CURRENT AFFAIRS 2015

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Add : D-108, Sec-2, Noida (U.P.), Pin - 201 301

Email id : helpdesk@campus100.in

CONTENTS
Topics

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India, Thailand signed multiple agreements, including DTAA ......................................................................... 5

50 nations, including India, signed agreement on China-ledAIIB ................................................................... 5
India-US MoUs to strengthen cooperation in health sector ............................................................................... 5
International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction, 2015: Towards a Resilient Nepal ................................ 6
India to be the Partner Country for Russian Industrial Trade Fair Innoprom 2016 .................................. 6
India, Nepal amended bilateral transit treaty ...................................................................................................... 7
EU launched Operation EU NAVFOR Med against migrant-traffickers .......................................................... 7
Pitcairn Island passed law to allow same-sex marriage .................................................................................... 7
India, Tanzania signed six MoUs to Enhance Mutual Cooperation ................................................................ 7
Agreement with Spain on Abolishing Visa Requirements for Diplomatic Passports ..................................... 9
Confronting the Crisis of Global Governance : GSJG Report ............................................................................. 9
Trade Target of 5 Billion US $ by 2018 Set Between India and Poland ....................................................... 10
Australia Put Hold on Imports of Maggi Noodles from India ....................................................................... 10
Free Trade Agreement Signed Between China and Australia .......................................................................... 10
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement ...................................................... 11
First Ever Trilateral Dialogue Between India, Japan and Australia ................................................................ 11
Nepal Political Parties Arrived at an Agreement on Constitution Framework .............................................. 11
Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 Signed by India and Bangladesh ........................................................... 12
India and Bangladesh Signed 22 Bilateral Documents ..................................................................................... 12
India Lost Case in WTOs Dispute Settlement Board Against USA ............................................................... 13
Agreements Between India and Netherland to Enhance Bilateral Cooperation ............................................ 13
2015 Framework for the India-US Defence Relationship .................................................................................. 14
Agreements and MoUs between India and Belarus .......................................................................................... 14
India Became Member of Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on AEOI ...................................... 14
Indian Presidents two-nation visit to Sweden and Belarus ............................................................................ 15
USA Freedom Act 2015 Came into Force ........................................................................................................... 16
Free Trade Agreement Between South Korea and China ................................................................................. 16
Trial Run of Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala Bus ServiceBegan .................................................................................. 17
Union Cabinet Nod to Agreement with Bangladesh on Coastal and Maritime Shipping ......................................... 17
Resolution on Protection of journalists in Conflict Zones Adopted in UNSC ............................................... 18
NATO Launched Arctic Challenge Exercise ...................................................................................................... 18
Joint Vision Statement on Defence Cooperation 2015-2020 Between India and
Vietnam .................................................................................................................................................................. 18
9th Session of the India-South Africa Joint Ministerial Commission .............................................................. 18
India- South Korea Agreements to upgrade Relations to Special Strategic
Partnership Level .................................................................................................................................................. 19
Bilateral Agreements Between India and Mongolia to Enhance Relations .................................................... 19
India Announced e-Visa Facility for Chinese Tourists ..................................................................................... 21
India and China Signed Agreements To Enhance Bilateral Co-operation .................................................... 21
Memorandum of Intent Between India and Russia for Higher Academic Cooperation .............................. 22
British PM David Cameron led Conservative Party Wins 2015 General Election ........................................ 23
Inter-Governmental MoU Between India AndIran for Development of Chabahar Port ............................... 23
Rubella Eradicated from North and South America Region ............................................................................ 23
Chinas New Action Plan - One Belt, One Road Initiative ............................................................................. 24
India-Afghanistan Joint Statement ....................................................................................................................... 24
Seychelles Became 161st Member of WTO ......................................................................................................... 25
India-Japan Action Agenda for Investment and Trade Promotion ................................................................. 25
19th Amendment to the Constitution Passed by Sri Lankan Parliament ........................................................ 26
Japan Proposed New Joint Working Group on Nuclear Deal .......................................................................... 26
Japan and the USA Revised Defence Deal ......................................................................................................... 26

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China- Pakistan Agreement on Economic Corridor Plan ................................................................................. 27

India-South Korea High Level Defence Talks .................................................................................................... 27
India-Canada Joint Statement: New Vigour, New Steps .................................................................................. 27
Pakistan and Russia Agreed to Hold First-Ever Joint Military Exercise ......................................................... 29
India-Canada Nuclear Agreement on Supply of Uranium .............................................................................. 29
India, Belarus agreed to Enhance Bilateral Ties ................................................................................................ 30
Joint Statement to Strengthen Strategic Partnership ......................................................................................... 30
Delhi Declaration on Public Health Challenges ................................................................................................ 31
China Rejected Bid of Taiwan to Become Full Member of AIIB ..................................................................... 32
MoUs and Agreements Between India and France to Enhance Bilateral Co-Operation ............................... 32
EFA Global Monitoring Report: UNESCO .......................................................................................................... 34
India Elected to Four United Nations Agencies ................................................................................................ 35
Social Progress Imperative Released Social Progress Index 2015 .................................................................... 36
India - USA Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Transportation ........................................................... 37
Iran and P5+1 Nod for Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ......................................................................... 37
Cease-fire Agreement Between Myanmar and Ethnic Rebel Groups ............................................................. 38
China and Sri Lanka Inked Five Agreements ................................................................................................... 39
ADB and India Signed Loan Agreement to Improve Connectivity in NE Region ........................................ 39
Military Operation Led By Saudi Arabia Against Houthi Rebels ................................................................... 40
India and Qatar inked Economic and Commercial Agreements .................................................................... 40
Talks Between India and China on the Border dispute ................................................................................... 41
US Agreed to Keep Troops in Afghanistan ........................................................................................................ 41
Trends in International Arms Transfers 2014 : SIPRI Report .......................................................................... 41
British Irish Visa Scheme Came into Force in India ........................................................................................ 42
MoUs Between India and Mauritius to Enhance Bilateral Relations ............................................................ 42
India and Seychelles: Agreements to Boost Security Cooperation ................................................................... 43
Sri Lanka Temporarily Suspended Colombo Port City Project of China ........................................................ 43
Agreement between India and Spain on Mutual Protection of Classified Information ................................ 43
Kathmandu-Varanasi-Kathmandu Bus Service ................................................................................................. 44
Silk Road Infrastructure Project of China in Gansu ......................................................................................... 44
USA Approved Net Neutrality Rules to Protect Internet .................................................................................. 44
UNSC Resolution 2201 Against Houthis .......................................................................................................... 45
First-Ever Bilateral Dialogue India-US held on United Nations ...................................................................... 45
India - Bangladesh to step up Joint Border Patrolling ...................................................................................... 46
5th India-Myanmar Joint Trade Committee Meet Held in Nay Pyi Taw ........................................................ 46
India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Agreement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation .............................................................. 46
PM Narendra Modi initiated SAARC Cricket Diplomacy ............................................................................... 47
China Launched First Maritime Silk Road Cruise Liner from Beihai Port .................................................... 47
ICJ Ruled Neither Croatia Nor Serbia Committed Genocide ........................................................................... 48
Joint Communiqu of India-Russia-China ......................................................................................................... 48
Pakistan successfully test-fired Cruise Missile Raad ....................................................................................... 50
India-US Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region ............................................ 50
Shared Effort; Progress for All: India - US Joint Statement ........................................................................... 51
EU to lift ban on import of mangoes from India .............................................................................................. 53
India-South Africa MoU For Developing Youth Enterprises ............................................................................ 53
European Resolution on Two Italian Marines ................................................................................................... 54
Japan Committed ODA Loan to India ............................................................................................................... 54
Varanasi-Kyoto Partnership ................................................................................................................................. 55
Japan's Largest Ever Defence Budget for 2015 ................................................................................................... 55
India to provide LoC to Guyana ......................................................................................................................... 56
Terrorists Attack on French Satirical Weekly Charlie Hebdos office .............................................................. 56
China Began Exploration in Indian Ocean ........................................................................................................ 57

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Salient features of AIIB:

India, Thailand signed multiple

agreements, including DTAA

It will have authorized capital of 100 billion US

dollars and the initial subscribed capital is expected
to be around 50 billion US Dollar. The paid-in ratio
will be 20 per cent.

India and Thailand on 29 June signed a number of

important agreements, including the double taxation
avoidance treaty, and exchanged instruments of ratification
on the extradition treaty inked in 2013, which provides for
the legal framework for seeking extradition of fugitive
offenders.

Asian countries will contribute up to 75 percent of

the total capital and be allocated a share of the quota
based on their economic size.
China will contribute 29.78 billion US dollars of the

List of Agreements/MOUs signed :

bank's 100 billion US dollars capital base, becoming

its largest shareholder with a 30.34 percent stake.

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The tax treaty provides for the framework to avoid

double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with
respect to taxes so as to promote bilateral economic
cooperation.

India will be the second-biggest shareholder at 8.4

percent, followed by Russia, which will have a 6.5
percent stake.

countries in 2013 provides for the legal framework

for seeking extradition of fugitive offenders,
including those involved in terrorism, transnational
crimes, economic offences etc.

It will start operations by the end of 2015 under two

preconditions: At least 10 prospective members sign
the agreement, and the initial subscribed capital is
no less than 50 percent of the authorized capital.

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Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the

China, India and Russia will have a voting share of

26.06 percent, 7.5 percent and 5.92 percent,
respectively.

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The extradition treaty signed between the two

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Establishment of Nalanda University. By signing

this agreement, Thailand joins other East Asian
Summit countries in the establishment of Nalanda
University in Bihar.

MoU on the establishment of an Ayurveda Chair in

one of the Thai Universities.

50 nations, including India, signed

agreement on China-led AIIB

Asian Infrastructure INVESTMENT Bank (AIIB)

Representatives from 21 Asian countries signed the
Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing Asian
Infrastructure INVESTMENT Bank (AIIB) on 24 October
2014 in Beijing.
It is designed to FINANCE infrastructure building in
Asia and is headquartered in Beijing.
It is expected to bridge the infrastructure deficit by

Australia was first to sign the agreement at the Great

Hall of the People in the Chinese capital Beijing.

India-US MoUs to strengthen

cooperation in health sector

Out of the 57 founder-member countries, the remaining

seven - Denmark, Kuwait, Malaysia, Philippines, Holland
and South Africa and Thailand could not sign the agreement
as it was not ratified by their respective domestic authorities.

India and the United States of America (USA)

signedMemorandums of Understanding(MoUs) on

While a number of Western and European countries,

including Australia, Germany and France have joined the
Bank, the US and Japan have stayed away citing reservations
about its openness. The AIIB is seen as a rival to the World
Bank and Asian Development Bank.

Occupational Health and Injury Prevention and Control, and

a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Antimicrobial Resistance Research.

India was among the 50 founding countries that signed

an agreement today providing the legal framework for the
China-led USD 100 billion multilateral Asian Infrastructure
Investment Bank (AIIB) which is being seen as a rival to the
US and Europe-dominated banking institutions.

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playing a complimentary role along with other Financial

institutions like Asian Development Bank (ADB) and
the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Cooperation on Cancer Research, Prevention, Control and

Management and Collaboration in Environmental and

List of MoUs signed :

MoU on cancer research, control, prevention and

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management: Both the countries signed a MoU on

collaboration in the areas for conducting research and
training on development of low-cost technologies,
diagnostics of existing medications against common cancers
and development of existing therapies related to oncology.

the April 25 earthquake and its aftershocks.

This MoU was signed among the NCRI (AIIMS), ICMR

(DHS), the Department of Biotechnology, (MoST), NCI (NIH)
and the US' Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS).

During the session, Nepal presented a Post Disaster Need

Assessment (PDNA) report. India was represented by External
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who pledged 1 billion US
dollars in assistance to Nepal for its reconstruction
programme. The assistance is over and above Indias existing
bilateral developmental assistance of another 1 billion US
dollars over the next five years which takes the total assistance
to 2 billion US dollars.

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MoU on collaboration in Environmental, occupational

Health and Injury Prevention and Control: They also signed
an agreement to further the cooperation in education and
training, infrastructure development, and capacity-building
for their reciprocal and mutual benefit.

The multilateral and bilateral donor agencies have

announced a total assistance worth Rs 400 billion (USD 4
billion) for Nepals reconstruction in the International
Conference on Nepals Reconstruction,

India to be the Partner Country for

Russian Industrial Trade Fair
Innoprom 2016

Prevention of illness related to toxic chemicals and

hazardous substances

India accepted the invitation extended by the Russian

Government to participate as the Partner Country in the major
Industrial Fair INNOPROM 2016 to be heldat
Yekaterinburg, Russia in July 2016.

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Development and use of improved tools, technologies

and methods for enhancing environmental and
occupational public health, and injury prevention
efforts, including surveillance

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The main areas of cooperation under MoU are:

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Focus on public health effects of indoor air pollution

including a focus on exposures associated with
burning of solid fuels for cooking, prevention of
illness and injury related to hazards at the workplace.

This acceptance of invitation was conveyed to Minister

of Industry and Trade of Russian Federation Denis Manturov
by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Commerce
& Industry Nirmala Sitharaman during a bilateral meeting
held at St. Petersburg on 19 June 2015.

Letter of Intent (LoI) on Anti-microbial Resistance

Research: A Letter of Intent (LoI) on anti-microbial resistance
research was signed between the ICMR, Department of

DHHS.

Biotechnology (MoST) and US's National Institute of Allergy

and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health and

This includes setting up of mechanism of antimicrobial

resistance, application of systems biology, comparative
testing and assisting the validation of new diagnostics and
explore possible patterns of AMR in neonatal intensive care
units as observed in India and the US.

Nirmala Sitharaman was on a three day visit to Russia

to participate in annual St. Petersburg International and
Economic Forum (SPIEF) held from 18-20 June 2015 at St
Petersburg, Russia. She led a strong delegation of 30-member
from Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
During the visit, the minister held bilateral discussions
with Viktor Khristenko, Chairman of the Eurasian Economic
Union; Denis Manturov, Minister of Industry and Trade and
Mandrey Slepnev, Member (Trade), Eurasian Economic
Union.

Both Countries discussed on following issues:

International Conference on Nepal's

Reconstruction, 2015: Towards a
Resilient Nepal

Issue of renewal of Bilateral INVESTMENT

Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA)
between India and Russia

With the pledge worth of Rs. 400 billion from development

partners for Nepals reconstruction, the International
Conference on Nepals Reconstruction Concluded.

It was agreed to take all necessary steps to ensure

that the target of bilateral INVESTMENT of 15 billion
US dollars each way by the year 2025 signed during
the last Annual Summit is achieved.

The conference was organised to seek support from the

development partners to rebuild the country devastated by

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Both sides agreed that the present level of

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INVESTMENT and trade between the two countries

which is presently in the range of 11 billion US
dollars and 13 billion US dollar is very low.

Phase 2: Active intervention to board and disable

smuggler vessels and arrest the traffickers
Phase 3: Extend the actions into Libyan territorial
waters and possibly inside the country itself

India, Nepal amended bilateral transit

treaty

The operation will not target the migrants but it will

target those who are MAKING MONEY ON their lives and
too often on their deaths. It also wants to dismantle the
business model of the traffickers by destroying their boats.

Nepal-India Treaty of Transit of 1999 was amended on

22 June 2015 to allow the movement of vehicles imported
from a third country into Nepal through four border points.

The operation was launched in backdrop of death of 800

migrants in April 2015 when their rickety boat sank in the
Mediterranean Sea. In 2015, about one lakh migrants have
entered Europe most of them landing in Italy, Greece and
Malta.

Pitcairn Island, the worlds smallest country by

population, legalised same-sex marriage. The law change
was unanimously approved by the local council.
Although the news was made public on 22 June 2015
but it had come into effect on 15 May 2015. The new law
wasnt published online by the Island, as its website
encountered some technical issues.

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The amendment was done after Nepal requested India

to allow movement of vehicles on their own citing the
requirements of additional handling facilities, special carriers
and equipment needed, which added to the cost and time of
clearance of vehicles from Kolkata port into Nepal.

Pitcairn Island passed law to allow

same-sex marriage

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There was no provision under Nepal-India Treaty of

Transit that allowed import of third country motor vehicles
transiting India to be moved on their own power. Before this
agreement such vehicles were allowed only by railway
wagons and trucks or trailers after proper sealing by Indian
Customs.

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The four border points are Raxaul-Birgunj, JogbaniBiratnagar, Sunauli-Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj RoadNepalgunj border points.

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To this effect, a Letter of Exchange was finalised between

India and Nepal though the two governments had discussed
the matter during the third meet of Nepal-India Joint
Commission held on 25 July and 26 July 2014.

EU launched Operation EU NAVFOR

Med against migrant-traffickers

To stop human traffickers from bringing migrants across

the Mediterranean to Europe, the European Union (EU) on
22 June 2015 launched a three-phase naval operation named
EU NAVFOR Med (European Union Naval Force
Mediterranean Sea).
The first phase of the naval operation was officially
launched by EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg.
Phase 1 involves Information gathering on
whereabouts of traffickers, patrolling of high seas and
monitoring of smuggle networks. It will see participation of
about 10 countries which include among others Italy, France,
Germany, the UK, Spain, Lithuania and probably also
Finland.

The two follow-up phases of the operation which requires

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Libyas
approval would see
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Pitcairn Island, a tiny speck in the Pacific with a small

population of 48 people, passed the law on suggestion of
British authorities. The law was passed after England, Wales
and Scotland legalised the same-sex marriage in 2014.

Pitcairn Islands
The Pitcairn Islands, officially named the Pitcairn Group
of Islands, are a group of four volcanic islands in the southern
Pacific Ocean that form the last British Overseas Territory in
the Pacific. It was settled by mutineers of the British navy
vessel Bounty and their Tahitian companions in 1790.
The four islands Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno
are spread over several hundred miles of ocean and have a
total land area of about 47 square kilometres (18 sq mi). Only
Pitcairn, the second largest island measuring about 3.6
kilometres (2.2 mi) from east to west, is inhabited.
The United Nations Committee on Decolonization
includes the Pitcairn Islands on the United Nations list of
Non-Self-Governing Territories.

India, Tanzania signed six MoUs to

Enhance Mutual Cooperation
During the recent official visit to India of the President of

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Tanzania H.E. Jakya Kikwete, 6 Memorandum Of

Understanding (MOU) where signed between the two
countries to strengthen cooperation in a number of fields
including hydrocarbons, tourism and agriculture..

enhance bilateral cooperation in tourism and

hospitality sectors.

The 6 signed MOUs are:

MOU on cooperation in the field of tourism to

Agreement between Water and Power Consultancy

Services (WAPCOS) of India and the Government of
Tanzania for preparation of Detailed Project Report
(DPR) for Lake Victoria pipeline project.

6.

MOU for Cooperation in the field of hydrography

between Tanzania and India on exchange of
hydrographic data to promote development and
cooperation in the field of hydrography through
conducting surveys, exchange of data, capacity
building and infrastructure strengthening.

Besides, both countries agreed to set up a joint working

group to combat terrorism. Kikwete also sought Indian
investment for his country and assured Indian investors of
investment friendly environment in his country.

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3.

MOU between EASTC and Indian Council of

Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Indian Agricultural
Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) for capacity
building for staff of EASTC and other African
countries in agricultural statistics, computer
applications and bio-informatics.

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MOU between the East Africa Statistical Training

Center (EASTC) in Tanzania and the National
Statistical System Training Academy (NSSTA) in
India on establishing a collaborative program in
official statistics and capacity building for staff of
EASTC and other African countries in official
statistics.

Loan agreement between Exim Bank and

Government of Tanzania of USD 268.35 million for
extension of Lake Victoria pipeline project.

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Strengthen the responsibility to prevent, protect, and

Agreement with Spain on Abolishing

Visa Requirements for Diplomatic
Passports

rebuild: It suggests investing in capabilities and

responsibility to protect action plans for an approach
to atrocities prevention that involves all UN agencies
and programs.

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

on 17 June 2015 approved the agreement between India and

Innovate climate governance: There should be

facilitation of new kinds of engagement between the
UN and other international regimes, sub-national
authorities, and civil society and business groups;
establishing an international carbon monitoring
entity, a global climate action clearinghouse; and
define a global goal for climate adaption.

Spain on abolishing visa requirements for the holders of

diplomatic passports.
The Agreement will facilitate visa-free travel for holders of

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diplomatic passport of one country while entering into,

transiting through, exiting from or staying for up to 90 days
in the territory of the other country with additional
safeguards.

Similar agreements on abolishing visa requirements for

diplomatic passports holders have been signed by India with

Create a G20+ for economic stability and sustainable

development: Enhance G20-UN-Bretton Woods
institutional coordination to prevent the spread of
cross-border financial shocks, promote inclusive
economic reform, and foster the equitable growth.

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40 countries.

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In order to prevent the misuse of this facility certain

safeguards have also been proposed.

Develop a green technology licensing facility within

the green climate fund: The commission suggests
harnessing of private-sector innovation for climate
mitigation and adaptation, especially in support of
vulnerable populations in developing countries.

Confronting the Crisis of Global

Governance : GSJG Report

The Commission on Global Security, Justice &

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Governance (GSJG) on 16 June 2015 released the Confronting

the Crisis of Global Governance report at the Peace Palace in
The Hague. The report put forwards a series of proposals
aimed at reforming the United Nations (UN).

The report says that the United Nations and other global
institutions arent equipped to tackle todays global

challenges ranging from massive violence in fragile states to

runaway climate change and global economic shocks. Much
more is needed from the UN and other global institutions.

The UN requires more capable tools of global governance,

with different kinds of public, private, and mixed institutions
designed for twenty-first-century challenges. To address
these challenges, the report provides reforms to transcend
national borders.

Key Recommendations:
Create next-generation conflict mediation and peace
operations capacity: The commission calls for
building responsive capacity to provide experienced
mediators, including a greater proportion of women
for crisis and conflict prevention and peace-building;
building capacity to deploy civilian, police, and
military personnel to meet urgent peacekeeping
requirements.

