1. Piyush Goyal addresses India – France Business Summit
Tags: International Relations International News
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal addressed the India-France Business Summit and CEO Roundtable in Paris, France on 11 April.
An overview of the news
The Embassy of India, Paris, France, in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Mouvement des entreprises de France(MEDEF) and the Indo French Chamber of Commerce and Industry(IFCCI), organised the India – France Business Summit.
Sessions were held on the following topics-
Building a Green Future
Critical and Emerging Technologies: The New Strategic Frontier
Defence Cooperation: Securing a Shared Future Through Atmanirbhar Bharat
France and India: Springboard to Europe and Indo-Pacific
CEOs Roundtable
Trade between India and France
Bilateral trade with France has reached US$ 10.75 billion in the last decade and has shown steady growth. Both sides have taken forward the discussions on the India-EU Trade and Investment Agreement.
Agreements worth about $16 billion have been signed at the trade summit.
Nearly 1,000 French companies are present in India while over a hundred Indian businesses have established a presence in France.
India, France bilateral relations
France is the first country with which India started a strategic dialogue after its 1998 nuclear tests.
Both sides recognized the importance of discussing the India-EU Trade and Investment Agreement.
In 2005, an agreement was signed to build six Scorpene submarines in India with the help of France.
There has been an agreement between the Government of France and India for 36 Rafale aircraft.
About France
President: Emmanuel Macron
Prime minister: Élisabeth Borne
Capital: Paris
Currency : euro
2. Minister Purushottam Rupala launches Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)
Tags: Government Schemes National News
.png)
On 14 April, the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Purushottam Rupala launched the Animal pandemic Preparedness Initiative to holistically address animal pandemics.
An Overview of the News
The initiative aims to enhance the country's preparedness and response to animal pandemics with a focus on zoonotic diseases that pose a threat to both animal and human health.
The initiative will help in improving veterinary services and infrastructure, disease surveillance capabilities and awareness among farmers through community outreach.
World Bank funded Animal Health Systems Support for One Health has also been launched, which aims to create an ecosystem for an improved animal health management system, covering five states.
India is home to a diverse animal species and the livestock sector plays an important role in the country's economy and food security.
The Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative is a proactive step to protect animal resources and ensure the safety and health of people.
About Zoonotic Diseases
Definition: Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans through various means such as direct contact, consumption of contaminated food or water, inhalation of droplets, or bites from infected animals.
Examples: include rabies, anthrax, Ebola virus, salmonella, Lyme disease, and avian influenza.
Causes: Can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites that are found in the environment or spread by animals.
Symptoms: May include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, diarrhoea, and respiratory symptoms.
3. Bharat Gaurav tourist train flagged off on the occasion of Dr BR Ambedkar's birth anniversary
Tags: National News
Union Tourism Minister G Krishna Reddy and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar flagged off the Bharat Gaurav tourist train on the occasion of 132nd birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in New Delhi on 14 April.
An Overview of the News
Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train will showcase the rich cultural heritage of India and the life of BR Ambedkar along with promoting tourism.
The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has developed five places associated with Dr. Ambedkar as Panchatirth.
During the 8-day tour, the train will cover cities including New Delhi, Mhow, Nagpur, Varanasi and holy Buddhist sites like Sanchi, Sarnath, Gaya and Rajgir and Nalanda.
The theme-based tourist circuit train, Bharat Gaurav Train, is in line with the Government of India's initiative "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" and Dekho Apna Desh to promote domestic tourism.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat:
It was launched by the Prime Minister on 31 October 2015, the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and was later announced in the 2016–17 budget speech of the Finance Minister.
The objective of the program is to promote mutual understanding among people of diverse cultures living in different states and union territories in India.
Every year, each State/UT will be linked with another State/UT for people-to-people contact. Through this exchange, the knowledge of language, culture, traditions and practices of different states will enhance understanding and bonding among them, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India.
The added States/UTs will undertake a mission to enhance their cultural, educational and economic ties by engaging in a wide range of reciprocal activities covering areas such as music, drama, cuisine, language, history, tourism etc.
About Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
His 132nd birth anniversary was celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti in India on April 14, 2023.
He was an Indian jurist, economist and social reformer.
He was the first Law and Justice Minister of independent India and the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
Some of his notable books:
Annihilation of Caste, Buddha and his Dhamma, Who were the Shudras?, Untouchables: Who were they and why did they become Untouchables?
4. NHAI signs MoU with Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Tags: Environment National News
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the MoU is to improve the entry process for vehicles entering the forest area by facilitating a seamless and efficient system.
