1. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways ranked 2nd on Data Governance Quality Index
Tags: INDEX National News
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has been ranked second among 66 ministries in the Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI) assessment for the December quarter (Q3) of FY23.
An overview of the news
The ministry scored 4.7 out of 5, indicating its commitment to excellence in data governance.
Conducted by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), NITI Aayog, the DGQI survey aims to measure the maturity level of administrative data systems and their use in decision making of various ministries and departments on the implementation of central sector schemes.
MoPSW's success in DGQI assessment was aided by the concerted efforts of the National Technology Center for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Madras, which was tasked to improve MoPSW's Management Information System (MIS) in compliance with DGQI standards I went.
Six key indicators
The DGQI assessment covers six key themes including data generation, data quality, use of technology, data analysis, access and dissemination, data security and human resource capability, and case studies.
Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI)
The Data Governance Quality Index (DGQI) survey is conducted by NITI Aayog's Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office.
The survey aims to evaluate the performance of different Ministries /Departments in implementing Central Sector Schemes (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).
2. 1st Ministerial meeting of India-EU Trade and Technology Council
Tags: Summits International News
The first ministerial meeting of the India and the European Union Trade and Technology Council (TTC) will be held in Brussels on 16 May.
An overview of the news
The meeting will be co-chaired by the Ministers of External Affairs, Commerce and Industry and Communications, Electronics and Information Technology from the Indian side.
India is only the second country after the US with which the European Union (EU) has a TTC, and the two sides agreed to launch the strategic mechanism during the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to India in April 2022.
The TTC aims to deepen trade and investment ties between India and the European Union, as well as foster greater cooperation on technology and innovation.
About India-EU Trade and Technology Council
The trade and technology council was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during Ms Leyen's visit to India in April 2022.
Three Working Groups under the TTC
1. A Working Group on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity
2. A Working Group on Green and Clean Energy Technologies
3. A Working Group on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains
India-EU Trade relation
India is the 10th largest trading partner of the European Union, accounting for 2.1% of the total trade in goods.
The EU is India's third largest trading partner, accounting for €88 billion in goods trade in 2021 or a little over 10% of total Indian trade.
Trade in services between the two sides reached €30.4 billion in 2020.
About European Union
The European Union is a group of 27 European countries.
The United Kingdom which was the founding member of the European Union has left the organisation.
It was founded on 1 November 1993
Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
3. Smriti Zubin Irani launches “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi”
Tags: National National News
Union Women and Child Development Minister, Smriti Zubin Irani launched “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi”, an Early Childhood Care and Education program under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 on 12th May.
An overview of the news
Under this campaign, work will be done in Anganwadis across the country to provide nutrition as well as better education to children in the age group of 3 to 6 years.
There are about 13 lakh 90 thousand Anganwadis across the country, in which work is being done to provide better nutrition as well as better education to the students.
Anganwadi workers are being trained by NIPCID regarding the mental development of children aged 3 to 6 years under the National Education Policy 2020.
More than 51 lakh activities have been conducted by the Ministry in Gram Panchayats, as well as emphasis is being laid on early education for children coming to Anganwadis through toys made in India.
About Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
The scheme was approved by the Government of India for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period 202l-22 to 2025-26.
It is an Integrated Nutrition Support Programme.
It has been implemented to address the challenges of malnutrition among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
The restructured scheme consists of ICDS, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) and National Creche Scheme.
Objectives of Poshan 2.0
Address challenges of malnutrition
Contribute to the development of human capital of the country
Promote nutrition awareness and good eating habits for better health
Addressing nutritional deficiencies through key strategies
4. Monkeypox no longer a global health emergency: World Health Organization
Tags: International News
The World Health Organization declared the end of a global health emergency on 11 May for the rare but potentially serious disease mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
An overview of the news
According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, countries have reported about 90% fewer cases in the past three months.
The emergency declaration was issued in July 2022 amid a major global surge in cases.
Mpox belongs to the family of poxviruses, which also includes smallpox, and people with the disease often develop a rash on various parts of the body.
According to WHO, since January 2022, there have been more than 87,000 mpox cases and 140 deaths in 111 countries.
What Is Monkeypox?
