#NewForeignTradePolicy

New Foreign Trade Policy

The Government of India has announced a new Foreign Trade Policy for the period 2015-2020 on 1^st April, 2015. Details of the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 are available at the website of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade at http://dgft@gov.in.

            The important measures taken by the Government in the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 to include ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ programmes to ease the trade are:

(i)         Specific Export Obligation under Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme, incase capital goods are procured from indigenous manufacturers, has been reduced to 75% of the normal export obligation, in   order to promote domestic capital goods manufacturingindustry.

(ii)          Under   Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), export items with high domestic content and value addition have generally been provided higher   level of   rewards.

(iii)         For reward schemes and duty exemption schemes, hard copies of applications  and specified documents which were  required to be submitted earlier have now been dispensed with.

(iv)         Landing documents of export consignment as proof for notified market, can now be digitally uploaded.

(v)            There will be no need to submit copies of permanent records/ documents repeatedly    with    each application, once the same are uploaded in Exporter/Importer Profile.

(vi)         For faster and paperless communication with various Committees of DGFT,  dedicated  e-mail addresses have been provided for various Committees, e.g. Norms Committees, Exim Facilitation Committee etc.

            The Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020 introduces two new schemes, namely, ‘Merchandise Exports from India Scheme’ (MEIS) for incentivising export of specified goods to specified markets and ‘Services Exports from India Scheme’ (SEIS) for increasing exports of notified services from India. The scrips can be used for payment of customs duty, excise duty and service tax. All duty credit scrips issued under both the schemes and the goods imported against these scrips are fully transferable. Further,   e-Commerce exports of certain specified employment creating sectors, made through courier or foreign post offices, have been supported under MEIS.

India's Stand at WTO on Food Security

India's Stand at WTO on Food Security

Together with other developing countries, India proposed an amendment to the relevant rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) relating to public stockholding for food security purposes. At the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the WTO held in Bali in December 2013, Ministerial Decisions were taken on this and other issues including a Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Subsequently, concerned at the lack of progress in implementing the Ministerial Decision on public stockholding for food security purposes, India decided not to join the consensus in the WTO on next step for the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement till its concerns were addressed.

Initially there was a general campaign of misinformation and criticism of India’s stand. However, India stood firm and worked with other WTO members to find a way forward. Subsequently, a Decision was adopted by the WTO General Council (GC) in November 2014 which makes it clear that a mechanism, under which WTO Members will not challenge the public stockholding programmes of developing country members for food security purposes, in relation to certain obligations under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, will remain in place in perpetuity until a permanent solution regarding this issue has been agreed and adopted. This strengthens the safeguard available for continuing the Minimum Support Price policy and will ensure that India’s food security operations are not constrained due to WTO rules. The GC Decision also includes a firm commitment to engage in negotiations for a permanent solution through an intensified programme of work. India is working with the WTO members to ensure a permanent solution at the earliest. 

Approval for #GSAT-18 communication satellite and launch services

Approval for GSAT-18 communication satellite and launch services

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for building of the GSAT-18. This is a communication satellite, weighing about 3425 Kg, for providing replacement capacity.

The GSAT-18 spacecraft project will require a total budget of Rs. 1022 crore including launch services. All heritage proven bus system will be used to build the satellite in 30 months period. The satellite structure will be similar to the GSAT-10 satellite.

The GSAT-18 spacecraft will provide replacement capacity supporting the existing television, telecommunication, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) and VSAT services in the country.

The GSAT-18 spacecraft will also augment and support the existing telecommunication, television, DSNG and VSAT services in the country, hence benefiting all sections of society. Approval for GSAT-17 communication satellite and launch services 

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for building of the GSAT-17. This is a communication satellite, weighing about 3425 Kg, for providing replacement capacity and in-orbit back up.

The GSAT-17 spacecraft project will require a total budget of Rs.1013.20 crore including launch services. All heritage proven bus system will be used to build the satellite in a period of 30 months. The satellite structure will be similar to the GSAT-10 satellite.

The GSAT-17 will provide replacement capacity in different frequency bands and protect operational services.

The GSAT-17 spacecraft will also augment and support existing telecommunication, television and VSAT services in the country, apart from providing in-orbit redundancy for societal services. This would, therefore, benefit all sections of society. The footprints of the GSAT-17 spacecraft would cover the entire mainland of the country.

