Saudi Arabia, India to Sign Space Cooperation Deal
The MoU will involve cooperation on the peaceful use of outerspace between Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
Diplomacy
News articles and essays on the Indian diplomacy at work around the world.
INR. 1,41,384 Crore Gross GST Revenue Collected
The gross GST revenue collected in the month of April’ 2021 is at a record high of Rs. 1,41,384 crore of which CGST is Rs. 27,837 crore, SGST is Rs. 35,621, IGST is Rs 68,481 crore (including Rs. 29,599 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess is Rs. 9,445 crore (including Rs. 981 crore collected on import of goods). Despite the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic affecting several parts of the country, Indian businesses have once again shown remarkable resilience by not only complying with the return filing requirements but also paying their GST dues in a timely manner during the month.
Government of India to Provide INR 15,000 Crore to States for Capital Expenditure
The Ministry of Finance, Government of India has decided to provide an additional amount of uptoRs 15,000 crore to Statesas interest free 50 year loan for spending on capital projects. The Department of Expenditure has issued fresh guidelines in this regard on the “Scheme of Financial Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure” for the financial year 2021-22.The Finance Minister had in her budget speech announced that the Centre would take measures to nudge States to spend more on infrastructure and to incentivize disinvestment of their public sector enterprises.
Government Facilitates Faster Imports of Key Medical Devices by Relaxing the Conditions
Considering the present pandemic situation of COVID-19 and for meeting the demand of medical devices, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India has permitted the importers of medical devices to import the following categories medical devices for three months from 28.04.2021 onwards,
Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) Finalizes Quality Standards for 4 More Spices
The Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) has finalised and recommended quality standards for four spices; cloves, oregano, basil, and ginger, during its fifth session held virtually from 20th -29th April 2021. The committee forwarded these four new standards to the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) for adoption at final step 8, as full -fledged Codex standards.
What is Indias Sphere of Influence to Checkmate China?
Every country is territorial about its sphere, with Russia considering eastern Europe as its backyard and the US thinking the same of Central America.
In this report, we will look at India’s sphere of influence and how far does it extend.
Is India’s Military Exercise with Kyrgyzstan Part of its Bigger Outreach in Central Asia?
Seen in isolation, Khanjar-VIII, the name of the manoeuvres, may not mean much. But when clubbed with China’s long shadow over the region, which has discomforted both Russia, the traditional heavyweight, and India, which is anxious that its deep cultural ties with Central Asia may soon be eroded under Beijing’s influence, it acquires an altogether different meaning. It is apparent that China’s push into Central Asia has alarmed both Moscow and New Delhi, opening the door for greater collaboration with each other.
India Imposes Anti-Dumping Duty on Chemical from 4 Regions
India has imposed anti-dumping duty on imports of a chemical used in foam making from four regions, including the EU and Saudi Arabia, for five years to guard domestic players from cheap shipments. The duty was imposed following recommendation of the commerce ministry’s investigation arm Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), which conducted a probe into alleged dumping of ‘Toluene Di-Isocynate’ from the EU, Saudi Arabia, Chinese Taipei and the UAE.
India, Russia to Establish ‘2+2 Ministerial Dialogue’ Between Foreign, Defence Ministers
On the lines of 2+2 dialogue with the United States, India and Russia have decided to establish dialogue on the same pattern, to add further momentum to the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Cabinet Approves Agreement Between the India and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Customs Cooperation
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the signing and ratification of an Agreement between the Government of Republic of India and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Customs Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters.