PIB

CREATING CIVIL SERVANTS FOR THE NATION

COMPILATION
DECEMBER , 2023
 PIB COMPILATION DECEMBER 2023

PIB Compilation
*Table of Content

General Studies – II
 National Programme on Anganwadi-cum-Crèche (Palna)
 Garba included in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list
 Rajya Sabha passes Bill for appointment of CEC, ECs
 UGC draft guidelines on recognition of colleges
 Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

General Studies – III

 Global AI Partnership Summit
 First winter mission to Arctic
 Green Credit Initiative
 Forest certification scheme
 ISRO all set to launch XpoSat

News in Brief
Bilateral Agreements and Summits
Military Exercises and Initiatives

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GENERAL STUDIES – II

01 National Programme on Anganwadi-cum-Crèche (Palna)

Context
The Union Women and Child Development Ministry aims to establish 17,000 creches in Anganwadi centres
across the country out of which 5,222 have been approved to date under the ‘Palna’ scheme.

About Palna Scheme

In July 2022, the Ministry of Women and Child Development reorganized and renamed the National Creche
Scheme as the Palna Scheme under the 'Samarthya' sub-scheme of 'Mission Shakti'.
Further, the crèches which were running under erstwhile National Creche Scheme have been included as
Stand Alone Creches.
The ‘Palna’ scheme aims to address the need for quality daycare facilities or creches for children of working
women by providing a safe and secure environment for the nutritional, health, and cognitive development
of the children.
According to government data, participation of women in the workforce has increased to 37% in 2022.

What is a crèche
A crèche is a facility which enables parents to
leave their children while they are at work
and where children are provided stimulating
environment for their holistic development.
Crèches are designed to provide group care to
children, usually up to 6 years of age, who
need care, guidance, and supervision away
from their home during the day.

Objectives
To provide day-care facilities for children of
working mothers in the community.
● To improve nutrition and health status of
children.
● To promote physical, cognitive, social and
emotional development (Holistic
Development) of children.
● To educate and empower parents
/caregivers for better childcare.

SOP for Anganwadi-cum-creche

The Centre has released a new SOP for Anganwadi-cum-creche centres being set up under the ‘Palna’
Scheme.
The Ministry plans to depute two additional creche workers in each Anganwadi under the ‘Palna’ scheme.
The union government has approved 5,222 creches; there are 13.87 lakh anganwadis, mini-anganwadis.

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02 Garba included in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list

Context
The UNESCO approved the inclusion of garba, Gujarat’s most popular folk-dance form, in its Representative
List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.

Provisions of Inclusion
The inclusion has been made under the provisions of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible
Cultural Heritage during the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage.
"Garba of Gujarat” is the 15th ICH element from India to join this list.

About Garba dance

Garba is a traditional folk-dance originating
from the state of Gujarat in India.
It is prominently performed during Navaratri.
Garba music is characterized by traditional folk
tunes and rhythms.
The dance is accompanied by live music, often
featuring instruments like dhol, tabla, and
traditional string instruments.
Garba fosters social equality by diluting socio-
economic, gender and religious structures.

Characteristics of Garba
Music and Rhythm: Garba is accompanied by
energetic and rhythmic music, often using
traditional instruments like dhol, tabla, and
dandiya sticks.

Dress and Attire: Dancers typically wear colorful traditional attire such as chaniya choli for women and
kediyu for men, adorned with intricate embroidery and mirror work.

Circular Dance: Participants form concentric circles or formations and perform graceful and synchronized
circular dance movements.

India ‘s Intangible Cultural Heritage list

The 14 other elements from India that have been inscripted to UNESCO’s representative list of ICH are:
1. Ramlila
2. Yoga
3. Vedic chanting
4. Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre of Kerala
5. Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas
6. Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala
7. Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan
8. Chhau dance of eastern India
9. Buddhist chanting of Ladakh

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10. Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming, and dancing of Manipur

11. Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making in Punjab
12. Nawrouz
13. Kumbh Mela
14. Durga Puja in Kolkata

About UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

ICH encompasses practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills, instruments, objects, artifacts,
and cultural spaces recognized by communities and individuals as part of their cultural heritage.
Its significance lies not only in the cultural manifestations but also in the transmission of knowledge, know-
how, and skills across generations.
The adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) by UNESCO in
2003 marked a crucial step in preserving intangible heritage.
UNESCO established the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 to recognize and
safeguard diverse cultural practices worldwide.