It is a viral zoonotic disease that is transmitted from animals to humans.
Monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus similar to smallpox.
It has been identified as a smallpox-like disease in monkeys, hence it is called monkeypox.
It was first observed in 1958, in monkeys in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and in humans in 1970.
The disease outbreak in Nigeria in 2017 was the largest ever.
The monkeypox virus mutates at a high rate but is treatable once symptoms appear.
Symptom of disease
Fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash or lesions.
Infected people develop a rash resembling smallpox.
In the early stages of the disease, monkeypox and smallpox can be differentiated because the monkeypox lymph gland enlarges.
Transmission of disease
It spreads through close face to face, skin to skin and direct contact.
The disease can be spread through contact with bodily fluids, sores on the skin or internal mucous surfaces, such as the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
Treatment and Vaccine
There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for monkeypox infection.
The anti-smallpox vaccine has been shown to be 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.
5. CBIC rolls out Automated Return Scrutiny Module for GST returns
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has recently launched the Automated Return Scrutiny Module for GST returns.
An overview of the news
This module will enable tax officers to scrutinize GST returns of centrally administered taxpayers based on data analytics and risks identified by the system.
The module identifies discrepancies in the returns and shows them to the tax officer, who can communicate with the taxpayer through the GSTN Common Portal to resolve any issues.
The Automated Return Scrutiny Module will help in streamlining the GST return scrutiny process and ensure that it is more efficient, transparent and effective.
According to the Finance Ministry, the introduction of this module is a significant step towards creating a more technology-driven tax administration system, which will not only improve compliance but also reduce the compliance burden for taxpayers.
About Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
In India, it is a part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.
CBIC is responsible for the administration of indirect taxes such as GST, Customs Duty and Excise Duty in India.
The board was formed in 2019 as a result of the merger of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
CBIC is headed by a Chairman who is assisted by a number of members responsible for various areas such as GST, Customs, Legal and Administration.
The main functions of CBIC include policy-making, implementation, and administration of indirect taxes, and prevention of smuggling and evasion of taxes.
CBIC works towards creating a fair and efficient tax administration system, which is transparent and taxpayer friendly.
CBIC plays a vital role in ensuring compliance of tax laws and regulations in India.
6. 6th Indian Ocean Conference- 2023
Tags: Summits International News
The 6th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is taking place in Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 12-13, 2023.
An overview of the news
The sixth edition of the conference is being organized by the India F oundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
The theme of this year's conference is 'Partnership for Peace, Prosp erity and a Resilient Future'.
The conference was inaugurated by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to Bangladesh Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shaha ryar Alam, around 150 foreign guests including representatives from D8, SAARC and BIMSTEC will participate in the conference.
The IOC is expected to provide a forum for discussion on a wide range of issues related to the Indian Ocean including trade, security, climate change and regional connectivity.
The summit is an important event for Bangladesh, as it showcases t he country's growing role in regional affairs and highlights efforts to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
Aim of the conference
The aim of the conference is to bring together high-level government delegations and think tanks from around 25 countries to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation among countries in the Indi an Ocean region.
About Indian Ocean Conference
It has been launched by the Delhi-based think tank India Foundation along with its partners from Singapore, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The aim of the conference is to bring together Heads of States/Governments, Ministers, thought leaders, scholars, diplomats, bureaucrats and practitioners from across the region on a single platform.
7. Exercise Ajeya Warrior-23
Tags: Defence International News
The 7th editionof the joint military exercise “AJEYA WARRIOR-23” between India and the United Kingdom was conducted at Salisbury Plains, United Kingdom from 27 April to 11 May 2023.
An overview of the news
Indian Army soldiers chanted 'Bajrang Bali Ki Jai' along with 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' during the 7th edition of Ajeya Warrior-23.
Army soldiers were seen shouting these slogans loudly with guns in their hands.
The exercise is part of an initiative to develop interoperability and share expertise with friendly foreign nations.
Military forces of both countries participate in thisjoint military exercise.
About Exercise Ajay Warrior 2023
It is a bilateral training exercise between the armies of India and UK.
The exercise saw the participation of an infantry company from India and a unit of similar strength from the British Army.
