India signs new Work Plan on Quality Infrastructure with Germany (GS Paper 3, Infrastructure)
Why in news?
- The Department of Consumer Affairs and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action signed the new Work Plan for 2023 during the 9th Annual Meeting of the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure.
- The plan was signed in Berlin, Germany.
Indo-German Working Group:
- This year's Annual Meeting marks the 10th anniversary of the Working Group.
- The technical dialogues of the Working Group address key areas of economic cooperation between the two countries.
- In addition, they promote systemic harmonisation of quality infrastructure (QI) at an international level.
Work Plan 2023:
- The Work Plan 2023 is structured along the key elements of QI, including standardisation, accreditation, conformity assessment, legal metrology, product safety and market surveillance.
- It addresses cross-cutting topics like harmonised global solutions as well as sector-specific cooperation topics, such as digitalisation (Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, cyber security), circular economy, smart farming and machinery safety.
Stakeholders:
- The annual meeting was attended by stakeholders from both sides including the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), the German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (DKE), other quality infrastructure organisations as well as industry associations including Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
India, EFTA member countries discuss resumption of talks for trade pact
(GS Paper 3, Economy)
Why in news?
- India and the four-nation bloc EFTA recently discussed ways to resume negotiations for a free trade agreement with a view to strengthening economic ties between the two regions.
Details:
- The subject came up for discussion during a meeting of high-level representatives from India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
- They acknowledged the challenges posed by the current global economic and trade environment, as well as the need to address the bilateral trade and economic partnership issues in a constructive and pragmatic manner.
TEPA:
- Both sides discuss the prospects of resuming their negotiations towards a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
- Free trade agreements between the two regions are officially dubbed TEPA.
- Under such pacts, two trading partners significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them, besides easing norms to promote trade in services and investments.
India –EFTA trade:
- India's exports to EFTA countries during April-February 2022-23 stood at USD 1.67 billion as against USD 1.74 billion in 2021-22.
- While imports aggregated at USD 15 billion during the 11-month period of 2022-23 as compared to USD 25.5 billion in 2021-22. The trade gap is in the favour of the EFTA group.
About EFTA:
- EFTA countries are not part of the European Union (EU).
- EFTA is an inter-governmental organisation for the promotion and intensification of free trade.
- It was founded as an alternative for states that did not wish to join the European Community (EC).
Dalai Lama gets 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award in person after 64 years
(Miscellaneous)
Why in news?
- Recently, the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award was presented to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at his residence personally after 64 years.
Background:
- His elder brother Gyalo Thonden had received the Magsaysay Award on his behalf in Manila, the Philippines in August 1959.
- The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 and has lived in India in exile since then.
Details:
- It was the first international award given to "His Holiness for Community Leadership in recognition of his leadership of the Tibetan community's gallant struggle in defense of the sacred religion that is the inspiration of their life and culture" by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in the Philippines in August 1959.
- The Nobel Peace Prize 1989 was awarded to the 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) for advocating peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people.
About Ramon Magsaysay Award:
