President of India in Jamaica; holds bilateral meetings with Governor General, Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, landed at the
Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, Jamaica in the evening of May
15, 2022, where he was received by Governor General of Jamaica, H.E. The Most
Hon Sir Patrick Allen, Prime Minister of Jamaica, H.E. Andrew Holness and other
dignitaries. The President was accorded a guard of honour on his arrival.
Why is it in news?
This is the first ever visit of an Indian President to
Jamaica which is taking place in the 60th anniversary year of the establishment
of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Highlights
· Yesterday
(May 16, 2022), the President commenced his engagements by visiting the
National Heroes Park in Kingston to pay his tributes to Marcus Garvey.
Subsequently, he visited King’s House- the official residence of the
Governor General of Jamaica - to meet Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.
· During the
discussion, the President thanked the Governor General for the warm welcome and
hospitality. The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the
field of IT and related services, medical and pharma sector, sports and
education, tourism and hospitality industry and development partnership.
· The
President noted that there is steady growth in bilateral trade and
economic and commercial interactions between India and Jamaica despite the
disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that there is
still scope for increased trade and investment, particularly in the sectors
such as IT and IT Enabled Services, medical and pharma sector, education and
capacity building, tourism and hospitality industry, agriculture and
infrastructure projects.
· Speaking
about development partnership and education between the two countries, the
President said that India remains steadfast in its commitment to share its
experience, knowledge and skills acquired in its development journey, with
fellow developing countries such as Jamaica. Our development partnership
activities are firmly rooted in the concept of South-South Cooperation and
based on the principles of voluntary partnership in line with national
priorities of our partners. We are glad to assist in capacity building and
skill development in Jamaica through the courses in various
esteemed educational institutions under the India Technical and Economic
Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. India is happy to offer an increase in ITEC slots
from 30 to 50.
· After the
meeting with the Governor General, the President travelled to Jamaica
House where he was received by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The two
leaders discussed enhancing cooperation between India and Jamaica in trade and
investment, service, health, railway and transport services and sports as well
as cooperation in regional and multilateral fora.
· The
President said that there is huge potential for collaboration in the service
sector and knowledge economy between the two countries. He was happy to note
Jamaica’s interest in collaboration in the field of education, especially among
educational institutions. He said that India welcomes Jamaica’s interest in
hosting a branch of an Indian educational institution in one of its
universities.
· Following
the meeting, the President and Prime Minister Holness witnessed the signing and
exchange of an MoU between Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSFSI)
and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica on cooperation in
the field of diplomatic training. This MoU will also facilitate close
academic and training exchange for Foreign Service officers of Jamaica in the
SSFSI.
· Subsequently,
the President visited Downtown Kingston where he inaugurated Ambedkar
Avenue in presence of Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon.
Desmond McKenzie, Mayor of Kingston city, His Worship Delroy Williams and
members of the Indian community.
· In his
brief remarks on the occasion, the President said that Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar
introduced progressive ideals for the social and economic empowerment of the
depressed classes in the Constitution. He educated and inspired the people for
the goal of removing inequality.
· The
President said that some people may wonder about the relevance of Dr Ambedkar
to Jamaica. Let us always remember that icons like Dr Ambedkar and Marcus
Garvey cannot be limited to just one nation or community. Their message of
equality of all, and their appeal to end all forms of discrimination has
universal resonance. Therefore, Dr Ambedkar’s message is as relevant in India
as it is in Jamaica.
· In his
next engagement, the Leader of Opposition in the House of Representatives,
Hon. Mark Golding called on the President. During the discussion, the two
leaders exchanged their views on bilateral cooperation and encouraging cultural
contacts and people-to-people ties.
· Later in
the evening, the President visited the Hope Botanical Garden in Kingston
where he inaugurated the India-Jamaica Friendship Garden and planted a sapling
of sandalwood in presence of First Lady of Jamaica, Lady Allen who is the
Patron of the Garden, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. and
Chairman of the National Preservation Foundation, Mr. Alfred Thomas.
· In the
final engagement of the day, the President attended the Indian
Community and friends of India Reception hosted by Shri Masakui
Rungsung, High Commissioner of India to Jamaica.
· Addressing
the gathering, the President said that Jamaican-Indians strengthen the deep
root of our cultural linkages and enrich our multifaceted partnership. The
Indian diaspora is a living bridge between our countries. It is a matter of
pride for us that members of the Indian diaspora are recognised at the highest
levels for their contribution to Jamaica. We are very proud of the achievements
of the Indian community in Jamaica.
· The
President said that India is celebrating 75 years of India’s independence
and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements through ‘Azadi
Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. He urged members of the diaspora to come forward and join
in the celebration.
· The
President said that we are undertaking efforts to take lead in the areas of
digital economy, new technologies, climate change related action and marking
the contours of a knowledge society. This new India offers immense
opportunities for diaspora to participate in its progress and
prosperity. We seek our diaspora’s support for this new India that promises to
light up millions of homes with progress and prosperity; an India that cares for
one and all.
· On the
occasion, the President presented cricket kits to Jamaica Cricket Association
which was received by President of the Association, Mr Billy Heaven.
Government announces some relaxation in wheat export notification; Allows wheat consignment already registered with Customs prior to the order
The
government has announced some relaxation to its order dated 13th May issued by
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce on
restricting wheat exports.
Why is it in news?
It
has been decided that wherever wheat consignments have been handed over to
Customs for examination and have been registered into their systems on or prior
to 13.5.2022, such consignments would be allowed to be exported.
Highlights
· The government also allowed
a wheat consignment headed for Egypt, which was already under loading at the
Kandla port. This followed a request by the Egyptian government to permit the
wheat cargo being loaded at the Kandla port. M/s Mera International India Pvt.
Ltd., the company engaged for export of the wheat to Egypt, had also given a
representation for completion of loading of 61,500 MT of wheat of which 44,340
MT of wheat had already been loaded and only 17,160 MT was left to be loaded.
The government decided to permit the full consignment of 61,500 MT and allowed
it to sail from Kandla to Egypt.
· The Government of India had
earlier restricted wheat exports to manage the overall food security situation
in India and to support the needs of neighbouring and vulnerable countries that
are adversely affected by the sudden changes in the global market for wheat and
are unable to access adequate wheat supplies.
· According to this order,
this restriction would not apply in cases where prior commitments have been made
by private trade through Letter of Credit as well as in situations where
permission is granted by the Government of India to other countries to meet
their food security needs and on the requests of their governments.
· The order served three main
purposes: ensure India’s food security and check inflation, it helps other
countries facing food deficit, and it maintains India’s reliability as a
supplier. The order also aimed to provide a clear direction to the wheat market
to prevent hoarding of wheat supplies.
Raksha Mantri launches two indigenous frontline warships - Surat (Guided Missile Destroyer) & Udaygiri (Stealth Frigate) - in Mumbai
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath
Singh launched two frontline warships of the Indian Navy – ‘Surat’ and
‘Udaygiri’ - at Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL), Mumbai on May 17, 2022. ‘Surat’ is
the fourth Guided Missile Destroyer of P15B class, while ‘Udaygiri’ is the
second Stealth Frigate of P17A class.
Why is it in news?
Both warships have been
designed in-house by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND) and built at MDL,
Mumbai. The Raksha Mantri, in his address, described the warships as an embodiment
of the Government’s unwavering commitment to enhance the country’s maritime
capability, with focus on achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’, at a time when the world
is witnessing disruption in global supply chain due to COVID-19 and the
Russia-Ukraine conflict. He congratulated the MDL for continued ship production
activities despite the pandemic and meeting the strategic requirements of the
Indian Navy in the current geo-political scenario.
Highlights
·
Shri
Rajnath Singh stated that the two warships will add might to the Indian Navy’s
arsenal and represent to the world India’s strategic strength as well as the
power of self-reliance. “INS Udaygiri and INS Surat are the shining examples of
India’s growing indigenous capability. The warships will be among the most
technologically advanced missile carriers in the world, that will cater to the
present as well as future requirements. In the times to come, we will not only
fulfil our own needs, but will also meet the shipbuilding requirements of the
world. We will soon realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Make
in India, Make for the World’,” he said.
·
The
Raksha Mantri lauded the Indian Navy for responsibly discharging its duties of
keeping the Indo-Pacific region open, safe and secure. “The Indo-Pacific region
is important for the economy of the whole world. India is a responsible
maritime stakeholder in the region. We support consensus-based principles and
peaceful, open, rule-based and stable maritime order. Being an important
country in this region, it is the primary objective of our Navy to keep the
Indo-Pacific open, safe and secure. The Prime Minister’s vision of Security and
Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) is based on the spirit of friendship, openness,
dialogue and co-existence with the neighbours. With that very vision, Indian
Navy is effectively discharging its duties,” he said.
·
Shri
Rajnath Singh was of the view that the ever-evolving security scenario in the
Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific region would demand an even more important
role of the Indian Navy in the times to come. He called for devising policies
which focus on bolstering the country’s presence in the region, its role during
disasters, economic wellbeing and carrying forward the foreign policies.
·
The
Raksha Mantri also praised the Indian Navy for playing a crucial role in
carrying forward the Government’s policies such as Act-East, besides
strengthening relations with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and
Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC) countries. Recalling his recent visit to the Headquarters of United
States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) in Hawaii, he said, they expressed
their willingness to work with India, which symbolises the competence of the
Indian Armed Forces; especially the commendable work being carried out by the
Indian Navy.
·
“If
a country wants to safeguard its national interests, it should project its
military prowess in areas far beyond the mainland. If a country has aspirations
to become a regional or global power, it is necessary to develop a strong Naval
force. Government is making all efforts in this direction. We want to make a
strong, secure and prosperous India, which is recognised as a global power,”
said Shri Rajnath Singh.
·
Asserting
that global security, border disputes and maritime dominance have led nations
around the world to modernise their military, the Raksha Mantri exhorted the
public and the private sectors to make full use of the capabilities by taking
advantage of the Government’s policies and contribute towards making India an
indigenous shipbuilding hub. He assured of all possible support of the
Government in this endeavour.
·
Shri
Rajnath Singh appreciated the fact that the Indian Navy has always been at the
forefront in ensuring self-reliance through manufacturing of indigenous ships,
submarines etc. “Joining hands with initiatives like ‘Make in India’, Navy has
given 76% Acceptance of Necessity (AON), and 66% cost-basis contracts to Indian
vendors in 2014 and indigenisation of about 90% Naval ammunition has taken
place. In addition, more than two-thirds of the Navy’s Modernisation Budget has
been spent on indigenous procurement in the last five financial years. Of the
41 ships and submarines ordered by the Navy, 39 are from Indian shipyards. This
is a testament to the Navy's commitment to achieving 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat’,” he
said, expressing confidence that the steps taken by the government to achieve
self-reliance will give all support to their efforts.
·
The
Raksha Mantri made special mention of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier ‘INS
Vikrant’, terming it as a major milestone in the Indian Navy's path of
‘Aatmanirbharta’. He hoped that the carrier will increase India’s reach from
the Indian Ocean to the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. The commissioning of ‘INS
Vikrant’ will be a golden moment in the Indian defence history, he said.
·
In
keeping with the Naval traditions, President NWWA (Western Region) Smt Charu
Singh and spouse of CMD, MDL Smt Jaishree Prasad blessed and named the ships
‘Surat’ and ‘Udaygiri’ respectively. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar
& other senior officers from the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence were
among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
·
A
precise evolution, the ‘Launching’ is carried out in tandem with the rising and
receding tides. The DND and MDL teams have once again demonstrated their
capabilities for designing and building quality warships. This launch also
marks the commencement of the next phase involving extensive outfitting
activities by the Shipyards readying these ships for delivery.
