 Hello and welcome to the Hindu news analysis by Shankar A.S. Academy. The displayed news articles along with the page numbers from different editions of the Hindu are displayed here for your convenience. The PDF link of the handwritten notes and the time stamping of the news articles is given in the description box and also in the comment section. Let's start with the first news article analysis. This news article is with reference to the surprise visit of Indian Prime Minister to Nemu in Ladakh. The Prime Minister said that the era of expansionism is over and this is the era of development. And we know that the Prime Minister did not mention Chinese expansionism, rather he said the era of expansionism is over. So in this context we will see about expansionism by China, then the relevance of the statement of the Prime Minister. And we will also see in brief about the response given by the Chinese Embassy in India. The syllabus relevant for the analysis of this news article is highlighted here for your reference. We know that the creation of the People's Republic of China was announced on 1st October 1949. On the very next year that is in October 1950, China sent its military forces to Tibet region to enforce its claims over the Tibet region. So as a result of military action on Tibet, China included this region as its sovereign territory. And at present Tibet is one of the five autonomous regions in China. So we can say that since the occupation of Tibet by Chinese forces, China has been asserting the policy of expansionism. Furthermore, in the 1990s China gained control over two more territories and these territories are Hong Kong and Macau. These two territories are called as special administrative reasons of China. So what do you mean by expansionism? Expansionism refers to expanding territory or economic influence mainly through military means or military aggression. It includes territorial expansionism through economic or political means. For example, for territorial expansion through economic means, we can relate with Sri Lanka. And we know that how China acquired Amman Tota port for a lease of 99 years. Because Sri Lanka was unable to repay the loan and it was forced to lease the Amman Tota port to a Chinese firm for about 99 years. Now when it comes to India, that is with reference to India, China projects its expansionist agenda mainly through military means. And we have been listening to how Chinese troops were attempting intrusions into Indian territory in the past few months. And this year also it attempted to intrude into Ladakh and Sikkim regions. And we know that China is known for its expansionist agenda since 1950s. That is why Prime Minister has remarked that the era of expansionism is over. So in this context it is relevant to mention the Sino-Indian War of 1962. Before 1962, that is in the year 1954, China agreed on five principles of peaceful coexistence which is also known as Panchashal principles with India. And one of the five principles is mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. But China violated the agreed principles and this resulted into 1962 war. Since then China is claiming a lot of Indian territory in eastern and western sectors of Indian border with China. So at present China claims Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern sector and Aksai Chin area of Ladakh in the western sector. Since both these claims are illegitimate and both the claims are fit examples for the Chinese policy of expansionism. So in the recent attempt it resorted to claim new areas along the line of actual control and this time there was a loss of lives of 20 Indian soldiers during a violent clash. And this shows the aggressive expansionist motives of China using its military forces. So in this context let us see the meaning of the statement made by Indian Prime Minister. The statement clearly mentions that the era of expansionism is over. Therefore it means a full stop for expansionism and India will not be silent for the expansionist assertions and any attempts of China. This means that if China attempts to intrude into Indian territory, India will fight and push Chinese troops back into the territory. Furthermore the statements made by Prime Minister is also interpreted by experts in another way. That is India may now voice more concerns on freedom of navigation at the international waters. And because China claims many island regions and navigable channels in South China Sea which is affecting the freedom of navigation in South China Sea. With this information now let us see the response of China to the statements of Indian Prime Minister. The spokesperson of Chinese Embassy in India said that it is groundless to view China as expansionist. China alleges that India is exaggerating and fabricating Chinese disputes with its neighbouring countries. The statement also added that in around two neighbouring countries China has converted land border disputes into bonds of friendly cooperation. But we know that China's attempt to intrude into the Indian land is the daylight reason for the loss of 20 Indian soldiers at the Galwan Valley. And this is the reality and there is no exaggeration or fabrication. With this information we have come to the end of analysis of this news article. Now let us move on to the next news article analysis. This news article talks about the request of the Union Health Ministry. The ministry requested the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority that is NPPA to ensure the availability of critical medical equipments at affordable prices in the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic. The news article also says that NPPA in exercise of its powers under drugs price control order of 2013 has asked the equipment manufacturers to submit prices related data of pulse oximeter and oxygen concentrator to ensure that the prices are not increased about 10% in a year. And know that medical devices have been notified as drugs and comes under the regulatory regime of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 and the drugs prices control order of 2013. So in this context let us understand about NPPA, its functions and also about drugs order of 2013. The syllabus relevant to the analysis of this news article is highlighted here for your reference. Now let us talk about NPPA and its functions. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority is an executive body which was constituted by the government of India as an attached office of the Department of Pharmaceuticals. And know that the Department of Pharmaceuticals comes under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizes but not under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Therefore NPPA comes under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizes. NPPA is an independent regulator for pricing of drugs and it ensures availability and accessibility of medicines at affordable prices. Know that it consists of a chief person with a rank of the secretary to the government of India. This is the functions of NPPA that is to implement and enforce the pros and cons of the drugs price control order of 2013. Then another important function of NPPA is to monitor the availability of drugs and then to identify if there are any shortages and if needed to take remedial steps. So for this government of India implements an online portal called Pharma Jens Samadhan under NPPA. It provides the consumers with an effective and time-bound grievance redressal system to deal with the complaints related to pricing, shortage and non-availability of medicines. Know that NPPA also developed another platform or application named Pharma Sahida. This is an online search tool for checking the prices of scheduled or non-scheduled medicines at the time of purchase of medicines. Then another important function of NPPA is to collect or maintain data on production, exports and imports or market share of individual companies and profitability of companies with respect to bulk drugs and formulations. It also undertakes or sponsors relevant studies in respect of pricing of drugs or pharma suiticles. In this context, it is to be noted that NPPA has an advisory role with respect to central government in matters related to changes or revisions in the drugs policy. And it also renders assistance to the central government in the parliamentary matters relating to drug pricing. So this is all about NPPA and its functions. In this context, we will also know in brief about drugs prices control order of 2013. It is issued by the government of India under section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act of 1955 to regulate the prices of drugs. The order also provides the list of drugs for which prices are controlled and also processes for fixation of prices, method of implementation of prices fixed by the government. And it also includes penalties for contravention or violation of pros and cons of the drugs prices control order. So in this context, I try to know that the government of India implements the pros and cons of DPCO through NPPA. And recently the drugs prices control amendment order of 2019 was issued by the central government. To conclude this news article, we have seen about National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority its functions and then about drugs prices control order of 2013. With this information, let us move on to the next news article analysis. These news articles discuss about the ruling of permanent court of arbitration on India in Italian Marin's case. The syllabus relevant to the analysis of these news articles is highlighted here for your reference. Now in our yesterday's Hindu news analysis, that is on 3rd July 2020, we saw the timeline of events in Italian Marin's case and also the jurisdiction and ruling of permanent court of arbitration. So we are pleased to use to watch this video to understand the background of the issue. We know that the Italian Marin's case caused diplomatic disputes between India and Italy not only because India instituted proceedings against the Marin's as per the Indian law but also because invoking the pros and cons of separation of unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation and fixed platforms on Continental Shelf Act of 2002 by the National Investigation Agency. Know that this act was enacted to stop unlawful acts which endangers the safety of maritime navigation and also the safety of fixed platforms. In this context, fixed platforms mean artificial islands are the structures that are permanently attached to the sea bed for the purpose of exploration for economic activities. Section 3 of the Act deals with offenses against ship, fixed platform or offenses against cargo of a ship, maritime navigational facilities etc. The Act also provides death penalty as punishment for these offenses which cause death to any person in connection with the fixed platform or ship. So this is what happened in Italian Marin's case as two Indian fishermen were shot to death by Italian Marin's assuming these two Indian fishermen as pirates. Therefore invoking the pros and cons of separation of unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation and fixed platforms on Continental Shelf Act of 2002 by the National Investigation Agency led to expression of extreme displacer or anger by European Union and also by the Italian government. European Union even threatened to impose trade sanctions on India. And then during the course of time these diplomatic tussles were calmed and subsequently Italy instituted proceedings against India in the permanent court of arbitration. So in this context let us see the rulings of the court. The court ruled that India has not acted in breach of Article 87 and Article 92 of the Convention as accused by Italy. Article 87 provides for freedom