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G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting

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

23 Oct 2020 International Relations
India Invited to Join the Blue Dot Network

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

22 Oct 2020 International Relations
Extending New START Treaty

Why in News The Russian President has proposed extending by one year the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) between the USA and Russia...

21 Oct 2020 International Relations
Taiwan Insecurity of China

Why in News Recently, China has objected to any official exchanges between India and Taiwan. Key Points Chinese Concern: The statement from...

21 Oct 2020 International Relations
Australia to Join Malabar Exercise

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

20 Oct 2020 International Relations
Israel and Bahrain Diplomatic Ties

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

19 Oct 2020 International Relations
Nobel Prize 2020

The Nobel Prizes regarded as the most prestigious awards given for intellectual achievement in the world are awarded annually from a fund bequeathed...

19 Oct 2020 International Relations
Pro-Democracy Protests in Thailand

Why in News Recently, Thailand’s government banned gatherings of more than five people in the face of three months of escalating...

17 Oct 2020 International Relations
Uranium Supply From Australia to India

Why in News Recently, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has turned down the offers submitted by the two Australian companies for commencing...

16 Oct 2020 International Relations
65th Anniversary of Bandung Conference: NAM

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

16 Oct 2020 International Relations
Pakistan Re-elected to the UNHRC

Why in News Pakistan is currently serving on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) since 1st January, 2018. With its re-election, Pakistan...

15 Oct 2020 International Relations
India-Mexico

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

14 Oct 2020 International Relations
Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict & India

This article is based on “Nagorno-Karabakh and India” which was published in Indian Express on 13/10/2020. It talks about the...

13 Oct 2020 International Relations
Protests to Coup: Kyrgyzstan

Why in News Protesters in Kyrgyzstan have captured key government buildings, including the Parliament house and the presidential office and the...

10 Oct 2020 International Relations
India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue

Why in News India and Japan recently held 13th India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in which inter-alia both countries agreed to...

08 Oct 2020 International Relations
USA Aircraft Refuelling at A&N Islands

Why in News Recently, a USA Navy P-8A long range Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) landed at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands...

07 Oct 2020 International Relations
India’s Stand on Nuclear Weapons

Why in News In the recent High-level Meeting to Commemorate and Promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons (26th...

07 Oct 2020 International Relations
India-Myanmar Relationship

Why in News A two-day visit by the Foreign Secretary of India and the Army Chief to Myanmar completed with greater engagement between India and...

06 Oct 2020 International Relations
Referendum in New Caledonia

Why in News The French territory of New Caledonia voted against independence from France in a referendum held recently. The referendum was a part...

05 Oct 2020 International Relations
India’s Neighbourhood Diplomacy

This article is based on “There is no happy end-state in India’s relations with its neighbours” which was published in Indian...