·
The
Project 15B class of ships are the next-generation stealth guided-missile
destroyers of the Indian Navy, being built at the MDL,which are follow-on class
of the weapon intensive P15A (Kolkata Class) Destroyers. P17A Frigates are
warships that are follow-on class of the P17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates with
improved stealth features, advanced weapons &sensors and platform
management systems. Seven P17A Frigates are under various stages of
construction at MDL and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
Indigenous construction of complex frontline platforms such as Destroyers and
Frigates is in line with the Government’s vision on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah reviewed preparations for the Amarnath Yatra at a high level meeting in New Delhi today
Union Home Minister held a marathon meeting regarding
security and essential facilities for yatris
Shri Amit Shah said it is the priority of the Modi Government that pilgrims
coming for the Amarnath Yatra should have hassle free Darshan and they should
not face any problems
Instructions given to make adequate arrangements for all necessary facilities
including movement, lodging, electricity, water, communication and health of
Amarnath yatris
This is the first yatra after the COVID-19 pandemic and due to the high
altitude, adequate arrangements will have to be made for yatris who have any
health related problems
Mobile towers should be increased for better communication and dissemination of
any information on the travel route, also directed to deploy equipment to open
the route immediately in case of landslides
Along with ensuring adequate number of oxygen cylinders, adequate medical beds
at an altitude of more than 6,000 feet and deployment of ambulances and
helicopters to deal with any emergency medical situation
All types of transport services should be enhanced during the Amarnath Yatra
for convenience of yatris
Union
Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah reviewed the preparations for
Amarnath Yatra at a high level meeting in New Delhi today. The meeting was
attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha, the
Union Home Secretary, the Director of Intelligence Bureau, the Chief Secretary
of Jammu and Kashmir and senior officials of various Ministries and Departments
of the Union Government.
Why is it in news?
The
Union Home Minister also held a long meeting regarding the safety of Amarnath
Yatra and the facilities required for the pilgrims. National Security Advisor
Shri Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha,
Chief of Army Staff, Union Home Secretary, Director of Intelligence Bureau,
Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir and senior officers of security agencies
also participated in this.
Highlights
·
The Union Home Minister said that it
is the priority of the Modi Government that the pilgrims coming for the
Amarnath Yatra should have hassle free Darshan and they should not face any
problems.
·
Shri Amit Shah directed that
arrangements should be made for all essential facilities including movement,
lodging, electricity, water, communication and health of the Amarnath yatris.
He said that this is the first journey after the COVID-19 pandemic and in case
yatris have any kind of health related problems due to the high altitude, then
adequate arrangements will have to be made.
·
The Union Home Minister said that
number of mobile towers should be increased on the Yatra route for better
communication and dissemination of information, he also instructed deployment
of equipment to open the route immediately in case of landslides.
·
Shri Amit Shah also directed that it
should be ensured that there should be adequate number of oxygen cylinders, and
adequate number of medical beds at altitudes above 6,000 feet and deployment of
ambulances and helicopters to deal with any emergency medical situations. He
said that all types of transport services should be increased during the
Amarnath Yatra for the convenience of yatris.
·
The Chief Secretary of Jammu and
Kashmir, said that for the first time every Amarnath Yatri would be given a
RFID card and would be insured for Rs. 5 lakh. A tent city, WiFi hotspots and
proper lighting will be arranged on the yatra’s travel route. Along with this,
online live Darshan of Baba Barfani, live telecast of the morning and evening
aarti at the holy Amarnath Cave and religious and cultural programs will be
organized at the Base Camp.
ISRO successfully tests rocket that will power India's Gaganyaan mission
ISRO has conducted a static fire test of the boosters that will liftoff
the Gaganyaan mission from the ground.
Why is it in news?
The Indian
Space & Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday successfully conducted a
static fire test of the boosters that will power India's maiden astronaut
mission, Gaganyaan. The space agency conducted the static fire test in the wee
hours as propellants burned to mark a major milestone for the mission.
Highlights
· During the test the solid rocket booster
HS200 was fired at 7:20 am at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota,
Andhra Pradesh. The HS200 rocket booster is the human-rated version of the
well-proven S200 rocket booster of GSLV Mk III satellite launch vehicle,
popularly known as LVM3.
· "The successful completion of this
test marks a major milestone for the prestigious human space flight mission of
ISRO, the Gaganyaan, as the first stage of the launch vehicle is tested for its
performance for the full duration," ISRO said in a statement.
· The S200 motor which is the first stage of
the LVM3 launch vehicle intended for launching a 4000 kg class of satellites to
Geosynchronous transfer orbit, was configured as a strap-on rocket booster.
Design and development of the HS200 booster were completed at Vikram Sarabhai
Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, and propellant casting was completed
at SDSC, Sriharikota.