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January 8th, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France 2. Institution of National Importance 3. Agreement between India and Mongolia 4. Memorandum of Understanding between India and Sweden 5. Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019
Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France
Context:
Cabinet approves ratification of Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France.
Details:
- This agreement was signed in March 2018 when the French President had visited India.
- The Agreement represents a major milestone in enhancing people-to-people contacts, fostering mobility of students, academics, researchers and skilled professionals and strengthening cooperation on issues related to irregular migration and human trafficking between the two sides.
- The Agreement is initially valid for a period of seven years, and incorporates provision for automatic renewal and a monitoring mechanism through a Joint Working Group.
Institution of National Importance
Context:
Cabinet approves conferring the status of institution of national importance to the cluster of Ayurveda institutions at Gujarat Ayurved University campus, Jamnagar.
What are Institutions of National Importance?
- Institution or Institute of National Importance (INI) is a status conferred by the Parliament on a public institution of higher education in India.
- The status is conferred to an institution which “serves as a pivotal player in developing highly skilled personnel within the specified region of the country/state”.
- These institutes receive special recognition and funding from the government.
- Examples: IITs, AIIMS, NITs, National Institute of Design, etc.
Agreement between India and Mongolia
Context:
Cabinet approves agreement between India and Mongolia on Cooperation in the Exploration and Uses of Outer Space for Peaceful and Civilian Purposes.
Details:
- The agreement was signed in September 2019 when the Mongolian President had visited India.
- This Agreement shall enable pursuing the following potential interest areas of cooperation:
- Space science, technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth.
- Satellite communication and satellite based navigation
- Space science and planetary exploration
- Use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system
- Application of space technology
- The signed Agreement will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space.
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Sweden
Context:
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and Sweden on cooperation in Polar Science.
Details:
- The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), India and Ministry of Education and Research, Sweden in December 2019.
- The collaboration between India and Sweden in polar science will enable sharing of the expertise available with both Countries.
Background:
- India and Sweden are both signatories to the Antarctic Treaty and to the Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty on Environmental Protection.
- Sweden as one of the eight “Arctic States” is one of the Member States in the Arctic Council whereas India has the Observer Status in the Arctic Council.
- Arctic Council: The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic.
- 8 Arctic States: Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States.
- Sweden has a vigorous scientific program in the Polar Regions, both in Arctic and Antarctic.
- India likewise, has sustained scientific research programs in both the Polar Regions as well as in the oceanic realm.
Prelims Facts:
What is the Antarctic Treaty?
- This Treaty was the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War.
- It entered into force in 1961 (signed in 1960), and at present, there are 54 parties to it. India became a signatory to it in 1983.
- The treaty sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, establishes freedom of scientific investigation, and bans military activity on the continent.
- For the purposes of the treaty system, Antarctica is defined as all of the land and ice shelves south of 60°S latitude.
- Antarctica is the only continent without a native human population.
- All human activities on Antarctica are regulated by this Treaty.
- Important provisions of the Treaty:
- Antarctica shall be used only for peaceful purposes.
- There shall be freedom of scientific investigation.
- Scientific observations and results shall be exchanged and made freely available.
India’s research stations in Antarctica:
- Dakshin Gangotri: First research station, now used as a supply base.
- Maitri
- Bharati
Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019
Context:
Cabinet apprised of information about amendments to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
To know more about the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2019, click on the linked article.
January 8th, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here
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