The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 28th February 2019, gave approvals and was apprised of a number of Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs). They are discussed in detail below:
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Tajikistan on Cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy
The Union Cabinet was apprised of the MoU between India and Tajikistan on Cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy.
i.The MoU was signed on 8th October, 2018.
Benefits of the MoU:
- It enable establishment of a basis for a cooperative institutional relationship between both the countries to encourage and promote bilateral technical cooperation in the field of new and renewable energy on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity.
- It will focus on development and deployment of new and renewable energy, and storage technologies.
- It will further cooperation between the two countries through exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel, exchange of scientific and technological information and data, organization of workshops, seminars and working groups, transfer of equipment, know-how and technology on non-commercial basis, development of joint research or technical projects on subjects of mutual interest; and other modalities as may be decided by the two countries.
About Tajikistan
♦ Capital – Dushanbe
♦ Currency – Tajikistani samani, Ruble
♦ President – Emomali Rahmon
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and the UK on Cooperation in Weather and Climate Sciences
The Union Cabinet was apprised of the MoU between India and United Kingdom (UK) on on Cooperation in Weather and Climate Sciences.
i.The MoU was signed on 28th January 2019, under which, an Implementation Agreement on Weather and climate science for service partnership will also be signed between the two countries.
Benefits of the MoU:
- The proposal, which entails signing of an MoU with the Met Office, UK (UKMO) will benefit India, as it is an enabling mechanism to work on scientific challenges in the Indian context.
- It reinforces the spirit of equity and inclusiveness through sharing of best practice and lessons in areas of common interest in the two countries, and identifying opportunities for joint activities in weather and climate science across the region.
- It will also the best environment for research and innovation for delivery of high-end research for societal benefit.
About UK
♦ Capital – London
♦ Currency – Pound Sterling
♦ Prime Minister – Theresa May
Cabinet approved MoU between India and Norway for undertaking non-intrusive Geological Surveys and Investigations
The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and Norway for undertaking non-intrusive Geological Surveys and Investigations.
i.The MoU was signed on 6th September 2018.
Benefits of the MoU:
- It entails collaboration between the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) and Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Oslo for facilitating a mechanism to work on mutually agreed progressive and supportive activities for further development and improvement of road infrastructure projects in the country, particularly in the North Eastern Regions.
- The proposal is innovative in terms of extensive geological investigations for introduction of non-intrusive remote sensing techniques like Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey in conjunction with intrusive technique like Horizontal Directional Coring so as to mitigate the risks associated with geological surprises during construction.
- The NGI, Oslo has expertise in Geotechnical Investigation and Geophysical Mapping and its being a premierGeotechnical organization primarily engaged in the R&D in Geotechnical Investigations can be of immense help in the construction of mega tunneling projects.
- The MoU with NGI will enable preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) in respect of several on-going projects for construction of strategic tunnels.
About Norway
♦ Capital – Oslo
♦ Currency – Norwegian Krone
♦ Prime Minister – Erna Solberg
Cabinet approved to the MoU between India and Argentina on cooperation in the field of Medical Products Regulation
The Union cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to the MoU between India and Argentina on cooperation in the field of Medical Products Regulation.
Benefits of the MoU:
- It would facilitate better understanding of the regulatory aspects between the two sides and help in increasing India’s export of medical products to Argentina and better coordination in the international fora.
About Argentina
♦ Capital – Buenos Aires
♦ Currency – Argentine peso
♦ President – Mauricio Macri
Cabinet approved MoU between India and USA to access tip line reports on Missing and Exploited Children
The Union Cabinet approved the MoU between India and the USA to access tipline reports on Missing and Exploited Children.
i.The MoU has been signed between the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), India and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), USA.
Benefits of the MoU:
- It will provide access to more than one lakh tipline reports available with NCMEC, USA and enable law enforcement agencies in India.
- It will pave the way for setting up of an innovative mechanism for sharing information about child pornography and child sexual abuse material and taking legal action against offenders.
- It will further enable the law enforcement agencies to remove child pornography and child sexual abuse material from cyber-space, thereby enhance human dignity.
About USA
♦ Capital – Washington D. C.
♦ Currency – US Dollar
♦ President – Donald Trump