2014 India and the World

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January 2014 India and the World

The Union Minister of Steel, Beni Prasad Verma, led a delegation on 26 January, toAustralia and New Zealand to strengthen ties in areas of mining and coal supply .

Verma met with Minister of Industry and Resources, Government of Australia, Mr. Ian

Macfarlane in Brisbane on 28th January, 2014. The Minister of Steel also met with Honble

Minister of Natural Resources & Mines, Government of Queensland, Mr. Andrew Cripps

and Deputy Premier, Government of Queensland, Mr. Jeff Seeney, in Brisbane on 29th

January, 2014. While interacting with Mr. Macfarlane, Verma spoke about the potential for

supply of coal to India and the need for reliable raw material suppliers. He also spoke in

favour of considering supply of coking coal to Indian steel Industry on priority basis.

Minister of Steel further talked about exploring the possibility of a long term agreement for

export of coking coal.Interacting with Mr. Andrew Cripps, Verma expressed his belief

that India and Government of Queensland, Australia can jointly explore

possibilities of investment in development of coal assets. During his meeting with

Mr. Jeff Seeney, Verma stressed on the need for exploring possibilities of a long

term agreement for export of coking coal between New Zealand and Indian

governments. Beni Prasad Verma met with Mr. Simon Bridges, Minister of Energy &

Resources, Government of New Zealand in Wellington on 30th January, 2014. During the

deliberations he pushed for allocation of mineral assets on a Government to Government

basis. The Minister of Steel also met with Australia India Business council. Visits to both

the countries got a great response from ministers, government officials and business

community of both Australia and New Zealand government. The interactions were

successful in strengthening relations in areas of mutual interest and for promoting future

growth and cooperation.

India and Netherlands on 30 January, signed an MoU on cooperation in the field of

sports in New Delhi. The MoU was signed by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and

Sports (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh, and Health, Welfare and Sport Minister of

Kingdom of the Netherlands Ms. Edith I. Schippers. Ms. Edith I. Schippers is currently on


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a visit to India heading a Netherlands delegation. The MoU provides for exchange of

knowledge and experience in the fields of Sports Management, competition

infrastructure set-up, coaching, training systems, training of referees for various

sports disciplines and top-sport development through youth academies. The MoU

also provides for cooperation and exchange programmes in the field of innovative sports

infrastructure development and management including financial development, spatial

area development, planning of sports infrastructure and facilities, designing of sports

infrastructure and facilities, exploitation of resources, management training and safety &

security. Signing of the MoU was preceded by delegation-level talks between the two

countries where steps to enhance co-operation between the two countries in the field of

sports were discussed.

The Government of India on 30 January, signed a Double Taxation Avoidance

Agreement (DTAA) with the Government of Republic of Fiji for the avoidance of

double taxation and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on

income. The Agreement was signed in New Delhi by P. Chidambaram, Union Minister of

Finance on behalf of the Government of India and by Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Attorney

General and Minister of Justice, Anti-Corruption, Public Enterprises, Communications,

Civil Aviation, Tourism, Industry and Trade, on behalf of the Government of Republic of

Fiji. Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said that the need

for the DTAA between the two countries was felt and negotiations were completed in

2011. He said that the Agreement will provide tax stability to the residents of India

and Fiji and facilitate mutual economic cooperation as well as stimulate the flow of

investment, technology and services between India and Fiji.The DTAA provides that

business profits will be taxable in the source State if the activities of an enterprise

constitute a permanent establishment in the source state. Profits derived by an enterprise

from the operation of aircraft in international traffic shall be taxable in the country of place

of effective management of the enterprise. Dividends, interest, royalty income and fees

for technical or professional services will be taxed both in the country of residence and in

the country of source. However, the maximum rate of tax to be charged in the country of

source will not exceed the prescribed limit for such dividends, interest, royalties and fees

for technical services. Capital gains from the sale of shares will be taxable in the country


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of source. The Agreement also incorporates anti-abuse provisions to ensure that the

benefits of the Agreement are availed of only by the residents of the two countries and to

prevent any abuse of treaty.

A Contribution Agreement was signed in New Delhi on 30 January, between the

Government of India and Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization

(GAVI). The agreement was signed by Dr. Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department of

Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India and Mr

Seth Berkley, CEO, GAVI on behalf of the Global Alliance for Vaccination and

Immunization (GAVI) to facilitate contribution of Government of India to GAVI. As per the

terms of agreement, the Government of India has decided to contribute to GAVI @

US$ one million per year for the four years from 2013-14 to 2016-17 (i.e. during

2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17). India supports multi-lateral institutions

such as the GFATM and now GAVI in the health sector. The GAVI Alliance (formerly

the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation), a public-private global

health partnership committed to increasing access to immunisation in poor

countries, was launched on January 29,2000. GAVI is doing work in India including

GAVIs role in the pentavalent national roll-out. GAVI has an HSS grant to India (USD

107m). It is famous as an innovative health PPP namely The Vaccine Bonds Programme

(IFFI) and Matching Fund that encourages corporate sector to commit resources. India is

committed to tackling the Millennium Goals to save childrens lives. In this direction, the

Government of India has decided to contribute 1 million USD each year (for 4 yrs) to

GAVI Alliance, impressed with the achievements of GAVI 440 million children

immunized globally and 6m lives saved.

India signed a MoU with the Netherlands in the field of health and medicine to

strengthen bilateral cooperation, in New Delhi on 30 January. The MoU was signed

by the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ms. Edith I

Schippers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Kingdom of the Netherlands. Speaking

at the occasion Mr. Azad said that development and strengthening of cooperation

between the two countries will result in mutually beneficial exchanges in the areas of

communicable diseases; anti-microbial resistance; public health policy; health systems


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strengthening including e-health and governance; medical equipment and pharmaceutical

products; and life sciences and medical technology. Under the agreement both countries

can also encourage greater research collaboration between universities, foundations,

industry and the health services in both the countries, he noted.

India and Japan has entered into a Memorandum for strengthening cooperation in

the field of tourism. The Memorandum was signed between Ministry of Tourism,

Government of India and the Japan Tourism Agency, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,

Transport and Tourism, Government of Japan in New Delhi on 22nd January, 2014. Mr.

Parvez Dewan, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism in his capacity as Director General,

Tourism and Mr. Shigeto Kubo, Commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency signed the

Memorandum. Mr. Parvez Dewan , Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

said that religious tourism in the form of Buddhist heritage sites is a great attraction for

Japanese tourists to India. He said that Japanese tourists have been availing visa-on-

arrival in a major way and the highest number of visas on arrival was issued to the

tourists from Japan during 2013, as in previous years. Japan is an important source

market for Indian Tourism. During 2013, India received 2.20 lakh tourists from

Japan. This Memorandum between India and Japan is intended to serve as the key

instrument for greater action oriented cooperation and further strengthening the close

tourism partnership between the two countries. The main objectives of the

Memorandum are : a) To expand bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector; b) To

exchange information and data related to tourism ; c) To encourage cooperation between

Tour Operators and tourism stakeholders including Hotel owners; d) To establish

exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resource Development; e) To

exchange visits of Tour Operators/Media/ Opinion Makers for promotion of two way

tourism; f) To exchange experience in the areas of promotion, marketing, destination

development and management; and g) To promote safe, honourable and sustainable

tourism.

India and South Korea signed nine pacts aimed at imparting forward momentum to

their bilateral ties that have seen intensification over the past four years. During a

meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting South Korean President


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Park Geun-hye in New Delhi on 16 January, India assured that work on the multi-

billion-dollar Posco steel plant in Odisha would start in the coming weeks. As Dr.

