1. 5th ASEAN-India AITIGA Joint Committee Meeting Concludes in Jakarta
Tags: committee
The fifth meeting of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee took place at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia from July 29 to August 1.
An Overview of the News
The meeting was co-chaired by Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, India, and Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Commerce), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia.
Representatives from all ten ASEAN countries and India attended the meeting.
Negotiation Progress
Discussions to review AITIGA began in May 2023.
After finalizing the Rules of Procedure and negotiating structure, negotiations commenced in February 2024.
The first two rounds of negotiations were held in New Delhi (February 2024) and Putrajaya, Malaysia (May 2024).
Subcommittee Focus
During the third round of negotiations held in Jakarta, Indonesia, all eight subcommittees concentrated on the following areas: “National Treaty and Market Access,” “Rules of Origin,” “Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures,” “Sanitary and Phytosanitary Matters,” “Legal and Institutional Issues,” “Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation,” “Trade Remedies,” and “Economic and Technical Cooperation.”
Outcomes and Discussions
All subcommittees presented their discussions' results at the 5th AITIGA Joint Meeting and received further guidance for future work.
Bilateral meetings were held between the Indian delegation and counterparts from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
Separate discussions were held with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn and ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Satvinder Singh to enhance India-ASEAN economic cooperation.
Future Meetings
The next AITIGA Joint Committee meeting is scheduled to be held in India from November 19 to 22.
2. Dr. Jaishankar Strengthens Ties in Lao PDR and Brunei During 3-Day Visit
Tags: International News
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Union Minister for External Affairs, Government of India, undertook a 3-day official visit to Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic from 25th to 27th July 2024.
An Overview of the News
25th July 2024: Dr. Jaishankar attended the 57th ASEAN-Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM), chaired by Lao PDR, with the theme "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience."
26th July 2024: Dr. Jaishankar and Dato Haji, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, jointly launched a logo commemorating 40 years of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.
27th July 2024: Dr. Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Saleumxay Kommasith, Foreign Minister of Lao PDR, and jointly released a special commemorative postage stamp set featuring Lord Ram Lalla of Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh).
About Lao PDR:
Prime Minister: Sonexay Siphandone
Capital: Vientiane
Currency: Lao kip
3. India Hosts 6th EAS Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Mumbai
Tags: Summits State News
The 6th East Asia Summit (EAS) Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra from 4th to 5th July 2024.
An Overview of the News
The conference was organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI).
Partnered with the Governments of Australia and Indonesia.
The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India Centre (AIC) at Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) collaborated as Knowledge Partners.
Key Highlights:
The conference showcased India’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN-led EAS mechanisms.
Supported the EAS Plan of Action 2024-2028.
Thematic Sessions:
Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
Regional Maritime Domain Awareness.
Combating illicit maritime activity, anti-piracy, and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Maritime Connectivity.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Search and Rescue (SAR).
EAS Overview:
EAS is the only leader-led forum for strategic dialogue in the Indo-Pacific region.
Leaders from 18 countries meet to discuss political, security, and economic challenges.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau
Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde
Governor - Ramesh Bais
Official Animal - Indian giant squirrel
Official Bird - Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
Official Dance - Lavani
Additional Information:- |
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4. National Dengue Day - 16 May
Tags: Important Days
National Dengue Day is observed annually across India on May 16 to raise awareness about Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infectious disease, and to promote preventive measures.
An Overview of the News
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) leads the observance of National Dengue Day.
The 2024 theme for National Dengue Day is "Connect with Community, Control Dengue."
Background of National Dengue Day:
The MoH&FW, Government of India (GoI) observes National Dengue Day on May 16 to initiate pre-monsoon activities and community sensitization.
Anti Dengue Month is observed in July to raise community awareness and encourage keeping homes and surroundings free from mosquito breeding.
Dengue Management in India
Program Management: Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) are managed under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).
Nodal Agency: The National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) administers NVBDCP and oversees prevention and control strategies for vector-borne diseases, including Dengue.
Other Diseases Covered: NVBDCP also addresses Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Chikungunya, Kala-azar, and Lymphatic Filariasis.
2023 Dengue Cases: As of November 30, 2023, NCVBDC reported 2,34,427 cases of dengue fever in India.
Related Observances
ASEAN Dengue Day: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) observes June 15th as ASEAN Dengue Day to raise awareness about Dengue.