03 Rajya Sabha passes Bill for appointment of CEC, ECs

Context
The Rajya Sabha passed the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners (Appointment,
Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill 2023 with a voice vote.

Key features
The bill regulates the appointment and service terms of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and election
commissioners (ECs).
The bill incorporates key amendments like retaining their status at par with Supreme Court judges,
upgrading the search committee and inserting a new clause to protect them from court cases while
discharging their official duties.

Selection Committee
The Selection Committee will consist of:
● Prime Minister as Chairperson
● Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha as member
● Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister as member
● The CJI would not be part of the panel
If the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha has not been recognised, the leader of the single largest opposition
party in Lok Sabha will assume the role.

Term of office: The 1991 Act mandates that the CEC and other ECs will hold office for a term of six years or
until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
If an EC is appointed as the CEC, his total term cannot exceed six years.
The Bill retains the same tenure.
Further, under the Bill, the CEC and other ECs will not be eligible for re-appointment.

Conduct of business: All business of the Election Commission is to be conducted unanimously.

In case of difference of opinion between the CEC and the other ECs on any matter, it shall be decided through
majority.

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04 UGC draft guidelines on recognition of colleges

Context
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced draft rules to modernize and simplify the college
recognition process, shifting it online.

New draft regulations

The new draft regulations titled ‘University Grants Commission (Recognition of Colleges under clause (f)
of Section 2 of the UGC Act) Regulations, 2023.
The proposed guidelines will be applicable to colleges as defined under the UGC Act. The draft guidelines set
conditions for UGC recognition of a college and states that it should be affiliated to a university in
accordance with the provisions of UGC (Affiliation of Colleges by Universities) Regulations.
According to the draft rules, the entire procedure from application to approval shall be done online within a
stipulated period.

Streamlining the affiliation process

According to the UGC chairperson, the new regulations are a significant step towards streamlining the
affiliation process for colleges seeking recognition.
The proposed changes will
introduce online procedures,
reduce documentation, and define
timelines, signifying the
commitment to efficiency by
UGC.
The draft regulations aim to
simplify the application and
verification processes, ensure a
quicker and more transparent
pathway for colleges seeking
UGC recognition under Section
2(f).
UGC encourages stakeholders to
provide valuable feedback and
collectively help enhance the
quality and accessibility of higher
education in the country.

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05 Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

Context
The "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra" is a nationwide initiative by the Indian government aimed at fostering the
development and progress of the country.

About
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is a government initiative being undertaken across the country, to raise
awareness about and track the implementation of flagship central schemes, such as Ayushman Bharat,
Ujjwala Yojana, PM Surkasha Bima, PM SVANidhi, etc.
The programme is being undertaken with the active involvement of various Union ministries and state
governments.
The target is to cover over 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats and over 3,600 urban local bodies by 25th January
2024.

Aim
The scheme has four aims:
● Reach out to the vulnerable who are eligible under various schemes but have not availed benefits so far
● Dissemination of information and generating awareness about schemes
● Interaction with beneficiaries of government schemes through their personal stories/ experience sharing
● Enrolment of potential beneficiaries through details ascertained during the Yatra.”

Implementation
To have synergy, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Ministry of Rural Development and
Ministry of Tribal Affairs will be the nodal Ministries for rural and areas with significant Scheduled Tribe
population.
For urban areas, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
will be the Nodal Ministries.
The government of India proposes to appoint Nodal Officers in States/ Districts for effective coordination
of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra with State and District administrations.

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GENERAL STUDIES – III

06 Global AI Partnership Summit

Context
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit at Bharat
Mandapam, New Delhi.

Focus area
The Summit shed light on the need to cultivate tech talent from India in the age of AI.
The Prime Minister also raises several pertinent issues around Artificial Intelligence – from a standardised
global AI education curriculum to watermarking products at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence
Summit
The Prime Minister pointed to the dangers of terrorists getting access to AI tools, as well as the potential for
increased cybersecurity and data theft incidents.
Multiple sessions on diverse topics like AI & global health, education and skilling, AI and data governance,
and ML Workshop, among others will be organised during the summit.