of navigation and Article 92 provides for exclusive jurisdiction on the high seas to the country under whose flag the ship is sailing. So in this case the Italian government accused that by directing the Enrica Lexi which is an Italian vessel in which marines were present to change its course for coming into Indian territorial sea. Therefore the Italian government accused India violated Italy's freedom of navigation and exclusive jurisdiction. But the court ruled against Italy's accusation saying that India did not violate these pros and cons. Then Italy also accused India that India failed to cooperate in the repression of piracy under Article 100 of the Convention. By this Italy was legitimizing the claim of marines that the two Indian fishermen were pirates. But the court ruled that India has not violated Article 100 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. So it means that the court did not view the incident as related to piracy at all. Therefore it is considered as a setback to the Italian government. Then the next ruling by the court is that the marines are entitled to immunity in relation to their acts during the incident. So PCA precluded or prevented India from exercising its jurisdiction over the marines. Therefore Italian marines cannot be tried in Indian courts and cannot be punished according to the laws of our country. Furthermore PCA also ordered India to take necessary steps to stop exercising India's criminal jurisdiction over the Italian marines. So all the ongoing proceedings in the Supreme Court of India and other law enforcement agencies have to be stopped regarding the Italian marines case. Then the next ruling by the court is that Italy did not violate India's sovereign rights under Article 56 and Article 58 of the Convention. Know that Article 56 provides sovereign rights to coastal states in the exclusive economic zone for the purpose of exploring and exploiting and also for the conserving and managing the natural resources. Then Article 58 mandates that other states which are exercising their rights and duties in the exclusive economic zone they shall have due regard to rights and duties of the coastal state. So other states have to comply with laws and regulations adapted by the coastal state which is India in our case. And the ruling noted that the sovereign right of India is not violated. So in this context a permanent court of arbitration ruled that Italy has not infringed on India's rights under Article 88 of the Convention. This article mandates that the high seas shall be reserved for peaceful purposes. So in a claim that Italy has breached the peaceful purposes clause but the court ruled against India's claims. But at the same time the court agreed that by killing fishermen Italy violated India's freedom and the right of navigation under Articles 87 and 90 of the Convention. Article 90 mandates every nation has the right to sail ships by flying its flag on the high seas. So the court agreed that Italy caused injury to India's non-material interest. As a result of this only Italy was asked to pay compensation to India in connection with loss of life, physical harm, material damage to property and also for the moral harm suffered by captain and other crew members of the Indian vessel. For this purpose permanent court of arbitration asked countries to consult with each other for arriving at the amount of compensation. But if India wants PCA to quantify the compensation then India has to apply to PCA before the expiry of one year time period. Know that these rulings are binding on the disputing parties and the ruling is final and without any appeal. So Indian government has announced that it accepts the ruling and will abide by the judgement. Therefore the central government asked the Supreme Court of India to close all the proceedings concerning the Italian marines case. So in this context even though compensation will be given we can say that the case has ended in disappointment to India. It is because even PCA ruled that the case is not related to piracy but the editorial points that the killings were deliberate and the offence warranted arrest and prosecution under the Indian laws. As a bottom line we can say that the Italian government succeeded in taking the matter out of Indian hands and now Italy will continue proceedings under its own laws. So as a final point in this editorial this case is a lesson for India in the legal and diplomatic domains. And from this we can know that how things may not always work in our favor in an international domain. Furthermore the decision of Indian government has been appreciated by constitutional experts because the government has acted as a constitutional mandate provided in article 51 of Directive Principles of State Policy. Under this article for the purpose of promoting international peace and security it is the duty of government to foster or increase respect for international law and treaty obligations and to increase settlement of international disputes by mutual arbitration. Therefore the Indian government decided to accept the ruling and to take necessary further steps in this case. With this information we have come to the end of analysis of these news articles. Now let us move on to the next news article analysis. Let's take up this question. The Services Business Activity Index is released by. We have framed this question because we have a relevant news article in today's newspaper about the Services Business Activity Index for Indian services sector for the reference month of June 2020. So in this context try to remember who releases this report. That is IHS market releases the Services Business Activity Index on a monthly basis. The report provides critical information, analytics and solutions for major industries and markets. So it's a purchasing managers index that is PMI is available for about 40 countries in the world. If you remember that is on 2nd July 2020 Hindu news analysis video. We saw about manufacturing PMI and in our today's news analysis we are going to discuss about services PMI. Know that the Services Business Activity Index is also known as the Services PMI and the sectors covered under this index is listed here for your reference. So these sectors include consumer sector, transport, information and communication, finance, insurance, real estate and business services. The index is estimated based on the response to questionnaire that is for the service sector. These questionnaire includes about the changes in the volume of a business activity in the reference month compared with the previous month. So Services PMI is compiled from responses to questionnaires which are sent to a panel of around 400 service sector companies. Therefore this index is called as a service based economic indicator. Even the manufacturing PMI is also a survey based indicator. It is compiled from response to questionnaires that are sent to purchasing managers in around 400 manufacturers. With this information now let's come to the news based on services PMI for the month of June 2020. The report states that the Indian service sector remained under intense strain during the month of June 2020. The index recorded 33.7 in the month of June. This is sharply higher when we compare with 2.6 in the month of May 2020. So even in June month the services PMI remained below the neutral mark of 50.0 for a fourth successive month. And the crucial 50.0 level separates growth from contraction. So if the number is more than 50 there is a growth in the service sector as compared to the previous month. So from this index we can say that though the index has improved when compared to May month but it did not go above the level of 50.0. This means that there is a decline in service sector output but the decline is not as sharp as seen in the month of May 2020. And the decline is because of reduced intakes of new work and disrupted business operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report also observes that there is a further weakness in demand conditions with a sharp drop in export of services. So the restrictions related to travel has ended OOC's orders for export in services sector. Then the another matter of worry is that the employment across the Indian services sector fell during the month of June because of lower business activity. Now with this information let's take up the given question. The services business activity index is released by. The answer for this question is option D IHS market. So in this context try to remember that ENCTAD releases world investment report, NSO releases index of industrial production, economist intelligence unit releases, democracy index as well as global livability index. With this information let's move on to the next news article analysis. Now let's take up this question which is based on place or places located in the state of Karnataka. The news article mentions that the forest department of Karnataka will soon put in place a traffic monitoring mechanism along the roads adjacent to Nagarhole National Park and also crisscrossing Mysore and Kodak districts in order to ensure better complaints of forest loss. So in this context try to remember the location of important national parks. Know that Rajiv Gandhi or Nagarhole National Park is part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which is located at the tri-sanction of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. And we know that Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is recognized under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Program in order to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound environmental science practices. This Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve includes part of Y-Nord, Nagarhole, Bandipore, Mudhumalai, Nilambore, Silent Valley and Siruvani Hills. So out of these places Nagarhole and Bandipore are located in the state of Karnataka, Nilambore, Y-Nord, Silent Valley are located in the state of Kerala whereas Mudhumalai and Siruvani Hills are located in the state of Tamil Nadu. So in this context try to remember that Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the state of Tamil Nadu covers all the forests of the Nilgiri district and a part of Coimbatore and E-Road districts. So with this information let's take up the given question which are the following places or places located in the state of Karnataka. Rajiv Gandhi or Nagarhole National Park, Bandipore National Park, Mudhumalai National Park, Y-Nord, Wildlife Sanctioning. So out of the given places Nagarhole, Bandipore forms a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the state of Karnataka. Mudhumalai National Park is located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Y-Nord, Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Kerala. So the correct answer for this question is option A1 and 2 only. Let's take up this question which is based on ICMR. We have framed this question because we have a relevant news article in today's newspaper. The news article tells that the Indian Council of Medical Research that is ICMR will be launching the vaccine for COVID-19 by 15th August 2020. And the name of the vaccine is Co-Vaxin. You know that this vaccine is a SARS-CoV-2 strain which is sourced from the ICMR National Institute of Viralzy, Pune. It is developed by the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech India Limited, that is BBIL. In this context remember that the Drug Controller General of India had given approvals to BBIL on 29th June 2020 for the phase 1 and phase 2 trials of Co-Vaxin. The news article also tells that as per the clinicians involved in the clinical trial, the vaccine may not be ready for the public use by 15th August. But they have expressed that the relevant data on safety and also the proof of its efficacy could be available by 15th August 2020. So in this context we will be discussing about the Indian Council of Medical Research which is an apex body in our country for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research. And know that the governing body of ICMR is presided by the Union Health Minister. In this context it is important to note that the ICMR is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Now when it comes to the history of ICMR, it is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world. The present ICMR came into existence from the Indian Research Fund Association which was set up in 1911 by the then British Government. After that that is in the year 1949, IRFA was re-designated as the Indian Council of Medical Research and its scope of functions were expanded. Now when it comes to mandate or mandates of Indian Council of Medical Research, it includes conducting, coordinating, and implementing medical research for the benefit of the society. It also includes translating medical innovations into products or processes and introducing them into the public health system. So with this information now we will discuss major activities of ICMR that is it has a network of 26 institutes involved in medical research across the country. They do research on specific diseases like tuberculosis, cholera, AIDS, malaria and so forth and so on. And the clinical trial registry of India which is under ICMR registers all the clinical trials conducted in our country. Also know that the National Cancer Registry Program of ICMR conducts extensive research on cancer. So in the context of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Council of Medical Research also provides advice or guidelines to central or state governments in the field of medical sciences and it also provides research supported to medical colleges all over the country. So with this information let's take up the given question with reference to Indian Council of Medical Research. Here four statements are given and you need to choose correct statement or statements. ICMR is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. ICMR provides research support to medical colleges all over the country. The clinical trial registry of India which registers all the clinical trials conducted in India is under ICMR. ICMR is funded by the government of India through the Department of Biotechnology. Here the fourth statement is incorrect and the first three are correct statements. So in this context try to remember that ICMR is funded by the government of India through the Department of Health Research in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Therefore the correct answer for this question is option B, 1, 2 and 3 only. Now let's take up practice question session. In the Constitution of India, increasing the settlement of international disputes by arbitration is included in the 10th schedule, Direct Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties, 9th schedule. So in the context of this question try to remember that the promotion of international peace and security is mentioned in the Direct to Principles of State Policy in the part 4 of Indian Constitution. To be specific that is as per Article 51 of Indian Constitution, the state shall endeavor to promote international peace and security to maintain just and honorable relations between nations to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organized peoples with one another and to encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. So for this question option B is the right option. Consider the following statements with reference to National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority. Here three statements are given. You need to choose correct statement or statements. It is an independent regulator for pricing of drugs and it ensures availability and accessibility of medicines at affordable prices. It undertakes and sponsors relevant studies in respect of pricing of drugs and pharmaceuticals. It is an executive body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. So in the context of this question we should know about the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority which was constituted as an executive body under the Department of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. It is an independent regulator for pricing of drugs. It ensures availability and accessibility of medicines at affordable prices. It also implements or enforces the pros and cons of the drugs prices control order of 2013. It also collects or maintains data on production, exports and imports, market share of individual companies, profitability of companies for bulk drugs and formulations. It also undertakes or sponsors relevant studies in respect of pricing of drugs or pharmaceuticals. NPP also renders advice to the central government on changes or revisions in the drug policy. It also renders assistance to the central government in the parliamentary matters relating to the drug pricing. So out of the given statements first two statements are correct whereas third statement is incorrect because it is an executive body under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Therefore the correct option is option A1 and 2 only. Now let's take up practice main's question which is relevant for general studies paper 2. Do you agree with the view that it is groundless to see China as expansionist? Comment. It's a 10 marks question and you have to write in 150 words and we request aspirants to share or post your written answers in the comment section and posted answers will be evaluated and suitable feedback will be given within a reasonable time frame. With this we have come to the end of today's Indio News Analysis. If you like the video please do like, share, comment and subscribe Shankar IS Academy YouTube channel for more updates on civil services examination. Thank you.