05 Oct 2020 International Relations

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		'title' => 'G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Saudi Arabia hosted the <strong>first-ever Ministerial Meeting of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g20-meeting-in-saudi-arabia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-20</a> Anti-Corruption Working Group</strong> (ACWG) virtually.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/saudi-arabia-becomes-first-arab-nation-to-head-g20" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saudi Arabia holds the presidency of G-20</strong></a> and is the first Arab nation to do so.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>G-20 Anti-Corruption Working Group:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was set up in <strong>June 2010 at the Toronto Summit of G-20.</strong> The year<strong> 2020</strong> marks its<strong> 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> To prepare "comprehensive recommendations for consideration by leaders on how the G20 could continue to make practical and valuable contributions to international efforts to combat corruption".</li>
<li>ACWG has <strong>led the G-20 anti-corruption efforts</strong> coordinating the collective and national actions taken by its members.</li>
<li>It actively works with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank Group</strong></a>, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oecds-forecast-for-global-economy-in-2060" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development</strong></a> (OECD), the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/illicit-drug-supply-and-covid-19-unodc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime</strong></a> (UNODC), the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-monetary-fund-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Monetary Fund</strong> </a>(IMF), the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/financial-action-task-force-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Financial Action Task Force</strong></a> (FATF), etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The World Bank and the UNODC are also involved in the ACWG through the active participation and contribution of <strong>Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative</strong> (StAR) to its work, which <strong>plays an advisory role</strong> on asset recovery, anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing, transparency and beneficial ownership, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>G-20 on Corruption:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In recent years the <strong>G-20 has played a critical role in global and national anti-corruption efforts.</strong></li>
<li>It<strong> recognises the negative impact of corruption</strong> which, &lsquo;threatens the integrity of markets, undermines fair competition, distorts resource allocation, destroys public trust, and undermines the rule of law&rsquo;.</li>
<li>It is <strong>committed to ensuring that member countries lead by example and add value to existing international instruments and commitments.</strong></li>
<li>The G-20 agreed on the <strong>Anti-Corruption Action Plan, 2019-2021</strong> in <strong>Buenos Aires in 2018.</strong> In the framework of this action plan, G-20 members look forward to developing targeted actions where the<strong> G-20 can best add value in promoting international efforts</strong> in the fight against corruption.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Initiatives in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/central-vigilance-commission-cvc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Vigilance Commission:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Though <strong>created in 1964,</strong> it became an <strong>independent statutory body in 2003.</strong></li>
<li>Its mandate is to oversee the vigilance administration and to advise and assist the executive in matters relating to corruption.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/anti-corruption-law-covers-deemed-universities#:~:text=The%20Supreme%20Court%20has%20held,under%20the%20anti%2Dcorruption%20law." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act aims at <strong>checking corruption in big places and striking hard against corporate bribery.</strong> It seeks to establish a vicarious liability so that the actual bribe giver is also exposed.</li>
<li>It was <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rajya-sabha-passes-amendments-to-anti-corruption-law" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>amended in 2018</strong></a> to introduce a number of new provisions including <strong>criminalizing the act of giving bribes</strong> also in addition to taking the bribe and at the same time putting in place an effective deterrence for such actions by individuals as well as corporate entities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/lokpal-lokayukta-ombudsman-upsc-governance-transparency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lokpal and Lokayuktas:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013</strong> provided for the establishment of Lokpal for the Union and Lokayukta for States.</li>
<li>These institutions are operational in the country to<strong> bring in more transparency, more citizen-centricity and accountability</strong> in governance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fugitive-economic-offenders-act-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>empowers authorities for non-conviction based attachments and confiscation of proceeds</strong> of crime and properties as well as assets of a fugitive economic offender.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/changes-in-the-prevention-of-money-laundering-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Money laundering</strong> is the<strong> process of making large amounts of money generated by criminal activity,</strong> such as drug trafficking or terrorist funding, appear to have come from a legitimate source.</li>
<li>The law was <strong>enacted to prevent and control money laundering,</strong> provide for confiscation and seizure of property obtained from laundered money and to deal with any other issue connected with money-laundering in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Legislation and Moves:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information Act, 2005.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/whistleblowers-protection-act#:~:text=The%20act%20establishes%20a%20mechanism,an%20inquiry%20into%20such%20disclosure." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/prosecution-under-benami-act-stuck#:~:text=Benami%20Transactions%20(Prohibition)%20Amendment%20Act,or%20paid%20by%20another%20person." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2016.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Ratification of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-anti-corruption-day#:~:text=The%20United%20Nations%20General%20Assembly,in%20fighting%20and%20preventing%20it." target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations Convention Against Corruption</a> in 2011.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Introduction of <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/e-governance-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">e-governance</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>G-20</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>informal group of 19 countries</strong> and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU), with representatives of the<strong> IMF</strong> and the<strong> World Bank.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The G20 membership comprises a <strong>mix of the world&rsquo;s largest advanced and emerging economies,</strong> representing about two-thirds of the world&rsquo;s population, 85% of global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low#:~:text=Growth%20in%20Fiscal%20Year%202019,6.1%25%20in%202018%2D19." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>gross domestic product</strong></a> (GDP) 80% of global investment and over 75% of global trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The G20 <strong>operates as a forum and not as an organisation.</strong> Therefore, it <strong>does not have any permanent secretariat.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origins:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>1997-1999 Asian Financial Crisis:</strong> This was a ministerial-level forum which emerged after G7 invited both developed and developing economies. The<strong> finance ministers and central bank governors began meeting in 1999.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Amid the 2008 Financial Crisis,</strong> the world saw the need for a<strong> new consensus-building at the highest political level</strong> and it was decided that the G20 leaders would begin meeting once annually.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The members of the G20 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the USA, and the EU.</li>
<li><strong>One nation holds the chair every year,</strong> known as the<strong> 'G20 Presidency'.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1666850" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India Invited to Join the Blue Dot Network',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>A group of the US Senators,</strong> in a letter, has asked India to join the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/blue-dot-network" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Blue Dot Network (BDN).</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The letter also <strong>backed India&rsquo;s decision to invite Australia</strong> to the annual <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-be-included-in-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar naval exercise.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Blue Dot Network:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The BDN was formally announced on 4<sup>th</sup> November 2019 at the<strong> Indo-Pacific Business Forum</strong> in Bangkok, Thailand. It is <strong>led by the USA along with Japan and Australia.</strong></li>
<li>It is a <strong>multi-stakeholder initiative</strong> to bring together governments, the private sector and civil society to promote high-quality, trusted standards for global infrastructure development.</li>
<li>It is expected to serve as a globally recognized evaluation and certification system for roads, ports and bridges with a<strong> focus on the Indo-Pacific region.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Infrastructure projects would be graded on debt, environmental standards, labour standards etc.</li>
<li>This system would apply to projects in any citizen-centric country where citizens would like to evaluate such projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is planned as a <strong>direct counter to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/italy-joins-belt-road-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China&rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).</a></strong></li>
<li>However, unlike the BRI, the <strong>BDN would not offer public funds or loans for the project.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Blue Dot certification:</strong> BDN will serve as a<strong> globally recognized seal of approval</strong> for major infrastructure projects, letting people know that projects are sustainable and not exploitative.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Malabar Exercise:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is an<strong> annual</strong> exercise between the navies of India, Japan, and the U.S. held alternately in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.</li>
<li>Australia&rsquo;s inclusion to Malabar followed the recent <strong>2+2 ministerial meeting</strong> of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quadrilateral Security Dialogue</a> [the Quad]</strong> in Tokyo.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The new Blue Dot Network, can be a strategy to persuade developing countries in Asia-Pacific not rely on Chinese funds (debt traps) for sustainable infrastructure development.</li>
<li>India, Japan, and Australia can take the lead in infrastructural projects, while the USA needs to be more proactive in pushing ahead the vision of connectivity.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bipartisan-senate-letter-backs-indias-inclusion-of-australia-in-malabar-naval-exercise/article32910969.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6801,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Extending New START Treaty',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Russian President</strong> has proposed extending by one year the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-start-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty)</strong></a> between the USA and Russia expiring in February 2021.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The New START Treaty:</strong> It is a treaty<strong> between</strong> the<strong> United States of America</strong> and the <strong>Russian Federation</strong> on measures for the further reduction and limitation of <strong>strategic offensive arms.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It entered into force on <strong>5<sup>th</sup> February, 2011.</strong></li>
<li>New START has replaced the 1991 START I treaty, which expired December 2009, and superseded the 2002 Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (SORT), which terminated when New START entered into force.</li>
<li>It is a<strong> successor to the START framework of 1991</strong> (at the end of the Cold War) that limited both sides to 1,600 strategic delivery vehicles and 6,000 warheads.</li>
<li>It continues the <strong>bipartisan process</strong> of verifiably reducing the USA and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals by limiting both sides to 700 strategic launchers and 1,550 operational warheads.</li>
<li>It will lapse in February 2021 unless extended for a five-year period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Proposal:</strong> Russia has extended the proposal along with concerns of lack of interest from the United States.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019, the United States has also suspended the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-start-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Intermediate-Range Nuclear Force Treaty</strong></a> (INF Treaty) with Russia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was a nuclear arms-control accord reached by the United States and the Soviet Union in 1987 in which the two nations agreed to <strong>eliminate their stocks of intermediate-range and shorter-range (or &ldquo;medium-range&rdquo;) land-based missiles</strong> (which could carry nuclear warheads).</li>
<li>The <strong>United States withdrew</strong> from the Treaty on 2<sup>nd</sup> August 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>USA&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> The USA wanted any replacement treaty should include China and to encompass all of Russia&rsquo;s nuclear weapons &mdash; not just the <strong>&ldquo;strategic&rdquo;</strong> weapons covered under New START but also Russia&rsquo;s sizable stockpile of smaller, <strong>&ldquo;tactical&rdquo;</strong> nuclear weapons that fall outside the treaty. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Russia rejected the demands, and China has refused to take part in negotiations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The USA has agreed to negotiate the extension.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Negotiators would still need to work out a <strong>verification system</strong> and agree on the detailed definition of a warhead. Failure to do so would remove the main pillar maintaining the nuclear balance between them.</li>
<li>If the treaty is not extended or replaced, the world&rsquo;s two biggest nuclear powers will return to an era without substantive restraints on their arsenals for the first time in decades.</li>
<li>An extension would mark a rare bright spot in the fraught US-Russian relationship. The time bought by extending New START can be used for conducting comprehensive bilateral negotiations on future control over nuclear missile weapons.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/russia-offers-us-freeze-on-n-warhead-numbers/article32903567.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6799,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Taiwan Insecurity of China',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, China has objected to any official exchanges between India and<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/solomon-islands-and-taiwan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Taiwan</strong></a>.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Chinese Concern:</strong> The statement from China came in response to reports that India and Taiwan were considering going forward with<strong> talks on a trade deal.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China believes the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/why-china-insists-on-chinese-taipei-rather-than-taiwan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'One-China principle&rsquo;</strong> </a>is a universal consensus of the international community, including India.</li>
<li>China also objected to the recent<strong> campaign (posters and social media)</strong> in India <strong>wishing Taiwan &ldquo;Happy National Day&rdquo;</strong> (October 10) and referring to it as <strong>a &ldquo;country&rdquo; or a &ldquo;nation&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>China is also opposing inclusion of Australia in the upcoming <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/australia-to-be-included-in-malabar-exercise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Malabar naval exercise</strong></a> with India, Japan and the United States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-Taiwan Relations</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Taiwan do not maintain formal diplomatic relations. The areas of cooperation between India and Taiwan have been limited due to negligible political relations.</li>
<li><strong>From</strong> 1995 to 2014, the bilateral trade turnover has grown manifold from just $934 million to $5.91 billion.</li>
<li><strong>Technology:</strong> In the field of science and technology, there are more than thirty ongoing government-funded joint research projects.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In August 2015, the Taiwan-based Foxconn, one of the largest hardware manufacturers in the world, announced an investment of $5 billion in India.</li>
<li>India and Taiwan <strong>in 2018</strong> signed a<strong> bilateral investment agreement.</strong> India-Taiwan trade ties have been <strong>expanded</strong> and Taiwanese firms are <strong>prominent investors in India,</strong></li>
<li>Taiwan has for long been a world leader in high-tech hardware manufacturing, and can contribute much to the <strong>&ldquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Make in India</a>&rdquo;</strong>, <strong>&ldquo;<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital India</a>&rdquo;</strong> and <strong>&ldquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/smart-cities-command-centres#:~:text=Smart%20City%20Mission,create%20smart%20outcomes%20for%20citizens." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smart Cities</a>&rdquo;</strong> campaigns.</li>
<li>Taiwan&rsquo;s agro-technology and food processing technology can also be very beneficial for India&rsquo;s agriculture sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Both sides have also expanded <strong>educational exchanges</strong> after a mutual degree recognition agreement in higher education was <strong>signed in 2010.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>One China policy:</strong> India finds it difficult to realise the full potential of its bilateral relationship with Taiwan. At present, about 16 countries worldwide continue to recognise Taiwan as an independent state. India is not among the sixteen countries.</li>
<li><strong>Trade &amp; Investment:</strong> The economic exchange is still relatively insignificant. Taiwan&rsquo;s share of trade with India is around 1% of its global trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Taiwan</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603272458_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603272458_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Taiwan - the Republic of China (ROC), home to <strong>twenty-three million people,</strong> is an island <strong>off the southern coast of China</strong> that has been governed independently from mainland China since <strong>1949.</strong></li>