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Promote safe Internet access for everyone,

everywhere: Bolster global capacity to fend off cyber
attacks involves developing a global network of
cybercrime centers through INTERPOL and national
Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs).
Build an inclusive UN Global Partnership: Give a
greater voice to under-represented policy issues such
as womens rights, migration, and training a modern
workforce through new social compacts and a new
hub whereby the entire UN system can tap into the
expertise of civil and business community.
Expand UN Security Council engagement: Create
more opportunities for countries, regional
organizations, local authorities to contribute to
peacemaking and peace-building, while increasing
the councils representative legitimacy.
Establish UN peace-building council: Transform the
peace-building commission into a council with new
coordination authorities, new financial and
knowledge resources and a new focus on prevention,
including through peace-building audits.
Make full use of the International Court of Justice:
Expand acceptance of the International Court of
Justices jurisdiction and more active use of its
authoritative advisory opinions in innovative ways.

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Create a UN Parliamentary Network: The

Recently, Maggi has also come on the radar of US Food

Commission recommends establishing a

parliamentary advisory body for the UN General
Assembly to raise greater awareness by

and Drug Administration (USFDA) which has taken samples

of the instant noodles brand for testing.

strengthening voices in global institutions.

noodles to the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Singapore and

Kenya.

Trade Target of 5 Billion US $ by

2018 Set Between India and Poland

Before the ban order, Nestle India used to export Maggi

Maggi Noodles Row

India and Poland set trade target of 5 billion US dollars

by 2018. The decision was taken on 15 June 2015 at the fourth
session of the bilateral Joint Commission on Economic

Earlier, on 5 June 2015, the Food Safety and Standards

Authority of India (FSSAI) banned Maggi as it was found
unsafe and hazardous for human consumption due to
high levels of Monosodium glutamate and lead. Further,

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Cooperation, held in Warsaw, capital city of Poland.

The commission also identified a series of actions to raise
trade from the 2014 level of 2.3 billion US dollars to 5 billion

FSSAI has also ordered Nestle to stop its further

production, processing, import, distribution and sale.

US dollars by the year 2018.

China and Australia on 17 June 2015 signed the ChinaAustralia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) at Canberra in
Australia.

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seams, developing clean coal technologies and transfer of

technologies in deep coal mining from Poland to India.

Free Trade Agreement Signed

Between China and Australia

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In the coal and steel sector, both sides have drawn a

roadmap to strengthen cooperation in areas such as thick
seam underground coal mining, exploitation of highly gassy

In the IT sector, both the countries have identified areas

protection, smart cities projects and accreditation of each

others courses.
In the food processing sector, experts discussed market

access, food processing technologies and research and

development between scientific institutions. Poland showed
interest in exporting the latest food processing machinery

and technology to India.

The ChAFTA will ensure 85 percent of all exports of

Australia to China tariff-free that will rise to 93 percent by
2019.

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to strengthen cooperation in entrepreneurship development

and support; research and development and innovation in
cloud computing; big data analysis; cyber-security, data

Australia Put Hold on Imports of

Maggi Noodles from India
The Department of Agriculture of Australia on 11 June
2015 applied a holding order to Maggi brand noodles
imported from India.
Under the holding order, each consignment will be held
in a place to be approved by an authorised officer until it has
been inspected, or inspected and analysed, in accordance
with the applicable requirements of the Imported Food

Salient Features :
It gives Australian dairy farmers, wine-makers and
other sectors tariff-free access to the huge market of
China within a few years.
It will put eventual removal of tariffs on dairy
products, live animal exports, resources and energy
products.
Tariffs on all resources and energy products will be
removed by 2017.
Beef and sheep farmers will benefit from the abolition
of tariffs ranging from 12-25 percent.
Lock in zero tariffs on major exports like iron ore,
gold, crude petroleum oil and Liquefied Natural Gas
(LNG).

Inspection Scheme.

All tariffs on horticulture and live animal exports

will be eliminated, while tariff on wine will be cut .

The department took this measure in response to reports

of levels of lead that are potentially noncompliant with the

Wool producers will be able to export another 30000

tonnes of clean wool on top of existing quotas.

permissible levels in the Australia New Zealand Food

Standards Code.

Cotton, wheat, sugar, rice and oilseeds industries

were kept out of the agreement.

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The first ever trilateral dialogue among the three major

countries in the Asia-Pacific region assumes significance
against the backdrop of growing assertiveness of China in
the South China sea of Pacific Ocean.

The chAFTA will open up markets worth billions of

dollars and create jobs for both the countries. With this
agreement Australian farmers will enjoy the same benefits
possessed by New Zealand, Chile and ASEAN competitors
who have similar free trade agreements with China.

India accords greater importance to Japan and Australia

that is evident from the fact that Prime Minister Narendra
Modi paid a visit to both the countries within six months of
coming to the office in order to operationalise his Act East
Policy.

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal

(BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement
India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal on 15 June 2015
signed the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal)
Motor Vehicle Agreement in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu.

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Indian naval officials recently were in Perth for talks on

their first ever bilateral maritime exercises with Australia
scheduled for September 2015 off the east coast of India.

The regional motor vehicle pact is aimed at

regulation of passenger, personal and cargo
vehicular traffic amongst four SAARC member
countries.
It would promote safe, economical, efficient and
environmentally sound road transport in
the
region.

Separately, India is also considering including Japan for

2015 Malabar Exercises in October 2015, which has usually
been an U.S.-India bilateral engagement. Japan participated
in the Malabar exercises in 2014 as well. This is in addition
to the Japan India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) held annually
between the two countries.

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Characteristics Features :

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It would help each country in creating an

institutional mechanism for regional integration.

In 2007, Indias involvement in the informal

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with Japan, Australia and
the United States with all four participating the 2007
Malabar Exercises along with Singapore provoked a strong
backlash from China due to fears of encirclement.

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Each party will bear its own costs arising from

implementation of this agreement.
It is similar to the SAARC Motor Vehicle
Agreement (MVA) draft with minor changes.

The Union Cabinet had approved a proposal to sign the

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
MVA during the SAARC Summit in Kathmandu in November
2014. However, it could not be signed due to reservations of
Pakistan.

The SAARC declaration at the Kathmandu Summit in

November 2014 also encouraged Member States to initiate
regional and sub-regional measures to enhance connectivity.
Accordingly, it was considered appropriate that a subregional Motor Vehicle Agreement among Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) may be pursued.

First Ever Trilateral Dialogue

Between India, Japan and Australia
India, Japan and Australia on 9 June 2015 held their first
ever high-level trilateral dialogue in New Delhi.
The representatives of three countries discussed
prospects of cooperation in the fields of economy and security
with special emphasis on maritime security.
The three countries agreed to hold their next round of
talks in Tokyo, Japan.
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Nepal Political Parties Arrived at an

Agreement on Constitution
Framework

Major political parties of Nepal on 9 June 2015 reached

an agreement on the proposed framework of national
Constitution providing for federal structure, form of
governance, electoral and judicial systems.
The agreement was signed in the capital Kathmandu by
the leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC), the main
opposition Unified Communist Party of Nepal (UCPN)
Maoist and two other major political parties in the Constituent
Assembly.

Key Terms :
Nepal will be divided into eight federal states whose
names and boundaries will be decided by separate
bodies.
A new federal commission will be tasked with
drawing up internal borders and submit a proposal
for approval in the Parliament.
Nepal will continue with its current system of
national governance which includes executive Prime
Minister and ceremonial President.

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The parties agreed to conduct elections to local

bodies which were held for the last time in 1997.

The Land Boundary Agreement will allow over 50000 stateless people living in these
enclaves to gain a national identity after four decades
of stateless limbo, as now they will be allowed to
live in India or Bangladesh with the option of being
granted citizenship in the newly designated
territories

BACKGROUND
Nepal started the work on a new national Constitution
in 2008 following a decade-long Maoist insurgency that
left an estimated 16000 people dead and brought down
the monarchy.

help India to fence its borders with Bangladesh

change the physical map of India and Bangladesh

This LBA between India and Bangladesh will be helpful
in improving Indias border disputes with neighbouring
countries like Pakistan and China.
It may also help in solving the dispute of water sharing
from Teesta and Feni Rivers which flow through both
nations, which was not resolved during this visit of Modi
to Bangladesh.

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The political parties were compelled to show unity and

expedite the process of writing a new constitution after
the April 25 earthquake as the lack of legitimate political
and administrative structures at the National and Local
level has been hampering the relief operations. April 25
earthquake killed an estimated 8500 people and affected
some 10 million people (about half of the population).

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The end of deadlock since 2008 on a new Constitutional

framework, however, leaves the crucial issue of the
provincial borders unresolved. This could give rise to
problem in future as for long time UCPN (Maoist) had
been pushing for new provinces to be created along lines
that could favour historically marginalised communities,
and other parties like NC argues that the move would
be divisive and a threat to national unity.

The enclaves would cease to exist

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The final draft of the constitution, which must be

approved by a two-thirds parliamentary majority, is expected
to be ready by July 2015.

A WIN-WIN SITUATION FOR BOTH NATIONS

India and Bangladesh Signed 22

Bilateral Documents

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India and Bangladesh on 6 June 2015 inked signed,

exchanged, adopted and handed 22 bilateral documents in
Dhaka.

Land Boundary Agreement of 1974

Signed by India and Bangladesh

India and Bangladesh on 6 June 2015 signed the

historical 1974 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) which
would settle the 4096-kilometre-long border (Indias longest
border with neighbour country) dispute between the two
countries.

These documents were inked during the two-day visit of

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh from 6 June to
7 June 2015.

22 Bilateral Documents are :

Exchange of Instruments of Ratification of 1974 Land
Boundary Agreement and its 2011 Protocol
Exchange of letters on Modalities for implementation
of 1974 Land Boundary Agreement and its 2011
Protocol

Earlier on 28 May 2015, the Land Boundary Agreement

(LBA) Bill, 2013 between India and Bangladesh received the
assent of President Pranab Mukherjee. The bill also known
as the 119th Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2013 was passed
by both houses of Parliament in May 2015.After Presidents
assent the bill entered in to the statue book as Constitution
100th Amendment Act 2015.

Renewal of Protocol on Inland Water Transit and

Trade

According to the agreement, Bangladesh took over 111

enclaves (17160 acres of land) from Indias possession and
India received 51 enclaves (7110 acres of land) from
Bangladesh. Enclaves are tiny landlocked territories that each
country has within the borders of the other nation. The
enclaves in Assam, West Bengal, Tripura and Meghalaya
come under the bills ambit.

[12]

Renewal of Bilateral Trade Agreement

Agreement on Coastal Shipping between
Bangladesh and India

Bilateral Cooperation Agreement on Cooperation in

the field of Standardization was inked between
Bangladesh Standards & Testing Institution (BSTI)
and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
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Besides, during this visit of Prime Minister Modi to

Bangladesh, its government conferred Award of Liberation
Wa Honour on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Vajpayee was awarded for his outstanding support for the
countrys independence from Pakistan in 1971 when he was
a Lok Sabha member.

Agreement on Dhaka-Shillong-Guwahati Bus

Service and its Protocol
Agreement on Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala Bus Service
and its Protocol
Memorandum of Understanding between Coast
Guards

India Lost Case in WTOs Dispute

Settlement Board Against USA

Memorandum of Understanding on Prevention of

Human Trafficking

The Dispute Settlement Board of World Trade

Organisation (WTO) on 4 June 2015 ruled against the Indias
ban on import of meats from the United States (US). The ban
on imports of meat covered poultry meat, eggs and live pigs.

Memorandum of Understanding on Prevention of

Smuggling and Circulation Fake Currency Notes

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Memorandum of Understanding between

Bangladesh and India and for Extending a New Line
of Credit (LoC) of 2 billion US dollars by Government
Memorandum of Understanding on Blue Economy
and Maritime Cooperation in the Bay of Bengal and
the Indian Ocean
Chittagong and Mongla Ports

Memorandum of Understanding for a Project under

IECC (India Endowment for Climate Change) of

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SAARC

Memorandum of Understanding on Indian Economic

Zone

Cultural Exchange Programme for the years 201517

Statement of Intent on Bangladesh-India Education

Cooperation (adoption)

Agreement between Bangladesh Submarine Cable

Company Limited (BSCCL) and Bharat Sanchar
Nigam Limited (BSNL) for leasing of international

bandwidth for internet at Akhaura

Memorandum of Understanding between University
of Dhaka, Bangladesh and Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research, India for Joint Research on
Oceanography of the Bay of Bengal
Memorandum of Understanding between University
of Rajshahi, Bangladesh and University of Jamia
Milia Islamia, India
Handing over of Consent Letter by Insurance
Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA),
Bangladesh to Life Insurance Corporation (LIC),
India to start operations in Bangladesh

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It further ruled that Indias measures were arbitrary and

unjustifiably discriminated between members where
identical or similar conditions prevailed. In essence, these
measures constituted trade-restrictive measures.

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Memorandum of Understanding on Use of

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of India to Government of Bangladesh

The appellate body upheld the October 2014 ruling of

three-member dispute settlement panel of WTO, which ruled
that Indias avian influenza-related measures were
inconsistent with the international norms.

Further, Indias measures violated Article 3.1, 6.1 and

6.2 of the Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary Agreement of WTO as
they were not based on international standards.
Now, India will have 12 to 18 months time to implement
the ruling after which US will be able to export its product to
India.
Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures
Such measures concerns with the food safety and
hygiene and animal and plant health measures. The
agreement recognizes that government have the right to
take sanitary and phytosanitary measures in order to
protect human, animal and plant life or health.

Agreements Between India and

Netherland to Enhance Bilateral
Cooperation
India and the Netherlands on 5 June 2015 signed several
agreements to deepen bilateral cooperation.

List of Agreements :
Agreement on setting up Joint Working Group on
Counter Terrorism , which will hold its first meeting
on 19 June 2015.
Agreement on manufacturing of dredgers at the
Cochin Shipyard.

[13]

Agreement on manufacturing of Measles, and

Rubella Vaccine in India, with transfer of technology
from Netherlands.

discussions to take forward cooperation on jet

engines, aircraft carrier design and construction, and
other areas.

Agreement on developing coastal roads and metro

lines in India.

The two also agreed to pursue co-development and

co-production projects that will offer tangible
opportunities for American defence industries to
build defence partnership with the Indian industries
including in manufacturing under Make in India.

Agreement on setting up a Joint Working Group on

Skill Development.
Agreement on developing joint pilot projects for an
electric vehicle ecosystem in India.

The Netherlands is a key partner in Indias economic

development as it hosts the second largest Indian
community in Europe and several Dutch companies
have a long presence in India.

List of agreements and MoUs:

Agreement on roadmap for India-Belarus
Cooperation
Agreement on Protocol amending the agreement
between the India and Belarus for the Avoidance of
Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion
with respect to Taxes on Income and on Property
(Capital) of the 27 September 1997

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Today, the Netherlands is the fifth largest source of

investments in India and in turn India is also the fifth
largest source of investments in the Netherlands.

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INDIA- NETHERLAND ECONOMIC RELATION

India and Belarus on 3 June 2015 inked six agreements

to boost ties and relationship based on friendship and mutual
benefit. The agreements were inked in presence of President
Pranab Mukherjee, who is on a two-day state visit to Belarus.

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Agreement on setting up centres of excellence in

areas like horticulture and animal husbandry in
India.

Agreements and MoUs between

India and Belarus

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2015 Framework for the India-US

Defence Relationship

India and the United States (US) on 3 June 2015 signed

the 2015 Framework for the India-US Defence Relationship.
The framework was signed by the Manohar Parrikar, Indias
Defence Minister and Ashton Carter, US Secretary of Defence.

Salient Features:

It builds upon the previous framework and successes

to guide the bilateral defence and strategic
partnership for the next ten years.
It provides avenues for high level strategic
discussions, continued exchanges between armed
forces of both countries, and strengthening of
defence capabilities.
It also recognises the transformative nature of the
Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
Apart from this, both India and the United States
also finalized two project agreements for joint
development of Mobile Electric Hybrid Power
Sources and the Next Generation Protective
Ensembles.
Further, both the leaders also agreed to expedite

[14]

MoU on Cooperation in the field of Standardization

and Information Support signed between Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS) and the State Committee for
Standardization, Belarus
MoU for cooperation on Broadcasting between
Prasar Bharati (PB) and the National State Television
and Radio Company, Belarus (Belteleradiocompany)
MoU on Bilateral Cooperation between the Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Ministry
of Finance, Belarus
MoU for Manufacturing and Marketing of Light
Industry Goods (concern Bellegprom) between the
Ministry of Textiles of India and the Belarusian State
concern.

India Became Member of Multilateral

Competent Authority Agreement
on AEOI
India on 3 June 2015 joined the Multilateral Competent
Authority Agreement (MCAA) on Automatic Exchange of
Financial Account Information (AEOI).
www.ias100.in

During the visit, the President held discussions with his

counterparts of both the countries, admistrators and business
leaders and concluded many agreements.

The declaration to comply with the and PM Modi

MCAA was signed in Paris by Mohan Kumar, the Indian
ambassador to France.
The participation in the agreement will help India in
curbing financial crimes especially instances of tax evasion.

Takeaways from visit:

The focus of the visit was to strengthen bilateral

Under the agreement, all the signatory countries,

including India, are bound to collect and automatically
exchange tax information as prescribed by the Organisation
for Economic Co-operation and Developments (OECD)
Common Reporting Standard (CRS).

economic ties and to provide impetus to cooperation

in specific areas of priority.
Six intergovernmental agreements were concluded,
covering cooperation in the fields of urban
development, medium and small-scale enterprises,

To be able to comply with the agreement, amendments

have been made to section 285BA of the Income Tax Act,
1961 as incorporated in the Finance Act, 2014.

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polar research, civil nuclear research and medicine.

Seventeen Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs)
were signed between educational institutions, think
countries.

Sweden expressed its support for Indias claim for

permanent membership of the UN Security Council
(UNSC).

Sweden expressed its support to Indias membership

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It is based on Article 6 of the OECDs Multilateral

Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax
Matters (Multilateral Convention) which states that two
or more parties can mutually agree to exchange
information automatically. It implements the OECDs
Standard for Automatic Exchange of Financial
Information (AEOI).It requires the Competent
Authorities of participating jurisdictions to collect and
automatically exchange tax information as prescribed
by the OECDs Common Reporting Standard (CRS).
Under the agreement, bulk taxpayer information will
periodically be sent by the source country of income to
the country of residence of the taxpayer.It is very wide
in scope and obliges the treaty partners to exchange a
wide range of financial information, including that about
the ultimate controlling persons and beneficial owners
of entities. Previously, information was exchanged
between countries on the basis of specific requests
only.Even though it is signed on a multilateral basis, the
actual exchange of information will occur in a bilateral
manner.It has been developed by the OECD in
cooperation with G20 and the European Union (EU).So
far, 60 countries, including India, joined the agreement
and it is set to become operational in 2017, by which
about 94 countries are expected to sign it.

tanks and the Chambers of Commerce of the two

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MULTILATERAL COMPETENT AUTHORITY

AGREEMENT (MCAA)

Indian Presidents two-nation visit to

Sweden and Belarus
The President of India Pranab Mukherjee concluded his
two-nation visit to Sweden and Belarus. These visits were
first ever by an Indian President to either country.
www.ias100.in

of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

India formally conveyed its decision to grant
Swedish nationals e-tourist visa. This, along with
signature of an Agreement on Diplomatic visa waiver
took place.
Sweden expressed its support to Indias membership
of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
Both the countries agreed to enhance bilateral trade
to 5 billion US dollars by 2018.
The President delivered a public lecture on the
contemporary relevance to global peace of Tagore
and Mahatma Gandhi at Uppsala University, one of
the oldest universities of Europe founded in 1477.

List of agreements/MoUs signed :

MoU on Cooperation in the field of Sustainable
Urban Development: It aims to develop close and
long term cooperation in the field of sustainable
development and protection of the environment
through dialogue and interaction on global
sustainable urban development issues, exchange of
knowledge, institutional cooperation and
commercial relations.
MoU on cooperation in the field of Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises: It aims at promoting

[15]

partnership projects, institution to institution and

Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism.

enterprise to enterprise cooperation related

The Act is the culmination of efforts to reform the NSA

to MSMEs.

that blossomed out of NSA leaker Edward Snowdens 2013

Agreement on Visa Exemption for diplomatic

passports: It will facilitate entry of citizens of India
and Sweden who are holders of diplomatic passports
into their respective countries with the aim to
strengthen the friendly relations

revelations. Snowden is the former NSA contractor who

released secret information about U.S. spying in June of 2013

Key Features:
It reauthorizes USA PATRIOT Act 2001 that expired
on 1 June 2015.

Letter of Intent on Collaboration in Polar and Ocean

Research: It was signed to encourage collaboration
in the areas of Polar (Antarctic and Arctic) and Ocean
Research by enhancing scientific capabilities,
conducting joint research and survey activities,
exchange of informational material on education,
training and research matters, etc.

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It amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance

(FISA) Act of 1978 to establish a new process so as to
make the process of submitting of warrant by the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to a FISA court
more transparent. FISA Court reviews the warrant
requests submitted by the FBI for an order requiring
the production of business records or other tangible
things for an investigation.

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Memorandum of Intent (MoI) on cooperation in

ageing research and health: It was signed between
the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and
the Swedish Research Council for Health Working
Life and Welfare (FORTE).

It require the government obtain a targeted warrant

to collect phone metadata from telecommunications
companies

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MoI between the Central Drugs Standard Control

Organization (CDSCO), India and the Swedish
Medical Products Agency (MPA): It is
complimentary to the ongoing cooperation between
India and Sweden covering the area of health and is
for increasing bilateral cooperation in the fields of
pharmacovigilance, electronic submissions in
related matter and clinical trials among others.

USA Freedom Act 2015 Came

into Force

US President Barack Obama on 2 June 2015 signed the

USA FREEDOM Act 2015 in law. The USA FREEDOM stands
for Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights
and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of
2015.
With this, the National Security Agency (NSA) lost its
authority to collect the phone records of millions of Americans.
The Act was approved by the Senate on 1 June 2015 by
67-32 votes and was passed by the House of Representatives
on 13 May 2015. The Act will remain in effect until 15
December 2019.
It is the first piece of legislation to reform post 9/11
surveillance measure known by the name USA PATRIOT
Act which was adopted in October 2001, six weeks after the
9/11 terrorist attack. The USA PATRIOT stands for Uniting
and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools

[16]

It amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and

Reauthorization Act of 2005 to require the Inspector
General of the Department of Justice to audit the
effectiveness and use of FISA authority to obtain
production of tangible things from 2012 to 2014, so
that the constitutional rights of U.S. persons is
adequately protected.