Conception: The event was conceived in 2010 during the 10th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting in Singapore.
First Launch: Indonesia hosted the inaugural ASEAN Dengue Day in Jakarta in 2011.
WHO Involvement: In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) joined ASEAN in marking ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15th.
5. 43rd ASEAN Summit to begin in Jakarta on September 5
Tags: Summits
The 43rd ASEAN Summit is scheduled to be held in Jakarta from September 5 to 7.
An Overview of the News
This summit is taking place in the context of increased tension in the South China Sea. Some ASEAN member countries have expressed protest over China's recent release of a new map claiming disputed areas.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will lead a delegation to the summit.
During the summit, ASEAN leaders will also discuss the crisis in Myanmar among other pressing regional issues.
Singapore's Prime Minister's Office issued a statement emphasizing that ASEAN leaders will focus on strategies to maintain the bloc's relevance and central role in the emerging regional landscape.
The leaders will also discuss strengthening ASEAN integration and enhancing cooperation in key areas such as the digital and green economy.
About ASEAN
ASEAN was officially established on August 8, 1967, through the signing of the ASEAN Declaration by the foreign ministers of five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984.
Vietnam became a member on 28 July 1995.
Lao PDR and Myanmar joined on 23 July 1997.
Cambodia became a member on 30 April 1999.
ASEAN currently consists of ten member states.
6. India and ASEAN Conference on Traditional Medicines in New Delhi
Tags: Summits
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The Ministry of AYUSH in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Mission in ASEAN organized a conference of India and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Traditional Medicines in New Delhi on 20 July 2023.
An Overview of the news:
- Re-held a decade later, the conference pledged to strengthen sustainable and resilient health care systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage.
A total of 75 delegates included:
- A total of 75 delegates from India and ASEAN including two ASEAN countries participated in the conference through virtual mode.
- The Conference on Traditional Medicine between India and ASEAN countries provides a platform to deliberate on various dimensions of traditional systems of medicine to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and strategize on ways and means to take forward traditional systems of medicine.
Emphasis on Act East Policy:
- India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the 'Act East Policy' at the 12th ASEAN India Summit in Myanmar in November 2014, giving a new impetus to the strategic partnership. The Act-East policy emphasizes connectivity, commerce and culture.
- ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Cao Kim Horn highlighted three key points that reflect the synergy between ASEAN and India, covering various aspects, including cooperation on public health through traditional and complementary medicines.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):
- It was established to accelerate economic development, social progress and cultural development for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian countries.
- Origin: Established in 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
- ASEAN Day: 8 August.
- Founding countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
- Motto: 'One Vision, One Identity, One Community'.
- Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Member States: 10 (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia).
- India and ASEAN celebrated the 30th anniversary of their dialogue relations.
7. India to host ASEAN countries conference on traditional medicines
Tags: Summits
The Ministry of AYUSH in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Mission to ASEAN and ASEAN Secretariat, is organizing a Conference on Traditional Medicines for ASEAN Countries on 20th July, 2023.
An Overview of the News
The aim of the conference is to strengthen cooperation and knowledge sharing between India and ASEAN countries in the field of traditional medicines.
The "Act East Policy" launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new impetus to the strategic partnership between India and ASEAN.
Growth and Achievements of Ministry of AYUSH:
The Ministry of AYUSH has seen significant growth since it became an independent ministry in 2014.
Collaboration with international organizations and national institutions has allowed high-quality research on AYUSH systems in various health conditions, including non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, mental health, and infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
The ASEAN conference will serve as a platform for sharing research results and experiences in the field of traditional medicine.
Conference Goals:
To facilitate exchange of best practices and recent developments in the regulatory framework for the promotion of traditional medicine in ASEAN member countries.
Strengthening international cooperation in AYUSH through collaboration and establishment of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ASEAN countries and other countries.
Participant Details:
A total of 75 participants will participate in the conference, including international delegates from eight ASEAN countries and two international delegates participating virtually.
Delegates will brainstorm and share ideas on traditional medicine during the one-day conference held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
About Ministry of AYUSH
It is a government ministry in India.
It is responsible for the development, promotion and regulation of traditional systems of medicine.
AYUSH is the abbreviation of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Society and aims to promote education and research of the above.
The ministry provides educational and training programs.