<li>Its neighbours include China (officially the People&rsquo;s Republic of China, PRC) to the west, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south.</li>
<li>Taiwan is the most populous state that is not a member of the United Nations and the largest economy outside the UN.</li>
<li>Taiwan is Asia&rsquo;s 5<sup>th</sup> largest economy.</li>
<li>It is a global leader in chip manufacture and the second-largest manufacturer of IT hardware, etc.</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Claim:</strong> The People&rsquo;s Republic of China (PRC) views the island as a province, while in Taiwan&mdash;a territory with its own democratically elected government&mdash;leading political voices have differing views on the island&rsquo;s status and relations with the mainland.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China and Taiwan maintain a fragile relationship, which has improved during the past seven years but is periodically tested.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Taiwan has invested heavily on China studies. India should take advantage of this fact. Resource rich India can benefit from Taiwan&rsquo;s technology. For instance, India has abundant natural bamboo resources while Taiwan owns the world-class bamboo charcoal technology. With this sort of technology, India can make use of its bamboo resources to produce high value-added goods.</li>
<li>With the recent appointment of a senior diplomat to serve as the <strong>new envoy to Taiwan,</strong> India has signalled a shift in its One-China policy (although not officially abandoned) a clear indication of taking forward the diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/china-warns-india-on-ties-with-taiwan/article32902761.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 4 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6787,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Australia to Join Malabar Exercise',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Australia has agreed to join the Malabar Exercise</strong> on India&rsquo;s request. The exercise is scheduled to be held in November 2020.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Malabar Exercise</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>annual trilateral naval exercise</strong> between the navies of <strong>India, Japan, and the USA</strong> which is held <strong>alternately in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.</strong></li>
<li>It began as a <strong>bilateral <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-8th-september-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">naval exercise</a></strong> between <strong>India and the USA in 1992</strong> and was expanded into a trilateral format with the<strong> inclusion of Japan in 2015.</strong></li>
<li>The Exercise is <strong>aimed to support free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific</strong> and remain committed to a <strong>rules based international order.</strong></li>
<li>It is<strong> also aimed at interoperability</strong> with an emphasis on humanitarian assistance, surface war manoeuvres, anti-submarines warfare, counter-terror operations, gunnery training and aerial surveillance.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>2020 Malabar Exercise:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2020 Exercise is expected to be held in the<strong> Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.</strong> In 2019, the exercise was conducted off the coast of Japan.</li>
<li>Due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> the exercise had been planned in a <strong>&lsquo;non-contact - at sea&rsquo; format.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Its objective</strong> is to enhance safety and security in the maritime domain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Australia&rsquo;s Inclusion:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The issue of Australia&rsquo;s inclusion in Malabar had again come up for discussion at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad</strong></a> foreign ministers meet in Tokyo held in October 2020. Thereafter, India invited Australia to join the Exercise.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Quad</strong> is the informal strategic dialogue between India, the USA, Japan and Australia with a shared objective to ensure and support a <strong>free, open and prosperous&rdquo; Indo-Pacific region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The move will bolster the ability of India, Australia, Japan and the United States to work together to<strong> uphold peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.</strong></li>
<li>It is also expected to further lay the foundations for the eventual <strong>formalisation of the Quad grouping.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Despite regular requests from Australia, India resisted issuing the invitation due to its concerns that the move would give the appearance of a<strong> &lsquo;quadrilateral military alliance&rsquo;</strong> aimed at China.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2017, Australia had requested for observer status in the Malabar Exercise.</li>
<li>China has repeatedly expressed strong opposition to any expansion of the Malabar Exercise, which it sees as a multilateral naval construct designed to &ldquo;counter and contain&rdquo; it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, the recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/face-off-between-india-and-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-China tensions</strong></a> over the situation at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aksai-chin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Line of Actual Control</strong> </a>(LAC) may have brought more flexibility to India's decision making process.</li>
<li><strong>Japan and the U.S.A also have been pressing India</strong> for Australia&rsquo;s inclusion in Malabar Exercise.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Cooperation Between Quad Members:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India and Japan had signed a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-logistics-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>military logistics agreement</strong></a> in September, 2020.</li>
<li>India has signed maritime information sharing agreements for <strong>Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)</strong> with Australia and Japan and a similar agreement is under discussion with the U.S.A.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>MDA</strong> is defined by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Maritime Organization</strong> </a>as the effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of a country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India and U.S.A. are also stepping up efforts to conclude the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement</a> (BECA)</strong> ahead of the <strong>Indo-US 2+2 ministerial meeting</strong> on 26-27 October, 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>BECA, a key military pact, will allow India to use U.S.A.&rsquo;s geospatial intelligence and enhance accuracy of automated systems and weapons like missiles and armed drones.</li>
<li>BECA is one of the <strong>four foundational military communication agreements</strong> between the two countries. The other three being <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GSOMIA, LEMOA, CISMOA.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>GSOMIA:</strong> General Security Of Military Information Agreement</li>
<li><strong>LEMOA:</strong> Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement</li>
<li><strong>CISMOA:</strong> Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Defence and Foreign ministers of the two countries will Participate at the 2+2 ministerial meeting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As India seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain, high-end military exercises like Malabar are key to enhancing maritime capabilities, building interoperability with its close partners, and demonstrating its collective resolve to support an open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.</li>
<li>The fast-tracking of work on BECA and the decision of the four Quad countries to participate in the Malabar Exercise are perceived to be a strategic signal to an aggressive China.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/australia-to-join-malabar-naval-exercise-next-month/article32892277.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6784,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Israel and Bahrain Diplomatic Ties',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Bahrain and Israel are signing a <strong>joint communique</strong> on the establishment<strong> of diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations,</strong> as well as a number of <strong>memorandums of understanding</strong> in areas of mutual benefit.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603101908_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603101908_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bahrain has a history of open politics and civil society movements, although rights have been curtailed in the past decade.</li>
<li>The decision to normalise ties comes from the belief in the values of tolerance in a region whose people have suffered from wars and conflicts.</li>
<li>The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain became only the third and fourth Arab states to agree to normalise ties with Israel, following Israel&rsquo;s <strong>1979</strong> peace deal with Egypt and a <strong>1994</strong> pact with Jordan.</li>
<li>Under the deal, <strong>Israel would suspend its plans to annex large parts of the occupied <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/west-bank-settlements" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Bank</a>.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The West Bank is<strong> sandwiched between Israel and Jordan.</strong> One of its major cities is <strong>Ramallah,</strong> the <strong>de facto administrative capital of Palestine.</strong></li>
<li>Israel took control of it in the<strong> Six-day Arab-Israeli war, 1967</strong> and has over the years established settlements there.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact on the USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is the second deal in 2020 after the Israel-UAE Peace Deal brokered by the USA. The recognition<strong> grants a diplomatic win</strong> to the USA President Donald Trump ahead of the Presidential election.</li>
<li>The deal buys UAE a lot of <strong>goodwill in the US,</strong> where its image has been tarnished by its involvement in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ceasefire-in-yemen" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Yemen war</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Saudi Arabia</strong> made clear that it will not normalise ties without a resolution to the Palestinian issue despite signs of rapprochement.</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>For Palestine:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Palestinians have not embraced the USA&rsquo;s vision. 86% of Palestinians believed the normalization agreements with the UAE and Bahrain served only Israel&rsquo;s interests and not their own.</li>
<li>For Palestinians, who long have relied on Arab backing in their struggle for independence, the announcement <strong>marked both a win and setback</strong> for the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Israel-Palestine relations.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While the deal <strong>halts Israeli annexation plans of the west Bank,</strong> the Palestinians have repeatedly <strong>urged Arab governments not to normalize relations with Israel until a peace agreement</strong> establishing an independent Palestinian state is reached.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Shia-Sunni rifts</strong> in the region may get wide and violent.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Saudi Arabia (Sunni) and Iran (representing Shia) have a long history of enmity. For decades, one of the main sources of instability in West Asia has been the cold war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.</li>
<li>The Sunni-Shiite schism may also provoke violence between Muslims in such places as Pakistan, Nigeria and Indonesia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Interest in West Asia:</strong> A peaceful and prosperous West Asia is necessary for India. Such deals between Arab Countries and Israel are having a positive impact for Indian interests in the region. Also, difficulty in balancing Arab countries and Israel will become easy. Indian interests include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Geopolitical:</strong> West Asia occupies an important position in international relations due to its geographical location and proximity to continents and countries South Asia, China, Central Asia, Europe, and Africa.</li>
<li><strong>Energy:</strong> The region is strategically significant due to its enormous energy resources, trade route links to different parts of the world.</li>
<li>It is the world's largest oil-producing region accounting for 34% of world production, 45% of crude oil exports and 48% of oil proven reserves.</li>
<li><strong>Diaspora:</strong> Indian expatriates have constituted a substantial share of the regional labour market.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Remittances from the region constitute a major chunk of total remittances to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A balance between <strong>Shia and Sunni,</strong> between Iran and Arab, is key to any sustainable peace.</li>
<li>The US may be a pre-eminent power in the Middle East, but Russia has made a space for itself, spending a lot less money. In recent years, China has indicated its willingness to play a larger role in this region.</li>
<li>India should make its moves before this market and this extended neighbourhood come under the Chinese sphere of influence.</li>
<li>A deal that could, if played right, open the doors for a changed geopolitical arrangement in the Middle East should have a stronger Indian footprint.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-and-bahrain-to-formalise-diplomatic-ties/article32887549.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6783,
		'category_id' => (int) 27,
		'title' => 'Nobel Prize 2020',
		'description' => '<p>The Nobel Prizes regarded as the most prestigious awards given for intellectual achievement in the world are awarded annually from a fund bequeathed for that purpose by the Swedish inventor and industrialist Alfred Nobel.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is announced every year for excellence in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Economics, and a distinguished achievement towards humanity &ndash; commonly known as the Nobel Peace Prize.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Physiology/Medicine</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Nobel Prize has been awarded to American medical researchers and virologists <strong>Harvey J Alter</strong> and<strong> Charles M Rice,</strong> and British scientist<strong> Michael Houghton</strong> for the discovery of Hepatitis C which was discovered in 1982 by screening millions of DNA samples.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The discovery of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-hepatitis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Hepatitis C</strong></a> virus revealed the cause of the remaining cases of chronic hepatitis and made possible blood tests and new medicines that have saved millions of lives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Hepatitis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hepatitis refers to an <strong>inflammatory condition of the liver.</strong></li>
<li>It&rsquo;s commonly caused by a<strong> viral infection,</strong> but there are other possible causes of hepatitis like autoimmune responses, medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol.</li>
<li>There are 5 main <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-hepatitis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>hepatitis</strong> </a>viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-hepatitis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Hepatitis Day</strong></a> is observed each year on 28<sup>th</sup> July to enhance awareness of viral hepatitis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Hepatitis C is caused by the <strong>Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The first, (hepatitis A), is transmitted by polluted water or food and generally has little long-term impact on the patient.</li>
<li>The second type is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids and represents a much more serious threat since it can lead to a chronic condition.</li>
<li>This form of hepatitis is insidious, as otherwise healthy individuals can be silently infected for many years before serious complications arise.</li>
<li>It is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Physics</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prize-in-physics-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nobel Prize in Physics</strong></a> for the year 2020 was awarded to three astrophysicists <strong>Roger Penrose</strong> from the UK, <strong>Reinhard Genzel</strong> from Germany, and<strong> Andrea Ghez</strong> from the USA.</li>
<li>Roger Penrose received half of this year&rsquo;s prize for the discovery that a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/blacl-holes-dark-matter" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>black hole</strong></a> formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The theory explains gravity, as objects try to follow a straight line through a universe whose geometry is warped by matter and energy. As a result, planets, as well as light beams, follow curving paths.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Genzel and Ghez received the second half of the prize for the discovery of a <strong>supermassive black hole</strong> at the centre of the Milkyway galaxy, now known to be the Sagittarius A*. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has a mass four million times that of the Sun and is confined to an area roughly the size of our Solar System.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>What is a black hole?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The term &lsquo;black hole&rsquo; was coined in the mid-1960s by American Physicist <strong>John Archibald Wheeler.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Black hole refers to a point in space where matter is so compressed as to create a gravity field from which even light cannot escape.</li>
<li>Black-holes were<strong> theorized</strong> by <strong>Albert Einstein</strong> in 1915.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>All the black holes observed so far belong to two categories:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One category ranges between a few solar masses and tens of solar masses. These are thought to form when massive stars die.</li>
<li>The other category is of supermassive black holes. These range from hundreds of thousands to billions of times that of the sun from the Solar system to which Earth belongs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In April 2019, the scientists at the Event Horizon Telescope Project released the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-images-of-a-black-hole" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> first-ever image of a Black Hole</strong></a> (more precisely, of its shadow).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The image was made possible by the Event Horizon Telescope which is a group of 8 radio telescopes (used to detect radio waves from space) located in different parts of the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/intermediate-mass-black-hole" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gravitational waves</strong></a> are created when two black holes orbit each other and merge.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Chemistry</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Emmanuelle Charpentier</strong> of France and <strong>Jennifer A Doudna</strong> of the USA have been awarded the 2020 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prizes-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nobel Prize</strong> </a>in Chemistry for developing CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors, one of gene technology&rsquo;s sharpest tools.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is for the first time a Nobel science prize has gone to a women-only team.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors</strong> can be used to change the<strong> deoxyribonucleic acid</strong> (DNA) of animals, plants and microorganisms with extremely high precision.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The CRISPR/Cas9 tool has already <strong>contributed to significant gains in crop resilience,</strong> altering their genetic code to<strong> better withstand drought and pests.</strong></li>