Free Trade Agreement Between

South Korea and China

South Korea and China on 1 June 2015 signed the KoreaChina Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Seoul, South Korea.

Highlights:
It aims to gradually remove tariffs on more than 90
percent of traded goods between both the countries
within 20 years.
Many of South Koreas major farming and fisheries
goods like rice, beef, pork, pepper and squid are
excluded from the agreement. This decision taken
was taken in the backdrop of protests against the
inclusion of these products by the agricultural
community of South Korea.
China excluded or delayed the opening of its
relatively less-developed manufacturing segments
such as the auto sector and display panel
production.
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would recognize products made in Kaesong Industrial

Region (KIR) of North Korea as South Korean products for
the purpose of trade between the two countries. However,
final modalities for operationalisation of this provision are
still underway.

Agartala International Bus Terminus of Tripura Road

Transport Corporation (TRTC) on 2 June 2015. During its
journey, the bus will cross two international checkpointsPetrapole between West Bengal and Bangladesh and second
is Akhuara on Tripura-Bangladesh border.
With the launch of the Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala direct
bus service, the time taken to reach Agartala from Kolkata
will be reduced to 17 hours. Earlier, the distance was covered
in three days.

Korea-China FTA
The FTA is expected to augment trade between China
and South Korea, Asias largest and fourth-largest
economies respectively.

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Prior to this, the two Indian states were directly connected

with Bangladesh through two different bus services, that is,
Dhaka-Kolkata Direct Bus Service that started in 1999 and
Dhaka-Agartala Direct Bus Service that started in 2001.

Union Cabinet Nod to Agreement

with Bangladesh on Coastal and
Maritime Shipping

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It would provide momentum not only to efforts to

expand trade and investment between the two
nations but also to help enhance bilateral
cooperation in a wide range of areas, including
industries, culture and energy.

The service will be regularized once an agreement will

be inked between the two nations during Prime Minister
Narendra Modis visit to Bangladesh on 6 and 7 June 2015.
Besides, India and Bangladesh will also announce DhakaShillong-Guwahati service during Prime Minister Narendra
Modis visit to Bangladesh.

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It will allow small and medium-sized South Korean

firms, especially in consumer goods in fashion,
cosmetics, home appliances and high-end food
products, greater access to Chinas vast consumer
market and help create more than 50000 jobs in South
Korea.

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The FTA is expected to create a large-scale regional

economic community worth 12 trillion US dollars
by removing trade barriers, going beyond a simple
increase in trade.

The pact will also greatly contribute to the economic

integration of East Asia, the Asia-Pacific region and
the development of the world economy. For this,
negotiations for a trilateral Free Trade Agreement
(FTA) among China, South Korea and Japan were
launched in November 2012.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992,

the trade volume of both countries increased over the past 23

years .China is already Koreas largest trade partner and its
largest destination for investment which stood at 1.6 billion
US dollars between January-March 2015. South Korea is
Chinas third largest trade partner and is the fifth largest
investment destination.

Trial Run of Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala

Bus ServiceBegan

The Union Cabinet on 30 May 2015 gave its approval to

the Agreement on Coastal and Maritime Shipping between
India and Bangladesh that paves the way for the
commencement of coastal shipping between the two
countries.

Features of the Agreement :

India and Bangladesh shall render the same
treatment to the other countrys vessels as it would
have done to its national vessels used in
international sea transportation.
The River Sea Vessel (RSV) category of vessel is
prescribed for coastal shipping to lower construction
and operation cost without compromising on the
safety of the vessel.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
EXIM (Export Import) trade between India and

The trial run of Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala direct bus

service began on 1 June 2015. The bus started its journey
from Kolkata with senior officials of West Bengal Transport
Department (WBTD).

Bangladesh (Indias largest trading partner in South

Asia) would be benefited by way of reduction in freight

During the travel, the bus will cross over to Bangladesh

and enter Tripura through the Akhaura check post and reach

coastal vessels. It will help in decongestion of roads

especially at the Land custom stations or integrated check

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charges. It will improve the utilization of port capacities

of Indian ports and open up new opportunity for Indian

[17]

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 27 May

2015 unanimously adopted a resolution 2222 (2015) on the
protection of journalists in conflict zones. The resolution was
adopted following number of deaths and kidnappings of
media professionals which has continued to climb.
The resolution was adopted during a meet that was
heard by nearly 70 speakers under the agenda item Protection
of civilians in armed conflict.

Apart from this, Russia also on 26 May 2015 begun a

four-day-long massive military exercise and described it as a
massive surprise inspection, to check combat readiness. The
exercise involves 12000 soldiers and around 250 aircraft,
including long-range bombers carrying cruise missiles.
This Russian military exercise has coincided with an
Arctic training exercise by NATO and has raised debate.
Russian military exercise on the same day when NATO
military alliance launched their training exercise may raise

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Resolution on Protection of
journalists in Conflict Zones
Adopted in UNSC

Russian military exercise Vs. Arctic training

exercise:

tensions with West over Russias role in conflict in Ukraine.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in fourth week
of May 2015 said that the large number of snap exercises
conducted by Russia decreases transparency and

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posts at the Indo-Bangladesh boarder. The Indian ports

serving as transshipment ports for Bangladesh cargo will
derive benefits by way of enhanced throughput as a
result of Indo-Bangladesh coastal trade.It will increase
bilateral trade between the two countries and lower
down the cost of transportation of EXIM cargo.

practicability. But Russia has defended the exercise by

terming that these drills are part of preparation for a larger
exercise known as Center-2015, which will be held later in

The Security Council resolution also condemned such

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attacks on journalists and warned parties to conflicts,

2015.

Joint Vision Statement on Defence

Cooperation 2015-2020 Between
India and Vietnam

including governments and armed groups, that they should

take all reasonable steps to protect journalists. The resolution

accountability.

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urged Member States to take active steps to ensure

Besides, Christophe Deloire, Director-General of

Reporters Without Borders called on to appoint a special

representative on the protection of journalists to ensure that
Member States abided by their commitments under the text
and under previous resolution 1738 (2006).

According to a concept note prepared by the Lithuanian

India and Vietnam on 25 May 2015 signed a Joint Vision

Statement on Defence Cooperation for the period 2015-2020

in New Delhi.
The statement is an outcome of delegation level talks held

in New Delhi to discuss cooperation on maritime security.

Besides the Joint statement, a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the Coast

presidency for the meeting, 61 journalists were killed in 2014

Guards of the two countries was also signed in the presence

and 221 were imprisoned. 25 have died since January 2015.

of the two Defence Ministers.

In last decade, 700 media workers were killed in the field or

because of their profession.

NATO Launched Arctic Challenge

Exercise

Earlier, in October 2014, India announced 100 million

US dollar line of credit to Vietnam during the Vietnamese
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung visit to the country to
enable Vietnam acquire new naval vessels from India.
The above initiatives of the Union Government are part

NATO on 26 May 2015 launched the Arctic Challenge

of its Act East policy, aimed at deepening its strategic and

Exercise based in the north of Norway, Sweden and Finland.

economic relations with Asian countries and curtailing

The exercise involves 115 fighter planes and 3600 troops from

growing Chinas influence in the region.

nine countries. This exercise is the second of its kind, first

similar tests was conducted in 2013.
The participant countries include all NATO members
like the US, Britain, Germany, France and the Netherlands as
well as neutral Switzerland.

[18]

9th Session of the India-South Africa

Joint Ministerial Commission
9th Session of the India-South Africa Joint Ministerial
Commission (JMC) was held in Durban on 19 May 2015.
www.ias100.in

Highlights of the Session:

animation and broadcasting programmes. The

Agreement would enable opportunities for
collaboration between Indian and Korean film
industries, and facilitate collaboration and exchange.

To make it more result-oriented, the two ministers

agreed to work under the framework of a five year
strategic programme of cooperation and decided to
establish a new Joint Working Group on Trade &
Economic matters on it.

MoU for Cooperation between the National Security

Council of India and South Korea: The MoU would
formalize consultations between National Security
Council structures of the two countries in a number
of areas.

They also identified priority areas of cooperation and

they are defence, deep-mining, science and
technology, agriculture & food processing and
insurance.

MoU on Cooperation in Youth Matters: The MoU

will
strengthen and encourage cooperation on
youth matters through participation in events and
activities through exchanges, international
conferences, seminars, youth camps, festivals etc.

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Besides, prior to the JMC meet, Swaraj also met President

Jacob Zuma and extended the invitation of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi to him to attend the third India-Africa Forum
Summit (IAFS-III) in October 2015 in New Delhi.

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Swaraj and Mashabane also discussed regional and

multilateral issues including BRICS, IBSA, IORA,
counter-terrorism, cyber security, reforms of
multilateral institutions, especially the United
Nations Security Council.

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Both sides also agreed to set up a Sub-Committee on

Science & Technology and promote cooperation in
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

MoU for Cooperation in the field of Electric Power

Development and New Energy Industries: The MoU
envisages cooperation in areas of electric power
development and new energy industries such as
renewable energy, smart grids and power
information and technology, transmission and
distribution of electric power, energy efficiency and
storage system.

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The two ministers, Swaraj and Mashabane decided to

hold the next Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission in
India at mutually convenient dates in 2017.

India- South Korea Agreements to

upgrade Relations to Special
Strategic Partnership Level

India and South Korea on 18 May 2015 signed seven

agreements to upgrade relations to special strategic

partnership level.The agreements were inked during the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to South Korea.

List of Agreements/MoUs:
Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and
the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to
Taxes on Income: India-South Korea Double
Taxation Avoidance Convention (signed 1985) has
been revised with a view to avoiding the burden of
double taxation on taxpayers in the two countries.
India-Korea Agreement on Cooperation in AudioVisual Co-Production: The Agreement is being signed
under the provisions of India-South Korea
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
(CEPA); it would enable co-production of films,
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Framework of Cooperation in the Field of Road

Transport: To be signed under the provisions of
India-South Korea CEPA, the FOC envisages
cooperation in areas including road policies, design
and construction, road operation, road management
and safety, intelligent transport systems and
electronic toll collection systems.
MoU on Cooperation in the Fields of Maritime
Transport and Logistics: The MoU envisages
cooperation between the two countries in the fields
of maritime transport and logistics including
through sharing of technologies, information and
experiences, the training of seafarers, exchange of
experts and port operations etc.

Bilateral Agreements Between India

and Mongolia to Enhance Relations
India and Mongolia on 17 May 2015 signed 13
agreements to further enhance bilateral ties and co-operation
between the two countries. India also announced to provide
one billion US dollar credit to Mongolia.
The agreements were inked during the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi visit to Mongolia which is the first ever visit
of Indian Prime Minister to the country.

[19]

During this visit of Modi, the two nations issued joint

statement on strategic partnership. Modi also addressed to
the Mongolian Parliament and gifted a rare history
manuscript to Mongolian president.

MoU for Cooperation between the National Security

Council of India and Mongolia: This MoU was
entered to hold regular consultations alternatively
in New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar. It would cover both
traditional and non-traditional security issues,
counter-terrorism, intelligence cooperation and
exchange, and others.

List of Agreements :
Revised Air Services Agreement: This Agreement
updates from previous arrangements of international
air services between India and Mongolia, both being
parties to the Convention on International Civil
Aviation.

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MoU for cooperation on development of new and

renewable energy technologies: This will cover
cooperation on Solar Energy and Wind Energy
through the modalities of exchange of information
and personnel, transfer of equipment and knowhow, development of joint research or technical
projects, determination of renewable energy
resources, etc.

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Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Animal

Health and Dairy: This Agreement envisages joint
cooperation activities in the areas of dairy, quality
control, modern technical application and marketing
in dairy, animal disease control measures, etc.

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Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons: Under

the treaty, Indian prisoners convicted in Mongolia
can be brought to India to serve the remaining part
of their sentence. Similarly Mongolian citizens
convicted in India can be sent to their home country
to serve their sentence.

MoU on Cooperation between the Ministry of

External Affairs of India and Mongolia: The MoU
will focus on all aspects of the bilateral relationship,
especially in the areas of political, economic,
commercial, scientific, technical and cultural
cooperation. The MoU supersedes the existing
Protocol on Cooperation between the Ministry of
External Affairs of India and Mongolia signed on 17
September 1996.

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MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Traditional

Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy: This MoU
intends to establish broad based cooperation in forms
such as exchanging of experts for training of
practitioners, mutual recognition of pharmacopoeias
and formularies, educational qualifications and
traditional preparations, setting up of Academic
Chairs, providing scholarships, and others.

MoU on Establishment of Cyber Security Training

Centre in the Ministry of Defence of Mongolia: Under
this, India will establish a Cyber Security Training
Centre and will also undertake the training of
personnel in cyber security.
MoU on Establishment of India-Mongolia Joint
Friendship School in Mongolia: This MoU is for the
establishment of a school jointly by India and
Mongolia which would follow an open, inclusive
and flexible curriculum to harness the potential of
each child enabling them to grow both personally
and professionally.

Programme on Cooperation in the field of Culture

for the Years 2015-2018: This Agreement aims to
enhance cooperation in the field of culture through
organization of exhibitions, film festivals and also
exchange of experts, students, journalists, etc.

[20]

MoU on enhancing cooperation between the border

guarding forces: This MoU envisages the setting up
of a Joint Steering Committee between Ministry of
Home Affairs of India and General Authority for
Border Protection of Mongolia for cooperation in the
areas of capacity building, exchange of best practices,
conduct of joint exercises, technologies for border
guarding, surveillance and policing, etc.
MoU between the Tata Memorial Centre of India and
the National Cancer Center of Mongolia for Gifting
Bhabhatron-II Tele-therapy Unit along with a
Radiotherapy Simulator: Guided by the MoU signed
between the two countries on the 14 September 2009
for mutual cooperation, the present MoU sets the
terms and conditions for the presentation by the
Government of India, through TMC of one unit each
of the Bhabhatron-II Telecobalt Unit and the
Radiotherapy Simulator designed, developed and
manufactured in India.
MoU to enhance their skills and improve the training
programme in both the countries: This MoU would
help in exchange of trainees, students, faculty
members and experts between India and Mongolia.
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General in Chennai. These new consulates will facilitate and

India Announced e-Visa Facility for

Chinese Tourists

promote greater cultural, tourism, economic and people-topeople engagement between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 May 2015

announced electronic tourist visa (e-Visa) facility for Chinese

The fifth joint counter-terrorism training between the two

armies will be held in China in 2015. The two sides will

nationals . The decision was announced in Beijing, China

during his three day visit .

exchange visits of naval ships and hold PASSEX and SAR

exercises.

It is in tune with the Joint Statement issued by Modi and

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang after conclusion of bilateral talks

Both the countries agreed to abide by the three-stage

process for the settlement of the boundary question, and

during the visit which called for development of tourism

sector and increasing people-to-people exchanges between
the two countries.

common understanding achieved so far, in an effort to seek a

Incidentally, India designated 2015 as Visit India Year

in China to augment Chinese tourist arrivals and tourist
revenues.

possible.

Both sides agreed to optimally exploit the present and

potential complementarities in identified sectors in the Five
Year Trade and Economic Development Plan signed in
September 2014, including Indian pharmaceuticals, Indian
IT services, tourism, textiles and agro-products.
It was agreed to conduct the next meeting of the Strategic

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India, despite having huge tourist potential for Chinese

by virtue of having many Buddhist holy places, it attracts
less travelers (2 lakh during 2014) when compared with that

fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution as early as

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The above steps by the Indian Government are aimed at

attracting a bigger chunk of about 100 million Chinese tourists
who visited abroad in 2014.

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continuously push forward negotiation on the framework

for a boundary settlement based on the outcomes and

of our smaller neighbours like Maldives (4 lakh), Nepal (1.4

lakh) and Sri Lanka (1.3 lakh).

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India and China Signed Agreements

To Enhance Bilateral Co-operation

India and China on 15 May 2015 signed 24 agreements

to augment bilateral co-operation between the two countries.

The agreements were signed in the presence of Indian

Economic Dialogue, co-chaired by Vice Chairman of NITI

Aayog of India and Chairman of NDRC of China in India
during the second half of 2015.
Both the countries agreed on an Action Plan outlining

the next steps to enhance the partnership in the Railway

Sector. It is in continuation of the ongoing initiatives
including the projects on speed raising on the existing
Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysore line, the proposed feasibility
studies for the Delhi-Nagpur section of high speed rail link,
the station redevelopment planning for Bhubaneswar &

Keqiang in Beijing, China.

Baiyappanahalli, heavy haul transportation training and

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Li

The details of agreements covering the fields of
Education, Railways, People-to-People exchanges, skill

setting up of a railway university.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to
institute a dialogue mechanism between the NITI Aayog of

Statement issued by the two leaders after the conclusion of

bilateral talks.

India and the Development Research Centre of the State

Key agreements are:

Both the countries agreed to enhance cooperation

between the financial regulators and enterprises of the two

development, Security among others were outlined in the Joint

Both the countries agreed to establish State/Provincial

Leaders Forum to enhance relations among the provinces
(China) and states (India). The first meeting of the Forum
was held in Beijing on 15 May 2015, with the participation of
Prime Minister Modi and Premier Li.
An additional Consulate General shall be established in
each others country. India shall open a new Consulate
General in Chengdu, while China shall open a new Consulate
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Council of China.

countries in support of the building of the Closer

Developmental Partnership.
The International Yoga Day will be organised jointly on
21 June 2015 in collaboration between the Indian Council for
Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Yunnan National University.
Agreement on expanded Educational Exchange
Programme to promote student exchanges in higher
education.

[21]

The two sides will have the annual exchange of 200

youths from each side in the second half of 2015 as part of the

India) and G20 to promote the interests of developing

India-China Cultural Exchange Initiative.

support China in hosting the G20 summit in 2016.

Agreements related to establishing provincial

partnership between Karnataka and Sichuan and sister-city

countries and the building of a better world. India agreed to

A bilateral consultative mechanism on WTO (World
Trade Organisation) related issues will be launched for

relationships between Aurangabad Dunhuang, Chennai

Chongqing and Hyderabad Qingdao were signed.

enhancing coordination in the context of global trade talks.

India-China Think Tanks Forum will be established to

parties to accelerate the preparation for establishment of the

foster closer dialogue and mutual understanding between

the two countries. The forum will meet annually, alternately
in India and China.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to promote

It was agreed to institutionalize the High Level Media

Forum and tasked the Ministry of External Affairs of India
and the State Council Information Office of China to convene

underscored the importance of working together and with

Entrepreneurship at Gandhinagar/Ahmedabad in Gujarat

was signed.

other countries to conclude an ambitious, comprehensive,

universal, balanced and equitable climate agreement at the
forthcoming CoP (Conference of Parties) 21 to UNFCCC to be
held in Paris in late 2015.

Memorandum of Intent Between

India and Russia for Higher
Academic Cooperation

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It was agreed to initiate cooperation in development of

smart cities with identification of GIFT City in India and

A Joint Statement on Climate Change was issued which

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Action Plan on the establishment of Mahatma Gandhi

National Institute for Skill Development and

regional infrastructure and economic development.

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it on an annual basis, alternately in India and China.

The two sides agreed to work together with relevant

Indian and Russian institutions of higher learning on 8

May 2015 inked 11 Memorandum of Intent (MoI) to establish

the Network of Institutions of Higher Education.

The 2015-2020 Space Cooperation Outline was signed

Among those that signed the memorandum were IIT

between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) of

the Republic of India and China National Space
Administration of the Peoples Republic of China to reinforce

Bombay, Madras and Delhi and also University of Delhi,

the cooperation in the field of Satellite Remote Sensing, SpaceBased meteorology, Space Science, Lunar and Deep Space
Exploration, Satellite Navigation, Space Components, Piggy-

Pranab Mukherjee, who is on a four day visit to Russia to

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Shenzhen in China as pilot smart cities for joint

demonstration projects.

back Launching Services, and Education and Training.

It was agreed to further strengthen cooperation through

the Expert-Level Mechanism on the provision of flood-season

hydrological data and emergency management.

Indian Statistical Institute and Institution of Engineers.

The MoIs were inked in Moscow in presence of President

witness the Victory Day parade on 9 May 2015, which is

marking the 70th anniversary of Allied forces victory in the
Second World War. During this visit, Mukherjee was
conferred with honorary Doctorate by the Russian
Diplomatic Academy.
The leading Academic Institutes of Russia and India will

The two sides agreed to hold negotiation on augmenting

combine efforts to train highly qualified staff for innovative

the list of traded commodities and expand border trade at

economy and expand scientific, technical and technological

Nathu La, Qiangla/Lipu-Lekh Pass and Shipki La passes to

transform the border into a bridge of cooperation and

cooperation.

exchanges.

of Science & Technology in India and Russian Science

China agreed to allow Indian pilgrims to use the Nathu

La Pass (Sikkim) route for Kailash Manasarover Yatra (Gang

Foundation will offer another platform for supporting joint

Renpoche and Mapam Yun Tso Pilgrimage) in 2015.

Cooperation agreement signed between the Department

research projects.
Establishment of a network of Indian and Russian

They agreed to further strengthen coordination and

Universities would facilitate establishment of more

cooperation in multilateral forums including RIC (Russia,

India and China), BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and

institutional linkages, including exchanges of faculty,

[22]

researchers and students, joint research activities and

scientific conferences and symposia.
www.ias100.in

British PM David Cameron

led Conservative Party Wins 2015
General Election

Inter-Governmental MoU Between

India AndIran for Development of
Chabahar Port

Prime Minister David Cameron and his Conservatives

Indiareached a deal on May 7, 2015 to develop a strategic

port in southeast Iran despite U.S. pressure not to rush into
any such trade agreements before world powers clinch a final
nuclear accord with Tehran.

won a resounding victory in the British general election, with

complete results on Friday showing that the party had
secured an overall majority in Parliament.

Indian firms will lease two existing berths at the port

and operationalise them as container and multi-purpose
cargo terminals, the Indian government said in a statement,
adding that a commercial accord would be needed to
implement the pact. India and Iran agreed in 2003 to develop
the port, but the venture has made little progress because of
Western sanctions tied to Tehrans disputed atomic
programme.

The vote was a stunning disappointment for the

opposition Labour Party and its leader, Ed Miliband, who
had shifted the party away from the more centrist strategy it

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pursued in the late 1990s and early 2000s under Tony Blair.
Mr. Miliband stepped down on Friday, opening up a new
debate over the partys direction.
a tight race between the Conservatives and Labour. It returns
Mr. Cameron to 10 Downing Street for a second term, with
enough seats in the House of Commons to act on his agenda
without having to rely on support from smaller parties.