The initiative proposes a FASTag based payment system at forest entry points to avoid long queues and delays.
The benefit of collection of Ecosystem Management Coordination Fee through FASTag will be extended to various entry points of the Tiger Reserve.
The partnership between the Highways Management Company of India Limited and the Forest Department is an important step towards promoting sustainable tourism and conserving natural resources.
This partnership will help curb vehicular emissions at forest entry points, thereby contributing to environmental protection.
About National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
It is an independent organisation established in 1995 by the Government of India.
NHAI manages and maintains a vast network of more than 50,000 km of National Highways across India, which represents about 40% of the total length of National Highways in the country.
NHAI is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the quality of National Highways in India and ensuring their smooth operation for the benefit of road users.
As a nodal agency of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHAI plays a vital role in formulating policies related to highways and implementing them effectively.
Establishment - 1988
Headquarters - New Delhi
Sector - Indian National Highway System
Objective - Development and maintenance of National Highways
Parent Agency - Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India
About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, located in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is the largest tiger reserve in India, covering a total area of 3,728 km (1,439 sq mi).
It was established in 1983.
The tiger reserve is spread over five districts, which are Nandyal, Prakasam, Palnadu, Nalgonda and Mehboob Nagar.
The tiger reserve is located inside the Nallamala forest area, which is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse flora and fauna.
5. Piyush Goyal's two-day visit to Italy
Tags: International Relations
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal was visiting Rome on 12 April 2023 on a two-day visit to Italy.
An Overview of the News:
- Shri Goyal met Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Italy to review all aspects of bilateral trade and economic relations.
- Both the Ministers exchanged views on leveraging the India-Italy trade and economic partnership for development in various sectors.
- After the state visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to India on 2 March 2023, efforts were made to elevate the bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership.
Suggestion for formation of Joint Working Group:
- Tajani suggested setting up of a joint working group in strategic areas such as space, technology, defence, agriculture etc. to keep abreast of important developments in these areas.
Bilateral trade with Italy:
- Bilateral trade between India and Italy to be around US$ 16 billion in 2022.
- Shri Goyal briefed about the progress made in India-EU FTA negotiations. Both the Ministers underlined the importance of a free, balanced and fair Free Trade Agreement and hoped that it would be concluded soon.
Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) in Rome:
- The two leaders also agreed to hold the next session of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) in Rome in the last week of September 2023.
Italy:
- Capital: Rome
- Currency: Euro
- President: Sergio Mattarella
- Prime Minister: Georgia Meloni
6. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar launches "Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project" in Kampala
Tags: International Relations
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar launched Varanasi's 'Tulsi Ghat Restoration Project' on 10 April 2023 during his visit to Kampala, Uganda.
An Overview of the News:
- The Tulsi Ghat Renovation Project is an initiative aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appeal of Varanasi, the oldest inhabited city in the world.
- Uganda was supported to chair the Non-Aligned Movement from Africa for the period from 2022 to 2025. The position of chair of NAM rotates every three years during the summits.
Mozambique Visit:
- The External Affairs Minister will visit Mozambique from 13 to 15 April. This will be the first visit by an External Affairs Minister of India to Mozambique.
- The fifth meeting of the India-Mozambique Joint Commission will be chaired by the Foreign Ministers of both the countries.
- During the visit, various types of assistance will be announced from the Indian side to both these countries. There will also be talk on defense cooperation with these two countries.
- In March 2023, India conducted military exercises with nine countries in Africa, as well as a separate meeting with the military chiefs of African countries.
- In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy caused havoc in Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar.
Uganda:
- Capital: Kampala
- President: Yoweri Museveni
- Prime Minister: Robinhood Nabanza
- Currency: Uganda Shilling
Mozambique:
- Capital: Maputo
- President: Philippe Nyusi
- Prime Minister: Carlos Agostinho do Rosário
- Currency: Mozambican metical (MZN)
7. Kolkata Metro becomes India's first metro train to run under river
Tags: National News
On 12 April 2023, the Kolkata Metro reached Howrah from Kolkata through a river tunnel for the first time in India, carrying only officers and engineers. This tunnel is built across the Hooghly River.
An Overview of the News:
- Services on this route of Kolkata Metro will start from this year itself. Once the services start, Howrah will become the country's deepest metro station (33 meters below the surface).
520 meter long tunnel:
- The route from Howrah to Esplanade is about 4.8 km long, of which 520 m will be completed by tunneling under the Hooghly river. It will take about 45 seconds to cross this tunnel built across the Hubli river.
