On 7th March 2018, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the following initiatives.
Cabinet approves signing of Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France:
The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement between India and France.  It would be signed during the forthcoming visit of French President to India.
- This agreement is a milestone in improving people-to-people contacts, mobility of students, academics, researchers and skilled professionals and enhancing cooperation on irregular migration and human trafficking issues.
- It is initially valid for 7 years. It has a provision for automatic renewal and a monitoring mechanism through a Joint Working Group.
Cabinet approves signing of Agreement with France to facilitate MRAQ (Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications):
The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of an Agreement between India and France to facilitate Mutual Recognition of educational qualifications and periods of study undertaken by students in duly approved, recognized and/or accredited educational Institutions in India and France.
The agreement would be signed during the forthcoming visit of French President to India.
- This agreement will help in strengthening educational ties between India and France.
- It will encourage mobility of students from both the countries by creating possibilities for them to continue their studies in the other country.
- It will encourage excellence in higher education through innovative partnerships/collaborations and research activities, improving the quality of education in India.
Cabinet approves agreement with France to prevent illicit Drugs:
The Union Cabinet has approved an Agreement between India and France on the Prevention of the Illicit Consumption and Reduction of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors, and related offences.
- The Agreement aims to improve mutual cooperation between India and France in the prevention of the illicit consumption of, and reduction of illicit traffic, in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors and related offences.
- This will be achieved through sharing of information, expertise and capacity building.
- Also, establishment of effective institutional interaction and controlling transnational narcotics trafficking along with elimination of terrorist financing structures is also spelled in the agreement.
About France:
- Capital – Paris
- Currency – Euro, CFP franc
- President – Emmanuel Macron
- Prime Minister – Édouard Philippe
Cabinet approves an MoU between India and Hellenic on Renewable Energy Cooperation:
The Union Cabinet has been informed about MoU on Cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy between India and Hellenic.
- This MoU was signed by Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister of India and H.E. Nikos Kotzias, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republicin November 2017, in New Delhi.
- India and Hellenic aim to develop the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship to promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable issues based on mutual benefit equality and reciprocity.
- The MoU involves setting up of a Joint Working Group to review, monitor and discuss matters related to areas of cooperation. It aims on sharing and networking of information.
Cabinet approves MoU between UPSC and Public Service Commission of Mauritius:
The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a MoU between Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Public Service Commission of Mauritius.
- This MoU will deepen the relationship between UPSC and Public Service Commission of Mauritius.
- It will enable exchange of experience and expertise of India and Mauritius in the area of recruitment.
- It will establish institutionalized linkage between the Public Service Commissions of India and Mauritius.
- It defines scope of cooperation between the PSC, Mauritius and the UPSC.
- Areas of co-operation are: Exchange of information on modern approach to public service recruitment and selection, books, manuals and other documents which are not confidential, use of Information Technology (IT) in the preparation of written examinations, holding of Computer Based Recruitment Tests and Online Examinations, Single Window System for expeditious scrutiny and speedy disposal of applications, various processes involved in the examination system which are routine in nature, organizing training sessions for officials, modalities adopted on audit of processes and procedures followed by various Government Agencies in recruitment of posts under the delegated powers.
About Mauritius:
- Capital – Port Louis
- Currency – Mauritian rupee (MUR)
- President – Ameenah Gurib
- Prime Minister – Pravind Jugnauth
