May 2021 India and the World

Sakshi Education

India, South Africa and 60 other countries moot 3 year IPR waiver for COVID-19 related medical products at WTO
India, South Africa and 60 other countries have sought a 3 year waiver on Intellectual Property Rights for Covid-19 medical products at the World Trade Organization.

A fresh proposal submitted by these countries also has a provision to review the duration annually. The fresh proposal focuses on health products and technologies and sets the stage for discussions on specifics. Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is likely to take up the new proposal at an informal meeting on 31st of this month.

The duration of the waiver has to be practical for manufacturing to be feasible and viable, the co-sponsors said in the revised proposal submitted to the WTO.

The revised proposal reflects growing concerns over mutations and the emergence of new variants of the Covid-19 virus. It also takes into account the discussions and feedback received from others, with the aim to progress to text-based discussions.

The previous draft proposed by India and South Africa focussed on the prevention, treatment or containment of Covid-19 which was termed broad. The revised proposal seeks to add specificity to the decision text following concern that the original decision text was too broad.

The new proposal talks of health products and technologies.
India and Israel sign three-year work program for cooperation in agriculture
India and Israel have signed a three-year work program for cooperation in agriculture.

India and Israel are implementing the “INDO-ISRAEL Agricultural Project Centres of Excellence” and “INDO-ISRAEL Villages of Excellence”.

India and Israel have had bilateral relations since 1993 in the agricultural sector. This is the 5th Action Plan.

This new work programme will further strengthen the bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture for the benefit of the farming community.
Indian places added to tentative list of UNESCO world heritage sites
Six Indian places have been added to the tentative list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

The sites are Satpura Tiger Reserve, Iconic riverfront of the historic city of Varanasi, Megalithic site of Hire Benkal, Maratha Military Architecture, Bhedaghat-Lameta Ghat in Narmada Valley- Jabalpur and temples of Kanchipuram. The Culture Ministry announced this a few days ago.

The submission for the list was made by the Archaeological Survey of India. Minister of State, Independent Charge for Culture Prahlad Singh Patel said, India has several monuments which fulfil the parameters of UNESCO to be added in the list of heritage sites.

The Satpura Tiger Reserve is located in Madhya Pradesh, Iconic riverfront of the historic city of Varanasi, Megalithic site of Hire Benakal is in Karnataka, Maratha Military Architecture is in Maharashtra, Bhedaghat-Lametaghat in Narmada Valley- Jabalpur, in Madhya Pradesh and temples of Kanchipuram are in Tamil Nadu. AIR Correspondent reports, the Iconic Riverfront located in the ancient city of Varanasi has been competing for the UNESCO tag for several years now. The ghats- steps to the riverfront form a symbolic chain of holy sites. The 6.5-Kilometre long river front forms the eastern edge of Varanasi and possesses a unique history and presents a specific vision of a magnificent architectural row of lofty buildings and holy sites. There are 84 ghats in total. The five most sacred ghats are Asi, Dashashvamedha, Manikarnika, Panchaganga and Adi Keshava. The city of Varanasi, in its iconic riverfront, holds sacred and spiritual value through time immemorial.

As per operational guidelines 2019, it is mandatory to put any monument/site on the Tentative List before it is considered for the final nomination dossier. India has 48 sites in the Tentative List as of now. As per rules, any country can submit the nomination dossier after one year of it being on the Tentative List.
Cabinet approves Opening of a new Consulate General of India in Addu City, Maldives
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the opening of a new Consulate General of India in Addu City, Maldives in 2021.

India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity. Maldives occupies an important place in the 'Neighbourhood First Policy' and the 'SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision of the Government of India.

Opening of a Consulate General in Addu City will help augment India's diplomatic presence in Maldives and make it commensurate with the existing and aspired level of engagement.

The momentum and energy in the bilateral relationship has reached unprecedented levels under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and President Solih.

