Special General Awareness for IBPS, Bank Exams (India & The World) - 2015

:: India & The World ::

India can’t compete with China on INDCs

As the world eagerly awaits India’s climate action, there is absolute clarity that the country’s intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) will not be similar to that of China.
The inter-governmental consultations on framing up the INDCs have shown that India is nowhere close to China on energy generation and consumption — drivers for deciding a nation’s climate action.
China’s installed energy capacity is five times that of India; every household in China has access to electricity unlike 56% households in India and just a quarter of households in China use biomass for cooking as compared to 85% of rural homes in India.
When it comes to emissions, more than one-fourth of global emissions were by China as compared to just 6% for India in 2014. India’s per capita emissions are one-third of China’s.
These are some facts that energy ministries — power, coal and new and renewable energy (RE) — have conveyed to the environment ministry during consultation for firming up India’s INDCs. They have also highlighted why coal-based thermal power plants were necessary for India to continue high economic growth trajectory in the next 15 years or so.
Documents accessed by Hindustan Times show these ministries have strongly voiced their opposition towards any attempt to match China on INDCs as it could have implications on the country’s economic growth.
Former Planning Commission member Kirit Parikh too has strongly advocated against pushing renewable beyond a certain threshold to match China’s ambitious RE goal.
China has committed to generate 20% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030, reduce carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 60-65 per cent by 2030 from 2005 levels and limit power generation from thermal power plants.
Something similar could be disastrous for India, which is expected to submit its INDCs in September to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) after getting Cabinet’s nod.
China’s installed energy capacity is five times that of India, every household in China has access to electricity unlike 56% households in India and just a quarter of households in China use biomass for cooking as compared to 85% of rural homes in India.
When it comes to emissions, more than one-fourth of global emissions were by China as compared to just 6% for India in 2014. India’s per capita emissions are one-third of China’s.

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:

The man behind the Teacher’s Day in India

Every year on September 5, we celebrate Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s birthday as Teacher’s day. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was India’s first Vice President and second President, who was one of the most learned scholars and statesman.]
Radhakrishnan taught in the University of Calcutta, the University of Oxford and the University of Mysore. He is credited for creating and shaping the contemporary Hindu identity and for connecting India to the West with his philosophies.

Some interesting facts about Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan that you must know:

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888 in a village near Thiruttani in Tamil Nadu
When Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became the President of India, many of his students and friends wanted to celebrate his birthday at a national level. Instead Radhakrishnan asked them to celebrate ‘Teacher’s Day’.
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a proud Hindu. He wanted the World to know about the Indian philosophy and therefore, he did a critical study on the Indian philosophy, especially that of Vedantas
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was married to a distant cousin, at the age of 16. He was married for 51 years, until his wife, Sivakamu died in 1956
In 1931 during the birthday honours, King George V knighted Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. After the Independence of India, Radhakrishnan stopped using the title of ‘Sir’ and instead preferred the title of ‘Doctor’
In 1939, Radhakrishnan served as the Vice Chancellor of Banarus Hindu University
After independence, Sarvepalli Radhekrishnan represented India at United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and later, he also served as the Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union
Former Indian cricketer, VVS Laxman was the great grandnephew of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan died at the age of 86 on April 17, 1975.

Australia, India step up defence ties

AUSTRALIA and India are stepping up defence ties, holding a joint naval exercise every two years and launching new partnerships in defence science, peacekeeping and countering terrorist bombs.
IN a joint communique, Defence Minister Kevin Andrews and his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar said they wanted to broaden and deepen the defence relationship.
Given common interest in the Indian Ocean and its importance to regional and global trade, maritime security would remain a central component of the bilateral defence relationship, the ministers said following Mr Andrews’ visit to India this week.

Africa presents $35 bn opportunity for Indian IT companies: Nasscom

The IT companies in India are eyeing $35 billion opportunities in the burgeoning African market to expand business as they aim to reduce dependence on the U.S. and the U.K. markets, which presently accounts for about 80 per cent of their revenues.
Africa presents a huge opportunity for us. There are 50 plus countries with a population of over one billion people. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is seen as a catalyst for development and is high on the agenda of many African governments,” Shivendra Singh, VP - Global Trade Development, National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) told The Hindu .
According to Nasscom, the partnership will help Indian companies “de-risk from over dependence on the English speaking markets” and it will enable African countries to leverage the maturity of Indian companies, at the same time given them access to large pool of specialist manpower at the mid management level.
Nasscom, in association with Telecom Equipment & Services Export Promotion Council and the Government of India is also organising a two-day Indo-Africa ICT expo in Nairobi, Kenya on September 28-29. The event, in which over a 100 companies will be participating, will focus on how African countries can use Indian IT’s domain knowledge to build an inclusive IT ecosystem.

India accepts invitation to

victory parade in Beijing

Ending weeks of speculation, India has accepted China’s invitation to a military parade in Beijing on September 3 to celebrate the end of World War II.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh will represent India, sources here and Beijing said on Wednesday.
China has invited the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Russia, even Japan and other nations to the parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary celebrations of what it calls the “victory of the anti-fascist forces”.
New Delhi was cautious in accepting the invitation, weighing in the consequences on its bilateral ties with Japan.
Chinese Ambassador to India Le Yucheng recalled on Tuesday the support Beijing received during the war from leaders like Mahatama Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore.

Ties with Japan

“Relations between India and Japan have been strengthened over time, even after the war when the International Military Tribunal [for the Far East’s trials of Japanese war crimes committed during the WW-II] was set up.
India submitted a judgment which said the defendants were not guilty. India also did not sign the 1952 peace treaty, opting to sign a separate peace treaty with Japan; so Tokyo and New Delhi have an independent relationship,”

Russia back

India’s bid for a permanent seat in UNSC

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview comes on the heels of the U.S. Ambassador to India, Richard Verma, asserting that there has been no change in his country’s position on the expansion of the UNSC and on India’s bid for candidature for a permanent seat.
However, despite the assertions of public support for India’s candidature, neither the U.S. nor Russia has explained why their letters to U.N. General Assembly president Sam Kutesa did not include their support.
These countries have also made it clear they wouldn’t support veto power for India or any other country.

China, a road block

China too remains a big roadblock as it has neither clarified its position on support for India nor is it expected to support the adoption of the UNSC expansion process if it comes to a vote by September 15, when the current UNGA session ends.
New Delhi, which will be competing for a permanent seat with Germany, Japan and Brazil, already has the support of France and the U.K., and has long held that as one of the biggest democracies and a growing economy it is poised to take its place in the UNSC complete with the veto.

Modi extracts $75 bn investment UAE

On the face of it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pulled off a feat which none of his predecessors could: extracting a pledge from a foreign country to invest $75 billion in India. This is the most concrete outcome of his two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (16-17 August).
But on the flip side, one has to wait and watch to see the broad contours of the UAE’s proposed investment in India.
Moreover, one doesn’t know the status of similar investment pledges by Japan and China eleven months ago wherein the two Asian giants had announced to invest $35 billion and $20 billion respectively in India.
The India-UAE Joint Statement released on Monday evening touches upon the proposed $75 billion investment from UAW to India but does not give details or the timeline of the proposed investment.
The Joint Statement talks about as many as 31 areas of broad convergence between India and UAE, including the two sides’ decision to elevate their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and cooperate in manufacture of defence equipment in India, veritably winning the UAE’s support for PM Modi’s Make in India initiative.
But undoubtedly the most important of all the 31 agreements between Modi and his UAE interlocutors as reflected in the Joint Statement s the point about $75 billion UAE investment in India. Here is the relevant paragraph: “Recognising that India is emerging as the new frontier of investment opportunities, especially with the new initiatives by the Government to facilitate trade and investment, encourage the investment institutions of UAE to raise their investments in India, including through the establishment of UAE-India Infrastructure Investment Fund, with the aim of reaching a target of USD 75 billion to support investment in India’s plans for rapid expansion of next generation infrastructure, especially in railways, ports, roads, airports and industrial corridors and parks.”

India, Bangladesh both facing fake currency problem

The Indian team informed the Bangladeshi side that fake notes were being used by some “state agencies” to fund terror activities in India and that forensic examination of the seized notes indicated that they were being printed using raw materials and sophisticated currency printing machines available only for sovereign states.
Indian agencies have strong reasons to believe that the high-quality fake notes being pushed into the country were being printed in Pakistan.
The Bangladeshi agencies also gave a presentation on the adverse impact of fake notes on the country’s economy. In Bangladesh, such notes are being used to fund human and drug trafficking, besides anti-state activities.

Digital record

The Bangladeshi delegation accepted a proposal from the Indian side to help establish state-of-the-art facilities for examination of fake currency notes and maintain a digital record of seizures and analysis. The Indian team proposed to create a database on smugglers for use by both countries.

‘India, Japan and

U.S. can shape China’s peaceful rise’

Coordination among India, Japan and the U.S. on security cooperation and economic ties are essential because they can fundamentally talk about how they can “shape China’s rise in a peaceful way”, said Nicholas Szechenyi, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow – Japan Chair at the Centre for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS).
“India has unique interests with China, as does Japan and as does the U.S. They may not always align completely, but fundamentally if we are going to encourage China’s rise in a way that favours regional stability, I think this element of regional coordination among likeminded states is critical. Therefore India, Japan and U.S. have an important role to play,”
The Japanese Cabinet on Tuesday approved a defence white paper for 2015 which sounded alarm over China’s “one sided maritime activities” in the South China Sea.
China’s land reclamation in South China Sea has increased tensions in the resource rich region which is contested by several nations.

Africa sees opportunities in Make-in-India

Making a strong pitch for attracting investment to their continent, African diplomats on Thursday said that the Make-in-India initiative could very well be utilised to boost trade between the two countries.
Keeping on a low key their individual country interests, the three diplomats – representing Ghana, South Africa and Tanzania – made a strong pitch for the African continent saying that the economy was now warning up and the 54 countries together could offer vast opportunities in raw material sourcing and product marketing. Stefanus Botes, Economic Counsellor, South Africa High Commission said that Africa was now a huge market, which is projected to expand to $1.4 trillion by 2020 from $860 billion in 2008. There were 52 cities with a population of over one million.

India, Bangladesh enclave

Residents get freedom after 68 years

Ending a border dispute, the much-awaited exchange of enclaves (Chhitmahals) between India and Bangladesh came into effect at the stroke of midnight on Friday-Saturday.
• Crackers were burst and people rejoiced as India and Bangladesh exchanged enclaves, ending the 68 years of stateless existence for over 51,000 enclave dwellers.
• Around 14,000 people living for so long in 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in the Indian territory, and another 37,000 residing in 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh, now have a country of their own.
• The Bangladeshi enclaves are now a part of India, while the Indian enclaves join Bangladesh.
• History was written as India gave away to Bangladesh a total area of 17,160 acres, covering the 111 enclaves and in return received 7,110 acres comprising 51 enclaves.
• As the clock struck 12, the Bharat Bangladesh Enclave Exchange Co-ordination Committee (BBEECC) - an organisation that fought for the rights of the enclave dwellers — celebrated the occasion in Mosaldanga enclave of West Bengal‘s Cooch Behar district.
• The 111 Indian enclaves are located in the Bangladesh districts of Lalmonirhat (59), Panchagarh (36), Kurigram 12 and Nilphamari (4) while all the 51 Bangladeshi enclaves are situated in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal.
• The swapping is in pursuance of the inking and exchange of documents of the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) on June 6 in Dhaka, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina.
• The LBA was first inked in 1974 by then Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• “July 31, 2015 will thus be a historic day for both India and Bangladesh. The day marks the resolution of a complex issue that has lingered since independence.
• It also marks the day from which enclave residents on both sides of the border will enjoy the benefits of nationality of India or Bangladesh, as the case may be, and thus access to civic services, education, healthcare and other facilities provided by the two governments to their respective nationals,” said an official statement released by the central government.
• Other steps with regard to implementation of the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement and 2011 Protocol are underway in accordance with agreed modalities between the Indian and Bangladeshi governments, it said.

Nine U.S.

Satellites to be flown from Sriharikota

In a small but significant progress in the chequered Indo-U.S. space equations, Indian satellite launchers will for the first time put a few U.S.-made satellites into space from Indian soil.
ISRO’s commercial venture Antrix Corporation recently signed contracts to launch nine micro and nano spacecraft separately as small co-passengers on the PSLV light-lifter during this year and next, according to information from ISRO officials.
A micro satellite weighs in the band of 10-100 kg and a nano satellite in the range of one to 10 kg.
The U.S. contracts are seen as the first fruit of the Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) that the Department of Space signed with the U.S. in July 2009.
The TSA leaves the door open for ISRO to launch small non-commercial or experimental spacecraft that are made in the US — or even those of other countries which contain U.S. components.
Until the TSA was signed, even that leeway was not available for ISRO which aspires to take baby bites in the big global launch service business. Most satellites made around the world use some or other U.S. components.
ISRO and the U.S. have been working at a bigger accord, the CSLA (Commercial Satellite Launch Agreement) which, when sealed, will bring in the business of launching bigger commercial Earth observation or other satellites.
ISRO’s PSLV launcher, which has done 30 flights with just one failure since 1993, has a good record and is considered low-priced and reliable for small satellites.
To date, it has put into orbit 45 small and mid-sized foreign satellites of 19 nations for a fee.

Radar satellite

Another positive outcome with the U.S. is the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), signed about two years ago, to co-develop a radar imaging satellite and launch it from India around 2019-20.
It will be the first synthetic aperture radar satellite in dual frequency.

Foxconn may set up a Factory in

Every Indian state in 10 years: Terry Gou

Terry Gou, founder and chairman of the world’s largest contract manufacturer Foxconn, the trade name for Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd, made headlines this month when he announced the company’s intention to set up 10-12 factories in India over the next 10 years.
So when Gou cancelled his scheduled press conference in Mumbai where he was to launch the Foxconn Media Lab in association with Whistling Woods International—an institute for film, fashion and communication founded by filmmaker Subhash Ghai—on Friday, many were disappointed.
The reason became apparent on Saturday when Gou announced a $5 billion investment in Maharashtra in addition to the agreement with Ghai for media content creation.

India received $24 billion in

FDI from EU in last 3 years

Despite the Free Trade Agreement talks with the European Union being in limbo, India has received an impressive $24 billion in foreign direct investment from the 28-nation bloc over the last three years.
As per official figures, India received $6.23 billion in FDI equity inflows from EU in 2012-13 which increased to $9.06 billion the next year.
• The FDI inflow was $8.20 billion in 2014-15, which was a decline of $862 million compared to the year ago period. In 2015-16, the amount in first two months of current fiscal was $1.39 billion.
In total, India received $24.91 billion in FDI equity inflows from EU between April 2012 and May 2015.
The EU has been India’s largest trading partner and the two-way trade is likely to swell significantly if the countries could firm up the long-pending Free Trade Agreement, officially called the Broadbased Investment and Trade Agreement (BTIA).
India had on Wednesday deferred scheduled talks on the proposed pact later this month which was to resume after a gap of two years after the EU imposed a ban on around 700 generic drugs which were clinically tested by India’s GVK Biosciences on the ground of inaccuracy in data.
In March, the EU had not responded to India’s proposal for a brief visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brussels, the headquarters of the bloc, during his trip to France, Germany and Canada in April.
However, it recently invited him for the India-EU summit just before or after the G-20 summit scheduled to be held in November in Turkey. The last India-EU Summit had taken place in 2012.
The two-way commerce between EU and India stood at about USD 99 billion in 2014-15 while it was USD 101.5 billion in 2013-14.

UN Kalam GlobalSat: Satellite

Named in memory of APJ Adbul Kalam

Aproposal has been made to name a global satellite after the late former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam who died on 27 July 2015.
The step is being taken to pay tribute to the Missile Man of India. According to reports, a global satellite called as GlobalSat for DRR (a satellite for observation of Earth and Disaster Risk Reduction) will be renamed as UN Kalam GlobalSat in the memory of the world-renowned rocket scientist.
The decision to rename the satellite after the late Missile Mans of India was made by Milind Pimprikar, Chairman of CANEUS (CANada-Europe-US-Asia) headquartered in Montreal, Canada.• According to Pimprikar, this step of renaming the satellite the will be a tribute to the great man who had contributed a lot in the field science and space explorations.
He further added that this will also symbolize his World Space Vision-2050 in which nations will join their hands in order to find solution to major problems of mankind including natural disasters, energy, health-care, education, water and weather related problems.
While explaining about the satellite, Pimprikar said that the ‘GlobalSat for DRR’ is a United Nation-driven initiative for sharing of technology and ideas to prepare and control the risk of natural disasters.
The project was proposed at the third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held at Sendai in Japan in March 2015. More than 150 nations at the UN session will adopt the GlobalSat in New York in September this year.
Disaster Risk Reduction — DRR is a systematic process of identifying, analyzing and reducing the associated with a disaster.UN agencies explain DRR as “The conceptual framework of elements considered with the possibilities to minimize vulnerabilities and disaster risks throughout a society, to avoid (prevention) or to limit (mitigation and preparedness) the adverse impacts of hazards, within the broad context of sustainable development.”

Australia mine project: Adani, StanC ties

The Indian mining giant Adani and the Standard Chartered bank have severed their ties after the federal court revoked the environmental approval for Adani’s controversial $16bn coal mine project in Australia.
The development puts the Carmichael coal mine project in Queensland into further doubt.
This is the second big bank after Australia’s largest lender, Commonnwealth Bank walked away from Adani after the approval was revoked barely a week ago.
Noting that the company valued the partnership with Standard Chartered, a statement by the firm said that “as Standard Chartered has noted, the delays experienced by Adani in receipt of its project approvals informed the decision.”
The project to build one of world’s largest coal mines and expanding a port on the Great Barrier Reef- the largest coral reef system - is opposed by green groups and residents.

US, China, Russia, oppose India,s bid for permanent seat at UN

In a setback to India’s bid for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council, the US, along with Russia and China, has opposed negotiations to reform the powerful UN body, refusing to contribute to a text that will form the basis for the long-drawn reform process.
UN General Assembly President Sam Kutesa achieved a breakthrough of sorts by circulating a text to UN members that will form the basis for the negotiations on the reform of the Security Council.
Mr Kutesa had appointed Jamaica’s Permanent Representative Courtenay Rattray to chair on his behalf the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform.
American Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power said in her letter to Mr Kutesa that the US is “open in principle” to a “modest” expansion of both permanent and non-permanent members but the condition that “any consideration of an expansion of permanent members must take into account the ability and willingness of countries to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security and to the other purposes of the United Nations.
“Sources told the Press Trust of India that the US opposition to aspects of the reform process can be perceived as a “duplicity” since President Barack Obama has reaffirmed his support for a reformed UN Security Council with India as a permanent member.
Russia, which has also supported India’s candidacy as permanent member, said in its letter to Mr Kutesa that the “prerogatives of the current Permanent Members of the Security Council, including the use of the veto, should remain intact under any variant of the Council reform”.
India has maintained that the process to expand the powerful UN body “cannot be seen to be an exercise ad infinitum” and a results-based timeline is crucial to achieve a concrete outcome.
Sources said that India feels that the 70th anniversary of the UN, being commemorated this year, is an appropriate milestone to propel the reform process, which should be completed within the next one year.
Russia said that in the situation when positions of the main groups of states - those who support the idea of the UN Security Council’s expansion in both categories and those who do not - remain polar, one can advance in the negotiating process only by searching for a compromise..

Yuan devaluation & Indian economy

With China’s central bank following up on Tuesday’s devaluation of its tightly controlled currency, yuan, by 1.9 per cent with another 1 per cent cut on Wednesday, India increased the import duty on certain steel products by 2.5 per cent.
The steel industry is facing profit pressure as prices of imported steel are up to 20 per cent lower than those of domestic products.

Bangladesh Government

Approves Trade Deal with India

Bangladesh’s cabinet has approved a revised trade agreement with India allowing for the trans-shipment of goods through each other’s territories across land and water routes through a third country in the neighbourhood in a bid to remove a long-standing barrier to smoothening regional trade.

Key facts of the deal

The revised agreement will facilitate both countries to use each other’s land and water routes for trade with a third country and remove long standing barrier in regional trade.
With this Bangladesh will be able to use Indian railways, roads and waterways in transshipment of goods to Bhutan and Nepal. While, India will be able to send goods to Myanmar through Bangladesh.
Under the modified deal both countries will be able to use transport networks for transporting the goods for a fee. These fees and charges for transporting goods will be the same for both the countries and will be fixed through bilateral discussions.
The deal will be in force for 5 years instead of the existing tenure of 3 years, and further can amended through mutual agreement.
At present, India has similar agreement with Nepal and Bhutan but Bangladesh’s trade with Nepal and Bhutan was hindered for want of such a treaty with India. Previously, trucks from Nepal and Bhutan entering from Bangladesh along the Indian border were required to park at a specific point near border. But under the revised deal, trucks from Nepal and Bhutan will enter Bangladesh through the Indian corridors.
Dhaka and New Delhi signed their original trade agreement in 1972 soon after the emergence of an independent Bangladesh. Under the terms of the deal, which had crucial Indian support but expired on March 31, trade could only be done between the two neighbours while India could transport goods to its seven north-eastern states.

PM Modi Visits to France

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently visited France, where India and France have signed 20 agreements in various fields .Below is the list of agreements/initiatives/announcements signed/agreed during Modi’s visit:

MoU between L&T and AREVA: It is aimed at cost reduction by increasing localization, to improve the financial viability of Jaitapur project. It will also enable transfer of technology and development of indigenous nuclear energy industry in India.
Pre-engineering agreements between NPCIL and Areva: The PEA studies intend to bring clarity on all technical aspects of the plant so that all parties (AREVA, Alstom and NPCIL) can firm up their price and optimize all provisions for risks still included at this stage in the costs of the project.
MoU between ISRO and CNES on Megha Tropiques: The Indo-French Megha Tropiques satellite was launched on board the Indian launch vehicle, PSLV on October 12, 2011. The MoU shall extend by 2 more years, the joint project for sharing and use of data from the satellite.
‘MOU between ISRO, CNES and ONERA for Ka-band propagation experiment over Indian tropical region’: The MoU envisages cooperation for implementation of the project concerning Ka- band propagation experiment over Indian tropical region. The main objective is to collect Ka-Band attenuation data using available Ka-Band transmission and perform analysis along with corresponding radio meter and meteorological data
Programme between ISRO and French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES): The Agreement proposes cooperation in the areas of Satellite Remote sensing, satellite communications and satellite meteorology; space sciences and planetary exploration; data collection and location; operations of satellite ground stations and spacecraft mission management; space research and applications. It covers the potential cooperation activities such as joint earth observation mission, hosted payload opportunities and Mars exploration.
MoU on Cooperation between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India and French Ministry of Sports, Youth Affairs, Public Education and Community Life The MoU envisages cooperation and exchange of experiences in the fields of sports medicine, institutional cooperation, development of practice of sports in the context of proximity sports, support of participation of women and the disabled in sports, management and coordination of sports federations, training of executives and establishment of National Institute of Sports in India based on French model of INSEP.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of renewable energy between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India and the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, Government of France the understanding reached in this MoU will help establish the basis for cooperation and relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy issues on the basis of mutual benefits and reciprocity through exchange and training of technical personnel, exchange of information and data, joint research and transfer of know-how and technology. It would cover solar, wind, bio-energy, tidal and wave energy sectors.
Railway protocol between Indian Ministry of Railways and French National Railways (SNCF): The Protocol seeks to establish cooperation between Indian and French Railways for semi-high speed rail and station renovation.
Guarantee Agreement with AFD Financing of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL): The Agreement seeks to finance Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL
Administrative Arrangement in the field of Cultural Heritage: The Administrative Arrangement between the Indian Ministry of Culture and French Ministry of Culture and Communication, envisages cooperation in the field of cultural heritage, through training of Indian heritage conservation professionals at the Institute National du Patrimoine (INP), a higher education establishment of training for curators and restorers in the field of heritage in France, as well as Development of cultural and scientific cooperation in the fields of conservation and restoration of the heritage, short duration training sessions in India by INP trainers in Indian institutes and training of French training in India etc.
Letter of Intent on Tourism: LoI for increasing cooperation in tourism sector signed between India and France aims to promote sustainable bilateral tourism between the two countries including through mutual promotion of tourism, ensuring safety of tourists and encouraging sharing of expertise and best practices. The LoI also seeks to facilitate twinning of sites having historical, natural and cultural significance in India and France for promoting them as tourist destinations.
Letter of Intent (LoI) between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP): The LoI envisages collaboration on preventive archaeology projects, initiatives to disseminate culture and promote archaeology, training programmes for specialists of ASI and deployment of expertise, in particular, in the field of underwater archaeology.
MOU between School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi and National Architecture Institute: The MoU envisages cooperation to undertake joint planning and geographical studies in India and France and training of local counterparts in modern urban and regional research as well as in techniques of scientific methods in Urban and regional planning, geography, environment, Building engineering and management.
MoU between Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation (IHCN) and Association Nationale des Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire et villes a secteurs sauvegardés et protégés (‘ANVPAH’) This MoU envisages cooperation between to cooperate in the fields of sustainable development, urban planning, heritage conservation and up-gradation of basic services.
Proposal for twinning of historical monuments: Twinning of historical monuments is covered under the LoI on Tourism Cooperation.
VIE scheme to allow Indian students in France and French students in India to stay for a period of 24 months. The Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) scheme offers Indian Visa for 12 months renewable once for a period of 12 months for 250 French students and a ‘second residence permit’ of 12 months for the Indian students in France following the 12 months already granted.
Letter of Intent on Ayurveda between Ministry of Ayush and University of Strasbourg: LoI allows both the parties to strengthen their relationships and cooperation in the area of Ayurveda education and research by undertaking academic and research activities, exploring feasibility of collaborative research, and drawing up strategies for dissemination of results of completed studies, Conducting joint workshops/conferences on Ayurveda as complimentary medicine in France
MoU between National Skill Development Agency (NSDA), India and the National Commission for Vocational Qualifications: The agreement will facilitate exchange of information and knowledge about maintenance of qualification registers through information exchanges, visits and other suitable meetings.
MoU on cooperation in the field of Science & Technology between Department of Science & Technology of India and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS): The MoU is for cooperation between the two countries in the areas of applied mathematics, physics, Information & communication technology, water resources and environment, life sciences, astronomy, climate and energy by exchange of information, organization of meetings/workshops/seminars, exchange of research personnel; joint projects; establishment of Virtual Joint Laboratories, and establishment of Joint Research Centres.
MoU between Department of Biotechnology of India and CNRS and UPMC on Collaboration forestablishment of a National Institute of Marine Biology and Biotechnology in India: The proposed MoU seeks to establish a National Institute of Marine Biology and Biotechnology in India, with a Hub and Spoke network of laboratories

India Contributes US $ 100,000 to the International Trade Centre Trust Fund

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UN and other International Organisations, Mr. Ajit Kumar and Executive Director of ITC, Ms. Arancha Gonzalez signed an agreement on 15 March 2015 authorising ITC to use India’s contribution of US $ 100,000 to ITC Trust Fund for its Trade Related Technical Assistance (TARA) programme
ITC is the technical cooperation agency of UNCTAD and WTO for operational and enterprise-oriented aspects of international trade development. It was created in 1964 through a decision of GATT contracting parties and in 1968 UNCTAD joined GATT as co-sponsor. ITC supports developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Sub- Saharan Africa, fragile states, small and vulnerable economies and economies in transition to develop Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) competitiveness through trade and international business development.

India Elected to Four Key Bodies of UN

India has been elected to four key subsidiary bodies of the United Nations’ agency on economic and social issues. India was elected by acclamation, a form of election that does not use a ballot, to the subsidiary bodies of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) during its coordination and management meeting on Wednesday.
With the election wins, India maintained its 100 per cent record of winning elections held in the United Nations Headquarters here.

Four Key Bodies are

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): It was elected, along with 13 other nations, to the Executive Board of the UNICEF for a three-year term beginning January 2016. UNICEF addresses the needs of children with emphasis on giving long-term benefits to children everywhere, particularly those in developing countries.
World Food Programme (WFP): India was also re-elected to the Executive Board of the WFP for the 2016-2018 term along with five other nations. WFP is the food assistance arm of the UN which provides food assistance to around 90 million people in 80 countries in a year.
Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ): It was among the 20 nations to be elected to the CCPCJ for a three-year term, beginning January 2016. The CCPCJ provides policy guidance to UN Member States on crime prevention and criminal justice and develop, monitor and review implementation of the UN crime prevention programme.
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat): India also got re-elected to the Governing Council of the UN-Habitat for the term 2016-2019. UN-Habitat is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.

US and India Sign MoC on Transportation

U.S. Transportation Department has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Transportation with India’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways, and of Shipping, Nitin Gadkari. The MoC will establish a Transportation Partnership among the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Indian Ministries of Railways; Road Transport and Highways; Shipping; and Urban Development.
The Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been working with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on road safety programs, including drunken driving countermeasures and motorcycle safety. The MOC will deepen the cooperation of our two countries to include new important activities relating to the development of Smart Cities and sustainability.
Cooperation on the transportation elements of Smart Cities will be coordinated through an inter-ministerial working group and include areas such as intelligent transportation systems, multi-modal planning, livability, safety, and infrastructure financing. In addition, both countries agree to cooperate on vehicle fuel efficiency standards and promotion of dedicated freight corridors to facilitate the movement of goods from India’s ports to major cities of the region.

India and Qatar Sign Six Agreements

India and Qatar inked six agreements, including on transfer of sentenced prisoners, as visiting Emir of Qatar Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on energy, investment and people-to-people ties.

List of Agreements /MoUs

Signed between Both Nations

Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons- Under this agreement sentenced prisoners will be transferred to home country. Indian prisoners convicted in Qatar will be brought to India to serve the remaining part of their sentence. Similarly citizens of Qatar convicted in India will be sent to their home country to serve their sentence.
MoU for Cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – It will provide enhanced business opportunities for Indian ITC industry in Qatar. With this MoU India will play pivotal role in Qatar’s ambitious programme of Qatar 2030 vision for overall development. In this regard Qatar has created a dedicated Ministry of Information and Communication Technology for capacity building in ICT.
MoU between Union Ministry of Earth sciences and Qatar Meteorological Department for Scientific and Technical cooperation- For scientific collaboration between India and Qatar to improve atmospheric & Oceanic capacity in both the countries. In this regard Qatar’s Meteorological Department will be tie up with Indian Meteorological Department.
MoU between Diplomatic Institute of Foreign Service Institute, MEA and MOFA, Qatar- Help in exchange of students, trainees, faculty members and experts between both nations to enhance their skills and improve the training programme.
MoU for cooperation in the field of Television and Radio- Encourage regular exchange of TV and radio programmes and material between India’s Prasar Bharati and Qatar Media Cooperation.
Agreement for Mutual Cooperation and Exchange of News- To enhance and develop bilateral cooperation in the field of exchange of English-language news on daily basis and free of charge between two nations. In this regard Qatari News Agency and United News of India are the signatories.

India and Japan sign Rs 1800 cr Loan for Rengali Irrigation Project

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed an agreement with the Government of India to provide a 33,959 million yen loan to increase irrigated area in Phase 2 of the Rengali Irrigation Project in Odisha.
The agreement was signed by Shinya Ejima, Chief Representative, JICA India, and Tarun Bajaj, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Finance Ministry.
The assistance will provide for the extension of the canal from Samal Barrage from 71.313 km to 123.5 km on the left bank while also aiding the development of the distribution system and ancillaries.
The JICA has extended nearly 647 crore in Official Development (ODA) loans across three tranches since 1997 to develop the canal to help enhance agricultural productivity in the area. The loans have enabled irrigation of 27,200 hectares and benefited 37,000 farmer households.
Assistance also includes canal designing and irrigation management in which farmers participate in the development and subsequent operation and maintenance.

Bangladesh Government
Approves Trade Deal with India

Bangladesh’s cabinet has approved a revised trade agreement with India allowing for the trans-shipment of goods through each other’s territories across land and water routes through a third country in the neighbourhood in a bid to remove a long-standing barrier to smoothening regional trade.

Key facts of the deal

The revised agreement will facilitate both countries to use each other’s land and water routes for trade with a third country and remove long standing barrier in regional trade.
• With this Bangladesh will be able to use Indian railways, roads and waterways in transshipment of goods to Bhutan and Nepal.While, India will be able to send goods to Myanmar through Bangladesh.
Under the modified deal both countries will be able to use transport networks for transporting the goods for a fee. These fees and charges for transporting goods will be the same for both the countries and will be fixed through bilateral discussions.
The deal will be in force for 5 years instead of the existing tenure of 3 years, and further can amended through mutual agreement.
At present, India has similar agreement with Nepal and Bhutan but Bangladesh’s trade with Nepal and Bhutan was hindered for want of such a treaty with India. Previously, trucks from Nepal and Bhutan entering from Bangladesh along the Indian border were required to park at a specific point near border. But under the revised deal, trucks from Nepal and Bhutan will enter Bangladesh through the Indian corridors.
Dhaka and New Delhi signed their original trade agreement in 1972 soon after the emergence of an independent Bangladesh. Under the terms of the deal, which had crucial Indian support but expired on March 31, trade could only be done between the two neighbours while India could transport goods to its seven north-eastern states.

PM Modi Visits to France

MoU between L&T and AREVA: It is aimed at cost reduction by increasing localization, to improve the financial viability of Jaitapur project. It will also enable transfer of technology and development of indigenous nuclear energy industry in India.
Pre-engineering agreements between NPCIL and Areva: The PEA studies intend to bring clarity on all technical aspects of the plant so that all parties (AREVA, Alstom and NPCIL) can firm up their price and optimize all provisions for risks still included at this stage in the costs of the project.
MoU between ISRO and CNES on Megha Tropiques: The Indo-French Megha Tropiques satellite was launched on board the Indian launch vehicle, PSLV on October 12, 2011. The MoU shall extend by 2 more years, the joint project for sharing and use of data from the satellite.
‘MOU between ISRO, CNES and ONERA for Ka-band propagation experiment over Indian tropical region’: The MoU envisages cooperation for implementation of the project concerning Ka- band propagation experiment over Indian tropical region. The main objective is to collect Ka-Band attenuation data using available Ka-Band transmission and perform analysis along with corresponding radio meter and meteorological data.
Programme between ISRO and French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES): The Agreement proposes cooperation in the areas of Satellite Remote sensing, satellite communications and satellite meteorology; space sciences and planetary exploration; data collection and location; operations of satellite ground stations and spacecraft mission management; space research and applications. It covers the potential cooperation activities such as joint earth observation mission, hosted payload opportunities and Mars exploration.
MoU on Cooperation between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India and French Ministry of Sports, Youth Affairs, Public Education and Community Life The MoU envisages cooperation and exchange of experiences in the fields of sports medicine, institutional cooperation, development of practice of sports in the context of proximity sports, support of participation of women and the disabled in sports, management and coordination of sports federations, training of executives and establishment of National Institute of Sports in India based on French model of INSEP.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of renewable energy between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India and the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, Government of France the understanding reached in this MoU will help establish the basis for cooperation and relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy issues on the basis of mutual benefits and reciprocity through exchange and training of technical personnel, exchange of information and data, joint research and transfer of know-how and technology. It would cover solar, wind, bio-energy, tidal and wave energy sectors.
Railway protocol between Indian Ministry of Railways and French National Railways (SNCF): The Protocol seeks to establish cooperation between Indian and French Railways for semi-high speed rail and station renovation.
Guarantee Agreement with AFD Financing of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL): The Agreement seeks to finance Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL
Administrative Arrangement in the field of Cultural Heritage: The Administrative Arrangement between the Indian Ministry of Culture and French Ministry of Culture and Communication, envisages cooperation in the field of cultural heritage, through training of Indian heritage conservation professionals at the Institute National du Patrimoine (INP), a higher education establishment of training for curators and restorers in the field of heritage in France, as well as Development of cultural and scientific cooperation in the fields of conservation and restoration of the heritage, short duration training sessions in India by INP trainers in Indian institutes and training of French training in India etc.
Letter of Intent on Tourism: LoI for increasing cooperation in tourism sector signed between India and France aims to promote sustainable bilateral tourism between the two countries including through mutual promotion of tourism, ensuring safety of tourists and encouraging sharing of expertise and best practices. The LoI also seeks to facilitate twinning of sites having historical, natural and cultural significance in India and France for promoting them as tourist destinations.
Letter of Intent (LoI) between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP): The LoI envisages collaboration on preventive archaeology projects, initiatives to disseminate culture and promote archaeology, training programmes for specialists of ASI and deployment of expertise, in particular, in the field of underwater archaeology.=
MOU between School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi and National Architecture Institute: The MoU envisages cooperation to undertake joint planning and geographical studies in India and France and training of local counterparts in modern urban and regional research as well as in techniques of scientific methods in Urban and regional planning, geography, environment, Building engineering and management.
MoU between Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation (IHCN) and Association Nationale des Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire et villes a secteurs sauvegardés et protégés (‘ANVPAH’) This MoU envisages cooperation between to cooperate in the fields of sustainable development, urban planning, heritage conservation and up-gradation of basic services.
Proposal for twinning of historical monuments: Twinning of historical monuments is covered under the LoI on Tourism Cooperation.
VIE scheme to allow Indian students in France and French students in India to stay for a period of 24 months. The Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) scheme offers Indian Visa for 12 months renewable once for a period of 12 months for 250 French students and a ‘second residence permit’ of 12 months for the Indian students in France following the 12 months already granted.
Letter of Intent on Ayurveda between Ministry of Ayush and University of Strasbourg: LoI allows both the parties to strengthen their relationships and cooperation in the area of Ayurveda education and research by undertaking academic and research activities, exploring feasibility of collaborative research, and drawing up strategies for dissemination of results of completed studies, Conducting joint workshops/conferences on Ayurveda as complimentary medicine in France.
MoU between National Skill Development Agency (NSDA), India and the National Commission for Vocational Qualifications: The agreement will facilitate exchange of information and knowledge about maintenance of qualification registers through information exchanges, visits and other suitable meetings.
MoU on cooperation in the field of Science & Technology between Department of Science & Technology of India and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS): The MoU is for cooperation between the two countries in the areas of applied mathematics, physics, Information & communication technology, water resources and environment, life sciences, astronomy, climate and energy by exchange of information, organization of meetings/workshops/seminars, exchange of research personnel; joint projects; establishment of Virtual Joint Laboratories, and establishment of Joint Research Centres.
MoU between Department of Biotechnology of India and CNRS and UPMC on Collaboration forestablishment of a National Institute of Marine Biology and Biotechnology in India: The proposed MoU seeks to establish a National Institute of Marine Biology and Biotechnology in India, with a Hub and Spoke network of laboratories

India Contributes US $ 100,000 to the International Trade Centre Trust Fund

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UN and other International Organisations, Mr. Ajit Kumar and Executive Director of ITC, Ms. Arancha Gonzalez signed an agreement on 15 March 2015 authorising ITC to use India’s contribution of US $ 100,000 to ITC Trust Fund for its Trade Related Technical Assistance (TARA) programme.
ITC is the technical cooperation agency of UNCTAD and WTO for operational and enterprise-oriented aspects of international trade development. It was created in 1964 through a decision of GATT contracting parties and in 1968 UNCTAD joined GATT as co-sponsor. ITC supports developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Sub- Saharan Africa, fragile states, small and vulnerable economies and economies in transition to develop Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) competitiveness through trade and international business developmen

India Elected to Four Key Bodies of UN

India has been elected to four key subsidiary bodies of the United Nations’ agency on economic and social issues. India was elected by acclamation, a form of election that does not use a ballot, to the subsidiary bodies of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) during its coordination and management meeting on Wednesday.
With the election wins, India maintained its 100 per cent record of winning elections held in the United Nations Headquarters here.

Four Key Bodies are

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): It was elected, along with 13 other nations, to the Executive Board of the UNICEF for a three-year term beginning January 2016. UNICEF addresses the needs of children with emphasis on giving long-term benefits to children everywhere, particularly those in developing countries.
World Food Programme (WFP): India was also re-elected to the Executive Board of the WFP for the 2016-2018 term along with five other nations. WFP is the food assistance arm of the UN which provides food assistance to around 90 million people in 80 countries in a year.
Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ): It was among the 20 nations to be elected to the CCPCJ for a three-year term, beginning January 2016. The CCPCJ provides policy guidance to UN Member States on crime prevention and criminal justice and develop, monitor and review implementation of the UN crime prevention programme.
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat): India also got re-elected to the Governing Council of the UN-Habitat for the term 2016-2019. UN-Habitat is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all.

US and India Sign MoC on Transportation

U.S. Transportation Department has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Transportation with India’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways, and of Shipping, Nitin Gadkari. The MoC will establish a Transportation Partnership among the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Indian Ministries of Railways; Road Transport and Highways; Shipping; and Urban Development.
The Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been working with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on road safety programs, including drunk driving countermeasures and motorcycle safety. The MOC will deepen the cooperation of our two countries to include new important activities relating to the development of Smart Cities and sustainability.
Cooperation on the transportation elements of Smart Cities will be coordinated through an inter-ministerial working group and include areas such as intelligent transportation systems, multi-modal planning, livability, safety, and infrastructure financing. In addition, both countries agree to cooperate on vehicle fuel efficiency standards and promotion of dedicated freight corridors to facilitate the movement of goods from India’s ports to major cities of the region.

India and Qatar Sign Six Agreements

India and Qatar inked six agreements, including on transfer of sentenced prisoners, as visiting Emir of Qatar Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on energy, investment and people-to-people ties.

List of Agreements /MoUs
Signed between Both Nations

Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons- Under this agreement sentenced prisoners will be transferred to home country. Indian prisoners convicted in Qatar will be brought to India to serve the remaining part of their sentence. Similarly citizens of Qatar convicted in India will be sent to their home country to serve their sentence.
MoU for Cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – It will provide enhanced business opportunities for Indian ITC industry in Qatar. With this MoU India will play pivotal role in Qatar’s ambitious programme of Qatar 2030 vision for overall development. In this regard Qatar has created a dedicated Ministry of Information and Communication Technology for capacity building in ICT.
MoU between Union Ministry of Earth sciences and Qatar Meteorological Department for Scientific and Technical cooperation- For scientific collaboration between India and Qatar to improve atmospheric & Oceanic capacity in both the countries. In this regard Qatar’s Meteorological Department will be tie up with Indian Meteorological Department.
MoU between Diplomatic Institute of Foreign Service Institute, MEA and MOFA, Qatar- Help in exchange of students, trainees, faculty members and experts between both nations to enhance their skills and improve the training programme.
MoU for cooperation in the field of Television and Radio- Encourage regular exchange of TV and radio programmes and material between India’s Prasar Bharati and Qatar Media Cooperation.
Agreement for Mutual Cooperation and Exchange of News- To enhance and develop bilateral cooperation in the field of exchange of English-language news on daily basis and free of charge between two nations. In this regard Qatari News Agency and United News of India are the signatories.

India and Japan sign Rs 1800 cr Loan for Rengali Irrigation Project

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed an agreement with the Government of India to provide a 33,959 million yen loan to increase irrigated area in Phase 2 of the Rengali Irrigation Project in Odisha.
The agreement was signed by Shinya Ejima, Chief Representative, JICA India, and Tarun Bajaj, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Finance Ministry.
The assistance will provide for the extension of the canal from Samal Barrage from 71.313 km to 123.5 km on the left bank while also aiding the development of the distribution system and ancillaries.
The JICA has extended nearly 647 crore in Official Development (ODA) loans across three tranches since 1997 to develop the canal to help enhance agricultural productivity in the area. The loans have enabled irrigation of 27,200 hectares and benefited 37,000 farmer households.
Assistance also includes canal designing and irrigation management in which farmers participate in the development and subsequent operation maintenance.
Rengali Irrigation Project: This is a barrage scheme constructed across Brahmani River at Samal in Angul district, 35 km downstream of Rengali dam project. The project is designed to pick up flood releases and tail race water from Rangali dam and divert the same as per requirements through two canal systems. The CCA includes both flow and lift irrigation. The salient features of Rengali Irrigation Project are given below:

India & Sri Lanka Signs four Agreement

India signs four agreements with Sri Lankan government during recent PM Modi visit to Island nation. This was the first bilateral tour by any Indian premier in 28 years.
During this visit the both country has singned four agreements on visa, customs, youth development and building Rabindranath Tagore memorial in Sri Lanka.
PM here announced that, India is ready to help develop Trincomalee as petrolium hub for this the Indian government would provide a fresh Line of Credit of up to US $318 million for the railways sector in Lanka.
Prime Minister also announced that the apex bank of both the country i.e. reserve Bank of India and Central Bank of Sri Lanka have agreed to enter into a Currency Swap Agreement of US $ 1.5 billion to help keep the Sri Lankan rupee stable. PM Modi here urged Sri Lankan Government to fully implement the 13th Amendment as early.

India to Develop Infrastrucre in Mauritius and Seychelles

With the motive to building strategic assets in Indian Ocean countries, Mauritius and Seychelles, as New Delhi signed agreements with them to develop “infrastructure” in two islands one each in both nations. In Mauritius, India signed a MoU for the “improvement in sea and air transportation facilities” at Agalega Island. This pact provides for “setting up and upgradation of infrastructure for improving sea and air connectivity at the Outer Island of Mauritius which will go a long way in ameliorating the condition of the inhabitants of this remote Island. In Seychelles, India inked a pact to develop the infrastructure of Assumption Island, one of the 115 islands that constitute the country. Spread over 11 sq km, it is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar.

India signs security
Coperation pact with Mauritius

India and Mauritius announced a new security cooperation agreement, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Indian Ocean outreach. This agreement would give India a strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean region, working closely with the Mauritius Defence Forces guarding the outer islands. In addition, India has extended a $500-million Line of Credit for development or security projects that Mauritius will decide on. The highlight of India’s push for maritime heft during the visit will be the commissioning of a 1,300-tonne, Indian-built coastal patrol vessel, MCGS Barracuda. The ship will showcase India’s commitment on maritime security, particularly along the African coast that faces the threat of piracy.

India and Spain Signs a defence Deal

India and Spain have signed an agreement on Mutual Protection of Classified Information to provide the framework for enhanced bilateral cooperation in areas of defence research, development and technology cooperation. The agreement was signed by the defence minister ManoharParrikar and his visiting Spanish counterpart Pedro MorenesEulate after the first full-fledged delegation-level meeting between the two sides held in New Delhi. During the talks, the Spanish side evinced keen interest in participation in the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative in defence sector. Both sides agreed to continue to work for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. They also exchanged views on a wide range of issues concerning bilateral defence cooperation and issues of regional and global security. Eulate is on a two-day official visit to India. He had earlier visited India in October 2012 as a member of the Spanish delegation led by the King of Spain.

India & Kyrgyzstan signs MoU on Cooperation in textile sector

The governments of Kyrgyzstan and India have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the textile sector.The document aims at strengthening bilateral cooperation in three directions: Textiles and Clothing, Silk and Sericulture and Fashion.
The MoU aims to achieve this via:
Cooperation in development of trade, economic and investment relations
Techno-commercial collaboration, joint trade missions
Stimulation of investment cooperation, such as joint ventures, industrial cooperation, marketing, leasing and management
Mutual assistance in R&D, technical collaboration in product development and manufacturing, testing and certification
Mutual assistance in skill development, training and retraining of personnel, carrying out of joint scientific, industrial and other meetings and exchanges
Cooperation in export promotion
Facilitating of participation of business delegations, exhibitors and buyers of each other in the trade exhibitions, buyers sellers meets, business forums
Mutual assistance in organizing visits of technical experts, specialists and scientists
The MoU was signed by ShriSantosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State for Textiles (independent charge) and his counterpart Mr. Kubanychbek Turdubaev. The two countries have agreed to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) to explore details of cooperation within the scope of the MoU and the steps required to facilitate bilateral trade and investment. The JWG will be co- chaired by an official of appropriate level from the Ministry of Energy and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Ministry of Textiles of the Republic of India.

India and Nepal joint militaryexercise Surya Kiran VIII concludes

Eighth India-Nepal Combined Exercise (Surya Kiran VIII) which commenced on 23 Feb 2015, concluded on 07 Mar 2015 at Salijhandi, Nepal. The exercise was conducted under the aegis of Nepalese Army. The exercise aimed to create a greater understanding between Indian & Nepalese Army and develop interoperability in Jungle Warfare and Counter Terrorism operations in mountainous terrain. It also focussed on the basics of Disaster Management with special reference to Pandemic/ Epidemic control and aviation aspects. Over the years, the two countries have decided to progressively increase the scope and content of the combined exercise. The training culminated in a 48 hours consolidation and validation exercise in which troops of both countries carried out a search and destroy mission in the general area of Saljhandi. The final exercise was reviewed by Maj Gen PadamvillasKarki of Nepalese Army and Major General VinodPrakash Singh Bhakuni of Indian Army.

Kathmandu-Varanasi Bus Service Flagged off

A direct bus service between Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and India’s Varanasi city has recently flagged off .The service has been started under the Motor Vehicle Agreement between Nepal and India signed during the visit of Indian Prime Minister NarendraModi to Nepal for the 19th SAARC Summit last November.
Nepal’s Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport BimalendraNidhi and Indian Ambassador Ranjit Rae flagged off the bus service from near the Dashrath Stadium here. The Nepal-registered bus will travel on the Kathmandu-Bhairahawa-Sunauli-Azamgarh-Varanasi route, covering the 600 km journey in about 12 hours.

India & US held dialogue on United Nation

India and the US held their first ever bilateral dialogue on the United Nations and multilateral issues on February 19, 2015 in Washington.
The dialogue was held in the spirit of the “Delhi Declaration of Friendship” to strengthen and expand the relationship between the two countries. The countries have vowed to hold regular consultations in multilateral forums.
At the discussions focused was given on the international peace and security, peacekeeping operations, counter-piracy and the Post 2015, Development Agenda, the UN Human Rights Council and many other matters of mutual interest.
The US spokesperson was Sheba Crocker who holds the post of Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, whereas Indian delegation was led by Vikas Swarup, Minister of External Affairs Joint Secretary.
In January 2015, during the US President Barack Obama’s visit to India, both nations had agreed to elevate their long-standing strategic partnership.
This meeting was held in the bacdrop of a statement issued by the India-US in January 2015 during the US President visit to India in which both nations had agreed to elevate their long-standing strategic partnership through coperation across all areas of human endeavour.
India is world’s second most trusting nation: Survey

Moving up the ranks, India has emerged as the second most trusted country in the world in terms of faith reposed on its institutions even as globally trust levels have fallen, says a survey.
As the world’s rich and powerful gather in the Swiss resort of Davos, a study by public relations firm Edelman has found that general level of trust in institutions among college-educated people around the globe are at levels not seen since 2009 in many of the markets it surveyed.
Trust in institutions in India has improved sharply in 2015 with the country moving up three notches to the second place among 27 nations.
While the number of “truster” countries is at an all-time low of six in 2015 including UAE, India, China and Netherlands, the number of “distruster” countries has grown significantly to 13 including Japan, Russia, Hong Kong, South Africa and Italy.
Brazil, Malaysia, France and the US are among the 8 “neutral” nations as per the trust index, the survey said.
India, which last year saw the BJP-led NDA government storming to power at the Centre, stands tall.
According to the report, an “alarming evaporation of trust” has happened across all institutions, reaching the lows of the Great Recession in 2009.
Trust in government, business, media and NGOs in the general population is below 50 per cent in two-thirds of countries, including the U.S., U.K. and Germany, it said.
From fifth most trusted in 2014, India has now become the second-most trusted in 2015 with a score of 79 per cent in the barometer. The study has put India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image on the first page.

Vision statement on
Asia-Pacific, Indian Ocean

After meeting for close to five hours, including an extended lunch, tea on the Hyderabad House lawns, and delegation level talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama issued three separate documents: a declaration of friendship with a commitment to regular summits, a joint statement called “Shared Effort, Progress for all”, and a joint strategic vision statement for the Asia-Pacific and the Indian ocean region.
The last document could raise eyebrows in China, when External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visits Beijing next week, as it elaborates on the clauses in their previous joint statement for the disputed maritime region, and says, “We affirm the importance of safeguarding maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region, especially in the South China Sea.”
Conspicuous by its absence was mention of “cross-border” terrorism or India’s issues with Pakistan, although the two sides repeated their September commitment to “disrupt” terror groups including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e- Mohammad, D Company and the Haqqani Network.

Germany eager to join
‘Make in India’ initiative

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble expressed interest in working with India in the manufacturing sector, especially in the auto and solar energy industries, at a meeting with business lobby Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) .The German minister is scheduled to hold talks with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
Dr. Schäuble’s positive note on German manufacturing industry’s readiness to participate in the ‘Make in India’ policy comes close on the heels of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s voicing of the Obama administration’s worries over the initiative.
Mr. Modi is scheduled to jointly inaugurate the Hannover trade fair along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his visit to Germany in April 2015.

Obama, Modi at India US CEO Forum

The India-US CEO Forum began with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama present along with top business honchos of both countries. The other CEOs who are expected to be present are Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director (CMD), Reliance Industries Ltd; Gautam Adani, chairman, Adani Group; Sunil Bhari Mittal, chairman and group CEO, Bharti Entreprises; Sashi Ruia, chairman, Essar Group; Hari S Bhartia, co-chairman and MD, Jubilant Life Sciences; and Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, CMD, Biocon.
Among others are Anand Mahindra, CMD, Mahindra and Mahindra; Deepak Parekh, chairman, HDFC; Chanda Kochar, CEO and MD, ICICI Bank; Arundhati Bhattacharya, chairman, State Bank of India; Vishal Sikka, CEO & MD, Infosys; B Prasada Rao, CMD, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited; Sudhir Mehta, chairman emeritus, Torrent Pharmaceuticals; Preetha Reddy, executive chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Entreprises; Anurag Kumar, director, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; and D.K. Saraff, CMD, ONGC. Honeywell International Chairman and CEO Dave Cote was likely to lead the US CEOs team, which was to have Indra Nooyi, chairperson and CEO, PepsiCo, and Ajay Banga, CEO, Mastercard, among others. US-India Business Council (USIBC) acting president Diane Farrell told IANS:
“The Forum will be focusing on two-way trade. Ease of doing business is something that will be focused. That will attract more US business to India.
“Market access issue of both the countries will be discussed. US companies recognises the importance of both these programmes of Digital India and Make in India.

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