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CONTENT

Title Page No

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES 03

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS 21

INDIA AND WORLD 29

POLITY 37

ECONOMY 62

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 102

ENVIRONMENT 124

OTHERS 127

Editorial Board Sub - Editor

Sivarajavel. S Anandhi. H

Sadik. M.A

Co-ordinator

R. Senthilkumar

No. 9, Plot No. 2163,

(Behind Hot Chips)

12th Main Road, Anna Nagar West,.

Chennai-40Tel:044-43525468/

7200010122/9176787980.

www.smartleadersias.com


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SMART LEADERS IAS: FEBRUARY 1-29

2 Smart Leaders IAS - Smart News

LETTER TO ASPIRANTS

Mountain of Life

In The Mountain Of Life the higher you go the easier to live, theeasier to breathe and the lower you go the harder to live and the harder tobreathe.

When a child is born (He or She) is, brought into existence on apredestined starting point in life which none but one holds the complete

control over. From starting at a point where you have two options up ordown, high or low which way would you like to go?Everything controlled by one sustainer, one creator. The good the

bad all from one but when we are rewarded with our actions bad is ourchoice it is not the eternal being to be blamed, none but our selves andwhat we have caused within our own actions. We as transgressors haveforced it upon our selfs to degrade to a lower point on our own mountainof life.

Descending down a hill with a bicycle has very little need topeddling even kicking a ball down a hill all this with no effort. Once youhave built the momentum there can on be on way, down to the lowestpeak of the mountain.

When very hard to breathe and no oxygen from where we stand.

Some give in to more down motion. At this point in life it can only be us aspeople that give up on life and give in to the altitude, which consistentlypulls us down for none at fault but us being negligent as ungrateful people.

At the lowest point of this mountain is like being at the lowestpoint in life. With no persons here to support, or no tools to carry ones self.We have been weak for so long that being weak is no more optional. Theonly choice it is only to be strong. Relying on whom which we should offrom the staring point, the supreme controller of depth and altitude.

Climbing from the bottom to the top again is like learning how towalk again. Setting goals with strength and determination andsteadfastness and knowing where all defects along the way to the top situpon, voiding all the mountains downgrading and faults.

Only wanting for what is better for you and everyone else around

you. Pleasing your sustainer, maker can only benefit you and everyonearound. To please He is of great reward and benefit, which we can onlysee, threw the climate of our own eyes.

There is only one option that is to be strong, there is now only onedirection that is up. The reward for act goodness can only be goodness,bringing thy self higher on the mountain to achieve ultimate success andthe pleasure of thy creator.

Regards,

ANANDHI. HFACULTY

(SMART LEADERS IAS)


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INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

CHINA

China sends missiles to contested South China Sea Island

Taiwan calls on interested parties to work together to maintain peace and

stability in the region.

China has deployed an advanced surface-to-air missile system to one of

the disputed islands it controls in the South China Sea.

The missile batteries had been set up on Woody Island. The island is part

of the Paracels chain, under Chinese control for more than 40 year but

also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

News of the missile deployment came as Obama and leaders of the

Association of Southeast Asian Nations concluded a summit in California,

where they discussed the need to ease tensions in the region but did not

include specific mention of China's assertive pursuit of its claims in the

South China Sea.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5

trillion in global trade passes every year, and has been building runwaysand other infrastructure on artificial islands to bolster its claims.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations discussed the need for

tangible steps in the South China Sea to lower tensions including a halt to

further reclamation, new construction and militarization of disputed

areas.

The United States has said it will continue conducting "freedom of

navigation patrols" by ships and aircraft to assure unimpeded passage

through the region, where Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and

Taiwan have rival claims.

Woody Island

Woody Island, also known as Yongxing Island and Phu Lam Island, is the

largest of theParacel Islands in theSouth China Sea.

It is part of the Amphitrite Island Group in the eastern Paracels.

The Chinese Qing dynasty, France, Japan, Vietnam and theRepublic of

China have all established a presence on the island and other islands of

the Paracel Islands archipelago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracel_Islandshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_China_Seahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qing_dynastyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qing_dynastyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_China_Seahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracel_Islands


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Woody Island has been under the control of thePeople's Republic of

Chinasince 1956.

Under PRC control, it is administered by the Yongxingdao

Neighborhood Committee and is the seat ofSansha, aprefecture-level

city ofHainan province.

In June 2014, UK newspaper The Independentstated that the island had a

population of 1,443.

As part of the Paracel Islands, Woody Island is also claimed by

theRepublic of China (Taiwan) and byVietnam.

Djibouti, Myanmar, Sri Lanka anchor Silk Road

A military base in Djibouti along with major port development projects in

Myanmar and Sri Lanka are defining the contours of Chinas Maritime Silk

Road an oceanic connectivity project, of which, the Indian Ocean is the

core.

China will soon commence work on the naval base.

The Horn of Africa nation is strategically located on the junction of the

Indian Ocean and the Red Sea a gateway to the Suez Canal via the Strait of

Bab Al-Mandab.

Djibouti would become an ideal location for securing sea lanes, in the

vicinity, which radiate from this area towards Africas Indian Ocean

coastline and the Arabian Sea.

China says it is establishing naval support facilities in Djibouti, which

has the ambition of emerging as another Singapore, leveraging its position

at the intersection of busy shipping lanes.

The Chinese facility will be established at Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port a

$590 million project that is being steered by China Merchants Holdings

International in the south of the country.

The Chinese Navy would use one of the berths.

Recently Mr. Guelleh signed a deal with China to build a new free trade

zone, whose first phase would open later this year. China is also providing

the bulk of the $12.4 billion that Djibouti intends to invest by 2020.

Raising stakes in Myanmar

China has also quietly signed a deal to develop an Industrial Park and a

deep water port in Kyaukphyu in Myanmar.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Republic_of_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Republic_of_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Republic_of_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Village_(China)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanshahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefecture-level_cityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefecture-level_cityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hainanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_China_(Taiwan)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_China_(Taiwan)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hainanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefecture-level_cityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefecture-level_cityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanshahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Village_(China)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Republic_of_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Republic_of_Chinahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Republic_of_China


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The facility in the Bay of Bengal amplifies Beijings pitch to deepen its

stakes in Myanmar in order to lower its dependence on the Straits of

Malacca a strategic commercial channel, dominated by the U.S. sixth fleet.

Xinhua has reported that a consortium led by the China International

Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC), a construction company, has

won the bid towards the end of last year to develop the two projects.

The deep sea enterprise includes development of 10 berths at the Maday

Island Terminal and the Yanbye Island Terminal. It will be completed in

four phases spanning a period of 20 years.

Maday Island has already emerged as a major pillar of Chinas energy

security.

Last year, a pipeline from the island transited oil sourced mainly from

West Asia and Africa to Chinas Yunnan province, thus avoiding the

Malacca trap.

The oil channel complemented the gas pipeline, which starts at

Kyaukphyu, bringing methane purchased from a proposed railway project

from Kyaukphyu to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province has been

shelved.

Colombo port city

Sri Lanka has added another dimension to Chinas Maritime Silk Road

(MSR). Chinese bloggers are pointing to improved prospects of the revival

of the stalled Colombo port city project under new conditions, and the

establishment of an SEZ in Humbantota both projects feeding into the

gradual unfolding of the ambitious MSR.

China is already steering the Gwadar to Kashgar economic corridor,

adding another node to its growing Indian Ocean profile.

Horn of Africa

The Horn of Africa is apeninsula inNortheast Africa. It juts hundreds of

kilometers into theArabian Sea and lies along the southern side of

theGulf of Aden.