Background: 

The proposal to build the GSAT-17 is part of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) efforts towards protecting the services of existing users and also building in-orbit spare capacity to meet contingency.

A new concept called ecological engineering to reduce pests

Erode district alone has 32,000 hectares under paddy cultivation. The district runs across the Cauvery and Bhavani river basin.

Due to unfavourable climatic conditions pest infestation such as rice stem borer, leaf folder, ear head bug, gall midge, rice thrips — all common in paddy cultivation — create havoc every season leading to nearly 30 per cent yield loss.

Many farmers mostly rely on chemical pesticides (insecticide and fungicide) for managing both pests and infestations. If they are advocates of organic farming then they use bio pesticides to keep the menace under control.

Biodiversity

Presently a new technology called Ecological engineering for pest management has been introduced by National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Hyderabad to aid farmers maintain the biodiversity and keep pests under control while at the same time maintaining the paddy eco-system.

Since in southern Tamil Nadu, it is season for paddy cultivation efforts are currently in progress to popularise this concept for promoting bio-intensive integrated pest management method.

The technology trial was adopted in Singiripalayam village and Mr. Karthikeyan, a paddy farmer who adopted this technology in his field, says:

“Due to excessive pesticide use farmers like me often encountered environmental problems. The soil health also got deteriorated. I find the new technology encouraging, since there is a 45 to 50 per cent reduction in pest population.

“I have also observed natural predators on pests like damsel fly, praying mantises and spider population have increased in my field.”

The specialist team conducted an analysis to study the pest defender ratio for plant health and found that the natural enemies are able to maintain the pest population which are infesting the paddy crop.

Natural predators

“In normal situation we use to go for chemical spray, sometimes even three to four sprays to control pests and diseases. By adopting this technique no chemical spray is required. Natural enemies which prey on the pests are allowed to flourish in the fields. By adopting this method I could save nearly Rs.5,000 for a hectare towards the cost of purchase of chemical pesticides during one cropping season,” says Mr.Haridas another farmer. The trial has been implemented for different crops such as blackgram, cowpea, green gram, mustard, sesame, marigold, tulsi, castor and sunflower and found effective.

The Kendra initiated a capacity building programme for farmers in the district and on farm training was given on production of bio-control agents and bio-pesticides to ensure the timely availability of bio-inputs at the farmer level.

Community approach

“A collective approach by the farming community on adoption of this technology will not only suppress the pest population but also enhances the soil health through organic bio-fertilizer utility.

“About 25 farmers from Andhipalayam village near Gobichettipalayam and 30 farmers from Kallipatti in T.N.Palayam block have been initiated into this concept,” explains Dr. P. Alagesan, Programme Coordinator, Myrada Krishi Vigyan Kendra,, Gobichettipalayam, Erode.

A three days field training was organized for the farmer club members, to get first hand information on this approach and an exposure visit was organized by National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Hyderabad for a week.

In both the villages, farmers are collectively involved in the production of bio-inputs, predators and parasites for managing the pest population.

Pesticide free

The community approach on this ecological engineering is expected to bring the region as pesticide free zone and enhance the soil microbial activity in the paddy eco system. Plans are on to introduce this method in other crops like cabbage, cotton and groundnut in the coming season.

India, Iran sign pact on developing ‪#‎Chabaharport‬

Notwithstanding US objections,India today went ahead with the signing of an agreement with Iran for the development of the strategically important Chabahar portwhich will give India sea-land access route toAfghanistan bypassing Pakistan.

The pact was signed after comprehensive talks between visiting Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari with the Iranian leadership here.

"The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed after the talks between the two sides," a source said.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in his meeting with Gadkari, said, "Resumption of Iran-India cooperation in the southeastern Iranian port city of Chabahar would lead to a new chapter in relations of two countries."

Chabahar port is located in Sistan-Balochistan Province on Iran's southeastern coast and is of great strategic utility for India which will get sea-land access route to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.

The US has been asking India and other countries not to "rush" into doing business with Iran as Washington was yet to work out a deal with Tehran on the latter's contentious nuclear programme.

The port will be used to ship crude oil and urea, saving India transportation costs.

India intends to lease two berths at Chabahar for 10 years. The port will be developed through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) which will invest USD 85.21 million to convert the berths into a container terminal and a multi-purpose cargo terminal.

