Tag Wise Current Affairs

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		'title' => 'India withdraws Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India has decided to withdraw Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) status accorded to Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K). The decision was taken during meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss security scenario in J&amp;K in the wake of the terror attack. The decision is intended to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and squeeze its industry.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Most Favoured Nation (MFN)</span></strong></span></span></p>

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	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is special trade status given to international trade partner by a country to ensure non-discriminatory trade between all partner countries of World Trade Organisation (WTO).</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is the first clause in General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Country which provides MFN status to another country has to provide concessions, privileges, and immunity in trade agreements.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Under WTO rules, member country is not allowed to discriminate between trade partners and if it grants special status to one trade partner, then it is required to extend it to all members of WTO.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is non-discriminatory trade policy as it ensures equal trading among all WTO member nations rather than exclusive trading privileges. </span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It helps reduce trade barriers and results in reduction in tariffs especially in customs duty, thus strengthening trade-ties between two countries. </span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India has already granted this status to all WTO members, including Pakistan (accorded in 1996), but Pakistan has not fully accorded MFN status for India.</span></span></span></li>
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<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India-Pakistan trade </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was $2.41 billion in 2017-18, marginally increased from $2.27 billion in 2016-17. India had exported goods worth $ 1.92 billion to Pakistan and imported goods worth $488.5 million in 2017-18.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India&rsquo;s exports to Pakistan mostly include sugar, cotton, chemicals, dyes, vegetables,<strong> </strong>carpets, iron and steel and its imports include fruits, chemicals, cement, leather and spices etc.</span></span></span></li>
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<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Impact</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The withdrawal of the MFN status by India is negative in sentiment terms for its bilateral relations with Pakistan. Its impact on bilateral trade is unlikely to be substantial given that volumes of merchandise trade between both countries is low.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Committee on Security (CCS)</span></strong></span></span></p>

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	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is one of six cabinet committees and is chaired by Prime Minister. It comprises of Union Minister of External Affairs, Defence Minister, Home Minister and Finance Minister.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It takes major decisions with respect to issues of national security, defence expenditure of country and significant appointments.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It deals with all defence related issues, issues relating to law and order and internal security, policy matters concerning foreign affairs that have internal or external security implications</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It also deals with economic and political issues impinging on national security, matters relating to atomic energy.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It also approves defence deals involving capital expenditure of more than Rs. 1000 crore in respect of Department of Defence Production and Department of Defence Research and Development.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'India withdraws Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan',
		'metakeyword' => 'In International Current Affairs, India, withdraw, Most-Favoured Nation, MFN, status, Pakistan, Pulwama terror attack',
		'metadescription' => 'India has decided to withdraw Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) status accorded to Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack',
		'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 196,
		'title' => 'India, Argentina sign 10 Agreements',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and Argentina singed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)/Agreements. They were signed in New Delhi after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Mauricio Macri, who is on official state visit to India. President Mauricio Macri is in India as part of celebrations of 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Argentine.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Signed MoUs/Agreements are</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU in pharmaceuticals </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on Defence Co-operation.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on Antarctic Co-operation.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on Civil Nuclear Cooperation.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU for cooperation in the field of Tourism.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on Cooperation and Collaboration on Broadcasting content. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Work Plan on Cooperation on Agriculture within MoU signed in 2010.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Work Plan for year 2019-21 of Agriculture cooperation within MoU signed in 2006.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Agreement for establishment of India-Argentina Centre of Excellence for Information and Technology </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in field of Information &amp; Communications Technology (ICT) and Electronics.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'metadescription' => 'India and Argentina singed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)/Agreements. They were signed in New Delhi after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Mauricio Macr',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 294,
		'title' => 'Cabinet approves India’s participation in IEA Bioenergy TCP ',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Union Cabinet has approved India&rsquo;s participation in International Energy Agency&#39;s Technology Collaboration Programme on Bioenergy (IEA Bioenergy TCP) as its 25th member. India will be represented Union Ministry of Petroleum &amp; Natural Gas. It will facilitate market introduction of advanced biofuels in India with an aim to bring down emissions and reduce crude imports</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">IEA Bioenergy TCP</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is international platform aimed at improving cooperation and information exchange between member countries that have national programmes in bioenergy research, development and deployment. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It works under framework of International Energy Agency (IEA) to which India has &quot;Association&quot; status (since March, 2017).</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It provides platform for international collaboration and information exchange in bioenergy research, technology development, demonstration and policy analysis.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">This is done with focus on overcoming environmental, institutional, technological, social, and market barriers to near-and long-term deployment of bioenergy technologies.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">R&amp;D work in IEA Bioenergy TCP</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">: It is carried out carried out within well-defined 3-years programmes called &quot;Tasks&quot;. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Each year progress of Tasks is evaluated and scrutinized and each 3 years content of Tasks is reformulated and new Tasks can be initiated. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Benefits to India </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will facilitate exchange of information about best practices, network of researchers and linking research with practical implementation in field of bioenergy.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will result in shared costs and pooled technical resources. It will avoid duplication of efforts and strengthen national Research and Development capabilities. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will help to bring suitable policy ecosystem in India by engaging with international agencies fir developments in biofuel sector. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will India to participate in other related tasks focussing on Biogas, solid waste management, Biorefining etc. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">IEA</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is Paris based inter-governmental organization that works to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 30 member countries and 8 association countries. </span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Its mission is guided by four main areas (&ldquo;4Es&rdquo;) of focus: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness (focused on mitigating climate change) and engagement worldwide.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 252,
		'title' => 'India for first time to participate in OIC meeting',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India for the first time will attend meeting of foreign ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)&nbsp;in Abu Dhabi, United Arabs Emirates (UAE). In this 46th meeting of OIC&rsquo;s Council of Foreign Ministers, India will be represented by External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.<strong> </strong>She will address inaugural plenary session as&nbsp;guest of honour.<strong> </strong>India has been invited considering its international political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component. </span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Significance</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is significant development in efforts to boost relations with West Asian and Muslim-majority nations. It recognizes India&rsquo;s contribution to the Islamic world and to its pluralistic ethos.<strong> </strong></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is reasonably significant development as OIC has traditionally not been supportive of India, especially over the Kashmir issue. Despite this development, India currently has no plans to make a fresh push for observer status with OIC.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">46th meeting of OIC&rsquo;s Council of Foreign Ministers</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It coinciding with organisation&rsquo;s 50th anniversary. Its theme is &ldquo;<em>50 years of Islamic cooperation: the roadmap for prosperity and development</em>&rdquo;. It will discuss challenges facing Muslim world.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">&nbsp;It will also discuss steps to promote peace and security, counter extremism and combat exploitation of religion and hate speech by inculcating moderation, restraint and tolerance.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will also discuss problems faced by uslim minorities in non-member States, particularly Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. There was no mention of Kashmir in the statement of meetings agenda.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is international organization that aims to provide collective voice to Muslim world and safeguard and protect interests of Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony. </span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was established in 1969. It has administrative centre (headquarters/</span> <span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Secretariat) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is second largest inter-governmental organization after United Nations.</span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It consists of 56 member states spread over four continents with collective population of over 1.3 billion as of 2009 with 47 countries being Muslim Majority countries. It has five observer states.</span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It has permanent delegations to UN and European Union. Its official languages are Arabic, English, and French.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Issues with India:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> Over the past few decades, India had, at best, prickly relationship with OIC, largely because Pakistan frequently used this grouping to target India on Kashmir issue. OIC on behest of Pakistan regarded parts of Kashmir as &ldquo;occupied by India&rdquo;.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India was blocked country, though it is third largest country (after Indonesia and Pakistan) in terms of Muslim population (It has about 12% of world&rsquo;s Muslim population).</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">OIC was seen as pro Pakistan and its allies in Arab world have also had blocked attempts to give observer status to India.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 240,
		'title' => 'India, South Korea ink six agreements to enhance cooperation',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and South Korea have signed six agreements/MoUs to enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas, including infrastructure development, media, start-ups and combating trans-border and international crime.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">They were singed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s visit to South Korea on the invitation of President Moon Jae-in. This was his second visit to South Korea since 2015 and second summit meeting with South Korean President.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Signed Agreements are</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on release of commemorative postal stamp on Queen Hur Hwang-ok (Suriratna): </span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">She was Ayodhya&rsquo;s legendary Princess Suriratna, who had traveled to Korea in 48 CE and married Korean King Suro.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">L</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">arge number of Koreans trace their ancestry to this legendary princess.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MOU on Extension of Korea Plus:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> It will continue operations of Korea Plus- an organization that facilitates investments by South Korean companies in India. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was operationalized in June 2016 and comprises representatives from Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy of South Korea, Korea Trade Investment and Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and Invest India.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on Start-up Cooperation</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">: It aims to promote collaboration among Start-ups of both countries,</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It also seeks to set up of Korea Start-up Centre (KSC) in India to commercialize ideas, technologies and designs of Startup companies.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on Combating Transnational Crime and Developing Police Cooperation: &nbsp;</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was signed between Korean National Police Agency and Ministry of Home Affairs.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It aims to enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies of two countries and combat trans-border and international crimes.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on Cooperation in Broadcasting</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">: It was signed between Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and Prasar Bharti.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It seeks to facilitate broadcast of DD India Channel in South Korea and KBS World Channel in India.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"><strong>MoU on Cooperation in Infrastructure:&nbsp;</strong>It was signed between National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Korea Expressway Corporation.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It aims to promote bilateral cooperation in road and transport infrastructure development projects of India.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It also seeks to facilitate technical and institutional knowledge exchange in the field of road and transport.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'India, South Korea ink six agreements to enhance cooperation',
		'metakeyword' => 'In International Current Affairs, India-South Korea,sign six agreements/MoUs, enhance cooperation, in key areas, infrastructure development, media, start-ups and combating trans-border and international crime.',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 374,
		'title' => 'Malaysia joins International Criminal Court',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Malaysia became 124th member of International Criminal Court (ICC) after it ratified Rome Statute. It is third country of the 10 member states of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to ratify Rome Statute after Cambodia and Philippines. However, Philippines has announced its withdrawal from the ICC and it is set to take effect from 19 March 2019.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">International Criminal Court (ICC) </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is world&rsquo;s first intergovernmental legal organisation and international tribunal with permanent international jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes and crime of aggression.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It sits in The Hague, The Netherlands. It was created by &lsquo;Rome Statute&rsquo; and began its functioning on 1 July 2002, the date on which Rome Statute entered into force.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><em><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">(Rome Statute is multilateral treaty that serves as foundational and governing document of ICC).</span></em></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes when national courts are unable or unwilling do so.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It may also receive case referrals from United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and can initiate prosecutions without UN action or referral.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It has 124 member countries ( ratified Rome Statute), India is not one of them and neither are US, Israel, Russia and China citing concerns over sovereignty.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'Malaysia joins International Criminal Court- International Affair',
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	(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 432,
		'title' => 'India-Maldives: New visa agreement comes into force',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The new visa agreement between India and Maldives come into force after governments of both countries completed required procedures for its implementation. The agreement aims to boost people-to-people ties between two countries. </span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">New visa agreement</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It provides liberal visa policy for Maldivians seeking medical treatment as well as education and business opportunities in India. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It allows Maldivian businessmen and tourists to stay in India for 90 days without a visa. It also makes it easier for Indians to travel to Maldives for business purposes.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It also allows Maldivians with tourist visas to stay in India for medical treatment if they suffer sudden medical issue. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It allows Maldivian parents to obtain visas that will be valid during duration of their children&rsquo;s academic term in India.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Background</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The liberalized visa agreement was signed during visit of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to India in December 2018. It was Solih&rsquo;s first official foreign trip after his surprise victory over pro-China</span> <span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Abdulla Yameen. During Ymeen&rsquo;s tenure as President, Maldives relations with India had strained as he had laid out red carpet for China for strategic infrastructure projects and sidelined India completely.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Since President Solih took charge in November 2018, there have been several high-level exchanges with India and Maldives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was only world leader to attend swearing-in ceremony of President Solih as special guest. India also has extended US $1.4 billion financial support to Maldives for socio-economic development programmes.</span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 429,
		'title' => 'India, Bangladesh jointly inaugurate development projects',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina jointly through video conferencing unveiled e-plaques for multiple developmental projects in Bangladesh. These projects are aimed at boosting transport connectivity and knowledge connectivity between both countries and play key role in improving quality of life of people in Bangladesh. </span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">These projects are</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Supply of buses and trucks</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">: They will assist efforts towards affordable public transportation.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">36 community clinics:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> They will help to provide affordable healthcare to around two lakh people, in Bangladesh.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">11 water treatment plants: </span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">They will help supply clean water to people of Bangladesh.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Extension of National Knowledge Network (NKN) to Bangladesh:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> It will help to connect scholars and research institutes in Bangladesh to India and world. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">National Knowledge Network (NKN)</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is aimed at establishing strong and robust Indian network which will be capable of providing secure and reliable connectivity.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was launched in 2010 with National Informatics Centre (NIC) as the implementing agency.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Objective:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> Its state of art multi-gigabit capability that aims to interconnect all institutions of higher learning and research with high speed data communication network to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative research.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Bring together all stakeholders from science, technology, higher education, healthcare, agriculture and governance to common platform.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It seeks to bridge existing knowledge gap in country and help country to evolve as Knowledge Society and also spur economic activities in the Knowledge domain.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Features:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> It facilitates advanced distance education in specialized fields like science, engineering, medicine etc. It also enables ultra-high speed e-Governance backbone. It also enables collaboration among researchers from international educational networks like CERN, TEIN4 etc.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Knowledge Diplomacy:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> India has extended this project to all South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, excluding Pakistan.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 462,
