appropriately at a later stage.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605010121_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1605010121_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="360" height="260" /></strong></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In a world where<strong> connectivity</strong> is seen as the <strong>new currency,</strong> India&rsquo;s loss on account of these projects can become gain for some other country, <strong>especially China.</strong> Thus, India needs to play a <strong>balancing act</strong> between the USA and Iran and proactively protect its interest in the region.</li>
<li>As an emerging power, India <strong>cannot remain confined to South Asia</strong> and a <strong>peaceful extended neighbourhood</strong> (Iran-Afghanistan) is <strong>not only good for trade and energy security</strong> but also plays a <strong>vital role in India's aspirations of becoming a superpower.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/months-after-starting-chabahar-rail-project-without-india-iran-requests-help-with-equipment/article33048813.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 17 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6956,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Impact of US Election Results on India',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. has defeated Donald Trump</strong> to become the<strong> 46<sup>th</sup> US President.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Biden&rsquo;s <strong>running mate Kamala Devi Harris</strong> has become the first woman and first Indian- and African- American <strong>Vice President</strong> of the country. Biden and Harris will be <strong>sworn into office on 20<sup>th</sup> January 2021.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>US</strong> has a<strong> Presidential System,</strong> whereas<strong> India</strong> has the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/parliamentary-vs-presidential-form-of-government" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Parliamentary System of Government.</strong></a></li>
<li>There are <strong>several ways</strong> in which the <strong>US economy,</strong> its health and the<strong> policy choices of its government affect India.</strong> Both the countries recently had<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-usa-2-2-dialogue-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> 2+2 dialogue.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>US Presidential System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The US President is both the <strong>head of the State</strong> and <strong>head of the Government.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>law making is done by the legislature</strong> (called the Congress in the US), but the President can veto any law.</li>
<li>S/he has a<strong> fixed tenure of four years</strong> and completes it even if her/his party does not have a majority in the Congress.</li>
<li>The President and the Vice President are <strong>chosen by &lsquo;electors&rsquo;</strong> through a process called the Electoral College.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>presidential candidate</strong> of each of the political parties, <strong>chooses a vice presidential running mate.</strong> Voters vote on the two&mdash;presidential and vice presidential candidates&mdash;as a team.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The President<strong> can be removed</strong> for conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanor.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Indian Parliamentary System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a<strong> President who is the formal Head of the state of India</strong> and the <strong>Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers,</strong> which <strong>run the government</strong> at the national level.</li>
<li>The <strong>Constitution of India vests the executive power of the Union formally in the President.</strong> In reality, the President exercises these powers through the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Prime Minister has the support of majority in the Lok Sabha.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The President is<strong> elected for a period of five years.</strong> S/he is <strong>elected indirectly.</strong> This means that the President is elected not by the ordinary citizens but by the elected MLAs and MPs.</li>
<li>The President can be <strong>removed only for &lsquo;violation of the Constitution&rsquo; (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/impeachment-of-us-president#:~:text=The%20US%20Constitution%20states%20that,%27violation%20of%20the%20Constitution%27." target="_blank" rel="noopener">impeachment procedure</a>).</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Economic Relations:</strong> Under Biden administration, India&rsquo;s trade with the US could recover from the dip since 2017-18.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Trade Surplus:</strong> A recent analysis by experts of CARE Ratings (a credit rating agency) shows that over the past 20 years, <strong>India has always had a trade surplus</strong> (exports exceeding imports) <strong>with the US.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The trade surplus has widened from USD 5.2 billion in 2001-02 to USD 17.3 billion in 2019-20. Trade surplus had <strong>peaked at USD 21.2 billion in 2017-18</strong> and has moderated to some extent.</li>
<li>In 2019-20, India<strong> exported</strong> goods worth <strong>USD 53 billion</strong> to the US - that&rsquo;s roughly 17% of all Indian exports that year and <strong>imported</strong> goods worth USD 35.7 billion in return - that&rsquo;s roughly 7.5% of all Indian imports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade in Services:</strong> India accounts for <strong>nearly 5% of USA&rsquo;s services imports</strong> from the World.</li>
<li><strong>Investment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>US is the fifth-biggest source for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rise-in-foreign-direct-investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Foreign Direct Investment</a></strong> (FDI - investment in the physical assets inside India)<strong> into India.</strong> Only Mauritius, Singapore, Netherlands, and Japan have invested more FDI since 2000.</li>
<li>The US also accounts for <strong>one-third of all <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increase-in-foreign-portfolio-investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Foreign Portfolio Investments</a></strong> (that is, investment in financial assets) into India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>H1-B Visa Issue:</strong> How a US President looks at the H1-B visa issue, affects the prospects of Indian youth far more than the youth of any other country. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under President Trump, who severely <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/urge-to-suspend-h-1b" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>curtailed the visa regime</strong></a>, owing to his policy of <strong>&ldquo;America First&rdquo;,</strong> India had suffered the most.</li>
<li>H-1B visa is a <strong>non-immigrant visa</strong> that allows American companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>US&rsquo; Generalized System of Preference:</strong> India&rsquo;s exclusion from the US&rsquo; <strong>Generalized System of Preference (GSP)</strong> could come up for reconsideration under Biden.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019, President Donald Trump had<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-withdraws-gsp-for-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> terminated India's designation as a beneficiary developing nation under the GSP</strong> </a><strong>trade programme</strong> after determining that it has not assured the US that it will provide "equitable and reasonable access" to its markets.</li>