The area is the easternmost projection of theAfrican continent.Referred

to in ancient and medieval times as Bilad al Barbar("Land of

theBerbers"), the Horn of Africa denotes the region containing the

countries ofDjibouti,Eritrea,Ethiopia,andSomalia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peninsulahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_Africahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_Seahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Adenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_(region)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_(region)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berber_peoplehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djiboutihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eritreahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopiahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somaliahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somaliahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopiahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eritreahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djiboutihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berber_peoplehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_(region)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Adenhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_Seahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_Africahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peninsula


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It covers approximately 2,000,000 km2 (770,000 sq mi) and is inhabited

by roughly 115 million people (Ethiopia: 96.6 million, Somalia:

10.4 million, Eritrea: 6.4 million, and Djibouti: 0.81 million).

Regional studies on the Horn of Africa are carried out, among others, in

the fields ofEthiopian Studies as well asSomali Studies.

Iran in the Belt and Road loop as first train from China arrives

The first train from Chinas trading hub of Yiwu has arrived in Tehran

recently, signalling Irans firm integration in the Beijing led-Belt and Roadconnectivity initiative along the New Silk Road.

The train ferrying 32 containers completed its 14-day journey, covering

over 10,399 km, after passing through the arid landscape of Kazakhstan

and Turkmenistan in Central Asia.

The train, covering 700 km a day, had demonstrated that it was possible

to substantially slash transit time for goods arriving in Iran from China.

Compared to the railway option, cargo ships, setting sail from Shangahi

take nearly 45 days to arrive at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.

Analysts point out that by joining China on the railway map, Iran was

establishing solid structural linkages with Eurasia along the Silk RoadEconomic Belt.

Yin Gang, a West Asia researcher the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences,

anticipates that Iran would become an active participant in the Belt and

Road initiative.

Iran is currently in desperate need of investment for infrastructure

construction. However, as oil prices are low now, Irans revenue in this

sector has seen sharp decrease. At the same time, China is promoting the

belt and road initiative. Iran is expected to become one of the major

participants of that initiative.

In China, there is anticipation that with the recent lifting of sanctions,Irans energy infrastructure, including its trans-border pipeline network,

will grow a move that is likely to further deepen Tehrans strategic

linkages with Eurasia.

Iran is expected to play a crucial role in the Belt and Road as an energy

hub and access to extensive delivery routes connecting to the Middle East

and Eurasia.

During the sanctions phase, Chinas energy giants Sinopec and China

National Petroleum Corporation had provided technical support to
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Iranian firms for the development of the giant South Pars gas fields and

the oil fields of Yadavaran and North Azadegan.

Chinas ongoing technical support is likely to further reduce the rail

transit time between China and Iran.

A China-led consortium has started electrifying the rail track between

Tehran and Mashaad, a major pilgrimage city.

Xis China digs into Maoist roots

A woman looks at souvenir plates bearing

images of Chinese President Xi Jinping (left)

and late leader Mao Zedong at a shop in

Beijing.

Analysts say the Chinese leadership is

working to ensure that the disruption caused

by its raging anti-corruption campaign that

has felled influential tigers is countered by steps that unite the CPC

under Xis watch.

China appears to be digging into its Maoist roots by reinforcing the

guiding principle of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in steering the

countrys economic and political transition under President Xi Jinping.

Analysts say the Chinese leadership is working on a double track to

ensure that the disruption caused by its raging anti-corruption campaign

that has felled influential tigers is countered by steps that unite the CPC

under President Xis watch.

Mr. Xi, who wears three hats, is also the General Secretary of the Central

Committee of CPC and the Chairman of the powerful Central Military

Commission (CMC).

The anti-corruption drive, following Mr. Xis arrival at the centre-stage in

late 2012, has targeted powerful figures, including Ling Jihua, a well-

known protg of former President Hu Jintao.

The axe has also fallen on Zhou Yongkang, Chinas former security Tsar, as

well as Xu Caihou, the former vice-chairman of the CMC.

Xinhua had earlier identified Mr. Zhou as the kingpin of the so-called

Petroleum clique. The network included Jiang Jiemin, a former chairman

of the state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation, who was also

adviser to Mr. Zhou.


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China muzzles tycoon for criticising media controls

Chinese authorities shut down the social media accounts of a tycoon

nicknamed The Cannon after he criticised the ruling Communist Partys

tightening grip on the media.

The Internet regulator ordered the microblogging platforms of Sina and

Tencent to shut down Mr. Rens accounts for spreading illegal

information.

Cyberspace is not a lawless field and it should not be used to spread illegal

information by anyone.

Mr. Rens accounts were closed after netizens reported that he had

regularly posted illegal information, resulting in a vile influence.

Ren, nicknamed the Cannon for his provocative opinions and blunt

defences of economic inequality, was the target of twin columns in the

state-affiliated news portal Qianlong for questioning on social media

whether public money should be spent on party propaganda.

SRI LANKA

UN commissioner calls for return of land, de-militarisation in Sri Lanka

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al

Hussein urged the Sri Lankan military to accelerate the return of land to

rightful owners and reduce its size in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

According to the Sri Lankan government, about 3,000 acres have been

returned since January 2015 and 2,329 families resettled.

The size of the military in the two Provinces could be reduced to a level

that is less intrusive and intimidating.

Mr. Hussein acknowledgement

Acknowledging that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghes recent

statement that all the disappeared persons were probably dead had

created great distress among their families, Mr. Hussein said rapid

action should be taken to identify precisely who is still alive and who has

died or been killed, properly account for their deaths identify the location

of their remains, and provide redress.

He acknowledged that the Sri Lankan government had sovereign right to

take decisions on the participation of foreign judges in the proposed

judicial mechanism issues.

At the same time, he also emphasized that international participation

could guarantee an impartial and independent judicial mechanism.


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PAKISTAN

Hindu Marriage Bill approved in Pakistan

After decades of delay and inaction, the Hindu minority community in

Pakistan will soon have a marriage law as a parliamentary panel has

unanimously approved the Hindu Marriage Bill.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice passed the

final draft of Hindu Marriage Bill 2015, where five Hindu lawmakers were

specially invited.

The committee adopted the bill unanimously after making two

amendments to fix the minimum age of marriage at 18 and making the

law applicable to the whole country.

The bill will now be tabled in the National Assembly where it has fair

chances of being passed as the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz

(PML-N) party is supporting it.

War of words over F-16 deal

War of words continued, Pakistan said it was surprised by Indias

response to the American decision to supply eight F-16 fighter jets to the

Pakistan Air Force.

Their army and arsenal stock is much larger and they are the largest

importer of defence equipment. As regards F-16 sale, Pakistan and the

United States closely cooperate in countering terrorism.

A U.S. spokesperson clearly announced that the sale is to enhance

precision strike capability.

Strategic commentators were quick to find fault with the statement from

the Pakistan Foreign Ministry.

India is not the largest importer of arms. India is one of the big importers.

Our weapons acquisition policy is also different from other countries and

we cannot, therefore, be slotted with others in purchasing of weapons.

U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma described the sale as part of a

legacy announcement made several years ago.

There are technical processes like the Congressional ratification. There is

a big counter-terrorism insurgency component as well. Over the years U.S.

assistance to Pakistan has been a mix of both civilian and military

equipment.


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Despite threats, thousands join anti-polio drive in Pakistan

More than 100,000 health workers fanned out across Pakistan, stepping

up a drive to eliminate the polio virus this year from one of its last

bastions, despite continuing militant threats to vaccination teams.

