1. India and Spain agreed to cooperate in digital infra, climate action, clean energy
Tags: International Relations International News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez on February 15 agreed to collaborate on issues such as digital infrastructure, climate action, clean energy and sustainable development.
An overview of the news
They also discussed several bilateral and international issues of mutual interest.
They reviewed bilateral initiatives and expressed satisfaction at the growing cooperation in the defence, economic and commercial sectors.
Sanchez extended full support to India's initiative of chairing the global bloc G20.
India-Spain Relations
Relations between the two countries have been cordial since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956.
To give impetus to trade and investment ties, the India-Spain Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) was established in 1972.
The commission was established under the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement and has met ten times since then.
Spain is India's 7th largest trading partner in the European Union.
India's exports to Spain include organic chemicals, textiles, iron and steel products, motor vehicle components, marine products and leather goods.
Spain is the 15th largest investor in India.
Bilateral Agreements between India and Spain
Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation, 1972
Agreement on Cultural Cooperation, 1982
Civil Aviation Agreement, 1986
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, 1993
Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement, 1997
Extradition Treaty, 2002
MoU on Institutionalisation of Political Dialogue, 2006
2. Cabinet approves establishment of Agricultural Credit Societies
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
In order to strengthen the cooperative sector, the Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the setting up of a new Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) in two lakh panchayats in the next five years.
An overview of the news
According to the government, 25 different facilities will be made available through the Primary Agricultural Credit Society.
Dairy and fisheries will also be linked to agricultural cooperatives.
In the next 5 years, a target has been set to establish 2 lakh multipurpose packs, dairy, fisheries cooperatives.
The scheme will be implemented with convergence of various schemes.
The scheme will be implemented with convergence of various schemes by leveraging the 'Whole of Government' approach.
Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS)
These are grassroots level cooperative credit institutions that provide short-term and medium-term agricultural loans to farmers for various agricultural and agricultural activities.
It works at the gram Panchayat and village level.
The first Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) was set up in 1904.
PACS are registered under the Co-operative Societies Act and regulated by RBI.
Objectives of PACS
Raise capital for the purpose of making loans
Supporting members' essential activities
Collect deposits from members with the goal of improving their savings habit
Arrange for the supply and development of improved breeds of livestock to the members
Supply agricultural inputs and services to members at reasonable prices
3. Cabinet approves Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages Programme” for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26
Tags: Government Schemes National News
The Union Cabinet on 15 February approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP) for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26 with financial allocation of Rs 4800 Crore.
An overview of the news
This will help encourage people to stay in their native places in border areas.
This will stop migration from villages and improve border security.
Funds will be provided under the scheme for development of essential infrastructure and creation of livelihood opportunities in 19 districts and 46 border blocks, 4 states and 1 union territory along the northern land border of the country.
In the first phase, 663 villages will be included in the programme.
The District Administration will prepare a Vibrant Village Action Plan with the help of Gram Panchayats.
100 percent saturation of Central and State schemes will be ensured.
About Vibrant Villages Programme
This program was announced in the budget speech 2022.
It aims to improve infrastructure in villages along India’s border with China.
Under the programme, states such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh will improve infrastructure and build residential and tourism hubs.
The focus areas of the programme are livelihood, road connectivity, housing, rural infrastructure, renewable energy, television and broadband connections.
4. Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and Chile for cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors
Tags: National National News
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of India and the Government of Chile on 15 February for cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.
An overview of the news
This MoU provides for cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.
Under the MoU, a Chile-India Agricultural Working Group will be set up.
This group will be responsible for supervision, review and evaluation of the implementation of the MoU as well as for establishing frequent communication and coordination.
The meetings of the Agriculture Working Group will be held once a year, alternately in Chile and India.
The MoU shall come into force upon its signature and shall remain in force for a period of five years from the date of execution.
Thereafter it will be automatically renewed for a period of 5 years.
The main areas of cooperation
Agricultural Policies for the Development of Modern Agriculture
Organic agriculture to facilitate bilateral trade of organic products
To promote exchange of policies aimed at developing organic production
Promotion of innovation in agriculture sector between Indian institutions and Chilean institutions
Cooperation in Science and Innovation to Address Common Challenges
5. Indo-US exercise TARKASH
Tags: National Defence National News
The 6th edition of joint exercise Tarkash was recently concluded in Chennai by the National Security Guard (NSG) and the US Special Operations Force (SOF).
About Exercise TARKASH
This is the sixth edition of the exercise which began on 16 January and ended on 14 February.
It is a joint exercise by the National Security Guard (NSG) and US Special Operations Forces (SOF).
“Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Terror Response” has been included in this exercise for the first time.
An exercise to deal with chemical and biological attacks by terrorists was also included in the exercise.
Chemical and biological attacks have been made part of the exercise in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Last year, Russia accuses Ukraine of receiving aid from Western countries and of carrying out a chemical attack in Kharkiv.
Objectives of the Exercise
The objective of the exercise is to neutralize the terrorists, safe release of hostages and neutralization of chemical weapons being carried by the terrorists.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Weapons
These weapons are classified as weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
In the past these weapons have been used by states and terrorist groups.
