Back to SAARC: On Modi's video conference with leaders (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 2: International Relations
Prelims level: SAARC
Mains level:India and its neighbourhood relations

Context:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to convene a video conference of leaders of the eight-member SAARC on Sunday represents a much-needed “out-of-the-box” thinking as the world faces the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Political borders:

• Pandemics do not recognise political borders, and in times of trouble, reaching out to neighbouring countries is the most obvious course of action.
• To that end, PM had a hour-long ...................................

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Spread in the continent:

• With close to 300 positive cases, South Asia has seen a much lower incidence globally, but given its much higher population density, it is clear that any outbreak will lead to far more casualties.
• Other concerns are about under-reporting, as fewer people are being tested in much of South Asia, and whether public health services can cope.
• It remains to be seen how closely the SAARC countries will cooperate to deal with the virus.
• PM Modi did well to engage with leaders of South Asia on combating COVID-19.
• While speaking to his counterparts was a part of Mr. Modi’s message, it was, however, certainly not the whole.

Reaching out to SAARC:

• The fact that he decided to make the video conference available live indicates his desire to also reach out to and reassure the public in the SAARC region.
• Beyond this is the message sent out .................................

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Conclusion:

• Clearly, reviving the SAARC initiative, which countries in the region including Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan have advised, will not be easy, given poor ties between SAARC’s two largest members, India and Pakistan.
• But it is significant that New Delhi seems to be willing to try to put politics aside when dealing with the pandemic that confronts all.

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  General Studies Pre. Cum Mains Study Materials

Prelims Questions:

Q.1) With reference to the Edible Oils, consider the following statements:
1. The import of palm oil has been completely banned from all countries
2. A National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) is proposed for 2020-21 to 2024-25.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both
(d) None

Answer: .....................................

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Mains Questions:
Q.1)To what extent Indian government to engage with leaders of South Asia on combating COVID-19. Comment.