Pakistan accounts for more than 70 per cent of the worlds cases of polio,

a virus that can cause lifelong paralysis and is now endemic in only two

countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Pakistans polio cases are declining, with just 54 cases of wild polio virus

reported last year, down more than 80 per cent from 2014, when the

country suffered a large spike in cases.

The latest immunisation push aims to finish vaccinating every child in the

country by the end of May.

Efforts to eliminate polio in Pakistan have been complicated in recent

years, as polio workers have faced attacks by militants who say the health

teams are Western spies, or that the vaccines they administer are

intended to sterilise children.

UNITED STATES

Obama launches cyber-security action plan

President Barack Obama unveiled a new cyber-security national action

plan calling for an overhaul of aging government networks and a high-

level commission to boost security awareness.

The announcement responds to an epidemic of data breaches and cyber

attacks on both government and private networks in recent years, and

passage last year of a cyber-security bill that aims to facilitate better

threat sharing.

Mr. Obama asked for $19 billion for cyber-security efforts in his budget

request, a 35 per cent increase from current levels, with $3 billion

earmarked to help modernise the patchwork of computer systems used in

government agencies.

The moves come after disclosures last year that personal data from some

20 million federal employees, contractors and others had been leaked in a

massive breach at the Office of Personnel Management.

Mr. Obama issued an executive order creating a 12-member cyber-

security commission to make recommendations to both the public and

private sectors.


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U.S. sends more troops to Afghanistan

Hundreds more U.S. troops are headed for Afghanistans strife-torn

Helmand province to shore up security forces who have struggled in the

face of sustained Taliban attacks.

The core of the new force will provide more security and act as advisers to

the Afghan armys 215th Corps.

Security forces in the southern province have been plagued by high

desertion and casualty rates, corruption, and leadership problems, and

the army corps recently saw more than 90 general officers replaced in a

major shakeup.

This was a planned deployment of additional personnel to both bolster

force protection for the current staff of advisers and to provide additional

advisers to help with ongoing efforts to re-man, re-equip, and re-train the

215th Corps.

The NATO-led coalition in Afghanistan declared its combat mission over at

the end of 2014, and the new troops in Helmand would be there to train,

advise, and assist our Afghan counterparts, and not to participate in

combat operations.

RUSSIA

Russians raise stakes in Syria

For months now the U.S. has insisted there is no military solution to

the Syrian civil war, only a political accord between President Bashar

Al-Assad and the fractured, divided opposition groups that have been

trying to topple him.

But after days of intense bombing that could soon put the critical city

of Aleppo back into the hands of Mr. Assads forces, the Russians may

be proving the U.S. wrong.

Secretary of State John Kerry faces as he enters a critical negotiation

over a ceasefire and the creation of a humanitarian corridor to

relieve starving Syrians besieged in more than a dozen cities, most by

Mr. Assads forces.

The Russian military action has changed the shape of a conflict that

had effectively been stalemated for years. Suddenly, Mr. Assad and his

allies have momentum, and the U.S.-backed rebels are on the run.


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If a ceasefire is negotiated here, it will probably come at a moment Mr.

Assad holds more territory, and more sway, than since the outbreak of

the uprisings in 2011.

Mr. Kerry enters the negotiations with very little leverage: The

Russians have cut off many of the pathways the CIA has been using for

a not-very-secret effort to arm rebel groups.

Mr. Kerrys supporters inside the administration say he has been

increasingly frustrated by the low level of U.S. military activity, which

he views as essential to bolstering his negotiation effort.

Mr. Kerry is circumspect about his dilemma. His colleagues in the

administration, however, fear that a three-month-long effort to begin

the political process is near collapse. If it fails, it will force Kerry and

President Barack Obama, once again, to consider their Plan B: a far

larger military effort, directed at Mr. Assad.

But that is exactly the kind of conflict that Mr. Obama has spent five

years trying to avoid, especially when any ground campaign would

rely on forces led by a fractious group of opposition leaders that he

distrusts.

Without a political solution or a stepped-up military effort, the U.S. is

not only left with little influence over the course of the Syrian civil

war, but without a viable strategy to bring all of the warring parties

together to fight the Islamic State.

An open breach erupted with the Turks, who charge that the U.S. is

empowering the Kurds, with whom Turkey believes it is in an

existential struggle.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the countrys President, denounced

Washington for failing to declare a Syrian Kurdish rebel group as a

terrorist organisation.

U.S., Russia agree on Syria ceasefire plan

World powers agree to immediately start delivering humanitarian aid

to besieged communities.

Diplomats agreed to work toward a temporary cessation of

hostilities in Syrias civil war.

The deal appeared to be the result of a compromise between the U.S.,

which had wanted an immediate ceasefire, and Russia, which had

proposed one to start on March 1.


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Although foreign ministers from the International Syria Support

Group managed to seal an agreement to accelerate and expand

deliveries of humanitarian aid to besieged Syrian communities.

Their failure to agree on a ceasefire leaves the most critical step to

resuming peace talks unresolved. It was not clear from their

comments afterward if deep differences regarding the truce and

which groups would be eligible for it could be overcome.

The real test is whether or not all the parties honour those

commitments and implement them.

Russia to continue targeting rebels

The Turkish army shelled Kurdish militia in northern Syria; while

Russia made clear it would continue bombing Syrian rebel targets,

raising doubts that a planned ceasefire would bring much relief.

Major powers agreed to a limited cessation of hostilities in Syria but

the deal does not take effect until now and was not signed by any

warring parties the Damascus government and numerous rebel

factions fighting it.

Russian bombing raids directed at rebel groups are meanwhile

helping the Syrian army to achieve what could be its biggest victory of

the war in the battle for Aleppo, the countrys largest city and

commercial hub before the conflict.

The situation has been complicated by the involvement of Kurdish-

backed combatants in the area north of Aleppo near the Turkish

border, which has drawn a swift military response from artillery in

Turkey.

The Kurdish YPG militia, helped by Russian air raids, seized an ex-

military air base at Menagh recently, angering Turkey, which sees the

YPG as an extension of the PKK, a Kurdish group that waged a bloody

insurgent campaign on Turkish soil over most of the past three

decades.

Turkey began shelling while demanding that the YPG militia withdraw

from areas it has captured from Syrian rebels in the northern Aleppo

region in recent days, including the Menagh air base. The

bombardment killed two YPG fighters, according to the Syrian

Observatory for Human Rights.


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The Syrian Kurdish PYD party rejected Turkish demands for

withdrawal, while the Syrian government said Turkish shelling of

northern Syria amounted to direct support for insurgent groups.

The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President

Barack Obama had agreed to intensify cooperation to implement the

agreement on Syria struck in Munich.

Provisional deal reached on Syria ceasefire

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that a provisional agreement

has been reached on a cease-fire

The modalities for a cessation of hostilities are now being completed.

Fighting has intensified in Syria during recent weeks and an earlier

deadline to cease military activities was not observed. The United

States, Russia and other world powers agreed on February 12 on a

deal calling for the ceasing of hostilities within a week, the delivery of

urgently needed aid to besieged areas of Syria and a return to peace

talks in Geneva.

UN envoy Staffan De Mistura halted the latest Syria talks on February

3, because of major differences between the two sides, exacerbated by

increased aerial bombings and a wide military offensive by Syrian

troops and their allies under the cover of Russian air strikes.

The humanitarian situation has only gotten worse, with an estimated

13.5 million Syrians in need of aid, including 6 million children.

Peace is better than more war, Mr. Kerry said. A political solution is

better than then a futile attempt to try to find a military one that could

result in so many more refugees, so many more jihadists, so much

more destruction, and possibly even the complete destruction of Syria

itself.