About GPAI
The Global Partnership on Artificial
Intelligence (GPAI) is an international initiative
dedicated to promoting responsible and
human-centric development and use of
Artificial Intelligence.
GPAI seeks to bridge the gap between AI theory
and practice by supporting cutting-edge
research and applied activities focused on AI-
related priorities.
Members of GPAI include 25 countries such as
the US, UK, European Union, Australia,
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico,
New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore.
India joined GPAI as a founding member in 2020.
The Secretariat of GPAI is hosted at the OECD,
serving as a central coordinating body for the
partnership's collaborative efforts and initiatives.

Aim and objective of GPAI

● Promote responsible development and use of AI
● Address ethical concerns in AI technologies
● Ensure safety and security of AI systems
● Encourage inclusiveness and diversity in AI development
● Foster innovation in AI research and development
● Address data governance issues related to AI
● Support the use of AI technologies for social and economic progress

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Global regulating on AI
Recently, the EU passed the AI Act which introduces safeguards on the use of AI.
The deal includes strong restrictions on facial recognition technology, and on using AI to manipulate human
behaviour, alongside provisions for tough penalties for companies breaking the rules.
Recently, the UK hosted the AI Safety Summit where 28 major countries including the United States, China,
Japan, the United Kingdom, France, and India, and the European Union agreed to sign a declaration saying
global action is needed to tackle the potential risks of AI.
Before that, the United States issued an executive order aimed at safeguarding against threats posed by AI
and exerting oversight over safety benchmarks used by companies to evaluate generative AI bots such as
ChatGPT and Google Bard.

07 First winter mission to Arctic

Context
The Union government recently launched India’s maiden winter mission to the Arctic, which will give a
major boost to the country’s research around global climate, sea levels and biodiversity.

Maiden winter expedition to Arctic

India is set to embark on its maiden winter expedition
to the Arctic, making it the first Asian nation to stay
at the northernmost polar region throughout the year
A team of four scientists will embark on this maiden
winter journey, aiming to conduct atmospheric
observations during the polar nights, study auroral
changes, and monitor variations in sea ice.
The Raman Research Institute (RRI) here is
participating in the first winter Indian expedition to
the Arctic region.
The survey will help astronomers assess the
suitability of this uniquely located region for
carrying out precision astronomy measurements.

India’s Arctic research station

India’s first research station at the International Arctic
Research base, Himadri, is located at a distance of
1,200kms from the North Pole.
India has been running its own research station,
Himadri, in Svalbard since 2008.
The winter expedition is a bid to maintain a year-long presence at the station.
A team of scientists will embark on the journey to India’s research station in Alesund town on the Brogger
peninsula, where research institutes from 10 countries have laboratories.

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08 Green Credit Initiative

Context
The Prime Minister of India launched the 'Green Credit Initiative,' a pathbreaking program aimed at
reshaping global environmental policies.
● He also launched the official portal of the green credit initiative at COP28.

Vision for a sustainable future

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of a new holistic philosophy as the cornerstone of the Green
Credits Programme during a high-level event.
The 'Green Credit Initiative' is positioned as a pro-planet, proactive, and positive step towards fostering a
sustainable future.
Mentioning "Prakriti Rakshithi Rakhihitha", Prime Minister underscored the need to protect and preserve
nature, emphasizing that the environment will protect those who protect it.
He described 'Green Credit' as the Earth's health card, a crucial instrument for ensuring a greener, clearer,
and better future.

Green Credit Portal

The Prime Minister detailed the key features of the 'Green Credit' system, envisioning it as a fully digital
and tradable instrument for environmental sustainability.
He stressed the importance of launching the 'Green Credit Portal,' a repository documenting plantations and
environmental projects working to shape global demand for future policies.

India offers to host 2028 climate meet

Refraining from fresh commitments to contain global temperature rise, Prime Minister of India in his address
at COP-28, offered to host the 33rd edition of the annual summit due in 2028 in India.

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He said that developed countries ought to be “vacating the carbon space” before 2050, and made a pitch for
countries to join India on its “Green Credit initiative” which was a “non-commercial” effort to create a
carbon sink.