Singh noted, the Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military

Information would boost defense engagement and take it beyond the purchase of South

Korean defense equipment to an area where Seoul is strong maintaining the sanctity

of its land and maritime borders. Another forward looking aspect was exploring the

possibility of setting up a Korean Industrial Park in India. South Korea is one of the

few countries with a trade surplus with China and Indias intention is to not only to provide

a new avenue for its industry suffering from sluggish growth in exports that account for

half of the countrys GDP, but also get integrated in the global supply chain.The two

sides also announced the conclusion of negotiations for revision of the existing

Double Taxation Avoidance Convention. The two countries agreed to set up a

CEOs Forum comprising captains of the industry and commerce from both countries to

provide us with new ideas for deepening our economic collaboration. In order to further

security cooperation, it was agreed to hold annual interactions between the national

security structures of the two countries as also launch a Cyber Affairs Dialogue. In

Science and Technology, both countries will build on the experience of working on

many practical projects financed through a $10 million Joint Fund by inking a MoU

on Joint Applied Research. They also plan tostep up collaboration in the peaceful

uses of space science and technology. India decided to extend a tourist visa on arrival

facility to South Korean nationals.

The Union Minister of Steel, Beni Prasad Verma, taking forward his efforts to foster

cooperation in mining and steel sector, interacted with a high-level delegation from

Canada headed by Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Canada, Mr. Joe Oliver

in New Delhi on 13th January. During the interaction, A Letter of Intent (LoI) was

signed to further supplement the dialogue of co-operation in the iron and steel

sector. Through the LoI, both countries plan to develop and expand mutual co-operation,

inter-alia, through information exchanges in areas of mutual interest including iron-ore,

coking coal and other steel making raw materials and encourage bilateral investment

opportunities in iron and steel related business. Efforts made by the two countries

would ensure raw material security and forge alliances with global entities for


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tapping new market. On the occasion, Mr.Verma held discussions with the Canadian

Minister which aimed at expanding and strengthening bilateral relations between the two

countries and also identifying areas of cooperation and assistance where India could be

benefitted from Canada, endowed with a huge wealth of natural resources especially

coking coal. They exchanged their views on prospects and growth of the iron and steel

industry, as well as investment opportunities in raw materials, including pelletization

plants and other associated industries in both the countries.

In a crucial bilateral meeting between Indian petroleum Minister Dr M

VeerappaMoily and his Mozambique counterpart MsEsperanca Bias, Mozambique

Minister for Mineral Resources e during Petrotech 2014 at greater Noida on 15

January, the two Ministers agreed to concluded a Memorandum of Understanding

between India and Mozambique for accelerating the cooperation in hydrocarbon

sector. Dr. Moily said that a draft of the MoU between the Indian and Mozambique

governments have been framed and sent to the Indian High Commission at Mozambique.

We need to expedite the signing of this MoU as soon as possible. Mozambique Minister

invited the Indian ministerial delegation for the formal signing of this MoU, to document

this G-2-G cooperation. Dr. Moily said that India will respond to the invitation very soon.

Dr. Moliy urged the Mozambique minister to expedite the consortium related issues and

also fast-track the development of the discovered assets. The Indian companies hold 30

per cent of the project, the operatorship of which lies with Anadarco. The visiting Minister

for Mineral Resources exuded optimism that the deals relating the LNG project will fructify

soon. This was one of the 11 bilateral meetings lined up during the Petrotech-2014,

organized by ONGC. The Indian minister also said that India has large demand for natural

gas including in the power sector where 18,000MW gas based power projects have been

commissioned and another 10,000MW gas based power projects are under

implementation. Keeping this in mind we need about 8 trains of LNG. Given the expertise

of Indian upstream companies like ONGC in petroleum business, Mozambique asked for

training their youth. Minister assured that India has the expertise to train oil and gas

personnel in entire value chain .The meeting was also attended resented by Petroleum

Secretary, ONGC CMD, OVL MD and other corporate honchos.


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A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Department for

Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Ministry of Labor & Employment (MoLE)

to enhance the collaboration within the framework of UK India Education and

Research Initiative (UKIERI) . The signing took place in New Delhi on 16 January, after

a bilateral meeting held between the delegations led by between Minister of State (L&E),

Government of India K. Suresh, and Minister Mr. Matthew Hancock, Minister of State for

Skills & Enterprise, United Kingdom. The key points of the memorandum are as follows:

- Focus of this MOU is to collaborate and build partnership in the area of Skills

Development and Employment Services. The MoU will be the guiding document for

overall collaboration under which the following activities will be supported:

Institutional capacity building of UK and Indian official and institutes handling skill

development and employment services

Sharing of technical expertise, building linkages and identification of gaps in the

areas of skill development and employment services, improvement in curriculum,

benchmarking of assessment, certification and training methods.

Supporting development of employment services in India on the lines of National

Careers Service, UK.

Other beneficial projects, in the area of skill development and employment services,

mutually agreed.

As a first step, UKIERI will facilitate partnership of Indian stakeholders with the existing

Career Services in the UK. Best practices from the UK will be shared with MoLE and

other stakeholders to help develop the Indian model. A workshop in this regard would be

jointly organized by MoL&E and UKIERI in February 2014. This initiative will be jointly

funded by MoLE and UKIERI. The India cost will be borne by MoLE and the UK cost will

be borne by UKIERI. UKIERI will support in providing UK experts for the Mentor

Councils for upto 10 sectors through institutional partnership between the MCs set

up by MoLE and the National Skill Academies in the UK. Each partnership will be

jointly funded by MoLE and UKIERI. The Indian cost of the partnership will be borne by

MoLE and the UK cost of the partnership will be borne by UKIERI.

India and UAE have agreed to promote cooperation in renewable energy, especially


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(Administrative Vice-Minister/Secretary of Defense level) in Delhi in 2014;

o Promote exchanges on UN Peacekeeping Operations between Japan Peacekeeping

Training and Research Centre, Joint Staff College (JPC), Central Readiness Force

of Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) and Centre for UN Peacekeeping

(CUNPK) of the Indian Army;

o Conduct bilateral exercises between Japan Maritime Self- Defense Force and Indian

Navy on a regular basis. In 2014, the Indian Navy will visit Japan to conduct joint

exercises;

o Conduct Expert exchanges in Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief and Counter

Terrorism between both Indian Army and Japan Ground Self Defense Force

(JGSDF); and

o Continue to conduct staff exchanges and discuss possibility of conducting staff talks

between Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Indian Air Force and professional

exchanges of test-pilots, professional exchanges in the field of flight safety and

between their transport squadrons.

Addressing a press conference on the 2nd day of Pravasi Bharathiya Diwas -2014,

Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr. Vayalar Ravi said that the Government has

introduced a programme named Know India Programme for young persons of

Overseas Indians with a view to provide them an exposure to the country of their

origin so that they can understand it better and more intimately. He also said that

under the Programme, 20 young persons of Indian origin in the age group of 18 to 24

from different countries visit India extensively every year, which will provide them an

opportunity to have a deeper insight into Indian people and society. Mr. Ravi said more

than 900 delegates of Overseas Indians from about 50 countries have participated in this

PBD and the highest number of 200 delegates are from Malaysia only.

India and Saudi Arabia on 2nd January signed an agreement on Labour Cooperation for

Domestic Service Workers Recruitment. The agreement was signed in New Delhi, by

Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Minister for Labour of Kingdom of

Saudi Arabia Adel Bin Mohammed Fakeih.

Salient Features of the Agreement are:


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i. It aims to protect the right of both the employers and domestic service workers and

regulate the contractual relation between them.

ii. It endeavors to control recruitment costs in both countries.

iii. It ensures recruitment of domestic sector workers directly or through registered

recruitment agencies. iv. It ensures authenticity and implementation of employment

contract between the employer and the domestic workers.

v. It ensures legal measures against recruitment agencies in violation of the laws of either

country.

vi. It ensures that recruitment agencies and the employer shall not charge or deduct from

the salary of the domestic worker any cost attendant to his/her recruitment and

deployment.

vii. It ensures that recruitment agencies and the employer do not impose any kind of

unauthorized salary deduction.

viii. It works towards fostering a harmonious relationship between the employer and the

domestic workers.

ix. It facilitates the opening by the employer of a bank account under the name of the

domestic sector workers.

x. It endeavors to establish a mechanism to provide 24 hours assistance to the domestic

sector workers.

xi. It facilitates the issuance of exit visas for the repatriation of domestic sector workers

upon contract completion or in any emergency situation or as the need arises.

xii. A standard employment contract would be finalized that would provide minimum

wage, working hours, paid holidays and dispute settlement mechanism.