Now, spurred on by Chinese President Xi Jinpings

signing of energy and infrastructure agreements with
neighbouring Pakistan worth $46 billion, Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi wants swiftly to sign trade deals
with Iran and other Gulf countries. Encouraged by a
provisional, April 2 deal over Tehrans nuclear programme,
India recently sent a delegation to Iran to scout for trade,
energy and infrastructure deals.

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The Conservatives won 331 of 650 seats in the House of

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The result defied pre-election opinion polls that suggested

Commons, a gain of 24 seats from the last election, in 2010.

The campaign had centered primarily on domestic

issues, including the budget austerity imposed by the

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Conservatives and funding for the National Health Service,

but Mr. Cameron had also played up fears that a Labour

government, reliant on support from the Scottish nationalists,

would drive the country leftward and risk the nation being
splintered.

Even if he is able to govern without a coalition partner,

Mr. Cameron will start his second term facing immense

challenges, not least in holding off calls from Scotland for

independence and in managing pressure from inside his own

party for Britain to leave the European Union. Mr. Cameron

has promised to try to renegotiate terms of Britains
membership in the 28-nation European Union and to hold a
referendum by the end of 2017 on whether Britain should
remain in the bloc.
The results are also likely to fuel calls for a change to
Britains electoral system, to better represent national voting
patterns.
A record number of 10 Indian-origin Members of
Parliament (MPs) were elected in recently concluded general
election that elected 56th Parliament of the UK. It has broken
the previous 2010 general election record in which eight
Indian-origin were elected.
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However, the United States has expressed concern that

India is moving too fast and could undermine a sanctions
regime imposed on Iran to try to bring it to the negotiating
table. Washington has stated that there is no guarantee that
a final deal will be secured with Tehran by a June 30 deadline.

Advantage to India
For India, one advantage of a container and cargo
terminal at Chabahar is that it would provide landlocked
Afghanistan with access to the sea, reducing its reliance on
Pakistan. Iran has also proposed a free-trade agreement with
India. Rupee-denominated trade with Iran, started in 2012
because of complications arising from sanctions, has almost
doubled Indian exports to Tehran in the past two years to $4
billion.
Now, Indian exporters want to build on that, using a
free-trade zone being developed near Chabahar to export more
to the Commonwealth of Independent States, made up of
former Soviet Republics.

Rubella Eradicated from North and

South America Region
North and South America on 27 April 2015 became the
first regions of the world to eradicate rubella, also known as

[23]

The declaration of elimination was made by an

international expert committee during a meeting at the Pan
American Health Organization/World Health Organization
(PAHO/WHO).
With the eradication of rubella and CRS from Americas
region, the total number of vaccine-preventable disease that
has been eliminated from this region has gone up to four.
Earlier in 1971, the region became the first in the world to
eradicate Smallpox and in 1994 it became the first to eradicate
Polio.

RUBELLA

While Road is its maritime equivalent, that is, a network

of planned port and other coastal infrastructure projects that
dot the map from South and Southeast Asia to East Africa
and the northern Mediterranean Sea.
New regional institutions, such as the Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and New Silk Road
Fund (NSRF) are also designed in part to complement and
support the Belt and Roads development.

Potential Gains for China:

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Rubella is an infection caused by the rubella virus. The

virus, spread by sneezes or coughs, can lead to serious
birth defects if contracted by pregnant women. It usually
starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
The disease is threat mainly for pregnant women, as if
they get contracted of the disease during the first three
months of pregnancy, then the rubella virus can cause
congenital rubella syndrome. This can lead to a multitude
of problems like miscarriage and birth defects such as
blindness, deafness, or heart defects.

The word Belt is referred as a planned network of

overland road and rail routes, oil and natural gas pipelines,
and other infrastructure projects that will stretch from Xian
in Central China, through Central Asia, and ultimately reach
as far as Moscow, Rotterdam, and Venice.

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The last endemic cases registered in the region were in

Argentina and Brazil in 2009.

It has two parts, a new Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB)

linking China to Europe that cuts through mountainous
regions in Central Asia; and the Maritime Silk Road (MSR)
that links Chinas port facilities with the African coast and
then pushes up through the Suez Canal into the
Mediterranean Sea.

00

German measles. These regions were declared free of endemic

transmission of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome
(CRS) after no home grown cases were reported in five years.

HOW IT WAS ERADICATED FROM THE REGION?

These regions were able to eradicate rubella through its

mass vaccination campaign which started 15-year ago
in 2000. They used vaccination against Measles, Mumps
and Rubella (MMR) throughout the Western
Hemisphere.
As a result, some 250 million adolescents and adults in
32 countries and territories were vaccinated against
rubella between 1998 and 2008 and the last endemic
(local origin) cases of rubella and CRS were reported in
the Americas in 2009.

Chinas New Action Plan - One Belt,

One Road Initiative
Chinas top economic planning agency, the National
Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), on 28 March
2015 released a new action plan One Belt, One Road initiative.
The initiative will establish new routes linking Asia, Europe
and Africa.

[24]

The infrastructure projects proposed as part of the

Belt and Roadmany of which would run through
some of Chinas poorest and least developed
regionscould provide stimulus to help cushion the
effects of the deepening slowdown of China.
The Belt and Road will improve Chinas internal
economic integration and competitiveness and spur
more regionally balanced growth.
The construction is intended to help make use of
Chinas enormous industrial overcapacity and ease
the entry of Chinese goods into regional markets.
The plan would strengthen Chinas importance as
an economic partner for its neighbors and,
potentially, enhance Beijings diplomatic leverage
in the region.
Increased investment in energy and mineral
resources, particularly in Central Asia, could also
help reduce Chinas reliance on commodities
imported from overseas, including oil transiting the
Strait of Malacca.

India- Afghanistan Joint Statement

India and Afghanistan on 28 April 2015 released a Joint
Statement to take bilateral relations to a higher level. The
Joint statement was released after meeting of Mohammad
Ashraf Ghani, the President of Afghanistan with Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
Mohammad Ghani was on a visit to India. This was the
www.ias100.in

first visit of Ghani to India after assuming the Presidency in

September 2014 at the invitation of President Pranab
Mukherjee.

thanked President Ghani for Afghanistan for supporting and

co-sponsoring the G-4 resolution on UN reforms, including
the expansion of the UN Security Council in the 70th year of
the UN.

Salient Features:

Both the leaders also agreed to sign the following

documents within three months of the visit. The
documents include:
a) Extradition Treaty between India and Afghanistan
b)

Both the countries reviewed the progress made in

the implementation of all areas of cooperation
envisaged under the strategic partnership agreement

Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons

between India and Afghanistan

c)

Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in Criminal

Matters
and Commercial Matters between India and
Afghanistan

e)

Motor Vehicles Agreement for the Regulation of

Passenger, Personal and Cargo Vehicular Traffic
between India and Afghanistan

f)

MOU on Visa free entry for holders of diplomatic

passports

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The two nations agreed that they will not allow their
territories to used against any other country

d) Bilateral Treaty for Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil

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The Prime Minister assured the President of

Afghanistan of Indias abiding support for
Afghanistans ongoing crucial transitions-political,
economic and security, for the decade of 2015-24 and
beyond.

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The two nations agreed to patiently and

systematically work towards strengthening of the
India Afghanistan Strategic Partnership, with a clear
focus on the long term relationship between the two
countries.

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The two nations expressed determination to work

together, along with the international community,
to combat and defeat the scourge of terrorism in all
its forms and manifestations.

President Ghani expressed satisfaction on the steps

taken by India to promote business links and trade
between the two countries and Indias decision as a
fourth party to join the recent PATTTA (Pakistan,
Afghanistan, Tajikistan Trade and Transit
Agreement) negotiations that would allow the
arrangement to contribute in a meaningful manner
to the vision of wider regional economic integration.

Afghanistan also welcomed the Indian stewardship

of the Trade, Commerce and Investment Confidence
Building Measures (TCI-CBM) under the Afghan-led
Heart of Asia process whose activities remain
focused on showcasing Afghanistans potential and
its unique location at the Heart of Asia.
The two leaders agreed to work towards a more
liberalized business visa regime for all businesses,
including large, medium and small-size enterprises.
The two leaders agreed to work closely with the
Government of Iran to make Chahbahar port a reality,
and a viable gateway to Afghanistan and Central
Asia.
The two leaders agreed to work together for their
shared goal of bringing reforms to the UN system

www.ias100.in

Seychelles Became 161st Member

of WTO

Seychelles on 26 April 2015 became the 161st member of

the World Trade Organization (WTO). With this, Seychelles
archipelago of 90000 inhabitants became one of its smallest
members.
Besides, Seychelles is also the 33rd government to accede
to the rules-based multilateral trading system through Article
XII negotiations since the WTO was established in 1995.
This approval by WTO ended the 20-year long wait of
the country for becoming a member of WTO, as the country
was negotiating its accession terms since 31 May 1995.
Seychelles had applied for WTO membership on 31 May
1995 and its accession was approved by the WTO members
on 10 December 2014. The Protocol of Accession was signed
by Pierre Laporte, former Minister of Trade, Finance and
Investment of Seychelles and WTO Director General Roberto
Azevedo.

India- Japan Action Agenda for

Investment and Trade Promotion
India and Japan on 30 April 2015 signed an action
agenda for India-Japan investment and trade promotion and
Asia-Pacific economic integration in New Delhi.

[25]

Promotion of investment and infrastructure

development.
Further development and cooperation in information
technology.
Enhancing cooperation in strategic sectors.
Asia-Pacific economic integration.
Besides, the Japanese Minister also said that the
investments by Japan into Indian companies will double in
next 5 years.

19th Amendment to the Constitution

Passed by Sri Lankan Parliament

Earlier in 2014 during the visit of PM Modi to Japan,

Shinzo Abe, Japans Prime Minister, had committed to
facilitate financing and investments of up to 3.5 trillion Yen
(2 trillion rupees) in the next five years in India.
The proposal was drawn by Japanese Minister of
Economy, Trade and Industry Yoichi Miyazawa during his
meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Besides, the Japanese Minister Miyazawa also
announced that Japanese firms have plans to invest 3 billion
US dollars in India in the near future. This will support Prime
Minister Narendra Modis Make in India initiative.
Further, he reiterated that Japan is committed for
providing and facilitating long-term funding to support the
development of Indias manufacturing and infrastructure.

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The Parliament of Sri Lanka on 28 April 2015 adopted

the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. With this, the power
of the Executive President will be reduced and will put into
place a Constitutional Council for making key government
appoints.

The JWG on civil nuclear energy cooperation will be

formed between the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry
of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan.

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Development of selected townships in India as

Japanese industrial townships.

impasse that is going on between India and Japan on civil

nuclear deal.

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The action agenda contains five items, which can help

in furthering the trade relations between India and Japan.
The five agenda points in the action agenda are:

Features :

Japan and the United States (US) signed a new set of

defence agreements on 27 April 2015 that allow for greater
co-operation between their militaries. Both the countries have
revised their defence deal after 18 years to deal with growing
global security concern.

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The 19th amendment to the Constitution, were seen as

critical after Sirisenas predecessor President Mahinda
Rajapaksa was accused of spearheading creeping
authoritarianism during his decade in power. Further, with
the passage of this amendment, Sirisena passed the litmus
test of keeping his promise of bringing in reforms in
presidential powers within 100 days.

Japan and the USA Revised

Defence Deal

The reforms ensure an independent judiciary .

President cant dissolve the parliament by using his

power .

The agreement was signed by the US Secretary of State,

John Kerry, and Defense Secretary, Ashton Carter, and the
Japanese Foreign Minister, Fumio Kishida, and Defense
Minister, Gen Nakatani.
The agreement in the form of new guidelines was
released at the start of an official visit to the US by Japanese
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

It brought a two-term limit for a president and

reduces the term from 6 to 5 years.

The guidelines allow for global cooperation militarily,

ranging from defence against ballistic missile, cyber and space
attacks as well as maritime security.

It put into place several independent commissions,

which will function outside the influence of the
Executive and handle key areas of governance like
elections, public service, police, judiciary and others

It also allows the exercise of the right to collective selfdefence, that is, Japan could shoot down missiles heading
toward the United States and come to the aid of third countries
under attack.

Japan Proposed New Joint Working

Group on Nuclear Deal

The new guidelines would also allow the US and

Japanese militaries to work more closely together in the event
of a conflict in the East China Sea or in North Korea.

To discuss civil nuclear co-operation with India, Japan

on 29 April 2015 proposed a new Joint Working Group (JWG).
The aim of the JWG will be to explore avenues to break the

Further, it removed the constraints of geography, as a

result, the US-Japan cooperation had moved from focus on
local issues to global issues.

[26]

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revised guidelines need the reinterpretation of the constitution

of Japan. The new defense guidelines are part of Abes bid to
soften Japans constitutional commitment to pacifism.
The US and Japan established defence guidelines in 1978,
at the height of the Cold War, and in 1997, when Chinas
military build-up was still in its infancy. The new guidelines
are the first to reflect Chinas greater military heft and push
for influence in the region.

Parrikar also met Admiral Choi, Chairman of the Joint

Chiefs of Staff; Minister Chang of the Defence Acquisition
Program Administration (DAPA); National Security Advisor
Kim Kwan-jin.

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China and Pakistan on 21 April 2015 signed an

agreement on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
plan worth 46 billion US dollars.

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In all his meetings, the Defence Minister offered sincere

condolences on the first anniversary of the Sewol ferry
disaster that happened in April 2014, in which over 300 lives
were lost.
During the meeting with Admiral Choi, the two sides
discussed existing bilateral defence relations.

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Chinas government and banks, including China

Development Bank and the Industrial and Commercial Bank
of China Ltd, will lend to Chinese companies, which will
invest in projects as commercial ventures.

India and South Korea on 18 April 2015 held high level

defence talks in Seoul. The talks were held on the sidelines of
four day visit of Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar
to South Korea.
The meeting was held with South Korean Defence
Minister Han Min-koo at the Ministry of Defence of Korea in
Seoul.

China- Pakistan Agreement on

Economic Corridor Plan

As part of the agreement, China will provide up to 37

billion US dollar in investment for energy projects to generate
16400 MW of power. Concessional loans will cover nearly
10 billion US dollar of infrastructure projects.

India-South Korea High Level

Defence Talks

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The planned Chinese spending exceeds that of the United

States, which has given 31 billion US dollars to Pakistan
since 2002.

Besides, during the visit of Chinese President Xi to

Pakistan, the two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation
in civil nuclear energy, space and maritime technology,
counter-terrorism and defense.

CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR

The CPEC is a network of roads, railways and pipelines

aimed to build energy and infrastructure projects in

Pakistan by establishing an economic corridor between
Pakistans southern Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea
and Chinas western Xinjiang region.
The corridor would transform Pakistan into a regional
hub and give China a shorter and cheaper route for trade
with much of Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Also, the
investment will strengthen the struggling economy of
Pakistan and help end chronic power shortages.
While on the Chinese part, the plan is part of Chinas
aim to forge Silk Road land and sea ties to markets in
the Middle East and Europe. The projects will give China
direct access to the Indian Ocean and beyond.
www.ias100.in

Both sides recognized that the relationship was one in

which there are no obstacles to realizing the significant
potential for military to military ties.
Also, the two sides recognized that their shared
perspectives on regional and international issues created a
firm foundation for cooperation in defence production,
research and development.
Parrikar and Defence Minister Han focussed in
particular on ways of expanding contact between the defence
establishments on both sides, and ways of building deep
partnerships between Indian and Korean defence industries.

India-Canada Joint Statement: New

Vigour, New Steps
India and Canada issued Joint Statement title New
Vigour, New Steps to elevate their bilateral relations
to a strategic partnership. The joint statement was
issued on 15 April 2015 during the visit of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi to Canada from 14 April to
16 April 2015. Modis visit to Canada is the first by
an Indian Prime Minister in 42 years.
Salient Features of the Joint Statement:
Bilateral Relations
The two nations signed agreements covering the fields
of uranium, visas, terrorism, foreign investment promotion

[27]

MoU was signed on Cooperation in Rail Transportation

between Indias Ministry of Railways and Transport Canada,
dealing with technical cooperation.
MoU was signed on Civil Aviation between Transport
Canada and Indias Ministry of Civil Aviation, which will
establish a Joint Working Group to bring together key
industry and Government stakeholders to advance
opportunities for cooperation in civil aviation.
The two sides agreed to establish a Finance Ministers
Dialogue for the purpose of deepening the India-Canada
economic and financial relationship.

Civil-Nuclear Cooperation

Education and Skills Development

Both the countries welcomed the Canadas partnership
in the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) of India
to enable Canadian researchers to cooperate in learning,
research and teaching in select Indian educational
institutions.
First co-funded student exchange programme through
the Ministry of Human Resource Developments Technical
Education Quality Improvement Programme and Canadas
Mitacs Globalink Program set up
13 MoUs between the National Skill Development
Council of India and 13 Canadian colleges, institutes, and
Sector Skills Councils signed

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Agreement signed between the Department of Atomic

Energy of the Government of India and Cameco of Canada
for long-term supply of uranium to India to meet its energy
needs. The agreement would impart a new significance to
India-Canada Civil Nuclear Cooperation.

Prime Ministers of both the countries also welcomed the

decision by Indian Oil Corporation to invest in a proposed
new liquefied natural gas project in British Columbia.

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Economy, Trade and Investment

To advance cooperation in this important sector, the two

countries welcomed the convening of the next Ministerial
meeting of the India-Canada Energy Dialogue by the end of
2015.

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and protection, Canada-India comprehensive economic

partnership agreement (CEPA) free-trade deal, culture and
people-to-people ties, regional and global issues and others.

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They agreed to encourage a collaborative programme to

leverage their industries respective strengths in the field of
Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor technology for mutual
benefit, as well as for the benefit of global nuclear energy
needs.

They leaders agreed to renew the Canada-India MoU on

Higher Education on a rolling basis

They agreed to explore mutually beneficial partnerships

in the application of radio-isotopes for societal benefits.

They welcomed the setting up of the India Nuclear

Insurance Pool with potential participation of foreign

companies as a positive step towards facilitating such
cooperation.
They agreed to exchange experiences and developments
on safety and regulatory issues. To take this forward, the
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India and the Canadian
Nuclear Safety Commission have finalised an arrangement
for regulatory cooperation in the field of nuclear and radiation
safety regulation.

Energy
They agreed to further collaboration in areas such as
energy efficiency and innovation, oil and gas development,
exchange of regulatory best practices, renewable energy, and
nuclear energy.

[28]

Agriculture

MoU on agriculture cooperation to promote trade in

plants, plant products and other regulated articles
by facilitating science-based discussions related to
sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues.
Defence and Security
They agreed to deepen their continuing cooperation in
countering terrorism, radicalisation and violent extremism
through joint efforts, and greater cooperation between their
relevant government departments
Signing of the MoU between the Indian Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology and the
Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness of
Canada on Cooperation in the Area of Cyber Security
They agreed to explore cooperative possibilities in diverse
fields including cold climate warfare, peacekeeping, and
participation in respective Defence Staff College training.
They also agreed to explore further cooperation in
enhancing naval linkages, and staff exchanges.
Statement of Intent between Defence Research and
Development Organisation of India and Defence Research
www.ias100.in

Pakistan and Russia Agreed to Hold

First-Ever Joint Military Exercise

and Development Canada, aimed at exploring potential

cooperative initiatives in defence and security science and
technology was inked.

Pakistan and Russia on 16 April 2015 agreed to hold

first-ever joint military exercises as a part of their enhanced
defence cooperation.

Science, Technology, Innovation, and Space

Agreed to convene biennial meeting of the 5th CanadaIndia Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee
in June 2015

Pakistan and Russia in November 2014 during the firstever visit of a Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoig in 45
years signed a military cooperation agreement to strengthen
their defence ties and vowed to translate their relationship in
tangible terms.

Committed to joint industrial research and development

projects through the International Science and Technology
Partnership Program, and endorsed the annual contribution
of 1 million dollar by both countries.

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Key Features:

The two nations agreed to enhance cooperation in

both defence industry and military training

Canada welcomed Indias offer to be a Partner Country

in the 2017 Technology Summit to be hosted by India.

They agreed to promote joint participation in military

exercises

Welcomed an investment of 2.5 million dollar in five

They agreed to resolve conflicts through diplomatic

means and that use of force must be discouraged
and abandoned
They reached a consensus that a multi-polar world
would ensure peace and balance in international
relations

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health innovations in India by Grand Challenges Canada

and its Indian partner - the Department of Biotechnology,
Ministry of Science and Technology

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Agreed to include Canadian and Indian startups in the

Canadian Technology Accelerator initiative

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They agreed to support further joint projects on Safe and

Sustainable Infrastructure and Integrated Water Management
and public health.
The two countries agreed to accelerate ongoing efforts
towards the elimination of Visceral Leishmaniasis in India
by jointly supporting an existing Grand Challenges Canada
project.

MoU on Space Cooperation between the Indian Space

Research Organisation and the Canadian Space Agency was
renewed.
Proposed collaboration between the Institute for Stem

Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) of India,

and the Stem Cell Network of Canada in stem cell research,
including possible research student exchanges
Agreed to establish a dialogue between relevant federal
departments of the two countries in order to facilitate
cooperation in therapeutic products

Culture and People-to-People Ties

MoU on Cultural Cooperation between Canada and
India was renewed and Canadas proposal to hold the Year
of Canada in India in 2017.
They looked forward to the entry into force of the CanadaIndia Social Security Agreement on 1 August 2015. They
agreed to encourage further reciprocal visits by parliamentary
delegations.
www.ias100.in

India-Canada Nuclear Agreement on

Supply of Uranium

India and Canada on 15 April 2015 signed a nuclear

agreement on supply of uranium to India. The agreement
was signed between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
PM Modi is on a three-day official visit to Canada, which
is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 42
years.

Nuclear agreement:
As part of the agreement, Canadian Cameco Corporation
will supply 7.1 million pounds of uranium concentrate to
India till 2020. The deal is worth 350 million US dollars. The
uranium will be sourced from Camecos operations in
northern Saskatchewan.
Cameco Corporation, the Worlds largest uranium
producer, will make first deliveries in late 2015 and the
pricing will be based on the market price for uranium, which
is published price at the time of delivery.

