National
Foreign Trade Policy 2023
⇒ Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal launched the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 on 31 March 2023.
Union Minister said India’s overall exports, including services and merchandise exports, has already crossed US$ 750 Billion and is expected to cross US$ 760 Billion this year.
About Foreign Trade Policy 2023:
Foreign Trade Policy (2023) is a policy document which is based on continuity of time-tested schemes facilitating exports as well as a document which is nimble and responsive to the requirements of trade.
- It is based on principles of ‘trust’ and ‘partnership’ with exporters.
In the FTP 2015-20, changes were done subsequent to the initial release even without announcement of a new FTP responding dynamically to the emerging situations. Hereafter, the revisions of the FTP shall be done as and when required. Incorporating feedback from Trade and Industry would also be continuous to streamline processes and update FTP, from time to time.
The Key Approach to the policy is based on these 4 pillars:
- Incentive to Remission
- Export promotion through collaboration – Exporters, States, Districts, Indian Missions
- Ease of doing business, reduction in transaction cost and e-initiatives, and
- Emerging Areas – E-Commerce Developing Districts as Export Hubs and streamlining SCOMET policy
Key Points:
- The FTP 2023 aims at process re-engineering and automation to facilitate ease of doing business for exporters.
- It also focuses on emerging areas like dual use high end technology items under SCOMET, facilitating e-commerce export, collaborating with States and Districts for export promotion.
- The new FTP is introducing a one-time Amnesty Scheme for exporters to close the old pending authorizations and start afresh.
- The FTP 2023 encourages recognition of new towns through “Towns of Export Excellence Scheme” and exporters through “Status Holder Scheme”.
- The FTP 2023 is facilitating exports by streamlining the popular Advance Authorization and EPCG schemes, and enabling merchanting trade from India.
Combined Commanders’ Conference 2023
⇒ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in Combined Commanders’ Conference 2023 at the Kushabhau Thakre Hall in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 01 April 2023.
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reviewed the security situation and operational readiness of the Armed Forces during the valedictory session of Combined Commanders’ Conference 2023.
Theme:
The three-day conference of Military Commanders was held from 30th March to 1st April 2023 on the theme ‘Ready, Resurgent, Relevant’.
The conference witnessed participation of commanders from the three-armed forces and senior officers from the Ministry of Defence.
Discussion:
- During the Conference, deliberations were held over a varied spectrum of issues pertaining to national security, including jointness and theaterisation in the Armed Forces.
- During the final day of the session, various topics including aspects of digitisation; cyber security; challenges of social media; Aatmanirbharta; absorption of Agniveers and jointness were discussed.
- Preparation of the Armed Forces and progress in defence ecosystem towards attaining ‘Aatmanirbharta’ was also reviewed.
- Inclusive and informal interaction was also held with soldiers, sailors and airmen from Army, Navy and Air Force who contributed to the deliberations.
Vande Bharat Express train between Bhopal and New Delhi
⇒ The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express train between Bhopal and New Delhi at Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 01 April 2023.
- The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Madhya Pradesh for getting their first Vande Bharat train.
About Vande Bharat Express:
- Vande Bharat Express has redefined the passenger travel experience in the country.
- The new train being introduced between Rani Kamlapati Railway station, Bhopal and New Delhi railway station will be the 11th Vande Bharat service and 12th Vande Bharat train in the country.
- The indigenously designed Vande Bharat Express train set is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities. It will provide a faster, more comfortable and more convenient travel experience for rail users, boost tourism and promote economic development in the region.
Chief of Personnel of Indian Navy
⇒ VAdm Suraj Berry, AVSM, NM, VSM assumed charge as Chief of Personnel of Indian Navy on 01 April 2023.
About VAdm Suraj Berry:
- The Flag Officer was commissioned on 01 January 1987 and is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare.
- He was elevated to the Flag Rank in October 2016.
- He has served as the Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development), Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet and Chief of Staff, Andaman and Nicobar Command and Controller Personnel Services at IHQMoD (Navy) prior taking over as Chief of Personnel.
- He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2006 for services during the Tsunami Relief Operations in Sri Lanka/ Maldives, the Nao Sena Medal in 2015 for devotion to duty and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020.
International
India –Sri Lanka Annual Bilateral Maritime Exercise (SLINEX-23)
⇒ The 10th edition of IN-SLN bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-23 was conducted at Colombo from 03 – 08 April 2023.
The exercise was conducted in two phases:
- The Harbour Phase was conducted from 03-05 April 2023, followed by a Sea Phase from 06-08 April 2023.
Participation:
- Indian Navy was represented by INS Kiltan, an indigenous Kamorta class ASW corvette and INS Savitri, an Offshore Patrol Vessel.
- The Sri Lanka Navy was represented by SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Sagara. Maritime Patrol Aircraft, helicopters and Special Forces from both the sides would also participate in the exercise.
Key Points:
- SLINEX aims at enhancing interoperability, improving mutual understanding and exchanging best practices while jointly undertaking multi-faceted maritime operations.
- Professional, cultural and sporting events were organised during the harbour phase to further bolster the bonds of friendship and camaraderie between both the navies.
The previous edition of SLINEX-22 was conducted off Visakhapatnam from 07-12 March 2022.