		'title' => 'India, US agree to build six nuclear power plants in India',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and US have agreed to build six American nuclear power plants in India as part of measures to strengthen security and civil nuclear cooperation. No details of nuclear plant project were given.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Thus announcement came after conclusion of 9th round of India-US strategic security dialogue. The dialogue was co-chaired by foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale and Andrea Thompson, US under-secretary of state for arms control and international security.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India-US Nuclear Ties</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">United States has been looking to sell more energy products to India, the world&#39;s third-biggest buyer of oil. Both countries have been discussing supply of US nuclear reactors to energy-hungry India for more than decade.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and US had signed historic agreement to cooperate in civil nuclear energy sector in October 2008. It had given fillip to bilateral ties, which have been on an upswing since. India also had received waiver under Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in 2008 because of strong support of US.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India, US nuclear deal is facing longstanding obstacle over issue India&rsquo;s nuclear liability rules, which require costs of any accident to be channelled to operator rather than maker of nuclear power station.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">US based Westinghouse (subsidiary of Toshiba) has been negotiating to build six AP1000 reactors in India for years, but progress was slow, partly because of India&#39;s nuclear liability legislation (The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010). </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Besides, project was thrown into doubt when Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy in 2017. It was later bought by Canada&#39;s Brookfield Asset Management from Toshiba in August 2018. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">In recent times, Westinghouse has received strong support from US administratin for its India project, which envisaged building of six AP1000 reactors in the state of Andhra Pradesh.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Background</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India is planning to triple its nuclear capacity by 2024 to its dependency on imported fossil fuels. NSG waiver had enabled India to sign cooperation agreements with a dozen countries. Post-NSG waiver, India had signed civil nuclear cooperation agreements with US, Russia, Canada, France, Australia, Argentina, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Japan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and South Korea<strong>. </strong>In October 2018, India and Russia signed agreement to build six more nuclear reactors in India.</span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 475,
		'title' => 'First India Energy Modelling Forum held in New Delhi',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The first workshop on development of India Energy Modelling Forum (IEMF) was recently held in New Delhi. It was organized by NITI Aayog and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under Sustainable Growth Pillar of India-U.S. Strategic Energy Partnership. It was supported by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India Energy Modelling Forum (IEMF)</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was aimed at improving cooperation and coordination between modeling teams, Central Government, knowledge partners and think-tanks.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It also aimed at building capacity of Indian institutions, and identify issues for joint modeling activities and future areas of research.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was envisaged as pan-stakeholder platform for debating ideas, scenario-planning &amp; discussing the India&#39;s energy future.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It provided platform for leading experts and policy makers to study important energy and environmental issues and ensure induction of modelling and analysis in informed decision making process. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India-US Strategy Energy Partnership </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald J. Trump during their June 2017 Summit in Washington, D.C.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It affirms strategic importance of energy cooperation to Indo-US bilateral relationship. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Under it, both countries collectively seek to enhance energy security, expand energy and innovation linkages across energy sectors, bolster strategic alignment and facilitate increased industry and stakeholder engagement in energy sector.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Four primary pillars of cooperation under this cooperation are: (i) Oil and Gas (ii) Renewable Energy and Sustainable Growth, (iii) Power and Energy Efficiency and (iv) Coal. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'First India Energy Modelling Forum held in New Delhi',
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		'metadescription' => 'The first workshop on development of India Energy Modelling Forum (IEMF) was recently held in New Delhi. It was organized by NITI Aayog and USAID',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 495,
		'title' => 'India, Maldives sign three agreements',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and Maldives signed three agreements on <em>visa facilitation for diplomatic and official passport holders, development cooperation and renewable energy</em>. The agreements were during two-day official visit External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Maldives. She also had meeting with her Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid. </span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Significance of visit</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was first full-fledged bilateral trip from India to island nation after government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih came to power in November 2018. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was aimed at strengthening the &quot;close and friendly relations&quot; between the two nations.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Outcomes of Foreign Ministers meeting</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Both countries discussed ways to enhance cooperation bilaterally on variety of issues including in the fields of defence, trade, investment, economic and development cooperation, capacity building, health and enhancing people-to-people contact. They also reviewed progress made on commitments announced during State visit of Maldives President Ibrahim Solih to India in November 2018 after assuming office.</span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 490,
		'title' => 'BRICS Sherpa meeting held in Curitiba, Brazil',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Sherpa meeting was held at Curitiba, Brazil. It was for first time held under Presidency of Brazil. Indian delegation was led by T S Tirumurti Secretary, Economic Relations in Ministry of External Affairs.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Priorities of meeting</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Brazil&#39;s priorities for its Presidency included science, technology and innovation, digital economy, New Development Bank and BRICS Business Council.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It also has identified countering terrorism as one of its priority areas for BRICS nations under its presidency.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India&rsquo;s support </span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It supports </span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">priority areas set by Brazil and in particular BRICS cooperation on counter terrorism in meaningful and concrete manner. It also underlined need to take forward people-to-people (P2P) cooperation and cooperation in Science &amp; technology and innovation, health and traditional medicine.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">What is Sherpa Meeting?</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Sherpa is personal representative of head of state or government who prepares international summit (in this case BRICS summit). It is also held for G7 and G20 summits.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Between final leaders summits (of particular grouping), multiple sherpa conferences are held where possible agreements and agenda are laid out. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Sherpa meetings clears way for head of states at major summit. This reduces amount of time and resources required at negotiations of the heads of state at the final summit. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Sherpa are generally quite influential, but they do not have authority to make final decision about any given agreement.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Note:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> The name Sherpa is derived from Sherpa people who are Nepalese ethnic group. They serve as guides and porters in Himalayas (especially during expeditions to peaks). </span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">BRICS</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is association of five major emerging economies- Brazil, India, Russia, China and South Africa. </span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The term BRIC was coined in 2001 by Jim O&#39;Neill, then-chairman of&nbsp;Goldman Sachs&nbsp;Asset Management in his publication&nbsp;Building Better Global Economic BRICs.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was established in 2009 and first formal summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia in 2009. Originally it was known as BRIC before inclusion of South Africa in 2011.</span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Since then BRICS Leaders&rsquo; Summit is convened annually with discussions representing spheres of political and socio-economic coordination. It is held </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">BRICS countries</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">: These five nations are known by their large, fast-growing economies and significant influence on regional and global affairs. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">As of 2018, BRICS countries have combined nominal GDP of US$18.6 trillion (around 23.2% of gross world product), combined GDP (PPP) of around US$40.55 trillion (32% of World&#39;s GDP in terms PPP). BRICS countries are home to 42% of world&rsquo;s population (around 3 billion).</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 504,
		'title' => 'India, Afghanistan ink MoU to collaborate for digital education initiatives',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and Afghanistan have signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaboration on digital education initiatives. It was singed between Union Ministry of Human Resource Development and Ministry of Higher Education, Afghanistan. Indian Institute of Technology-Madras will also be a part of the collaborations.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Fields of Cooperation under this MoU</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Share of online education platform- SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) developed by India.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Facilitate use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) available in SWAYAM Platform by faculty and students from educational institutions in Afghanistan.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Impart training to faculty and students in educational institutions in Afghanistan for using the SWAYAM Platform.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Build capacity faculties and related staff in e-learning in Afghanistan. Assist Afghanistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Higher Education to develop its own MOOC platform.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">SWAYAM Portal</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It indigenously designed massive open online course (MOOC). It aims to achieve three cardinal principles of Education Policy viz., equity, access and quality.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Its objective is to take best teaching learning resources to all, including most disadvantaged. It also seeks to bridge digital divide for students in online education,</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It hosts all courses taught in classrooms from 9th class till post-graduation. These courses can be accessed by anyone, anywhere at any time. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 516,
		'title' => ' Exim Bank extends $800 mn LoC to Maldives for developmental projects',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has extended US $800 million line of credit (LoC) to Maldives for financing developmental projects in the island nation. The agreement in this regard was exchanged during visit of Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Maldives recently. Projects covered under LoC will include various infrastructure development projects. With this agreement, Exim Bank has so far extended three LoCs to Maldives taking total value of such instruments to US $880 million.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">EXIM Bank </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is premier export finance institution owned completely by Government of India (GoI) for financing, facilitating and promoting foreign trade of India. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was setup in 1982 under Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM) Act to promote the Indian exports. It is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It assists Industries across wide avenues like export product development, export production, export marketing, import of technology, pre-shipment and post-shipment and overseas investment.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It also extends LoC to overseas sovereign governments, financial institutions, regional development banks and other entities abroad. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It enables buyers in those countries for developmental and infrastructure projects, import of equipment, goods and services from India on deferred credit terms. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It also facilitates investment by Indian companies abroad for setting up joint ventures, subsidiaries and for overseas acquisitions.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">So far it has 245 LoCs in place, covering 63 countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with credit commitments of around US $24.24 billion, available for financing exports from the country<strong>.</strong></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
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		'id' => (int) 540,
		'title' => 'India boycotts Pakistan National Day celebration events',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India boycotted Pakistan National Day celebration events amid tensions between two countries over 14 February 2019 suicide attack in Pulwama, Jammu &amp; Kashmir. India&rsquo;s announcement came&nbsp;after Pakistan invited leaders of Kashmir&rsquo;s separatist alliance All Party Hurriyat Conference to the ceremony. India considers this as brazen attempt by Pakistan to subvert India&rsquo;s unity and to violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity as these separatists are spearheading secessionist movement in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It also amounts to direct interference by Pakistan in India&rsquo;s internal affairs and it officially abets and encourages individuals associated with terrorism and anti-India activities.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Pakistan National Day</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is celebrated every year on 23 March in recognition of passage of the Lahore Declaration on that day in 1940 calling for the creation of a separate state of Pakistan.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">This day also marks adoption of first constitution of Pakistan during transition of Dominion of Pakistan to Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23 March 1956 making Pakistan the world&#39;s first Islamic republic.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">1940 Lahore Declaration or Pakistan resolution was adopted by Muslim League at its annual session at Minto Park in Lahore, Punjab on 23 March 1940.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It had called for establishing independent federation comprising provinces with Muslim majority located in north-western and north-eastern region of British controlled territories in India (excluding autonomous princely States).</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The resolution was moved by Abul Kashem Fazlul Huq, often called Sher-e-Bangla&nbsp;and had signatures from the Founding Fathers of Pakistan.&nbsp;</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Pakistan has also erected a monument Minar-e-Pakistan (Pakistan Tower) at Lahore to commemorate passing of this resolution and its importance in formation of Pakistan.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'India boycotts Pakistan National Day celebration events',
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	(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 567,
		'title' => 'Cabinet approves MoU between India and Argentina on Antarctic cooperation ',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has apprised memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Argentine on Antarctic cooperation. The MoU was signed in February, 2019. It will help scientific cooperation on projects in the fields of Earth sciences and protection and conservation of natural environment of Antarctica and t Southern Oceans.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Salient Features of MoU</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Scientific co-operation on projects in fields of Earth sciences and life sciences, as well as those related to protection and conservation of natural environment of Antarctica and Southern Oceans;</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Exchange of scientific and bibliographical information related to study of Antarctica, its environment and dependent and associated ecosystems.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Exploring opportunities for exchanges of scientists. Participation of scientists and technical experts of national Antarctic programme of one country in national Antarctic programme of the other.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Joint scientific conferences and workshops, joint scientific publications and training of scientific personnel.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Holding bilateral meetings on the sidelines of major polar forum meetings, where feasible.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'India-Argentina: Cabinet approves MoU on Antarctic cooperation ',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 566,
		'title' => 'Cabinet approves MoU between India and Indonesia on narcotic trafficking ',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Union Cabinet has approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors. It will help in mutual cooperation in regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and in combating drug trafficking.&nbsp; It will come into force on date of signing and will remain in effect for a period of five years. India so far has signed similar MoUs/Conventions/Agreements with the 37 countries.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Salient features of MoU</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Facilitate and enhance cooperation between two countries in combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors as defined by United Nations International Drug Control Conventions (UNODC).</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The cooperation under it will include exchange of information on existing legal instruments of national legislation of both countries in combating illicit narcotic trafficking of narcotic and its precursors.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will also allow and assist both countries in use of controlled delivery operation with view to identifying persons involved in illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, its precursors and essential chemicals, prevention of money laundering.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It has provision of maintaining secrecy of information and documents obtained by either country on it.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'India-Indonesia: Cabinet approves MoU on narcotic trafficking ',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 572,
		'title' => 'India-African Union sign MoU on cooperation in healthcare sector',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and African Union (AU) has signed MoU to initiate and strengthen cooperation in health sector in structured and organised manner. Under this MoU, India-Africa Health Sciences Collaborative Platform (IAHSP) will be established.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Features of MoU </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It aims to formalise this partnership by establishing IAHSP. It will pave the way for cooperation in areas of research and development, capacity building, health services, pharmaceutical trade and manufacturing capabilities for drugs and diagnostics.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">ICMR is mandated to initiate and strengthen cooperation in health sector in a structured and organized manner by establishing IAHSP. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">This programme will focus on training and strengthening capacity of health professionals, regulators, researchers and industry staff, support research collaborations for developing preventive tools and improved diagnostics for diseases which are regional priorities in India and Africa.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Significance:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> It will carry forward strategic vision of India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) III through structured and concrete partnership in health sector. It will carry out objectives set in first India-Africa Health Sciences Meet in 2016 held in New Delhi.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 587,
		'title' => 'India, Bolivia sign 8 MoUs',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and Bolivia have signed eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in diverse sectors including culture, space and medicine to boost bilateral cooperation. They were signed during President Ram Nath Kovind&rsquo;s official three-day visit to the country. It was second leg of President Kovind&rsquo;s three-nation visit to Croatia, Bolivia and Chile.<strong> </strong>During this visit, President Kovind was conferred with Bolovia&rsquo;s highest State honour &ldquo;Condor de Los Andes en el Grado de Gran Collar&rdquo;.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">8 MoUs signed are</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Agreement on Exemption of Visa for Diplomatic and Official Passport holders: </span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It seeks to facilitate entry into either country of Official and Diplomatic Passport Holders without visa for maximum of 90 days in any period of 180 days.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on Exchange between diplomatic academies:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> It seeks to promote development of academic cooperation in training of diplomats, including structure and content. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on Cooperation on Bi-Oceanic Railway Integration Corridor Project: It seeks to e</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">xchange experiences on relevant areas for consultancy and construction of Corridor and provide technical advice to deepen necessary studies. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It also seeks to contribute to establish continuous cooperation between public and private companies of both countries on issues related to planning, construction and operation of the Corridor.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on Cooperation in the field of Geology and Mineral Resources</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">: It seeks to promote and expand bilateral relations in field of geology and mineral resources. It will be based on principles of equality and mutual benefit on a long and enduring basis.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Programnme of Cultural Exchange for the period 2019-21:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> It seeks to expand relationship in the field of culture through various activities and exchange of groups, artists, exhibitions and film festivals etc.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Agreement for establishment of India-Bolivia Centre of Excellence for Information &amp; Communication Technologies (IB-CENETIC):</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> It will play imporatant role in capacity building of Bolivian professionals and to encourage research and development.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on cooperation in field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">: It seeks to strengthen, promote and develop co-operation in the fields of traditional systems of medicine and homeopathy.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">MoU on Space Cooperation: </span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It seeks to promote development of partnerships in the field of exploration of outer space and application of space technologies for the benefit of the people of both countries.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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	(int) 19 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 586,
		'title' => 'India, US renew Triangular Development Cooperation in Asia and Africa',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and United States have signed first amendment to Statement of Guiding Principles (SGP) on Triangular Cooperation for Global Development. It renews SGP agreement, which was signed by both countries in November 2014.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Statement of Guiding Principles (SGP) Agreement </span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It provides framework for promoting bilateral cooperation to meet developmental aspirations of partner countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. It underscores contribution of India-US partnership to global stability and prosperity.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">First amendment </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It extends its validity up to 2021. It also expands scope of capacity building activities undertaken jointly by India and US under this framework. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It also provides consultative mechanism for joint biannual monitoring and review of activities undertaken under SGP.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Under it, India and US will continue to offer capacity building assistance to partner countries in multiple sectors, focusing primarily on agriculture, trade and investments, nutrition, health, water, sanitation, education, women empowerment, regional connectivity, clean and renewable energy, disaster preparedness and institution building.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will help to fulfil India-US joint commitment to work together and leverage their combined capacities to provide demand-driven development partnership.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 676,