Its Importance to India:

The uranium agreement is part of deal that took effect in
2013 and it is of great importance to India strategically and
economically.

[29]

Further, it reflects a new level of mutual trust and

confidence between the two countries.

India, Belarus agreed to Enhance

Bilateral Ties
India and Belarus on 15 April 2015 agreed to enhance
their bilateral ties especially in the field of trade and economy.
The agreement was reached during the meeting of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Makei with

Highlights of the meeting:

between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German

Chancellor Angela Merkel in Hannover and Berlin. PM
Narendra Modi is on a three-day visit to Germany.
As part of the statement, the two nations agreed to take
proactive steps to advance collaboration in the areas of
manufacturing, skill development, urban development,
environment, railways, cleaning of rivers, language and
science & technology.

Features of Joint Statement :

Skill Development

Expansion of existing Indo-German cooperation through

new initiatives, including a road-map for enhancing

employability of trainees and apprentices by strengthening
industry involvement in Skills Development, as in the
German dual system.

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi.

Makei was on a three-day official visit to India from 14 April
to 16 April 2015 on the invitation of Swaraj.

The Joint Statement was released after the meeting

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Besides, the uranium agreement signifies a new era of

bilateral co-operation between India and Canada which
turned frosty after India first conducted the test of nuclear
bomb in 1970s leading to Canada banning exports of uranium
and nuclear hardware to India.

Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

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At present, India is the fourth largest consumer of energy

in the world and it uses nuclear power for three percent of its
electricity. However, under the planned Energy Revolution,
India hopes to increase that number to 25 percent by 2050.

Both sides declared their intent to promote closer R&D

cooperation in science, technology and innovation, in

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The two nations discussed regional and

international issues of mutual interests

Science and Technology (S&T)

Discussion on bilateral issues including high level

political engagement, trade and investment, science
and technology, defence, energy and culture were
held

The two Ministers agreed to work together to further

enhance these relations

particular through extending the tenure of the bi-national

Indo-German Science & Technology Center in India.

Manufacturing
Utilize the momentum generated by Indias participation

in the Hannover Messe 2015 to foster stronger ties between

business and industry on both sides in order to support

During the visit Makei was accompanied by a 3-member

business delegation representing prominent Belarusian state
enterprises dealing in potash, fertilizers, dumper trucks and
tractors. He and the delegation also met representatives of
Indian business and industry.

infrastructure including setting up of semi high-speed and

Swaraj also thanked the visiting Foreign Minister

for his Governments support at the United Nations
(UN) to adopt 21 June as the International Yoga Day
and for the celebration of the first International Yoga
Day this year in Minsk.

Joint Statement to Strengthen

Strategic Partnership

Indias Make in India initiative.

Railways
Support for the modernization of the railway
high-speed railways and training and skill development of
personnel in the rail sector starting with signalling and
telecommunications and a high-speed rail system.

Education
To promote closer educational exchanges, including

India-Germany Joint Statement was released on 14 April

through setting up of an International Center for Advanced

2015 with an aim to upgrade and further strengthen the

Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences, strengthening

[30]

www.ias100.in

collaboration between universities in India and Germany

through the Indo German Strategic Partnerships in Higher
Education program, and enhancing the exchange of scientists
between both countries within the framework of Indias
GIAN initiative.

Delhi Declaration on Public Health

Challenges
The 5th meeting of SAARC Health Ministers was held
on 8 April 2015 in New Delhi. The meet ended with the
adoption of Delhi Declaration on Public Health Challenges.

Urban Development

The declaration focuses on issues common to member

nations of South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation

Strengthen the bilateral cooperation through the

establishment of a working group on urban development.
Support development of urban planning and infrastructure
in India, including

(SAARC). These issues include universal health coverage,

improving health regulatory systems, preparedness for
emerging and re-emerging diseases and the challenges posed
by antimicrobial resistance and non-communicable diseases.

c)

Assistance in the area of affordable housing

Salient Features of the Declaration:

Agreed to strengthen cooperation on mutually agreed
agreements for prevention and control of infectious diseases

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b) Setting up peer-to-peer network of Municipalities for

direct collaboration

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a) Cooperation in the development of new areas of

collaboration and mutual benefit in the development
of smart cities in India

and for sharing of information in accordance with

international health regulations
Agreed to strengthen capacities for surveillance and

Language

monitoring of disease, rapid response and expanding

Environment

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To support the respective programs and efforts in India

and Germany to broaden knowledge of each others
languages among the youth in accordance with the national
policy of each country.

Strengthen the bilateral cooperation through the

establishment of two working groups in the areas of water
and waste management.

Cleaning of Rivers

Following the completion of the Ganga Scoping Mission

in October 2014 by Germany, develop cooperation on Ganga
River rejuvenation strategies, capacity support for urban
sanitation, setting up of standards, approaches to industrial
pollution and innovative financial models.

Renewable Energy

Support Indias proposed objective of 175GW of

renewable energy by 2022 through technical and financial
support for developing comprehensive solar rooftop and
green energy corridor projects in India.
Besides, the two nations also agreed to strengthen their
efforts towards carrying on negotiations for an ambitious EU
India Free Trade Agreement with a view to its early
conclusion. Both sides also explored ways of expanding
dialogue on security issues and foreign policy.
www.ias100.in

diagnostic facilities
Resolved to strengthen cooperation to promote

availability and effective coverage of affordable vaccines

including pentavalent vaccine and to also strengthen our
response to make SAARC region polio free
Agreed to take appropriate coordinated action which
may be required to be adopted by the Member States for
prevention and control of Hepatitis which is a major public
health issue in the region;
Called upon the Member States to maintain the
momentum of actions under the Regional Strategy on HIV/
AIDS, to achieve the 90-90-90 HIV treatment target 2020 and
to rapidly reduce new HIV infection and AIDS related deaths
including from tuberculosis, with a view to ending AIDS by
2030
Welcomed the proposed SAARC Supra-national
Reference laboratory for TB and HIV/AIDs, being established
in Kathmandu
Agreed to cooperate for combating mental disorders,
including autism and neuro-development disorders, through
a multi-pronged approach encompassing a Mental Health
Policy and a life cycle approach
Agreed to extend cooperation amongst the Member States
for capacity development of human resources in public health
and clinical medicine

[31]

Agreed to attach high priority to combat anti-microbial

MoUs and Agreements Between

India and France to Enhance
Bilateral Co-Operation

resistance and impact of antibiotic use in agricultural and

animal husbandry sectors

certification and regulatory mechanisms for drugs and

pharmaceuticals with a view to promoting availability of
quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medicines in all
SAARC Member States
Agreed to cooperate in the field of traditional systems of
medicines
Agreed to holding of annual meetings of the Technical
Committee on Health and Population Activities to facilitate
intra-regional cooperation and implementation of decisions
taken in the earlier meetings of SAARC Health Ministers
Earlier SAARC Health Ministers were held in Maldives
in 2012, Dhaka in April 2006, Islamabad in 2005 and New

The MoUs and Agreements were signed during visit of

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France between 9 April
and 12 April 2015.

Defence and Nuclear Energy

MoU between L&T and AREVA: The MoU aims at

cost reduction by increasing localization, to improve
the financial viability of Jaitapur project. It will also
enable transfer of technology and development of
indigenous nuclear energy industry in India.

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Delhi in 2003.

The two nations signed agreements covering the fields

of Defence and Nuclear Energy, Space, Economic relations,
Railways, Energy, Tourism, Science and Technology, Skill
Development and Ayurveda.

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Agreed to cooperate in improving the standards,

India and France signed 20 Memorandum of

Understandings (MoUs) and Agreements on 10 April 2015
to give new impetus to bilateral co-operation between the
two nations.

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Decided to enhance regional collaboration and

partnership in health research among SAARC countries

China Rejected Bid of Taiwan to

Become Full Member of AIIB

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The Chinese Government on 13 April 2015 quashed the

bid of Taiwan to become a full member of the Asian

Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for lack of appropriate

name.

The Chinese Government said that it would welcome

Taiwan in the future but under a different name.

Taiwan made a last-minute application to join the AIIB

as a founding member on the deadline day of 31 March 2015

under the name of Chinese-Taipei. The name was used by

the International Olympic Committee and the Asian

Development Bank.

Taiwan hoped that joining AIIB as a full member would

help its push for regional economic integration and
participation in international trade organisations.
Taiwan will now seek to join the bank as an ordinary
member, instead of a founding member.
The AIIB was proposed by China for the rapidly growing
Asian region. China is putting up nearly 50 billion US dollars
to help capitalize the bank, which is meant to fund
infrastructure projects in rapidly growing Asia. At least 21
countries signed the memorandum of understanding in
October2014, establishing the bank. Besides China, the list
includes India, Thailand and Singapore amid others.

[32]

Pre-engineering agreements (PEA) between NPCIL

and Areva: It was signed with an aim to bring clarity
on all technical aspects of the plant so that all parties
(AREVA, Alstom and NPCIL) can firm up their price
and optimize all provisions for risks still included
at this stage in the costs of the project.

Economic Relations
MoU on cooperation in the field of renewable energy:
It seeks to encourage and promote technical bilateral
cooperation on new and renewable energy issues. It
would cover solar, wind, bio-energy, tidal and wave
energy sectors.

Railways
Railway protocol between Indian Ministry of
Railways and French National Railways (SNCF):
The Protocol seeks to establish cooperation between
Indian and French Railways for semi-high speed rail
and station renovation.

Energy
Guarantee Agreement with AFD Financing of Energy
Efficiency Services Limited (EESL): The Agreement
seeks to finance Energy Efficiency Services Limited
(EESL)
www.ias100.in

MoU between on Megha Tropiques: The MoU seeks

to extend the sharing and use of data from the Megha
Tropiques satellite by 2 more years. The satellite, a
joint project between ISRO and CNES, was launched
aboard Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on 12
October 2011
MOU for Ka-band propagation experiment over
Indian tropical region: It envisages cooperation
between ISRO, CNES and ONERA for
implementation of the project concerning Ka-band
propagation experiment over Indian tropical region.

Letter of Intent (LoI)on Tourism: Seeks to increase

cooperation in tourism sector between India and
France and promote sustainable bilateral tourism
between the two countries The LoI also seeks to
facilitate twinning of sites having historical, natural
and cultural significance in India and France for
promoting them as tourist destinations.
Letter of Intent (LoI) between the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) and National Institute of
Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP): The
LoI envisages collaboration on preventive
archaeology projects, initiatives to disseminate

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Programme between ISRO and French National

Centre for Space Studies (CNES): It proposes
cooperation in the areas of Remote sensing, satellite
communications and satellite meteorology; space
sciences and planetary exploration amongst others.

the Indian Ministry of Culture and French Ministry

of Culture and Communication envisages
cooperation in the field of cultural heritage, through
training of Indian heritage conservation
professionals at the Institute National du Patrimoine
(INP).

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The Space

Science and Technology

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MoU on cooperation in the field of Science &

Technology: For cooperation between the two
countries in the areas of applied mathematics,
physics, Information & communication technology,
water resources and environment, life sciences
amongst others and establishment of Virtual Joint
Laboratories, and establishment of Joint Research
Centres.

culture and promote archaeology, training

programmes for specialists of ASI and deployment
of expertise, in particular, in the field of underwater
archaeology.

MoU on Collaboration for establishment of a

National Institute of Marine Biology and
Biotechnology in India: The proposed MoU seeks to

establish a National Institute of Marine Biology and

Biotechnology in India, with a Hub and Spoke
network of laboratories spanning Indias marine
regions from the Andaman to Lakshadweep.

Sports

MoU on Cooperation in Sports: The MoU envisages

cooperation and exchange of experiences in the fields
of sports medicine, management and coordination
of sports federations and establishment of National
Institute of Sports in India based on French model of
INSEP.

Culture, Heritage Conservation, Tourism,

People-To-People Contacts
Administrative Arrangement in the field of Cultural
Heritage: The Administrative Arrangement between
www.ias100.in

MoU between School of Planning and Architecture,

Delhi and National Architecture Institute in Paris,
France: It envisages cooperation to undertake joint
planning and geographical studies in India and
France and training of local counterparts in modern
urban and regional planning.
MoU between Indian Heritage Cities Network
Foundation (IHCN) and Association Nationale des
Villes et Pays dArt et dHistoire et villes a secteurs
sauvegards et protgs (ANVPAH): It envisages
cooperation in the fields of sustainable development,
urban planning, heritage conservation and upgradation of basic services.
Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) scheme:
The scheme offers Indian Visa for 12 months
renewable once for a period of 12 months for 250
French students and a second residence permit of
12 months for the Indian students in France
following the 12 months already granted.
Letter of Intent on Ayurveda between Ministry of
Ayush and University of Strasbourg: It allows both
the parties to strengthen their relationships and
cooperation in the area of Ayurveda education and
research and conducting joint workshops/
conferences on Ayurveda as complimentary
medicine in France

[33]

Skill Development

Goal 2 Universal Primary Education

Combat Aircraft Rafale fighter jets in a flyway condition. Prime

Minister Modi during his visit to France also gifted a painting
titled Tree of Life, reflecting traditional societal respect for
nature in India to the French President Francois Hollande.

EFA Global Monitoring Report:

UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) in the first week of April 2015

Net enrolment ratios improved significantly, rising at

least 20 percentage points from 1999 to 2012 in 17 countries,
11 of which were in sub-Saharan Africa.
While some increases in enrolment ratios are evident,
nearly 58 million children were out of school in 2012, and
progress in reducing this number has stalled.
By the 2015 deadline, one in six children in low and
middle income countries or almost 100 million will not
have completed primary school

Goal 3 Youth and Adult Skills

Ensuring that the learning needs of all young people
and adults are met through equitable access to appropriate
learning and life skills programmes

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released the 2015 EFA Global Monitoring Report titled

The primary school net enrolment ratio was 84% in 1999

and is estimated to reach 93% in 2015.

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Apart from this, India also agreed to buy 36 multi-role

Ensuring that by 2015 all children, particularly girls,

children in difficult circumstances and those belonging to
ethnic minorities, have access to and complete free and
compulsory primary education of good quality

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MoU between National Skill Development Agency

(NSDA), India and the National Commission for
Vocational Qualifications (Commission Nationale
de la Certification Professionnelle CNCD): The
agreement will facilitate exchange of information
and knowledge about maintenance of qualification
registers through information exchanges, visits and
other suitable meetings.

Education for All 2000-2015: Achievements and Challenges.

The report presents the achievements and challenges
with respect to six EFA goals and eight Millennium

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Development Goals (MDGs), the two most important

frameworks in the field of education.

It also explains possible determinants of the pace of

progress and identifies key lessons for shaping a post-2015

global education agenda.

Report Highlights:

Goal 1 Early childhood care and education

Expanding and improving comprehensive early

childhood care and education, especially for the most

vulnerable and disadvantaged children
Despite a drop in child mortality rates of nearly 50%, 6.3
million children under the age of 5 died in 2013 from causes
that are mostly preventable.
Progress in improving child nutrition has been
considerable. Yet globally, one in four children is still short
for their age a sign of chronic deficiency in essential
nutrients.
In 2012, 184 million children were enrolled in preprimary education worldwide, an increase of nearly twothirds since 1999.

[34]

Reflecting improved transition rates and higher retention

rates, the lower secondary gross enrolment ratio increased
from 71% in 1999 to 85% in 2012.
Participation in lower secondary education has
increased quickly since 1999.
Inequality persists in the transition from primary to
secondary school.
A majority of the 94 low and middle income countries
with information have legislated free lower secondary
education since 1999. Of these, 66 have constitutional
guarantees and 28 enacted other legal measures.

Goal 4 Adult literacy

Achieving a 50 per cent improvement in levels of adult
literacy by 2015, especially for women, and equitable access
to basic and continuing education for all adults
There are about 781 million illiterate adults. The rate of
illiteracy dropped slightly, from 18% in 2000 to an estimated
14% in 2015, which means the Dakar target of halving
illiteracy was not achieved.
Only 17 out of the 73 countries with a literacy rate below
95% in 2000 had halved their illiteracy rate by 2015.

Progress has been made towards gender parity in

literacy but is not sufficient. All 43 countries where
www.ias100.in

Goal 5 Gender equality

Eliminating gender disparities in primary and secondary
education by 2005, and achieving gender equality in
education by 2015, with a focus on ensuring girls full and
equal access to and achievement in basic education of good
quality
At the primary level, 69% of the countries with data are
expected to have reached gender parity by 2015. Progress is
slower in secondary education, with 48% projected to be at
gender parity in 2015.

Low-fee private schools have proliferated in urban

slums in India, Kenya and Nigeria
In India, the RTE and the main EFA programme, Sarva
Shiksha Abhiyan, created opportunities for people with
disabilities to be included in mainstream schools.
Two out of three countries where lower secondary
education was not compulsory in 2000 had changed their
legislation by 2012, including India, Indonesia, Nigeria and
Pakistan.
In India, the Pratham Open School of Education aims to
reach young girls and women who have been marginalized
from the education system.
India and Turkey have closed gender gaps in primary
and lower secondary education.

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Progress in tackling severe gender disparity has been

made. Between 1999 and 2012, the number of countries with
fewer than 90 girls enrolled in primary school for every 100
boys fell from 33 to 16

banking delays, and did not always reach schools. There

were significant regional disparities in funding delivery:

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fewer than 90 women for every 100 men were literate in 2000
have moved towards parity, but none of them will have
reached it by 2015.

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Goal 6 Quality of Education

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Amongst out-of-school children, girls are more likely than

boys never to enrol in school (48% compared with 37%), while
boys are more likely to leave school (26% compared with
20%). Once enrolled, girls are more likely to reach the upper
grades.

In India, girls enrolment increased after a school latrine

construction effort in the early 2000s.

Improving all aspects of the quality of education and

ensuring excellence of all so that recognized and measurable
learning outcomes are achieved by all, especially in literacy,
numeracy and essential life skills

Pupil/teacher ratios declined in 83% of the 146 countries

with data at the primary education level. In one-third of the
countries with data, however, less than 75% of primary
school teachers are trained up to national standards.
At the lower secondary education level, 87 of the 105

countries with data have a pupil/teacher ratio below 30:1.

In 1990, 12 learning assessments were conducted
according to national standards, but by 2013 the number
had increased to 101.

DAKAR GOALS

Dakar Goals or Education for All goals was established

in 2000 at the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal.
The UN Decade of Education for Sustainable
Development (DESD), launched in 2005, urges countries
to rethink education, curricula and teaching practice in
ways that complement the drive to achieve EFA.

India Elected to Four United Nations

Agencies
India was elected to four important United Nations (UN)
agencies on 8 April 2015. These agencies are United Nations
Childrens Fund (UNICEF), World Food Program (WFP),
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
(CCPCJ) and the Governing Council of UN-Habitat.
India was elected to these bodies at the Coordination
and Management Meeting (CMM) of UNECOSOC (the United
Nations Economic and Social Council) held at the UN

EFA and India

India increased its net enrolment ratio as GNP per capita

headquarters in New York, USA.

India was elected by acclamation, which is a form of

improved, suggesting a more equitable distribution of

economic gains

election that doesnt use a ballot.

In India, monitoring of financing allocations and

funding delivery to implement the Right to Education (RTE)
found that funds were not allocated on time because of

Results of Elections

www.ias100.in

India, along with thirteen other nations, was elected

to the Executive Board of the United Nations

[35]

Childrens Fund (UNICEF) for a three year period

Along with these 133 countries, the SPI 2015 also

starting from January 2016.

provides data for 28 countries with partial data. This brings

India was re-elected to the Executive Board of the

coverage to a total of 99 percent of the worlds population.

World Food Programme (WFP) along with five other

India with a score of 53.06 is ranked 101st and is placed

nations for a two year period starting from January

in the Low Social Progress Group. In 2014, India with a score

2016.

of 50.24 was ranked 102 out of 132 countries.

India was elected to the Commission on Crime

Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) along with

Major Findings of the Index:

On a population-weighted basis, the world scores 68.33

from January 2016. Some of the nations that were

in Basic Human Needs, 66.45 on the Foundations of

elected to CCPCJ included Iran, Pakistan, Saudi

Wellbeing dimension and 48.23 on the Opportunity

Arabia Austria, France, Sweden and the United

dimension. Creating opportunity remains a goal that many

States.

nations fail to achieve.

. in

nineteen other nations for a three year period starting

On a simple average basis, the world scores 70.82 in Basic

United Nations Human Settlements Programme

Human Needs, 67.68 on the Foundations of Wellbeing

(UN-Habitat) along with thirteen other nations for a

three year period starting from January 2016.

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India was re-elected to the Governing Council of the

dimension and 52.03 on the Opportunity dimension. Once

again creating opportunity sees a drop in score despite the
fact that developing countries have a smaller weight under

Significance

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this approach.

India has a 100 percent record of winning the

Ten countries in the world have been ranked as Very

UNECOSOC elections. For instance, in the first week

High Social Progress Countries as these countries generally

of April 2015, India was re-elected to the 47-nation

have strong performance across all three dimensions. The

average dimension scores for this tier are: Basic Human Needs

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UN Human Rights Council for the period of 2015-

17. In October 2014, India was re-elected to ECOSOC

by garnering the maximum number of votes in the
Asia-Pacific group.

These continuous wins at various UN bodies

highlights the fact that Indias role as an important

and influential global power is now recognised by a

vast majority of the UN membership.

Social Progress Imperative

Released Social Progress
Index 2015

Social Progress Index (SPI) 2015 was released by the USbased non-profit organisation Social Progress Imperative on
8 April 2015. On population-weighted basis, the SPI score
for the whole world stands at 61 and at 64.39 when SPI scores
are based on simple average of countries.

is 94.77, Foundations of Wellbeing is 83.85, and Opportunity

is 83.07.
As with most high-income countries, the top 10 countries

score lowest on Ecosystem Sustainability and Health and

Wellness.
Nearly all of the top 10 are relatively small countries,

with only Canada having a population greater than 25

million.
The top three countries in the world on Social Progress
are Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland with closely grouped
scores between 88.36 and 87.97.
Canada is the only country among the G7 countries that
has been ranked in top ten on SPI 2015
Under the High Social Progress Countries tier, there are
21 countries. This group includes a number of the worlds

The SPI 2015 ranks 133 countries in terms of social

leading economies in terms of GDP and population, including

progress from highest to lowest which are classified into six

the remaining six members of the G7: the United Kingdom,

tiers from Very High Social Progress to Very Low Social

Germany, Japan, the United States, France, and Italy. The

Progress. These 133 countries cover 94 percent of the worlds

average dimension scores for this tier are: Basic Human Needs

population.