This is the first step towards a comprehensive agreement on labour cooperation

covering the entire spectrum of Indian workers in Saudi Arabia. The agreement was

conceptualized during the visit of Vayalar Ravi to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in April

2013, where both the ministers had agreed to hold discussions and finalize it at an early

date. There are about 28 lakh Indians in Saudi Arabia and they constitute the

biggest group of migrant communities.Indians are the most preferred community in

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to their hard work and discipline.


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India and Maldives signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) on 2nd

January 2014.President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom made his first visit to India after

the election in Maldives and appreciated Indias equidistant approach during the Maldives

presidential election.

The following MoUs were signed:

Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Health.

Exchange of Letters on extending the Memorandum of Understanding on Manpower

requirements of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

Memorandum of Agreement for allotment of plot to the High Commission of

Maldives.

To establish the Joint consultative Commission as per the Framework Agreement on

Cooperation for Development signed between India and Maldives in 2011.

India reiterated financial support to Maldives for developmental projects like setting up of

the Maldives Police Academy, the renovation of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male

and construction of the Composite Training Centre for the Maldives National Defence

Force.

India also extended a standby credit facility of 25 million dollars to the Maldives for

imports from India and agreed to meet the requirement of petroleum products in the

Maldives. India has agreed to allow visa-free entry for the people from Maldives for

medical purposes and removal of the restriction on re-entry within two months. Both the

sides also agreed to resolve the GMRs contract to run Male International

Airport.India and the Maldives are looking forward to boost security and maritime

cooperation, people-to-people contacts and air connectivity.

The National Archives of India has successfully collaborated with the State

Archives of Turkey and the National Records and Archives Authority of Oman. The

collaboration was reached after a series of meetings in Ankara and Muscat. V. Srinivas,

the Director General of National Archives of India on 2 January 2014 met with Ugur Unal,


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the Director General State Archives of Turkey in Istanbul.

He met with Hamad Mohd. Al Dhawiani, the Chairman of the National Records and

Archives Authority of Oman in Muscat on 31 December 2013.During the visit of the

President of India, Pranab Mukherjee to Ankara on 7 October 2013, the protocol for

collaboration in Archives was signed between India and Turkey.

National Archives of India, as per the signed protocol allows it to access the

ancient Ottoman Archives record that amounts to 12 million documents.The two

sides has recognized the benefits from the collaboration in the field of archives and

agreed on the need to collaborate deeply in the coming years. The two sides will

collaborate in future for development of strong institutions and improved record

management practices. India and Turkey agreed on the following road-map for future

collaboration:Identifying Archival Material of Mutual Interest, Exhibition of Ottoman

Archival Records in National Archives of India, Collaboration in Training Programs,

Collaboration in Digitization of Records.


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landmark trip by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as the chief guest at the Republic

Day celebrations. The two countries are eager to work together in curbing money

laundering and drug trafficking and enhance cooperation in areas ranging from

hydrocarbons to security. Saudi Arabia sees India as an attractive investment hub for

its business interests in Asia and seeks Indian investments in areas such as consultancy,

construction, telecom, information technology and pharmaceuticals.Saudi Arabia is

India's fourth largest partner with bilateral trade of over $43 billion in 2012-13.

Saudi Arabia is also India's largest crude oil supplier accounting for about one-fifth

of total imports in 2012-13. Indians form the largest expatriate community in Saudi

Arabia with about 2.88 million Indian nationals working there.

India and Canada on 24 February signed an Audio-Visual Co-Production

Agreement which will enable Indian and Canadian film producers to utilize a

platform for collaboration on various facets of film making. The agreement is

expected to deepen the engagement between the critical sectors of the film industries of

both countries there by, providing a new chapter of collaboration. The agreement was

signed by the Secretary I&B, Bimal Julka and Mr. Stewart Beck, High Commissioner of

Canada to India in New Delhi. The agreement between India and Canada is expected to

benefit producers from both the countries in pooling their creative, artistic, technical,

financial and marketing resources for the co-production.

It will also lead to exchange of art and culture among the two countries and create

goodwill and better understanding among the people of both the countries thereby

boosting cultural ties between the two countries. The agreement will also provide an

opportunity to create and showcase Indias Soft Power and lead to employment

generation among artistic, technical and non-technical human resources engaged in the

film production including post-production and its marketing.

Earlier, the Government of India has signed similar agreements with the Government of

Italian Republic in 2005, Government of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern

Ireland in 2005, Federal Republic of Germany in 2007, Government of the Federative

Republic of Brazil in 2007, Republic of France in 2010, Republic of New Zealand in 2011,


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Republic of Poland in 2012 and Republic of Spain in 2012.The Co-production agreements

signed so far seek to achieve economic, cultural and diplomatic goals.

Indias co production agreements are unique for international producers as the Country

offers technically qualified film crew at reasonable rates, a large pool of talented actors

and the multitude of shooting locations. The other benefits are that the co production is

treated at par as a national film and is eligible for the National Film Awards and the Indian

Panorama section of IFFI. Such films also get the opportunity to be released through the

Indian distribution network, and hence co production opens up the Indian consumer

market to the foreign producer.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India signed three agreements to

further strengthen the bilateral security relations with Israel in New Delhi on 27

February. These agreements are Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal

Matters; Agreement on Protection of Classified Material and Agreement on

Cooperation in Homeland and Public Security

India and Russia on 2 February agreed to a proposal for setting up a Joint Study

Group for studying the scope of CECA (Comprehensive Economic Cooperation

Agreement) with member-countries of the Customs Union viz Russian Federation,

Kazakhstan and Belarus. This was conveyed in a meeting between the Union Minister

of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma and Mr. Dmitry Rogozin, Deputy Prime

Minister, Russia, in New Delhi. Keeping in view of the support of the Russian side on the

idea of setting up a JSG for CECA between India and the CU, Russian side was

requested to steer the process for CECA within the Eurasian Economic Commission.

Both sides also reviewed the progress of identified priority projects. These projects

include establishment of joint stock Indo- Russian enterprises for manufacturing light

helicopters Ka-226T; establishment of joint stock Indo- Russian enterprises for

manufacturing light helicopters Ka-226T; JSC United Aircraft Corporation preparation of

participation in tender for Indian program to develop civil aircraft; plant construction for

manufacturing butyl rubber with capacity of 100000 tons per year at the production site in

Jamnagar.


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on EBP of 5%.

The Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Farooq Abdullah on 11 February gave

the green light to intensifying cooperation between India and the Netherlands on

renewable energy. The Minister presided over a ceremony where the Dutch

Ambassador Alphonsus Stoelinga and the Secretary of the Ministry of New and

Renewable Energy, Dr. Satish Balram Agnihotri, signed a Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU). Under this agreement, an Indo Dutch Joint Working Group will be set up and

the exchange of technical and institutional knowledge on clean energy will be

facilitated. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abdullah welcomed the decision of both the

governments to enhance their cooperation in the Renewable Energy sector and hoped

that the signing of the Memorandum would be a just the beginning of a symbiotic and

mutually beneficial wave of cooperation in the clean energy sector. The Dutch

Ambassador emphasized that both their countries have similar ambitions and face similar

challenges in realizing clean energy options in the respective countries. He hoped

that the MoU would encourage cooperation not only at the official and

governmental levels but also between leading Indian and Dutch private companies

and research institutions.A number of private companies including DSM, Thermax

India and PwC were also present on the occasion.