- The tunnel is 32 meters below the surface of the water. The entire length of this tunnel is 10.8 km underground.
Tunnel built on the lines of Eurostar
- This tunnel of Kolkata Metro has been built like the Eurostar trains passing through the Channel Tunnel in Europe between London and Paris.
- The work of digging this tunnel was completed by Afcons in four months (April-July 2017).
Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC):
- The Kolkata Metro Rail was inaugurated on 24 October 1984 as India's first metro.
- Now again, for the first time in the country, the tunnel under the river has also been built here, the Kolkata Metro.
- The tunnel will remain like this for 120 years
Based on the standard of tunnel seismic zone 3:
- The Kolkata Metro tunnel has been designed according to seismic zone 3, the zone in which Kolkata falls.
Kolkata metro tunnel age 120 years:
- The Kolkata Metro tunnel is designed for a service life of 120 years. Not even a drop of water can enter the tunnels of the river.
- General Manager of Kolkata Metro Railway: P Udaya Kumar Reddy
- MD of Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC): H N Jaiswal
8. Solar Energy Corporation of India gets 'Miniratna Category-I' status
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has been accorded the status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) on10th April, 2023.
An overview of the news
Its formal announcement has been issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
SECI has achieved this feat in a short span of time due to its consistent performance, mobility and flexibility in operations.
SECI has played a central role in the rapid addition of RE generation capacity in the country and has contributed to the country's climate commitments, carbon reduction strategies and sustainable energy transition.
It is making steady progress towards achieving the Prime Minister's 'Panchamrit' goals and achieving 500 GW non-fossil fuel based non-fossil fuel based capacity by 2030.
Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI)
It is a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), set up on 20th Sept, 2011.
It is the only CPSU dedicated to the Solar Energy Sector.
The company holds Category 1 Power Trading Licence and is active in this domain through trading of Solar Energy from the projects set up under the schemes being implemented by it.
So far, SECI has awarded renewable energy (RE) project capacity of over 56 GW.
SECI enjoys the highest credit rating of AAA by ICRA.
Managing Director - Suman Sharma
9. International Conference on Defence Finance and Economics
Tags: Summits National News
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the three-day International Conference on Defense Finance and Economics in New Delhi on April 12, 2023.
An overview of the news
The conference is organized by the Ministry of Defence.
It will provide a platform to eminent policy makers, academicians and government officials from home and abroad to share their insights and experiences on defense finance and economics in the context of emerging security challenges and policies globally.
Delegates from USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Kenya are participating in the conference.
Objective of the Conference
To promote dialogue and cooperation among the participants and contribute to the defense preparedness of the country with optimum financial resources and effective implementation of the defense budget.
Participating in global discussions on defense finance and economics and proposing a sustainable roadmap on the subject.
To disseminate the best practices, experiences and expertise of various countries and align processes in the Indian context with international standards.
The topics of discussion
Current challenges and opportunities in the areas of Defence Finance and Economics, such as how to allocate and use resources efficiently & effectively.
Different models and practices of finance and economics related to Defence Acquisition around the world.
Latest developments and innovations in Defence Research and Development.
Best practices on managing human resources in Defence, including issues related to pay, pensions and welfare of Defence Personnel and the role & functions of oversight mechanisms within defence ecosystems.
10. Cipla signs agreement with Novartis Pharma AG
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
Indian multinational pharmaceutical company Cipla entered into a perpetual licence agreement with Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company Novartis Pharma AG.
An Overview of the News
The agreement allows Cipla to manufacture and market diabetes drug Galvus and its combination brands from January 1, 2026.
Galvus is an oral anti-diabetic medicine that contains Vildagliptin as an active ingredient in it. It is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The perpetual licence agreement between Cipla and Novartis Pharma AG will enable Cipla to expand its product offerings in the diabetes segment.
About Novartis AG
It is a multinational pharmaceutical corporation.
The company is consistently ranked among the top five pharmaceutical companies globally.
Novartis is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies in terms of revenue.
In 2022, it was ranked as the fourth largest pharmaceutical company by revenue.
CEO - Vasanth Narasimhan
Subsidiaries - Sandoz, Novartis India Ltd.
Headquarters - Basel, Switzerland
Established - 29 February 1996
Founder - Johann Rudolf; Alexander Clavell
About Cipla Limited
It is an Indian multinational pharmaceutical company.
It primarily develops drugs to treat medical conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, depression and respiratory diseases.
CEO - Umang Vohra
Founder - Khwaja Abdul Hameed
Headquarters - Mumbai
Subsidiaries – Cipla USA Inc., Cipla Health Ltd. etc.