BRAZIL

Brazil enlists army in campaign against Zika

Brazilsgovernment launched a nationwide campaign to fight the Zika

virus, with President Dilma Rousseff and Cabinet Ministers personally

visiting homes and handing out leaflets along with 220,000 troops.

Under a scorching sun in the neighbourhood of Zepellin in the

outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, which will host the Olympic Games in

August, Ms. Rousseff said everyone needed to take part in the battle


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against the mosquito carrying Zika, suspected of causing the birth

defect microcephaly.

The so-called National Day for Zero Zika is focused on raising

awareness about the disease.

Other operations specifically aimed at spreading larvicides and

eliminating breeding spots will be launched later.

The Zika outbreak is affecting large parts of Latin America and the

Caribbean and is likely to spread to all countries in the Americas

except for Canada and Chile, the World Health Organization has said.

Zika virus

Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted by

Aedesmosquitoes.

People with Zika virus disease usually have symptoms that can

include mild fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain,

malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.

The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.

The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the

Pacific.

IRAN

Iran exports first oil shipment to Europe after sanctions lifting

Iran exported its crude shipment to Europe for the first time since it

reached a landmark nuclear deal with world powers.

The shipment was the first after five years.

The shipment A new chapter in Irans oil industry but did not

elaborate.

Several western tankers have loaded Irans oil in recent days.

Iran plans to add one million barrels to its oil production followingimplementation of the nuclear deal, which lifted international

sanctions in exchange for Iran restricting its nuclear activities.

Iran expects an economic bonanza after the lifting of sanctions, which

will allow it to access overseas assets and sell crude oil more freely.


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Components made by Indian firms used in IS explosives, finds study

Residents gather at the site of

suicide bombings carried out by the

Islamic State near Damascus in

January.

Though components made by

Indian firms were used in

explosives used by the extremists,

there was no illegality on the part of

the companies.

Products from at least seven Indian companies figure in a large supply

of components that have ended up in explosives used by Islamic State

terrorists.

The European Union-funded 20-month-long study by the Conflict

Armament Research (CAR) states that the seven Indian companies

manufactured most of the detonators, detonating cord, and safety

fuses documented by their field investigation teams.

However, there was no illegality on the part of the Indian companies.

Under Indian law, transfer of this material requires a licence. All

components documented by CAR were legally exported.

The study established that 51 companies from 20 countries produced

or sold more than 700 components used by IS to build improvised

explosive devices (IEDs). Companies from other countries such as

Turkey, Brazil and the United States also appeared on the list.

The report said the IS is now producing IEDs quasi-industrial scale,

using both regulated components and easily available items such as

fertilisers and mobile phones.

With 13 companies, Turkey is the most important source of

components used in the manufacture of IEDs by the IS. The

components include chemical precursors, containers, detonating cord,

cables, and wires.

Some of these Turkish companies have also sourced materials from

companies in India and elsewhere, before the procured items that

landed up in IS hands.

During the siege of Kobane, a Syrian Kurdish town, last year, Kurdish

YPG militias captured detonating cord from IS.


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Solar Industries, India, produced one spool of detonating cord on 27

February 2014 and exported it to the Turkish company lci, Ankara.

Two months earlier, on 31 December 2012, Gulf Oil Corporation,

India, had produced a spool and exported it to the Turkish company

Nitromak Dyno Nobel, Ankara. Solar Industries, India, produced a

further two spools, on 21 and 23 October 2012, and exported them to

the Lebanese company Maybel, headquartered in Beirut.

However, all those Indian products landed up with the IS through

some intermediaries.

CAR also documented that Solar Industries produced detonating cord

that IS forces used to make IEDs on the Makhmour front line in Iraq at

the end of 2014.

In February 2015, a CAR investigation team in Kobane documented a

spool of detonating cord produced by Premier Explosives Ltd, India.

Premier Explosives has confirmed that it sold 6 million metres of

detonating cord to the Mechanical Construction Factory, Syria, in

2009 and 2010.

In December 2011, the European Union placed the Mechanical

Construction Factory on a sanctions list for acting as a front company

for the acquisition of sensitive equipment by the Syrian governments

Scientific Studies and Research Center.

CAR investigators also found Premier Explosivess detonating cord

among items that Kurdistan Regional Government security forces

seized from an IS cell in early December 2014 in Erbil, the capital of

Iraqi Kurdistan.

Premier Explosives has told CAR that it never supplied explosive

components to Iraq.

In Kobane, a spool of detonating cord produced by Rajasthan

Explosives and Chemicals, India, was found. The company was yet to

respond to the questionnaire from the CAR team.

In the investigations into explosives used by IS in Kobane, they also

saw spool of safety fuse produced by the Indian company Chamundi

Explosives.

In the absence of serial, batch, and lot numbers, and of a

manufacturing date, CAR is unable to document the items full chain of

custody.


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Chamundi Explosives has stated that the company had not supplied

any product to either Iraq or Syria.

In Kobane, Kurdish forces captured plain detonators from IS forces

that were manufactured by Indian company Economic Explosives.

Conflict Armament Research

CAR investigation teams work on the ground in active armed conflicts.

The teams document weapons at the point of use and track their

sources back through the chains of supply.

CAR teams investigate weapons in a variety of conflict-related

situations be they recovered by state security forces, surrendered at

the cessation of hostilities, cached, or held by insurgent forces.

By aggregating data on thousands of individual weapon transfers, CAR

provides the evidence-based information required to develop

effective arms control and counter-proliferation strategies.

IED

An improvised explosive device (IED) is abomb constructed and

deployed in ways other than inconventionalmilitary action.

It may be constructed of conventional military explosives, such as an

artillery round, attached to a detonating mechanism. IEDs are

commonly used as roadside bombs.

IEDs are generally seen in heavyterrorist actions or

inunconventional warfare byguerrillas orcommando forces in

atheater of operations.

In the secondIraq War, IEDs were used extensively against US-led

invasion forces and by the end of 2007 they had become responsible

for approximately 63% of coalition deaths in Iraq.

They are also used in Afghanistan by insurgent groups, and have

caused over 66% of coalition casualties in the2001present

Afghanistan War.

IEDs were also used extensively by cadres of the rebelTamil

Tiger (LTTE) organization against military targets inSri Lanka.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conventional_warfarehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militaryhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terroristhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unconventional_warfarehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_warfarehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commandohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theater_(warfare)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_Warhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001%E2%80%93present)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001%E2%80%93present)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001%E2%80%93present)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001%E2%80%93present)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Tigerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Tigerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lankahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lankahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Tigerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Tigerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001%E2%80%93present)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001%E2%80%93present)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_Warhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theater_(warfare)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commandohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_warfarehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unconventional_warfarehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terroristhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militaryhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conventional_warfarehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bomb


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NORTH KOREA

Kim pushes for more satellite launches North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has promised to put more satellites

in space, even as the international community prepares to punish hisregime over a long-range rocket launch.

North Korea sparked international anger with the launch of theKwangmyongsong-4 satellite, which came just a month after its fourthnuclear test.

The launch, which most in the international community viewed as a

disguised ballistic missile test, violated multiple UN resolutions.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, a top ruling party official called for thecountry to develop its own nuclear deterrent to combat the threatfrom the North.

U.S. tactical nuclear weapons were withdrawn from South Korea inlate 1991, though the country remains under the protection of the U.S.nuclear umbrella.

U.S. imposes new unilateral sanctions on North Korea U.S. President Barack Obama signed into law a piece of legislation

passed by Congress imposing new sanctions against North Korea fortesting a nuclear device on January 6 and launching a satellite onFebruary 7 using ballistic missile technology.