		'title' => 'First India-Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development to come up in Malawi',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India has decided to set up India-Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development (IAIARD) in Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa. In this regard Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Consultancy Service (NABCONS). &nbsp;It will be the first of its kind institute developed in an African country by India. </span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India-Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development (IAIARD):</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will be pan-African Institute wherein trainees from Malawi and other African countries will be trained to develop their human resources and build their capacity.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is being set up part of India&rsquo;s efforts to enhance capacity in the areas of agro-financing and entrepreneurship development for African countries.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will develop training programmes in areas of micro-financing and agro-financing, among others.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The entire expenditure of training course expenses for students from other African countries and travelling and logistics of faculty from India will be borne by Indian Government for initial period of three years.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will help to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Malawi and that of India&rsquo;s relations with African Union (AU).</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'First India-Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 658,
		'title' => 'India, Chile ink 3 MoUs',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and Chile signed three MoUs in the fields of mining, culture and empowerment of persons with disabilities.</span> <span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The agreements will further enhance engagement in economic, social and cultural fields between the two countries.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">They were signed after bilateral talks between President Ram Nath Kovind with his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera. President Ram Nath Kovind visited Chile as last leg of his three nation visit to Bolivia, Croatia and Chile.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Outcomes of meeting</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Two countries will work together to strengthen global response to defeat and destroy terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Chile will support for India`s candidature for permanent membership in reformed and expanded UN Security Council. It also reaffirmed its support for India&rsquo;s candidacy as non-permanent member of UNSC for the term 2021 &ndash; 2022.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India invited Chilean companies to invest in Indian mining, infrastructure, defence and food processing sectors under &#39;Make in India&#39;, &#39;Smart Cities&#39; and &#39;Digital India&#39; programmes.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The two countries also agreed to explore opportunities for other cooperation in the defence sector.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India offered training slots to Chilean armed forces in premier defence institutions including for courses in mountain warfare and peacekeeping.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Chile to allow visa-free entry to Indian nationals holding valid US visa to promote both cultural and business ties between the two countries.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Background</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Chile is the sixth largest trading partner of India in the Latin American region. This year India and Chile are commemorating 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries. Bilateral trade between two countries has registered impressive increase of 50% in 2017-18, to reach US $2.8 billion.</span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 741,
		'title' => 'India to be Guest of Honour country at ADIBF 2019',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that India will be Guest of Honour country at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2019 to be held from 24th to 30th April 2019. This international fair aims to highlight UAE&rsquo;s rich heritage, showcasing its authenticity and modernity, as well as its cultural and literary output.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">&nbsp;ADIBF 2019</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The book fair will celebrate India, with its authentic culture, arts, heritage and knowledge-based traditions. Indian Pavilion at this fair will host Indian writers, authors and literary scholars who will serve as ambassadors for the literature and art of their country.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Significance </span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India&rsquo;s selection as Guest of Honour at this international book fair underscores deep ties between India and Arab world and the long-standing UAE-India relationship. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It signifies that India&rsquo;s power is not limited to its economy or its universally admired film industry, but there is also great strength in its cultural output, boasting as it does some 16,000-plus publishers.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India&rsquo;s participation in fair is expected to attract significant increase in number of visitors with various events and activities which will be held throughout the entire duration of ADIBF.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 732,
		'title' => 'India, Sweden ink pact to collaborate on solutions for smart cities, clean tech',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and Sweden have launched joint <strong>Collaborative Industrial Research and Development Programme</strong> aimed at working towards addressing range of challenges around smart cities and clean technologies among others. The programme is co-funded by India&rsquo;s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Swedish agency Vinnova.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research and Development Programme</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will see Swedish and Indian innovators work together and develop solutions that benefit both sides.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Under it, Sweden&rsquo;s Vinnova will provide funding to Swedish participants up to 2,500,000 Swedish Krona (around Rs 1.87 crore) as grant. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">On the Indian side, conditional grant of up to 50% (with a limit of Rs 1.5 crore) per project will be provided to the Indian partners.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 734,
		'title' => 'Jallianwala Bagh tragedy shameful scar on British Indian history: UK PM Theresa May',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">British Prime Minister Theresa May ahead of centenary of Jallianwala Bagh massacre has eiterated United Kingdom (UK) government&rsquo;s long-standing expression of &lsquo;deep regret&rsquo; over 13 April 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. She called massacre &lsquo;shameful scar&rsquo; on British Indian history. However, she did not issue any formal apology<strong>. </strong>Her statement is in line with Britain&rsquo;s position since mid-1990s of expressing &lsquo;deep regret&rsquo; for Jallianwala Bagh massacre and not issuing a formal apology.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Jallianwala Bagh Massacre&nbsp;</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Jallianwala Bagh Massacre&nbsp;also known as Amritsar Massacre took place on 13 April 1919 when troops of British Indian Army under command of Colonel Reginald Dyer openly fired on peaceful crowd gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab. In this cold-blooded genocide approximately 1,000 innocent civilians dead and more than 1,500 were injured.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The crowd had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh to celebrate Baisakhi festival, which marks beginning of New Year for Sikhs and in addition it is spring harvest festival for Sikhs. During this time Rowlatt Act, 1919 was in force, but civilians were not informed. This act had imposed curfew and ban on all processions and even prohibited group of 4 or more people to meet publicly.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">This ground stands witness to inhuman atrocities of British Empire. To keep in mind this significance of this place, trust was founded in 1920 to build memorial site at Jallianwala Bagh. American architect, Benjamin Polk, built memorial site. It was inaugurated by then President Rajendra Prasad on 13 April 1961.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 754,
		'title' => '21st ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting held in New Delhi',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The 21st ASEAN-India Senior Officials&rsquo; Meeting (SOM) was held in New Delhi on April 11-12, 2019. In this meeting, India and ASEAN resolved to strengthen ties by deepening cooperation in maritime sector and boosting connectivity.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">21st ASEAN-India SOM </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It reviewed strategic partnership and its future direction. It assessed progress of cooperation under all three pillars- political-security, economic and socio-cultural.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of interest to ASEAN and India. They agreed to deepen maritime cooperation as decided at ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit 2018. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">They proposed to undertake variety of measures, including enhanced cooperation in sub-sector of Blue Economy. They also decided to give impetus to ASEAN-India connectivity in all its forms.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">They also discussed the ways and means to further deepen cooperation on financial matters as well as overall strengthening of the ASEAN Secretariat.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">They also vowed to step up cooperation in renewable energy and hold an ASEAN-India Conference on Renewable Energy in 2019. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) will be the co-partners for this project.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is regional intergovernmental organization comprising 10 countries in Southeast Asia viz. Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Indonesia.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, sociocultural and educational integration among its members and other countries in Asia. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It was established on August 8, 1967, after adaptation ASEAN declaration (also known as Bangkok Declaration). Its secretariat is located in Jakarta, Indonesia.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Currently, </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">ASEAN-India partnership is implemented through &ldquo;Plan of Action (2016-20) to implement ASEAN-India Partnership for peace, progress and shared prosperity&rdquo;.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
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		'id' => (int) 766,
		'title' => 'India-South Korea: Cabinet approves MoU on issuing Postage Stamp',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Union Cabinet has apprised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and South Korea to jointly issue Postage Stamps on the theme &quot;Queen Hur Hwang-ok of Korea&quot;. The MoU was signed between Department of Posts, Union Ministry of Communications and South Korea&rsquo;s Ministry of Science and ICT (Korea Post). The joint stamps will be released on a mutually agreed date by the end of 2019.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Queen Hur Hwang-ok (Suriratna)</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">She was Ayodhya&rsquo;s legendary Princess Suriratna, who had traveled to Korea in 48 CE and married Korean King Kim-Suro.</span> <strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">L</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">arge number of Koreans trace their ancestry to this legendary princess.</span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 775,
		'title' => 'MEA sets up Indo-Pacific division',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up an Indo-Pacific division in the foreign office. The new division is brainchild of foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale. It is intended to give coherent architecture to India-Pacific policy, which was articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue in 2018.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Indo-Pacific division</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will integrate Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region and Quad to Indo-Pacific table. It will be headed for moment by joint secretary Vikram Doraiswami. Ot is expected to give thrust to the Indo-Pacific centred policymaking.<strong> </strong>MEA&rsquo;s territorial divisions are crucial for policy making, so the creation of an Indo-Pacific division is a big step by the government.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Background</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India is planning to put greater energy to IORA because heart of its Indo-Pacific policy is rooted in the Indian Ocean. This integrates blue economy part of India&rsquo;s policy with security part &mdash; a trilateral security mechanism between India, Sri Lanka and Maldives used to be the core of the latter<strong>. &nbsp;</strong>In its Indo-Pacific diplomacy, India also has repeatedly placed ASEAN at centre of its policy<strong>. &nbsp;</strong>United States also has recently renamed its Pacific Command to Indo-Pacific Command as it seeks to give teeth to its Indo-Pacific policy. In India, policy will be run by MEA, along with defence ministry which runs its own Indo-Pacific policy.</span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 789,
		'title' => 'Government suspends LoC trade with PoK',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued orders to suspend cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade at Salamabad and Chakkan-da-Bagh between Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK). This step has been taken in view of these trade routes being misused by Pakistan based elements<strong> </strong>for funnelling illegal weapons, narcotics and fake currency etc. This decision was taken based on reports from National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB). </span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Background</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">After Pulwama attack in February 2019, India withdrew Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan. The suspension of cross-LoC trade is projected as muscular and aggressive way to further corner Pakistan over its covert support to cross border terrorism. But this move will have only a marginal impact economically on Pakistan as average trade volume around Rs 500 crore per year.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Background</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and Pakistan had started cross-LoC trade in 2008, more as confidence-building measure (CBM). It was meant to facilitate the exchange of goods of common use between local populations across the LoC in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Since them the trade volume had touched Rs 5,000 crore by March 2018. As many as 21 products are listed for exchange between J&amp;K and PoK in trade that is conducted from Tuesday to Friday every week.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">In 2015-16, NIA had recommended closure of cross-LoC trade routes over reason of being misused on very large scale. It has been revealed that trade has changed its character to mostly third party trade and products from other regions, including foreign countries, are finding their way through this route. Besides, it also had noted that unscrupulous and anti-national elements are using this cross border route as conduit for hawala money, drugs and weapons, under the garb of this trade. In recent NIA probe against separatist leaders, it had found that proceeds from trade across LoC are being used to finance terrorist and separatists activities in the Valley.</span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 747,
		'title' => 'H R 2123 Bill introduced to strengthen US-India strategic partnership',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Several United States (US) lawmakers have reintroduced important legislation (bill) named as H R 2123 in House of Representatives that seeks to strengthen US-India strategic relationship. If enacted, this legislation will ensure that US State Department treats India as NATO ally for purposes of the Arms Export Control Act.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Key Facts</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">H R 2123 Bill was introduced this week by Congressman Joe Wilson, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Its co-sponsors are Congress man Ami Bera (longest serving Indian-American in US Congress) and House India Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressmen George Holding, Brad Sherman and Congressman Ted Yoh and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Significance</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">This legislation will advance India-US strategic partnership as US considers India, the world&#39;s largest democracy as pillar of stability in Indo-Pacific region. &nbsp;It will prioritize US defence sales to India according to US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, which had worked on this important legislation. It will further allow the US-India partnership to flourish in line with US&rsquo;s security commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The proposed H R 2123 Bill follows National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), 2017 including special language that designated India as &quot;Major Defence Partner&quot; of the United States. The two legislations taken together illustrates major changes that have taken place in the India-US relationship over the past two decades.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 843,
		'title' => 'Dalbir Suhag appointed Indian envoy to Seychelles',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Former Army Chief (Retired General) Dalbir Singh Suhag was appointed as India&#39;s next high commissioner to Seychelles, an island country in Indian Ocean which is of strategic importance to India in the Indian Ocean region. His appointment comes amid deepening military ties between India and Seycelles. </span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">About Dalbir Singh</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">He was commissioned in 5 Gorkha Rifles, an infantry unit of Indian Army in June &nbsp;1974. He held numerous important posts throughout his career in Army. He was also part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka in 1987. He was Indian Army chief from July 31, 2014, to December 31, 2016. </span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">During his term as Army Chief, Special Forces commandoes of Indian Army conducted surgical strikes at terrorist launch pads inside Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) aftermath of terrorist attack at an Army Camp in Uri. Before it, Indian Army had carried out similar strikes inside Myanmar to eliminate hideouts of Naga insurgent groups during his term.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Note: </span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Appointments of former defence personnel as envoys to countries is not new. Earlier Indian Navy Chief Nirmal Kumar Verma had&nbsp; served as high commissioner to Canada, Verma&rsquo;s predecessor Sureesh Mehta had served as High commissioner to New Zealand. Former Air Chief N.A.K. Browne also had served as ambassador to Norway.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India-Seychelles relations</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Seychelles is a small Indian Ocean island state northeast of Madagascar. India had established diplomatic ties with Seychelles in 1976 after its independence. Since then, bilateral ties have steadily improved over the years. In terms of bilateral trade between both countries, India had exported goods worth US $101.16 million and imported goods worth US $0.548 million from Seychelles in 2017. In 2017, India was 8th largest exported to Seychelles.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Recent Developments</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India and Seychelles have established relationship in defence and maritime security. Under it, India helps to patrol waters of Seychelles and gives equipment to island nation&rsquo;s defence forces. </span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">In recent years, India has agreed to help Seychelles map its hydrology reserves, launched coastal surveillance radar project and boosted security cooperation with island nation.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Assumption Island:</span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif"> In 2015, Seychelles had agreed to allocate land on its Assumption Island for India to build its first naval base in IOR to expand its footprint in the strategically-key region where China has been trying to enhance its military presence. In this regard, agreement was signed in 2015 between India and Seychelles.</span></span></span></p>
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		'title' => 'India, US bilateral trade meeting held in New Delhi',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India-United States Bilateral Trade meeting was held in New Delhi. It was co-chaired by Union Minister of Commerce &amp; Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu and US Secretary of Commerce&nbsp;Wilbur Ross. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Meeting Highlights</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Both countries agreed to deepen economic cooperation and bilateral trade by ensuring greater cooperation amongst stakeholders, including Government, businesses and entrepreneurs.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">They also discussed various outstanding trade issue and agreed to engage regularly at various levels to resolve outstanding trade issues by exploring suitable solutions, which are mutually beneficial and promote economic development and prosperity in both countries.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Both sides appreciated strong, robust and growing bilateral ties between India and US across the entire spectrum of trade and commerce. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">They expressed satisfaction over progress during year 2018, with bilateral trade in Goods and Services registering growth of 12.6</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">%</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> from $ 126 billion in 2017 to $142 billion in 2018.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">They also complimented US-India SME Forum, a new bilateral private sector led Small Business Interaction initiative held on sidelines of this meeting. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Small Business Interaction initiative</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> was first event of its kind and paved way for collaboration and partnership between SMEs in US and India in the areas of manufacturing and services.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India also appreciated <strong>11th US Trade Winds Indo-Pacific Business Forum</strong> and <strong>Mission initiative 2019</strong> being held at New Delhi. This forum was organized by US Department of Commerce and provided common platform to distributors, representatives and partners and enable them to increase sales by taking part in business-to-business meetings across India.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1056,
		'title' => 'Government organizes conference with Indian business community in Africa',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Union Ministry of Commerce along with Indian High Commissions and Embassies of eleven African countries had arranged interaction over Digital Video Conference (DVC) with Indian business community in Africa. The purpose of this DVC was to hold discussions with Indian business community in Africa in order to further deepen and strengthen India-Africa trade ties. It was attended by over 400 members of Indian business community from eleven African countries.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India-Africa Trade Status</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India&rsquo;s total trade with African region during 2017-18 was US $62.69 billion. It accounted for 8.15</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">%</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> of India&rsquo;s total trade with the World. India&rsquo;s share of exports to African countries as a percentage of India&rsquo;s total exports to the world was 8.21</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">%</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">. Whereas, Africa region&rsquo;s share in India&rsquo;s total imports accounted for 8.12</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">% </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">in 2017-18.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Trade opportunities in Africa:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Africa being world&rsquo;s largest land mass and having total 54 countries offers immense opportunities for India. Its population is growing and will be almost equivalent to that of India and also there decline in poverty levels and increasing consumption patterns. It also has huge mineral resources, oil wealth and youthful population. Africa provides demand for new business models for market entry, stable market access, investments and entrepreneurship in transport, telecom, tourism, financial services etc.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Indian Diaspora in Africa </span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">African countries constitutes 9.11</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">%</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">%of the total Diaspora of India (2.8 million out of those 2.5 million are PIOs and rest are NRIs).&nbsp; Indian community in Africa is playing a vital role in all fields like business, politics&nbsp;and education.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