<li>The technology has contributed to new<strong> cancer</strong> therapies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>CRISPR Technology</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The CRISPR (short for <strong>Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats</strong>) technology for gene-editing was first developed in 2012.</li>
<li>It makes gene sequencing very easy, simple and extremely efficient providing nearly endless possibilities.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Editing, or modifying, gene sequences is not new and has been happening for several decades now, particularly in the field of agriculture, where several crops have been genetically modified to provide particular traits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The technology replicates a natural defence mechanism in Streptococcus pyogenes that use a similar method to protect itself from virus attacks.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A DNA strand, when broken, has a natural tendency to repair itself but the auto-repair mechanism can lead to the re-growth of a problematic sequence.</li>
<li>Scientists intervene during this auto-repair process by supplying the desired sequence of genetic codes, which replaces the original sequence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Peace</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/food-crisis-amid-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Food Programme</strong> </a>(WFP), a <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong> </a>(UN) agency, for its efforts to combat hunger, bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and preventing the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WPF is the UN&rsquo;s primary agency that works upon <strong>Eradicating Hunger</strong> which is one the UN&rsquo;s <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals.</strong></a></li>
<li>The WFP provided assistance to close to 100 million people in 88 countries who are victims of acute food insecurity and hunger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>WFP in India:</strong> It has been working in India since 1963 where it has focused upon reforms in the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Targeted Public Distribution System</strong> </a>(TPDS) and provided policy inputs, advocacy and technical assistance for improving access to food.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WFP has proposed unique initiatives like <strong>Automatic Grain Dispensing Machine (Annapurti)</strong> and<strong> Mobile Storage Units</strong> for the effective implementation of TPDS.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Food Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was established in 1961 by the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-22nd-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Food and Agriculture Organisation</a> (FAO)</strong> and the<strong> United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)</strong> and became a full-fledged UN programme in 1965.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong> Rome, Italy.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Economic Sciences</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>American economists, <strong>Paul Milgrom and Robert Wilson</strong> have been awarded the <strong>Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences,</strong> 2020 for their work on commercial auctions. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The award is <strong>popularly but incorrectly</strong> known as Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, (as it is not one of the five Nobel prizes that Alfred Nobel established in his will in 1895, it is not a Nobel Prize).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was created in 1968 by a donation from Sweden's central bank Sveriges Riksbank to the<strong> Nobel Foundation to commemorate the bank's 300<sup>th</sup> anniversary</strong> and includes a <strong>10 million Swedish kronor award money</strong> (₹8.33 crores roughly).</li>
<li>Milgrom and Wilson improved the auction theory and invented new auction formats for auctioning off many interrelated objects simultaneously, on behalf of a seller motivated by broad societal benefit rather than maximal revenue.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Robert Wilson</strong> developed the theory for auctions of objects with a common value &ndash; a value which is uncertain beforehand but, in the end, is the same for everyone.</li>
<li><strong>Paul Milgrom</strong> formulated a more general theory of auctions that not only allows common values, but also private values that vary from bidder to bidder.</li>
<li>Their work will benefit <strong>sellers, buyers and taxpayers</strong> around the world. It will help in auctioning goods and services, such as<strong> radio frequencies,</strong> which are difficult to sell in traditional ways.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Auction Theory</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Auction theory studies how auctions are designed, what rules govern them, how bidders behave and what outcomes are achieved.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Auctions are important to economists because they are the most widely used and also the <strong>most efficient mechanism to allocate scarce resources.</strong></li>
<li>The allocation of scarce resources, in turn, matters to economists because there is a limited supply of resources on earth when compared to unlimited human needs, and hence they need to be allocated only to the most urgent needs of society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Application of auction:</strong> Auctions happen almost everywhere in the modern world. Even the sale of groceries in retail stores is based on an auction, albeit an implicit one that is relatively slow to adjust to changing market conditions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The oldest form of auction is the auction of a bankrupt person&rsquo;s property to pay off his creditors. This simple design of such an auction is the highest open bidder getting the property (or the commodity in question).</li>
<li><strong>Allocation of capital good:</strong> More sophisticated and explicit auction mechanisms are used in the allocation of capital goods such as spectrum and minerals. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Over time, the format of auctions has widened to include other commodities such as carbon dioxide emission credits, electricity or the right to collect the local garbage etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>For e.g.</strong> a supermarket manager, just as an auctioneer, tries to price his goods based on how much of it is sold during a certain day, week, or month. If there is a huge demand for a certain product and shelves empty quickly, the supermarket manager will raise its price to prevent a shortage. If another product fails to sell as fast as expected, its price may be lowered in order to clear any unsold inventory.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>But whether it is the auction of spectrum waves or the sale of fruits and vegetables, auctions are at the core of allocation of scarce resources in a market economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Auction models:</strong> Different auction models are needed for depending upon the commodities, purpose of the auction and the entities conducting the auction.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>For e.g.</strong> Maximizing the profit may be the motive of a private auction while making a service affordable can be the purpose of auctioning a service by the government. Wrong auction design can lead to a second-hand market where companies trade among themselves with little revenue accruing to the government or little benefit to the public.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>How an auction is designed, has a tremendous impact not just on the buyers and the sellers but also on the broader society.</li>
<li><strong>Key variables:</strong> Three key variables need to be understood while designing an auction.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rules of Auction</strong> i.e. closed/sealed bids, single bids versus multiple bids.</li>
<li><strong>Commodity or service</strong> being put up for auction i.e. how does each bidder value an item.</li>
<li><strong>Uncertainty</strong> regarding which bidder has what information about the object, or even the value another bidder associates with the object.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Literature</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Nobel Prize in Literature 2020 has been awarded to the USA poet <strong>Louise Gl&uuml;ck</strong> "for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal."<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Her poetry focuses on the painful reality of being human, dealing with themes such as death, childhood, and family life.</li>
<li>She is the fourth woman to win the prize for literature since 2010, and only the 16<sup>th</sup> since the Nobel prizes were first awarded in 1901.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Nobel Prize comes with a medal and a prize sum of 10 million Swedish kronor.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Contribution of Indians</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Poet and writer <strong>Rabindranath Tagore</strong> was the <strong>first non-European and Indian</strong> to get a Nobel Prize in 1913 in literature.</li>
<li>India received its first Nobel Prize in physics in 1930, when scientist Sir <strong>Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman</strong> was awarded &ldquo;for his work on the scattering of light and for the discovery of the effect named after him&rdquo;. This phenomenon is now known as Raman Effect.</li>
<li><strong>Har Gobind Khorana</strong> shared his 1968 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine with Robert W Holley and Marshall W Nirenberg. The trio was honoured <strong>&ldquo;for their interpretation of the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mother Teresa</strong> won the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. She was a Roman Catholic nun who was born in Albania. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata and worked all her life for the poor. She became an <strong>Indian citizen</strong> as well. She received the prize for her &ldquo;work in bringing help to suffering humanity&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Indian physicist <strong>Subramanyan Chandrasekhar</strong> was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physics, which he shared with physicist William Alfred Fowler. He was awarded <strong>&ldquo;for theoretical studies of the physical processes of importance to the structure and evolution of the stars&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Amartya Sen</strong> was the winner of the 1998 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences. He was rewarded &ldquo;for his contributions to welfare economics&rdquo;.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s first Nobel Prize in the field of chemistry was won by <strong>Venkatraman Ramakrishnan.</strong> He received the 2009 Nobel Prize<strong> &ldquo;for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome&rdquo;.</strong> He shared the award with Thomas A Steitz and Ada E Yonath.</li>
<li><strong>Kailash Satyarthi,</strong> along with Malala Yousafzai, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. He received the honour &ldquo;for the struggle against the suppression of children and young people, and for the right of all children to education.&rdquo;</li>
<li>The Indian-American economist <strong>Abhijit Banerjee</strong> was awarded the Nobel Prize in economics along with Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer. The trio received the award for their<strong> &ldquo;experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
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		'article_id' => (int) 6776,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Pro-Democracy Protests in Thailand',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Thailand&rsquo;s government banned gatherings of<strong> more than five people</strong> in the face of <strong>three months of escalating demonstrations</strong> that have targeted the <strong>King</strong> as well as the <strong>Prime Minister.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602937058_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602937058_image7.png" 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>Initially, the government allowed peaceful and lawful protests but now stringent control, due to anarchy in protests.</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong> The roots of the current discontentment go back to the <strong>2014 coup</strong> which brought the <strong>junta (military dictatorship)</strong> in power which tightened its grip on power and introduced more and more restrictions on the public.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>2017,</strong> the military introduced a <strong>new Constitution,</strong> which allowed the military to appoint a <strong>250-member Senate</strong> that would play a role in selecting the <strong>Prime Minister.</strong></li>
<li>The country held the <strong>delayed Parliamentary</strong> election in<strong> 2019,</strong> which was seen as a mere exercise to transfer power from the junta to an elected government.</li>
<li><strong>Role of Monarchy:</strong> Thailand&rsquo;s royal family has considerable influence over the country&rsquo;s political system and is revered by citizens. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Many, particularly young Thais, have increasingly started questioning the monarchy&rsquo;s role, its privileges, and the power it has exerted in the country for years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Latest Cause:</strong> Anti-government protests emerged last year after courts banned the most vocal opposition party. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This political party was relatively new, and had been formed in 2018, with the goals to restrain the military&rsquo;s powers and interference in the political spectrum and to tackle social and economic inequality in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Protest:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most of the protestors are students and young people in their 20s. There is<strong> no overall leader.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Key Groups:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Free Youth Movement,</strong> which was behind the first major protest in July.</li>
<li>The <strong>United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration,</strong> a student group from Bangkok&rsquo;s Thammasat University, which has championed calls for monarchy reform.</li>
<li>The<strong> Bad Student Movement</strong> of high-schoolers, which seeks education reform.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Demands:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Reforms to the Monarchy:</strong> Students submitted 10 demands to the government, asking for a separation of the King&rsquo;s assets and the Crown Property Bureau (quasi-government institution to manage the monarch's property in Thailand).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They also wanted to cut the Palace&rsquo;s share in the national budget, a ban on the King from expressing his political views, and safeguards to prevent him from endorsing future coups.</li>
<li>Some protesters <strong>want to reverse a 2017 increase in the king&rsquo;s constitutional powers,</strong> made the year after he succeeded his widely revered late father King Bhumibol Adulyadej.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Lese Majeste Laws:</strong> The monarchy is protected by<strong> Section 112 of the Penal Code,</strong> which says whoever defames, insults or threatens the king, queen, heir-apparent or regent shall be jailed for three to 15 years.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This law has remained virtually unchanged since the creation of the country's first criminal code in 1908, although the penalty was toughened in 1976.</li>
<li>Protesters also seek the scrapping of<strong> lese majeste laws.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pro-democracy activists</strong> say that Thailand is backtracking on the constitutional monarchy established when absolute royal rule ended in<strong> 1932.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Also, the monarchy is too close to the army and argue that this has undermined democracy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Demands:</strong> The students have also called for the Prime Minister&rsquo;s resignation; a new Constitution; fresh, free and fair elections; and an end to attacks on dissidents and opposition parties such as the Future Forward Party.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The democratic voice must be heard in Thai Protests not merely a promise of superficial democracy. For India also, it is a critical time to observe the outcome of the protest but wiser is to engage constructively with the regime in regard to democracy and human rights.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/thailand-protests-explained-6734960/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6759,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Uranium Supply From Australia to India',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vikram-sarabhai-centenary-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Department of Atomic Energy</strong></a> <strong>(DAE)</strong> has turned down the offers submitted by the two Australian companies for commencing supply of uranium ore to India citing lack of viability of the proposals.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-australia-relations-april-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Australia</strong> </a>ties have been on an upswing since 2012, when the <strong>Australian government decided to sell uranium to India</strong> despite India not being a signatory to the nuclear <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/50-years-of-nuclear-non-proliferation-treaty-npt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non Proliferation Treaty.</strong> </a></li>
<li>The above decision was <strong>formalised by way of a bilateral agreement in 2014</strong> known as <strong>Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.</strong></li>
<li>The uranium imports from Australia <strong>were to be used to meet fuel requirements of Indian nuclear reactors</strong> that are under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/63rd-general-conference-of-iaea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)</strong></a> safeguards.</li>
<li>However, the <strong>progress on uranium supply has been very low,</strong> despite efforts from both sides. In 2017, Australia had sent its first uranium shipment to India but that was cited as &ldquo;a small sample of uranium&rdquo; transferred &ldquo;purely for testing purposes&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Civil Nuclear Capacity</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nuclear-power-plants-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>22 reactors</strong></a> with an <strong>installed capacity of 6,780 megawatt.</strong> Of these, <strong>eight reactors are fuelled by indigenous uranium</strong> while the remaining <strong>14 are under IAEA safeguards</strong> and qualify to use imported uranium.</li>
<li>India was required to bring 14 reactors under IAEA safeguards in a phased manner under the<strong> separation plan</strong> announced by India in 2006, which was negotiated after the 2005 nuclear deal with the USA.</li>
<li>Currently, India imports uranium fuel from<strong> Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, France and Canada.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Kazakhstan is the world&rsquo;s largest producer of uranium.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A steady supply of uranium is expected to boost the performance of Indian nuclear power plants, as well as of several fuel cycle facilities.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Non-Proliferation Treaty</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The NPT is an <strong>international treaty</strong> whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to foster the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of disarmament.</li>
<li>The treaty was signed in<strong> 1968</strong> and entered into force in 1970. Presently, it has 190 member states.</li>
<li>It <strong>requires countries to give up any present or future plans to build nuclear weapons</strong> in return for access to peaceful uses of nuclear energy.</li>
<li>It represents the <strong>only binding commitment in a multilateral treaty</strong> to the goal of disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Nuclear-weapon states parties under the NPT are defined as those that manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive devices before 1<sup>st</sup> January 1967.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand on NPT</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is <strong>one of the five countries that have not signed the NPT,</strong> the others include<strong> Pakistan, Israel, North Korea, and South Sudan.</strong></li>
<li>India always considered the NPT as discriminatory and had refused to sign it.</li>
<li>India has opposed the international treaties aimed at non-proliferation since they were selectively applicable to the non-nuclear powers and legitimised the monopoly of the five nuclear weapons powers.</li>
<li>India believes that nuclear <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-stand-on-nuclear-weapons" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>disarmament can be achieved through a step-by-step</strong></a> <strong>process</strong> underwritten by a <strong>universal commitment</strong> and an <strong>agreed multilateral framework</strong> after meaningful dialogues among all States possessing nuclear weapons, for building trust and confidence.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The India-Australia bilateral relationship has been largely a case of <strong>"one step forward, two steps back".</strong> However, Australia&rsquo;s overturning of a ban on uranium sales to India was <strong>seen as a removal of a diplomatic thorn</strong> between the two nations and potentially opening up a new and growing market for Australian suppliers.</li>
<li>In June 2020, India and Australia had decided to elevate their relationship to a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-australia-virtual-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Comprehensive Strategic Partnership&rsquo;.</strong></a></li>
<li>In view of the above development both India and Australia can work to remove the obstacles in supplying Uranium from Australia to India.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/uranium-supplies-lack-of-viability-of-proposals-dae-drops-offers-by-two-australian-cos-6726529/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6752,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => '65th Anniversary of Bandung Conference: NAM',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The year <strong>2020</strong> marks the<strong> 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary</strong> of the landmark<strong> Bandung Conference</strong> that resulted in the adoption of the founding principles of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Aligned Movement</strong> </a>(NAM).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The basic concept for NAM originated in <strong>1955</strong> during discussions that took place at the <strong>Asia-Africa Bandung Conference</strong> held in<strong> Indonesia.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The milestone of the 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary is a <strong>good time to reflect upon the philosophy</strong> behind the movement.</li>
<li>India reiterated that NAM <strong>never was and can never be a platform for pursuits that undermine the territorial integrity</strong> of a State by another State.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India will deploy her rich developmental experience for the peace and welfare of humanity, treating the world as one family.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India also <strong>emphasized</strong> that in order to make NAM a relevant entity in the global decision making process, its <strong>members must avoid raising issues that divide the forum.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> is a reminder of the interconnectedness and dependence of NAM members on each other.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Members must work to reduce the socio-economic impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable sections of society. NAM's unique tradition of promoting <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-africa-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South-South cooperation</strong> </a>can provide a way out as societies look to rebuild and regenerate in the wake of this crisis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Apart from the global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-international-convention-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>terrorism</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-in-climate-change-negotiations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a>, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cyber-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cybersecurity threats</strong></a> and the uneven <strong>impact of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/frontier-technologies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">frontier technologies</a> (<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Artificial Intelligence</a></strong>, robotics, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-must-get-on-the-iot-highway-fast" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Internet of Things</strong></a>, etc.)<strong> and development concerns</strong> are few other challenges which can only be tackled if all the members work together.</li>
<li>The strength of the NAM lies in its<strong> diversity,</strong> its <strong>shared developmental experience,</strong> and its <strong>youthful populations.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Non-Aligned Movement</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was formed during the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong></a> as an organisation of<strong> States that did not seek to formally align</strong> themselves with either the <strong>USA (<a href="/mains/model-essays/can-capitalism-bring-inclusive-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Capitalism</a>)</strong> or the <strong>Soviet Union (<a href="/be-mains-ready-daily-answer-writing-practice-question/papers/be-mains-ready-idea-of-socialism-india-adopted-after-its-independence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Socialism</a>)</strong> but sought to<strong> remain independent or neutral.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Foundation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Six years after the Bandung Conference, the <strong>Movement of Non-Aligned Countries was founded</strong> on a wider geographical basis at the <strong>First Summit Conference of Belgrade,</strong> which was held in <strong>September 1961.</strong></li>
<li>It was held under the leadership of <strong>Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, </strong>and <strong>Sukarno of Indonesia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Purpose:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The purpose of the organisation was enumerated in the <strong>Havana Declaration of 1979</strong> to ensure <strong>"the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries"</strong> in their struggle against <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-135#:~:text=Imperialism%2C%20on%20the%20other%20hand,a%20territory%20without%20significant%20settlement.&amp;text=Imperialism%20is%20just%20exercising%20power,or%20indirect%20mechanisms%20of%20control." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>imperialism</strong></a>, <a href="/gs-special/gs-special-world-history/colonialism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>colonialism</strong></a>, <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-352" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>neo-colonialism</strong></a>, racism, and all forms of foreign subjugation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Members and Observers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has <strong>120 members as of April 2018</strong> comprising 53 countries from Africa, 39 from Asia, 26 from Latin America and the Caribbean and 2 from Europe.</li>
<li>There are <strong>17 countries and 10 international organisations</strong> that are <strong>Observers</strong> at NAM.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NAM <strong>does not have a formal constitution or permanent secretariat,</strong> and its <strong>administration is non-hierarchical and rotational.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Decisions</strong> are made by<strong> consensus,</strong> which requires substantial agreement, but not unanimity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Even if members call for effective and reformed multilateralism, they need to introspect, reform and revitalise the current arrangements of their own movement, which will enable them to pursue a focused, positive and transformative agenda going forward.</li>
<li>The NAM has a glorious past but the future will depend on how the member nations perform in addressing the defining challenges of the current era, which could be solved easily with the help of the principles of solidarity and cooperation.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/nam-can-t-be-platform-to-undermine-territorial-integrity-says-india-120100901322_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: BS</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6747,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Pakistan Re-elected to the UNHRC',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Pakistan is currently serving on <a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc#:~:text=The%20United%20Nations%20Human%20Rights%20Council%20(UNHRC)%20is%20a%20United,group%20basis%20from%205%20groups." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)</strong></a> since 1<sup>st</sup> January, 2018. With its re-election, Pakistan will continue as a member for another <strong>three-year term commencing on 1<sup>st</sup> January, 2021</strong>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A total of <strong>Fifteen countries were elected to the 47-nation council</strong>. Russia and Cuba were elected unopposed. Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Nepal and China were elected from the Asia-Pacific region.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pakistan has been re-elected despite<strong> opposition from activist groups</strong> over its abysmal human rights records. This is the <strong>fifth time</strong> that Pakistan has been elected to the UNHRC.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Acoording to the British Government&rsquo;s <strong>Foreign and Commonwealth Office Report </strong>titled <strong>'Human Rights and Democracy'</strong>, there were serious human rights concerns and violations in Pakistan in 2019, including restrictions on civic space and freedom of expression, intolerance and direct and open discrimination towards minorities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Countries with Dubious Record:</strong> With a number of countries with questionable rights records being elected, the current system of entry to <strong>UNHRC is in serious need of reform</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The election of states such as <strong>China and Russia</strong> &ldquo;damages the reputation of the HRC, its standing within the international human rights committee and beyond&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Non-competitive Elections:</strong> Problem of election without opposition. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For example, the Eastern European group had two available seats but only two countries were nominated to fill those positions, meaning there was no competition for the spots.</li>
<li>Except for the Asia-Pacific contest, the election of 15 members to the 47-member Human Rights Council was decided in advance because all the other regional groups had <strong>unopposed states</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Other View:</strong> Electing nations with dubious human rights records has some <strong>positives</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a silver lining to repressive countries being elected to the council &ndash; their position as the supposed guardian of human rights makes it far <strong>more difficult for them to hide their own human rights abuses</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was established in <strong>2006</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong> Geneva, Switzerland</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> Promoting and protecting human rights around the globe, as well as investigating alleged human rights violations.</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> The UNHRC has <strong>47 members</strong> elected for staggered three-year terms on a regional group basis from 5 groups.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Membership:</strong> To become a member, a country must receive the votes of at least 96 of the 191 states of the UN General Assembly (an absolute majority).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to <strong>Resolution 60/251</strong>, which created the council, members are elected directly by secret ballot by the majority of the UN General Assembly. Membership has to be <strong>equally distributed geographically</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Five regional groups for membership:</strong> Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Western Europe and Eastern Europe.</li>
<li>The members are elected for a period of <strong>three years</strong>, with a <strong>maximum of two consecutive terms</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sessions:</strong> The UNHRC holds <strong>regular sessions</strong> three times a year, in March, June, and September.</li>
<li>The council also carries out the <strong>Universal Periodic Review</strong> of all UN member states, which allows civil society groups to bring accusations of human rights violations in member states to the attention of the UN.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The USA withdrew from the UNHRC in 2018 citing its ineffectiveness and bias. For India it is a testing time as Pakistan got re-elected despite dubious status regarding human rights.</li>
<li>However, India&rsquo;s commitment towards respecting institutions of global governance mandates to have a critical voice against some events instead of quitting the membership without reasons backed by principles.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-re-elected-to-united-nations-human-rights-council/article32851107.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6735,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Mexico',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>5<sup>th</sup></strong> meeting of the<strong> India-Mexico Bilateral High-Level Group</strong> (BHLG) <strong>on Trade, Investment and Cooperation</strong> has been held through video conference.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>4<sup>th</sup> meeting</strong> of BHLG on Trade, Investment and Cooperation at the level of Commerce Secretary was held<strong> in Mexico City in July 2016.</strong></li>
<li>On <strong>1<sup>st</sup> August 2020,</strong> India and Mexico celebrated the <strong>70<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations</strong> between them.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Both sides discussed a number of bilateral ongoing and outstanding issues, ranging from <strong>Audio-visual Co-production, Bilateral Investment Treaty, market access for agricultural products, a cooperation framework on Sanitary and Phytosanitary</strong> (SPS) and <strong>Technical Barriers to Trade</strong> (TBT) measures, <strong>cooperation in the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/intellectual-property-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intellectual Property Rights</a></strong> (IPR), and exploring ways to <strong>promote <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/tourism-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tourism</a> and people-to-people contact.</strong></li>
<li>They also <strong>agreed to expand and diversify</strong> the bilateral trade relationship through enhanced cooperation in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, healthcare, agro-products, fisheries, food processing and aerospace industry, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Two Memorandum of Understandings</strong> (MoUs) have been signed, to foster the cooperation in the domains of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Electronics, Computer Software and Telecommunications and Information Technologies.</li>
<li>Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Mexico Relations</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602672435_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602672435_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="350" height="247" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Ties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Being <strong>colonies in the past,</strong> India and Mexico have <strong>European connections of the <a href="/gs-special/gs-special-world-history/colonialism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">colonial</a> era.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mexico</strong> was the<strong> first Latin American country to recognise India</strong> after Independence and establish diplomatic relations with India in 1950.</li>
<li><strong>Mexican wheat varieties</strong> used in Indo-Mexican hybrids were the <strong>backbone of India&rsquo;s<a href="/mains-practice-question/question-97" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Green Revolution</a></strong> in the 1960s.</li>
<li>In the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong> </a>years, Mexico and India had worked together closely as members of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN), both actively championing the interests of developing countries such as in the <strong>Uruguay Round of Trade Negotiations</strong> (under the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation</strong></a>).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both countries are the <strong>members of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-20</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Political and Bilateral Cooperation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both countries <strong>established a &lsquo;Privileged Partnership&rsquo; in 2007.</strong></li>
<li>In 2015, both countries <strong>agreed to work</strong> for achieving a<strong> &lsquo;Strategic Partnership&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The two countries have <strong>several bilateral agreements and MoUs,</strong> including for Investment Promotion and Protection, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extradition-treaty-between-india-and-belgium" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Extradition</strong></a>, Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, Space Cooperation, etc.</li>
<li>India gives<strong> 20 scholarships</strong> to Mexico under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vice-president-s-visit-to-comoros-and-sierra-leone" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme</strong> </a>and Mexican diplomats are also given training at <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/india-state-of-forest-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Forest Survey of India</strong></a> (FSI).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic and Commercial Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mexico is<strong> currently India&rsquo;s largest trading partner in Latin America.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2018-19, it accounted for almost a quarter of India&rsquo;s trade with the region. <strong>India is currently Mexico&rsquo;s ninth-most important</strong> global trading partner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> last decade has seen a spurt in trade</strong> between the two countries, which has grown from around USD 5 billion in 2015-16 to<strong> USD 9.4 billion in 2018-19.</strong></li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Exports:</strong> Vehicles and auto parts, organic chemicals, electrical machinery and electronic equipment, aluminium products, readymade garments, iron and steel products and gems and jewellery.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Imports:</strong> Crude oil, electrical goods and machinery, organic chemicals, vehicles and auto parts and iron and steel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Security:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both countries share a<strong> common concern over growing traditional and non-traditional security challenges,</strong> particularly the <strong>rise of<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-international-convention-on-terrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> global terrorism</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cultural Ties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Gurudev Tagore Indian Cultural Centre</strong> has been functioning in Mexico since October 2010, teaching Yoga, classical dances, music, etc.</li>
<li>An <strong>agreement on cultural cooperation</strong> has been in existence <strong>since 1975</strong> and cooperation activities are carried out through four-yearly<strong> &lsquo;Programmes of Cultural Cooperation&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Community:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indian community in Mexico is estimated to be more than 7,000, comprising mostly software engineers of Indian IT companies, academics/professors, and private businessmen.</li>
<li><strong>Tourism</strong> between the two countries is <strong>steadily increasing</strong> and Mexicans have been extended the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-july-7th-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>online e-Tourist Visa facility.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Indian nationals holding ordinary passports but having a valid visa for</strong> the USA, the UK, Canada, Schengen area or Japan, and holders of permanent residence in the same countries or Member States of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-future-of-free-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pacific Alliance</strong></a> viz. Colombia, Chile and Peru<strong> do not need a visa for short tourism or business visits</strong> to Mexico.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Differences:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mexico and India have had <strong>different viewpoints on the issue of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/50-years-of-nuclear-non-proliferation-treaty-npt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nuclear non-proliferation</a></strong>. However, during Indian Prime Minister&rsquo;s 2016 visit, Mexico pledged support for India's bid to be part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-nsg-bid" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nuclear Suppliers Group</strong></a> (NSG).</li>
<li>Both countries have differences on the issue of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/un-reforms-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Mexico has been a member of the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-un-security-council-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United for Consensus (UfC) group/Coffee Club</strong> </a>that, unlike India and the other <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet#:~:text=The%20foreign%20ministers%20of%20the,on%2027th%20September%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Group of Four</strong></a> (G-4) members (Japan, Germany and Brazil), opposes the expansion of permanent membership in the UNSC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India and Mexico have striking similarities in geo-climatic conditions, biodiversity, physiognomy and people, cultural and family values. Both are heirs to a great civilizational heritage and contacts between them indicatively go back centuries.</li>
<li>Both India and Mexico are non-permanent members of the Security Council for the period 2021-2022, which is a good opportunity to set aside their differences on global governance issues and work closely on areas of mutual interest.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1663960" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6727,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict & India',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-india-6722267/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Nagorno-Karabakh and India&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in Indian Express on 13/10/2020. It talks about the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and its impact on India.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, a three decades-old unresolved ethno territorial <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/armenia-azerbaijan-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan</strong></a> over Nagorno-Karabakh flared up once again. The conflict is between two relatively small countries and is territorial in nature.</p>
<p>However, several regional and global players particularly Russia, Europe, Turkey and Iran are also involved to secure their strategic, security and economic interests in the region.</p>
<p>As the strategic importance of the region is derived from energy exports, the stability of the region is very important for regional growth and oil importing countries like India.</p>
<p>Further, the conflict may cause geopolitical unrest in the region which is already suffering from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.Therefore, regional powers must strive to find a diplomatic solution to the problem and prevent the clash turning into a full blown regional conflict.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602588263_image0.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602588263_image0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Genesis of the Conflict</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Centre of Conflict:</strong> Nagorno-Karabakh, the centre of the conflict, is located within Azerbaijan but is populated, mostly, by those of Armenian ethnicity (and mostly Christian compared to the Shia Muslim majority Azerbaijan).</li>
<li><strong>Background of the Conflict:</strong> The conflict can be traced back to the pre-Soviet era when the region was at the meeting point of Ottoman, Russian and the Persian empires.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Once Azerbaijan and Armenia became Soviet Republics in 1921, Russia (erstwhile Sovient Union) gave Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan but offered autonomy to the contested region.</li>
<li>In the 1980s, when the Soviet power was receding, separatist currents picked up in Nagorno-Karabakh. In 1988, the national assembly voted to dissolve the region&rsquo;s autonomous status and join Armenia.</li>
<li>However, Azerbaijan suppressed such calls, which led to a military conflict.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flash Point of Conflict:</strong> The self-declaration of independence by Nagorno-Karabakh in September 1991 in the backdrop of an imminent collapse of the USSR resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh &mdash; supported by Armenia.</li>
<li><strong>Ceasefire:</strong> This clash lasted till a ceasefire agreement was reached in 1994, mediated largely by Russia. Since then, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe <strong>(OSCE) Minsk Group</strong> co-chaired by the USA, Russia and France have engaged Azerbaijan and Armenia extensively to resolve the conflict.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>By that time, Armenia had taken control of Nagorno-Karabakh and handed it to Armenian rebels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Present Day Condition:</strong> The rebels have declared independence, but have not won recognition from any country.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The region is still treated as a part of Azerbaijan by the international community, and Azerbaijan wants to take it back.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Strategic Significance of The Region</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The energy-rich Azerbaijan has built several gas and oil pipelines across the Caucasus (the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea) to Turkey and Europe.</li>
<li>Some of these pipelines pass close to the conflict zone (within 16 km of the border).</li>
<li>In an open war between the two countries, the pipelines could be targeted, which would impact energy supplies and may even lead to higher oil prices globally.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Role of Regional Players</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Turkey:</strong> The conflict between the two former Soviet republics has wider geopolitical implications as Turkey, which shares a border with Armenia, is backing Azerbaijan.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Given the deep cultural ties between the two countries, Turkey is staunchly backing Azerbaijan.</li>
<li>Further, this fits well into<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/turkey-greece-stand-off" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Turkey&rsquo;s aggressive foreign policy</strong></a>, which seeks to expand Turkish interests to the former Ottoman territories.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Russia:</strong> Russia enjoys good ties with both Azerbaijan and Armenia and supplies weapons to both.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Armenia is more dependent on Russia than the energy-rich Azerbaijan and Russia also has a military base in Armenia.</li>
<li>Therefore, Russia is trying to strike a balance between the two, by mediating a ceasefire between the warring sides, but it has yet to convene a meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani political or military leaderships.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Israel:</strong> The conflict marks a strange coupling of Turkey and Israel, which are hostile to one another both diplomatically and in terms of security.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Yet both states, dominated by their Sunni and Jewish communities respectively, support and arm Azerbaijan.</li>
<li>Also, Israel&rsquo;s major military and security firms seek to benefit from Azerbaijan&rsquo;s eagerness to be armed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Role of India: Interests &amp; Challenges</h3>
<p><strong>Asymmetry in Relations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With Armenia, India has a friendship and cooperation treaty (signed in 1995), which, incidentally, would prohibit India from providing military or any other assistance to Azerbaijan.</li>
<li>In the case of Azerbaijan, ONGC/OVL has made investments in an oilfield project in Azerbaijan and GAIL is exploring the possibilities of cooperation in LNG.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Azerbaijan also falls on the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-firm-takes-over-chabahar-port-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)</strong> </a>route, connecting India with Russia through Central Asia.</li>
<li>It can also connect India with Turkey and beyond through the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars passenger and freight rail link.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Armenia extends its unequivocal support to India on Kashmir issue whereas Azerbaijan not only opposess but also promotes Pakistan&rsquo;s narrative on this issue.</li>
<li>India does not have a publicly articulated policy for the South Caucasus &mdash; unlike &ldquo;Neighbourhood First&rdquo;, &ldquo;Act East&rdquo; or &ldquo;Central Asia Connect&rdquo;.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The region has remained on the periphery of its foreign policy radar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Balancing Between The Two Extremes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The conflict is essentially a conflict between two international principles viz. the principle of territorial integrity advocated by Azerbaijan and the principle of the right to self-determination invoked by Nagorno-Karabakh and supported by Armenia.</li>
<li>India has every reason not to support Azerbaijan&rsquo;s territorial integrity as Azerbaijan has shown scant regard for India&rsquo;s territorial integrity violated by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.</li>
<li>At the same time it is difficult for India to publicly endorse Nagorno-Karabakh is right for self-determination in view of the possible repercussions it can have repercussions for India as its adversaries like Pakistan may misuse it not only by making erroneous connections with Kashmir but also re-ignite secessionist movement in certain parts of India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Armenia-Azerbaijan conflicts reflect the failure of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In the absence of a peacekeeping force and the political will for peace, low-level frictions have persisted over the years.</p>
<p>Under these circumstances, India has done the right thing to adopt a balanced and neutral stance and pitching for a political solution as outlined in the Madrid Principles.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Madrid Principles</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Co-chaired by Russia, France and the U.S., the Minsk Group put forward in 2007 the Madrid Principles as the basis for the formulation of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.</li>
<li>In concrete terms, the Madrid Principles envisaged the demilitarisation of Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian majority region that seceded from Azerbaijan towards the end of the Soviet Union, and the gradual liberation of Azerbaijani territory that Armenia had occupied in the 1991-94 war.</li>
<li>These steps are also consistent with the UN Security Council&rsquo;s 1993 resolutions, calling for the unconditional withdrawal of Armenian occupying forces from Azerbaijan.</li>
<li>Besides, the Madrid Principles mentioned that international peacekeeping operations were to be deployed immediately after the Peace Agreement came into force, to monitor the Armenian redeployment</li>
<li>Also, internally displaced persons and refugees were to be provided the right to return to their original place of residence.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fff3e6;">
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the impact of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict on India&rsquo;s Connect Central Asia policy.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tpb6ozjbB3k" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/india-afghanistan-peace-delhi-abdullah-6721203/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Talking peace&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on October 12<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6703,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Protests to Coup: Kyrgyzstan',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Protesters in Kyrgyzstan have <strong>captured key government buildings,</strong> including the <strong>Parliament</strong> house and the <strong>presidential office</strong> and the situation is like a coup.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong> Kyrgyzstan, often referred to as Central Asia&rsquo;s <strong>only democracy,</strong> had seen violent anti-government protests in the past.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2005 and 2010, sitting presidents were forced out of office in popular protests- <strong>&lsquo;Tulip&rsquo;</strong> and <strong>&lsquo;Melon&rsquo;</strong> revolutions.</li>
<li>The <strong>current protests</strong> began after <strong>early results of the parliamentary election</strong> were announced.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Political parties in Kyrgyzstan should win at least 7% of the popular vote to enter Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The results showed that <strong>only four parties managed to cross the threshold</strong> and of which, <strong>three</strong> were<strong> pro-government</strong> parties.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The only <strong>one opposition party</strong> could cross the threshold.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for the protest:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even before the election, political fault lines were sharpening in Kyrgyzstan.</li>
<li>The country&rsquo;s main political party, the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK), stayed out of the election due to intra-party rift and split.</li>
<li>Several political leaders were detained and elections were perceived as rigged.</li>
<li>Consequently, after elections, protestors formed a <strong>Coordination Council</strong> to lead the &ldquo;revolution&rdquo;. The country&rsquo;s Election Commission annulled the results, but the protesters continued.</li>
<li><strong>Official View:</strong> Opposition&rsquo;s intention is to instigate a political coup.</li>
<li><strong>The Opposition&rsquo;s View:</strong> The elections were rigged which made people protest against the establishment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kyrgyzstan&rsquo;s importance:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602324937_image0.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602324937_image0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been key to the strategic plans of both Russia and China.</li>
<li><strong>Russia</strong> considers the region as its backyard and plays hard politics to retain its influence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Kyrgyzstan is a member of the Russia-led <strong>Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>CSTO</strong> is a Russia-led military alliance of six former Soviet states that was created in 2002.</li>
<li>Its aim is to ensure the collective defence of any member that faces external aggression.</li>
<li><strong>Members of CSTO:</strong> Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation and Tajikistan</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While Russia has cultivated strong ties with all political factions in Kyrgyzstan, radical political changes could throw up opportunities for its rivals.</li>
<li><strong>Belarus,</strong> another country in Russia&rsquo;s backyard with a pro-Russia President, is already witnessing political turmoil after August&rsquo;s Presidential election.</li>
<li>In the South Caucasus, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/armenia-azerbaijan-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan</strong></a>, both former Soviet Republics, over Nagorno-Karabakh, risks dragging Russia into a conflict that Russia doesn&rsquo;t want.</li>
<li>All three combined, Russia&rsquo;s attempts to build stronger political and economic integration with the former Soviet region are suddenly facing critical challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China-</strong> This landlocked Central Asian country that<strong> shares a long border with China.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is located at the centre of Eurasia, is a vital link in its <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></li>
<li>In 2019, Chinese President visited Bishkek (capital)- shows close link with the current establishment.</li>
<li>China has built road and rail networks with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>USA:</strong> During the early stages of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Afghan war</strong></a>, the USA had used Kyrgyzstan for refuelling and other logistical purposes. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The USA base was shut down in 2014 by Parliament.</li>
<li>A regime change can be favourable for the USA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Kyrgyzstan</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has enjoyed strong bilateral ties with Kyrgyzstan since <strong>1991.</strong></li>
<li>India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Kyrgyzstan in 1992.</li>
<li>Since 1992, the two countries have many agreements, including on Culture, Trade and Economic Cooperation, Civil Aviation, Investment Promotion and Protection, Avoidance of Double Taxation, Consular Convention etc.</li>
<li><strong>In 2011, the joint &lsquo;Khanjar&rsquo; series of exercises was started.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Indian diaspora in Kyrgyzstan-</strong> about 9,000 Indian students are studying medicine in various medical institutions in the country. Also, there are many businessmen living in Kyrgyzstan who are involved in trade and several other services there.</li>
<li><strong>Strategic:</strong> The Kyrgyz leaderships have been<strong> largely supportive of India&rsquo;s stand on Kashmir.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They also support India&rsquo;s bid for a<strong> permanent seat at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNSC</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Departure from a Democratic Regime may bring uncertainty for India&rsquo;s interests.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to the strategic importance of the country, other nations with interest in the new regime may interfere. This must not form <strong>another zone of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cold war</a>.</strong> The process must be <strong>Kyrgyz-led and Kyrgyz-owned</strong> for long-term stability.</li>