New unilateral sanctions by the U.S seek to sharpen and expand thescope of existing sanctions against the North, but with its neighbourand closest ally China opposed to it, the efficacy of the move remainsambiguous at best.

The new sanctions regime will require the President to mandatorilyinvestigate and designate persons and entities for violations.

The law will also give more tools to the administration to enforcesecondary sanctions which are restrictions on a third country fromdoing business with the North.

The bill also now covers some activity not targeted for sanctionsbefore, such as North Koreas metal and coal exports, and gives theU.S. government greater tools to implement so-called secondarysanctions.

Since North Korean entities are often difficult to sanction directly, thiscould be a more effective way to cut off North Koreas third -countrysupport networks, streams of foreign revenue, and supply chains.

The law also provides for $50 million to support humanitarianprogrammes and transmit radio broadcasts into the North.

North Koreas main supply lines are from China, which has beenunwilling to be harsher with sanctions.

U.S.s unilateral push could further add to the tensions with China,heightened in recent days over disputes in South China Sea.


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UNITED KINGDOM

Brexit referendum campaign begins in U.K. Nearly 200 business leaders and unions representing 6 million

workers come out in support of the Stay campaign. The campaign on Brexit has begun in the U.K., with Prime Minister

David Cameron receiving early backing for his call for the country toremain in the European Union from opposite ends of British society.

Even as the pound, which had taken a plunge recently in response tothe Brexit uncertainty, slowly recovered ground, nearly 200 business

leaders employing over 1.2 million people, and U.K.s Trade UnionCongress representing six million workers came out in support of theStay campaign.

198 business leaders, including theheads of 36 companies from FTSE100, plus Francis OGrady, GeneralSecretary of the Trade UnionCongress, made the case for stayingwithin the EU.

Britain needs unrestricted access to

the European market of 500 millionpeople in order to continue togrow, invest and create jobs.

If the Brexit camp gets their way,many vital workplace benefits that the EU has given us paidholidays, extra maternity rights and better conditions for part-timeworkers could be for the chop.

That may prove attractive to unenlightened business leaders, but itwill not win the hearts and minds of working people buckling underthe strain of insecurity and reduced living standards.

Leave campaigners allege that the business bosses some of them

Conservative Party funders who have signed up to the lettercomprise just a third of the FTSE 100 companies. Initiated by theBritain Stronger in Europe campaign and the Prime Ministers Office,it includes heads of business houses like Marks and Spencer, British

Telecom, Vodafone, and ASDA, although equally big businesses havenot signed.

The political divide over Brexit could not have been more evident inthe House of Common, when David Cameron presented his case forstaying in a reformed Europe. It was an unusual Commons debatenot least because the two opposing groups did not face each other asoccupants of Treasury and Opposition benches usually do.

The debate is poised to become more intense and confrontationalonce the campaign groups hit the road. The in-out referendum onBritains future in the EU will be held on June 23.


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INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION

WHO issues $56 million plan to combat Zika virus

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that $56 million were

needed to combat the Zika virus until June, including for the fast-

tracking of vaccines, diagnostics and research studies into how it

spreads. The funds, including $25 million for the WHO and its regional office,

would also be used to control the mosquito-borne virus that has

spread to 39 countries, including 34 in the Americas.

The WHO expects the funds to come from member states and other

donors and said that in the meantime it has tapped a new emergency

contingency fund for $2 million to finance its initial operations.

India near bottom of intellectual property index

India was ranked 37 out of 38 countries, with only Venezuela scoring

lower, in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce-International Intellectual

Property Index.

The U.S. was ranked first, followed by the UK, Germany, France and

Sweden. Indias peers in the BRICS grouping were all ranked ahead

with Russia ranked 20th, China (22nd), South Africa (26th) and Brazil

(29th). The 38 economies benchmarked in the 2016 Index accounts

for nearly 85 per cent of the global GDP.

The Index produced by the Chambers Global Intellectual Property

Center (GIPC) is based on 30 criteria critical to innovation including

patent, copyright and trademark protections, enforcement, and

engagement in international treaties.

India remains at the bottom of the Index for the fourth year in a row.

It said patent protection in India remains outside of international best

practices, adding that Indian law does not provide adequate

enforcement mechanisms to effectively combat online piracy.

Indias score would have increased if the government had not

suspended implementation of Final Guidelines for Computer Related

Inventions (CRI).


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Among Indias key areas of weakness was the use of compulsory

licensing (CL) for commercial and non-emergency situations, and the

expanded use of CL being considered by the Indian government.

CL relates to the government allowing entities to manufacture, use,

sell or import a patented invention without the permission of the

patent-owner.

Another area of weakness was poor application and enforcement of

civil remedies and criminal penalties.

The Index was created so that countries such as India can hear

directly from the business community on the IP-related issues

important to them when considering investing in new markets

The report said Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and Russia introduced

or maintained policies that tie market access to sharing of IP and

technology.

Such forced-localization policies tend to undermine the overall

innovation ecosystem and deter investment from foreign IP-intensive

entities.

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as

inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names

and images used in commerce.

IP is protected in law by, for example patents,copyright andtrademarks,

which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from

what they invent or create.

By striking the right balance between the interests of innovators and

the wider public interest, the IP system aims to foster an environment

in which creativity and innovation can flourish.

Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC)

The Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) was established in

2007 as an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Today, the GIPC is leading a worldwide effort to champion intellectual

property rights as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global

economic growth, and generating breakthrough solutions to global

challenges.
http://www.wipo.int/patents/en/http://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/http://www.wipo.int/trademarks/en/http://www.wipo.int/trademarks/en/http://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/http://www.wipo.int/patents/en/


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Strengthen peacekeeping under U.N. to counter new threats

Weeks after Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar spoke about sending

troops to fight the IS in Syria, India told the United Nations Special

Committee for Peacekeeping Operations that it recognises the need

for flexibility on international anti-terror operations if they are

backed by U.N. authorisation.

Syed Akbaruddin, the Permanent Representative of India to U.N.

The High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (HIPPO)

report has expanded the scope of counter-terror operations beyond

the traditional U.N. peacekeeping operations by recommending that

ad hoc coalitions authorised by the U.N. Security Council can

undertake counter-terror operations with the intention of

peacekeeping and peace-enforcement.

Diplomatic sources told that the HIPPO report recommendations will

be implemented after cost-benefit analysis for India.

However, military experts have argued that India, which is one of the

largest troop-contributors to the U.N. peace missions, has been

looking for a flexible agenda to help it coordinate the peace operations

better under the U.N.

Mr. Akbaruddin also highlighted that peacekeeping under the U.N.

needs to be strengthened in view of the expanding international

networks of terrorism.

That apart, India welcoming the U.N. report has triggered a debate

with experts suggesting that the mention of ad hoc coalitions

authorised by the U.N. Security Council, has opened up possibilities of

Indias participation in foreign anti-terror operations to safeguard

Indian interests.

BRICS bank set to fund green energy projects

The New Development Bank (NDB) a multilateral lender with a focus

on the Global South of the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa

(BRICS) grouping is all set to fund more than a dozen projects this

year that will focus on renewable energy.

President of NDB is K.V.Kamath.

The initial focus of the bank would on green energy projects.


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The lending will commence in April, would fund a project each from

the five member grouping. 10-15 projects are in the pipeline for the

remaining part of the year.

The NDB President Sighned the Headquarters Agreement with the

Chinese government that will officially launch the bank for operations

clarified that the lender was not geared to issue soft loans.

On the rate of interest, they will not be lending on concessional terms.

That was not the intent at all. They will need to factor their own cost

of funds and add an appropriate margin.

Cost of funds would be determined by their actual experience in the

market. So they will function as a prudent bank should.