The Vice President of India M. Hamid Ansari and the visiting Chinese State

Councilor Yang Jiechi launched the India-China Year of Friendly Exchanges on 11

February 2014. The Year 2014 has been designated by the Governments of India

and China as the Year of Friendly Exchanges. The Year of Friendly Exchanges will

help in forging a closer and stronger relationship between India and China. Earlier on 24

January 2014, the Vice-President of China Li Yuanchao had launched the India-China

Year of Friendly Exchanges in Beijing. The broad contours of the India-China cultural

cooperation was laid down in the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation signed in May 1988,

which provides for an executive Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for implementation.

The latest CEP signed in October 2013 during the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan

Singh to China provides for cooperation in a gamut of cultural fields including exchanges

of visits of performing artists, officials, writers, archivists and archaeologists, organizing


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Madhya Pradesh Urban Sanitation and Environment Programme and Himachal Pradesh

Forest Ecosystems Climate Proofing Project.The Umbrella Agreement for technical

cooperation pertains to thirteen projects in Energy, Environment and Sustainable

economic development sectors.

The Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 5 February signed

an agreement for US $ 200 million for Uttarakhand Emergency Assistance

Project. The signatories to the loan agreement were Nilaya Mitash, Joint Secretary

(Multilateral Institutions), and Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on

behalf of the Government of India; and Ms. M. Teresa Kho, Country Director, INRM, on

behalf of ADB. The project will assist the Government of Uttarakhand to meet

reconstruction needs due to disaster in Uttarakhand in June, 2013. This project will help

State to rehabilitate/ construct the damaged roads, bridges, Urban Infrastructures and will

also help by improving disaster Preparedness. It will help economic and social recovery in

Uttarakhand in the aftermath of the June 2013 disaster. The Projects objective is to

improve economic and social conditions in Uttarakhand after the 2013 disaster. The loan

of US $200 million from ADBs ordinary capital resources makes up to 97.56% of the total

project cost of US $205 million, with the Central And State Government providing

counterpart finance of US $5 million.

The Union Ministry of Culture and the Tate on 6 February signed a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi, expressing a mutual desire to develop

collaborations focused on modern and contemporary art.The agreement was signed

by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri Pramod Jain and Head of International

Partnerships, Tate, Ms. Judith Nesbitt. Under this Agreement, the Ministry of Culture and

Tate agree to cooperate on institution to institution collaboration in areas of common

interest including exhibitions, scholarly research, fellowships, collection care, learning

programmes and loans. Across all areas, there will be a commitment to collaborative

exchange between museum colleagues in both India and the UK. With the aim of

developing mutual understanding of British and Indian art, this MoU provides a

framework for future projects, building on previous collaborations. This agreement

is a part of a series of international collaborations undertaken by the Ministry of Culture,


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which would strengthen the Museum sector in the country and lead to a cross pollination

of ideas.

Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on 7

February signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Sagem Dfense

Scurit, France, to explore co-operation in the production and supply of

Navigational sensors like periscope, Inertial Navigational System and optronic

mast to the Indian Navy for its various platforms under consideration for future

induction. The MoU was signed at the BEL stall at DefExpo-2014 in New Delhi by Mr P

C Jain, Director (Marketing), BEL, and Mr Bruno Even, CEO, Sagem, France. The Indian

Navy has ambitious plans of inducting ships and submarines into the service in the near

future. Accordingly, the ship and submarine construction programme has been approved

by the Government. Naval platforms have large-scale requirement of sensors such

as SIGMA40, Ring Laser Gyro, Optronic mast, Attack Periscope and Radar Mast

for submarines. M/s Sagem Dfense Scurit has the technology and expertise in the

manufacture of these sensors. BEL is the leader in the manufacture and supply of

defense electronics for the Indian Armed Forces. The MoU will facilitate BEL and Sagem

to work together for 24 months and if considered necessary, the same can be extended to

a further period agreeable to both the companies.


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March 2014 India and the World


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delegation from Sudan. The talks focused on the areas of possible cooperation

especially in the development of wind energy, solar energy, biomass and small

hydro resources. It was also agreed that Ministry of New & Renewable Energy would

provide support for resource assessment and training in the areas of wind and solar

energy through its technical institutions viz. Centre for Wind Energy Technology, Chennai

and the National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurgaon. Indian Renewable Energy

Development Agency (IREDA), the Indian green energy financial institution would provide

knowledge and technical appraisal assistance in developing renewable energy projects

on commercial basis. A team comprising officials from Ministry of New & Renewable

Energy, IREDA, CWET and NISE would soon visit Sudan to discuss a framework for

further cooperation between the two countries.

India and the United States on 11 March, agreed to further work collaboratively on

energy sector.At the India-US Energy dialogue in New Delhi,both the countries

agreed to promote scientific cooperation, research & development for greater

technological innovation and for deployment of environmentally-friendly

technologies and products. Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Dr.Montek Singh

Alhuwalia and the United States Department of Energy Secretary Dr. Ernest Moniz after

participating in the Dialogue, held a press interaction in New Delhi. They hoped that the

Dialogue will lead to business-to-business collaboration of both the countries. The

expected expanding trade and sound regulatory frameworks would emerge to deliver

energy solutions for sustainable growth of economies of both the countries for benefit of

their people. Five of the six working groups affiliated with the Energy Dialogue (Coal, Oil

& Gas, New Technologies and Renewable Energy, Power and Energy Efficiency, and

Sustainable Growth) have held meetings over the last five days at the Co-chairs level

including experts/officials. U.S.-India Joint Clean Energy Research and development

Centre had also brought up issues relating to progress on solar energy, advanced bio-

fuels and energy efficiency of buildings under PACE-R.Partnership to Advance Clean

Energy PACE- Research & Development (PACE-R) has been working on research

and development projects on solar energy, Building Energy Efficiency and Second

generation bio-fuels.A number of consortia from Industry, R&D and Education

Institutions have been formed to take up the projects in these areas. In 2009, the India


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2013, resulted in a wide-ranging discussion on matters of mutual interest including

the identification of priority sectors of engagement for possible investments in the

two countries. Since then, work conducted by the HLTFI to strengthen and develop

bilateral relations in the field of investments culminated in the signing, in December, 2013,

of a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA), serving as a

platform for promotion and reciprocal legal protection of investments in both countries. As

a result of decisions taken during the inaugural meeting of the HLTFI, several joint

working groups have been created to address issues of mutual interest in

the Infrastructure, Investment & Trade, Energy, Manufacturing & Technology, Aviation,

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Legacy Issues. At today`s

meeting, an action plan was agreed to expedite progress across all these joint working

groups. The next meeting of the UAE India High Level Joint Task Force on

Investments will be held on a mutually agreed date and location.

India and Nepal on 6 March 2014 started a joint military exercise at Saljhandi in

Rupandehi district of Nepal. The two week exercise named Ex-Surya Kiran Drills

VIwas inaugurated by Nepals Army Major General Victor SJB Rana. Around 250

personnel from Indian Army and 200 personnel from Nepal army were participated.

During the sixth Indo-Nepal war games that will end on 18 March 2014, the armies will

work to upgrade their practical and principle aspects of jungle warfare, anti-insurgency

operations and rescue operations. The exercise also includes a detailed training in

organisation and conduct of disaster response, management and rescue operation. The

two sides will also share experiences on counter-terrorist operations. Similar joint

exercise named Ex- Surya Kiran-V (5th Indo-Nepal war games) between the two

armies was held from 23 September to 6 October 2013 at Pithoragarh district of

Uttrakhand in India.This exercise was conducted with an aim at training troops in

counterterrorism operations and enhancement of defence cooperation and military

relations between the two nations.


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April 2014 India and the World


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The government of India and Bhutan on 22nd April signed an agreement in the

Bhutan capital city Thimphu for the joint development of a number of hydropower

projects. The inter-governmental agreement, signed by Ministry of Power secretary P.K.

