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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

(May 2017 – February 2018)

1. INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURS

1.1. INDIA-PAKISTAN

Why in news?

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) stayed the execution of Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court on the charge of spying, till its final decision. (ICJ and ICC covered later) Details
• The Court said that India should have been granted consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav as per the Vienna Convention. Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963
• It defines the guidelines for consular relations between the independent countries.
• A consul normally operates out of an embassy in a different country and performs two functions: (1) protecting the interests of the country and the countrymen of the consul, and (2) furthering the commercial and economic relations between the two countries.
• They are afforded most of the same privileges, including a variation of diplomatic immunity called consular immunity, but these protections are not as extensive. Related information - Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961
• It is an international treaty of 1961 which gives a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries.
• It specifies the privileges of a diplomatic mission that enable diplomats to perform their functions without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country. It forms the legal basis for diplomatic immunity. India is a party to both the above conventions.

1.2. INDIA-CHINA

Why in news?

• Putting behind the Doklam standoff, India and China agreed to move forward in their ties.
• This was the first time that India used troops to protect Bhutan’s territorial interests. About Doklam - It is a strategically vital 269 square km patch of Bhutan’s territory that Beijing laid claim to in the 1980s. It is an area with a plateau and a valley, lying between Tibet's Chumbi Valley to the north, Bhutan's Ha Valley to the east and India's Sikkim state to the west.

1. 3. INDIA-NEPAL

Why in news? There have been calls to review the 1950 India- Nepal friendship treaty. India-Nepal Friendship Treaty It provides for-

• An open border between the two countries
• Allows Nepali nationals to work in India without a work permit, to apply for government jobs and the civil services (except for the IFS, IAS, and IPS)
• To open bank accounts and buy property. India had waived its rights under reciprocity as a sign of goodwill. Important passes along India-China border (from west to east) J & K - Aghil Pass, Chang La Himachal Pradesh - Shipki La Uttarakhand – Thaga La, Niti Pass, Lipu Lekh Sikkim – Nathu La, Jelep La Arunachal Pradesh – Bum La, Diphu Pass

1 .4. INDIA-BANGLADESH

1.4.1. JOINT INTERPRETIVE NOTES

Why in news?

• The union cabinet approved signing of the joint interpretative notes (JIN ) on the Agreement for the Promotion & Protection of Investment. Related Information Operation ‘Insaniyat’: The Ministry of External Affairs has started Operation Insaniyat to provide assistance to Bangladesh in response to humanitarian crisis being faced by it due to large influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Significance of JIN
• The JIN would impart clarity to the interpretation of the existing agreement between India and Bangladesh for the Promotion and Protection of Investments.

1.4.2. INTEGRATED CHECK POSTS

(ICP)

Why in News?

• India and Bangladesh have recently agreed to operate Petrapole-Benapole Integrated Check Posts.
• A separate body — the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) — was constituted in 2011 to boost trade via the land border points. Integrated Check Posts
• It helps put in place a system to secure the country’s borders against hostile elements. It also facilitates trade and commerce and boosts revenue.
• Five ICPs — at Attari in Punjab (Pakistan border), Petrapole in West Bengal (Bangladesh border), Akhaura in Tripura (Bangladesh), Raxaul in Bihar (Nepal) and Jogbani in Bihar (Nepal) — are already functional. About the Petrapole-Benapole ICP
• An estimated 60 percent of India-Bangladesh trade is conducted through the Petrapole- Benapole Check Post, Asia’s largest land customs station. Related News Land Port Authority of India (LPAI)
• It was established under Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010 as a statutory body to function as a body corporate under the administrative control of the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• It is mandated to plan, develop, construct, manage and maintain Integrated Check Posts (ICPs).

