PIB Summary- 27th March, 2022 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the United Arab Emirates

Context

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been unveiled.

Background

• India and the UAE share very good bilateral relations, which are deep-rooted and historically nurtured by close cultural and civilizational ties.
• India and the UAE have been leading trading partners for each other.
  (i) India-UAE bilateral trade has consistently increased making the UAE, India’s third-largest trading partner.
  (ii) The growing India-UAE economic and commercial relations contribute to the stability and strength of the bilateral relations between countries.
• Exports from India are valued at US$ 29 billion for the year 2019-20, making UAE the second largest export destination of India.
• Indian imports were valued at US$ 30 billion, which includes 21.83 MMT (US$ 10.9 billion) of crude oil.
  (i) The UAE is a crucial source of India’s energy supply and a key partner of India in the development of strategic petroleum reserves.
• The UAE is also the eighth largest investor in India with an investment of US$ 18 billion.
• India-UAE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) according to which the UAE has committed US$ 75 billion investments for infrastructure development in India.

Key Features of India-UAE CEPA

• The India-UAE CEPA is the first deep and full free trade agreement to be signed by India with any country in the past decade.
• The Agreement is a comprehensive agreement, which covers aspects such as trade in goods, rules of origin, trade in services, technical barriers to trade (TBT), movement of persons, telecom, customs procedures, pharmaceutical products, IPR, Digital Trade and Cooperation in other Areas.

Impact of CEPA

• The CEPA will further strengthen the strategic relations between the two countries.
• It is expected to also create new employment opportunities and improve living standards.
• India will be benefited from preferential market access provided by the UAE on 97 % of its tariff lines which account for 99% of Indian exports to the UAE in value, especially for sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles and footwear, sports goods, furniture, agricultural and wood products, medical devices, and Automobiles.
• Indian service providers will have access to around 111 sub-sectors from the 11 broad service sectors such as business services, communication services, construction services, educational services, and financial services.
• Both the countries have agreed to a separate Annex on Pharmaceuticals to facilitate access to Indian pharmaceuticals products.

Bharat Bhagya Vidhata

Context

Bharat Bhagya Vidhata programme is being held at Red Fort.

Bharat Bhagya Vidhata programme

• It is a ten-day mega Red Fort Festival.
• The Union Ministry of Culture along with Red Fort’s “Monument Mitra”, Dalmia Bharat Ltd. have conceptualized the mega event as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• Bharat Bhagya Vidhata programme promises a rich cultural treat to visitors and aims to promote heritage conservation and tourism.
• The programme is aimed at improving the livelihoods of artisans across the country in a culturally and economically sustainable manner by showcasing a variety of authentic arts, crafts and textiles from across the nation.

Various art forms, crafts and textiles on display

• Gujarat: Ajrakh, Patan Patola, Mashru, Bandhani and Bhujodi handlooms
• West Bengal: Tangail & Jamdani weaves
• Telangana: Ikat sarees
• Andhra Pradesh: Mangalagiri and Uppada Pattu, Etikoppaka and Kondapalli toys
• Kashmir: Sozni Embroidery and paper mache
• Nagaland and Assam: Chizami and Saneki
• Odisha: Fabrics such as Kotpad, Bandha, Maheshwari, Chanderi, Dhokra, tribal jewellery and Pattachitra art
• Madhya Pradesh: Bagh Prints, Chanderi and Bhil Pithora and Gond Tribal art Paintings
• Jharkhand: Tussar Silk
• Maharashtra: Paithani, Karvath Kati Prints, EcoKaari items and Warli Folk Art
• Rajasthan: Pichwai & Phad Paintings and Dabu, Lehariya, Dastkar Ranthambore and Shibori Prints, Patwa Jewellery, leather craft and Shyamota Black Pottery;
• Bihar: Madhubani art and embroideries including Sujani

Indian Army version of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile

Context

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducts a successful flight test of the Indian Army version of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

Indian Army version of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM)

• This version of MRSAM is a Surface-to-Air Missile jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel for use by the Indian Army.
• The MRSAM Army weapon system consists of multi-function radar, mobile launcher system and other vehicles.
• The tests were carried out as part of the live firing trials against high-speed aerial targets.
• The missiles intercepted the aerial targets and destroyed them completely and registered high precision.
• These successful tests are considered major milestones for realisation of the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

TEJAS skilling project

Context

TEJAS skilling project was launched by the union minister at the Dubai Expo.

TEJAS skilling project

• TEJAS (Training for Emirates Jobs And Skills) is a Skill India International Project to train Indians abroad.
• The project is aimed to increase the skills, certifications and overseas employment opportunities for Indians.
• The main objective of the project is to create pathways to enable the Indian workforce to get equipped for skill and market requirements in UAE.

Yamunotsav

Context

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) organized Yamunotsav.

Yamunotsav

• As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) organized Yamunotsav in collaboration with several NGOs.
• The programme aims to celebrate the glory of Yamuna with a “pledge to keep it clean”.
• Under the Namami Gange Programme, the focus was on the main stem of Ganga Basin and with the project showing positive results, the focus is now towards cleaning River Yamuna.
• NMCG is providing funds of about Rs. 2300 crore for the construction of sewerage infrastructure for River Yamuna.

Aadi Bazaar

Context

In line with the series of Aadi Bazaars, one more was inaugurated at Kevadia, Statue of Unity in the Narmada district of Gujarat.

Aadi Bazaars

• Aadi Bazaars are aimed at celebrating the spirit of Tribal culture and cuisines.
• These are organised by TRIFED which works under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• The event will feature an exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewellery from across the country.
• The programme will help disseminate tribal culture from across the country to a larger audience.
• The event will also attract international tourists.

TRIFED

• Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) is a statutory body established in 1987.
• TRIFED helps tribal populations to manufacture products for national and international markets in a sustainable manner.
• TRIFED is continuing its endeavour in enhancing the livelihoods of tribals of India.