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Proposals For Purchase Of 26 Rafales & 3 Scorpene Submarines From France Approved by Defence Ministry

By
The Commune
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India’s Defence Ministry has granted approval for the acquisition of 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class submarines from France.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, service chiefs, and senior officials.

The deals, which have received the Acceptance of Necessity by DAC, are expected to be announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France.

The Indian Navy is set to acquire 22 single-seated Rafale Marine aircraft and four trainer aircraft. The acquisition of these fighter aircraft and submarines is urgent due to security challenges faced by the Navy.

The INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant aircraft carriers require Rafales for operations. The Scorpene class submarines will be built at the Mazagon Dockyards Limited in Mumbai under Project 75.

Although the initial estimate of the deals exceeds Rs 90,000 crore, the final cost will be established through contract negotiations. India is likely to negotiate for price concessions and increased ‘Make-in-India’ content.

Joint negotiations are expected to take place between India and France, similar to the previous Rafale deal. The finalization and implementation of the deals will occur after negotiations between the two sides.

(With inputs from ANI)

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ISRO Scientists Seek Blessings At Tirupati Venkatachalapathi Temple For Successful Chandrayaan-3 Launch

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The Commune
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The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is preparing to launch Chandrayaan-3 on July 14, 2023. On July 13, 2023, a group of ISRO scientists brought a miniature replica of Chandrayaan-3 to the Tirupati Venkatachalapathi temple to seek blessings for a prosperous mission ahead of its launch.

This is a regular practice by ISRO before major launches. ISRO successfully completed a 24-hour rehearsal of the launch preparations on 11 July 2023.

Chandrayaan-3’s primary objective is to achieve a secure touchdown on the moon’s surface. Previous missions, Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, were unable to achieve a successful landing. The upcoming mission will consist of a propulsion module, lander, and rover.
The launch is scheduled to take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. If all goes according to plan, Chandrayaan-3 will reach the moon on 23 or 24 August 2023. Upon a successful landing, India will become the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the moon, following the USA, Russia, and China.

Mocked By Liberals

While it is a longstanding tradition for them to seek blessings before a mission, some liberals mocked the temple visit by ISRO scientists.

The visit to the Tirumala Venkateswara temple and prayers at the Chengalamma temple in Sullurpeta are considered essential for ISRO scientists, as Chengalamma is believed to be the protector of the local lands around Sriharikota.

ISRO scientists also offered prayers at the Sri Kalahasteeswara temple.

Chandrayaan-3 comes four years after the partial failure of Chandrayaan-2, which saw its lander and rover crash on the moon’s surface on September 7, 2019. The upcoming mission aims to rectify the shortcomings and achieve a successful landing.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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UNDP Report: India Witnesses Remarkable Poverty Reduction With 415 Million People Lifted Out Of Poverty In 15 Years

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The Commune
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According to the UNDP’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), around 415 million people in India have been pulled out of poverty in the past 15 years. The United Nations Development Programme called the poverty reduction “remarkable,” emphasising that India is on track to meet long-term development goals. “The reduction in Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) value in India was swift across the two most recent periods,” according to the report.

According to MPI estimates based on the country’s recently released 2019-2021 Demographic and Health Survey, 415 million people exited poverty between 2005-2006 and 2019-2021 — including approximately 140 million since 2015-2016 — and the country’s MPI value and incidence of poverty were both more than halved.”

The 2022 paper, titled “Unpacking Deprivation Bundle to Reduce Multidimensional Poverty,” is supported by a recent statistics analysis, titled “Unstacking Global Poverty: Data for High Impact Action.” According to the 2023 figures, poverty in India reduced from 55.1% to 16.4%, with deprivation decreasing across all poverty measures. Furthermore, the poorest nations and groups, particularly children and those from disadvantaged castes, saw the greatest absolute development.

According to the research, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, which were initially among the poorest in the country, decreased poverty quicker in absolute terms than the national average, therefore closing the poverty gap. Rural communities were the poorest and had the greatest decrease in MPI value. Poverty prevalence in rural areas reduced from 36.6% in 2015-2016 to 21.2% in 2019-2021, while it fell from 9% to 5.5% in urban areas.

Children, the poorest age group, saw the greatest decrease in MPI value. Poverty among children fell from 34.7% to 21.8%, while it fell from 24% to 13.9% among adults. Similarly, the lowest castes and religious groups have seen the greatest absolute decline in recent years.

Notably, SDG target 1.2 is to reduce by half the number of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all of its aspects. According to the UNDP study, India’s achievement demonstrates that this aim is achievable even on a big scale.