The agreement was signed by Gadkari and Iran's Minister for Transport and Urban Development Dr Abbas Ahmad Akhoundi.

"With the signing of this MoU, Indian and Iranian commercial entities would now be in a position to commence negotiations towards finalisation of a commercial contract under which Indian firms will lease two existing berths at the Port and operationalise them as container and multi-purpose cargo terminals," a Ministry of External Affairs statement said.

"The availability of a functional container and multi-purpose cargo terminal at Chabahar Port would provide Afghanistan's garland road network system alternate access to a sea port, significantly enhancing Afghanistan's overall connectivity to regional and global markets, and providing a fillip to the ongoing reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in the country," it said.

Touching upon Iran and India's ancient and historical relations, Rouhani, in his meeting with Gadkari, underscored that undoubtedly the level of mutual cooperation could be expanded day by day.

Pointing to Iran's transit position for connecting east to west and north to south, he stressed that the Islamic Republic could play a pivotal role in connecting India to Central Asia, the Caucasus and Eastern Europe via railway.

President Rouhani reiterated that Iran is fully ready to lure foreign investors.

Noting the importance of North-South Transport Corridor and development of Iranian ports, Rouhani stressed that Iran fully welcomes the Indian investors to make investment in construction of roads, railways and development of Chabahar port and other southern ports in Iran.

Referring to the cordial relations between the two countries, Gadkari said New Delhi is fully ready to cooperate with Tehran on development of Chabahar port.

Last year in October, India had approved the framework of an inter-governmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up an USD 85.21 million joint venture firm for equipping two fully-constructed berths at Chahbahar port.

As per the framework, approved in the Cabinet last year, an Indian joint venture company would lease two fully constructed berths in Chahbahar port's Phase-I project for a period of ten years, which could be renewed by "mutual agreement".

The Indian side will transfer ownership of the equipment to be provided through the investment to Iran's port and Maritime Organisation (P&MO) without any payment at the end of the tenth year.

The Cabinet had given nod for constituting a Joint Venture or other appropriate Special Purpose Vehicle comprising the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and the Kandla Port Trust.

Approval was also given for incurring annual revenue expenditure of USD 22.95 million to support operational activities of the Indian Joint Venture.

From Chahbahar port using the existing Iranian road network, a link up to Zaranj in Afghanistan and then using the Zaranj-Delaram road constructed by India in 2009, access to Afghanistan's Garland Highway can be made.

This would establish road access to four of the major cities of Afghanistan -- Herat, Kandahar, Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif.

The port would cut transport costs and freight time for India to Central Asia and the Gulf by about a third.

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured Afghan President Ashraf Ghani of India's commitment to building the port.

Earlier in 2003, the NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee had signed an agreement with Iran for the Chabahar Port, but it could not be materialised.

India, Iran sign pact on developing ‪#‎Chabaharport‬

Notwithstanding US objections,India today went ahead with the signing of an agreement with Iran for the development of the strategically important Chabahar portwhich will give India sea-land access route toAfghanistan bypassing Pakistan.

The pact was signed after comprehensive talks between visiting Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari with the Iranian leadership here.

"The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed after the talks between the two sides," a source said.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in his meeting with Gadkari, said, "Resumption of Iran-India cooperation in the southeastern Iranian port city of Chabahar would lead to a new chapter in relations of two countries."

Chabahar port is located in Sistan-Balochistan Province on Iran's southeastern coast and is of great strategic utility for India which will get sea-land access route to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.

The US has been asking India and other countries not to "rush" into doing business with Iran as Washington was yet to work out a deal with Tehran on the latter's contentious nuclear programme.

The port will be used to ship crude oil and urea, saving India transportation costs.

India intends to lease two berths at Chabahar for 10 years. The port will be developed through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) which will invest USD 85.21 million to convert the berths into a container terminal and a multi-purpose cargo terminal.

The agreement was signed by Gadkari and Iran's Minister for Transport and Urban Development Dr Abbas Ahmad Akhoundi.

"With the signing of this MoU, Indian and Iranian commercial entities would now be in a position to commence negotiations towards finalisation of a commercial contract under which Indian firms will lease two existing berths at the Port and operationalise them as container and multi-purpose cargo terminals," a Ministry of External Affairs statement said.