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		'title' => 'India, China ink SPS protocol for export of chilli meal ',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India and China have signed Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Protocol for export of Indian chilli meal to the neighbouring country. This was fourth protocol signed between two countries over the past year and overall 9th protocol for allowing export of farm commodities from India to China. It was signed after meeting of Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan and General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) Vice Minister Li Guo in New Delhi.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Highlights of meeting</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Both sides discussed trade-related issues of pending Indian request for clearance of more agricultural products for the Chinese market.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">They also agreed to resolve market access issues expeditiously in order to achieve the vision of leaders of both India and China by promoting more balanced trade.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Significance of meeting </span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It assumes significance as India is seeking greater market access for its manufactured and agricultural products in the Chinese market to bridge the widening trade deficit. Indian exporters are currently facing certain non-tariff barriers in the Chinese market that are restricting exports.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India has identified and shared with China list of 380 products, including horticulture, chemicals, textiles, and pharmaceutical products, as their shipments hold huge export potential to China. Increasing exports of these products will help India narrow widening trade deficit with China, which stood at US $50.12 billion during April-February 2018-19. </span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1077,
		'title' => 'Konkan Railways signs agreement with Nepal',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Konkan Railways Corporation Ltd (KRCL) has signed agreement with Nepal&#39;s Department of Railways to supply two 1600 HP DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) train sets. These trains will be used to operationalise 34 km long railway link between Jayanagar in India and Kurtha in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">1600 HP DEMU Train Sets</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">These two 1600 HP DEMU train set will be manufactured by Integrated Coach Factory located in Chennai. Each train will have three coaches, including air-conditioned coach. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Jayanagar-Kurtha Railway Link </span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is built by IRCON (Indian Railway Construction Company) with financial grant from the Government of India (GoI) under India-Nepal Development Partnership program.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Konkan Railway </span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is subsidiary zone of the Indian Railways operating 741km line connecting western Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is operated by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), a subsidiary of the Indian Railways (IR). It is headquartered at CBD Belapur in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The full fledge operation of trains on this line was started in 25 January 1998 and the first passenger train ran in March 1993 between Udupi and Mangalore.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1097,
		'title' => 'India invited as observer of CTBT',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The Executive Secretary of Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Lassina Zerbo has invited India to be an observer in the CTBT. With this status, India (non-signatory of CTBT) will get access to data from International Monitoring System (IMS). This invitation does not mandate India to sign this treaty and will not change India &lsquo;s status with respect to the CTBT.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">International Monitoring System (IMS)</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is worldwide network of monitoring stations that will help to verify compliance with Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) by detecting events that might indicate violations of CTBT. It can detect even small nuclear explosions using advance technologies like hydroacoustics, seismology, infrasound and radionuclide technology.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">On competition, it will be a network of 337 facilities (321 monitoring stations and 16 radionuclide labs) located in 89 countries. &nbsp;&nbsp;At present, it is more than 85</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">% </span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">complete with 275 of IMS monitoring stations and 11 of 16 radionuclide laboratories being certified.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) </span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is multilateral treaty that bans all nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments. It was adopted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1996, but has not entered into force. As of February 2019, 184 countries have signed and 168 states have ratified it. India, Pakistan and North Korea have not signed it. Pakistan is observer of IMS under CTBT.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1096,
		'title' => 'Sainshand Refinery: India extends $1 billion Line of Credit to Mongolia',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India has extended US $1 billion Line of Credit (LOC) to Mongolia to set up its first-ever petrochemical refinery at Sainshand in Dornogobi Province. It is the largest project undertaken by India under its LOC programme. It will be implemented with EXIM Bank. The funding was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Mangolia in 2015.&nbsp; The refinery project is one of the important milestone in bilateral relations between India and Mongolia.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Sainshand Refinery</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Its construction was started in June 2018 and is expected to be completed by 2022. It will be built at cost of around US $1.25 billion, of which, US $1 billion is provided by India as line of credit. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The refinery will be capable of processing 1.5 million tonnes of crude oil per year (about 30,000 barrels per day (bpd)). </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">On completion, it will help to meet all of Magnolia&rsquo;s demand for gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It will make landlocked Mongolia independent from energy imports (currently dependent on Russia) and stabilize its fuel and commodity prices in its domestic markets.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is expected to increase Magnolia&rsquo;s crude oil output, helping it to increase its export earnings by exporting refined products to China. </span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1234,
		'title' => 'India elected to Executive Board of 1st UN-Habitat Assembly',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India was elected to Executive Board of the first United Nations-Habitat Assembly at Plenary Session ofassembly held in Nairobi, Kenya. The first session of UN-Habitat Assembly was held from May 27 to 31, 2019 at the headquarters of UN-Habitat in Nairobi. The special theme of this assembly is &quot;Innovation for Better Quality of Life in Cities and Communities&quot;.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">UN-Habitat </span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It stands for United Nations Human Settlements Programme.&nbsp; It is the UN agency for human settlements and sustainable urban development. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It was established in 1978 as outcome of First UN Conference on Human Settlements and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat I) held in Vancouver, Canada, in 1976. &nbsp;</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. It is a member of UN Development Group.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is mandated by UN General Assembly (UNGA) to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with goal of providing adequate shelter for all. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It derives its mandate from Habitat Agenda, adopted by UN Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1996.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The twin goals of Habitat Agenda are (i) adequate shelter for all and &nbsp;(ii) development of sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing world.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1269,
		'title' => 'India removed from US currency monitoring list',
		'description' => '<h2 style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">United States (US) Treasury Department has removed India from its currency monitoring list of major trading partners, citing certain developments and steps being taken by India which address some of its major concerns. Switzerland is the other nation that has been removed from this list. However, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam are still placed in this list.</span></span></span></span></h2>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">This is positive development for India as it is out of currency watch list radar, which could have ultimately led to tag of being a currency manipulator.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">What is currency monitoring list?</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It includes countries with potentially &ldquo;questionable&rdquo; foreign exchange policies and practice currency &ldquo;manipulation&rdquo;. This list is prepared by US Treasury Department in its semi-annual report- International Economic and Exchange Rate Policies which is then presented to US Congress .</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Countries are placed in it based on three pre-conditions viz. (i) Trade surplus of over $20 billion with US, (ii) current account deficit (CAD) surplus of 3</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">% </span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">of the GDP and (iii) Persistent foreign exchange (forex) purchases of 2</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">%</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> plus of GDP over 12 months. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Reasons for removing India</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India has been removed from list for addressing some of US Government&rsquo;s concerns over its currency and macroeconomics practices. India has not met only one out of three criteria viz. significant bilateral surplus with US &ndash; for two consecutive reports.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to US, India&rsquo;s circumstances have shifted markedly, as its central bank&rsquo;s net sales of foreign exchange (forex) over first six months of 2018 led net purchases over four quarters through June 2018 to fall to US $4 billion, or 0.2%of GDP</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India for the first time was placed by US Treasury Department in its currency monitoring list of countries with potentially questionable foreign exchange policies in May 2018 along with five other countries &ndash;Germany, China, South Korea, Japan and Switzerland. In its next report in October 2018, it had said that India has made improvements and its name will be removed from the currency manipulation list in the next report.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1265,
		'title' => 'India, Japan, Sri Lanka tripate agreement to develop East Container Terminial',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Sri Lanka, Japan and India signed tripartite agreement- Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to jointly develop East Container Terminal (ECT) at Colombo Port. The ECT is located some 3 km away from China-backed international financial city, known popularly as &ldquo;port city&rdquo;, being built on reclaimed land on Colombo&rsquo;s sea front. The specific terms of the agreement to jointly develop the ECT will soon be finalised at a joint working group meeting.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">ECT at Colombo Port</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Ownership:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) will have 100</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">% </span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">ownership of ECT. While, Terminal Operations Company, conducting its operations, is jointly owned. Sri Lanka will hold 51</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">% </span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">-stake in the project and the joint venture partners will retain 49</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">%.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Funding:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> The joint initiative is estimated to cost between $500 million and $700 million. Japan is likely to provide 40-year soft loan with a 0.1</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">% </span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">interest rate. It will be one of the best loan terms Sri Lanka has obtained. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India&rsquo;s Contribution:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> Details of India&rsquo;s contribution to the initiative are awaited. But this project is significant for India as over 70</span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">% </span></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">of transhipment business at strategically located ECT is linked to India.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Significance</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The involvement of India and Japan in this project is being seen as a big development aimed at neutralising growing influence of China, which has poured money into Sri Lanka under its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiative.By keeping Colombo port among top trans-shipment terminals in the world, India and Japan aim to reduce effect of China&rsquo;s BRI march in Hambantota Port. Hambantota port, at the moment is biggest transhipment hub for cars exported from Chennai (India) and bound for markets in Africa and Europe.China had taken on lease to run the Hambantota port for 99 years after Sri Lanka was not able to clear the debt for its construction and operation.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1312,
		'title' => 'US ends preferential trade status for India under GSP',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">United States has officially announced termination of preferential trade treatment to India as a beneficiary developing nation under GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) trade programme from June 5, 2019. It was announced after US claimed that India has not assured that will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets to US goods.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">US has announced this withdrawal of special duty benefits under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to Indian in March 2109 and to come into force from the first week of May 2019 after 60 days of notification sent to US Congress followed by enactment of Presidential Proclamation.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">However, US had decided to postpone implementation of its decision until May 23, 2019 till new Government is elected in India. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">About Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is preferential tariff system extended by developed countries to developing countries. It also known as preference receiving countries or beneficiary countries. It was introduced in 1976.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is preferential arrangement in sense that it allows concessional low or zero tariff imports from developing countries.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Developed countries including US, EU, UK, Japan etc gives GSPs to imports from developing countries.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries both developing and developed countries.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Objective of US-GSP:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> (i) Give development support to poor countries by promoting exports from them into developed countries. (ii) Promote sustainable development in beneficiary countries by helping these countries to increase and diversify their trade with US.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Criteria for US:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> Providing US with equitable and reasonable market access, respecting arbitral awards in favour of US citizens or corporations, providing adequate and effective intellectual property protection, combating child labour and respecting internationally recognised worker rights, among others.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Benefits:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> Under it, wide range of industrial and agricultural products originating from certain developing countries are given preferential access to US markets.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">In India&rsquo;s case:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> GSP enables duty-free entry of 3,500 goods in US markets, which benefits exporters of agriculture, textiles, engineering, gems and jewellery and chemical products.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Total US imports under GSP in 2017 was $21.2 billion, of which India was largest beneficiary with $5.6 billion, followed by Thailand ($4.2 billion) and Brazil ($2.5 billion).</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Impact on India</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Bilateral trade between India and US stood at $74.5 billion in 2017-18. US has trade surplus of $27.3 billion. Terminating GSP status will put to end duty-free import of around 1900 goods from India into US. &nbsp;It will be strongest punitive action taken by President Donald Trump against as part of agenda of reducing US deficit with large economies.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">According to Government, this withdrawal will not have any major impact on overall Indian exports to US as concessions availed under this scheme were minimal. Total GSP benefits availed by India under GSP programme were to tune of $190 million on trade $5.6 billion. So, benefits both in absolute sense, and as percentage of trade involved, are very minimal and moderate</span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1408,
		'title' => 'India-Maldives sign six agreements',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India and Maldives have signed six agreements in the fields of hydrography, health, passenger and cargo services by sea, Customs capacity-building, training of Maldivian civil servants and white shipping information. These agreements were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s state visit to the Maldives. Both countries also agreed to intensify economic and cultural relations.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">About Visit</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It was first state official foreign visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after assuming office for second term. During the visit, India reaffirmed its neighbourhood first policy while Maldives strongly conveyed its India first policy. He also inaugurated Coastal Surveillance Radar System and Composite Training Facility of Maldives National Defence Force in Maafilafushi by remote link.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Note:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> During this visit, Prime Minister Naredra Modi was awarded prestigious <strong><em>Order of Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen</em></strong>. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">List of Agreements/MoUs signed </span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">MoU for Cooperation in field of hydrography between Indian Navy and Maldives National Defence Force</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health .</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">MoU for establishment of passenger and cargo services by Sea between Union Ministry of Shipping, and Maldives&rsquo; Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Technical Agreement on sharing white shipping information between Indian Navy and Maldives National Defence Force.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">MoU between India&rsquo;s National Centre for Good Governance (NCCG) and Maldives Civil Service Commission on Training and Capacity Building Programme for Maldivian Civil Servants</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">MoU for Cooperation in Customs Capacity Building between Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs of India (CBIC) and Maldives Customs Service</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1434,
		'title' => 'Maritime Information Sharing Workshop 2019 held in Gurugram',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The Indian Navy is hosting Maritime Information Sharing Workshop 2019 (MISW 2019) under the aegis of the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) at Gurugram, Harayana. The two-day event was inaugurated by Vice Admiral MS Pawar, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff. It saw participation of more than 41 delegates from 29 countries of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">MISW 2019 </span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Objectives:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> It was aimed at acquainting all participants about IFC-IOR and its information sharing mechanisms. It was also aimed at promoting and sharing best practices in this field for better yield response to myriad security and safety challenges faced by IOR.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Issues Highlighted:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> Several talks regarding contemporary maritime challenges in Indo-Pacific region were discussed. It also highlighted significance of maritime domain as well as the challenges faced by region such as piracy, maritime terrorism, humanitarian assistance &amp; disaster relief, human &amp; drug trafficking as well as legal perspective of combating these challenges. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">About Information Fusion Centre Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) </span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It was launched in December 2018 by then Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Indian Navy&rsquo;s Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) Gurugram, Haryana. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It was established with vision of strengthening maritime security in the region and beyond, by building common coherent maritime situation picture and acting as a maritime information hub for the region.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It serves as a single point centre linking all coastal radar chains to generate a seamless real-time picture of the nearly 7,500-km coastline.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Through it, information on &ldquo;white shipping&rdquo;, or commercial shipping is exchanged with countries in the region to improve maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It works towards capability building in IOR, coordinating in time incident response and disaster relief, and also sharing submarine safety information. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">All countries that have signed white shipping information exchange agreements with India can post their liaison officers at IFC. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">So far, it has established linkages with more than 16 countries and 13 international maritime security agencies.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Note:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> It servers as separate platform as of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), but its all members can be part of it.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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	(int) 43 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1484,
		'title' => 'India provides $15 million grant to Niger for organising African Union summit',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India has extended US $15 million grant to Niger in support of organising the African Union summit scheduled in July 2019 in Niamey. The support was provided in response to a specific request made by the Niger government to India. Niger is hosting the AU Summit for the first time. It will be held from July 7-8, 2019 in Niamey, which is expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Significance</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India&rsquo;s grant assistance to Niger for organizing AU Summit will further contribute towards enhancing bilateral ties between two countries. It is also reiteration of India&rsquo;s firm commitment to its developmental partnership with Africa. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">About African Union (AU)</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is pan-Africa continental union consisting of 55 countries. Its structure is loosely modelled on that of European Union. It is headquatered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It was founded in May 2001 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and launched in July 2002 in South Africa. It had replaced Organisation of African Unity (OAU).</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Main objectives:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> (i) Promote unity and cooperation among African nations and strive to spread democracy and good governance in the continent. (ii) Accelerate process of integration in continent to enable it play its rightful role in global economy while addressing multifaceted social, economic and political problems. (iii) Safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States and (iv) Promote international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Structure:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> AU Assembly is its most important decisions making body. It is a semi-annual meeting of heads of state and government of its member states. It also has official bodies such as Peace and Security Council and Pan-African Parliament.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1613,