09 ISRO all set to launch XPoSat

Context
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat)
to investigate the intense polarisation of X-ray sources in space.

C58 XPoSat Mission

The Space tech startups Dhruva Space, Bellatrix Aerospace, TM2Space are set to launch their payloads
aboard Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) upcoming Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) - C58
XPoSat Mission on January 1, 2024.
ISRO’s PSLV-C58 Mission is to launch XPoSAT Satellite into an eastward low inclination orbit.
The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 experiment will be executed meeting the objective of 10 identified
payloads, supplied by ISRO and IN-SPACe.

Satellite for measurements of X-ray emission

XPoSat is the first dedicated scientific satellite from ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation
measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.
It carries two payloads:
● POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays)
● XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing)
POLIX has been developed by the Raman Research Institute and XSPECT is by the Space Astronomy
Group of URSC, Bengaluru.

Significance
XPoSat Mission aims to study the 50
brightest known sources in the universe,
including pulsars, black hole X-ray
binaries, active galactic nuclei, neutron
stars, and non-thermal supernova
remnants.
The satellite will be placed in a circular low
Earth orbit of 500–700 km, with a mission
lifespan of at least five years.
This XPoSat Mission is not only India's first
dedicated polarimetry mission but also the
world's second, following Nasa's Imaging
X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE)
launched in 2021.

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10 Forest Certification Scheme

Context
Amid rising international concerns on deforestation and illicit trade in timber, the government has launched
its own “national” forest certification scheme to validate entities that adhere to sustainable practices in
management of forests and its products.

Certification Scheme
The Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS) will offer an alternative to the private foreign
certification agencies that have been operating in the Indian market for the last two decades.
The launch of the certification follows the development of new standards for forest management that will be
mandatory for all forest divisions in the country.
This national certification scheme comprises three types of certifications:
● Forest management certification
● Tree Outside Forest Management Certification
● Chain of custody certification

Key features
The program provides market incentives to entities, including state forest departments, individual farmers,
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and wood-based industries, engaging in responsible forest
management and agroforestry.
The newly launched Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme incorporates a distinct Trees Outside
Forests Standard.

Objective
● Promotes sustainable forest management and agroforestry
● Encourages responsible practices throughout the wood supply chain
● Enhances market value for entities adhering to certification standards

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News in Brief
'AMRIT' Technology
Recently, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras has developed a technology called ‘AMRIT’ (Arsenic
and Metal Removal by Indian Technology) technology.
'AMRIT' technology has received endorsement by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation's
'Standing Committee'
It has been developed by IIT-Madras, and focuses on removing arsenic and metal ions from water to
address water quality issues.
Using nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide, it selectively eliminates arsenic when water passes through it.
This technology is suitable for both domestic and community-level water purification, aligning with the
objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Kempegowda International Airport T2

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport's Terminal 2 has won the World Special Prize for an
Interior 2023, making it the 'World's most beautiful airport'.
Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport managed to stand out in a recent announcement from
UNESCO's Prix Versailles 2023.
This global acknowledgment highlights the airport's commitment to exceptional design and architecture on
a global scale.

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Zuari Bridge
The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Goa on the occasion of the Zuari Bridge being fully
operational.
The bridge project will serve as an expressway between Panaji and Margao, over the Zuari river.
The bridge will boost tourism and commerce by improving connectivity.
The Zuari River is the largest river in the state of Goa, India.

Surat Diamond Bourse

The Prime Minister inaugurated the Surat Diamond Bourse in Surat, Gujarat.
Surat Diamond Bourse will be the World’s largest and most modern center for international diamond and
jewelry business.
It will be a global center for trading of both rough and polished diamonds as well as jewelry.
Bourse will comprise state-of-the-art ‘Customs Clearance House’ for Import – Export; a Jewelry mall for retail
jewelry business and a facility for International Banking and Safe Vaults.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023

The Prime Minister inaugurated the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The event marked the flagged off the Kanyakumari – Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train and launched multi
language and braille translations of Thirukkural, Manimekalai and other classic Tamil literature on the
occasion.
Kashi Tamil Sangamam aims to celebrate, reaffirm, and rediscover the age-old links between Tamil Nadu
and Kashi – two of the country’s most important and ancient seats of learning.