"The availability of a functional container and multi-purpose cargo terminal at Chabahar Port would provide Afghanistan's garland road network system alternate access to a sea port, significantly enhancing Afghanistan's overall connectivity to regional and global markets, and providing a fillip to the ongoing reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in the country," it said.

Touching upon Iran and India's ancient and historical relations, Rouhani, in his meeting with Gadkari, underscored that undoubtedly the level of mutual cooperation could be expanded day by day.

Pointing to Iran's transit position for connecting east to west and north to south, he stressed that the Islamic Republic could play a pivotal role in connecting India to Central Asia, the Caucasus and Eastern Europe via railway.

President Rouhani reiterated that Iran is fully ready to lure foreign investors.

Noting the importance of North-South Transport Corridor and development of Iranian ports, Rouhani stressed that Iran fully welcomes the Indian investors to make investment in construction of roads, railways and development of Chabahar port and other southern ports in Iran.

Referring to the cordial relations between the two countries, Gadkari said New Delhi is fully ready to cooperate with Tehran on development of Chabahar port.

Last year in October, India had approved the framework of an inter-governmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up an USD 85.21 million joint venture firm for equipping two fully-constructed berths at Chahbahar port.

As per the framework, approved in the Cabinet last year, an Indian joint venture company would lease two fully constructed berths in Chahbahar port's Phase-I project for a period of ten years, which could be renewed by "mutual agreement".

The Indian side will transfer ownership of the equipment to be provided through the investment to Iran's port and Maritime Organisation (P&MO) without any payment at the end of the tenth year.

The Cabinet had given nod for constituting a Joint Venture or other appropriate Special Purpose Vehicle comprising the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and the Kandla Port Trust.

Approval was also given for incurring annual revenue expenditure of USD 22.95 million to support operational activities of the Indian Joint Venture.

From Chahbahar port using the existing Iranian road network, a link up to Zaranj in Afghanistan and then using the Zaranj-Delaram road constructed by India in 2009, access to Afghanistan's Garland Highway can be made.

This would establish road access to four of the major cities of Afghanistan -- Herat, Kandahar, Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif.

The port would cut transport costs and freight time for India to Central Asia and the Gulf by about a third.

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured Afghan President Ashraf Ghani of India's commitment to building the port.

Earlier in 2003, the NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee had signed an agreement with Iran for the Chabahar Port, but it could not be materialised.

NASA’s New 10-Engine Drone Is Half Chopper, Half Plane

NASA’s New 10-Engine Drone Is Half Chopper, Half Plane

PLANES AND HELICOPTERS have their strengths and weaknesses. Planes are fast and can carry a lot of stuff a long way, while helicopters are slow but they don’t need enormous runways and they’re extremely maneuverable. So naturally, people want to combine them.

That’s why a team at NASA’s Langley Research Center is developing a drone that’s a hybrid of the two.

The GL-10 Greased Lightning is a ten-engine, battery-powered prototype with a ten-foot wingspan that can change its shape midair to fly either horizontally or vertically. This month, NASA announced it recently took off vertically and, for the first time, successfully rotated its wings to transition from “helicopter” mode to standard “wingborne” flight.

The GL-10 is a relative of the V-22 Osprey, the VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft developed in the 1980s for the US Air Force and Marines. It’s a tiltrotor design: The engines rotate to propel the aircraft either up and down (like a helicopter), or forward (like a propeller-driven plane). The Osprey can take off and land from the deck of a carrier or from a field in the middle of the jungle, instead of from a lengthy runway. It can haul 32 troops or 20,000 pounds of internal cargo up to 2,200 miles. It’s very handy.Because VTOL capability has proven useful on big planes, the US is naturally trying it out on smaller aircraft, like the GL-10. There are four motors on each wing that are controlled together, with two more on the tail that are also controlled together. It’s controlled like a standard triple-engined aircraft such as the MD-11, with three separate throttle controls: two for the the engines on each wing, plus another for the tail.

NASA hopes the GL-10 design will be the basis for drones addressing a wide variety of use cases. “It could be used for small package delivery … long endurance surveillance for agriculture, mapping and other applications,” says Bill Fredericks, an aerospace engineer with NASA. The team has built 12 prototypes, including 5-pound (foam) and 25-pound (fiberglass) models, as well as the 55-pound carbon fiber version shown in the video above. Some early versions were lost to hard landings as the team perfected flight controls, but the current version seems to be performing very well.