Sinha of India and Ministry of Economic Affairs secretary Sonam Tshering of Bhutan,

calls for public sector cooperation in constructing more than 2,000 MW-worth of

hydroelectric capacity.

o Included in the deal are the 600-MW Kholongchu, 770-MW Chamkarchu, 570-MW

Wangchu and 180-MW Bunakha plants.

o Earlier in August 2012, India's state-owned Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam and Bhutan's

Druk Green Power Corporation had entered into an agreement for the development

of the 600-MW Kholongchu and 570-MW Wangchu hydropower plants.

o Construction of the plants is still pending reviews of their technical and economic

viability.

Lieutenant General Qi Jianguo, Deputy Chief of General Staff (Operations), China

arrived in New Delhi on 22nd April 2014 along with delegation for a two day

visit. The official talks with the Chinese Delegation were held in New Delhi. The two sides

exchanged views on various issues of mutual interest such as maintenance of peace and

tranquility along Line of Actual Control and enhancing mutual cooperation and

understanding between the armies of India and China. Measures for implementation of

existing Bilateral Agreements were also discussed.

o Both sides agreed on the need to enhance bilateral military engagements.

o The Chinese side has confirmed their participation in the Fourth India China Joint

Training Exercise scheduled to be held in November 2014 in India.

o The China Delegation also called on the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and

the Chief of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh and the Defence Secretary.

o 2014 has been declared as Year of Friendly Exchanges.

Ircon International Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of

Railways, signed an MoU with Transparency International India (TII) for


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implementing Integrity Pact in New Delhion 22nd April. This MOU is aimed at

maintaining complete transparency, integrity and accountability in all its major contracts

and procurement. The MoU was signed by Mohan Tiwari, CMD, IRCON, and Dr. S.K.

Agarwal, Chairman, TII. The Integrity Pact will not only ensure efficiency, but it also helps

in building public trust and enhances the credibility of the organization.

o So far, 47 PSUs have signed the Pact.

o Integrity Pact is a tool conceived by the Berlin-based Transparency International to

fight corruption in public procurement through a voluntary agreement between a

buyer and the prospective bidders, refraining both sides to exercise any corrupt

influence on any aspect of the contract.

Japan on 30th March announced a Rs 15,000 crore Official Development

Assistance loan for five projects in India including expansion of Delhi metro and

works related to wind and solar energy. This is the largest amount ever signed at a

single signing occasion in the history of Japanese ODA. The ODA loan has provided

approximately Rs 8,933 crore to Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project (Phase 3) in

order to enhance its transportation capacity. The loan agreement will include three

energy sector projects -- New and Renewable energy, Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises Energy saving, and Haryana Distribution System Up gradation. The

ODA loan agreement was signed by Takeshi Yagi, Ambassador of Japan to India, and

Rajesh Khullar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in Finance ministry.

India and Nepal on 1st April, agreed to take necessary measures to accelerate

various Indian-aided projects by expeditiously resolving various obstacles.A high-

level delegation from India led by Sujata Mehta, Secretary Economic Relations, Ministry

of External Affairs, called on Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport and

Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat in Khatmandu, to discuss progress made by various

Indian-aided projects being implemented in Nepal. During the meetings, the two sides

expressed concern over delays in implementing some of the projects, mainly the Terai

roads and Trauma Centre in Kathmandu, according to a statement issued by Indian

Embassy here.


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o The ongoing projects with Indian assistance include Terai Roads, Integrated Check

Posts at Birgunj/Raxaul and Jogbani/Biratnagar, Rail Link projects from Jogbani to

Biratnagar and Jayanagar to Bardibas, Trauma Centre in Kathmandu.

The Andhra Pradesh government is all set to open a Buddhist Heritage Theme Park

Buddhavanam in the State.Andhra Pradesh tourism official sources on 2nd April say

that the heritage park will come up at Nagarjunasagar enroute to Amaravati.

Buddhavanam is coming up on 279 acres of land on the left bank of Krishna River. It is

divided into eight segments with an elegant entrance, depicting Buddhist motifs, symbols

and also Dharma Chakra. Another 35 acres of land has been allotted to set up a

Vipasana centre and for other Buddhist organisations for construction of their respective

monasteries. The segments include Buddhacharitavanam, Bodhisattva park (Jataka

Park), Dhyanavanam (meditation park), Stupa park, Acharya Nagarjuna International

Centre for Higher Buddhist Learning, Krishna Valley, Buddhism in Andhra Pradesh and a

Mahastupa (replica of Amaravathi) which symbolically represent the Astangamarga

propounded by Buddha. The project at a cost of Rs 22 crores, is proposed to be

thrown open to the public on the occasion of the 2558th Buddha Jayanthi Day

celebration on May 14th .


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May 2014 India and the World


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Pakistan on 26th May handed over 150 Indian fishermen and another prisoner held

for crossing the border to Indian authorities at the Wagah border in a goodwill

gesture by Premier Nawaz Sharif who is in India to attend the swearing in

ceremony of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister.Out of the 151 people handed over to

the Border Security Force at the Wagah border, 150 were fishermen and one was a

prisoner in Karachi jail who inadvertently crossed into Pakistan from the Sindh border.

They were brought to the Wagah Border from Karachi by buses. Nawaz Sharif on 25 May

ordered the release of the 151 Indian prisoners and 57 boats, a day before his visit to

India.

Mr. Alon Ushpiz, the Ambassador of Israel to India met Mrs Smriti Irani, the Minister

of Human Resource Development, on 29th May, 2014 to discuss strengthening of

educational relations between India and Israel.The Minister stressed that education is

an engine of growth and collaborative knowledge creation is very important for building a

better world. During the discussion the new Joint Research programme between

India and Israel was taken up in which both countries have pledged to take up joint

research programmes amounting up to USD 5.0 million per year. It was highlighted

that in the first round 66 joint research proposals have been received and the evaluation

by the experts from both the sides will start on 29 May and will be completed by June,

2014. Mr. Ushpiz informed that Israel offers 200 Post Doctoral fellowships of which about

80 percent are availed by the Indian students. The Ambassador also informed that Nobel

Laureate Ms Ada E Yonath, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Dr. V.

Ramakrishnan will be visiting India during March, 2015. The Ambassador also invited the

Honble Minister to visit Israel.

A Credit Agreement for World Bank (IDA) assistance of US$ 100 million for

Accelerating Universal Access to Early and Effective Tuberculosis Care has been

signed between the Government of India and the World Bank in New Delhi on 30

May.This Agreement was signed by Nilaya Mitash, Joint Secretary, Department of

Economic Affairs on behalf of Government of India and Mr. Michael Haney, World Banks

Operations Advisor in India, on behalf of the World Bank.


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o This project is the third in a series of projects supporting the Government of

Indias Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP).

o It will support implementation of Indias National Strategic Plan for TB Control during

2014-15 and 2015-16 by contributing annually to the care of 3.1 million TB patients,

better treatment for 40,000 MDR-TB patients and 90,000 paediatric TB cases.

o Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the implementing agency for the project.

o Tuberculosis remains one of the top four causes of death among the most

productive age groups with huge economic costs, particularly for poor

households.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay in

New Delhi on 27th as Tobgay had been attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony. India

has been agreed to build four new joint venture hydropower projects in Bhutan as

the two governments agreed to closely coordinate on issues relating to their national

security and interests. India agreed that it would build four new hydropower projects with

a capacity to generate 2120 MW in Bhutan. Tobgay also called on President Pranab

Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Navies of India and Singapore are conducting joint war drills in the Andaman Sea

from May 22-28, to enhance understanding and inter-operability between the two

sides. Every year, the two countries hold the SIMBEX-series of naval drills along

the Andaman Sea . SIMBEX 14 will be the 21st exercise of the war games between the

two navies. Bilateral naval cooperation between the two navies was first formalised when

Singaporean Navy ships began training in anti-submarine warfare with us in

1994.SIMBEX stands for 'Singapore Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise. This year, the

Indian Navy is being represented by IN ships Kuthar and Karmuk from the Eastern Naval

Command. In addition, a maritime reconnaissance aircraft and a helicopter each from

Andaman and Nicobar Command are also participating in the exercise. The Singapore

Navy is represented by the missile corvette, 'Valour' and the patrol vessel,

'Independence'.