Paat-Mitro application
Recently, the Ministry of Textiles launched “Paat-Mitro”, a mobile application, developed by the Jute
Corporation of India Limited (JCI) during the Jute Symposium.
The app also offers the latest agronomic practices and Minimum Support Prices (MSP); Jute Gradation
Parameters, Farmer-centric schemes like ‘Jute-ICARE’, weather forecasts, JCI’s Purchase Centers’ locations,
Procurement Policies are also made available in the app.
Farmers will also be able to track status of their payments for the raw jute sold to JCI under MSP Operation.
The application is available in 6 languages and all the functionalities are made available to the users free of
cost.

Khelo India Para Games

The first-ever Khelo India Para Games began in New Delhi, India.
Over 1350 participants from across 32 states and union territories including Services Sports Control Board are
expected to participate in the maiden Khelo India Para Games which will witness para-athletes vie for
honours in 7 disciplines including para-athletics, para shooting, para-archery, para football, para
badminton, para table tennis and para weight lifting.
The events will be held across 3 SAI stadiums – the IG Stadium, Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad and the
JLN Stadium.

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R21/Matrix malaria vaccine

The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India,
leveraging Novavax’s adjuvant is critical to reducing over half a million malaria-related deaths annually.
R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine marks the culmination of 30 years of malaria vaccine research at the
University of Oxford's Jenner Institute.
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine is an easily deployable vaccine that can be manufactured at mass scale
and modest cost.

Indian Navy unveils new epaulettes for admirals

The Indian Navy has revealed a redesigned set of epaulettes for senior officers, aiming to move away from
colonial influences in its customs and traditions.
The Navy unveiled the new design of epaulettes for admirals, with the octagon in the new design drawn from
the naval ensign and inspired by rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Bilateral Agreements and Summits

First rupee payment for oil to UAE
India has made history by conducting its first-ever payment in rupees for crude oil purchased from the UAE,
signaling a strategic move to promote the global use of its local currency.

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Aim and significance

This initiative aligns with the Reserve Bank of India's move on July 11, 2022, allowing importers to pay in
rupees and exporters to receive payments in the local currency.
India aims to:
● Diversify oil suppliers
● Reduce transaction costs
● Promote the rupee as a trade settlement currency
India aims to explore trade settlements in rupees rather than dollars to streamline transactions by
eliminating currency conversions.

India-UAE rupee settlements

In July, India formalized an agreement with the UAE for rupee settlements, leading to the Indian Oil
Corporation (IOC) making payments for purchasing one million barrels of crude oil from Abu Dhabi
National Oil Company (Adnoc) in Indian rupees.
Additionally, some Russian oil imports have also been settled in rupees.
With over 85 per cent of its oil needs reliant on imports, India has adopted a multifaceted strategy,
emphasising sourcing from the most cost-effective suppliers, diversifying supply sources, and adhering to
international obligations.

MoU between India and Italy

The Union Cabinet approved for signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Italy in the
field of Industrial Property Rights.

Significance
The MoU aims to promote the establishment of a mechanism that allows them to develop cooperation
activities in the field of IP and information technology services related to this field.
The purpose of the MoU is to support enterprises, especially start-ups and SMEs in accessing to and
participating in the national and international IPR systems.
The MoU also seeks to streamline the procedures related to processing of IPR applications, fostering IP
awareness, encouraging IPR commercialization and enforcement.

MoU between India and Tanzania

The Union Cabinet approved the MoU between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology,
India and the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology of, Tanzania on
cooperation in the field of sharing successful Digital Solutions implemented at Population Scale for Digital
Transformation.

Aim
The MoU intends to promote closer cooperation and exchange of experiences, digital technologies-based
solutions in the implementation of digital transformational initiative of both the countries.
Both G2G and B2B bilateral Cooperation in the field of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) will be enhanced.
The activities contemplated in this MoU would be financed through their administration's regular operating
allocations.
MoU envisages improved collaboration leading to employment opportunities in the field of IT.

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India-Oman free trade agreement

The negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Oman are moving at a fast
pace and the pact is likely to be signed next month.