Sanitation, cooking fuel, and housing deprivation reduced the greatest from 2015-2016 to 2019-2021. The share of people living in poverty and without access to sanitation declined from 24.4% in 2015-2016 to 11.3% in 2019-2021. The proportion of the population that cooked primarily with wood, dung, charcoal, or another solid fuel was nearly halved — from 26% in 2015-2016 to 13.9% in 2019-2021, with a large decrease in the share of the population that is impoverished and without power, from 8.6% to 2.1%.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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GST Council’s 50th Meeting Results In Key Recommendations For Taxation And Compliance

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The Commune
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gst nirmala sitharaman

In a significant development, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council recently concluded its 50th meeting, where crucial decisions were made regarding taxation and compliance. Here are the major recommendations put forth by the council:

Uniform Taxation for Casino, Horse Racing, and Online Gaming: The GST Council has recommended that casino, horse racing, and online gaming activities be taxed at a uniform rate of 28% on the full face value. To arrive at this decision, a Group of Ministers (GoM) was formed to address taxation issues related to these sectors. After careful deliberation, the GoM submitted its second report recommending that the GST Council decide whether the tax should be based on the full-face value of bets placed or on the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). 

Inclusion of Online Gaming and Horse Racing as Taxable Actionable Claims: To ensure appropriate taxation, suitable amendments to the law have been recommended by the GST Council. These amendments would incorporate online gaming and horse racing under Schedule III as taxable actionable claims. According to the proposed framework, taxation will be based on the initial value of chips purchased for casinos, the complete amount of bets placed with bookmakers/totalisators in the context of horse racing, and the entire value of bets made in online gaming.

Establishment of GST Appellate Tribunal: The GST Council has advised the Centre to notify the GST Appellate Tribunal, effective from 1 August 2023. This move aims to streamline the appellate process and provide taxpayers with a dedicated forum for addressing disputes and grievances related to GST. 

Exemptions for Cancer-related Drugs and Medicines: To support healthcare initiatives, the GST Council recommends exempting cancer-related drugs, medicines for rare diseases, and food products for special medical purposes from GST taxation.

This step aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and ensure easier access to essential medical resources. 

Reduction in Tax Rates: In a bid to promote certain industries, the GST Council has proposed reducing tax rates from 18% to 5% for four specific items.

These include uncooked, unfried, and extruded snack palettes, fish soluble paste, LD slag to be at par with blast furnace slag, and imitation zari thread.

Streamlining Compliance Measures: Recognizing the importance of compliance, the GST Council has recommended several measures to streamline processes and reduce complexities. These efforts aim to enhance the ease of doing business and facilitate smoother GST operations for taxpayers.

The recommendations made during the 50th GST Council meeting will undergo further consideration and implementation by the concerned authorities. These decisions mark an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to refine and strengthen the GST framework in India.

(With inputs from PIB)

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India-Malaysia Defence Talks Strengthen Bilateral Ties And Act East Policy

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The Commune
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Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister of India, engaged in extensive discussions with his Malaysian counterpart, Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan, during a meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on 10 July 2023. The purpose of the talks was to strengthen bilateral defence ties and further promote India’s ‘Act East Policy’. 

Additionally, Singh also had a meeting with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim and held discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. 

The discussions mainly focused on enhancing industrial cooperation and implementing the Enhanced Strategic Partnership, based on shared values of democracy and the rule of law. Both ministers approved an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, facilitating increased bilateral defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Defence Minister also conveyed warm greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his Malaysian counterparts, emphasizing the strong cultural bonds between the two nations. The meeting concluded with discussions on ASEAN centrality, the Indo-Pacific region’s peace and stability, and India’s commitment to supporting Malaysia in its self-reliance efforts in the defence industry. During the visit, Second Lieutenant Sundaram, a 99-year-old veteran who served alongside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the Burma border, was honored and recognized for his contributions.

This visit marks the first bilateral engagement since the establishment of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership in 2015, announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Malaysia.

(With inputs from PIB)

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Looking Into The Making Of The Uniform Civil Code In Uttarakhand

By
Anand Krishna
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Uttarakhand UCC Approved: Marriage Registration, Live-In Provisions Retained; Personal Law Disputes Excluded

As per several sources, it is anticipated that the Uttarakhand Government will receive the draft report regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on 15 July 2023. An expert group is now working on finalising the draft report. According to the sources, another key meeting of the committee about the draft report on the Uniform Civil Code would take place in Delhi on July 9. The committee designing the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code has undertaken talks with a wide range of stakeholders, including people, religious leaders, and legal professionals. Documents and annexures supporting the committee’s recommendations are likely to be included in the report.