This is also a forward-looking step in pursuit of our national priority of growth and development or 'SabkaSaathSabka Vikas'. Augmentation of India's diplomatic presence will, inter-alia, provide market access for Indian companies and bolster Indian exports of goods and services. This would have a direct impact in augmenting domestic production and employment in line with our goal of a self-reliant India or 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
India urges both Israel and Palestinian sides to show extreme restraint, calls for immediate de-escalation
India has urged both Israel and Palestinian sides to show extreme restraint saying immediate de-escalation is the need of the hour.

India's Permanent Representative of India to United Nations, TS Tirumurti urged both sides to desist from actions that exacerbate tensions, and refrain from attempts to unilaterally change the existing status quo.

He also spoke about the death of Soumya Santhosh, who was killed when Hamas fired rockets on Israel’s Ashkelon.

India has also lost one of her nationals - a caregiver living in Israel in this rocket fire. He also mourned her demise along with all other civilians who have lost their lives in the current cycle of violence, provocation, incitement, and destruction.
India and Oman renew MoU on military cooperation along with its annexure as well as on maritime issues
India and Oman renewed the Memoranda of Understanding, MoUs on military cooperation along with its annexure as well as on maritime issues.

The signing ceremony of MoU on military cooperation was held at the Ministry of Defense, Muscat.

The document was signed by Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense, Oman Dr Mohammed bin Nasser Al Zaabi and Ambassador of India to Oman Munu Mahawar.

The MoU on cooperation on maritime issues was signed at the Maritime Security Centre by the Commander of Royal Navy of Oman, the Head of Maritime Security Committee, Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser Al Rahbi and Mr Mahawar.
India, EIB sign finance contract for second tranche of 150 million Euro for Pune Metro Rail
The Government of India and European Investment Bank (EIB) today signed the finance contract for second tranche of 150 million Euro for Pune Metro Rail project thr0ough a virtual signing ceremony.

The project aims to provide efficient, safe, economic and pollution-free Mass Rapid Transit System in densely populated area in the city of Pune served with heterogeneous traffic options.

The financing from EIB will help to fund construction and operation of Corridor 1- Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation to Swargate and Corridor 2 -Vanaz to Ramvadi, totaling about 31.25 kilometer and purchase of a related fleet of metro cars.

Further, the project will serve large population which consisting working class in providing urban mobility for their livelihood. The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd is the implementing agency for this project.
4th India-Swiss Financial Dialogue held virtually
The 4th India-Swiss Financial Dialogue was held virtually through video conferencing.

Shri Ajay Seth, Secretary Economic Affairs led the Indian delegation.

The delegation from the Swiss side was led by Ms. Daniela Stoffel, State Secretary, State Secretariat for International Finance, Switzerland.

The Dialogue, inter-alia, covered sharing of experiences by both countries for collaboration on various aspects including investments, International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA), National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), FinTech, sustainable finance and cross border financial services.

Further, matters relating to G20, IMF and tax challenges arising from the digitilisation of the economy was discussed along with infrastructure financing.

Both the countries shared views and perspective on their respective countries and global economic scenario. Both sides emphasised importance of coordinated bilateral action on clean and resilient post-COVID world.
Union Cabinet approves signing of MoU between ICAI and QFCA
The Union Cabinet has approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, ICAI and Qatar Financial Centre Authority, QFCA. The MoU will enhance cooperation between the institutes to work together to strengthen the Accounting profession and entrepreneurship base in Qatar.

The MoU will endeavour to increase opportunities for members of ICAI to provide professional services through setting up practice for providing professional services in Qatar in the areas of assurance and auditing, advisory, taxation, financial services and allied areas. ICAI and QFCA will work together to explore the opportunities for Indian businesses in Qatar by organizing roundtables and networking events.
Russian Ambassador expresses happiness on arrival of 1st batch of COVID vaccine SPUTNIK V in India
Russia's Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev expressed happiness on the arrival of first batch of Russian COVID vaccine SPUTNIK V in India.