1.4.3. INDO-BANGLADESH INLAND

WATER TRANSIT AND TRADE

PROTOCOL (IWTTP)

Why in news? As a part of the protocol, an Indian consignment of goods reached Tripura officially via the inland waterways of Bangladesh. About IWTTP

• In 2016, the Protocol (signed in 1972) between India and Bangladesh was revised and extended as IWTTP.
• It aims to revive the River Transport system between the country before Independence.
• Under this protocol, India will be investing in creating infrastructure (Port, Road and Rail) in Ashugonj port (On river Meghna, Bangladesh) and Akhaura Checkpost (Agartala ), to facilitate the smooth movement of goods to the NE states.
• Kolkata-Ashugonj-Tripura route cuts the Kolkata-Agartala distance via Siliguri's 'chicken neck' and Assam and Meghalaya from 1, km to 500 km.
• The revised Protocol also gives India and Bangladesh the right to use each other's territory for transiting goods to third countries.

1.4.4 BORDER PROTECTION GRID

Why in news?

• Government has announced the establishment of Border Protection Grid with Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) States. Details
• The system will comprise of physical barriers, non-physical barriers, surveillance system, Intelligence agencies, State Police, BSF.
• Indo-Bangladesh Border is 4096 km long with, so far in 3006 km border security infrastructure of fence, roads, floodlights and border out posts (BOPs) are in place
• Out of 1090 km of non-secured border;

Significance of Hambantota Port

• Hambantota Port is right in the middle of vital energy supply lines in the India Ocean connecting the Middle East and East Asia.
• The Hambantota port is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

1.7. INDIA-AFGHANISTAN

Why in news? India and Afghanistan inaugurated a dedicated air freight corridor service. Initiatives of India in Afghanistan The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) between the two sides, provides for assistance to help rebuild Afghanistan's infrastructure and institutions. India is one of the leading donor nations to Afghanistan, and by far the largest from among the regional countries. Various development projects undertaken are-

• Salma Dam
• New Afghan Parliament building
• Doshi & Charikar substations, etc.
• It passes through the airspace of Pakistan and will provide Afghanistan, a landlocked country , greater access to markets in India. Access to Afghanistan India has been closely working with Afghanistan to create alternate and reliable access routes for the landlocked country.
• In this context, in January 2015, India had announced its decision to allow Afghan Trucks to enter the Indian territory through Attari land Checkpost for offloading and loading goods from and to Afghanistan.
• India is also cooperating with Afghanistan and Iran for development of the Chabahar Port. In this context, a trilateral transport and transit agreement based on sea access through Chabahar was signed in the presence of the leaders of the three countries in Tehran in May 2016.

1.8. INDIA-MALDIVES

Why in news?

• Recently the President of the Maldives declared a state of emergency. India-Maldives relations - India established formal diplomatic relations with Maldives after the independence of Maldives from the British rule in 1966. - Operation Cactus was India’s military aid of 1600 soldiers to Maldives to fight the armed attack of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) supported rebel groups in 1988 for an attempted coup. - India shares very close military ties with Maldives by having two helicopter bases, integration of radars and Indian Coast Guard surveillance along Maldivian coast. India also aims to remain as a net security provider to Maldives. Contemporary situation - The current situation is very serious as democratic institutions are being subverted which would make it difficult for Indian Government to negotiate a better relation with Maldives, this calls for India’s intervention in Maldives. - But unlike India’s operation Cactus, where request for intervention was from the sitting president, in the present case the demand for intervention is from opposition parties. The situation does not meet the requirements articulated by the ‘ responsibility to protect ’ doctrine, under Article 2 of the UN charter and India's traditional policy of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other sovereign countries. Responsibility to Protect - It is a global political commitment which was endorsed at the 2005 World Summit. - All Member States formally accepted the responsibility of each State to protect its population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. - At the Summit, world leaders also agreed that when any State fails to meet that responsibility, all States (the "international community") are responsible for helping to protect people threatened with such crimes. Related News – The China factor
• Maldives signed its first ever Bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China. It became the second South Asian country after Pakistan to do so.
• The Maldives has also agreed to become a partner in China's maritime silk route.

1.9. SASEC ROAD

CONNECTIVITY

Why in news? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for upgradation and widening of 65 kms of Imphal-Moreh Section of NH-39 in Manipur at a cost of Rs. 1630.29 crores.