The NDB would include market borrowing to raise capital, but

stressed that bonds in local currency, rather than hard currency,

would be favoured.

NDB will be resorting to bond issues, it will raise it in local currencies

where it is feasible and of course it will supplement where it is

required in with dollar bond issues.

The NDBs initial capital has been fixed at $50 billion, and the total

paid in capital would be $10 billion. Analysts point out that following

the 2008 financial crisis, the NDB and the China-led Asian

Infrastructure Development Bank (AIIB) both geared towards

infrastructure development in Asia and the Global South are

reshaping the global financial architecture, a field that had been

monopolised by western backed International Monetary Fund (IMF),

the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

With Africa also one of its focal points, the NDB is set to open an

African Regional Centre, headquartered in Johannesburg, by the

second half of this year. It would aim to develop a project pipeline

for the continent.

The NDB will soon become a strong and well-respected international

financial institution, playing a leading role in the changing

international financial architecture.

On the eve of its operational launch, the NDB has bagged a AAA

institutional rating from domestic credit rating agencies in China,

where the China Development Bank and the Bank of China have been

appointed as rating advisers.


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Standard Chartered and Goldman Sachs are in the saddle as

international rating advisors.

Survey questions Indias stand at WTO

The economic survey questioned Indias unequivocal stance at the

World Trade Organization (WTO)-level negotiations on the need for

developing countries to have an effective and easy-to-use Special

Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) to protect poor and very vulnerable

farmers from import surges and price dips.

The SSM is a tool, which, if given, will permit developing nations like

India to temporarily hike tariffs to counter import surges or price falls

of farm products.

Differences between the developing and the developed world over the

SSM issue had even led to the WTO talks breaking down in July 2008.

Though WTO members agree that developing countries should have

an SSM, the differences are on allowing developing nations to hike

tariffs above the commitments they (developing nations) made in the

WTOs 1986-94 Uruguay Round talks.

Pointing out that as per the Uruguay Round decisions, countries

including India, could raise tariffs up to a very high level even

without the SSM.

The Nairobi Ministerial Declaration had incorporated the right of

developing nations to have recourse to an SSM. The declaration also

said SSM negotiations will be pursued in dedicated sessions of the

Committee on Agriculture in Special Session.

During the Nairobi meeting, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

had said the SSM was important for developing nations to address

import surges and price dips due to heavily subsidised imports of

farm products from rich nations.

Pointing out that an instrument similar to the SSM was available to a

select few WTO members (including rich nations) for over two

decades, therefore, the demand for SSM for developing nations was

reasonable and pragmatic.

The survey said Indias real need for SSM arises in relation to few

items including some milk and dairy products, some fruits, and raw

hides.


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On these items, the survey said, Indias tariff bindings (commitments

at the WTO) are around 10-40 per cent which can be uncomfortably

close to Indias current tariffs, limiting Indias options in the event of

import surges.

What is Special Safeguard Mechanism under WTO?

WTOs Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) is a protection measure

allowed for developing countries to take contingency restrictions

against agricultural imports that are causing injuries to domesticfarmers.

The contingency measure is imposition of tariff if the import surge

causes welfare loss to the domestic poor farmers. The design and use

of the SSM is an area of conflict under the WTO.

What are safeguards?

In WTOs terms, safeguards are contingency or emergency

restrictions on imports taken temporarily to deal with special

circumstances such as a surge in imports.

Contingency restriction means imposition of an import tax if the

imports are causing injuries to domestic agricultural sector. Theoriginal GATT itself allows such restrictions to protect domestic

economy.

Doha Development Agenda and the origin of the SSM

At the Doha Ministerial Conference, the developing countries were

given a concession to adopt a Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM)

besides the existing safeguards (like the Special Agricultural

Safeguard or the SSG).

This SSM constituted an important part of the promises offered to the

developing world at Doha (known as Doha Development Agenda) and

the Doha MC became known as a development round. As mentioned, the Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) allowed

developing countries to raise import duties on agricultural products

in response to import surges.

Difference between SSM and other safeguards under

Agreement on Agriculture

The SSG was available to all countries- both developing and

developed whereas the SSM is allowable only to the developing

countries.


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It is to be mentioned that the SSG was available as it was inducted

under the GATT agreement; whereas the SSM was the invention of

the Doha MC.

Conflict among WTO members about the structure of the SSM

But the design of exact rules of the SSM created conflict among the

WTO members. Setting the conditions for putting restrictions on

imports and the amount of tariff imposition became contentious

issues and it caused the delay in the implementation of the entire

Doha Development Agenda.

Powerful negotiating countries at the WTO, the US and India had

conflicting versions about the structure of the SSM. Other countries

joined the two sides later. The G33 supports Indias stand whereas the

advanced countries and some agricultural exporting countries like

Brazil supports the US stand.

Both groups differed substantially on many aspects of the SSM.

Following are the main issues which created the conflict.

1.

What should be the trigger factor that allows a developing country to

put restrictions (raising tariff) on imports?

2.

What should be the level of tariff that can be imposed on injurious

imports

India argued for higher level of tariff and lower import surge for

making the SSM. On the other hand, the US and allies argued for

lower tariffs and higher imports for using the SSM. In 2008, the trade

discussions got to a standstill because of the above conflicting views

on SSM; especially due to the difference among the US and India.

Basically, the underlying cause of the disagreement among members

was the inability to distinguish between import surges that do

not threaten the livelihood conditions of developing country farmers

and those that do. Much of the debate has focused on the

circumstances under which the SSM could be evoked and how high

safeguard duties could rise.

The developed countries want developing nations, including India, to

agree to use SSM instrument when imports surge on a sustained

basis by 40% over the previous year. On the other hand, India and the

G33 insist that the mechanism can come into play if imports rise by

about 10%.


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After G20 stalemate, focus turns to signs of growth

The Group of 20 economies were unable to agree on a joint push for

new stimulus measures, turning attention instead to upcoming

business surveys from China, Japan, Europe the United States.

Central banks in Europe and Japan may inject a little more stimulus

into their economies later in March.

But the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England look likely to sit

tight for now, meaning hopes for a period of calm in the world's

volatile financial markets lie largely with the indicators.

It seems economic data will have to bear the burden of stabilizing

sentiment.

Euro zone inflation

A first reading of inflation in February for the euro zone will help

shape expectations of how much further below zero the European

Central Bank is likely to push its deposit rate the following week.

Euro zone inflation picked up in January but is expected to have fallen

back to zero in February.

If there is also a weakening of the monthly purchasing manager

indexes for Germany and other leading euro zone countries, the ECB

may consider increasing its bond-buying programme as well as

cutting rates on March 10.

There is a growing chance that the ECB will do more at its March

meeting than simply lowering its deposit rate.

U.S. payrolls figures may help ease fears about the world's biggest

economy, which appeared to stumble soon after the Federal Reserve

felt confident enough to hike interest rates for the first time in nearly

a decade in December.

Solid U.S. job growth and pay growth are seen as the best antidote to

the upheaval in global financial markets which has hurt confidence

and even raised questions about whether the United States was

heading back into recession.

U.S. inflation

Markets have turned calmer in recent days, helped by stronger-than-

expected U.S. inflation figures. But the impact of plunging share prices

has shaken the confidence of many households and businesses in rich

countries.


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Economists at Citi have cut their forecast for global economic growth

this year to 2.5 percent from 2.7 percent due to slowing activity in

developed economies.

They said growth could come in below 2 percent equivalent to a

global recession because of the chance of weaker growth among

emerging economies.

INDIA AND WORLDINDIA AND CHINA

India, China hold first joint tactical drill on border

The border troops of India and China held their first joint tactical

exercise in the Chushul-Moldo area along the northern border.