		'title' => 'Mahatma Gandhi IT & Biotechnology Park inaugurated in Cote d’Ivoire',
		'description' => '<h2 style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Mahatma Gandhi Information Technology &amp; Biotech Park (MGIT-BP) was recently inaugurated in Grand-Bassam,&nbsp;Cote d&rsquo;Ivoire (Ivory Coast). It was jointly inaugurated by Ambassador of India and Vice President of Cote d&rsquo;Ivoire. </span></span></span></span></h2>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Mahatma Gandhi Information Technology &amp; Biotech Park (MGIT-BP)</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is a dedicated Free Trade Zone (FTZ) for IT &amp; Biotechnology. It is being built with India&rsquo;s assistance through EXIM Bank Lines of Credit of US$ 20 million.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It consists of two parts: </span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">(i) Architectural concept and design for buildings of FTZ and construction of main building to host IT enterprises. It was implemented by Indian Conglomerate construction company Shapoorji Pallonji. (2) Supply and commissioning of equipment which includes, computer assembly plant, human DNA lab, networking lab, data storage area network, VSAT (very small aperture terminal) with satellite earth station,&nbsp; audio-visual lab, and power generator. It was implemented by United Telecom Limited (UTL), an Indian company specializing in telecom networks.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">MGIT-BP Project</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It symbolizes growing cooperation between India and Ivory Coast, energized by high level of political commitment from both the countries. It is expected to bring direct benefit to lives of people in Cote d&rsquo;Ivoire. It is expected to further consolidate India&rsquo;s cooperation &amp; bilateral relations especially in context of transfer of technology and sharing of development experience to build capacities of partner countries in Africa.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1627,
		'title' => 'US Senate passes law to give India NATO ally-like status',
		'description' => '<h2 style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">United States Senate (Upper House) has passed National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) for the fiscal year 2020 to give India North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally-like status. &nbsp;The status will result in increased defence and maritime cooperation&nbsp; between India and US.</span></span></span></span></h2>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The bill was introduced by Senate India Caucus Co-Chair Senator John Cornyn with support of Senate India Caucus Co-Chair Senator Mark Warner. This bill will be signed into law by US President Donald Trump after it is approved from both chambers of the US Congress, House of Representatives and Senate.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Provisions related to India in NDAA, 2020</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It expresses support for enhancing the major defence partnership with India. It brings India at par with America&#39;s NATO allies and countries like Israel and South Korea for increasing defence cooperation. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It provides for increased US-India defence cooperation in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in areas of counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, maritime security and humanitarian assistance.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Benefits for India</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It provides for increased US-India defence cooperation. It will clear the way for US to provide state-of-the-art weapons and sensitive technology to India. &nbsp;It will make India big associate partner of US in defence deals also it will increase India&rsquo;s status.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA)</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is US federal law specifying budget and expenditures of Department of Defence. Every year&rsquo;s NDAA also includes various provisions related to US defence. US Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) oversees defence budget of the country primarily through two yearly bills: NDAA and Defense appropriations bills.They are authorization bills that determine US agencies responsible for defence funding levels and sets defence policies under which money will be spent. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Note:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> NDAA-2017 had designated India as major defence partner of US. This designation had brought India at par with closest partners of US like South Korea, Japan and Israel in terms of defence trade and technology transfer.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1632,
		'title' => 'India ratifies OECD's convention to check tax evasion',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India has ratified Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures (MLI) to prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS). This ratification will pave way for amendments to double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAA) with countries signatories to convention to plug revenue leakages.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Impact:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> The ratification will modify India&#39;s treaties in order to curb revenue loss through treaty abuse and BEPS strategies by ensuring that profits are taxed where substantive economic activities generating profits are carried out and where value is created.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS):</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> It is tax planning strategies resorted to by MNCs to exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules to artificially shift their profits to low or no-tax locations where there is little or no economic activity, resulting in little or no overall corporate tax being paid </span></span></span></span></p>

<h2 style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:13pt"><span style="font-family:Cambria,serif"><span style="color:#4f81bd"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent BEPS</span></span></span></span></span></h2>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It was outcome of OECD/G20 Project to tackle Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS Project). The BEPS Project identified 15 actions to address issue of BEPS in comprehensive manner. India had signed it June 2017.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It enables countries to implement tax treaty related changes to achieve anti-abuse BEPS outcomes through multilateral route without need to bilaterally re-negotiate each such agreement which is burdensome and time consuming. It ensures consistency and certainty in implementation of BEPS Project in multilateral context.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It enables all signatories, inter alia, to meet treaty-related minimum standards that were agreed as part of Final BEPS package, including minimum standard for the prevention of treaty abuse under Action 6.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Applicability:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> The Convention will operate to modify tax treaties between two or more Parties to Convention. It will not function in same way as an amending protocol to single existing treaty, which will directly amend text of the Covered Tax Agreement. Instead, it will be applied alongside existing tax treaties, modifying their application in order to implement the BEPS measures.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1633,
		'title' => 'Cabinet approves MoU between India and Maldives for Shipping',
		'description' => '<h2 style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval for MoU between India and Maldives for establishment of passenger and cargo services by sea. The MoU was signed in June 2019 during official state visit of Prime Minister Modi to Maldives.</span></span></span></span></h2>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Features of MoU</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It will pave way for starting ferry services for tourists as well as cargo between Maldives and Kerala (India) by Connecting Kochi with Male and Kulhudhuffushi in Maldives by Sea route. The proposed ferry service will contribute in big way to promote people to people (P2P) contact and to boost bilateral trade.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India is leading development partner of Maldives and has established many of leading institutions of Maldives. Currently, India has provided US $100 million Stand-by Credit facility (SCF) to Maldives, including long-term loans and revolving credit for trade.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Connectivity between two countries at present:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> It is through flights to Male and sea planes to resorts, which is an expensive option. </span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Sea Connectivity with Kochi through sea:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> It will help to promote inbound tourism, particularly health and wellness tourism for India. Besides, large number of Maldivians also travel to Kerala and other South Indian cities for educational purposes.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Significance of places:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> Male &nbsp;is the capital and most populous city of Maldives is situated at a distance of 708 Kms from Kochi, Kulhudhuffushi is the third most populous city of Maldives located is 509 Kms away. Kulhudhuffushi and islands around it are major population centre in northern part of Maldives and have large number of resorts which could be possible tourist destinations for Indians.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 258,
		'title' => 'Afghanistan launches new export route via Iran's Chabahar Port',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Landlocked Afghanistan has launched new export route that will allow it to export goods to India through Chabahar port in Iran. As part of it, first shipment of 570 tonnes goods comprising of dried fruits, textiles, carpets etc. in 23 trucks were dispatched from western Afghan city of Zaranj to Chabahar port. This consignment will be shipped to Indian city of Mumbai.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Zaranj-Chabahar route </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It connects Afghanistan&rsquo;s national Highway 1 to Iranian border at Zarang (final Afghan town near Iran border crossing). </span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It turns into Iranian highway A-71 across border, which runs westward to Zabol. From Zabol, it is connected to Chabahar port by Iranian national highways 99 and 95.</span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India has invested in this route&rsquo;s major port facilities at Chabahar and additionally helped develop a road&mdash;Zaranj-Delaram highway. It also supported initial stages of railroad connect Chabahar to Iranian city of Zahedan.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Significance </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will help Afghanistan and India to bypass Pakistan (as Pakistan&rsquo;s borders with both India and Afghanistan are tightly controlled, with minor land-based trade between the countries).</span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will help landlocked, war-torn Afghanistan to turn to overseas markets for exports to improve its economy. In long run it will give boost to regional connectivity.</span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will contribute significantly for Afghanistan&rsquo;s economy and meet their needs of non-sanctionable goods such as food and medicines.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Background</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">India is Afghanistan&rsquo;s largest export destination and its exports to India stood at $740 million in 2018. Both countries had established air corridor in 2017 to boost the trade relations. US also granted exception to India for development of Chabahar port under the reimposed of sanctions on Iran after withdrawal from Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). India had sent 1.1 million tonnes of wheat and 2,000 tonnes of lentils to Afghanistan through Chabahar.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Chabbar Port</span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is strategically located in Sistan-Balochistan province on energy-rich Iran&rsquo;s southern coast in Gulf of Oman. It is less than 150km from Chinese built port of Gwadar in Pakistan. It is seen as golden gateway for India to access landlocked markets of Afghanistan and Central Asian markets bypassing Pakistan. India and Iran signed &ldquo;historic&rdquo; agreement for development of this port in May 2016. Shahid Beheshti port or phase 1 of Chabahar was made operational in February 2018. </span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 334,
		'title' => 'Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue – 2019 to be held in New Delhi',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The second edition of Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) - 2019 will be held at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. It will be held in continuation of process of engaging global strategic community in annual review of India&rsquo;s opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">IPRD - 2019</span></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will be organized by Indian Navy and its knowledge partner National Maritime Foundation.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will witness active participation of globally-renowned domain experts and policy-makers from thirteen countries of Indo-Pacific.&nbsp; </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It will build upon foundation laid by inaugural edition and will examine five new themes: (i) Practical solutions for achieving cohesion in region through maritime connectivity (ii) measures to attain and maintain free-and-open Indo-Pacific (iii) regional approach to region&rsquo;s transition from &lsquo;Brown&rsquo; to &lsquo;Blue&rsquo; economy (iv) opportunities and challenges arising from maritime impact of &lsquo;Industry 4.0&rsquo; (v) how twin conceptualisations of &lsquo;SAGARMALA&rsquo; and &lsquo;SAGAR&rsquo; might best be made mutually-reinforcing on a regional level. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD)</span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Its idea was first conceptualised and conducted in 2018, as apex level conference of Indian Navy. It was organised by National Maritime Foundation as its knowledge partner. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Its permanent theme is review of India&rsquo;s opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp; </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Its aim is to focus attention on Indo-Pacific, as maritime geographical-entity, while deliberating aspects of great relevance to regional geopolitics. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It provides platform for substantive and insightful discussions pertaining to geopolitical developments affecting maritime domain of Indo-Pacific and provides policy-relevant inputs to policy-makers and public at large.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 310,
		'title' => '7th RCEP Intersessional Ministerial Meeting held in Cambodia ',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">The 7th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Intersessional Ministerial Meeting recently concluded in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This meeting was chaired by Chutima Bunyapraphasara, Acting Minister of Commerce of Thailand. It saw participation of ministers from 16 RCEP Participating Countries (RPCs). India was represented by Union Minister of Commerce &amp; Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) </span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is proposed free trade agreement (FTA) or comprehensive regional economic integration agreement between 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and its six FTA partners (India, China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea). </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Its negotiations were formally launched at 2012 ASEAN Summit in Cambodia. It aims to cover goods, services, economic and technical cooperation, investments, competition and intellectual property rights under its ambit. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Once final deal is reached for RCEP, it will be world&#39;s largest economic bloc, covering nearly half of the global economy.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">Its member states accounts for population of 3.4 billion people (45% of the world&#39;s population) with total GDP (in terms of PPP) of $49.5 trillion, approximately 38% of the world&rsquo;s and 29% of world trade. </span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,serif">It is viewed as alternative to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a proposed trade agreement that includes several Asian and American nations but excludes China and India.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1681,
		'title' => 'India hands over 250 houses to Myanmar for displaced Rohingya returnees',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses for use of displaced returnees and displaced Muslim Rohingya minorities, who are currently residing in Myanmar&#39;s Rakhine State. These houses were built under India sponsored Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP) worth the US $ 25 million. In 2019, India and Myanmar had signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) on RSDP aiming to contribute to the socio-economic development in the northern Rakhine State. The construction of 250 houses was the first initiative under RSDP and has been successfully completed. Another 22 proposals which include solar power related projects, construction-related projects, agriculture mechanisation projects, and capacity building projects are presently under consideration.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">About Rohingya:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> It is ethnic Muslim minority group, largely comprising Muslims living primarily in Myanmar&rsquo;s western Rakhine state. They practice Sufi-inflected variation of Sunni Islam. They differ from Myanmar&rsquo;s dominant Buddhist groups religiously, ethnically and linguistically (They speak Bengali dialect, as opposed to commonly spoken Burmese language in Myanmar). </span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Conflict</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">: Myanmar considers Rohingya&rsquo;s as illegal Bengali immigrants, despite fact that they have resided in Myanmar&rsquo;s Rakhine province for centuries. Myanmar government even refuses to grant them citizenship status and as result they do not have any legal documentation, making them stateless. There are restrictions on their freedom of movement, state education and jobs in civil services. United Nations has often has described Rohingyas as one of the most persecuted minorities in the world.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Mass Exodus: </span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Over 1.1 million Rohingyas have been forced to take shelter in Bangladesh&#39;s Cox Bazaar after Myanmar&#39;s armed forces, while responding to attacks by an armed group called Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (also known as Harakat al-Yaqeen or Faith Movement), had launched a brutal campaign against the community in Rakhine state in 2017. Around 40,000 Rohingya refugees reside in India after having fled persecution in Myanmar, out of which 16,000 are registered with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1677,
		'title' => 'India-ASEAN Troika Trade Ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India-ASEAN Troika Trade Ministers&rsquo; meeting held in New Delhi for informal consultation on RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) was held New Delhi. It was attended by Union Minister of Commerce &amp; Industry and Railways, Piyush Goyal, Acting Minister of Commerce of Thailand Chutima Bunyapraphasara, Minister of Trade of Indonesia, Enggartiasto Lukita, Secretary General, ASEAN, Lim Jock Hoi and TNC Chair of RCEP, Iman Pambagyo.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is proposed free trade agreement (FTA) or comprehensive regional economic integration agreement between 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and its six FTA partners (India, China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea).</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Its negotiations were formally launched at 2012 ASEAN Summit in Cambodia. It aims to cover goods, services, economic and technical cooperation, investments, competition and intellectual property rights under its ambit.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Once final deal is reached for RCEP, it will be world&#39;s largest economic bloc, covering nearly half of the global economy.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Its member states accounts for population of 3.4 billion people (45% of the world&#39;s population) with total GDP (in terms of PPP) of $49.5 trillion, approximately 38% of the world&rsquo;s and 29% of world trade.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is viewed as alternative to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a proposed trade agreement that includes several Asian and American nations but excludes China and India.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1684,
		'title' => '2nd India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue held in New Delhi',
		'description' => '<h2 style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The Second India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue (IRSED) was held in New Delhi. It was chaired by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and Timur Maksimov, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia.</span></span></span></span></h2>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Six core focus areas of cooperation of 2nd IRSED: </span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">(1) Development of Transport Infrastructure and Technologies (ii) Development of Agriculture and Agro-Processing sector. (iii) Small and Medium Business support. (iii) Digital Transformation and Frontier Technologies (iv) Cooperation in Trade, (v) Banking, Finance, and Industry and (vi) Tourism &amp; Connectivity.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The 2nd edition of dalogue included parallel roundtables which discussed areas of cooperation and concrete roadmaps for future negotiations across outlined core areas. It saw participation of government officials, business leaders and experts, bringing in diverse perspectives for ideation.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">About India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue (IRSED)</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It was established following bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NITI Aayog and Russia&rsquo;s Ministry of Economic Development during the 19th edition of Annual India-Russia Bilateral Summit, which was held on October 5, 2018, in New Delhi. 1st IRSED was held in St. Petersburg between November 25-26, 2018. It was chaired by Russia&rsquo;s Minister of Economic Development Maxim Oreshkin and NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'metatitle' => '2nd India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue held',
		'metakeyword' => 'The Second India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue (IRSED) was held in New Delhi. ',
		'metadescription' => 'The Second India-Russia Strategic Economic Dialogue (IRSED) was held in New Delhi. I',
		'author' => 'Nikhil Paigude',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1735,