• The project is being developed with ADB's loan assistance under the South Asian Sub- Regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Road Connectivity Investment Program.
• The project corridor is also a part of the Asian Highway No. 01 (AH01) and acts as India's Gateway to the East. Thus trade, commerce and tourism in the region will get a boost. About SASEC Road Connectivity Investment Program:
• The seven-member SASEC formed in 2001 comprises India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, and aims to increase economic growth by building cross-border connectivity.
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been providing technical, advisory, and financial support to the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India- Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement initiative as part of its assistance to the SASEC programme.
• Recently, Bangladesh, India and Nepal have given nod to operating procedures for movement of passenger vehicles under BBIN agreement. Bhutan signed the agreement but did not ratify it. Asian Highway Network
• It is a cooperative project among countries in Asia and Europe and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to improve the highway systems in Asia.
• It is one of the three pillars of Asian Land Transport Infrastructure Development (ALTID) project , endorsed by the ESCAP commission in 1992, comprising Asian Highway, Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) and facilitation of land transport projects.

1. 10. INDIAN OCEAN REGION

Why in news?

• India and France have released a joint strategic vision for cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). More on news
• The vision establishes an open, inclusive and transparent cooperation architecture for peace, security and prosperity
• Four critically important waterways in the region are the Suez Canal (Egypt), Bab el Mandeb (Djibouti-Yemen), Strait of Hormuz (Iran-Oman) and Strait of Malacca (Indonesia- Malaysia)
• The vision gains importance considering increasing footprint of China in the region – its new naval and air base near Gwadar in Pakistan, recently opened naval and military base at Djibouti, Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka etc. India’s presence in the region
• Recently, India has been given access to naval facilities at the port of Duqm in Oman. India is also modernizing and expanding port of Chabahar near this strait of Hormuz.
• Logistics agreement with US in 2017 provide facilities to India at Diego Garcia and the various US facilities in the Persian Gulf

2. INDIA AND WEST ASIA

2.1. INDIA-UAE

Why in news?

• Indian Prime Minister recently visited UAE.
• He was also the guest of the honour at World Government Summit held at Dubai. World Government Summit
• It is an annual event held in Dubai that brings together leaders in government for a global dialogue about governmental process and policies with a focus on the issues of futurism, technology and innovation, as well as other topics.

2.2. INDIA-IRAN

Why in news? India sent its first consignment of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port in Iran. More about the Route

• The sea route connects Gujarat’s Kandla port to Chabahar from where the shipment will be taken to Afghanistan through a land route. Importance of Chabahar Port - Connectivity with Europe and Central Asia- When linked to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), it would connect South Asia and Europe & Central Asia, which would provide Indian business better opportunities to expand in Central Asia. - Geostrategic location- This port is located very close (around 100kms) to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, which has been developed by China. Thus, the location is strategic to balance the increasing footprint of China in Asia through the policy of ‘String of Pearls’. - Reducing transportation cost- The distance between India’s Kandla Port and Chabahar Port is quite short, thereby reducing the transportation costs of the goods and freight time. Related News Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP) – It is a proposed pipeline between India And Iran of 1,300-km length, which is expected to start from Chabahar Port on Iran’s southern coast and terminate near Porbandar (Gujarat) on India’s west coast. Details
• It will be a deepest underwater transnational gas pipeline and will completely bypass Pakistan.
• It will connect the Gas Rich Gulf & Middle East regions to India, for the transportation of Natural Gas to secure India´s Energy Needs at competitive rates. Related News
• Recently, ONGC Videsh Ltd acquired stake in - Lower Zakum Concession in Abu Dhabi.
• PM inaugurated the first Hindu temple to be built in UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

• It envisions a pivotal role for Oman as a potential transit hub, source of gas supply, and as an equity partner in the project. Additional Information International North – South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
• It is a multimodal transportation network established in 2000 by India, Russia and Iran.
• It aims to link Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea via Iran, and onward to northern Europe via St. Petersburg in Russia.
• Later INSTC was expanded to include 10 new members namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, Oman and Syria.

2.3. INDIA ISRAEL

Why in News? Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently visited India. Two- State Solution of Israel Palestine Issue It envisages an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel west of Jordan river.