According to the sources, papers, and annexures related to the relevant legislative requirements were additionally included in support of the suggestions, as well as the production of the committee’s report. The argument over the Uniform Civil Code continues, and the likelihood of Article 44 of the Indian Constitution becoming a reality is closer than ever. PM Modi’s strong support for the UCC has brought it back to the forefront. PM Modi stated that the nation cannot function under two sets of laws. Amid the debate over the implementation of the UCC in the country, it is most likely that the Uttarakhand Civil Code Draft will be the template for the Centre’s law. In light of this, we will look into the making of the much-anticipated draft UCC from Uttarakhand.

Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement: The Draft Uttarakhand UCC Reflects Extensive Consultations

Uttarakhand will shortly introduce the UCC, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami recently stated. UCC is one of the current CM’s election pledges. Earlier, the panel’s chairman, Supreme Court Justice (retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai, informed a news conference that the draught of the proposed Uttarakhand UCC was ready and will be given to the state government shortly. Desai stated that the group prepared the code while considering all points of view and researching numerous legislation and rules, including the legislative framework in certain nations. Justice Desai chairs the five-member group drafting the UCC. It also includes Justice Pramod Kohli, Manu Gaur, a social worker, former IAS official Shatrughan Singh, and Surekha Dangwal, the VC of Doon University. The Uttarakhand government appointed this committee in June of last year to investigate options for implementing a UCC. As the draft’s publication date approaches, we will examine the committee’s efforts to guarantee broad consultations throughout the process.

This Committee has convened 63 times in little more than a year. The committee received over 2.15 lakh handwritten entries, including bulk submissions (with numerous signatures). The committee also met with over 20,000 people in person through its public outreach programme. The committee has also met with officials from political organisations, state statutory commissions, and religious group leaders. The group also invited ten political parties operating in Uttarakhand to provide their perspectives and recommendations on the issue. The Congress, AAP, and CPI did not attend, leaving seven parties to participate. The expert panel was given an office in Dehradun, which has four rooms full of mail. According to figures cited by various media sites, over 70% of the letters voiced support for the UCC.

Public meetings were conducted in a variety of locales, including Mana, known as the ‘First Indian Village’ because of its closeness to the Tibetan border, and numerous other isolated villages with restricted road access. The group met in Muslim-majority regions such as Kaliyar Sharif, Manglaur, Ramnagar, Haldwani, Kashipur, and Vikas Nagar. The team spoke with Hindu religious authorities and visited Hindu Akharas in Haridwar. In addition, the committee investigated different personal laws, religious legislation, and religious practises in India. They also examined cases that were handled by several commissions linked with civil legislation.

The committee report and a draft of the proposed legislation are expected to be released by the end of the month. It is expected that other states and the Centre will utilise this as a model to design their own UCC laws. According to reports, the Uttarakhand UCC would be widely accepted. In that scenario, it would not only serve as a model for future legislation, but it will also strengthen the legitimacy of secular India.

An Idea Whose Time Has Come

There is little doubt that UCC is a notion whose time has come. It is envisioned in the Constitution and progressive and democratic personal legislation is urgently needed. A country can only advance if its individuals’ personal laws are guided by laws imposed by democratically elected governments. If citizens are ruled by the whims and fancies of clerics dictating conditions to the people, a country will fall behind in the progress curve.

On the day of the bill’s introduction, we witnessed clamour and protest from various parties in Parliament. What precisely is the ‘uproar’ about, a concerned individual might wonder? The first point to make is that distinct personal laws are a remnant of the British empire, which built its administrative policies on the ancient notion of ‘division et impera’ or divide and rule. The state of Goa, which became a part of the Indian Union in December 1961, stands out as the only state in India that currently follows a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This code, enforced by the Portuguese colonial authority in 1867, distinguishes Goa from other states in terms of its civil law system. India must move on from its colonial past, and this is a concept whose time has come. And, if we go by the quotation famously attributed to Victor Hugo: ‘No force on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.’ So, let us face it: this is an idea whose time has come.

(Anand Krishna is a Kerala-based lawyer and a columnist.)

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Indian Railways Unveils New Livery for Vande Bharat Express As PM Modi Inaugurates Upgraded Services

By
The Commune
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The Indian Railways has unveiled a new livery for the Vande Bharat Express train, featuring saffron and grey colours. Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw shared images of the train with its updated colour scheme after visiting the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. While the coaches have been painted saffron and grey, the locomotive’s front is saffron, while the rear matches the coach colours. Certain design elements, such as the Indian Railways logo and Vande Bharat Express branding, remain the same as the existing blue and white trains.