		'title' => 'Cabinet approves India, US Inter-Institutional Agreement in medicine',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to Inter-Institutional Agreement signed between India and United States (US) in the field of medicine including in areas of regenerative medicine and 3D bioprinting. The agreement was signed in December 2018 between Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum (Institute of National Importance under Department of Science and Technology DST) and Wake Forest University Health Sciences on behalf of its Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM), North Carolina, US.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">About Inter-Institutional Agreement</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Objective:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">&nbsp; Contribute towards development of research and education of both institutions through academic collaboration. </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Features:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> It envisages contributions in areas of regenerative medicine and 3D bioprinting, new technologies, exchange of scientific ideas/information and technologies, and joint use of scientific infrastructure.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Collaboration areas:</span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> The general areas of common interest where collaboration and exchange of knowledge are intended includes (i) Exchange of faculty members and students for training, study and research especially in the areas on 3D Bioprinting (ii) Execution of joint research projects and (iii) Exchange of information and academic publications.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Benefits: </span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It will enable signatory institutions to conduct joint research projects, training programmes, conferences, seminars etc. It will be open to all qualified scientists and technologists, and will be supported on basis of scientific merit and excellence.&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It will lead to the development of specific projects, each of which may have academic, clinical and commercial implications.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The scientific research and technology development conducted in the areas of regenerative medicine and 3D bio-printing will have potential for generation of new Intellectual Property (IP), processes, prototypes or products.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'Cabinet approves India, US Inter-Institutional',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1740,
		'title' => 'India-Nepal: Motihari- Amlekhgunj Petroleum Pipeline completed',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Motihari- Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline project between India and Nepal has been successfully completed by India. Testing of the pipeline has been completed and as part of trial, diesel was released from Motihari recently which reached Amlekhgunj. It will start commercial operation by August 2019</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Motihari- Amlekhgunj Petroleum Pipeline</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is 69-kilometre long petroleum pipeline which connects Motihari (Bihar) to Amelkhgunj (Nepal). It has been constructed by India. It is first cross-border project in the entire South-Asia..</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Its ground-breaking ceremony was launched April 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K P Sharma Oli.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Of the total length of the pipeline, 32.25 kilometers is in Indian Territory (from Raxaul to Motihari) and other 37.25 kilometers from India-bordering market Raxaul to Amlekhgunj of Bara in Nepal.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Benefits: </span></span></strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Quicksand&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Petroleum products will be imported to Nepal from India via this pipeline. It will ensure smooth, cost-effective and environment-friendly supply of petroleum products to Nepal. It will help in tackling oil storage problem in Nepal and doing away with transportation of petroleum products through tankers.</span></span></span></span></p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1870,
		'title' => 'CAATSA – Explained',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Issue</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">S-400 Surface to Air Missile system from Russia was delivered to Turkey last month.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">As a result, the US cancelled delivery of 100 5<sup>th</sup> generation F-35 Lighting fighter aircraft, ordered by Turkey under CAATS</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is a US policy that imposes sanctions on countries which are perceived as threats to USA.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">This act at present is applicable to North Korea, Russia and Iran. Any other country having trade or defense relation with designated countries is also likely to face sanctions under CAATSA.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">How CAATSA works</span></span></strong></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The CAATSA law empowers US president to designate any country or individual as a threat to US or international order and impose sanctions on them.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Once CAATSA has been applied the entities cease to enjoy American cooperation on international forum, thereby crippling them both economically as well as politically.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Provisions under CAATSA</span></span></strong></p>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">Countering Iran&#39;s Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">This bill directs the President to impose sanctions against: (1) Iran&#39;s ballistic missile or weapons of mass destruction programs, (2) the sale or transfer to Iran of military equipment or the provision of related technical or financial assistance, and (3) Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated foreign persons.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">The President may impose sanctions against persons responsible for violations of internationally recognized human rights committed against individuals in Iran.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">The President may temporarily waive the imposition or continuation of sanctions under specified circumstances</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017</span></span></span></strong></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">The bill provides sanctions for activities concerning: (1) cyber security, (2) crude oil projects, (3) financial institutions, (4) corruption, (5) human rights abuses, (6) evasion of sanctions, (7) transactions with Russian defense or intelligence sectors, (8) export pipelines, (9) privatization of state-owned assets by government officials, and (10) arms transfers to Syria.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">Korean Interdiction and Modernization of Sanctions Act</span></span></span></strong></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">U.S. financial institutions shall not establish or maintain correspondent accounts used by foreign financial institutions to provide indirect financial services to North Korea.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">A foreign government that provides to or receives from North Korea a defense article or service is prohibited from receiving certain types of U.S. foreign assistance.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">The bill provides sanctions against: (1) North Korean cargo and shipping, (2) goods produced in whole or part by North Korean convict or forced labor, and (3) foreign persons that employ North Korean forced laborers.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">CAATSA&rsquo;s implications on India</span></span></strong></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:black">India is purchasing the Russia S-400 SAM systems, putting it in conflict with the US Countering America&rsquo;s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (Caatsa), which came into force in 2017. These third-country sanctions apply to any nation with &lsquo;significant transactions&rsquo; with the Russian defense industry</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:black">.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India can face a downgraded version of US sanctions that can significantly dent its economic and defense relations with USA and its NATO allies.</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align:justify"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Way Forward</span></span></strong></p>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:black">In 2018, at the request of then-US secretary of defense James Mattis, the US Congress enacted a waiver clause that can be used by the president. This waiver was generally viewed as a workaround to avoid making India suffer collateral damage from Caatsa sanctions</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:black">.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:black">Stopping any purchase of oil from US sanctions-hit Iran, India has shown its intent to build on newfound US-India relations.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:black">&nbsp;It must be seen as an effort to repair Indo-US ties.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
	<li style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Because CAATSA is an American law that prevents global free trade, it is patently illegal and can be challenged. Nevertheless, if enforced it could choke the supply of weapons from Russia and blow a gaping hole in India&#39;s war fighting capability. It will also earn India considerable hostility in Moscow and drive the Russians closer to Pakistan and China, creating a different set of complications.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1928,
		'title' => 'PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Issue</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a bilateral visit to Bhutan. It will be the 2<sup>nd</sup> visit to Bhutan by PM Modi and the 1<sup>st</sup> since his re-election.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Bhutan</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">is a&nbsp;landlocked country</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">in&nbsp;South Asia. Located in the&nbsp;Eastern Himalayas, it is bordered by the&nbsp;Tibetan Autonomous Region</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">of&nbsp;China</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">in the north, the Sikkim</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">state of&nbsp;India</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">and the&nbsp;Chumbi Valley</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">of Tibet</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">in the west, the&nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">state of India in the east, and the states of&nbsp;Assam</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">and West Bengal</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">in the south.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Thimphu</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">is its capital and largest city, while Phuntsholing</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">is its financial center. It is a member of the&nbsp;United Nations,&nbsp;SAARC,&nbsp;BIMSTEC</span></span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">and the&nbsp;Non-Aligned Movement</span></span></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">.</span></span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Key Highlights of Visit</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Energy</span></strong></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">PM Modi has inaugurated Mangdechhu hydroelectric power plant and also launched stamps to commemorate five decades of India-Bhutan Hydropower cooperation on the first day. India is the largest buyer of Bhutanese hydropower</span></span></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Space research</span></strong></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The inauguration of the <strong>Ground Earth Station</strong> and<strong> SATCOM network</strong>, developed with assistance from ISRO for utilization of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Asia Satellite</strong> in Bhutan. India will enhance the communication, public broadcasting and disaster management coverage in Bhutan.</span></span></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">RuPay in Bhutan</span></strong></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">PM Modi also launched RuPay Card in Bhutan by making a purchase at Simtokha Dzong. It functions as a monastic and administrative centre and is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan.</span></span></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Education</span></strong></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The e-plaque of the interconnection between India&rsquo;s National Knowledge Network and Bhutan&rsquo;s Druk Research and Education Network was also unveiled.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Bhutan and its significance to India</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Bhutan is a buffer state between India and China. It divides the two major nuclear powers in Himalayas.</span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">After the Dokhlam crisis where Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in standoff near Chumbi Valley, the geographical advantage of Bhutan&rsquo;s area has increased significantly.</span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">It is necessary to keep India&rsquo;s traditional influence over Bhutan intact. This is necessary in keeping Chinese interests at bay.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1957,
		'title' => 'H1B visa application gets tougher',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Issue</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">US immigration department has taken steps to stop fraudulent use of H1B visas. These measures have made application of H1B visas difficult for foreign workers.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">USA is a major destination for foreign workers especially skilled and semi skilled ones. Large employers apply for long term visas for their employees to work in US called as H1B visas. Recent misuse has forced authorities to introduce stringent measures.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">What is H1B visa?</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Most of the Indian IT professionals go to the US on the H-1B work visas.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">How H1B visas work?</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">A specialty occupation requires the application of specialized knowledge and a bachelor&#39;s degree or the equivalent of work experience. The duration of stay is three years, extendable to six years. The visa holder may need to reapply after his/her visa expires.</span></span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">A person in H-1B status must continue to be employed by their employer in order to stay in H-1B status. If the person&#39;s employment ends for any reason, the person must leave the United States, unless the person applies for and is granted a change of employment status who is ready to sponsor work visa. </span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0.5in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0.5in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">H1B visa and India</span></span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0.5in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">If the US government goes ahead with this decision, the Indian IT sector can suffer massively. India is one of the biggest countries to contribute to the IT sector in the US and the H-1B visa restriction could affect thousands of Indian IT professionals working abroad.</span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Indian IT firms could also face difficulties in serving their foreign clients. Major Indian IT firms such as TCS and Infosys could face difficulties in servicing their US-based clients which contributes towards a majority of their business. </span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">With restricted H-1B visas, these firms will not be able to send their personnel to the US for servicing the clients. Indian IT firms rely on the H-1B visa send support staff to the US for maintenance and servicing.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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	(int) 59 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1975,
		'title' => 'India-US 2+2 dialogue',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Issue</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The United States will host a meeting of the 4<sup>th</sup> US-India 2+2 Dialogue in California to discuss ways to advance cooperation on critical diplomatic and security priorities.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The 2+2 dialogue is a meeting between Defence and External affairs ministers of India with their US counterparts.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The goal of a &#39;two plus two&nbsp;dialogue&#39; is to establish a diplomatic conversation between two countries&#39; respective heads of defence and external affairs.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Agenda</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The meeting is aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership. The two sides will discuss ways to advance cooperation on critical diplomatic and security priorities, including &nbsp;shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and review preparations for the next 2+2 Ministerial dialogue.</span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">During the fourth US-India Maritime Security Dialogue, the two sides will exchange views on maritime developments in the Indo-Pacific region and consider steps to further strengthen bilateral maritime security cooperation.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Importance of 2+2 dialogue</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Helps in solving bilateral issues that affect ties between the two countries such as H1B visa and trade duties.</span></span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Formation of bilateral policies that are based on trust. </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 1987,
		'title' => 'Prime Minister Modi’s France Visit',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Issue</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a to 3 nation tour to visit France, UAE and Bahrain. The first leg of the tour to France has been successfully undertaken.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">France&ndash;India relations</span></span></span><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">&nbsp;have traditionally been close and friendly and both countries have a &#39;</span></span></span><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">special relationship<span style="color:#222222">&#39; with each other.Both nations have a centuries-old history of trade relations.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#222222">There is also a growing and wide-ranging cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, culture, science and technology and education.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Highlights of Visit</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">PM will dedicate a memorial to the Indian victims of the two Air India crashes in France in the 1950s and 1960s. The site of memorial is located in Alps mountains.<br />
	<span style="background-color:white">The two countries will enhance their cooperation and launch fresh efforts to prevent and fight radicalisation, especially online radicalisation.</span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The French President has reiterated France&rsquo;s stand that India and Pakistan should resolve the Kashmir issue bilaterally and no third party should interfere or incite violence in the region.</span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">France has resolved to deliver first batch of the 36 Rafael fighter jets to India next month.</span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">PM Modi also addressed a gathering at UNESCO HQ in Paris and said India will achieve most of the climate change goals set for 2030, in the next year and a half.</span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Importance of France</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">France is a permanent member of United Nations Security council. The support of France is very significant for India&rsquo;s international growth and increasing its presence in global stages.</span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">France is a major defence partner for India. Indian defence ties include Rafael aircrafts, andscorpene submarines among many others.</span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">French space agency CNES is supporting India in its ambitious Gaganyan Mission slated in 2022.</span></span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'Prime Minister Modi’s France Visit',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2002,
		'title' => 'PM Modi’s Visit to UAE and Bahrain',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Issue</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">PM Narendra Modi is on a visit to UAE and Bahrain on his 2<sup>nd</sup> leg of tour of France and Gulf nations.</span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Background</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">UAE and Bahrain are two major countries of the middle east and are major trade and investment partners in India.</span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Both UAE and Bahrain are vocal supporters of India for UNSC permanent membership and are in favour of India in Kashmir issue. They have great influence in groupings like GCC and OIC.</span></span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Highlights of visit</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#212121">PM Modi,will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Bahrain, and will meet Prince Khalifa to discuss bilateral issues after the delegation-level talks.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#212121">Bahrain will exchange&nbsp; MoUs in the areas of culture, space and collaboration with International Solar Alliance.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:#212121">PM Modi will also launch RuPay card in Bahrain. Bahrain will be the 4<sup>th</sup> country in the world to have usage of India developed RuPay card.</span></span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="color:black">PM Modi will also be receiving <strong>The Order of Zayed</strong>, the highest civilian award of the UAE. </span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Importance of visit</span></span></strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">India has been thankful to UAE for its position on the Kashmir issue following abrogation of Article 370. UAE is a founding member of OIC and has great influence over Muslim world.</span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The support of&nbsp; UAE is vey useful to counter Pakistan on international forum. The&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;is&nbsp;India&#39;s&nbsp;third-largest&nbsp;trade&nbsp;partner. Bilateral investments and an annual bilateral&nbsp;trade&nbsp;of about USD 60 billion takes place between the two.</span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The Kingdom of Bahrain along with its GCC partners are amongst the world&#39;s most prominent supporters of India&#39;s candidacy for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.</span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2120,
		'title' => 'British Parliament to stop ‘No-deal’ Brexit',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The British Parliament&#39;s upper chamber has approved a bill that aims to block a no-deal Brexit at the end of October. This will force Prime Minister Boris Johnson to seek a delay to Britain&#39;s&nbsp;<strong>European Union&nbsp;</strong>departure<span style="font-size:13.5pt"><span style="background-color:whitesmoke"><span style="color:#282828">.</span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The British&nbsp;government was left in uncertaintyafter MPs voted to derail the Brexit plan and rejected PM&rsquo;s call for an early election to break the political deadlock. </span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Parliament approved a bill that could force Mr. Johnson to delay Brexit to January or even later if he cannot agree exit terms with European Union in time.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The legislation requires Mr. Johnson to ask for a three-month extension to Britain&#39;s EU membership if Parliament has not approved either a deal or consented to leaving without agreement by October 19. It is expected to be signed into law by Queen Elizabeth.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The default legal position is that Britain will leave the EU on October 31 unless it delays or asks to stay in the bloc.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Implications</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Bill will force British PM to go back on his &lsquo;No-deal&rsquo; Brexit idea which was aimed at leaving EU as fast as possible even if suitable agreement has not been finalised.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The European Commission also said the risk of a &ldquo;no deal&rdquo; exit has increased. This is can lead to serious economic damage risked by severing 46 years of UK-EU ties overnight.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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	(int) 63 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2130,
		'title' => 'US cancels peace talks with Taliban',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he cancelled peace talks with Afghanistan&#39;s Taliban leaders after the insurgent group said it was behind an attack in Kabul that killed an American soldier and 11 other people.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">U.S. and Taliban negotiators had struck a draft peace deal which could have led to a withdrawl&nbsp; of U.S. troops from America&#39;s longest war. But a wave of Taliban violence has cast a long shadow over the deal.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Under the draft accord, thousands of U.S. troops would have been withdrawn over the coming months in exchange for guarantees &nbsp;that Afghanistan would not be used as a base for militant attacks on the United States and its allies.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A full peace agreement to end more than 18 years of war would depend on subsequent talks with all stake holders.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Taliban have rejected calls for a ceasefire and instead stepped up operations across the country.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><strong>Consequences</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">There are fears that a civil war can emerge due to differences between ethnic Pasthuns and Tajiks. This ethnic differences was the foundation for civil war and unrest in Afghanistan in 1990&rsquo;s.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The unrest in Afghanistan will unsettle India&rsquo;s trade and investment plans. India-developed infrastrfucture will face a threat from talibani extremists. This will create chaos in Indian influenced neighborhood of South Asia.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2133,