[36]

www.ias100.in

is 90.86, Foundations of Wellbeing is 77.83, and Opportunity

is 73.82

SOCIAL PROGRESS INDEX?

This index is based on the writings of Amartya Sen,
Douglass North, and Joseph Stiglitz and it is an aggregate
index of 54 social and environmental indicators that
capture three dimensions of social progress: Basic
Human Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and
Opportunity. The Index measures social progress strictly
using outcomes of success, not how much effort a country
makes.

The third tier of Upper Middle Social Progress Countries

comprises of 25 countries. This group reveals that high GDP
per capita does not guarantee social progress. Average scores
for this tier are: Basic Human Needs is 80.66, Foundations of
Wellbeing is 73.52, and Opportunity is 57.73.
The fourth tier Lower Middle Social Progress Countries
comprises of 42 countries. The average dimension scores for
this tier are: Basic Human Needs is 72.34, Foundations of
Wellbeing is 66.90, and Opportunity is 47.14

. in

Gadkari and US Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx

The lowest three countries in the world on Social

Progress are Afghanistan, Chad, Central African Republic.

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SPI 2015 and BRICS countries

on 8 April 2015 signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC)

in New Delhi for deepening partnership in the area of
transport between the two countries.

Significance of the MoC:

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Under the Very Low Social Progress Countries tier, there

are 8 countries. The average dimension scores for this tier
are: Basic Human Needs is 38.46, Foundations of Wellbeing
is 48.55, and Opportunity is 26.05.

Union Road Transport and Highways minister Nitin

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Under the Low Social Progress Countries tier, there are

27 countries which include many Sub-Saharan African
countries. The average dimension scores for this tier are: Basic
Human Needs is 50.03, Foundations of Wellbeing is 58.01,
and Opportunity is 38.35.

India - USA Memorandum of

Cooperation (MoC) on
Transportation

Among the BRICS countries, Brazil at 42nd rank leads

the pack with a score of 70.89 and India with a score of 53.06
is placed at 101 position and is the worst country in terms of
social progress. The other countries of BRICS and their ranks
are: South Africa (63rd), Russia (71st) and China (92nd).

SPI 2015 and SAARC countries

It will enable India to make use of worlds latest

technology available with the USA for projects like
developments of waterways and multi-modal hub.
It aims to foster cooperative work on key issues of
mutual interest for all modes of transportation and
coordinating public and private sector resources and
expertise to advance safe, secure, efficient and
integrated transportation systems.
It covers areas like highway transportation, urban
transportation, safety and environmental
protections, vehicle and behavioral safety, fuel

leads the pack with a score of 60.10 and Afghanistan with a

score of 35.40 is placed at 131 and is the worst country in

efficiency, rail transportation, maritime shipping and

Among the SAARC countries, Sri Lanka at 88th rank

terms of social progress. The other countries of SAARC and

their ranks are: Nepal (98) Bangladesh (100), India (101) and
Pakistan (122).

SPI 2015 and India

India falls into the Low Social Progress group with a
score of 53.06 was ranked 101st.
India has low scores common to lower-middle income
countries, but shows particular weakness in Health and
Wellness and Tolerance and Inclusion.
Indias score 58.87 on Basic Human Need, 57.38 on
Foundations of Well-being dimension and 42.93 on
Opportunity dimension

www.ias100.in

intermodal transportation.

Iran and P5+1 Nod for Joint

Comprehensive Plan of Action
Iran, the P5+1 and the European Union (EU) on 2 April
2015 conceded on a framework agreement called as Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) intended to stop Iran
from developing nuclear weapons.
The informal framework agreement will be used as the
basis for evolving the final draft of JCPOA by 30 June 2015.
P5+1 include all the permanent members of the United
Nations Security Council (UNSC) viz., the US, the UK, France,

[37]

China and Russia plus Germany.

Automic Energy Agency (IAEA) to its nuclear

programme supply chain including uranium mines

The sanctions imposed by the US, the EU and the UN

and mills and the enrichment facilities at Natanz

will be lifted in phases depending upon the progress

and Fordow to prevent diversion to a secret

made by Iran in implementing its commitments under

the agreement. In case of the US the nuclear related

programme.

sanctions will be lifted once the IAEA verified that

Iran will also implement the Additional Protocol of

Iran has taken all the key nuclear-related steps

the IAEA, providing the IAEA greater access and

provided by the agreement. However, sanctions

information regarding its nuclear programme,

related to terrorism, rights abuses and ballistic

including both declared and undeclared facilities.

missiles will remain in place

A dedicated procurement channel for Irans nuclear

programme will be established to monitor and

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Terms of the Agreement:

approve, on a case by case basis, the supply, sale, or

Iran will use only the facility at Natanz to enrich

transfer to Iran of nuclear-related and dual use

uranium.

materials and technology.

Cease-fire Agreement Between

Myanmar and Ethnic Rebel Groups

Iran will not use its advanced centrifuges, such as

00

Iran will reduce about two-thirds of its installed

the IR-2, IR-4, IR-5, IR-6, or IR-8 models, to produce

The draft is aimed at ending more than 65 years of civil unrest

enriched uranium for at least 10 years. Iran will only

and armed conflict in the country.

centrifuges (equipment used to enrich uranium) from

19000 to 6104, with only 5060 of these will be used
for enriching uranium for 10 years.

Myanmar Government and 16 ethnic rebel groups on 31

s1

March 2015 signed a draft nationwide cease-fire agreement.

engage in limited research and development with

The centrifuges that are no longer in use will be

placed in IAEA-monitored storage and be used only

as replacements.

Iran will not enrich uranium over 3.67 percent for at

least 15 years.

Iran would reduce its current stockpile of 10000 kg

of Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) to 300 kg of 3.67
pecent LEU for 15 years.

Iran will not use the nuclear facility at Fordow, near

since 1948, few days after it attained independence from the

United Kingdom (UK).
The countrys internal conflict between the Central

government and a group of ethnic and political rebellions is

one of the worlds longest running civil war. The ethnic
groups are seeking greater autonomy since independence.
The agreement, reached after seven rounds of talks since

2013, agreed at resolving points of contention. They agreed

on:

the city of Qom, for the purpose of uranium

There will be a halt to recruitment by the armed

enrichment for at least 15 years. It will be converted

groups

as a research centre meant for peaceful purposes. In

Armed rebel groups territory and status were

addition, no fissile material will be allowed at the

facility.
Iran will redesign and rebuild a heavy water research

[38]

Myanmar has been witnessing an armed internal conflict

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these advanced centrifuges.

confirmed, and
The nature and composition of the political dialogue

reactor in Arak, based on a design that is agreed to

Now the negotiators from the armed rebel groups will

by the western powers, so that it will not be used to

consult with their leaders before giving final approval to the

produce weapons-grade plutonium and support

draft. The idea behind the draft ceasefire agreement is to bring

only peaceful research.

all the rebels into a process that will lead on to talks on greater

Iran will provide regular access to the International

devolution of power and resources which is something that

has been resisted by the Myanmar government since 1948.
www.ias100.in

The move is also a major victory for the Myanmars semi-

ADB and India Signed Loan

Agreement to Improve Connectivity
in NE Region

civilian government which made ending hostilities with the

armed rebel groups a top priority since it took power in 2011
after 49 years of military rule.

The Union Ministry of Finance and the Asian

China and Sri Lanka Inked Five

Agreements

Development Bank (ADB) on 26 March 2015 signed a loan

agreement for 300 million US dollars to improve road
connectivity along the North Bengal-North Eastern (NB-NE)

China and Sri Lanka signed five agreements on 26 March

2015 to deepen development partnership between the two
countries.

Region.

Salient Features of the Visit:

and efficiency of the international trade corridors by

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The funds will be utilized to improve road connectivity

expanding roads in NB-NE region of the country.

Both the countries reiterated the shared adherence

Tarun Bajaj, Joint Secretary (Multilateral Institutions) in

of the two countries to the Five Principles of Peaceful

Co-existence or Pancha Sheela.

cooperation for special aid in public health,

development of water treatment methods and
technologies in kidney disease affected areas,

Agreement on behalf of the Government of India and ADB

respectively.

Terms of the Agrrement:

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research and development of the coconut industry

and Teresa Kho, ADBS country Director in India, signed the

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The two nations signed five agreements related to

the Department of Economic Affairs of Ministry of Finance

and refurbishment of the Superior Courts Complex

in Sri Lanka.

The loan is the first tranche under 500 million US

During the talks between the Sri Lankan president

Cooperation Road Connectivity Investment Program

dollar South Asian Sub-Regional Economic

(SRCIP). Under this multi-tranche program, about

agreed to kick start third round of negotiations to

conclude the proposed China-Sri Lanka Free Trade

500 km of roads will be constructed in the NB-NE

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and his chinese counter part Xi Jinping it was also

region.

Agreement (FTA).

Sri Lanka accepted the Chinas invitation to become

a founding-member of the Chinese proposed Asian

Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

China agreed to provide for 2000 training

opportunities for young scientists from Sri Lanka in

The funds will be utilized to construct two national

highways totaling about 150 km in West Bengal and
State roads totaling about 180 km in Manipur, which
will be extended till the Myanmar Border.
The loan amount makes-up nearly 71 percent of the
total project cost of about 425 million US dollars with

China agreed to set up Chinese language training

the central and state governments providing

centres in Sri Lanka to deepen cultural partnership

counterpart finance of about 125 million US dollars.

the next five years.

between both the countries.

CONCERN FOR INDIA
The relations between Sri Lanka and China are of
utmost importance for India in terms of national security.
The recent Chinese initiatives like Maritime Silk Road
and involvement of Chinese firms in infrastructure
projects in Sri Lanka are seen as a part of Chinas strategy
to encircle India by deepening partnership with Indias
neighbours.
www.ias100.in

The loan has a 25-year repayment term, including a

five-year grace period with an annual interest rate
determined in accordance with ADBs LIBOR
(London Interbank Offered Rate)-based lending
facility.
The project is expected to be completed by 31
December 2021.

[39]

SRCIP
SRCIP is a strategic initiative that aims to achieve
regional integration among the members of the South
Asia Sub regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC)
group by improving road connectivity within the NBNE Region in India. The members of this group are
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal.

India and Qatar inked Economic and

Commercial Agreements
India and Qatar on 25 March 2015 signed six agreements
to increase commercial and economic exchanges between
India and Qatar. The deals have a special focus on the Make
in India initiative.

Agreements are:
Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons: Under
this agreement, Indian prisoners convicted in Qatar
can be brought to India to serve the remaining part
of their sentence. Similarly Qatari Citizens convicted
in India can be sent to his home country to serve
their sentence.

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Military Operation Led By Saudi

Arabia Against Houthi Rebels
Saudi Arabia on 25 March 2015 launched a military
rebels, who drove out the Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu
Mansour Hadi. It launched the operation in coalition with
nine other countries of the region.
The operation against the Houthi rebels was launched

s1

to defend and support the legitimate government of Yemen

and prevent the radical Houthi movement from taking over
the country.

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The airstrikes have targeted the Presidential palace and

the police and Special Forces headquarters in the capital,
Sanaa.

The operation led by Saudi Arabia is joined by Jordan,

Sudan, Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan and countries of Gulf

Cooperation Council (GCC), viz., Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and

the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Besides, the US President Barack Obama though had

authorised logistical and intelligence support for the

operation but US forces will not participate directly in the
operation in Yemen.

Earlier, the President of Yemen Abd-Rabbu Mansour fled

his palace in Aden as Houthi rebels advanced towards the
southern port city.
Iran backed Shiite rebels have been demanding economic
and political reforms in Yemen and have made rapid gains
in recent months. In the third week of March 2015, Shiite
rebels seized Yemens third largest city Taiz and in February
2015 took command of the capital Sanaa leading to the US
closing its operation in Sanaa.

[40]

MoU for Cooperation in the field of Information and

Communication Technology: This MoU would
provide enhanced business opportunities for Indian
IT industry in Qatar. Qatar has embarked on an
ambitious programme for overall development as
part of their Qatar 2030 vision and has created a
dedicated Ministry of Information and
Communication Technology for capacity building
in ICT.

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operation including airstrikes in Yemen against the Houthi

MoU between Ministry of Earth sciences and Qatar

Meteorological Department for Scientific and
Technical cooperation: The scientific collaboration
between India and Qatar will be beneficial to improve
atmospheric & Oceanic capacity in both the
countries.
MoU between Diplomatic Institute of MOFA, Qatar
and Foreign Service Institute, MEA: This MoU would
help in exchange of trainees, students, faculty
members and experts between India and Qatar to
enhance their skills and improve the training
programme in both the countries.
MoU for cooperation in the field of Radio and
Television: This MoU intends to encourage regular
exchange of radio and TV programmes and material
between Prasar Bharati of India and Qatar Media
Cooperation.
Agreement for Mutual Cooperation and Exchange
of News: The agreement between Qatari News
Agency and United News of India is to enhance and
develop bilateral cooperation in the field of exchange
of English-language news on daily basis and free of
charge.
www.ias100.in

US Agreed to Keep Troops in

Afghanistan

Talks Between India and China on

the Border dispute
18th round of talks between the Special Representatives

The United States (US) President Barack Obama on 24

of India and China on the Boundary Question was held in

March 2015 agreed to slow the US military pullout from the

New Delhi on 24 March 2015.

war-torn Afghanistan through the end of year 2015.

As per the agreement reached between Barack Obama

Key highlights of theTalks:

and Afghanistans President Ashraf Ghani in Washington

India and China agreed to maintain peace along their

Himalayan border till an amicable solution to
pending border disputes is found.

The US will maintain 9800 troops in Afghanistan

through the end of the year 2015.
Obama also promised to end Americas longest war
by the end of his term. That is, the US will not depart

cooperation.

in Kabul by the end of 2016.

strengthening bilateral ties.

from its current plan of closing its bases in

Afghanistan and consolidate the remaining US forces
Both Obama and Ghani agreed that an end to the

00

Also, the two Special Representatives emphasized

the importance of high-level exchanges for

. in

The two sides also discussed the issue of

counterterrorism, maritime security, climate change,
reform of the United Nations and civil nuclear energy

war in Afghanistan could only come through a

political deal with the Taliban.

Earlier, it was planned that the US will cut the presence

of its troop in Afghanistan to 5500 by the end of 2015.

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The two sides also agreed to build on the momentum

provided by the Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit

to India in September 2014 to further expand bilateral

relations in areas such as railways, smart cities,
vocational education, skill development, clean and

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renewable energy and manufacturing sector.

Both sides also agreed that growing linkages between

Indian States and Chinese Provinces through sistercity and sister-province mechanism plays an
important role in deepening bilateral ties.

The framework of talks between Special Representatives

between India and China on Boundary Questions was

adopted in 2003.
INDIA-CHINA BORDER DISPUTE

The border dispute between India and China is related

to disagreement over the 4056 kilometers Indo-China
border which is also called Line of Actual Control (LoAC).
China claims more than 90000 sq km in the eastern sector
of the Himalayas which is disputed by India. Much of
that forms the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which
China calls South Tibet.
India claims that China occupies 38000 square km of its
territory on the Aksai Chin plateau in the west.
Also, under a China-Pakistan boundary agreement
signed in March 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5180 sq.
km of Indian Territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to
China, an area north of the Siachen glacier.
www.ias100.in

Keeping the extra US troops through the end of the year

2015 would ensure that the Afghan forces- continue to make

improvements to guarantee that far-flung units have the food,
ammunition and intelligence required to fight on their own.

Trends in International Arms

Transfers 2014 : SIPRI Report
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
on 16 March 2015 released Trends in International Arms
Transfers 2014 report.
According to it, India is the worlds largest importer of
weapons and military equipment, accounting for 15 percent
of global imports, with Russia being its majority supplier.

Findings of the Report:

The volume of transfers of major weapons in 2010
14 was 16 percent higher than in 2005 2009.
The five biggest exporters in 201014 were the USA,
Russia, China, Germany and France. Together, they
accounted for 74 percent of the volume of arms
exports. Combined, the USA and Russia supplied
58 percent of all exports.
China replaced Germany as the third largest arms
exporter in 201014, in 20052009 China was
ranked ninth.
Total exports from all EU member states in 201014
were 16 percent lower than in 20052009; in 2005

[41]

2009 EU export volumes were higher than those for

SIPRI

the USA or Russia, while in 201014 they were below

SIPRI is an independent international institute

dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms
control and disarmament. Established in 1966, SIPRI
provides data, analysis and recommendations, based
on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media
and the interested public.

US and Russian export totals.

The five biggest importers in 201014 were India,
Saudi Arabia, China, the UAE and Pakistan.
Together, they received 33 percent of all arms
imports.

followed by the Middle East (22 percent), Europe (12

percent), the Americas (10 percent) and Africa (9
percent).
Between 20052009 and 201014, arms imports by
states in Africa increased by 45 percent, Asia and
Oceania by 37 percent, the Middle East by 25 percent
and the Americas by 7 percent. Imports by states in
Europe decreased by 36 percent.

14, accounting for 15 percent of the global total.

This scheme allows the holder of short-stay visa issued

by the country of first arrival to travel freely between Ireland
and the UK including Northern Ireland, for the duration of
that visa.

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Between 20052009 and 201014 imports increased

In 201014 Indias imports were three times larger
than those of its regional rivals China and Pakistan.

This contrasts with 20052009 when Indias imports

were 23 percent below Chinas and just over double
those of Pakistan.

India has so far failed to produce competitive

indigenous-designed weapons and remains

dependent on imports.

In 201014 Russia supplied 70 percent of Indias

arms imports, the USA 12 percent and Israel 7

percent. The acquisitions from the USA are a break
with the recent past.
Prior to 20052009 India barely received any major
weapons from the USA. However, there now appears
to be an upward trend in arms imports from the USA.
Imports in 201014 were 15 times higher than in
20052009 and included advanced weapons such
as anti-submarine warfare aircraft. In 2014
additional deals with the USA were agreed,
including for 22 combat helicopters.

[42]

The scheme allows Indian nationals to travel to the United

Kingdom (UK) and Ireland on a single-visit visa from either
country, on the same trip.
Applicant can apply at one of the existing Visa
Application Centres in India of Ireland & the UK.

India was the largest importer of major arms in 2010

by 140 percent.

The British Irish Visa Scheme came into force in India on

10 February 2015. The information related to this was revealed
by Minister of State for External Affairs, VK Singh while
answering the unstarred questions in Rajya Sabha on 12
March 2015.

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India: Arms Trade Scenario

British Irish Visa Scheme Came into

Force in India

. in

Oceania (accounting for 48 percent of imports),

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The main recipient region in 201014 was Asia and

MoUs Between India and Mauritius

to Enhance Bilateral Relations

India and Mauritius inked 5 Memorandum of

Understandings (MoUs) on 11 March 2015 to give new
impetus to bilateral co-operation between the two nations.
This was the first visit to Mauritius by an Indian Prime
Minister in over three decades.
The five MoUs which were signed between the two
nations include:
MoU in the field of Ocean Economy: The agreement
provides for mutually beneficial cooperation for
exploration and capacity development in the field of
marine resources, fisheries, green tourism, research
and development of ocean technology, exchange of
experts and other related activities
MoU on Programme for Cultural Cooperation for the
year 2015-18: The programme will help to enhance
bilateral cooperation and will also enhance greater
people-to-people participation between the two
countries.
MoU on the Protocol for the importation of fresh
mango from India: The aim of this Protocol is to
facilitate importation of fresh mango fruits from India
by Mauritius to enable the Mauritian to relish the
flavor of the world-renowned Indian mangoes.
www.ias100.in

Cooperation in Infrastructure development

Cooperation in Sale of navigation charts and

electronic navigational charts

PM also launched the Coastal Surveillance Radar

Project in Seychelles, describing it as another symbol of the
cooperation between the two countries. He also announced
that India will grant free visas to for three months to the
citizens of Seychelles.
Moreover, Seychelles will continue to make an enormous
contribution to the safety and security of the Indian Ocean
Region. With this visit, Modi became the first Indian Prime
Minister to visit Seychelles in 34 years. Indira Gandhi had
visited the country in 1981.

Sri Lanka Temporarily Suspended

Colombo Port City Project of China

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MoU on Cooperation in the field of Traditional

System of Medicine and Homeopathy: This MoU will
promote cooperation in the field of traditional system
of health and medicine between the two countries. It
envisages exchange of experts, supply of traditional
medicinal substances, joint research and
development and recognition of the traditional
systems of health and medicine in both countries. It
also aims at promotion and popularization of the
various Indian traditional systems which fall under
AYUSH.

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MoU for the Improvement in Sea and Air

Transportation Facilities at Agalega Island of
Mauritius: This will help in betterment of the
condition of the inhabitants of this remote Island.
These facilities will enhance the capabilities of the
Mauritian Defence Forces in safeguarding their
interests in the Outer Island.

India also offered a concessional line of credit of 500

million US dollars to Mauritius for key infrastructure projects.

The decision was taken in Cabinet meeting chaired by

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe based
upon the Interim Report submitted by a cabinet subcommittee. The committee was appointed by the Sri Lankan
Government to review the project.

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Also, fee on the Electronic Travel Authorisation to

visiting Mauritian citizens was waived off. The fee was
waived off with an aim to enhance people-to-people contact
between the two nations along with promotion of tourism.

Sri Lankan Government on 5 March 2015 temporarily

suspended construction work of Chinas port city project in
Colombo with immediate effect.

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The two Prime Ministers also discussed ways to combat

climate change.

The MoUs which were signed during the visit of Prime

Minister Modis visit can be seen as an approach to revive
the cultural ties between the two nations along with economic
as well as maritime security options. These MoUs will also
broaden the regional cooperation and enhance peace and
prosperity in maritime region.

The MoU on the co-operation in the Ocean Economy lays

ahead a chance for the two nations to develop new areas of
ocean economy and follow sustainable practices in use of
blue assets. It also provides a chance to boost scientific and
economic partnership as well as understanding of marine
ecology.