The new saffron-themed Vande Bharat Express, currently stationed at the Integral Coach Factory, is the 28th rake of the Indian-built semi-high-speed train. Railway officials clarified that while the colour scheme of this rake is being changed on a trial basis, a total of 25 operational rakes are already running on designated routes, with two additional rakes reserved.
During his inspection of the Integral Coach Factory, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the new colour scheme, stating that it is “inspired by the Indian Tricolour.” He also mentioned that 25 improvements have been made to the Vande Bharat trains, incorporating feedback received from field units to enhance various aspects such as air conditioning and toilets.

The minister highlighted that the Vande Bharat Express is a proud example of the Make in India initiative, designed and manufactured by Indian engineers and technicians.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched two new and enhanced variants of the Vande Bharat Express, bringing the total number of operational services to 50. This semi-high-speed train has electrified tracks covering all states in the country. The Vande Bharat Express, initially known as Train 18 and manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory, symbolizes India’s engineering prowess and supports the Make in India initiative. The project was completed within 18 months, and the train achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph on a specific section. Its introduction has revolutionized rail travel in India, offering modern amenities and reduced travel times for passengers.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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India’s Chandrayaan-3 Mission, Sets Sights On Becoming Fourth Country To Achieve Lunar Soft Landing

By
The Commune
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In a major development for India’s space program, Chandrayaan-3, the country’s next lunar mission, is set to be launched from the Sriharikota spaceport later this week. The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 will make India the fourth nation to achieve a soft landing on the surface of the Moon.
Speaking exclusively to a news agency, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, highlighted the significant progress in India’s space expertise under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized that the recent agreements signed during PM Modi’s visit to the United States demonstrated India’s emergence as an equal collaborator in the field of space exploration, even alongside countries that began their space journey long before India.

Dr. Singh explained that Chandrayaan-3 is a continuation of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, with the primary objective of showcasing India’s capability in soft landing and roving on the lunar surface. The mission involves a complex profile, including precise maneuvers to enter the Moon’s orbit. Following a successful landing, the rover, equipped with six wheels, is expected to operate for a duration of 14 days on the lunar surface. The rover will provide valuable images through its multiple cameras, enhancing our understanding of the Moon.

Dr. Singh attributed the success of India’s space program to the supportive environment created by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has made groundbreaking decisions such as unlocking the space sector for public-private partnerships. He noted that, based on the current trajectory of growth, India’s space sector could become a 1 Trillion US Dollar economy in the near future.
The Minister outlined three primary objectives of the Chandrayaan-3 mission: demonstrating a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, showcasing rover mobility on the Moon, and conducting in-situ scientific experiments.

Dr. Singh reminisced about the groundbreaking achievement of Chandrayaan-1, the inaugural mission of the Chandrayaan series, which confirmed the existence of water on the lunar surface. This revelation captivated the global space community, including premier space agencies like NASA, who utilized this information for further experimentation. Chandrayaan-3 is expected to operate at an even higher level, utilizing ISRO’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3 for its launch.

Dr. Singh expressed the tremendous excitement and anticipation across the country for the launch of Chandrayaan-3, particularly due to the previous mission’s setback when the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft encountered a technical issue during its descent on 6 September 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally witnessed the event at Sriharikota. Highlighting the improvements made in Chandrayaan-3, Dr. Singh emphasized that the lander’s robustness has been enhanced through several modifications. These changes have undergone extensive ground tests and simulations using test beds to ensure their effectiveness.

The lander and rover module of Chandrayaan-3 are equipped with payloads designed to provide valuable data to the scientific community regarding the chemical and elemental composition of lunar soil and rocks. As the countdown to the launch of Chandrayaan-3 begins, the nation eagerly awaits another historic moment in India’s space exploration journey, showcasing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and technological advancement.

(With inputs from PIB)

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India Aims To Strengthen Wind Turbine Standards To Counter China In Renewable Push

By
The Commune
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Cover Image Credits: Bishnu Sarangi from Pixabay

India is gearing up to enhance wind turbine standards as part of its efforts to bolster domestic manufacturing in the renewable energy sector. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is soon expected to introduce a quality control order (QCO) that will focus on ensuring the quality of various components used in wind turbines, including blades and gears. The move comes as India aims to tackle China’s practice of dumping products in the Indian market, which has contributed to a significant trade deficit between the two countries.

