India has achieved a milestone in agricultural exportation by exporting the first air shipment of GI-tagged limes. It has a batch of the famous Indi-Lime of Karnataka and Puliyankudi Lime of Tamil Nadu, which are air-excavated to the United Kingdom. The initiative, which was initiated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), is likely to create new opportunities in the world market and improve the livelihood of farmers. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag certifies the distinctive place of origin and quality of the produce, and it is an indication of the increasing role of India in high agro-exports.

Significance of Geographical Indicator (GI) Tag

• India The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, became effective on 15 September 2003, forming the registration system of the GIs.

• In India, the GI-tagged product was launched in 200405 as the Darjeeling Tea.

• GI tags enhance security over products associated with a particular area, and this is authentic and recognized by the market.

• They increase potential export, rural income, and conservation of cultural heritage.

• Uttar Pradesh now boasts the most GI-tagged products in India.

GI-Tagged Limes India’s Global Agri-Trade Presence

• It was the first time India exported its air shipment of GI-tagged Indi Lime (Karnataka) and Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu) to the United Kingdom.

• The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, a state agency (APDEA), promoted the export.

• The program will facilitate the increased export of GI-tagged fruits in India, ensure that farmers have income, and enhance the international footprint of the agri-trade in India.

Conclusion

The export of GI-tagged Indi and Puliyankudi limes to the UK is a historic move in ensuring enhanced global trade in agriculture in India. This initiative, which has been promoted by APEDA, emphasizes the desire of India to promote region-specific produce, empower farmers, and increase their export potential. It is indicative of the increased exposure of the nation in the global market of high-quality agricultural products.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a historic Memorandum of Understanding with the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia to have the SJ-100 passenger aircraft manufactured in India. The pact will enable HAL to have the right to make the twin-engine, narrow-body SJ-100, which is already in operation in over 16 carriers across the world, and has already been manufactured in more than 200 units to serve the purpose of regional connectivity in India. This is the first such occasion since the termination of the AVRO HS-748 programme that a fully assembled passenger aircraft will be produced in India, marking a significant step in supporting the ambition of Indian aviation-related manufacturing industries and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat

• Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan was introduced on 12 May 2020 to create a self-reliant and resilient Indian economy.

• It is anchored on five pillars, which are Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography, and Demand.

• The project is aimed at increasing the level of domestic production, innovation, and export.

• The reforms and stimulus packages of between 10-13% of the GDP have empowered industries, generated employment, and tremendously curbed dependence on imports in major sectors.

SJ-100 Agreement Marks New Era for India’s Civil Aircraft Manufacturing

• The MoU between HAL and UAC in Russia enables India to produce the SJ-100 passenger aircraft in the country for the first time since the AVRO program.

• This is the deal that enhances the aerospace and regional aviation of India in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat program.

• It facilitates the spread of technology, the creation of jobs, and enhances the participation of India in the world aviation industry.

Conclusion

The deal between HAL and UAC of Russia to produce the SJ-100 passenger aircraft in India is a big feat in the history of aerospace in the country. It not only reinforces the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision but also brings about an increase in the capacity of India's capacity to produce civil aircraft. This partnership will enhance technology transfer, creation of jobs, and connectivity in the region, making India an up-and-coming global aviation manufacturing and innovation center in the next decade.