India Oman trade relations

Oman is India's third-largest export destination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
According to think tank GTRI's (Global Trade Research Initiative) report, Indian goods worth $3.7 billion such
as gasoline, iron and steel, electronics, and machinery will get a significant boost in Oman, once both sides
reach a comprehensive free trade agreement.
Export sectors which could get a boost in Oman include:
● Motor gasoline: $1.7 billion
● Iron and steel products: $235 million
● Electronics: $135 million
● Machinery: $125 million
● Textiles: $110 million
● Plastics: $64 million
● Boneless meat: $50 million
● Essential oils: $47 million
● Motor cars: $28 million

Other details
India has implemented a trade agreement with the UAE also in May 2022.
Both Oman and UAE are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The bilateral trade stood at USD 12.39 billion in 2022-23.
India’s exports have increased from USD 2.25 billion in 2018-19 to USD 4.48 billion in 2022-23.
Imports from the Gulf nation was USD 8 billion in the last fiscal.

MoU between India and U.S.

The Union Cabinet approved the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States of
America and the Republic of India to enhance innovation ecosystems through an innovation handshake.

5th India-U.S. Commercial Dialogue

The 5th India-U.S. Commercial Dialogue was held on 10th March 2023.
The Commercial Dialogue was relaunched, prioritizing supply chain resilience, climate cooperation,
inclusive digital economy, and post-pandemic recovery for SMEs and startups.
A new Talent, Innovation, and Inclusive Growth (TIIG) Working Group was introduced to address
regulatory challenges and enhance connectivity within innovation ecosystems, specifically focusing on
startups aligned with iCET goals.

Scope of cooperation
The scope of cooperation would include a series of India- U.S. Innovation Handshake events, round tables
with private sector, including hackathon and “Open Innovation” programs, information sharing and other
activities.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paves the way for upcoming Innovation Handshake events in
India and the United States in early 2024.
These events will feature an investment forum to assist U.S. and Indian startups in bringing their innovative
ideas to market.

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Additionally, a Silicon Valley hackathon will provide a platform for startups from both countries to pitch
ideas and technologies addressing global economic challenges.
The MoU aims to enhance commercial opportunities in the high-tech sector significantly.

Military Exercises and Initiatives

Curtain Raiser - Commissioning of Missile Destroyer Imphal
The Indian Navy commissioned its latest Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer Imphal at Naval Dockyard,
Mumbai on 26 December 2023.
The event marks the formal induction into the Navy of the third of four ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers,
indigenously designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation, Warship Design Bureau and
constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai.
Notably, Imphal is the first warship to have been named after a city from the North East, the approval for
which was accorded by the President on 16 April 2019, thus underlining the importance of the region for
national security, sovereignty and prosperity.
Imphal was delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 October 2023 after completing a rigorous and comprehensive
trial programme both in the harbour and at sea.

MoU between Indian Navy & IIT Kanpur

Indian Navy and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
symbolising their commitment to promote technology development, innovative solutions and joint R&D.
IN and IIT Kanpur share common interest in academic exchange of scientific research activities in the field
of Engineering related to defence technologies.
The MoU would serve as a broader framework and enable both sides to enhance capacity building, provide
solutions to field-level issues and enhance training effectiveness through exchange of faculty/ guest
lectures.

INS Tarmugli
The Indian Navy inducted a Fast Attack Craft, INS Tarmugli on 14 Dec 23 in a ceremonial commissioning
ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
The ship has the unique distinction of having served under the flag of two nations with three names during
her distinguished service to date.
The ship was commissioned into MNDF as MCGS Huravee on 16 April 2006 and served there till its
decommissioning in May 2023.

Exercise VINBAX-2023

The Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising 45 personnel reached Hanoi, Vietnam to take part in the
fourth edition of Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023.
The exercise was conducted at Hanoi, Vietnam from 11th to 21st December 2023.
The aim of the exercise is to foster collaborative partnership, promote inter-operability and share best
practices between the two sides under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peace Keeping
Operations.
Exercise VINBAX was instituted in 2018 and the first edition was conducted at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

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 PIB COMPILATION DECEMBER 2023

It is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Vietnam.

The last edition was conducted at Chandimandir Military Station in August 2022.

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