		'title' => 'India-South Korea logistics pact',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">India and South Korea concluded a military&nbsp;logistics&nbsp;agreement during the ongoing visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Seoul. The two countries have also formulated a forward-looking road map to take bilateral defence industry cooperation to the next level.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><strong>India-S.Korean defence relations</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Korean companies have been active in the Indian defence sector like &nbsp;the K9 Vajra mobile artillery guns are being made by L&amp;T in collaboration with Hanwha Land Systems.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">India has set an ambitious target for itself when it comes to defence exports. India&nbsp; believes that external markets have to be tapped to develop a commercially viable military industrial complex.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">India will be able to get assured logistic support when it operates in the Indo-Pacific in the ports of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/tag/396-244/south-korea/?utm=bodytag" target="_blank">South Korea.</a> Such agreements extend the reach, presence and sustainability of Navy ships when deployed at great distances from home ports.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The decision to extend logistical support to each other&rsquo;s navies will significantly enhance Indian reach in the Indo-Pacific and will place South Korea amongst close partners like the US and France that have similar bilateral pact.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">India has also listed a number of proposed areas of cooperation in land, aero and naval systems, research and development cooperation and collaboration in testing, certification and quality assurance with S.Korea.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">India offers tremendous business opportunity to Korean defence industries and initiatives like the defence industrial corridors being promoted by the government will take the relations to the next level.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2142,
		'title' => 'US policy on immigration',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The trump administration has set out to make it harder for people to come to the US, &nbsp;stay there and become citizens by legislating new policies on immigration.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In recent days, several rules were pushed through by the administration regarding immigration. This applies to both legal and illegal immigration. </span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The net effect of this rule is to pressure would-be immigrants to get off benefits they are legally entitled to and also to develop a system that favours wealthier, better-educated, younger immigrants who have better English speaking skills.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The first of these policy tweaks was aimed at legal immigrants and involved changes to the &ldquo;public charge&rdquo; rule. If an individual is seeking admission to the U.S., or looking to change his immigration status and get a green card, he can be deemed inadmissible (or ineligible) .</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Trump administration&rsquo;s changes, will make it easier to designate potential immigrants as being at risk of depending on state funds and consequently making it easier to deny them green cards.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Factors that would go against the potential immigrant include not having an annual income of at least 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines&nbsp;medical conditions, being old and having poor English language skills.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Another rule change in will make it harder for children born to naturalised U.S. citizens serving in U.S. Embassies or stationed on U.S. military bases abroad to acquire citizenship at birth.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 66 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2143,
		'title' => 'President Kovind’s three nation tour',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Ram Nath Kovind on September 8 night left for a visit to Iceland,&nbsp;Switzerland&nbsp;and Slovenia during which he will hold talks with the top leadership of those countries to strengthen bilateral ties.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">At the backdrop of Kashmir issue, India is trying to gain international support for its decision to scrap special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The visit to European nations is important to boost India&rsquo;s case.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">President Kovind will first visit Iceland and will hold talks with Iceland President and Iceland Prime minister. &nbsp;</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The President&#39;s next stop will Switzerland from September 11-15 where he will meet President of Switzerland and members of the Swiss cabinet.&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the final leg of his visit, the President will arrive in Slovenia on September and will hold extensive discussions with Slovenian President and Slovenian Prime Minister.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The President will also participate in a business forum event and an Indian community reception.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>India-Iceland relations</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India and Iceland have signed a&nbsp;<strong>Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement</strong>&nbsp;to strengthen the ties of economic cooperation</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The two countries also signed a&nbsp;Memorandum of Understanding&nbsp;(MoU) for co-operation in the&nbsp;renewable energy&nbsp;sector.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Indo-Iceland business is estimated to be US $26.7 million according to data in 2007.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>India-Switzerland relations</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India switzerland relations range from trade, development cooperation, education and vocational training, visas, migration, air traffic, investment, finance, taxation and scientific and technological cooperation.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>India- Slovenia relations</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The bilateral trade between India and slovenia is estimated to be EUR 361.25 million.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The main Indian exports include pharmaceutical products, organic chemicals, mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation, coffee, tea and spices, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical machinery. </span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The exports are articles of paper pulp, aircraft, wood organic chemicals, iron and steel etc<span style="font-size:11.5pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="color:#595656">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2156,
		'title' => 'US- Taliban deal and India',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Iran&rsquo;s ambassador to India has criticised US&rsquo;s move to makea deal with Taliban which would ensure return of extremist Taliban. The concerns expressed by Iran has been reflecting India&rsquo;s position on Taliban deal.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">US President Donald Trump has said that he called off peace negotiations with the Taliban that sought to end America&#39;s 18-year war in Afghanistan.The deal would have allowed US to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan gradually.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The main problem with the deal being negotiated between U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban representatives in Doha was that Afghan government was not at the table for the talks.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/tag/330-244/iran/?utm=bodytag" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">Iran<strong>&nbsp;</strong></a>was invited to regional talks on the Afghanistan peace process in Beijing, attended by China, Russia, U.S. and Pakistan, but had declined to attend because the Official government was not represented.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Indian experts reckon that&nbsp;the deal would have put a question mark over everything from the government and constitution to the election process in Afghanistan.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Implications</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The biggest loser from the development is Pakistan, which controlled various Taliban leaders, who in turn would have acted as its proxies in Afghanistan.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India is also expected to benefit from the no-deal as the withdrawl of troops from Afghanistan would have made indian assets vulnerable to Pakistan- controlled militia and would push Afghanistan back into the era of civil war.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2190,
		'title' => 'UK’s post-study work visa policy',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The UK government has announced a new two-year post-study work visa route from next year. Under the new graduate visa route, students from anywhere including India would be able to work or even look for work at any skill level.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The&nbsp;UK&nbsp;had the post-study work visa scheme till 2012. The government then scrapped the provision which facilitated students to pursue employment after completing their education.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The new post-study work visa route announced by the Boris Johnson government will allow Indian students to stay back in the United Kingdom for two years to find work after graduation.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Students entering the UK in the 2020-21 academic year in take will be eligible for this route and universities, stakeholders and customers preparing for the next academic year are aware of this change and can prepare accordingly.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The new graduate immigration route supports the ambitions of students, who consider post-study work option as an important factor when making their choice of studying abroad.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The visa will be two years long and will be a separate&nbsp;visa, requiring a new application, including payment of a visa fee and immigration health surcharge. The route is non-extendable and does not count towards settlement.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2269,
		'title' => 'PoK and Gilgit Baltistan',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Indian government has reiterated its stand on Gilgit-Baltistan, the parts of Jammu and Kashmir which are under illegal occupation by Pakistan. Various high profile ministers of the government has publicly claimed that India hopes to control these areas in the future.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A resolution unanimously adopted by Parliament on February 22, 1994 affirmed that the State of Jammu &amp; Kashmir as an integral part of India, and demanded&nbsp; Pakistan to vacate the areas of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir, which they have occupied through aggression.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakistan Occupied Kashmir is an area which was under the control of the Pakistani forces when the ceasefire line came into effect on January 1, 1949.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This was after a 14-month period of hostilities between India and Pakistan, which began with an invasion of Kashmir by Pashtun tribesmen, and later its Army, to seize Kashmir.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The capital of PoK is <strong>Muzaffarabad</strong>, a town located in the valley of the Jhelum river which is north of Srinagar.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakisitan has designated PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan as &ldquo;autonomous territories&rdquo;. Incorporating these areas into its map would damage its international position in the United Nations and elsewhere.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India, on the other hand, as per the resolution passed by Parliament in 1994 mentions that PoK and GB are both part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession to India in 1947.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
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		'id' => (int) 2304,
		'title' => 'Suriname supports Indian action on Kashmir',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The visiting Vice-President of Suriname, Michael Ashwin Adhin has said his country had respect for India&rsquo;s Kashmir and won&rsquo;t interfere in the internal affairs of India.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pakistan has been trying to raise the Kashmir issue on global platform since India&rsquo;s decision to abrogate Art 370. The UNGA provides for a perfect platform for executing their intentions.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The vice president said Suriname has included some of the U.N. ideals like non-interference in their Constitution and thus will abide by it.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He also said that there is a possibility of issue being raised on the margins of UNGA but said Suriname will not raise the issue.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He highlighted that Suriname always stood for dialogue and reconciliation especially in the Latin American region where several countries have asked for Suriname&#39;s help in peace building.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Suriname</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Suriname&nbsp;is a country on the north-eastern&nbsp;Atlantic&nbsp;coast of South America.&nbsp;It is bordered&nbsp;by the Atlantic Ocean to the north,&nbsp;French Guiana&nbsp;to the east,&nbsp;Guyana&nbsp;to the west and&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;to the south.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is the smallest&nbsp;sovereign state&nbsp;in South America. Suriname&rsquo;s capital and largest city is&nbsp;<strong>Paramaribo</strong>.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2315,
		'title' => 'Indo-US LNG deal',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Tellurian Inc. has signed a $7.5 billion agreement for India&rsquo;s Petronet LNG Ltd to buy a stake in its proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Louisiana. This could potentially be one of the largest foreign investments in the US for shipping shale gas abroad.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India is one of the fastest growth markets for LNG and should soon become the second-largest LNG importer. The surge of new supply from the US&rsquo; trove of shale gas has made the fuel accessible for emerging markets such as India, which is currently the sixth-largest buyer of US LNG.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The pact has been signed on the sidelines of PM Modi&rsquo;s meeting with top executives of US energy majors in Houston such as CEOs of US energy companies like Tellurian Inc., Exxonmobil, BP Plc, Cheniere Energy, Dominion Energy, and Total SA.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Petronet will invest $2.5 billion in Tellurian&rsquo;s proposed Driftwood LNG export terminal, in exchange for the rights to 5 million metric tonnes of LNG per year over 40 years.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India, the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after the US and China, has been pushing for a gas-based economy and plans to connect 10 million households to piped natural gas by 2020.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Increasing natural gas use will enable India to fuel its impressive economic growth to achieve goal of a $5 trillion economy while contributing to a cleaner environment.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>LNG and India</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Gas comprises about 6.2% of India&rsquo;s primary energy mix, far behind the global average of 24%. The government plans to increase this share to 15% by 2030.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India&rsquo;s gas demand is expected to be driven by the fertilizer, power, city gas distribution, and steel sectors.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India&rsquo;s energy demand is expected to grow at 4.2% per year over the next 25 years. It currently consumes 145 million standard cubic meters a day (mmscmd) of gas thus making India the world&rsquo;s fourth-largest LNG importer.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2350,
		'title' => 'Chabahar port',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met and discussed progress on Iran&rsquo;s Chabahar Port , which India is helping to develop.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The meeting comes at a difficult time in the relationship between the two countries. India has stopped orders for Iranian oil since May 2 following U.S. sanctions ,after US pulled out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).&nbsp;</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">European countries, such as France and Germany had hoped to arrange a meeting between Mr. Rouhani and U.S. President Donald Trump in order to remove the existing deadlock between the two countries.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Chabahar</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Iran&rsquo;s Chabahar port is a strategic project that would connect India, Afghanistan and Iran to Central Asia, while circumventing Pakistan.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Benefits of Chabahar to India</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Operating Chabahar port will provide India with a foothold at the mouth of the strategic Straits of Hormuz, through which a third of all the world&rsquo;s sea-borne oil passes.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India&rsquo;s participation in the&nbsp;Chabahar port project would enable it to keep an eye on Chinese activity at Gwadar, which is just 72 kilometers away.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India&rsquo;s investment, development, and operation of Chabahar port will strengthen its relationship with Iran, its third largest oil supplier.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This trade corridor could expand India&rsquo;s trade ties with the Central Asian Republics (CARs), which currently stands at a meager $1.5 billion.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Once&nbsp;Chabahar is linked to the multimodal International North-South Transport&nbsp;Corridor (INSTC),&nbsp;India hopes it will become a&nbsp;gateway for its trade with Eurasia&nbsp;as well.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>JCPOA</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The <strong>Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action</strong>, known commonly as the Iran nuclear deal or Iran deal, is an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program reached in Vienna on July 14, 2015, between Iran and the P5+1(China, France, Germany, Russia, United Kingdom, USA) together with the European Union.</span></span></p>
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	(int) 73 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2411,
		'title' => 'India- Bangladesh ties',
		'description' => '<p><strong>Issue</strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina&rsquo;s&nbsp;visit to India beginning October 3&nbsp;is a much-anticipated political event. It wil try to ensure a strong friendship is forged between the two countries.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Background</strong></p>

<p>After the liberation of Bangladesh, it was assumed that both countries would take their ties to the next level through common ideals. But the return of Islamic fundamentalists and dictators has derailed the potential for stronger ties.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Details</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>The upcoming trip of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina can be viewed as an effort to re-invest in the special friendship that Bangladesh and India have developed during her premiership.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Bangladesh&rsquo;s relationship with India reached an all-time low when the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami coalition government between 2001 and 2006 allowed Bangladeshi territory to host insurgent activities against the Northeastern states of India.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>This unfortunate nosedive in the Bangladesh-India relationship was&nbsp; reversed after the electoral victory of the Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh-India ties have greatly benefited since then.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>In 2015, the Indian government ratified the 1974 Land Boundary Treaty which executed a land swap of enclaves, settling historical anomalies dating back to the Partition of the subcontinent.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>Bangladesh and India also peacefully obtained an international court ruling that allowed the two nations to explore resources in the Bay of Bengal without stepping on each other&rsquo;s toes.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>It will likely touch on a wide range of issues that will require improvisation and cooperation from both governments to find new solutions to old problems.</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Bilateral Issues</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>Improved management of all rivers that Bangladesh and India share, and a better framework is created to ensure their equitable distribution.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>India&rsquo;s&nbsp;cooperation in upgrading its railways, roads, and shipping infrastructure, and might ask for the export of more electricity to Bangladesh.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>The NRC is likely to remain a real concern for both neighbours, and Bangladesh is likely to keep a close watch on it.</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Peaceful solution to the Rohingya refugee crisis.</p>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2415,
		'title' => 'South-Korea and North-Korea conflict',
		'description' => '<p><strong>Issue</strong></p>

<p>North Korea<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has fired projectiles toward its eastern sea, in an apparent display of its expanding military capabilities ahead of planned nuclear negotiations with the United States.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Background</strong></p>

<p>Nuclear negotiations have been at a standstill for months following a February summit between Mr. Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam. The act by North Korea is seen a tactic to put pressure on US to abolish sanctions.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>North and South Korea conflict</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>The&nbsp;Korean conflict&nbsp;is an ongoing conflict based on the division of&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;between&nbsp;North Korea&nbsp;(Democratic People&#39;s Republic of Korea) and&nbsp;South Korea&nbsp;(Republic of Korea), both of which claim to be the sole legitimate government and state of all of Korea.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>During the&nbsp;Cold War, North Korea was backed by the&nbsp;Soviet Union,&nbsp;China, and&nbsp;its communist allies, while South Korea was backed by the&nbsp;United States&nbsp;and&nbsp;its Western allies.</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>The&nbsp;division of Korea&nbsp;by external powers occurred at the end of&nbsp;World War II, starting in 1945, and tensions erupted into the&nbsp;Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953. &nbsp;</p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p>The United States and the USSR had to decide what to do with Korea, and they eventually opted to split the peninsula Korea rested on along the 38th parallel.</p>

	<ul>
		<li>
		<p>The Soviet Union would handle the north, and the United States would take of the south. North and South Korea continued a military standoff, with periodic clashes.</p>
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>
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	(int) 75 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2417,
		'title' => 'USA-Ukraine missile deal',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The U.S. State Department has approved a sale of military equipment to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;that includes 150 anti-tank missiles to help fight Russia-backed separatists.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The U.S. has been providing assistance to Ukraine since Russia-backed separatists invaded in 2014 after the ouster of a Kremlin-backed leader in the Eastern European country that was once part of the Soviet Union.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Crimean crisis</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The&nbsp;Crimean Peninsula&nbsp;was&nbsp;annexed&nbsp;by the&nbsp;Russian Federation&nbsp;in 2014 and since then has been administered as two&nbsp;Russian federal subjects&mdash;the&nbsp;Republic of Crimea&nbsp;and the&nbsp;federal city&nbsp;of&nbsp;Sevastopol.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The annexation from&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;followed&nbsp;a Russian military intervention in Crimea&nbsp;that took place in the aftermath of the&nbsp;2014 Ukrainian revolution&nbsp;and was part of wider&nbsp;unrest across southern and eastern Ukraine.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The United States and the&nbsp;European Union&nbsp;threatened and later enacted&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against Russia for its role in the crisis, and urged Russia to withdraw.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Russia has accused the United States and the EU of funding and directing the revolution and retaliated to the sanctions by imposing its own.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Reasons for Crimea annexation</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Pro-west policies of Ukraine president.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Development of strategic infrastructure along the sea of Azov, which undermined Russian dominance.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If Ukraine is successful in developing natural gas extraction, Russia will lose one of its largest buyers of natural gas.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ukraine had been the&nbsp;second-most important contributor to the former Soviet Union&#39;s economy. It provided one-fourth of Soviet agricultural output. It supplied heavy industrial equipment and raw materials to industrial sites throughout the former USSR.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2419,