<li>India <strong>was the largest beneficiary of the programme in 2017</strong> with USD 5.7 billion in imports to the US given duty-free status.</li>
<li>GSP is designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Issues:</strong> Other points of contention between India and US - such as the tricky issue of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/Data-Localisation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>data localisation</strong></a> or <strong>capping prices of medicines and medical devices -</strong> have a chance of getting towards a resolution.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, under the Trump administration, the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-reimposes-sanctions-on-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US sanctions on Iran</a> severely limited India&rsquo;s sourcing of cheap crude oil.</strong></li>
<li>On <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China</strong></a>, it is more likely that<strong> a Biden administration will help India against China,</strong> instead of clubbing the two together.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Paris Climate Accord:</strong> Biden has promised to <strong>rejoin the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-renewed-support-for-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris Climate Accord</a>,</strong> and this may help countries such as India in dealing with the massive challenges - both technical and financial - on this front.</li>
<li><strong>Civil Liberties and Democratic Rights in India:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Although some US Congressmen and women had raised red flags on the human rights situation following the revoking of J&amp;K&rsquo;s special status under <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-article-370" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 370</strong></a> and passage of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/citizenship-amendment-act-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Citizenship (Amendment) Act</strong> </a>alongside the proposed nationwide <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/to-the-point-paper-2-national-register-of-citizens-nrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Register of Citizens (NRC)</strong></a>, the Trump administration had not taken any actions beyond making some perfunctory statements.</li>
<li>According to the Biden campaign&rsquo;s policy paper, <strong>Biden</strong> has been<strong> &ldquo;disappointed</strong> by the measures that the Government of India has taken with the implementation and aftermath of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act into law&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India should be prepared to hold its own in tough conversations on sensitive issues. A Biden presidency may see a <strong>renewed push towards a rules-based trading system</strong> across the world - instead of outright ad-hocism as was the case under Trump - as well as a move away from the protectionist approach that has been getting strong across the world.</li>
<li>Combined with the control of Covid infections and the economic recovery, the US could yet again provide a growth impulse to the global economy that countries such as India need to boost their exports and grow.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/how-a-biden-presidency-may-affect-indias-economy-explainspeaking-7019832/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6947,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Italy Bilateral Summit',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a <strong>virtual Bilateral Summit between India and Italy</strong> has been held to comprehensively review the broad framework of the bilateral relationship and also strengthen cooperation against common global challenges, including the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 pandemic.</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1604741531_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1604741531_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="400" height="283" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Both nations decided to adopt the <strong>Action Plan for an enhanced Partnership between India and Italy (2020-2024)</strong> to set up priorities, strategic goals and mechanisms of a bilateral partnership.</li>
<li><strong><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1604741531_image3.png">Economic Engagement:</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Agreed to coordinate closely at multilateral fora especially <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-20</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Italy will assume the Presidency of G-20 in December 2021 followed by India in 2022.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/saudi-arabia-becomes-first-arab-nation-to-head-g20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saudi Arabia is holding the current presidency</strong></a> of G20.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Memorandum of Understanding</strong> (MoU) between <strong>Cassa Depositi Prestiti</strong> (CDP), an Italian investment bank and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-infrastructure-pipeline" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Infrastructure Investment Fund</strong></a> (NIIF) to <strong>promote innovative financial schemes</strong> capable of supporting bilateral investments.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Italy is <strong>India&rsquo;s fifth-largest trading partner in the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a> (EU).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Underscored the need to<strong> further expand defence engagement</strong> through greater two-way collaboration and technology cooperation, co-development and co-production.</li>
<li>Recognised the opportunity to<strong> consolidate defence relations with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping activities</strong> within the framework of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation During Covid-19 Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Italy thanked India for extending support during the pandemic</strong> by supplying medicines and personal protection equipment (PPE).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Indian community in Italy is the <strong>second-largest community of Indians in Europe after the UK.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Reiterated that the pandemic calls for an inclusive multilateral approach to health protection, especially in the framework of the UN and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation</strong></a> (WHO).</li>
<li>Welcomed the <strong>World Health Summit,</strong> which will be held in Italy in 2021, in cooperation with the <strong>European Union</strong> (EU) Commission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The World Health Summit is <strong>one of the world&rsquo;s leading strategic forums for global health</strong> and is held in <strong>October every year.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Science, Technology and Research Collaboration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Welcomed the progress made under <strong>India-Italy Science and Technology Cooperation</strong> and the <strong>India-Italy Executive Programme of Cooperation.</strong></li>