• 1937: Proposed on basis of Peel Commission report but rejected by Arabs.
• 1948: UN partition plan given with Jerusalem under international control
• Oslo Accord, 1991: Provided the foundation for political boundaries as it stands today.
• The Madrid Conference of 1991 was a peace conference co-sponsored by the US and the Soviet Union to revive the Israeli–Palestinian peace process through negotiations.
• UNSC Resolution 1397: Agreed in 2000 with support from USA and becoming first UNSC resolution to agree on two state solution. Background
• In 1992, the two became strategic partners.
• The two countries recently completed 25 years of diplomatic ties and this is only the second visit by an Israeli prime minister after a gap of 15 years since Ariel Sharon in 2003. De-hyphenation of relation- De-hyphenation means delinking two entities and considering them as individuals. India’s relationship with Israel stands on its own merits, independent and separate from India’s relationship with the Palestinians. India-Israel Relations
• Agriculture- In 2008, Israel launched the India-Israel Agriculture Project (IIAP) aimed at setting up specialised agriculture centres across India.
• Defence & Security - Israel is one of the top supplier of arms to India. The arms acquisitions range from Phalcon AWACS (airborne warning and control systems) and Searcher, Heron and Harop UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) to Aerostat and Green Pine radars, Barak anti-missile defence system.
• " India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F)" - It envisages promotion of bilateral Industrial R&D and Innovation cooperation in the fields of science and technology. India and Israel will make a contribution of four million US Dollars each for the Fund, both equivalent amounts, annually for five years. Related information US President has recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and has decided to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

3. INDIA AND SOUTHEAST/EAST ASIA

3.1. ASEAN

Why in News?

• The Philippines plays host to the grand anniversary celebration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ), marking the regional bloc's 50th year. Association of South East Asian Nations
• It is a political and economic organization aimed primarily at promoting economic growth and regional stability among its members.
• It was founded in 1967 by the five South-East Asian nations of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
• There are currently 10 - member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. Other Events
• Many other events that took place simultaneously in Manila during the summit are- o the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) leaders’ meeting o First meeting of the India-U.S.-Japan- Australia quadrilateral (covered later).

3.1.1. INDIA-ASEAN

Why in News? Recently, a summit was held to mark the 25th anniversary of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Dialogue Relations and Delhi Declaration was signed. Highlights of the Declaration

• Promotion of stable and sustainable growth for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) was also agreed upon.
• Physical and digital connectivity - They reaffirmed their commitment to enhance physical and digital connectivity in line with the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the ASEAN ICT Master plan (AIMS 2020). RCEP
• It is a proposed free trade agreement between the members of the ASEAN and the six states with which ASEAN has existing free trade agreements (Australia, People's Republic of China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, and New Zealand).
• The negotiations were launched in November 2012 at the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia. Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025
• It was adopted during Vientiane Declaration in 2016 with a vision to achieve a seamlessly and comprehensively connected ASEAN that will promote competitiveness, inclusiveness, and a greater sense of Community.
• It will focus on five strategic areas to achieve this vision- o Sustainable Infrastructure o Digital Innovation

o Seamless logistics o Regulatory excellence o People Mobility ASEAN ICT Masterplan Launched in 2015, it has a vision to propel ASEAN towards a digitally-enabled economy that is secure, sustainable, and transformative; and to enable an innovative, inclusive and integrated ASEAN Community. India-ASEAN

• In 1992, India became a dialogue partner across limited sectors in ASEAN and in 1995 it achieved the status of full dialogue partnership.
• In 1996, India was given the opportunity to appear in the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) and became a full member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). While in 2012 the relations were upgraded to strategic partnership.
• The “ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress, and Shared Prosperity” in 2004 and the “Plan of Action” in 2012 highlighted the growing confluence in various areas between ASEAN and India.
• Two decades of the Look East Policy, now renamed as Act East Policy by the government, have brought some positive results for India in making ASEAN an important regional partner. Trade & Economic Cooperation-
• India signed an FTA in goods in 2009 and an FTA in services and investments in 2014 with ASEAN.
• Apart from this, India has a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with various countries of the ASEAN region which has resulted in concessional trade and a rise in investments. Additional Information
• The 4th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference was recently held at Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar as a part of the commemorative events to mark ASEAN-India 25 years of dialogue partnership.
• The theme of the conference was “State and Social Order in Dharma-Dhamma Traditions”
• It has been organised by Nalanda University, in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Religion and Society, India Foundation, Ministry of External Affairs and the Vietnam Buddhist University.

3 .1.2. EXPANDED ASEAN MARITIME

FORUM (EAMF)

Why in news? 5th EAMF was held in Jakarta , Indonesia. Details about EAMF

• It was created for the first time in 2012 during the ASEAN High Conference in Manila, The Philippines.
• It includes the ten Southeast Asian countries with the addition of Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States (8 nations)
• It focuses mainly on maritime issues , which include territorial maritime disputes, piracy, and also maritime regulations among members of the forum itself.
• Before the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum was established in 2012, the topic surrounding maritime issues was discussed under Asia Maritime Organization for Security and Cooperation (AMOSC). The AMOSC could not bring any positive outcome.

3. 2. INDIA AND JAPAN

Why in news?

• The India-Japan Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy entered into force. Nullification clause
• It was a major hurdle in the deal which sought automatic cancellation of the agreement if India resorts to nuclear testing in the future.
• It was resolved by annexing a separate memorandum to the treaty which specifies that Japan can suspend cooperation if India breaches its no-testing pledge to the NSG. Significance of deal for India
• For India, the deal represents hope that the 2008 waiver it received from the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group might finally begin paying off given that so far it has had limited tangible benefits for the country’s power industry.
• The pact is a major achievement for India as it is Japan’s first civilian nuclear cooperation pact with a country that has not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

About MGC

• It is an initiative by six countries – India and five ASEAN countries, namely, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam for cooperation in tourism, culture, education, as well as transport and communications. - It was launched in 2000. Both the Ganga and the Mekong are civilizational rivers, and the MGC initiative aims to facilitate closer contacts among the people inhabiting these two major river basins.

4. EUROPEAN UNION

4.1. INDIA-EU

Why in news?

• The 14th annual Summit between India and the European Union (EU) was recently held in New Delhi. India-EU relations
• India and the EU have been strategic partners since 2004.
• The EU is India’s largest regional trading partner with bilateral trade in goods at $ billion in 2016.
• The EU is also the largest destination for Indian exports and a key source of investment and technologies. About European Union
• It is a unified trade and monetary body of 28 - member countries. Its purpose is to be more competitive in the global marketplace at the same time balancing the needs of its independent fiscal and political members.
• The EU's 28-member countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. That will drop to 27 when Brexit causes the UK to leave the EU. - Institutional set-up - o the EU's broad priorities are set by the European Council , which brings together national and EU-level leaders o directly elected MEPs represent European citizens in the European Parliament o the interests of the EU as a whole are promoted by the European Commission , whose members are appointed by national governments o governments defend their own country's national interests in the Council of the European Union. Related information Eurozone
• It is a geographic and economic region that consists of countries that have fully incorporated the euro as their national currency.
• As of 2018, the eurozone consisted of 19 countries in the EU: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Schengen Area
• It is an area comprising 26 European states that have officially abolished passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders
• The area is named after the Schengen Agreement signed in June 1985 in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg.
• 22 of 28 EU member states participate in the Schengen Area.
• The four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland- are not members of the EU but have signed agreements in association with the Schengen Agreement.

4.1.1. EUROPEAN BANK FOR

RECONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Why in News?

• The Union cabinet recently approved India’s membership for European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
• Steps will be initiated by the Department of Economic Affairs to acquire the membership. About EBRD
• It is a multilateral developmental investment bank , established in 1991.

5. USA

5 .1. INDIA-US

Why in news? PM Modi paid official visit to US. This was the fourth visit of PM to US and first direct official meet with President Donald Trump. Global Entry Program