This is part of the ongoing initiatives taken by India and China to

ensure greater interaction between troops stationed along the Line of

Actual Control, and thereby ensure peace and tranquillity along the

border.

As previously agreed by both countries, the exercise focussed on

actions to be coordinated to tackle jointly aspects of humanitarian aid

and disaster relief.

The 30-member Indian Army team was led by Colonel Ritesh Chandra

Singh, while the Chinese delegation with an equal strength was led by

Colonel Qu Yi.

This exercise complements the Hand-in-Hand series of India-China

Joint Exercises and the recently conducted joint exercise in Sikkim.

Chushul

Chushul is a village in theLeh district ofJammu and Kashmir,India.

It is located in theLehtehsil,in the area known as "Chushul Valley".

INDIA AND UAE

India, UAE sign nine agreements

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed nine agreements

covering cooperation in the fields of currency swap, culture,

investments in the infrastructure sector, renewable energy, space

research, insurance supervision, cyber security, skill development and

commercial information sharing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leh_districthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jammu_and_Kashmirhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lehhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tehsilhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tehsilhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lehhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jammu_and_Kashmirhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leh_district


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The Ministry of External Affairs initially announced four agreements

but revised the list later adding five more agreements.

However, the much anticipated agreement on India accessing UAEs

Sovereign Fund was not declared. India should carry out some

structural changes in its economy to facilitate such an agreement.

India and the UAE had begun a dialogue that would firm up a Free

Trade Agreement between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The SWFs wanted the Indian government to be a strategic partner for

safety of their investments, besides an assurance of a conducive

business environment.

INDIA AND BELGIUM

Belgium keen on joining Clean Ganga drive

Belgium is keen on taking part in the Clean Ganga campaign, and a

Belgian mission with companies specialising in sanitation will meet

Indian government officials soon.

A Belgian Research Institute, Vito has developed a technology not only

to clean sewage water but also to produce electricity out of it

First is cleaning up the actual pollution there are certain companies

that specialise in that. The second is preventing pollution; that is a

huge effort.

Belgium also wants to diversify its trade with India in the diamond

business, which contributes to a large part of the bilateral trade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Belgium as part of

his EU tour in March.

INDIA AND EU

Modi to attend summit of EU, India in Brussels

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Brussels for the EU-India

summit on March 30, which is being held after a long gap of four years

that have also seen the suspension of talks on the Bilateral Trade and

Investment Agreement (BTIA).

Sources also say that there will be one more meeting on the FTA on

March 30 at the level of Commerce Ministers on the sidelines of the

PMs visit.

According to officials there are still some obstacles preventing the

resumption of the India-EU FTA talks that were suspended in 2013

after 16 rounds of negotiation.


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To begin with, the EU is learnt to have asked India to substantially

bring down the high duties on automobiles as a pre-condition for

resumption of the FTA negotiations.

Indias import duty on cars range from 60-120 per cent as against the

EUs 10 per cent.

INDIA AND SRI LANKA

Storm over Sri Lankan deal with India

The Opposition and sections of professional organisations here have

kicked up a storm over the proposed Economic and Technology

Cooperation Agreement between India and the island nation.

Calling the pact a fresh variant of the Comprehensive Economic

Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was aborted earlier, the Joint

Opposition, a coalition of seven parties and groups owing allegiance to

former President Mahinda Rajapakasa, said the deal had to be

abandoned due to lack of public support.

Professional bodies representing doctors, engineers and lawyers took

out a rally against the proposed pact a few weeks back.

Critics have said the deal would pave the way for Indian professionals

and semi-skilled and unskilled persons to flood Sri Lankas labour

market.

The governments response has also been forceful.

Indian delegation to visit Colombo

A delegation of officials from India will visit Colombo on March 4 to

hold talks with Sri Lankan officials regarding the proposed Economic

and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA).

In the event of any shortage of professionals in Sri Lanka, the

proposed agreement would be amended after consulting stakeholders

concerned.

The new pact would cover areas such as financial services, promotion

of trade and investment, e-commerce and tourism.

Sri Lankan industry split over economic pact with India

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has come out in support of

the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement

(ETCA) with India even as certain sections of society in Sri Lanka

continue to express reservations over the issue.


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For the island nation, being a small economy with a limited domestic

market, trading more with the world and welcoming more business

and investment partnerships from abroad is our only path to

prosperity.

In this, greater openness to trade in services cannot be ignored, owing

to its strong and growing link to goods trade and investment.

Services liberalisation needs to be pursued, within a mutually-

beneficial framework and following stakeholder discussions,

according to the 177-year-old CCC. It also cautioned the Sri Lankan

Government against protectionism.

The Chamber stated that the country in the last 15 years became

more closed and more inward looking than before with a falling

share of global exports and a declining exports-to-GDP ratio.

INDIA AND U.S.

U.S. Defence Secretary Ashton Carter to visit India in April

U.S. Defence Secretary Ashton Carter will be visiting India in April and

focused efforts are underway to make progress in concluding the

three outstanding defence agreements between the two countries.

India and the U.S had in January last year announced a joint strategic

vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region even as the U.S.

continues to accuse China of militarising the region.

The recent North Korean nuclear adventurism has prompted U.S allies

such as South Korea and Japan to seek higher U.S presence in the

region.

Termed foundational agreements, the Communications and

Information Security Memorandum of Agreement, Logistics Support

Agreement and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for geo-

spatial intelligence have been pending for at least a decade now and

will be the focus during Mr. Carters visit.

The U.S has signed these agreements with most of its strategic

partners. Dominant sections within the political and strategic

community in India have argued that signing of these agreements will

lock the country in an irreversible embrace with the U.S.

India and the U.S. have already signed one foundational agreement

the General Security of Military Information Agreement.


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For India-U.S. defence cooperation to be effective and optimal, these

agreements can be of great help.

INDIA AND IRAN

India approves $150 million Iran port plan

India approved a $150 million project to develop the strategic Iranian

port of Chabahar, which includes a transit route to Afghanistan

bypassing neighbouring Pakistan.

New Delhi signed a multi-million-dollar memorandum of

understanding with Tehran last May to develop the port on its

southeastern coast, but the deal had been stuck since.

The project would provide opportunities to Indian companies to

penetrate and enhance its footprint in the region, adding: Cabinet

approves provision of credit of $150 million USD to Islamic Republic

of Iran for Chabahar port development.

INDIA AND PAKISTAN

India moving U.N. to blacklist Masood

In its biggest diplomatic move after the Pathankot attack, India

approached the United Nations to include the Pakistan-based terror

mastermind Maulana Masood Azhar on the list of globally designated

terrorists.

Officials said India would formally request the 1267 Sanctions

Committee, which consists of 15 members, to schedule a discussion

on Masood Azhar.

The decision is significant since it is the second time in less than a

year that India will attempt to isolate an international terrorist

through the anti-terror committee.

In June 2015, India moved the committee in the United Nations,

demanding an explanation from Pakistan for its decision to release

the 26/11 attack plotter Zakiur Rahman Lakhvi from jail.

The attempt to isolate Pakistan, however, failed at the last moment

because of Chinas opposition. Officials said that this year too, Chinas

attitude would be watched.

However, according to experts, the attempt to isolate Masood Azhar

has a greater possibility to succeed at the 1267 Sanctions Committee.

India has already given actionable intelligence and technical

intercepts that connect Masood Azhars organisation to the Pathankot


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attack. The technical inputs are likely to be presented before the UN

committee.

INDIA AND FIJI

40 tonnes of relief material airlifted to cyclone-hit Fiji

India recently dispatched relief material to cyclone-hit Fiji as part of

its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in the

neighbourhood.