The QCO approach is being increasingly adopted by the Indian government to regulate product quality in various sectors, ranging from textiles to wind power. Under this order, manufacturers, importers, and distributors will be required to possess a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and adhere to the prescribed standards for the products they sell. Additionally, the government is developing the Indian Wind Turbine Certification Scheme (IWTCS), which is expected to be mandated under the QCO. The certification scheme, under development since 2018, aims to establish comprehensive standards that combine global best practices with relevant national standards and regulations set by the Central Electricity Authority.

Implementing a certification system, according to industry experts, will enable the creation of an Indian standard aligned with international certification norms, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission Renewable Energy (IECRE) standard. This move is expected to benefit the domestic wind power industry and facilitate global acceptance of Indian products. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy reports that the wind power equipment manufacturing sector has already achieved a significant level of indigenization, with around 70-80% localization.

While India houses several major global players in the wind energy sector, certain components are still imported from countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Europe. By establishing stringent standards, India aims to expedite the development of offshore wind energy projects, contribute to its net-zero targets, and strengthen its position as a key player in the renewable energy domain.

(With inputs from Swarajyamag)

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Groundbreaking Malaria Vaccine To Be Provided To Twelve African Nations, Led By Indian Manufacturers

By
The Commune
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Gavi, the vaccine alliance, revealed on 5 July 2023 that a groundbreaking malaria vaccine will be provided to twelve African nations over the next two years. With malaria being a leading cause of death in Africa, these vaccines are expected to play a crucial role in saving lives.

Due to limited initial supply, priority will be given to areas with the highest risk of malaria-related illness and death among children. The delivery process of the vaccine is being overseen by the Framework Implementation Group, which includes representatives from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), UNICEF, WHO, and the Gavi Secretariat, alongside civil society representatives and independent advisors.

Indian Companies To Play A Crucial Role

The manufacturing of the malaria vaccine is being undertaken by Indian companies. Bharat Biotech, the firm which indigenously produced Covaxin during the Covid pandemic, will be supplying the RTS, S/AS01 vaccine in the future. GSK, a British pharmaceutical giant, transferred the manufacturing of the protein component of the vaccine to Bharat Biotech in 2021. GSK had made a commitment to provide the World Health Organization’s (WHO) pilot program with a donation of 10 million vaccine doses. Additionally, the Serum Institute of India (SII) will manufacture and supply the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, which was developed by Oxford University. This vaccine is expected to receive WHO prequalification soon. The government of Ghana granted regulatory approval for the R21/Matrix-M vaccine in April 2023. SII already has the capacity to produce 200 million doses annually. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine is administered to children aged 5 to 36 months and has consistently demonstrated 75% efficacy, meeting WHO standards.

India, known for being the world’s largest manufacturer of low-cost vaccines, plays a crucial role in the production of malaria vaccines. Both Bharat Biotech and SII have been instrumental in India’s fight against COVID-19.

Malaria Vaccination Programmes In Africa

Malaria vaccination programs have already been implemented in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, supported by Gavi, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and the United Nations. Over 1.7 million children in these countries have received the RTS, S/AS01 vaccine since 2019, resulting in a significant reduction in severe malaria cases and related deaths among children.

In addition to Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, nine more countries have been selected to receive the vaccine. These countries include Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The vaccine will be introduced into their routine immunization programs for the first time.

The first batch of vaccine doses will be allocated to Gavi through UNICEF, and they are expected to reach the selected countries between October and December 2023. The vaccine rollout is scheduled to commence in early 2024.

Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi, highlighted the potential impact of the malaria vaccine, emphasizing the need for effective utilization of the available doses. Maphosa stated that the vaccine, when deployed alongside other interventions, has the capacity to prevent tens of thousands of future deaths each year.

Malaria & Its Impact In Africa

Malaria claims the lives of millions of African children under the age of 5 annually. In 2023, Africa accounted for 95% of global malaria cases and deaths, with approximately one million children losing their lives to the disease. Ephrem T Lemango, Associate Director of Immunization at UNICEF, expressed hope that the vaccine rollout would significantly improve the chances of children, particularly in Africa, surviving malaria.

The Director of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals at WHO emphasized the breakthrough nature of the malaria vaccine in improving child health and survival. With high demand and the extensive reach of childhood immunization, the allocation of doses will contribute to equitable access to malaria prevention, ultimately saving many young lives. Efforts will be intensified to increase the vaccine’s supply until all at-risk children have access to it.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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