Establishment - 2014
Responsible Ministers - Sarbananda Sonowal, Cabinet Minister and Mahendra Munjapara, Minister of State
Ministry Executive - Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary
Ministry of Motherhood - Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
8. 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' as a ‘God Bharai' ceremony in Rajasthan
Tags: State News
According to Jaskaur Meena, MP from Dausa, Rajasthan, people in Dausa, Rajasthan celebrate 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' as a ‘God Bharai' (Baby Shower) ceremony.
An Overview of the News:
- In this ceremony all the pregnant women of the area come together and they are provided with 'nutritional kits' for the health of their babies.
- According to MP Jaskaur Meena, about 3.5 lakh women have benefited from this scheme during 2022-23 only in Rajasthan.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appreciated the new initiative of celebrating 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana' as a 'baby shower' ceremony in Dausa, Rajasthan.
- This unique initiative of Dausa will give new energy to 'Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana'. This initiative will ensure the health security of not only the mothers but also the babies.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY):
- PMMVY was launched on January 1, 2017 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- This scheme, run by the Union Ministry of Child Development, was done for the welfare of pregnant and lactating women across the country.
- Under this, cash benefits are provided to pregnant women directly into their bank accounts to meet increased nutritional requirements and partially compensate for wage loss.
- All pregnant women and lactating mothers who are in regular employment under the Central Government or State Governments or Public Undertakings or who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law.
- Under this, five thousand rupees are given to all the eligible beneficiaries in three installments and the remaining amount of one thousand rupees is given after institutional delivery as per the conditions of maternity benefit under Janani Suraksha Yojana.
- Thus on an average a woman is given Rs.6000.
Rajasthan:
- Capital: Jaipur
- Governor: Kalraj Mishra
- Chief Minister: Ashok Gehlot
- Number of seats in the Legislative Assembly: 200
- Number of seats in Lok Sabha: 25
- Number of seats in Rajya Sabha: 10
9. India, Vietnam hold 3rd Maritime Security Dialogue
Tags: International Relations International News
India and Vietnamese officials held the third Maritime Security Dialogue in New Delhi on 31st May.
An overview of the news
Both sides discussed ways to better maintain the marine environment which is helpful for theinclusive development of both the countries.
Senior officials from ministries and services dealing with maritime affairs participated in the dialogue.
The two sides also reviewed initiatives for maritime cooperation and ways to strengthen international and regional mechanisms for comprehensive maritime security.
The second India-Vietnam Maritime Security Dialogue was to be held in virtual format in April 2021 after the first round was held in Hanoi in March 2019.
India, Vietnam Relation
Vietnam has become an important partner in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific vision as both countries have disputes with China.
Vietnam is involved in a dispute with China on the South China Sea Island. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea islands, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea.
India favours free and open navigation right in the South China Sea which is threatened by China.
India has oil exploration projects in the Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea. India and Vietnam are boosting their maritime security cooperation in the last few years to protect common interests.
In 2016, during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Vietnam, the bilateral relations were further elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”.
India and Vietnam signed an important Joint Vision Statement on defence partnership during the visit of the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Vietnam on 8 June 2022.
During the defence minister's visit India provided a $500 million defence loan to Vietnam.
About Vietnam
It lies in South East Asia and it is a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN)
Prime Minister: Pham Minh Chinh
Capital: Hanoi
President: Vo Van Thuong
Currency: Dong
10. Maiden ASEAN-India Maritime exercise begins in Singapore
Tags: Defence International News
The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2023) began on 2 May in Singapore.
An overview of the news
The maiden exercise is being conducted off the coast of Singapore.
It aims to enhance interoperability and exchange of best practices among the participating navies.
INS Satpura and INS Delhi, accompanied by RADM Gurcharan Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, have reached Singapore to participate in the exercise.
AIME 2023 will provide an opportunity for Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work together closely and conduct seamless operations in the maritime domain.
Indian Navy ships will also participate in the International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) and the International Maritime Defense Exhibition (IMDEX-23).
The Philippine Navy has deployed its missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) with a 140-man crew of Naval Task Group 80.5 onboard in the exercise.
Phase of the exercise
Harbour Phase - to be conducted at Changi Naval Base.
Sea Phase - to be conducted in the South China Sea.
INS Delhi and INS Satpura
INS Delhi is India’s first indigenously-built guided missile destroyer.
INS Satpura, is an indigenously built guided missile stealth frigate and are fitted with state-of-the art weapons and sensors.
Both are part of the Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam and are under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
