The article begins with an overview of a significant joint venture deal between India and Russia – the revival of the Vande Bharat initiative. This collaboration will see the manufacturing of 120 Vande Bharat train sets, aiming to produce two prototype trains by June 2025. The venture highlights the importance of international cooperation in advancing technology and improving public services.
The Resurgence of the India-Russia Vande Bharat Deal
In recent news, the long-dormant India-Russia Vande Bharat joint venture deal has been given a new lease on life. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) subsidiary, Kinet Railway Solutions Limited, reignited the venture by signing a share purchase agreement with Russian companies Metrowagonmash and Locomotive Electronic Systems. The primary objective of this partnership is to manufacture 120 Vande Bharat train sets. It is an ambitious project with set milestones that include developing two prototype trains by June 2025 and maintaining a yearly production rate of 12 to 18 trains thereafter. Additionally, maintenance services for the trains are ensured for a duration of 35 years. With a total investment of USD 1.8 billion allocated for train supply and a further USD 2.5 billion slated for maintenance, this endeavor signifies a significant commitment from both nations.
19th Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
Further cementing the global focus on sustainable living and food security, delegates from across the globe recently convened at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy. The occasion was the 19th session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA). Over a five-day period, the participants focused on various crucial topics such as a review of work on biodiversity, nutrition, and human health, access and benefit-sharing for food and agriculture, as well as digital sequence information for food and agriculture. As an ancillary of the FAO of the United Nations, the CGRFA stands as a pivotal intergovernmental body dealing with biodiversity concerning food and agriculture. Its objectives are centered on conserving and sustainably utilizing biodiversity for global food security, human health, and universal development.
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region
The potential of organic farming in India’s North-Eastern Region has been recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, culminating in the launch of the “Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North-Eastern Region.” This initiative, which was rolled out during the 12th plan period, is focused on the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. This scheme is a Central Sector Scheme aiming at the development of certified organic production through a value chain mode. This means linking growers directly with consumers and providing support throughout the entire value chain. This includes everything from inputs, seeds, certification, to the creation of facilities for collection, aggregation, processing marketing, and brand building initiatives. The mission’s progress was recently reviewed, with a focus on how to effectively manage Phase III’s committed liability and a roadmap for implementing the scheme’s Phase IV starting in 2023-24.