The armies of both countries practiced each other's weapons, battle tactics, equipment and procedures to conduct joint military operations under difficult conditions.
In addition, expert academic discussions were also held on several topics of common interest such as joint weapon concepts, operation logistics, experience sharing of joint forces, etc.
Aim of the exercise
It aims to improve interoperability between the two forces while working in accordance with the mandate of the United Nations.
Its objective is to provide training to soldiers of both countries in counter-terrorist operations.
8. Indian Council of Medical Research and Ministry of AYUSH signed MoU
Tags: Science and Technology National News
Indian Council of Medical Research and AYUSH Ministry on 11 May signed an MOU for collaborative and cooperative momentum on health research in the field of Integrated Medicine.
An overview of the news
The MoU was signed by Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH and Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary DHR & DG, ICMR in the presence of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare.
The MoU envisages collaboration in areas of convergence and synergy between the two organizations to strengthen integrated health research and research capacity.
The MoU also envisages exploring the possibility with the Ministry of AYUSH and ICMR to work on public health research initiatives to address diseases of national importance.
A Joint Working Group will be formed between the Ministry of AYUSH and ICMR which will meet quarterly to explore other areas of collaboration and work on deliverables.
Both the institutes will formulate and implement joint research projects and programmes.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
It is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world headquartered in New Delhi for the coordination and promotion of biomedical research.
It works under the Department of Health Services (DHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
It was established in 1911 as Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA).
Later in 1949 its name was changed to ICMR.
9. 'Buddham Saranam Gacchami' exhibition
Tags: National National News
Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi inaugurated the exhibition "Buddham Sharanam Gachhami" at the National Gallery of Modern Arts, New Delhi on 11 May.
An overview of the news
Held in the week following Buddha Purnima, the exhibition was based on the life of Lord Buddha and showcased the journey of Buddhist art and culture around the world.
The artistic works on display offer a glimpse into the history and philosophy of Buddhism.
Missions of several countries were represented at the event through their Heads of Missions and representatives during the event.
The exhibition also displayed paintings from countries like Sri Lanka and Myanmar and showed how Buddhism spread in different countries.
Renowned Indian artistNandlal Bosedepicted the life and teachings of the Buddha and his path of spirituality through line drawings.
Participating countries
Most of the countries participated in the inauguration, including Nepal, Myanmar, Mongolia, South Korea, Thailand, Bhutan etc.
Ambassadors of countries like Denmark, Greece, Luxembourg, Jamaica, Portugal, Georgia, Iceland, Ecuador, Syria, Peru and senior diplomats from many other countries also participated in the exhibition.
Purpose of the Exhibition
The aim of the exhibition is to convey the spirituality of the art and its elements related to Buddhism and the universal values of wisdom, compassion and peace.
10. Anti-Dumping Duty on Imported Optical Fiber from China, Korea, Indonesia
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
DGTR, an arm of the Ministry of Commerce, has recommended imposition of anti-dumping duty on imports of a certain type of optical fiber from China, Korea and Indonesia to protect the domestic industry from cheap inbound shipments.
An overview of the news
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended the duty after examination on dumped imports of 'Dispersion Unshifted Single-Mode Optical Fiber' from these countries.
The product is mainly applied to high-data rate, long distance and access network transportation.
Birla Furukawa Fiber Optics Pvt Ltd had asked on behalf of the domestic industry to initiate an anti-dumping investigation on this product.
Why was it recommended to impose an anti-dumping duty?
The DGTR in its findings found that the domestic industry has suffered material injury due to the dumped imports.
DGTR said in a notification that the presence of dumped imports in the Indian market has forced the applicant to sell the product at prices below the cost of sales, causing losses and adversely affecting the profitability standards of the domestic industry.
Therefore, the authority has recommended imposition of anti-dumping duty to protect the domestic industry from injury.
What is Dumping?
According to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), if a company exports a product at a price lower than the price it normally charges on its own home market, it is said to be “dumping” the product.
This is done by companies to grab market share in other countries from the local companies.
What is Anti- Dumping?
Anti-dumping duties are taxes imposed on imported goods to compensate for the difference between their export price and their normal value.
It is imposed to protect producers of competing products in the importing country from harm.