		'title' => 'India-Sri Lanka fishermen crisis',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Four Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy on charges of fishing in the island nation&rsquo;s waters and their boat confiscated.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India and Sri Lanka share a long history of water boundary dispute when it comes to EEZ of the both countries. The Sri Lankan navy alleges that Indian fishermen are indulging in illegal fishing in their waters.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen have been fishing into Palk Bay area for centuries. Problem emerged only after a maritime agreement was signed by India and Sri Lanka in 1974.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Initially the 1974 border agreement did not affect fishing on either sides of the border. In 1976, through an exchange of letter, both India and Sri Lanka agreed to stop fishing in each other&rsquo;s waters.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The agreement could not stop the fishermen from fishing in these waters, as fishermen know no boundary. They go wherever they can get maximum number of catch.&nbsp;</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Cases of arrest of Sri Lankan fishermen by Indian authorities are comparatively less since they mostly fish in the high seas by using multi-day crafts.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On the other hand, due to the dearth of multi-day fishing capability, Indian fishermen cannot shift their fishing effort from the Palk Bay area to the offshore areas of the Indian waters or way beyond the continental shelf.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After the end of War in 2009, the Sri Lankan fishermen have been raising their objection to Indian fishermen fishing in their waters.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is estimated that more than 500 trawlers from Tamil Nadu cross the International Maritime Boundary Line and fish in the Sri Lankan side of the Palk Bay, threatening the livelihoods of the fishermen in the north of Sri Lanka, who have just commenced fishing after the end of war in 2009.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'India-Sri Lanka fishermen crisis',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2463,
		'title' => 'Trump threatens Turkey',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">US President Donald Trump has warned NATO ally Turkey, threatening to destroy its economy if Ankara takes a planned military strike in&nbsp;Syria.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The United States began pulling troops back from the northeast Syrian border, effectively giving Turkey a green light to move into the area and capture it.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Turkey has repeatedly threatened to carry out an incursion against U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in north eastern Syria who have links to Kurdish guerrillas operating next door in Turkey</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Trump has said that&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;could suffer the &ldquo;wrath of an extremely decimated economy&rdquo; if it acted in Syria in a way that was against the spirit of humanity.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Turkey&#39;s lira slid more than 2% to its lowest level in more than a month against the dollar over concerns about the planned incursion into northern Syria and Trump&#39;s warning.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Implications</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The U.S. withdrawal will leave Kurdish-led forces in Syria that have long allied with Washington vulnerable to a planned incursion by the Turkish military which brands them terrorists.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The U.S. decision to withdraw from north eastern Syria could open the door to a revival of Islamic State, which has suffered significant battlefield losses to a U.S -led coalition in the area.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'metatitle' => 'Trump threatens Turkey',
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2450,
		'title' => 'USA caps refugee intake',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The U.S. government has limited the number of refugee admits for FY-2020 at 18,000, the lowest since 1980.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After President Donald Trump assumed office in 2017, he temporarily suspended the resettlement of Syrian refugees along with banning individuals from seven Muslim majority countries from entering the U.S. on most visa categories.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The administration has also given local governments the right to refuse refugees for resettlement for the first time in history. </span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The U.S. will admit refugees from priority categories this year rather than accepting them solely from pre-determined regions of the world.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It was also found out that a higher proportion of racial minorities, women, and those with higher levels of education said the U.S. had a responsibility to take refugees compared to whites, men and those with lower levels of education.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Reasons for policy change</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The administration feels that previous administrations&rsquo; refugee policies did not adequately take into account national security or foreign policy concerns.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Global refugees</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">There are just under 71 million displaced persons worldwide, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Forty-one million of these are internally displaced, 26 million are refugees, and some 3.5 million are asylum seekers.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;In 2018, some 67% of refugees came from Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar and Somalia, and 80% of refugees live in countries that neighbour their countries of origin. </span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Turkey has topped the list of host countries for refugees since 2014. Pakistan and Uganda have, at least in the last two years, come in at second and third place, respectively.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2451,
		'title' => 'Maldives and India',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;Maldivian parliamentary Speaker and former President Mohammed Nasheed distanced Maldives from endorsing the statement issued by the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) criticising India for its Kashmir action.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mr. Nasheed&rsquo;s Maldivian Democratic Party, that came to power in September 2018, has effected a marked improvement in India-<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/tag/354-244/maldives/?utm=bodytag" target="_blank">Maldives&nbsp;</a>ties in the past year.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Mr Nasheed has said that the issue is a internal matter specific to India and other countries had no role in interfering in the matter.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">He also described China&rsquo;s actions and investments in Maldives as more exploitative than East India Company, which triggered a strong opposition from Chinese ambassador to Maldives.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Bilateral relations</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Strategic and Military</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ekuverin, an annual joint military exercise is held every year since 2009 between India and Maldives.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India will permanently base two helicopters in the country to enhance its surveillance capabilities and ability to respond swiftly to threats.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will carry out regular Dornier sorties over the island nation to look out for suspicious movements or vessels. The Southern Naval Command will overlook the inclusion of Maldives into the Indian security grid.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Commercial</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India established the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Mal&eacute;, the capital of Maldives, expanded telecommunications and air links and increased scholarships for Maldivian students.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India and Maldives have announced plans to jointly work to expand fisheries and&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuna" title="Tuna">tuna</a>&nbsp;processing.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2475,
		'title' => 'China’s position on Kashmir issue',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping&rsquo;s visit to India and Nepal, Beijing has dropped references to the role of the United Nations in resolving the Kashmir issue.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The statement is a departure from the recent position adopted by Beijing after India revoked Article 370. China had backed Islamabad to internationalise the Kashmir issue at the United Nations.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The authorities have said that a dispute left from the past should be peacefully and properly addressed in accordance with the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreement without the need of a third party.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">China is giving the impression that it can be flexible. It has called upon both India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue and consultation on all issues including Kashmir issue and consolidate mutual trust.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">If China tries to project itself as a mediator between India and Pakistan, it is unlikely to be heard by the Indian side.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">China is also vary of implications of becoming too close to Pakistan. CPEC investments would become a lot riskier if the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decides to censure Pakistan, which is likely in the coming days.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This is going to cause a dent in China&rsquo;s pursuit of showing itself as a global player, who is ready to play a major role in global leadership.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">It is difficult for China to reduce its involvement in Pakistan. Pakistan helps expand Chinese influence in the Muslim world and in Afghanistan.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2433,
		'title' => 'US lawmakers take tough stand against India on Kashmir issue',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations has added an appeal to end the crisis in Kashmir in its report ahead of the annual Foreign Appropriations Act for 2020.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The amendment was proposed by Senator Chris Van Hollen, who visited Delhi this week as a part of a congressional delegation that discussed the Kashmir situation as well as India-U.S. bilateral relations, trade ties and defence purchases.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The committee&nbsp;calls on the Government of India to fully restore telecommunications and Internet services, lift lockdown and curfew and release individuals detained after revocation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Senator wanted to visit Kashmir to see the situation first-hand but was not allowed by the Indian government.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The government has cited security concerns for denying the request by the Senator to visit Kashmir.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The Senator is a key member of the House Appropriations Committee and played an important role in including tough language on J&amp;K in the Appropriations Bill, which was unanimously adopted last week.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>American views on J&amp;K</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">America has always pushed for a bilateral solution for the Kashmir issue eventhough Pakistan has continuously pressed for interference.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The American stand has been undergoing a change recently after President Trump offered to mediate in the issue, which was appropriately rejected by India.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0cm">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Reasons for change in American stand</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The US has been trying to put pressure on India to loosen its trade policies for American companies which has earlier been denied. This can be a pressure tactic.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The US has been strongly opposed to India buying S400 Air Defence System from Russia and has clearly threatned to levy sanctions. By using offensive method US may be trying to exert pressure on India.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'title' => 'Saudi Arabia allows women in armed forces',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Saudi Arabia<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has announced that it will allow women in the ultra-conservative kingdom to serve in the armed forces.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This decison is one among series of other reforms that have been introduced in the Monarchy. The measures are aimed at increasing the rights of women in the kingdom, even as rights groups accuse Saudi of cracking down on women activists.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom&rsquo;s de facto ruler, has approved a handful of reforms aimed at widening women&rsquo;s rights, including allowing them to drive and to travel abroad without consent from a male guardian.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Saudi Arabia, the world&rsquo;s largest crude exporter, is pushing to improve its image and attract tourists as part of a plan to diversify its economy away from oil.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Women in Indian defence forces</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">All wings of the&nbsp;Indian Armed Forces&nbsp;allow women in combat roles (junior ranks) and combat supervisory roles (officers), except Indian Army (support roles only) and&nbsp;Special Forces of India&nbsp;(trainer role only).</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Presently, women are inducted in Indian Army through Short Service Commission (Technical) and Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) entries.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Women are inducted in all the branches and streams of Indian Air Force (IAF) service. </span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">In Indian Navy, women officers are inducted through Short Service Commission in Logistics, Law, Observers, Medical, Dental, Air Traffic Control (ATC), Pilots (Maritime Reconnaissance Stream), Naval Armament Inspectorate (NAI) cadre, Naval Architecture, Education, Sports and Musician Branch. Government has approved Grant of Permanent Commission to SSC Officers of NAI Cadre.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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		'tag' => 'India & World',
		'keyword' => 'india-world',
		'id' => (int) 2503,
		'title' => 'Eritrea and Ethiopia conflict',
		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has been awarded the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his important work to promote reconciliation and solidarity with Eritrea.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Abiy initiated reforms and held peace talks with the Eritrean president to suspend the war between the two countries, taking place since past 20 years.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Ethiopia and Eritrea dispute</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Eritrea, once an Italian colony, was merged with Ethiopia in 1936 during Benito Mussolini&rsquo;s regime, and then taken over by the British during the Second World War.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After the War, a United Nations declaration in 1950 made Eritrea part of a federation with Ethiopia. </span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">When Eritrean groups launched a struggle for independence in 1961, Ethiopia dissolved the federation and annexed Eritrea in 1962. </span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After a war that lasted 30 years, Eritrea gained international recognition as an independent country in 1993.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">At the end of the war, Ethiopia held all of the disputed territory and had advanced into Eritrea.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">After the war ended, the Eritrea&ndash;Ethiopia Boundary Commission, a body founded by the UN, established that&nbsp;Badme, the disputed territory at the heart of the conflict, belongs to Eritrea. </span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">On 5 June 2018, the ruling coalition of Ethiopia (Ethiopian People&#39;s Revolutionary Democratic Front), headed by&nbsp;Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, agreed to fully implement the peace treaty signed with Eritrea in 2000,with peace declared by both parties in July 2018.</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Ethiopia</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ethiopia is Africa&rsquo;s second largest country by population, but landlocked, while tiny Eritrea is connecting by sea to the Middle East. </span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Through the years of conflict, Ethiopia had depended heavily on Djibouti for access to the Gulf of Aden and onward to the Arabian Sea.</span></span></li>
	<li><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The peace deal opened up Eritrean ports for Ethiopian use, thereby providing a boost to economic development.</span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><a href="https://currentaffairs.studyiq.com/daily/12-10-2019/eritrea-and-ethiopia-conflict" target="_blank"><img alt="Eritrea and Ethiopia conflict" src="https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/2a13/v9nuw2dgxbvcgs86g.jpg" style="height:252px; width:399px" /></a></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Eritrea</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Eritrea is a northeast African country on the Red Sea coast. It shares borders with Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti. The capital city is <strong>Asmara</strong>.</span></span></p>
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		'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India and&nbsp;China<strong>&nbsp;</strong>have decided to establish sister-state relations between Tamil Nadu and Fujian Province.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This was undertaken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated number of ideas on the connect between the Indian State and the Chinese Province during his discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the second India-China informal summit, in Mamallapuram.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The two countries have also agreed to explore the possibility of establishing an academy to study links between Mamallapuram and the Fujian Province on the lines of the experience between Ajanta and Dunhuang, besides conducting research on maritime links.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Sister states or sister city pacts</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sister cities or twin towns are a form of legal or social agreement between towns, cities, counties, oblasts, prefectures, provinces, regions, states, and even countries in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Benefits</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Agreements to bring investments, ideas for urbanisation and also find markets for products and businesses of respective cities and states.</span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>India and China sister cities or provinces</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Delhi-Beijing</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bengaluru-Chengdu </span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kolkata-Kunming</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ahmedabad - Guangzhou.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Gujarat &ndash;Guangdong</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Karnataka-Sichuan</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Chennai-Chongqing</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Hyderabad-Qingdao </span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Aurangabad-Dunhuang</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
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	'description' => '<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Issue</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">India and&nbsp;China<strong>&nbsp;</strong>have decided to establish sister-state relations between Tamil Nadu and Fujian Province.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Background</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">This was undertaken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated number of ideas on the connect between the Indian State and the Chinese Province during his discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the second India-China informal summit, in Mamallapuram.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Details</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">The two countries have also agreed to explore the possibility of establishing an academy to study links between Mamallapuram and the Fujian Province on the lines of the experience between Ajanta and Dunhuang, besides conducting research on maritime links.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Sister states or sister city pacts</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sister cities or twin towns are a form of legal or social agreement between towns, cities, counties, oblasts, prefectures, provinces, regions, states, and even countries in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.</span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>Benefits</strong></span></span></p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Agreements to bring investments, ideas for urbanisation and also find markets for products and businesses of respective cities and states.</span></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-right:0in"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><strong>India and China sister cities or provinces</strong></span></span></p>

<ul>
	<li>
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	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Bengaluru-Chengdu </span></span></p>
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	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Kolkata-Kunming</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Ahmedabad - Guangzhou.</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Gujarat &ndash;Guangdong</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Karnataka-Sichuan</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Chennai-Chongqing</span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Hyderabad-Qingdao </span></span></p>
	</li>
	<li>
	<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Aurangabad-Dunhuang</span></span></p>
	</li>
</ul>
',
	'created_date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
	'posturl' => 'tamil-nadu-fujian-sister-states',
	'image' => '',
	'fbimage' => '',
	'metatitle' => 'Tamil Nadu- Fujian sister states',
	'metakeyword' => 'Tamil Nadu- Fujian sister states',
	'metadescription' => 'India and China have decided to establish sister-state relations between Tamil Nadu and Fujian Province.',
	'author' => null,
	'downlaodpdf' => '',
	'[new]' => false,
	'[accessible]' => [
		'*' => true
	],
	'[dirty]' => [],
	'[original]' => [],
	'[virtual]' => [],
	'[errors]' => [],
	'[invalid]' => [],
	'[repository]' => 'currentaffairs'

}
$tags = '<a href="https://currentaffairs.studyiq.com/tags/india-world">India & World</a>'

include - ROOT/plugins/Studyiq/src/Template/Pages/tags.ctp, line 64
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 765
Cake\Controller\Controller::render() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 623
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 125
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 93
Cake\Http\BaseApplication::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/BaseApplication.php, line 108
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\RoutingMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/RoutingMiddleware.php, line 104
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\AssetMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/AssetMiddleware.php, line 88
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Error\Middleware\ErrorHandlerMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Error/Middleware/ErrorHandlerMiddleware.php, line 98
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Http\Runner::run() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 51
Cake\Http\Server::run() - CORE/src/Http/Server.php, line 81