India and Seychelles: Agreements to

Boost Security Cooperation
India on 11 March 2015 signed agreements with the
Indian Ocean island nation Seychelles to boost security and
maritime partnership.
The four agreements were signed includes::

Cooperation in hydrography

Cooperation in renewable energy

www.ias100.in

The Interim Report had alleged that this mega real estate
deal with China was signed without following the proper
procedures and was implemented without relevant
approvals from the concerned institutions.
COLOMBO PORT CITY PROJECT
Colombo Port City project is the single-largest foreign
direct investment in Sri Lanka worth 1.5 billion US
dollar. The project was inaugurated in September 2014
by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The project was signed
by the then Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa
to reclaim 233 hectares of land from the sea to build a
port city on a 99-year lease. As part of the project, Chinese
company was to develop commercial and entertainment
hub which include shopping malls, water sports, golf,
hotels, apartments and marinas.

Agreement between India and Spain

on Mutual Protection of Classified
Information
India and Spain on 5 March 2015 signed an agreement
on Mutual Protection of Classified Information to provide
the framework for enhanced bilateral cooperation in areas
of defence research, development and technology
cooperation.

[43]

The Kathmandu-Varanasi-Kathmandu bus service was

on 5 March 2015 flagged off jointly by India and Nepal.
The bus service was launched under the ambit of Motor
Vehicle Agreement signed between India and Nepal during
the 18th SAARC Summit.
This is the second direct bus service between Nepal and
India. Earlier in November 2014, during the 18th SAARC
Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepals
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala jointly launched the direct bus
service between Kathmandu and the New Delhi.

Significanse of this initiative:

It will be a six-year Silk Road development project.

This project will also build 12 civilian airports in the
next six years. Thus, expanding the air service reach to 82
percent of the provinces population.
The project aims to revive Chinas trade links, its
declining exports and will globally enhance its sphere of
influence.
The Silk Road Infrastructure projects are part of Chinas
ambitious Silk Route plan, which involves maze of roads
and ports connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.

. in

Kathmandu-Varanasi-Kathmandu
Bus Service

kilometres of road network including 4070 km expressways.

USA Approved Net Neutrality Rules

to Protect Internet
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the
United States (US) on 26 February 2015 voted to implement
the Net Neutrality Rules.

00

The agreement was signed to provide the framework for

an enhanced cooperation in the defence sector. This is the
primary pact that India agreed before embarking on deeper
talks on Defence cooperation.

The rules seek to make sure that Internet Service

Providers (ISPs) in the US treat all legal content equally so as

to preserve the Internet as a platform for innovation, free
expression and economic growth.

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The Varanasi to Kathmandu service is called the

Bharat-Nepal Maitri Bus Seva (India-Nepal
Friendship Bus Service).

Salient Features:

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It seeks to promote religious tourism and people-topeople contact between both the countries by
connecting the two religious cities.

This bus service will connect Kathmandus

Pashupatinath Temple with Varanasis Kashi
Vishwanath Temple as both shrines are considered
important pilgrimage sites by Shiva worshippers all
around the world.

The Varanasi to Kathmandu AC bus service will be

a daily bus service which will reach Kathmandu via
Azamgarh, Gorakhpur and Sonauli (Maharajganj
district), covering about 600 km distance in 12 hours.

Silk Road Infrastructure Project of

China in Gansu
China on 28 February 2015 launched a massive Silk Road
Infrastructure project worth 79.8 billion US dollars in the
northwest province of Gansu. The project was launched as a
part of Chinas ambitious Silk Route plan.
This project will facilitate exchange of trade and tourism
between China and central Asian Countries. Gansu province
does not share its borders with any central Asian countries
but it will be an important part of the Silk Road
Economic Belt.
On its completion, the project will add more than 60000

[44]

Broadband access has been classified as a

telecommunication service which means that it will
be subject to much heavier regulation
Broadband providers cannot block or speed up
connections for a fee
The rules bars internet providers from any deals
with content firms, known as paid prioritisation, for
smoother delivery of traffic to consumers
Interconnection deals have been regulated.
Interconnection deals means a place where content
companies pay broadband providers to connect to
their networks
Firms that feel that they are levied with unjust fees
can complain to the FCC in which each case will be
dealt with on a case by case basis
These rules are also applied to mobile providers as
well as fixed line providers

These rules are guided by three principles, namely

Americas broadband networks must be fast, fair and open.
The principles were shared by a majority of nearly 4 million
people who participated in the FCCs Open Internet
proceeding.
www.ias100.in

Stressing the importance of the United Nations

NET NEUTRALITY

cooperation with international partners, the Council

The term was coined by Columbia University media

requested the Secretary-General to propose options for

law professor Tim Wu in 2003 as an extension of the

strengthening the office of the Special Adviser.

longstanding concept of a common carrier.Net neutrality

also known as Internet neutrality is the principle that

It also called on Secretary-General to propose options on

Internet service providers and governments should treat

UN assistance for finalizing and adopting the Constitution

all data on the Internet equally, not discriminating or

in Yemen, carrying out electoral reform and holding general

elections.

charging differentially by user, content, site, platform,

application, type of attached equipment, or mode of

YEMEN CRISIS

communication.

Yemen has been beset by unrest for months. The country

has been marred by fights between Houthis militias and

periodic uprisings since 2004 in an effort to win greater

autonomy for their northern heartland of Saada province.
They consolidated their control over Saada during the
2011 uprising that forced long-time President Ali
Abdullah Saleh to step down. In September 2014, they
gained control of Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. Houthis
accuse President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi and other
leaders of putting their interests ahead of the Yemeni
people. However, the opponents allege that the rebels
ultimately hope to reinstall the Zaidi imamate, which

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Main Highlights:

branch of Shia Islam known as Zaidism, have staged

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The resolution was brought after the 15-member UNSC

that Yemen was collapsing under the weight of a protracted
political crisis, widespread attacks by Al-Qaida, increasing
secessionist tendencies in the south and an acute
humanitarian crisis.

Yemen government. The Houthis, who adhere to a

00

United Nation Security Council (UNSC) on 15 February

2015 adopted the Resolution 2201 demanding immediate and
unconditional withdrawal of Houthis from the government
institutions of Yemen.

. in

UNSC Resolution 2201 Against

Houthis

The resolution demanded Houthis to safely release

President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and all others from
house arrest, and engage in good faith in UN-brokered
negotiations designed to keep the fracturing Middle Eastern
country on a steady path towards democratic transition.

The Council strongly deplored actions by the Houthis,

who had gained control of the capital Sanaa in September
2014, to dissolve parliament and take over Government
institutions.

ruled North Yemen for almost 1000 years until 1962.

First-Ever Bilateral Dialogue

India-US held on United Nations
India and the US on 19 February 2015 held their firstever bilateral dialogue on the United Nations (UN) and other
multilateral issues in Washington.
The dialogue was held in the spirit of the Delhi
Declaration of Friendship which was released during the
visit of US President Barack Obama to India in January 2015.

It strongly called on all parties, in particular the Houthis,

to abide by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative
and its Implementation Mechanism, as well as the outcomes
of the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and the
Peace and National Partnership Agreement, which provided
for a Yemeni-led democratic transition.

2015 Development Agenda, the UN Human Rights Council,

The Council also demanded that all parties cease armed

hostilities against the people and legitimate authorities of
Yemen, and relinquish arms seized from military and security
institutions.

to hold regular consultations in multilateral forums and

The resolution urged all parties to agree upon and

publicly announce dates for completing the constitutional
consultation process, hold a referendum on the text and
conduct elections under the new electoral law.

www.ias100.in

Besides discussing the UN issue, the dialogue between

the two countries also focused on international peace and
security, peacekeeping operations, counter-piracy, the Postand other matters of mutual interest.
Delhi Declaration of Friendship released on 25 January
2015 during the visit of US President Barack Obama as a
chief guest on 2015 Republic Day. Within the framework of
the Delhi Declaration of Friendship, India and the US vowed
strengthen and expand the relationship between the two
countries.

[45]

India - Bangladesh to step up Joint

Border Patrolling

good connectivity, lack of banking arrangement both

for regular and border trade.

India and Bangladesh on 17 February 2015 decided to

step up joint patrolling along the boundary to act against
criminals and smugglers. The coordinated border
management plan will also help in enhancing cooperation
between the two nations.

In context of bottlenecks, India offered to support

Myanmar to develop infrastructure at the border
trade points, upgrade trade training institutes in
Yangon and provide training to Myanmar officials
on World Trade Organisation (WTO) and
international trade related issues.
To promote bilateral trade, India offered to support
subsidised direct shipping links between the two
countries

Highlightes of the Meet:

The two sides agreed to vigil on the border by
deployment of troops of Bangladesh in unguarded
border areas of Bangladesh, particularly along the
borders facing Tripura and Mizoram.

The two sides agreed to resolve the issues concerning

fishermen drifting inadvertently across the maritime
boundaries

. in

The next Joint Trade and Investment Forum will be held

in Chennai. During this forum, Myanmar would organise a
roadshow showcasing investment opportunities in Myanmar
especially in the special economic zones.

s1

The two sides discussed about the security and

border management-related issues between the two
countries

Both sides also agreed to meet more often to ensure

enhancement of bilateral trade and mutual
cooperation to impart further momentum to overall
strengthening of bilateral relations.

00

The two sides agreed to act against the criminals

engaged in human trafficking from Bangladesh to
India and other countries.

The two ministers also agreed to jointly inaugurate

the land custom station in Zawkhatar, Mizoram at a
mutually convenient date.

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The meetings of Deputy Commissioners or District

Magistrates of the districts bordering India and
Bangladesh were also resumed, after a long time

Apart from this, India also appreciated the steps taken

by the Bangladesh authorities in acting against the carriers
of fake Indian currency notes as well as the actions taken
against the Indian Insurgent Groups taking shelter in the
bordering areas of Bangladesh.

5th India-Myanmar Joint Trade

Committee Meet Held in Nay Pyi Taw

The 5th India-Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC)

meeting was held in Nay Pyi Taw in Myanmar on 17 February
2015.
During the meeting, the two nations committed towards
strengthening mutually beneficial relationship especially in
field of promoting two-ways investment, infrastructure
development particularly to promote border trade,
connectivity, agriculture, energy, skill and entrepreneurial
development, pharmaceutical and people-to-people contacts.

Highlights of the Meet:

Both the countries agreed to work together to remove
the bottlenecks that hampers the bilateral trade and
investment. The bottlenecks identified were lack of

[46]

India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Agreement

on Civil Nuclear Cooperation

India and Sri Lanka on 16 February 2015 signed bilateral

agreements on civil nuclear cooperation, cultural cooperation
and cooperation in the field of Agriculture. Besides, an
agreement was also signed for Sri Lankas participation in
the Nalanda University Project.
India and Sri Lanka also agreed to expand defence and
strategic cooperation, including a trilateral format with the
Maldives.

Agreement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation

This agreement will facilitate the transfer and
exchange of knowledge, expertise and resources in
peaceful use of Nuclear energy between both nations.
India will assist Sri Lanka in developing its civil
nuclear energy infrastructure including training of
personnel in peaceful use of nuclear energy, use of
radioisotopes, nuclear safety, radiation safety and
nuclear security.
It will also facilitate cooperation in radioactive waste
management and nuclear and radiological disaster
mitigation and environmental protection.
This is the first such agreement signed by Sri Lanka.
www.ias100.in

Other Agreements

SAARC nations, cricket helps people of the region to connect

The agreement on Cultural cooperation was signed

between both the nations for the years 2015-18. It
seeks to enhance cooperation in different fields like

With this cricket diplomacy, Modi also announced that

the soon the Foreign Secretary Dr S Jaishankar will be sent on
a SAARC Yatra to further strengthen the ties

arts, visuals arts, cultural documentation,

archaeology, handicrafts, etc.

Cricket Diplomacy

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was

Cricket diplomacy means use of cricket as a political tool

signed on establishment of Nalanda University. It

will enable Sri Lanka to participate in Indias
Nalanda University project.

to enhance or worsen the diplomatic relations between two

on cooperation in the field of Agriculture. It will

facilitate bilateral cooperation in Agro Processing,
Agricultural extension, horticulture, agricultural
machinery, training in farm mechanization, livestock

cricket playing nations. Cricket, the second-most widely

played game in the world after football is used as a political
tool to bridge the gap in diplomatic vacuum. It can be said
that cricket diplomacy is better than gunboat diplomacy in

. in

Another MoU was signed between both the nations

which forces are deployed and coercion is used against the

opponent.

00

diseases, etc.

with each other and promote goodwill.

Cricket Diplomacy between India and Pakistan

The agreement on civil nuclear cooperation between

India and Sri Lanka may prove to be a game changer in the
South Asia region and is a sign of a closer strategic

relations. The cricket diplomacy between India and Pakistan

began in 1987, the year when the then Pakistans president,
General Zia ul-Haq, attended a test match between India and

s1

partnership between Sri Lankas government led by Srisena

and India.

In context of India and Pakistan, the cricket diplomacy

has been playing a vital role in bridging the gap in diplomatic

Also, Srisena making his first official visit to India after

becoming the President signifies the importance which the

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new government in Sri Lanka attaches to India as a regional

ally following years of uneasy relations with India.
Further, this is a good sign for stronger and healthy ties

between the two countries, especially given Indias growing

fear of Chinas proximity to Sri Lanka, which is perceived as
a security threat for India

PM Narendra Modi initiated SAARC

Cricket Diplomacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 February 2015

called four SAARC leaders, namely Pakistan, Sri Lanka,

Bangladesh and Afghanistan to wish for 2015 Cricket World
Cup. He called the leaders of the cricket playing nations and

Pakistan in Jaipur. His arrival to India helped to end the

tensions that they faced against the Soviet invasion of
Afghanistan and Soviet pressure on India.
Further in 2005, the then President of Pakistan General
Pervez Musharraf visited India to watch a cricket match and
met Man Mohan Singh to revive talks on Kashmir. After the
2005, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani toured
India during 2011 Cricekt World Cup to watchthe semifinal
match between India and Pakistan. This helped the two
nations to ease their relationship which was estranged after
the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

China Launched First Maritime Silk

Road Cruise Liner from Beihai Port

wished them luck.

China on 9 February 2015 launched its first cruise liner

to sail via its ambitious transcontinental initiative Maritime

Five SAARC Nations are playing in the ongoing Cricket

World Cup. Modi called and wished luck to Pakistani Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani,

Silk Road (MSR). The sail was launched from the Beihai port
located in southwest Chinas Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous
Region.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President of

Sri Lanka Maithiripala Sirisena.

During its maiden tour the liner will visit three South-

This courtesy call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi can

be termed as Cricket Diplomacy, which has been used in
past by other leaders of the world for connecting their
countries through the means of sports. In context of the
www.ias100.in

East Asian nations namely Vietnam, the Gulf of Thailand

and Malaysia.
The cruise liner is a 135-meter-long and 20-meter-wide
that can accommodate 400 people and is equipped with
wireless internet access.

[47]

MARITIME SILK ROAD

BALKAN WARS AND YUGOSLAVIA BREAKUP

The 21st century Maritime Silk Road project is an

initiative of President of China Xi Jingping who in 2013
proposed the rejuvenation of the MSR and revival of
the ancient Silk Road to establish close relation between
the China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian
Nations) communities.The MSR seeks to string together
partnerships with countries in the Asia-Pacific and
Indian Ocean, including IndiaThis maritime route
entails expanding ports and industrial parks in Asia,
the Mideast, Africa and Europe.For development of the
MSR, China had announced a 40 billion US dollar Silk
Road fund which became operational from February
2015.

. in

Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Macedonia declared

independence, sparking conflicts with the Serbdominated Yugoslav army. In 2006, Montenegro also
emerged as a sovereign state ending the former Union
of Serbia and Montenegro.
GENOCIDE CONVENTION, 1948

The convention entered into force in 1951 and defined

genocide as any of the following acts committed with
intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical,
racial or religious group:

s1

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 3 February 2015

ruled that neither Croatia nor Serbia had committed genocide
against each others populations during the 1990s Balkan
Wars sparked by the breakup of the former Yugoslavia.

Yugoslavia became a Socialist state after World War-II.

It comprised of six republics Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia.
The federation began falling apart in the early 1990s.

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ICJ Ruled Neither Croatia Nor Serbia

Committed Genocide

The cases were part of the long legal fall-out from the
break-up of Yugoslavia into seven states in Balkan Wars
that lasted for much of the 1990s and left more than
130000 dead in Europes worst conflagration since
World War-II.

Killing members of the group

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The 17-judge panel headed by Judge Peter Tomka ruled

that a 1995 Croat offensive to win back the territory from
rebel Serbs featured serious crimes, but did not reach the level
of genocide.
The Court further said that Serb forces committed
widespread crimes in Croatia, but it also did not amount to
genocide.

Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members

of the group

genocide by the court because the intention of destruction

was not present in the act of ethnic cleansing which though

Imposing measures intended to prevent births

within the group

The crimes of Croatia and Serbia were not termed as

Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of

life calculated to bring about its physical destruction
in whole or in part

is an element of a genocidal plan.

The panel of judges rejected Croatias claim by fifteen

votes to two. Croatia was claiming reparations against Serbia
for backing a rebel Serb minority in carrying out ethnic
cleansing particularly in the eastern town of Vukovar.
Serbias counterclaim was also rejected unanimously.
Serbia counterclaimed over the expulsion of more than 200000
ethnic Serbs from Croatia in 1995 under Operation Storm in
Krajina.
The court gave the ruling based on cases of the
International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia
(ICTY) which proved that there was evidence to show
operations had the effect of making people flee, but could not
establish intent for genocide as per the 1948 Genocide
Convention.

[48]

Forcibly transferring children of the group to another

group

Joint Communiqu of
India-Russia-China
13th meet of the Foreign Ministers of India, Russia and
China was held in Beijing, China on 2 February 2015.
The three foreign ministers namely Sushma Swaraj
(India), Wang Yi (China) and Sergey Lavrov (Russia) after
the meet released a Joint Communiqu.
The communiqu emphasised on cooperation between
their countries which is conducive to maintain international
and regional peace and stability and promoting global
economic growth and prosperity.
www.ias100.in

Main Highlights:

They agreed that there is a need for all countries to

join efforts in combating terrorism under the auspices
of the United Nations, in accordance with the UN
Charter and principles and norms of international
law and for the robust implementation of relevant
UN Security Council resolutions and the Global
Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

They agreed to build a more just, fair and stable

international political and economic order in
accordance with the purposes and principles of the
UN Charter, the Five Principles of Peaceful CoExistence (Panchsheel) and other basic norms of
international law.
They agreed to further strengthen coordination on
global issues and practical cooperation, in the spirit

Asia-Pacific Affairs

of openness, solidarity, mutual understanding and

. in

trust.
They agreed to enhance cooperation in think-tanks,
business, agriculture, disaster mitigation and relief,

as in other fields of energy, high tech, environmental

protection and connectivity

Israel-Palestine conflict

China and Russia welcomed Indias application for

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full membership of Shanghai Cooperation

Organization (SCO) and supported India to join the
SCO after completing all necessary negotiations and
legal processes.

Russia and India welcomed and supported the

efforts of China to host the 2016 G20 Summit and
reiterated their readiness to contribute to its

Syria

On Syria, they reiterated that there is no military

solution to the Syrian crisis and urged all parties to
abjure violence and resume peace negotiations based
on Geneva Communiqu of June 2012.

Further, they called on all parties in Syria to

implement relevant resolutions of the UN Security
Council, and fully cooperate with the United Nations
and relevant international organizations in their
humanitarian efforts.

They called on the international community to abide

by the guiding principles of the United Nations on
humanitarian assistance.

successful results.

They agreed to hold the next trilateral meeting in

Russia in the second half of 2015.

Role of United Nations in International Relations

They agreed to safeguard a fair and equitable
international order based on the purposes and
principles of the UN Charter, preventing war and
conflict and promoting the progress and
development of mankind.
They welcomed the inclusion of the item of
Seventieth anniversary of the end of the Second
World War in the agenda of the 69th session of the
UN General Assembly, and supported the United
Nations and member states to initiate and organize
commemorative events.
www.ias100.in

On Israel-Palestine conflict, the leaders of three

nations supported the resolution of the IsraelPalestine conflict based on the relevant United
Nations resolutions, the principle of land for peace,
the Arab Peace Initiative, with the purpose of
establishing a sovereign, independent, viable and
united State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its
capital, living within secure and recognized borders,
side by side, at peace with Israel.

s1

They agreed to promote parliamentary, media,

cultural and youth exchanges including visits of
young diplomats.

00

medical services and public health.

They explored potential for cooperation in oil and
natural gas production and transportation, as well

On Asia-Pacific Region, they agreed to strengthen

coordination and cooperation in a joint effort to
maintain lasting peace and stability in the AsiaPacific region. To this end, they agreed to establish a
trilateral Russia-India-China consultation
mechanism on Asia-Pacific affairs, with the first
meeting to be held at an early date.

Afghanistan

They agreed to support broad and inclusive peace

and reconciliation in Afghanistan that is Afghanled and Afghan-owned, as well as to help
Afghanistans integration into the region through

[49]

They also stressed their commitment to implementing

the Beijing Declaration for security and prosperity
in Afghanistan and the region.

Ukraine Crisis

They called on all parties in the inter-Ukraine conflict

to exercise restraint and fully implement the Minsk
Protocol, engage in comprehensive dialogue and
pursue a peaceful resolution of the crisis through
political negotiations.
They also called for an independent, objective, fair
and transparent international investigation into the
crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, and parties
concerned should engage in cooperation within the
framework of Resolution 2166 of the UN Security
Council.

They also reiterated their commitments to enhancing

cooperation within the framework of G20, and called
on all G20 members to strengthen macroeconomic
policy coordination, reject protectionism.

Climate Change

They reiterated the importance attached by the three

countries to the issue of climate change, and

expressed their readiness to work together to further

strengthen international cooperation to address
climate change and its adverse effect.

The Ministers also welcomed the adoption of the

Lima Call for Climate Action by the 20th United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP20).

Pakistan successfully test-fired

Cruise Missile Raad
Pakistan on 2 February 2015 successfully test-fired

[50]

Raad MISSILE
The missile is designed to operate with Pakistan
Air Force (PAF) aircrafts like Dassault Mirage III
ROSE and JF-17 combat aircraft.
This low altitude missile is designed to attack fixed
enemy installations such as radar posts, command
nodes, surface to air missile launchers, etc.
High maneuverability capabilities of missile enable
it to deliver nuclear and conventional warheads with
pin-point accuracy.
It has a range of 350 km and comprises stealth
capabilities due to its cruise technology.

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They called for immediate reform of the international

financial system to increase the voice and
representation of emerging markets and developing
countries, with a focus on the implementation of the
2010 IMF Quota and Governance Reform by the end
of 2015.

Raad was tested for the first time on 25 August 2007.

s1

International Financial System

The missile gave Pakistan Air Force a strategic standoff

capability on land and at sea indicating that Raad can be
launched at sea-based targets such as ships as well as landbased targets.

. in

indigenously developed Air Launched Cruise Missile

(ALCM) Raad. The missile, also called Thunder in Arabic,
has been developed by Pakistans Air Weapons Complex
and NESCOM.

00

its expanded trade and transport networks and

regional connectivity.

The missile can also be armed with a 10-35 kilo

tonne nuclear warhead.

India-US Joint Strategic Vision for

the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean
Region

India-US on 25 January 2015 declared Joint Strategic

Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region. The
joint vision was signed during the visit of US President
Barack Obama.
Joint Strategic Vision aimed to promote peace, prosperity
and stability in Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean region.

Joint Cooperation:
Promote accelerated infrastructure connectivity and
economic development in a manner that links South,
Southeast and Central Asia.
Enhanced energy transmission and encouraging free
trade and greater people-to-people linkages.
Affirm the importance of safeguarding maritime
security and ensuring freedom of navigation and
over flight throughout the region, especially in the
South China Sea as regional prosperity depends on
security.
www.ias100.in

To promote the shared values that have made both the

security, and economic cooperation.

countries countries great, recognizing their interests in peace,

The two leaders pledged to translate their commitment

prosperity and stability are well served by their common

of Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go of

commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

September 2014 into action through Sanjha Prayaas; Sab Ka

(UDHR).

Vikaas: Shared Effort; Progress For All.

To strengthen the East Asia Summit on its tenth

Economic Growth

anniversary to promote regional dialogue on key

political and security issues, and to work together to

In this regard, both the countries agreed to continue to

strengthen their broad-based partnership for development

The countries oppose terrorism, piracy, and the

through stronger trade, technology, manufacturing, and

proliferation of weapons of mass destruction within

investment linkages between the two countries and triangular

or from the region.

cooperation with partner countries.

. in

strengthen it.

They also committed to continue efforts to maintain

use of force and pursue resolution of territorial and

labour standards as per domestic law and agreed

maritime disputes through all peaceful means, in

international norms will make these linkages more durable.

accordance with universally recognized principles

of international law, including the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea.

00

The countries call on all parties to avoid the threat or

The two sides also committed to continuing to cooperate

on the finalization of the Post-Bali Work Programme in the

spirit of the Doha mandate.
Both the leaders instructed their officials to assess the

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To achieve this regional vision, both sides will

develop a roadmap that leverages their respective
efforts to increase ties among Asian powers, it will
enable both nations to better respond to diplomatic,

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economic and security challenges in the region.

Also, over the next five years, both sides have

committed to strengthen regional dialogues, invest

in trilateral consultations with third countries in the

region more robust, deepen regional integration,

strengthen regional forums, explore additional

multilateral opportunities for engagement, and

pursue areas where we can build capacity in the

region that bolster long-term peace and prosperity

for all.

Shared Effort; Progress for All:

India - US Joint Statement

India and the United States on 25 January 2015 released

the Joint Statement titled Shared Effort; Progress for All. The

prospects for moving forward with high-standard bilateral

investment treaty discussions given their respective
approaches.
The two sides agreed to hold a discussion on the elements

required in both countries to pursue an India-US Totalisation

Agreement.
Both the leaders committed to explore areas of
collaboration in skill development ranging from establishing
quality assurance systems for skilling certification standards,
setting up of skill development centres, nurturing and
promoting social entrepreneurship and strengthening the
innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Both the countries agreed to collaborate in the
implementation of Indias ambitious Digital India
programme and expand commercial cooperation by
encouraging investment engagement in the Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

Joint Statement was released during the US President Barack

The two sides agreed to hold public-private discussions

Obamas three day visit to India as the Chief Guest at Indias

in early 2015 under the aegis of the India-US Commercial

66th Republic Day celebrations.

Dialogue for a period of two years, until March 2016, on

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack

mutually agreed areas of cooperation.

Obama appreciated the significant efforts undertaken by both

Both the Leaders looked forward to enhancing

sides in recent months to re-energize the strategic partnership,

engagement on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in 2015

and affirmed expanding the substantive underpinnings of

under the High Level Working Group on Intellectual Property,

our diversified bilateral strategic partnership including

to the mutual benefit of both the countries.

through expanded strategic consultations, stronger defence,

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[51]

High Technology, Space and Health Cooperation

To this end, both the countries agreed to continue to
develop cooperative efforts in many areas of science,
technology, and innovation, including studying the impacts
of water, air pollution, sanitation and hygiene on human
health and well-being.
They also agreed to continue India-US collaboration in
hydrology and water studies and monsoon modelling and
noted the need to expeditiously work towards launching an

Prime Minister Modi and President Obama welcomed

the efforts made by both sides to expand bilateral defence
cooperation in areas of mutual interest and reaffirmed their
commitment to continue to work towards deepening the
bilateral defence relationship.
To this end, they emphasized the ongoing importance of
the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) in
developing new areas of technology cooperation in the
defence sector including through co-development and coproduction.
The two leaders committed to undertake efforts to make
the U.S.-India partnership a defining counter-terrorism
relationship for the 21st Century by deepening collaboration
to combat the full spectrum of terrorist threats and keep their
respective homelands and citizens safe from attacks.
Both the leaders agreed to continue ongoing efforts
through the Homeland Security Dialogue as well as the next
round of the U.S.-India Joint Working Group on Counter
Terrorism in late 2015 to develop actionable elements of
bilateral engagement.

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Indo-U.S. Climate Fellowship to facilitate human capacity

building.

Defence and Homeland Security Cooperation

. in

The two leaders also pledged to collaborate through

Indias Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN), to
facilitate short-term teaching and research programs by up
to 1000 visiting US academics in Indian universities.

of the global Call to Action to end preventable deaths among

mothers and children through a third meeting of the 24
participating countries in India in June 2015.

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Both the Leaders agreed to facilitate U.S. Trade and

Development Agency and Indian Railways technical
cooperation that will assist Indian Railways efforts to modify
its leasing and public-private partnership frameworks to
attract private sector funding.

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The two leaders also reaffirmed the importance of

ongoing efforts to strengthen womens participation in
science, technology, engineering, and math through
networking and mentoring programs.

Both the leaders agreed to further promote cooperative

and commercial relations between India and the United States
in the field of space.

Both the Leaders announced specific actions at home

and abroad to prevent the spread of infectious diseases,
including a CDC-Ministry of Health Ebola and GHSA
preparedness training, expansion of the India Epidemic
Intelligence Service, and development of a roadmap to achieve
the objectives of the GHSA within three years.

The two leaders also committed to multi-sectoral actions

countering the emergence and spread of antimicrobial
resistance (AMR), and cooperation in training of health
workers in preparedness for infectious disease threats.
The two leaders agreed to focus science and technology
partnerships on countering antibiotic resistant bacteria and
promoting the availability, efficacy and quality of
therapeutics.
Both the leaders also agreed to expand the India-U.S.
Health Initiative into a Healthcare Dialogue with relevant
stakeholders to further strengthen bilateral collaboration in
health sectors
The two Leaders also agreed to accelerate joint leadership

[52]

They also agreed to enter discussions to deepen

collaboration on UN terrorist designations, and reiterated
their call for Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the
November 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai to justice.

Clean Energy Goal and Cooperation

President Obama and Prime Minister Modi emphasized
the critical importance of expanding clean energy research,
development, manufacturing and deployment, which
increases energy access and reduces greenhouse gas
emissions.
To this end both the leaders announced actions to
advance Indias transition to low carbon economy. India
intends to increase the share of use of renewable in electricity
generation consistent with its intended goal to increase Indias
solar target to 100 gigawatts by 2022.
The United States intends to support Indias goal by
enhancing cooperation on clean energy and climate change.
These include
A renewed commitment to Partnership to Advance Clean
Energy Research (PACE-R), including extending funding for
three existing research tracks of solar energy, building energy
www.ias100.in

efficiency, and biofuels for an additional five years and

EU to Lift Ban on Import of Mangoes

from India

launching a new track on smart grid and grid storage.

Both the countries intended to expand our current

European Union (EU) on 20 January 2015 decided to lift

Partnership to Advance Clean Energy Deployment (PACE-

a seven-month-long ban on the import of mangoes from India.

D) through increased bilateral engagements and further joint

The proposal to lift the ban was voted unanimously by the

initiatives to expand cooperation in support of Indias

European Commissions standing committee on plant health.

ambitious targets in renewable energy.

India will be able to start the export again after a new EU

Accelerating Clean Energy Finance consistent with its

legislation is formally adopted and published by the

policies, to support private sector involvement for those

European Commission.

entities in contributing to Indias clean energy requirements

The decision to lift the ban was made after India, the

Implementing EPAs AIR Now-International Program

improvements in plant health controls and certification

information to help the urban dwellers to reduce their

system.

exposure to harmful levels of air pollution, and enable urban

improving Ambient Air Quality in the cities keeping in view
health and climate change co-benefits of these strategies.
Jointly Initiating Climate Resilience Tool Development

significant improvements in the phytosanitary export

certification system.

However, imports of four other products namely

aubergines, bitter gourds, snake gourds and patra leaves,

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that will work to downscale international climate models for

The Commissions Food and Veterinary Office in India

in September 2014 carried out an audit and showed

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policy planners to implement corrective strategies for

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worlds biggest producer of Mangoes made significant

and megacities partnerships, focused on disseminating

the Indian sub-continent to much higher resolution than

currently available.

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Demonstrating Clean Energy and Climate Initiatives

in the areas of space cooling, super-efficient
appliances, renewable energy storage, and smart
grids

Both countries concluded negotiations on a five year

MoU on Energy Security, Clean Energy and Climate
Change.
Global Issues and Regional Consultations
Both the leaders agreed to expand their efforts to assist

other developing countries and address global development

challenges for the benefit of the wider region and the world
and they lauded ongoing triangular assistance, which may
involve India-US collaboration to address development

remain suspended subject to sustained improvements in plant

pest control.

BAN ON INDIAN MANGOES

European Union issued a temporary ban on import of

Indian mangoes on 1 May 2014 after fruit flies and other
quarantine pests were found in 207 consignments. The
consignment infested with fruit flies were found by
authorities in Brussels. The ban was supposed to be
effective till December 2015.
The ban was imposed as they feared that the fruit flies
could damage European salad crops of tomato and
cucumber.
The EU accounts for more than 50 percent of total exports
of fruits and vegetables from India. The UK is the main
destination, followed by the Netherlands, Germany and
Belgium.

challenges in third countries in areas including health,

energy, food security, disaster management, and womens
empowerment.

India-South Africa MoU For

Developing Youth Enterprises

In a further effort to strengthen global non-proliferation

A public sector enterprise under the Union Ministry of

and export control regimes, both the leaders committed to

Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, National Small

continue to work towards Indias phased entry into the

Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC) on 19 January 2015

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology

signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of

Control Regime (MTCR), the Wassenaar Arrangement, and

Cooperation with the Black Business Council (BBC) of South

the Australia Group.

Africa.

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[53]

The MoU was signed during the Conference on

freedom of movement represent a serious breach of

Cooperation in MSME Sector organized by NSIC and the High

their human rights and ask for their repatriation.

Commission of India in cooperation with Black Business

They also backed the positions stated by Italy on the

Council.

2012 incident and therefore hope that jurisdiction

will fall to the Italian authorities and/or

Highlights of the Agreement

international arbitration.

The agreement was signed for developing youth

They finally asked Federica Mogherini, High

owned enterprises in South Africa.

Affairs and Security Policy, to take all necessary steps

focuses on BBCs efforts to economically empower

to protect the two Italian marines and state their

the marginalized group in South Africa through

support for the efforts of all parties involved to work

NSICs Rapid Incubation Programme.

towards a mutually acceptable solution.

BBC plans to establish 5 Rapid Incubation Centres

in South Africa in cooperation with NSIC.
INDIA-SOUTH AFRICA COOPERATION

India-South Africa cooperation is about sharing

knowledge and expertise, exchange of best practices,

INDIAS RESPONSE

The resolution drew sharp reaction from India and it

termed the step as not well advised as the matter was
sub judice.

Earlier, Supreme Court on 14 January 2015 granted three

months extension to the Italian marine, Massimiliano

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supporting innovation and building capacity and skills.

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The MoU, besides cooperation in MSME sector, also

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Representative of the European Union for Foreign

The two nations have great prospects for synergizing

Latorre, for his stay in Italy on health grounds. The other

their complementarities in areas of industry, services,

marine, Salvatore Girone is living in the Italian Embassy

trade and technology especially in the field of Micro,

in New Delhi.

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small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

FISHERMEN KILLING ISSUE

South Africa as a member of Southern African

Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, were

Indian businesses. Similarly, India offers South African

arrested on murder charges after in an anti-piracy they

companies an excellent location for addressing the huge

killed two Indian fisherman off the coast of Kerala on

domestic Indian market as well as the wider Asian

15 February 2012. The two maintain that they fired at

market.

the fishermen after mistaking them for pirates while

Development Community can be a good partner for

European Resolution on Two Italian

Marines

Parliament of Europe on 14 January 2015 adopted a

resolution calling on India to allow the return of two Italian
marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone. The
resolution was adopted by majority during the plenary
session of European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

Details of the Resolution

Member of European Parliament (MEPs) expressed
great sadness at the tragic death of the two Indian
fishermen, but also grave concerns about the
detention without charge of the Italian marines
They also stressed that restrictions on the marines

[54]

guarding the ship Enrica Lexie.

The shooting incident sparked a diplomatic row between
India and Italy over conflicting opinions on jurisdiction
and immunity.

Japan Committed ODA Loan to India

Japan committed to provide an Overseas Development
Assistance (ODA) loan of 2620 crore rupees (50 billion Yen)
to India.
The loan amount will support infrastructure projects that
will be implemented in public-private partnership mode.
The loan will be provided by Japan International
Commerce Agency to the India Infrastructure Finance
Company (IIFC) to support infrastructure projects built on
public-private partnership mode.
www.ias100.in

The commitment to provide the ODA loan was part of

VARANASI-KYOTO PARTNERSHIP

pledge made by Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during

the Prime Minister Narendra Modis five-day visit to Japan.

The Varanasi-Kyoto partnership deal is a part of Sister

Modi visited Japan in August September 2014.

City Cooperation that was signed between India and

Japan during Prime Minister Narendra Modis five-day

INDO-JAPAN ECONOMIC RELATIONS

visit to Japan in August 2014. Prime Minister Narendra

Since the formation of Narendra Modi-led government

Modi is a Member of Parliament from Lok Sabha seat

at the Centre, the economic relations between India and

of Varanasi.

Japan has catapulted to a new high.

Varanasi and Kyoto are one of the oldest continuously

According to Ministry of Commerce and Industry,

inhabited cities of the world.

Government of India, in October 2014, the number of

Varanasi on the one hand is called the cultural capital of

percent higher over the same period in 2013.

India and is the oldest living city in the world. On the

. in

Japanese companies in India reached 1209, which is 13

other hand, Kyoto is a place of ancient temples and

Further in last five years, that is, during 2010 - 2014, the

shrines and practically called the cultural centre of Japan.

have shown a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 13.67

percent.
During the period June 2014 to September 2014, FDI
273 million US dollars during the corresponding period
in 2013. The FDI inflow from Japan stood at 103.14
million US dollars in October 2014.

(794 AD) after which the emperor moved to Tokyo.

Japan's Largest Ever Defence

Budget for 2015

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inflow from Japan rose to 618 million US dollars from

It has been the Capital of Japan till the end of Nara Period

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numbers of Japanese companies doing business in India

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In a recent survey made public by the Japan Bank for

International Cooperation (JBIC), India has been ranked

as the top destination for future investments from Japan.

Varanasi-Kyoto Partnership

Union Government in the second week of January 2015

identified five areas for rejuvenating the holy city under the

Kyoto-Varanasi partnership deal signed between India and

Japan in August 2014.

Japan will extend its expertise to help in rejuvenating

Varanasi under the Kyoto-Varanasi partnership deal.

The Identified Areas Include

Solid-liquid waste management

Transport management

Developing the Buddhist tourist circuit in and

around Varanasi

The Cabinet of Japan headed by Prime Minister Shinzo

Abe approved its largest ever defence budget for 2015 on 14

January 2015. The defence budget includes plan to buy
surveillance aircraft, drones and F-35 fighter jets to help
counter rising assertiveness of China.
The main aim of increasing the defence spending is to
boost capacity of Japan to defend uninhabited islands in the
East China Sea where Japan controls it and China also has
been claiming the island.

Features of the Budget :

Japan endorsed a nearly 5 trillion yen (42 billion US
dollars) defence budget for the year beginning in
April 2015 as part of a record 96.3 trillion yen (814
billion US dollars) total budget.
The defence budget is designed to achieve seamless
and mobile defence capability that can respond to
various contingencies.
The budget will provide effective deterrence and
contribute to stability in the Asia-Pacific region and

Industry-university interface

improvement of the global security environment.

Setting up of a convention centre on publicprivate partnership basis for giving a fillip to the
cultural activities in the city

The increase of defence budget mainly includes new

www.ias100.in

equipment, including P-1 surveillance aircraft, F-35

fighter jets and amphibious vehicles for a new unit
similar to the US Marine Corps.

[55]

INDIA-GUYANA RELATION

The budget also covers the cost of purchasing parts

of Global Hawk drones, planned for deployment in

India and Guyana, once a part of the British Empire

2019, two Aegis radar-equipped destroyers and

share historical relations as more than 3 lakh Guyanese

missile defence system development with the US.

citizens are of Indian descent. The Indo-Guyanese make

RESURGENCE OF JAPAN

up the largest ethnic group in Guyana.

In terms of economic cooperation, India has offered

which are known as the Senkakus in Japan and as the

credit facilities to Guyana for use in mutually accepted

Diaoyu islands in China. To counter china, Japan revised

designated fields, agriculture and information

the defence guidelines in 2013 and increased the

technology, being two of these. Guyanese people are

defence budget.

also offered scholarships for educational purposes from

. in

Chinese patrol boats often visit waters near the islands,

India, like forty scholarships through Indian Technical

Prime Minister favoured a stronger role of Japan military

& Economic Cooperation (ITEC).

despite a commitment to pacifism enshrined in the USinspired constitution drawn up after the Japans defeat

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in World War II.

The two nations also share some cultural connection.

India in 1972 established the Indian Cultural Centre in

The increase in Japans defence budget comes at a time

when the economy of Japan is in recession. However,

relations and mutual understanding between India and

Guyana and their peoples.

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the Shinzo Abe government has forecasted growth at

Georgetown with the objective of strengthening cultural

1.5 percent for the financial year 2015, after an estimated

The two nations share a cordial relation since

0.5 percent contraction in 2014.

independence of Guyana in May 1966. Late Prime

Minister of India Indira Gandhi visited Guyana in 1968,

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Further, the population of Japan also is ageing quickly

raising the welfare cost and social security spending.

Also, the debt of Japan is the highest, proportionately,

which was followed by visits of late Vice President of

India Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma in 1988 and late Vice
President of India Bhairon Singh Shekhawat in 2006.

among industrialized countries.

Thus, Japan must tread a fine line between spending

enough to support economic growth and defence and

slowing the rise in debt of Japan.

India to provide LoC to Guyana

Union Government will provide 60 million US dollars
Line of Credit (LoC) to Guyana for its road infrastructure
projects and passenger ferry service. The LoC will help the
country in tackling its transport problem.
The decision of granting the LoC was made by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi during the bilateral talks with
Guyana President Donald R. Ramotar on the sidelines of the
13th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on 8
January 2015. Guyana President is the chief guest of Pravasi
Bhartiya Divas.

[56]

Terrorists Attack on French Satirical

Weekly Charlie Hebdos office
The French satirical weekly magazine Charlie Hebdos

Paris office was attacked by three masked gunmen on 7

January 2015. At least 12 persons were killed in the attack.
This was the deadliest terror attack of France since 1961,
when right-wingers bombed a train, killing 28 people.
REASON BEHIND THE ATTACK
The organization was attacked for its satire edition of
2011 in which it listed the Prophet Mohammed as editorin-chief and featured cartoons. In retaliation, the office
was burned in firebombing in November 2011 and its
website was hacked.
Charlie Hebdo was a target of Islamist extremists since
2006, when they published cartoons of the Prophet
Mohammed, the holiest figure of Islam.

Previous Controversies

www.ias100.in

The Chinese vessel Jiaolong, during its 120-day

Charlie Hebdo, a weekly French satirical news

magazine that is being published since 1970 (had break
between 1981 and 1992) is mainly known for its
controversial provocative cartoons and caricatures. In
past, its articles have targeted the extreme right,
Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, politics, culture and others.
The magazine has also targeted former Pope Benedict
XVI and Orthodox Jews.

expedition will dive in the ocean with an aim to collect sample

of research polymetallic sulfides, biological diversity,
hydrothermal microbes and genetic resources for research
purposes.
Hydrothermal sulfide is a kind of sea-bed deposit
containing copper, zinc and precious metals such as gold
and silver.

In 2012, editor of the magazine, Stephane Charbonnier

described the newspaper as left-wing, secular and
atheist and pushed free speech limits until his death
due to his believe in freedom of expression in France.

CHINA IN INDIAN OCEAN

. in

China in 2012 gained approval to explore 10000 square

kilometer of Indian Ocean for polymetallic sulphide ore
deposit in an international seabed region of the
southwest Indian Ocean. It secured a 15-year long
approval from the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

Chinas deep sea manned submersible Jiaolong on 2

January 2015 started exploration for the first time in the
southwestern Indian Ocean. The submersible will search for

Earlier in 2001, China obtained exclusive rights to

prospect in a 75000-square-km polymetallic nodule ore
deposit in the east Pacific Ocean.

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active hydrothermal vent.

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China Began Exploration in Indian

Ocean

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