The most recent use of CBRN was in the form of a sarin gas attack in Syria in 2017 that killed over 100 people.
These weapons are a serious threat to international peace and security.
Chemical, Biological and Radiological weapons
Chemical weapons include mustard gas and nerve agents.
Biological agents like anthrax, botulinum toxin and plague are some examples of biochemical weapons.
Radiological weapons include weaponised radioactive waste and dirty bombs as well as nuclear weapons.
6. Air India signs 470 aircraft deal with Airbus, Boeing
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
With an aim to upgrade its fleet and expand its operations, Tata-owned Air India on 14 February confirmed an agreement to buy a total of 470 wide-body and narrow-body planes from Airbus and Boeing.
An overview of the news
Of the 470 new aircraft ordered by Air India, 250 are from Airbus and 220 from Boeing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed confidence that India will emerge as the third largest global market in the aviation sector in the coming years.
This deal reflects the strength of the US-India economic partnership.
The Indian aviation sector will need more than 2,000 aircrafts in the next 15 years.
This historic deal shows strengthening of strategic partnership between India and France.
This deal will help in fulfilling the growing demands of the aircrafts.
Under the regional connectivity scheme-UDAN, the number of airports in the country has increased from 74 to 147 in the last eight years.
Remote parts of the country are being connected by air connectivity which has helped in socio-economic development.
About UDAN scheme
Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) was launched in 2016 as a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Its objective is to provide affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes to the common man even in small towns.
7. First Agriculture Deputies Meeting of the Agriculture Working Group
Tags: Summits National News
The first Agriculture Representatives Meeting (ADM) of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) under the G20 chairmanship of India was held in Indore.
An overview of the news
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched it on 14 February 2023.
On the second day of the meeting, presentations were made on the release note for AWG, covering the four key themes of Food Security and Nutrition, Sustainable Agriculture with Climate Smart Approach, Inclusive Agriculture Value Chain and Digitization for Food System and Agriculture Transformation.
Member countries, invited countries and international organisations made their interventions on the issue note.
G20 member states and guest countries also held bilateral meetings focusing on the G20 agriculture agenda.
After the technical session, the delegates visited Silotia village in Dhar district where they saw organic farming in poly house.
The key deliverables of the AWG will be discussed on the third and concluding day of the event.
Mention was made about the 3S template for development in the agriculture sector – ie Smart, Serve All and Sustainable.
Their views were also presented on the importance of drones in the Indian agriculture development saga.
8. Prominent Indian-American politician Nikki Haley announces US Presidential bid
Tags: Person in news International News
Former South Carolina Governor, Indian-American leader and Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley announced her candidacy for the US President on 14 February.
An overview of the news
In this way, she has become the first Republican to challenge former US President Donald Trump to become her party's nominee for the White House in 2024.
Haley, 51, has been a two-time governor of South Carolina and the US ambassador to the United Nations.
Before entering the presidential election, Haley must win the primary vote for the Republican presidential candidate, which begins in January next year.
The next US presidential election will be held on November 5, 2024.
About Nikki Haley
Helly is the child of migrant Punjabi Sikh parents.
Haley was born in Bamberg, South Carolina, and became the state's first female governor and the first Indian-American to lead the state.
If she wins the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, she will make history as the first woman and the first Asian-American.
9. PM Modi to inaugurate national Aadi Mahotsav on Feb 16 in New Delhi
Tags: Festivals National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the national Aadi Mahotsav on 16th February, 2023 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
An overview of the news
This 15-day festival is being organised at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
This was announced at a media briefing by the Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda in New Delhi.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is making all out efforts to ensure full participation of tribal communities in realising the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Minister said that TRIFED is working with top designers to ensure quality and contemporary design in tribal products as well as to retain their originality.
Theme of Aadi Mahotsav 2023
The Theme of the event “A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Crafts, Culture, Cuisine and Commerce”.
The theme represents the basic ethos of tribal life.
Festival Highlights
The festival will feature exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, handlooms, paintings, jewellery, cane and bamboo, pottery, food and natural products, tribal cuisine and more to showcase it through 200 stalls.
One thousand tribal artisans and artists from 28 states and union territories will participate in the festival.
About Aadi Mahotsav
It is a national tribal festival and a joint initiative of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
It was started in the year 2017.
The main objective of this festival is to acquaint people with the rich and diverse crafts and culture of tribal communities at one place.
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED)
It came into existence in 1987.
TRIFED is a national-level organisation functioning under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Its Head Office is located in New Delhi and has a network of 13 Regional Offices.
It aims at socio-economic development of tribal people in the country through marketing development of tribal products.
10. New Zealand declares national emergency after Cyclone Gabrielle lashes North Island
Tags: International News
The New Zealand government has declared a national emergency after Cyclone Gabrielle hit the North Island.
An overview of the news
Cyclone Gabrielle causes widespread flooding, landslides and huge ocean swells across the North Island.
This is an unprecedented weather event that is having widespread impacts across much of the North Island.
Gabriel appeared over some small islands about 100 km north-east of Auckland, but is now moving south-west.
National State of Emergency in New Zealand
A national state of emergency has been declared in New Zealand on two previous occasions – the first in 2011 after a magnitude 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch and the second in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