• India signed International Expedited Traveler Initiative Program, also known as Global Entry Program with the United States.
• It is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows speedy clearance for low- risk travellers upon their arrival in the US.
• On landing at the selected airports in the United States, the approved applicants can make their way ahead through automatic kiosks instead of standing in the immigration lines.
• While its goal is to speed travelers through the process , they may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States.
• Apart from India, citizens of Colombia, United Kingdom, Germany, Panama, Singapore are eligible to become members of this programme. South Korea and Mexican nationals are also included under Global Entry Programme. Recent Developments
• Defense cooperation o US has cleared the sale of 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India.
• Maritime security and data sharing o Both leaders announced their intention to ‘build on the implementation of the “White Shipping” data sharing arrangement. The agreement allows countries to share data on maritime traffic and domain awareness.
• U.S. LNG for India o India recently received its first LNG cargo from the US under a long-term supply deal, at Dabhol (Maharashtra). GAIL had signed a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with the US LNG exporter Cheniere Energy in December 2011. Foreign Secretary told that from next year liquefied natural gas (LNG) from US will start flowing to India.
• India and USA co-hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) at Hyderabad. o Organized annually since 2010, GES is the preeminent annual entrepreneurship gathering that convenes over one thousand emerging entrepreneurs, investors, and supporters from around the world. o This year marks the first GES held in South Asia, and the event underscores US broad and enduring partnership with India. o This year, the theme is " Women first, prosperity for all". o Niti Aayog is the lead Indian agency in holding the event in partnership with the state government of Telangana.

5 .2. US WITHDRAWS FROM

GLOBAL COMPACT ON

MIGRATION

Why in News? The US recently pulled out of United Nation’s Global Compact on Migration , deeming it inconsistent with its immigration policies. What is UN’s Global Compact on Migration?

• It is the first, inter-governmentally negotiated agreement and is consistent with target 10.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in which member States committed to cooperate internationally to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration.
• Its main aim is to- o Address all aspects of international migration, including the humanitarian, developmental, human rights-related and other aspects; o Make an important contribution to global governance and enhance coordination on international migration; o Present a framework for comprehensive international cooperation on migrants and human mobility; o Set out a range of actionable commitments, means of implementation and a framework for follow-up and review among Member States regarding international migration in all its dimensions; etc.
• It was prepared under the auspices of the United Nations, in September 2016, in the

New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants , which was adopted by 193 UN member states. The declaration is of non- binding nature.

• India has also signed this declaration.
• To be adopted in 2018, the compact is seen as a significant opportunity to improve the governance on migration and is expected to address the challenges associated with today’s migration, and to strengthen the contribution of migrants and migration to sustainable development.

5 .3. US WITHDRAWS FROM

UNESCO

Why in news? The United States has decided to withdraw from the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), accusing the body of anti- Israel bias. About UNESCO

• Its aim is "to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information"
• It was established in 1946 and is based in Paris.
• It has 195 member states and ten associate members.
• Its five major programs are: o Education, o Natural sciences, o Social/human sciences, o Culture o Communication/information. Related information
• US earlier withdrew from the organization in 1984 and then rejoined the organization in

• The US had cancelled its substantial budget contribution to UNESCO in 2011 in protest of its decision to grant the Palestinians full membership. U.S. laws bar funding to any U.N. agency that recognizes the Palestinian state.
• US will maintain its presence at UNESCO as an observer state.

5 .4. US NEW AFGHAN POLICY

Why in news? Recently the U.S. President laid out strategy for “Afghanistan and South Asia”. Important points of new strategy

• From Rapid Withdrawal to Uncertain Time Frame
  • In outlining his new strategy, the President recommitted the United States to an open-ended conflict in Afghanistan, saying U.S. forces must " fight to win" the war.
• Tougher Stance On Islamabad
  • Trump directly called Pakistan a country that shelters terrorists. He demanded that Pakistan’s support to cross-border terror “will have to change” and “change immediately”.
  • America would no longer tolerate Pakistan’s policy of harbouring terrorists.
• Larger role for India
  • Describing India as “a key security and economic partner of the United States,” the President said America would further “develop its strategic partnership with India — the world’s largest democracy.”

5 .5. US SPECIAL WATCH LIST

Why in news?

• US recently has placed Pakistan on a ‘Special Watch List ’ while also withholding USD 1. billion military aid.
• US also announced re-designation of 10 countries as ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ (CPC). About Special watch list. It is for countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom but may not rise to the level of the ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ (CPC). About CPC:
• A country is labeled as a CPC after it engages in or tolerates systemic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious liberty. It is in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of

• The list includes Myanmar, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.