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June 2014 India and the World


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Indian and New Zealand universities on 26 June partnered to offer as many as

seven joint research projects worth NZ$ 460,000 (US$ 403,500). Education New

Zealand (ENZ) and the University Grants Commission, India, have collaborated to offer

diverse programmes for Indian and New Zealand researchers as part of an initiative by

the India New Zealand Education Council (INZEC) seeking to enhance bilateral

tertiary education cooperation. The topics covered will include health and migration

patterns in the South Pacific, managing India New Zealand institutional challenges and

the impact of climate change.

Among the Indian universities, participants include Jamia Millia Islamia University, New

Delhi, Anna University, Chennai, Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu, University of

Delhi, University of Calcutta and Amritsar's Guru Nanak Dev University.

Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and Russian deputy prime minister

Dmitry O Rogozin held extensive talks on crucial bilateral issues including trade

and energy security on 17 June in New Delhi. It is the first high-level engagement

between India and Russia after NDA government came to power. They also deliberated

on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Rogozin and Sushma have

discussed about preparations for the annual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra

Modi and President Putin scheduled during the course of the year. Issues relating to

economic cooperation, energy security and the deal for the third and fourth reactors of

Kudankulam power plant have taken place in the talks.

o Russia has in-principle, agreed to the Indian nuclear liability law, paving the

way for signing a contract for unit 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power

Plant (KNPP).

o India and Russia signed a general framework agreement on unit 3 and 4 in April this

year after crossing the initial hurdles of the Civil Liability Nuclear Damage Act 2010.

Prime Minister NarendraModi on 15, 16 of June made his first official visit to

Bhutan. He addressed the Joint Sitting of the Parliament in the

GyalyongTshogkhangon 16 June. The two sides acknowledged the importance of


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cooperation and mutual benefit arising from the hydropower sector between the two

countries and expressed satisfaction on the progress being made. Both sides recalled

their commitment to achieve the target of 10000 MW. The Prime Minister unveiled the

foundation Stone of the 600 Megawatt Kholongchu Hydropower Project. The project is a

Joint Venture project between the Indian and Bhutanese PSUs, SJVNL and Druk Green

Power Corporation. Prime Minister of Bhutan thanked the Government of India for the

allocation of Rs. 45 billion for the 11th Five Year Plan and Rs. 5 billion for the economic

stimulus plan of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Narendra Modi has made an

announcement that the Government of India would provide grant assistance for the

establishment of the digital section/ E-library in the National Library of Bhutan and in all

20 districts of Bhutan.

o Mr.LyonchhenTsheringTobgay is the Prime Minister of Bhutan.

o Prime Minister NarendraModi unveiled the Foundation Stone of the 600

Megawatt Kholongchu Hydropower Project, which is a Joint Venture project of

India and Bhutan.

Credit Agreement for World Bank DPL Loan of US$ 100 million for promoting

Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development has been signed between the

Government of India, the World Bank and the Government of Himachal Pradesh in

New Delhion 11 June. The Loan agreement signed will be financed by the Clean

Technology Fund (CTF). It will help Himachal Pradesh bring in better policies and

practices to guide the development of sustainable hydropower; adapt and mitigate the

effects of climate change; empower local communities to conserve their watersheds

better; promote cleaner methods of industrial production; promote environmentally

sustainable tourism; and integrate GIS in decision making. The Government of Himachal

Pradesh is the implementing agency.

o Mr. Onno Ruhl is the World Bank Country Director in India.

The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs and Grant Thornton India LLP have signed

a memorandum of understanding on 4 June in Delhi. The objective of the MoU is to


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develop capacity of the Indian companies for effective implementation of the CSR

Rules laid down as per Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013. The MoU was signed

by Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, DG&CEO, IICA and Mr. Vikesh Harish Mehta, Partner, Grant

Thornton India LLP.

The Indian Air Force & French Air Force commenced the bilateral exercise Ex

Garuda V at Jodhpur Air Base on 2 June. The main objective of the exercise is

enhancing Operational Co-operation and to validate capabilities. During this fortnight long

exercise both the Air Forces would engage in Operations based on their Operational

Philosophy and methodology of operations practicing various challenging air situation

scenarios. The Exercise would help both Air Forces in appreciating the intricacies of

planning and conduct of combat missions in an Operational Environment. Frontline fighter

aircraft of the IAF including the SU 30, Mig-27 (UPG), Mig 21 Bison and force multipliers

such as the AWACS and Flight Refueller Aircraft IL 78 would be participating from the

Indian Air Force while the French AF has fielded their frontline Rafale Fighter aircraft

along with their KC 135 Refueller.

o The Fifth Indo-French bilateral Air Exercise Garuda-V is scheduled from 2-13 June

at Air Force Station Jodhpur.

o The previous edition of the exercise was held at Istres, France during 2010.


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July 2014 India and the World


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India among biggest UK foreign investors: Report

(UK Trade and Industry (UKTI) figures, India biggest investor in UK)

India has retained its position as a leading foreign investor in Britain, according to latest

UK Trade and Industry (UKTI) figures released on 20th July. India ranks seventh in the

top overseas sources of investment with 74 projects during 2013-14 - a year with the

highest number of projects since records began in the 1980s. UKTI said the UK remains

the most attractive destination in Europe for foreign business investment, winning almost

1,800 new projects in the past year.

Trade minister Lord Ian Livingston said it had been an "exceptional year for foreign

investment", which had created 66,390 new jobs, the highest number since 2001.

Disaster Rescue System developed

(Disanet, disaster rescue system)

A portable communication system that can be installed within an hour in the aftermath of

a natural disaster thus greatly aiding rescue operations has been developed by Indo-

Japanese researchers. The system, which was showcased on 24th July, was part of the

project titled Information Network for Natural Disaster Mitigation and Recovery

(DISANET). The project is a joint initiative of around 60 researchers from prestigious

Indian and Japanese Institutes like IIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras, NGRI, IMD, University of

Tokyo, Keio University and others.

India, Nepal to strengthen ties

(Bilateral relations, India-Nepal, strengthen ties)

India and Nepal on 26th July agreed to review and update the Treaty of Peace and

Friendship 1950, implement the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection

Agreement (BIPPA) and finalise the text of a Power Trade Agreement at the earliest, a

joint statement issued after a marathon meeting between the two sides said.

The 26-point joint statement was issued after the meeting of the Nepal-India Joint

Commission concluded. The Joint Commission co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of

the two countries also directed the Nepal-India Boundary Working Group to commence

field works at the earliest to look into missing border pillars and boundary disputes.

Also, a meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission, formed in 1987 with the aim of


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meeting every two years in the two capitals, was held on 26th July after 23 years, a fact

stressed by Minister for External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, as demonstration of the

new Indian governments importance towards Nepal.

In the 10-month period until mid-May this year, Nepals trade deficit with India had

widened to NRs 337.53 billion (approximately Rs. 210 billion).

Friendship Treaty

The 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (official name Treaty of Peace and

Friendship between the Government of India and The Government of Nepal) is a bilateral

treaty between Nepal and India establishing a close strategic relationship between the

two South Asian neighbours.

The treaty was signed at Kathmandu on 31 July 1950 by then Prime Minister of Nepal

Mohan Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana and Indian ambassador to Nepal, Chadreshwar

Narayan Singh and came into force the same day as per Article 9 of the Treaty.

The treaty allows free movement of people and goods between the two nations and a

close relationship and collaboration on matters of defence and foreign affairs. After an

abortive attempt in 1952 of the Communist Party of Nepal to seize power with Chinese

backing, India and Nepal stepped up military and intelligence cooperation under treaty

provisions, and India sent a military mission to Nepal

The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed by Nepali Prime Minister,

Mohan Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana, and the Indian Ambassador to Nepal,

Chandreshwor Narayan Singh on 31 July 1950 and came into force the same day. It has

ten articles. The treaty provides for everlasting peace and friendship between the two

countries and the two governments agree mutually to acknowledge and respect the

complete sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of each other.

