The Indian and Sri Lankan navies have announced their participation in the 10th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise known as SLINEX-23. Scheduled for April 3 to 8, 2023, the event will be hosted in Colombo, marking a change from the previous location of Visakhapatnam where SLINEX was held in March 2022.
Two Phases, Multiple Participants
This crucial exercise will take place in two phases – the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase. Representing India will be two naval vessels, INS Kiltan and INS Savitri. On behalf of Sri Lanka, the SLNS Gajabahu and SLNS Sagara will partake. Both sides are also expected to deploy maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and Special Forces personnel.
Aim of SLINEX-23
The primary objectives of SLINEX-23 involve enhancing interoperability between the navies, fostering mutual understanding, and facilitating the exchange of best practices. Notably, another military exercise that takes place between India and Sri Lanka is ‘Mitra Shakti’.
India Initiates Anti-Dumping Probe of Sodium Cyanide Imports
Recently, India took a decisive step by launching an anti-dumping probe into imports of sodium cyanide. The countries under scrutiny include China, the European Union, Japan, and Korea. This move came after domestic players filed a complaint about such imports.
What is Sodium Cyanide?
Sodium cyanide is a chemical compound used in various applications like the extraction of gold and silver from ores, manufacturing insecticides, dyes, pigments, and bulk drugs. However, exposure to this compound can be rapidly fatal as it releases hydrogen cyanide gas, a formidable chemical asphyxiant.
Why Anti-Dumping is Essential
Countries impose anti-dumping duties to protect domestic industries from an influx of cheap imports, which can have a negative impact on their market. These duties are part of the measures sanctioned by the Geneva-based WTO, aiming at promoting fair trading practices and creating a level playing field for domestic producers.
The Combined Commanders Conference
The Prime Minister of India recently attended the Combined Commanders’ Conference held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The conference, spread over three days, was convened under the theme “Ready, Resurgent, Relevant”.
Focus of the Conference
Conference discussions revolved around various national security issues, including theaterisation in the Armed Forces. This process involves dividing military forces into operational commands or theaters, each with a specific geographic area of responsibility. The meeting also touched upon the readiness of the Armed Forces and reviewed the progress towards achieving ‘AtmaNirbharta’ (self-reliance) in the defense ecosystem.
PM SVANidhi Scheme: Micro-Credit Support for Street Vendors
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs recently revealed data related to the PM SVANidhi scheme. This program is a micro-credit initiative designed to help street vendors cope with economic stress induced by the pandemic.
Discrepancies Noticed in Loan Disbursement
According to the published information, out of 42.7 lakh loans disbursed amounting to ₹5,152.37 crore, only 9.3% were given to street vendors from minority communities. The share of loans given to these vendors declined steadily over the years, reaching a low of 7.76% in 2022-23. This is alarming considering the significant presence of minority street vendors due to myriad socio-economic factors.
State-Wise Loan Distribution
A state-wise analysis of loan disbursement shows Uttar Pradesh at the forefront, while Sikkim issued only one loan. Interestingly, Uttar Pradesh also topped the list in issuing loans to minority street vendors with a number standing at 95,032. These statistics underscore the importance of ensuring that economic support measures reach all sections of society equitably.