Both Russia & India continue dedicated joint efforts to combat the COVID19 pandemic, the arrival of SPUTNIK V is important to support India's endeavors to mitigate the second wave of covid and save lives.

The efficacy of SPUTNIK vaccine is among the highest in the world, and will also be effective against new strains of COVID-19. He informed that its local production in India will commence soon and is planned to be gradually increased up to 850 million doses per year.
28 tonnes of medical equipment from France reaches India
28 tonnes of medical equipment including 8 hospital-level oxygen generators and other medical supplies from France reached India.

Deeply appreciating the support from France, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, it is a testament to India-France strategic partnership and friendship. He said, it will bolster India’s oxygen capacities.
Nepal govt to close 22 border points with India amid a sharp surge in COVID cases in India
Nepal government has decided to close 22 border points with India amid a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases in India. According to the officials, it came after Nepal's COVID Crisis Management Coordination Committee recommended to the Council of Ministers to shut down 22 out of a total of 35 border points between both the countries.

Now 13 border points between Nepal and India will remain operational.
India, UK adopt ‘Roadmap 2030’ to elevate bilateral ties to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson have adopted an ambitious ‘Roadmap 2030’ to elevate bilateral ties to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’.

The Roadmap will pave the way for a deeper and stronger engagement over the next ten years in the areas of people to people contacts, trade and economy, defence and security, climate action and health.

A new India-UK ‘Global Innovation Partnership’ was announced at the Virtual Summit that aims to support the transfer of inclusive Indian innovations to select developing countries, starting with Africa.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on new and emerging technologies, including Digital and ICT products, and work on supply chain resilience. They also agreed to strengthen defence and security ties, including in the maritime, counter-terrorism and cyberspace domains.
India, EU reaffirm commitment to support Afghanistan in its path towards peace, security, self-reliance & prosperity
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell have reaffirmed commitment to support Afghanistan in its path towards peace, security, self-reliance and prosperity.

They called for respecting and protecting the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. They reaffirmed their strong and continued support to an inclusive, Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process.

An effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the negotiations to proceed meaningfully, for building trust between the parties, in instilling confidence in the Afghan people and for demonstrating a genuine commitment of the Taliban to lasting reconciliation.
India welcomes US for relaxing norms of TRIPS agreement to ensure quick & affordable access to COVID vaccines and medicines
India has welcomed US support for relaxation in the norms of the agreement on TRIPS to ensure quick and affordable access to COVID vaccines and medicines for developing countries.

India is hopeful that with a consensus based approach, the waiver can be approved quickly at the WTO. It added that the waiver is an important step for enabling rapid scaling up of manufacture and timely availability of affordable COVID-19 vaccines and essential medical products.

Last year, India and South Africa had proposed in WTO for temporary waiver from certain provisions of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. As a result of proactive outreach by India and other like-minded countries, the proposal has received the support of more than 120 countries.
PM Modi to participate in European Council meeting tomorrow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the meeting of the European Council tomorrow as a special invitee.

The India-EU Leaders' Meeting is being hosted by Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa. Portugal currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The leaders will exchange views on the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare cooperation, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth, strengthening the India-EU economic partnership as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The India-EU Leaders’ Meeting is an unprecedented opportunity for discussion with all the leaders of the EU Member States. It is a significant political milestone and will further build on the momentum witnessed in the relationship since the 15th India-EU Summit in July last year.
EU backs US proposal to discuss waiving patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines
The European Union has backed the US proposal to discuss waiving patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines.

Brussels was ready to discuss the US-backed proposal to waive patents on Covid-19 vaccines. Europe's priority would be to boost global supplies, and the US proposal for waiver on intellectual property protection for covered vaccines could help achieve that objective.

However, Germany, the EU's biggest economic power and home to a large pharmaceutical sector, rejected the idea, saying vaccine shortages were due to limited production capacity and quality standards rather than patent protection issues.