<li>India can have a word in order to support the democratic and peaceful political system in Kyrgyzstan.</li>
<li>Also, India can explore the communication with the potential political factions in Kyrgyzstan that can form the government in Kyrgyzstan.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/the-hindu-explains-whats-happening-in-kyrgyzstan/article32812356.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6676,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India and Japan recently held<strong> 13<sup>th</sup> India-Japan Foreign Ministers&rsquo; Strategic Dialogue</strong> in which inter-alia both countries agreed to sign a <strong>Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC)</strong> in the field of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cyber-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cybersecurity</strong></a> that will promote cooperation in key areas such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/5g-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>5G network</strong></a>, Critical Information Infrastructure, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-must-get-on-the-iot-highway-fast" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Internet of Things</strong></a> (IoT) and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Cyber Security MoC</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will enhance <strong>cooperation in areas of mutual interest,</strong> which in&shy;clude<strong> capacity building</strong> in the area of cyberspace, protection of <strong>critical infrastructure,</strong> sharing information on cybersecurity, developing joint mechanisms for practical cooperation to <strong>mitigate cyber threats</strong> etc.</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> It will attract stakeholders in the Indian 5G sector as it gets ready to open up for international operators.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This becomes even more important since it is possible that the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-measures-by-india-against-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chinese companies are not allowed to participate in the 5G</strong></a> arena in India due to recent <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-China tensions</strong></a>, increasing <a href="/daily-news-analysis/35-percent-of-cyber-attacks-on-indian-sites-from-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cybersecurity threat due to Chinese cyber-attacks</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hybrid-data-warfare-by-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>hybrid data warfare</strong> </a>by China.</li>
<li>Japan is upgrading its cybersecurity as it has been repeatedly hit by <strong>cyberattacks</strong> this year.</li>
<li>Also, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> has made countries, companies and institutions dependent on digital technology more than ever before.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The dialogue emphasized a strong partnership between the two countries in overcoming <strong>challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>With Covid-19 and<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> trade tensions between China and the United States</strong> </a>are threatening supply chains, Japan has mooted the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-of-supply-chain-resilience-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) as a trilateral approach</strong> </a>to trade, with India and Australia as the key-partners.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The importance of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importancehttps://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indo-pacific region</a></strong> was discussed.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Japan and India both have similarities in their respective Indo-Pacific visions, that are based on rule of law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.</li>
<li>Both Japan and India need to counter the increasing Chinese aggression in the region.</li>
<li>India launched <strong>the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)</strong> at the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/east-asia-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>East Asia Summit</strong> </a>in November 2019.</li>
<li>It focuses on seven central pillars conceived around Maritime Security, Maritime Ecology, Maritime Resources, Capacity Building and Resource Sharing, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation, and Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The issue of <strong>abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea</strong> was also raised on which India promised to extend support for closure.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Abductions of Japanese citizens from Japan by agents of the North Korean government took place from <strong>1977 to 1983.</strong> Although only 17 Japanese are officially recognized by the Japanese government as having been abducted, there may have been hundreds of victims.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Recent Developments Between India and Japan</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, India and Japan signed a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-logistics-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>logistics agreement</strong></a> that will allow armed forces of both sides to coordinate closely in services and supplies. The agreement is known as<strong> the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement</strong> (ACSA).</li>
<li>In 2019, India and Japan held the first-ever ministerial-level <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-japan-2-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2+2 dialogue.</strong></a> This dialogue involves the Defence and Foreign Ministers on both sides and is seen as an endorsement of the special strategic partnership between <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-japan-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Japan.</strong></a></li>
<li>Both countries are also part of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD).</strong></a></li>
<li>Recently, it has been reported that the second Ministerial meeting of Quad countries will be held in Japan.</li>
<li>A <strong>&ldquo;India-Japan Digital Partnership&rdquo; (I-JDP)</strong> was launched during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Japan in October 2018, furthering existing areas of cooperation as well as new initiatives within the scope of cooperation in S&amp;T/ICT, focusing more on<strong> &ldquo;Digital ICT Technologies&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>In 2014,</strong> India and Japan upgraded their relationship to <strong>'Special Strategic and Global Partnership'.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)</strong> that came into force in August 2011 covers trade in goods, services, movement of natural persons, investments, Intellectual Property Rights, custom procedures and other trade related issues.</li>
<li>India and Japan defence forces organize a series of <strong>bilateral exercises namely, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-08th-october-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JIMEX</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-4th-december-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SHINYUU Maitri</a>, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-dharma-guardian-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dharma Guardian</a></strong>. Both countries also participate in <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/exercise-malabar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malabar exercise</a> with the USA</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India needs sophisticated technology from Japan, so more collaboration and cooperation can prove beneficial to both nations.</li>
<li>There is a huge potential with respect to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/five-years-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Make in India</strong></a>. Joint ventures could be created by merging Japanese digital technology with Indian raw materials and labour.</li>
<li>Closer cooperation is the best measure to<strong> combat China</strong>&rsquo;s growing role in Asia and Indo-Pacific, in<strong> physical as well as digital space.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-japan-finalise-text-of-cybersecurity-pact/article32791549.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6675,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'USA Aircraft Refuelling at A&N Islands',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a<strong> USA Navy P-8A long range Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)</strong> landed at <strong>Port Blair</strong> in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&amp;N) Islands for refuelling <strong>under the bilateral logistics support agreement.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is the first time the USA got access to A&amp;N under the <strong>Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement</strong> (LEMOA).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>LEMOA:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It allows both countries to <strong>have access to each other&rsquo;s designated military facilities</strong> for refueling and replenishment.</li>
<li>Signed by India in <strong>2016.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other foundational military communication agreements with the USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>General Security of Military Information Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>GSOMIA allows <strong>militaries to share the intelligence</strong> gathered by them.</li>
<li>Signed by India in <strong>2002.</strong></li>
<li>An extension to the GSOMIA, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-us-2-2-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Industrial Security Annex</strong> </a>(ISA), was signed at the 2+2 dialogue in <strong>2019.</strong></li>
<li>ISA provides a framework for exchange and protection of classified military information<strong> between the USA and Indian defence industries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Valid for 10 years, COMCASA aims to provide a legal framework for the <strong>transfer of highly sensitive communication security equipment from the USA to India</strong> that will streamline and facilitate interoperability between their armed forces.</li>
<li>Signed by India in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>BECA:</strong> The USA is looking forward to India signing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial cooperation (BECA)</strong></a>, at the next India-USA 2+2 ministerial dialogue likely to be held in October, 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BECA will<strong> allow India to use the geospatial maps of the USA</strong> to get pinpoint military accuracy of automated hardware systems and weapons such as cruise and ballistic missiles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Significance of A&amp;N Islands:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>close to the Strait of Malacca</strong> and global sea lanes of communication.</li>
<li>A&amp;NI has become an important element of <strong>India&rsquo;s <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Act East Policy&rdquo;</a></strong> of engaging with countries in the region east of India.</li>
<li>The Andaman and Nicobar chain of islands could be used as a<strong> basis for Indian maritime power projection into the Indo-Pacific</strong> and even beyond into the south-west Pacific.</li>
<li>The A&amp;NI could be used for India&rsquo;s <strong>Third Fleet</strong> (other two are the Western and Eastern Fleets) <strong>and the trans-shipment hub</strong> at Car Nicobar, could potentially be a strategic game-changer, rivalling the ports of Singapore or Colombo.</li>
<li>Changing nature of warfare has led to the expansion of scope of a <strong>Tri-Command Service.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As Andaman and Nicobar is the first Tri-Command structure in India, development of military infrastructure at A&amp;NI is a key requirement in India&rsquo;s security strategy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Maritime Interactions with Quad Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)</strong> is the <strong>informal strategic</strong> dialogue between <strong>India, USA, Japan and Australia</strong> with a shared objective to ensure and support a<strong> &ldquo;free, open and prosperous&rdquo; Indo-Pacific region.</strong></li>
<li>There has been a sharp increase in India&rsquo;s <strong>maritime interactions with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/four%20corners:%20on%20the%20quad%E2%80%99s%20agenda" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quad countries</a></strong> on a bilateral basis centred around information sharing for improved <strong>Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)</strong> in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indian-ocean-islands-diplomacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Region</strong></a> and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>MDA</strong> is defined by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Maritime Organization</strong></a> as the effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of a country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has <strong>logistics agreements</strong> with all three Quad countries &mdash; <strong>Australia, Japan and the USA.</strong> India has also signed <strong>maritime information sharing agreements</strong> with Australia and Japan and a similar agreement is in the works with the USA .</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The increase in India&rsquo;s maritime interactions with the Quad countries will <strong>strengthen India&rsquo;s position in the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-embrace-of-strategic-hedging" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Strategic balancing</strong></a> is the key to move forward in relationships with powerful countries like the USA.</li>
<li>India and the USA must now strive to complete <strong>the unfinished agreements</strong> and set the course for a <strong>Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/us-navy-aircraft-refuels-at-port-blair/article32760946.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 16 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6673,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India’s Stand on Nuclear Weapons',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>In the recent <strong>High-level Meeting to Commemorate and Promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons</strong> (26<sup>th</sup> September 2020), India reiterated that nuclear weapons should be abolished in a step-by-step non-discriminatory process.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India remains committed to the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/nuclear-doctrine-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>policy of No First Use</strong></a> (NFU) <strong>against nuclear weapon states </strong>and <strong>non-use against non-nuclear-weapon states.</strong></li>
<li>The recent stand indicates that India has <strong>not revised its key principles regarding the NFU principle.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019, the Defence Minister hinted at a possibility of changing the principle by declaring that<strong> &lsquo;circumstances&rsquo;</strong> will <strong>determine the &ldquo;No First Use&rdquo; stance.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is a key partner in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/india-s-prospects-as-a-nuclear-power" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>global efforts</strong></a> <strong>towards disarmament </strong>and<strong> strengthening the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/50-years-of-nuclear-non-proliferation-treaty-npt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">non-proliferation order</a>.</strong></li>
<li>India believes that nuclear disarmament can be<strong> achieved through a step-by-step process</strong> underwritten by a<strong> universal commitment</strong> and an <strong>agreed multilateral framework</strong> after meaningful dialogues among all States possessing nuclear weapons, for building trust and confidence.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602068234_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602068234_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> Conference on Disarmament</strong> (CD) remains the <strong>&ldquo;world&rsquo;s single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum&rdquo;</strong> and India supports holding of negotiations on a <strong>Comprehensive Nuclear Weapons Convention</strong> at the CD.</li>
<li>India also remains committed to negotiations regarding a<strong> Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty</strong> (FMCT) in the CD.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>FMCT is a<strong> proposed international agreement that prohibits the production of two main components of nuclear weapons:</strong> highly-enriched <strong>Uranium and Plutonium.</strong></li>
<li>The consultations under the treaty laid down the most appropriate arrangement to negotiate a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Efforts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-to-pull-out-of-npt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons</strong> </a>(NPT), the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/comprehensive-nuclear-test-ban-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty</strong> </a>(CTBT) and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-start-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New START Treaty</strong> </a>(between the USA and the Russian Federation) are few of the most important global efforts towards nuclear disarmament.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India has not signed NPT and CTBT.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In<strong> 2013,</strong> the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN General Assembly</strong></a> (UNGA) declared<strong> 26<sup>th</sup> September</strong> to be the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons <strong>(Nuclear Abolition Day).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> Total elimination of nuclear weapons through enhancing public awareness and education about the threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their total elimination.</li>
<li>Achieving <strong>global nuclear disarmament is one of the oldest goals</strong> of the United Nations.</li>
<li>The UNGA resolution establishing the day, also <strong>calls for progress on a nuclear weapons convention,</strong> a global treaty involving the nuclear-armed states in the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons under strict and effective international control.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-reiterates-support-for-abolition-of-n-weapons/article32761165.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 17 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6660,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India-Myanmar Relationship',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A two-day visit by the Foreign Secretary of India and the Army Chief to Myanmar completed with greater engagement between <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-myanmar-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Myanmar.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Health and Pandemic:</strong> As a part of India&rsquo;s<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/big-picture-india-s-covid-diplomacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Medical or Drug Diplomacy</strong></a> a package of <strong>3,000 vials</strong> of the <strong>antiviral</strong> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/demand-for-compulsory-licencing-of-remdesivir" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Remdesivir</strong></a> given to assist Myanmar in its fight against the pandemic.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has shown willingness to prioritise Myanmar in sharing Covid -19 vaccines, when available.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure and Connectivity:</strong> Operationalisation of the crucial <strong>Sittwe port</strong> in Myanmar&rsquo;s Rakhine state<strong> by March 2021</strong> is committed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The two sides also discussed progress in the ongoing Indian-assisted infrastructure projects such as the <strong>India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral</strong> <strong>highway</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/presidents-visit-to-myanmar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project</strong></a>. The project will link<strong> Kolkata to Sittwe in Myanmar</strong> and then from <strong>Myanmar&rsquo;s Kaladan river to India&rsquo;s north-east.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1601975670_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1601975670_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Security:</strong> India has been concerned over some militant groups like the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) from the North-East region taking shelter in Myanmar.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Myanmar handed over 22 cadres of Indian insurgent groups in May 2020.</li>