As per Articles 6 and 7, the two governments agree to grant, on a reciprocal basis, to the

nationals of one country in the territories of the other, the same privileges in the matter of

residence, ownership of property, participation in trade and commerce, movement and

other privileges of a similar nature. This enables the Nepali and Indian citizens to move

freely across the border without passport or visa, live and work in either country and own

property or do trade or business in either country. There is a large number of Nepalis (in

millions) living, owning property and working or doing business in India as a beneficial

aspect of the treaty for Nepal. Reciprocally, many Indians live, own property and business


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in Nepal.

Free movement of persons across the border was the norm even before the 1816 Treaty

of Suguali. This became somewhat restricted after 1816. After the 1860 treaty, Prime

Minister Jung Bahadur allowed Indians to purchase and sell land in the Tarai and invited

businessmen, traders and landlords from India. The British also kept the Nepal-India

border open. The Nepal king enacted Citizenship Act of 1952 that allowed Indians to

immigrate to Nepal and acquire Nepalese citizenship.

India and Singapore have asked their negotiators working on the Comprehensive

Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to show adequate flexibility to move ahead and

have the review completed at the earliest. This was agreed to at a meeting that the

Singapores visiting Foreign and Law MinisterK Shanmugam, had with External Affairs

Minister Sushma Swaraj on 1st June.

The two leaders also had prolonged and detailed discussions on the possibility of

Singaporean companies participating in infrastructure projects based in the Delhi-Mumbai

industrial corridor, the Chennai-Mumbai corridor, in the North East and on the Buddhist

circuit.

Back Ground

In 2005, both nations signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement

(CECA) and have organised the India-Singapore Parliamentary Forum and the

Singapore-India Partnership foundation

FICCI and CII and Singapores business federations were also part and parcel of it The

CECA..

o Eliminated tariff barriers, double taxation, duplicate processes and regulations and

provided unhindered access and collaboration between the financial institutions of

Singapore and India.

o Enhanced bilateral collaboration related to education, science and technology,

intellectual property, aviation and relaxed visa regulations for Indian professionals in


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information technology, medicine, engineering and financial fields to emigrate and

work in Singapore.

o Singapore has invested in projects to upgrade India's ports, airports and developing

information technology parks and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

o India has become Singapore's 4th biggest tourist destination and more than 650,000

Indians visited Singapore in 2006.


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difficulty in sourcing major components from Japan due to India not being a

signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

o India and Mongolia signed a crucial civil nuclear agreement on 15 June 2009 for

supply of Uranium to India.

o On 2 September 2009, India and Namibia signed five agreements, including one on

civil nuclear energy which allows for supply of uranium from the African country.

o On 14 October 2009, India and Argentina signed an agreement in New Delhi on civil

nuclear cooperation and nine other pacts to establish strategic partnership.

o The Prime Ministers of India and Canada signed a civil nuclear cooperation

agreement in Toronto on 28 June 2010 which when all steps are taken, will provide

access for Canada's nuclear industry to India's expanding nuclear market and also

fuel for India's reactors.

o On 16 April 2011, India and Kazakhstan signed an inter-governmental agreement for

Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy that envisages a legal framework for

supply of fuel, construction and operation of atomic power plants, exploration and

joint mining of uranium, exchange of scientific and research information, reactor

safety mechanisms and use of radiation technologies for healthcare.

o South Korea became the latest country to sign a nuclear agreement with India after

it got the waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) in 2008. On 25 July 2011

India and South Korea signed a nuclear agreement, which will allow South Korea

with a legal foundation to participate in Indias nuclear expansion programme, and to

bid for constructing nuclear power plants in India.

India appeals to WTO in steel products dispute with US government

The Government of India filed an appeal at the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the

World Trade Organization (WTO) against a panel report in the case of countervailing

measures by the US against certain hot-rolled carbon steel products from India. The

appeal will be heard by a three-member body and its report is likely within three months.

India challenged the anti-dumping and countervailing duties levied on those products in

April 2012. It says this was against both world trade and bilateral agreement rules. It

requested the establishment of a panel in the case to examine this and one was


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constituted by the DSB in July 2012.

In July, the US department of commerce decided to continue with the anti-dumping duty

and countervailing duties on import from India, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Thailand and

Ukraine. The US International Trade Commission decided that revocation of these would

injure the US steel industry.

Infra Projects with Japanese Aid to be implemented in Puducherry

o Infrastructure development programmes would be implemented in the Union

Territory with an assistance of Rs. 1,510 crore from Japan

o Rs. 43.14 crore flyover facility would be established linking Kamaraj Salai and

Maraimalai Adigal Salai as part of tackling traffic congestion.

o Government would revive construction work to establish the Kamaraj

Manimandapam (Memorial) at Karuvadikuppam near here at Rs. 23.60 crore.

India seeks Singapore investments in Infra & Connectivity Projects

India on 16th August sought investments from Singapore in its infrastructure and

connectivity projects along the ambitious Delhi-Mumbai and Chennai-Bangalore industrial

corridors as well as in the Northeastern region

Kicking off an year-long celebration to mark 50th anniversary of the establishment of

bilateral diplomatic ties jointly with her Singaporean counterpart K Shanmugam, External

Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the occasion will be used to advance economic

engagement, defence and security cooperation between the two countries.

Seeking enhanced investment from Singapore, Sushma Swaraj said both the countries

should also look at scope of venture capital for innovations and for cooperative projects in

third countries.

Deepening energy links with Nepal

India has decided to establish a two-phased products pipeline. It will carry petroleum


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products from Raxaul in Bihar to Kathmandu. The proposed pipeline is part of a larger

vision that includes the possibility of a gas pipeline from India to fuel power plants in

Nepal.

The initiative dovetails with Indias decision to forge closer energy linkages with the eight

countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). India has

already decided to build a pipeline channelling diesel and kerosene to Pakistan from its

refinery in Bhatinda.

The decision implements a 2006 proposal, which was not enforced mainly because Nepal

Oil Corporation (NOC) failed to share the cost of the 41-km-long pipeline with the Indian

Oil Corporation.

Modis visit to Nepal:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to Nepal tapped all the right nodes of the relationship

political, economic and cultural to turn around ties, which had begun to languish

over the last few years.

o In Nepal, Modi also visited Pashupatinath temple and announced donations to give

the ancient place of worship an essential facelift. (Pashupatinath Temple is one of

the most significant Hindu temples of Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the

Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The temple

serves as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. The temple is listed in

UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.)

o Prime Minister has re-emphasised that bilateral ties with neighbours must promote

the overall well-being of the eight-nation South Asian Association for Regional

Cooperation (SAARC).

o In his bid to reinvigorate the relationship, Mr. Modi underscored his penchant for

using energy as an instrument to reinforce political bonds.

o More significantly, discussions have been held to link Nepal with a gas pipeline from

India. If that happens, it would lock India and Nepal into a genuine strategic

embrace, opening up the possibility of Nepal benefiting from gas that India might in

the future procure from a variety of overseas destinations, including Iran and

Turkmenistan.

o Indias energy pledge to Nepal follows a decision to build a pipeline channelling


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diesel and kerosene to Pakistan from its refinery in Bhatinda. Besides, India is

planning to send gas, transported from Dahej in Gujarat to Jalandhar, before it is

sent on to Pakistan. Nepal would be one of the beneficiaries if the project fructifies; it

could also be connected with the futuristic Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) and

Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline networks.

o Following improved atmospherics resulting from Mr. Modis visit, India and Nepal

decided to once and for all resolve the pending Nepal-India boundary issues,

including differences over Kalapani and Susta.

Doordarshan signs pact with German channel

In an effort to distribute its content to international markets, DD India has signed an

agreement with German public service broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW). This

agreement will help Indias public broadcaster get a global footprint with its programmes

becoming part of the Free-to-Air basic pack on a DTH platform.

Under this agreement, DDs overseas channel will be available on the DTH platform of

Hotbird-13 B satellite and DW-TV will be distributed on DD Freedish. This will be the first

time in the history of Prasar Bharati that DD programmes will be available on an

international DTH platform.

DDs international channel will be beamed across 120 million households in Europe,

Northern Africa, Central Asia as well as West Asia. Prasar Bharati has paid about Rs. 90

lakhs to DW under this agreement.

BASIC meets to plan strategy before Lima Climate Talks

The BASIC group countries have decided to create a common ground before the

commencement of climate talks in Lima.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP20 or CMP10 will be held in Lima,

Peru, from December 1-12, 2014. This will be the 20th yearly session of the Conference

of the Parties (COP 20) to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change (UNFCCC) and the 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties (CMP 10) to the

1997 Kyoto Protocol.[2] The conference delegates will continue the negotiations towards

a global climate agreement. Leadership of the negotiations is yet to be determine. The

overarching goal of the conference is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) to


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limit the global temperature increase to 2 degrees Celsius above current levels

Indian Union minister of State for Environment Prakash Javadekar emphasized the need

for capitalisation of the Green Climate Fund .Technology transfer and funds for climate

mitigation adaptation are some key demands of the developing countries.

The 17th BASIC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change was held in Hanzghou, China

last October. The BASIC Ministerial meeting provides an opportunity to Environment

Ministers to enhance coordination on important issues in climate change negotiations and

to arrive at a common position on such issues. The BASIC Ministers have been meeting

regularly since the Conference of Parties in Copenhagen.

The worlds largest emerging economies are raising pressure on wealthy nations to show

ambitious action on climate change. Environment ministers from Brazil, South Africa,

India and China called on developed countries to meet their commitments on emissions

cuts and green finance. Climate negotiators are working towards a global treaty in Paris

next year. Parties are expected to reveal by March 2015 the contributions they are

prepared to make towards global efforts.

About BASIC countries:

The BASIC countries (also Basic countries or BASIC) are a bloc of four large newly

industrialized countriesBrazil, South Africa, India and China formed by an agreement

on 28 November 2009. The four committed to act jointly at the Copenhagen climate

summit, including a possible united walk-out if their common minimum position was not

met by the developed nations

PM talks with US defense secretary

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel visited India on 8th and 9th August. During his visit

he met Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Arun Jaitley (also he

is the Finance Minister of India), in the meetings.

o Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has voiced concern over the situation in Iraq.

o The Prime Minister also said early completion of the election process in Afghanistan

and smooth transition of power was essential for sustaining progress towards peace,

stability, democracy and development in Afghanistan.


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o They also discussed their shared interest in peace and stability in wider Asia-Pacific

region.

o The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of Defense relations in the overall

strategic partnership and indicated his desire to see further progress in defense

relations, including in defense manufacturing in India, technology transfer in the area

of defense, exercises and higher studies in the field of defense.

o Both the nations on 9th August agreed to take forward the Defense Technology and

Trade Initiative forward and renew the India-U.S. defense framework agreement well

before it expired in July 2015.

o The decision was taken during delegation-level talks between Defense Minister Arun

Jaitley and U.S. Secretary of State Chuck Hagel. During the talks, Mr. Jaitley said

India looked forward to working closely with the U.S. in the development of

indigenous defense capabilities.

Transform rural India, UN official tells Government

The President of International Fund for Agriculture Development suggested that the

government create infrastructure and thereby employment in rural areas so that migration

to cities and towns may be arrested. He visited the International Crops Research Institute

for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). As part of IFADs development agenda for 2015, Dr.

Nwanze said they had projected 17 points including food security, improving agricultural

practices, encouraging small-holding farmers, involving more women in development

activity, addressing climatic change and sustainable development.

He said transformation of the rural space, along with complete infrastructure is the need

of the hour. Construct godowns in rural areas and market facilities for farmers so that they

can sell their produce for a better price. 80 per cent of the food production comes from

small-holding farmers. We have to involve more women in the development activity, he

said, adding that since more than half of Indias population is under the age of 25 and

many were unemployed, it would be critical to transform rural areas into vibrant places.

Dr. Nwanze said the IFAD has been working in India for more than three decades, and

had financed 26 projects of a value equaling $2.48 billion, of which the organization

contributed $877.3 million.

Stating that the ongoing projects would be completed by 2015, Dr. Nwanze said the IFAD


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had been seeking from the government concept papers for the next round. Mr. Dar said

that for every dollar invested on agriculture research, there was a return of nine dollars

globally.

About IFAD:

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the

United Nations dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. It was

established as an international financial institution in 1977 as one of the major outcomes

of the 1974 World Food Conference. Kanayo F. Nwanze, the current President of IFAD.

The current President of the IFAD is Kanayo F. Nwanze from Nigeria, who was elected

for a second-term four-year term in 2013.

About ICRISAT:

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid-Tropics (ICRISAT) is a non-

profit agricultural research organization headquartered in Hyderabad. It has several

regional centres (Niamey (Niger), Nairobi (Kenya)) and research stations Bamako (Mali),

Bulawayo (Zimbabwe). It was founded in 1972 by a consortium of organizations

convened by the Ford and the Rockefeller Foundations. Its charter was signed by the

FAO and the UNDP.

Modi visited Nepal

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nepal on 2nd August.

o This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nepal in 17 years.

o Besides helping improve political-level understanding between the two countries, the

visit would be an opportunity to discuss openly those issues which have been

pending for years

o Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to open a new chapter in India-Nepal relations,

hoping to connect lives across our open borders seamlessly

o Modi outlined the areas he hoped to forge agreements on: trade and investment,

hydropower, agriculture, environment, tourism, education, culture and sports.

o The two sides are expected to announce a power trading agreement, which will lead


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to the signing of a 900-MW hydropower agreement during the visit.

Announce $1-B credit to Nepal: Three pacts signed:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3rd August announced US $1 billion (Rs. 6,000 crore)

as concessional line of credit to Nepal and proposed a "HIT" formula for the development

of the land-locked country endowed with rich hydropower potential.

Earlier, India had provided US $250 million line of credit to Nepal through the Exim Bank

of India. The new grant will be utilized for infrastructure development and energy projects

as per Nepal's priority, according to Nepalese Foreign Ministry. He said India will help

Nepal in constructing highways for better connectivity. It will provide assistance to the

country for developing information highways so that "Nepal should not be left behind

among the nations of the world". "Nepal too has to catch up with the digital age and it has

to be connected to the world at large," Mr Modi said.

Mr Modi also said that Nepal has abundant potential for developing its hydropower sector

and for this purpose India is committed to establish transmission lines for the export and

import of electricity. Modi, addressed Nepals constituent Assembly. This is the second

time a foreign leader was addressing Nepal's Constituent Assembly. Earlier in 1990, the

then German Chancellor Helmut Kohl had delivered a keynote speech to the Constituent

Assembly.

UK set to toughen student VISA rules further from November

From November it will be more difficult for Indian students to travel to the UK. Britain on

29th July announced a fresh crackdown on student visas as further measures of the

Immigration Act came into force. Tougher rules will be imposed on universities and

colleges who sponsor international students to study in the UK from November.

Currently educational institutions can enjoy highly trusted sponsor status if the home

office rejects 20% or fewer student applications. But that figure will be cut to 10% in

November after a three-month grace period for colleges and universities to re-examine

and improve their admissions procedures. If more than one in 10 applications are being

rejected from November onwards educational institutions could lose their right to bring in

new students from overseas.

The change will ensure all institutions are administering immigration rules to enjoy the

benefits of bringing in foreign students. The numbers of students to all universities coming


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to the UK from India fell by 38% between 2011 and 2012.

It is estimated that the overall value of UK higher education exports to the economy in

2011-12 was around $17 billion. Income from international (non-EU) students generated

through their tuition fees in 2012-13 came to $5 billion, which represented around 30% of

all tuition fees. Data revealed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England

shows that the number of Indian students fell from 18,535 in 2010-11 to 13,250 in 2011-

12 and further to 10,235 in 2012-13.

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