<li>Welcomed the <strong>establishment of Thematic Working Groups</strong> as a method of work between the <strong>Italian Space Agency</strong> (ASI) and the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indian Space Research Organisation</strong> </a>(ISRO) as well as the creation of the<strong> first joint ASI-ISRO working group in heliophysics.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Heliophysics</strong> is the study of the effects of the Sun on the Solar System.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation for Counter-Terrorism and Security:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Pledged to strengthen cooperation in the<strong> fight against <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-international-convention-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">terrorism</a> and transnational crime</strong> both at a bilateral level and in multilateral fora and also agreed to hold the next meeting of the<strong> &lsquo;India-Italy Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism&rsquo;</strong> to further advance cooperation, exchange of expertise and capacity building in 2021.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regional Cooperation and Connectivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Italy acknowledged the potential of new international organisations such as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-coalition-for-disaster-resilient-infrastructure#:~:text=The%20Union%20Cabinet%20has%20given,on%2023rd%20September%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructures</strong></a> (CDRI) and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/third-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong></a> (ISA).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India welcomed Italy joining ISA after it coming into force of the universalisation of ISA.</li>
<li>India also welcomed Italy&rsquo;s engagement in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association</strong> </a>(IORA) and <strong>Italy&rsquo;s new status as Development Partner</strong> of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASEAN.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multilateral Cooperation on Environment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc#:~:text=It%20aims%3A,and%20switch%20to%20renewable%20energy." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change</strong></a> (UNFCCC) and its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-s-renewed-support-for-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong> </a>and their respective <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/11-07-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>nationally determined contributions</strong></a> (NDCs).</li>
<li>Highlighted the <strong>significance of cooperation in the run-up to the 26<sup>th</sup> Conference of Parties</strong> (COP26) of the UNFCCC, which will be <strong>organised in 2021 by the UK</strong> in partnership with Italy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1670763" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6940,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India’s Annual Resolution on Counter-Terror',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India&rsquo;s<strong> annual resolution on the issue of counter-terrorism</strong> was adopted by consensus in the First Committee of the <strong>United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s resolution<strong> &lsquo;Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction&rsquo;</strong> was <strong>co-sponsored by more than 75 countries</strong> and adopted by <strong>consensus without a vote.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India, a victim of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, has been at the forefront in highlighting the serious threat to international peace and security emanating from acquisition of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by terrorist groups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s resolution predates the adoption of <strong>resolution 1540</strong> by the Security Council.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In<strong> resolution 1540 of the year 2004,</strong> the Security Council decided that all States shall refrain from providing any form of support to non-State actors that attempt to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery, in particular for terrorist purposes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It needs to be noted that <strong>the UN has not agreed on a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/at-unga-india-call-for-early-adoption-of-ccit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)</a></strong> yet.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1996, with the objective of providing a comprehensible legal framework to counter terrorism, India proposed to the UNGA the adoption of the "Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism&rdquo; (CCIT).</li>
<li>CCIT seeks a universal definition of terrorism, prosecution of terrorists under special laws, making cross-border terrorism an extraditable offence worldwide, among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Weapon of Mass Destruction:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>WMD refers to a weapon with the capacity to inflict death and destruction on such a massive scale and so indiscriminately that its very presence in the hands of a hostile power can be considered a grievous threat.</li>
<li>Modern weapons of mass destruction are either nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons&mdash;frequently referred to collectively as <strong>NBC weapons.</strong></li>
<li>Efforts to control the spread of WMD are enshrined in international agreements such as the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/50-years-of-nuclear-non-proliferation-treaty-npt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Nuclear</strong> </a><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/50-years-of-nuclear-non-proliferation-treaty-npt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-proliferation Treaty</a> of 1968</strong>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/combating-bioterrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Biological Weapons Convention of 1972</strong></a>, and the <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/25-02-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chemical Weapons Convention of 1993.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty of 1968.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has enacted an act to prohibit unlawful activities, in relation to weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems which is known as <strong>The Weapons of Mass Destruction and Their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of unlawful activities) Act, 2005.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations General Assembly</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>UNGA is <strong>one of the six principal organs of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a></strong>, serving as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the UN.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>UN is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States.</li>
<li>The <strong>other five organs</strong> of the UN are: Security Council, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the UN Secretariat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>First Committee of the UNGA</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>First Committee (Disarmament and International security)</strong> deals with disarmament, global challenges and threats to peace that affect the international community and seeks out solutions to the challenges in the international security regime.</li>
<li>The Committee works in close cooperation with the <strong>United Nations Disarmament Commission</strong> and the <strong>Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament.</strong> It is the <strong>only Main Committee</strong> of the General Assembly entitled to<strong> verbatim records coverage.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indias-resolution-on-counter-terror-adopted-by-un-general-assembly-6968818/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source:IE</a></strong></p>',
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