<li>The maintenance of security and stability in their border areas and mutual commitment not to allow their respective territories to be used for activities inimical to each other were re-stressed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Transition to Democracy:</strong> Myanmar successfully conducted the 4<sup>th</sup> meeting of the <strong>21<sup>st</sup> Century Panglong Peace Conference in Nay Pyi Taw.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The Union Peace Conference: 21<sup>st</sup> Century Panglong</strong> is a continuing peace conference started in <strong>2016.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To have a stable political environment in Myanmar with peaceful transition into democracy.</li>
<li><strong>Outcome of 4<sup>th</sup> meeting:</strong> The government of Myanmar and ten armed ethnic groups signed a framework agreement for the <strong>National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Indian Support:</strong> India assured continued support in sharing experiences in constitutionalism and federalism to assist Myanmar in its democratic<strong> transition.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rohingya Issues:</strong> India came forward for support for ensuring safe, sustainable and speedy return of <strong>Rohingya refugees</strong> from refugees camps of Bangladesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Building on the progress made under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rakhine-state-development-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP)</strong></a>, India proposed to finalise projects under phase-III of the programme, including setting up of a <strong>skills training centre</strong> and<strong> upgrading of agricultural mechanisation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Liaison Office:</strong> With the formal inauguration of liaison office in Nay Pyi Taw, India has taken one more <strong>significant step</strong> towards establishing its <strong>embassy</strong> in Nay Pyi Taw.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has its embassy in <strong>Yangon,</strong> the former capital.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Highlights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A<strong> bust of Bal Gangadhar Tilak</strong> in <strong>Mandalay Jail</strong> is a symbolic gesture for a closer relationship and understanding mutual existence. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Mandalay Jail Connection:</strong> Between <strong>1908 and 1914,</strong> he spent 6 years in Mandalay Prison for defending the actions of revolutionaries Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki.</li>
<li><strong>Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki</strong> had tried to assassinate the District Judge, Mr. Kingsford by throwing bombs at the carriage in which he was supposed to travel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Investment:</strong> With investments of over USD 1.2 billion, Myanmar has the highest Indian investment in any country in South Asia.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India's development cooperation in Myanmar is estimated at USD 1.4 billion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Energy:</strong> The two countries are also expanding partnership in the area of <strong>energy cooperation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, India approved an investment of over USD 120 million in the Shwe Oil and Gas project.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Myanmar</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-myanmar-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and Myanmar</strong></a> have shared cultural roots and historical relations, apart from the strategic, economic, social and political ties.</li>
<li>Myanmar is a<strong> member of both <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</a>,</strong> which is an organization of East Asian nations as well as <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/drishti-specials-important-international-bimstec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)</strong></a> which bridges South and South-East Asia.</li>
<li>Connectivity projects through Myanmar help India overcome its <strong>Chicken-neck dilemma (Siliguri Corridor).</strong> Myanmar is also necessary for the<strong> development of North-Eastern India.</strong></li>
<li>Myanmar stands at the confluence of India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-is-indias-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Neighbourhood First</strong></a> and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Act East Policy</strong></a> and <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/india-myanmar-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-Myanmar partnership</strong></a> is at the heart of India&rsquo;s vision to create a connected and cooperative neighbourhood.</li>
<li>Recently, <strong>India and Myanmar</strong> had signed <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-and-myanmar-ink-various-pacts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>10 agreements with a focus on socio-economic development of Myanmar</strong></a>, during Myanmar President U Win Myint&rsquo;s visit to India.</li>
<li>Myanmar's growing closeness with China and the recent proposal of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-for-china-myanmar-economic-corridor" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China Myanmar Economic Corridor</strong></a> is a cause of concern for India amidst growing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-China tension.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-gives-myanmar-remdesivir-drug-talks-security-along-border-6704437/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6651,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Referendum in New Caledonia',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The French territory of New Caledonia <strong>voted against independence from France</strong> in a referendum held recently.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The referendum was a part of a decolonisation plan agreed in 1998, known as the <strong>Noumea Accord</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1601886580_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1601886580_image1.png" width="294" height="213" style="float: right;" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> New Caledonia is an archipelago and special collectivity of France located in the southwest Pacific Ocean.</li>
<li><strong>Population:</strong> The <strong>indigenous Kanaks</strong> represent around 39% of the population, while <strong>European settlers</strong> (known as <strong>Caldoches</strong>) make up about 27%. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most of the remainder are from other Pacific islands, which are of mixed heritage, called Caledonians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>History:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>New Caledonia was <strong>discovered in 1774</strong> by the British navigator <strong>James Cook</strong>.</li>
<li>It was <strong>annexed by France in 1853</strong>.</li>
<li>In 1946, New Caledonia became an overseas territory.</li>
<li>By 1953, French citizenship had been granted to all New Caledonians, regardless of ethnicity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economy:</strong> Besides having one of the region's highest average incomes per capita, New Caledonia is rich in resources and accounts for around <strong>10% of the world's nickel reserve</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Political Status:</strong> New Caledonia is a <strong>territory <em>sui generis</em></strong> i.e. territory of its own kind.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>French overseas collectivity</strong> i.e. they are first-order administrative divisions of France but have a semi-autonomous status.</li>
<li>It is one of the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a> 17 Non-Self-Governing territories</strong> - where the process of decolonisation has not been completed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Non-Self-Governing Territories are defined as "territories whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government&rdquo;. It includes the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Western Sahara, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They vote in French elections and have French nationality.</li>
<li>New Caledonia has a <strong>power-sharing executive</strong> elected by the territory's Congress, which ensures that all parties on it are represented in proportion to their number of seats in Congress.</li>
<li>It depends on France for matters like defence and education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conflict Over Independence:</strong> The country has had conflicts over the issue of autonomy and independence from France for a long time.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>New Caledonia has <strong>deep divisions between its indigenous Kanak population and Europeans,</strong> with indigenous Kanaks favouring independence and Europeans being against it.</li>
<li>In the 1980s, the country had violent conflicts between the opponents and supporters of independence which culminated into <strong>Matignon Accords</strong> in 1988. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Accords specified a 10-year transitory status, after which a self-determination referendum would be held.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Noumea Accord</strong>, which was concluded in 1998, provided for a practically sovereign status. Under this agreement, New Caledonia is allowed up to <strong>three referendums on independence</strong>, the latest one being the last of them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At a time where Chinese influence on the island, and in the whole <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South Pacific region</strong></a> is growing, it is very significant for France to be able to retain control over the island. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A significant portion of New Caledonia's exports goes to China, much of which is nickel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Though India has no official position of the referendum, the results of this referendum are particularly important for India in the double context of growing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-france-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India-France relations</strong></a> and Indo-China conflicts. France is urging Australia and India to form a new <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-france-joint-patrolling" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;strategic axis&rdquo;</strong></a> in the Indo-Pacific with it and New Caledonia to counter China&rsquo;s rise.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/french-pacific-outpost-decides-on-independence/article32762143.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6649,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'India’s Neighbourhood Diplomacy',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/tending-to-the-neighbourhood-south-asia-india-6621078/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;There is no happy end-state in India&rsquo;s relations with its neighbours&rdquo;</a> which was published in Indian Express on 29/09/2020. It talks about challenges and way forwards in India&rsquo;s relations with its neighbours.</p>
</div>
<p>There has been a debate amongst the Indian foreign policy intelligentsia that India in the recent years has been losing clout in its neighbourhood. This can be seen from the prism of strategic challenges posed by China &amp; Pakistan, tussle with Nepal, Bangladesh &amp; Srilanka and uncertainty in Afghanistan.</p>
<p>However, a deeper look at India&rsquo;s regional diplomacy suggests the significant geopolitical changes in the region have hampered a stable neighbourhood policy.</p>
<p>Therefore, in pursuit of establishing a peaceful regional order, India should timely respond to emerging regional problems, preventing small issues from becoming big, and aligning its regional economic policy with natural geographic advantages.</p>
<h3>Historical Perspective of India&rsquo;s Regional Policy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Before Independence:</strong> India under British had an extended period of India&rsquo;s regional primacy. As the regional expression of the then sole superpower, British Raj exercised a hegemony not only over the littoral neighbourhood but across the Indian ocean region.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On the continental side, the British Raj surrounded itself with a series of buffer states and protectorates and often projected military power beyond them.</li>
<li>Also, the Indian Ocean was dominated by the Royal Navy and the Indian Army. This allowed the British to develop new port cities (from Aden to Hong Kong) and construct trans-regional connectivity through roads and railways.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>After Independence:</strong> The notion of regional primacy certainly persisted in the Nehruvian era &mdash;seen in the three security treaties that the first prime minister signed with Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal during 1949-50.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, as India got involved in border conflicts with Pakistan &amp; China and also due to persisting poor economic policies, its influence in the neighbourhood got marginalised.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resurgence of Regional Influence:</strong> After the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/india-s-industrial-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1991 economic reforms</a>, Indian economy boomed and its relations with superpowers like the US and Europe improved.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This allowed India to reestablish its assertion in its neighbourhood.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges To Regional Diplomacy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Divided Subcontinent on the Religious Lines:</strong> The problems generated by the partition of India divided the subcontinent on religious lines. This continues to affect regional integration even today.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, challenges of settling boundaries, sharing river-waters, protecting the rights of minorities, and easing the flow of goods and people, affects regional diplomacy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Emergence of China:</strong> China annexed Tibet 1950-51, this marked the arrival of China at the Indo-Tibetan frontier. This profoundly transformed the geopolitical condition of India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Beyond the bilateral territorial dispute between India and China, the emergence of a powerful state on India&rsquo;s frontiers affected India&rsquo;s relationship with its neighbouring countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Closed Economic Model:</strong> Independent India&rsquo;s conscious choice was in favour of protectionism, which led to a steady deterioration of commercial connectivity with the neighbours.</li>
<li><strong>Influence of Domestic Politics:</strong> India&rsquo;s domestic politics always had an impact on our regional policy. The same is true of our neighbours, whose domestic politics impact their engagement with India.For example:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Issue of Tamils has been a dominant factor in India&rsquo;s Sri Lanka policy.</li>
<li>West-Bengal&rsquo;s Chief Minister pulled out of the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/trans-boundary-water-conflicts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Teesta Waters</a> agreement between India And Bangladesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Policy of the Government of India towards neighbors is encapsulated in the phrase,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/what-is-indias-neighbourhood" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;Neighborhood First&rsquo;</strong></a>. However, in order to fully realise this vision, India and other countries in neighbourhood must realise that anything that happens in one country will affect the other countries in the neighborhood. In this context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Policy Non-interference:</strong> The size of India is an important factor in the way our neighbors view India and its policies. India accounts for a major chunk of the land area, population, economic activity, resources, of South Asia.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, India needs to be conscious of its neighbors discomfort of having to deal with a big neighbor and must follow the policy of non-interference in domestic affairs.</li>
<li>Similarly, neighbouring countries must ensure their relations with other countries must not undermine strategic interest of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Establishing a Border Commission:</strong> Demarcation of India external boundaries is yet to be completed. Resolution of border disputes will pave way for stable regional integration.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, India must strive for resolution of border by establishing a border commission.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Broader Lens of Foregin Policy Goals:</strong> Integrating India&rsquo;s regional economic and foreign policy remains a major challenge. Therefore, India should resist compromising bilateral relationships with neighbours for short economic interests.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the countries in India&rsquo;s neighbourhood should strive for economic integration that has helped countries to overcome their political differences by creating economic interdependencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improving Regional Connectivity:</strong> India&rsquo;s economic reorientation since 1991 and the rediscovery of regionalism did open possibilities for reconnecting with its neighbours.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, connectivity must be pursued with greater vigour while security concerns are addressed through cost-effective, efficient and reliable technological measures which are in use in other parts of the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implementing Gujral&rsquo;s Doctrine:</strong> India&rsquo; neighbourhood policy should be based on the principles of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/gujral-doctrine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gujral Doctrine</a>. This would ensure India&rsquo;s stature and strength cannot be isolated from the quality of its relations with its neighbours and there can be regional growth as well.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>There is no doubt that the challenges which India must deal with in its neighbourhood will become more complex and even threatening compared to two decades ago. But neighbourhood first policy must be anchored in the sustained engagement at all levels of the political and people to people levels, building upon the deep cultural affinities which are unique to India&rsquo;s relations with its neighbours.</p>
<table border="1" style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #e0fffd; border-color: #07827a;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em><br /><br />&ldquo;A deeper look at India&rsquo;s regional diplomacy suggests the significant geopolitical changes in the region have hampered a stable neighbourhood policy&rdquo;. Discuss</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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