Current affairs 11 November 2024

Indian farmers taxed $120 bn via export restrictions in 2023: OECD.

• India imposed export bans and duties on commodities like rice, sugar, and onions to control food prices, leading to $120 billion in implicit taxes on farmers in 2023, the highest among 54 countries.
• Despite positive support through MSP and subsidies, Indian farmers faced a negative market price support (MPS) of $110 billion, resulting in a net negative support of 15.4% of gross farm receipts.

Canada ended fast-track visa for students from 14 nations.

• Canada has ended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program to address housing and resource challenges.
• This affected international students from 14 countries, including India and China.
• The program, which expedited study permit applications since 2018, is discontinued to strengthen program integrity and ensure equal access for all students.

India’s ICAR-NRC Equine earned WOAH Reference Laboratory Status.

• Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Equines (ICAR-NRC), Hisar has been designated as Animal Health (WOAH) Reference Laboratory for Equine Piroplasmosis.
• The lab will play a vital role in global research, diagnostics & combating equine piroplasmosis.
• Equine piroplasmosis is caused by tick-borne protozoan parasites Babesia caballi & Theileria equi.

Russia ratifies strategic partnership treaty with North Korea.

• Russia has signed legislation ratifying a treaty with North Korea, ensuring mutual military assistance in the event of an armed attack.
• The treaty, which was agreed upon during Putin's June visit to North Korea, aims to bolster regional and global security.
• The deal includes provisions for immediate military support between the two nations, aligning with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

India gifted two Interceptors to Mozambique for maritime security.

• India gifted two Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) to Mozambique, enhancing its maritime security capabilities, especially in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the Cabo Delgado province.
• The FICs are equipped with machine guns, bullet-resistant cabins, and can travel at speeds of 45 knots with a range of 200 nautical miles.
• This initiative strengthens India-Mozambique ties.