A C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force took off

from the Palam air station to Fiji, via Chennai, with 40 tonnes of relief

material.

The consignment includes food, medicines and tents. Fiji was hit by

the massive Cyclone Winston recently, leaving at least 44 dead.

The island nation has requested foreign aid. India has already

announced aid in the aftermath of the disaster.

Reaching out to a friend in need. India extends $1 million in

immediate assistance to Fiji after devastating Cyclone Winston hits.

INDIA AND NEPAL

NDO-Nepal Battalion Level Combined Military Exercise Surya Kiran IX

The Indo-Nepal Combined Military Exercise Surya Kiran IX held at general

area, Pithoragarh. The Nepal Army is being represented by officers and

troops of the elite Shree Rudra Dhoj Battalion while an Infantry Battalion

is participating on behalf of Indian Army. The Combined Battalion Level

Exercise is being conducted under the aegis of Panchshul Brigade of

Central Command.

This is the Ninth Indo-Nepal Combined exercise, emphasis would be laid

on upgradation of tactical and practical skills by sharing each others

experiences and also on enhancing interoperability in Jungle Warfare and

Counter Terrorism operations in mountain terrain. The role and

importance of Armed Forces in disaster management in both the

countries has assumed increasing significance in recent years. Focus will

also be laid on Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Operations which

also includes medical and aviation aspects.

Both the armies have a lot to learn from each other especially in our

approach towards handling the modern day challenges of addressing

terrorism and also in disaster management as it has been one of the most

important challenges for both countries after the recent calamities. Senior


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Nepalese Army officials are also likely to attend the combined exercise

along with their Indian Counterparts during the validation phase of the

exercise.

INDIA AND INDONESIA

Indo-Indonesia Joint Training Exercise Garuda shakti IV

Indo-Indonesia Joint Training Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI is conducted as

part of military diplomacy between Indian and Indonesian Army

alternatively in India and Indonesia respectively. The exercise is

conducted on a reciprocal basis and its first edition was conducted in the

year 2012 in India. The second edition was conducted in Indonesia in

2013 and third in India in 2014. The exercise is aimed at building and

promoting positive relations between the two Armies of India and

Indonesia.

Indonesia in which an Indian Army platoon strength contingent will carry

out cross training with a platoon from the Airborne battalion of the

Indonesian Army. The selected Indian unit has had varied operational

experience in Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorist operations in the

Northern, Western and Eastern theatres. The Indian Contingent has been

put through a rigorous training schedule to prepare it for the exercise

which includes combat conditioning, firing, tactical operations, tactical

skills and special heliborne operations training.

The operational part of the exercise commenced with individual Armiestraining in respective countries and this would translate in exchange ofexpertise during the Joint Training Exercise in Indonesia. The Indiancontingent will reach the exercise location at Magelang, Indonesia,familiarize with the weapons, equipment, tactical drills and orientthemselves to the terrain.

The exercise will be conducted as joint Counter Insurgency operations

exercise in urban and rural scenario and encompass various facets oftactical Counter Insurgency operations. The aim of the exercise is to buildand promote positive relations between the armies of India and Indonesiaand to enhance the ability of Indian and Indonesian Army to undertakejoint tactical level operations in a Counter Insurgency environment underUnited Nations Charter.

The scope encompasses visualization of insurgency related crisis situation

in rural / urban setting in Counter Insurgency environment, learn eachother's Counter Insurgency doctrines, tactics and share experience of


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Counter Insurgency operations. It also includes the ambit of identifyingareas of expertise/ specialization of each other, evolution of combattactical drills for conduct of tactical Counter Insurgency operations and toundertake combined training for neutralization of insurgency threat.

INDIA AND SWEDEN

MoU signed between India and Sweden on Technical Cooperation in Rail

Sector

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between

Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation of theKingdom of Sweden on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector. Following cooperation areas are identified in the MoU:

(a)

Benchmark Railways policy development, regulations, organizationand specific characteristics for each country.

(b)

Exchange of knowledge, technical expertise, innovation, technology,sustainable solutions and research.

(c) Other cooperation projects agreed between the participants, such as,tilting coaches/trains, capacity allocation (time tabling) andoptimisation of maintenance and improved freight/combinationtraffic.

(d)

Training and continuing education program in reliability andmaintenance of Rail transport system for Railway engineers andmanagers.

Main objectives of MoU is to develop cooperation activities in the Railwayarea to promote efficiency and sustainability and achieve concrete resultswith regard to bilateral trade, investment, research and technologytransfer.

MoU will remain in force for 5 years from the date of signing. It can beextended for a further period of 5 years with the written consent of bothsides.

INDIA AND GERMANY

Joint Declaration between India and Germany on the extension of thetenure of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre

A Joint Declaration between the Ministry of Science & Technology and theFederal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany on the extensionof the tenure of the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC).

The Declaration is for the extension of tenure of the bilateral IGSTC for aperiod of five years beyond 2017 till 2022. It provides for enhancement offunding allocation from 2 million Euros per year to a maximum of 4million Euros per year by each side. The committed funding will be based


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on the principles of activity matching funding for supporting collaborativeresearch partnerships of industrial relevance.

The joint research projects involving academia and industry from bothcountries will aim towards creation of new scientific knowledge base andthe application of research results for technology development andapplication.

This new declaration will enable IGSTC to further enhance, strengthen and

improve research and technology cooperation of industrial relevancethrough cooperation between laboratories, academia and industry of boththe countries. IGSTC will support and fund selected R&D projects linkingresearch laboratories and industry (2+2 scheme) from India and Germanyand assist in mobilizing resources to carry out collaborative industrialR&D projects.Background:

The IGSTC was established under an agreement between the twoGovernments in October 2007 and started operation in 2011. PresentlyIGSTC is supporting joint industrial R&D projects in areas such as (a)advanced manufacturing (b) biomedical devices & healthcare (c)nanotechnology (d) automobile engineering (e) water sensors (f) cleanenergy technology and (g) information and computing technology.

POLITY

Was it discretion or mere whim, Supreme Court asks Governor

The Supreme Court questioned Governor J.P. Rajkhowas use of his

constitutional discretion to advance the sixth session of the

Arunachal Pradesh Assembly by over a month, asking whether it was

backed by sound constitutional principles or based on a mere whim.

Advancing the session from its scheduled date of January 14, 2016 to

December 16, 2015 in order to remove Speaker Nebam Rebiatriggered the entire political crisis leading to the imposition of

Presidents Rule on January 26.

The Benchs questions pertained to the order issued by Mr. Rajkhowa

on December 9, 2015 to advance the Assembly session without

consulting Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and his Council of Ministers

under Article 174 (1) of the Constitution.


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The Governor was acting on resolutions sent to him by majority

rebel Congress MLAs and Opposition lawmakers for the removal of

the Speaker. They claimed that the Tuki government was in minority.

Instead of calling a floor test, the Governor invoked Article 174 (1) of

the Constitution and ordered the session to be advanced for

facilitating the House to expeditiously consider resolutions for

removal of Speaker. In the order, the Governor claimed complete

discretion.

Discretion or whim, asks SC

The Governor said he was not bound by the aid and advice of the Chief

Minister and his Cabinet.

December 9 also saw the Governor send a message to the House,

directing it to list the subject of removal of the Speaker as the first

item on its agenda.

Referring to its past judgments, the apex court said a Governor could

not assume constitutional discretion unless such powers were

expressly provided in the specific Articles of the Constitution.

Since Article 174 (1) was silent on whether the Governor should

consult or not the State Cabinet before advancing dates of the

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