India has decided to join the cooperative work programme on carbon markets under the US-led Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). The Ministry of Power and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency will be the nodal bodies for India's participation. India is also considering joining the cooperative work programmes on clean electricity and sustainable aviation fuel. The IPEF aims to have a common set of rules and standards around four pillars: connectivity and digital trade, resilient supply chains, clean energy, and corruption-free fair trade. India is focused on developing its own carbon market and wants to learn from others' experiences. [ad53e9da]
India has been advised to exercise caution while finalizing the text of fair and clean economy agreements under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). A report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) suggests that India should ensure that the agreements do not overly restrict its policy space or tax revenue generation abilities. The report highlights several critical issues that India should consider, including not agreeing to a non-derogation clause that would prevent the relaxation of existing domestic rules for projects of national importance. It also advises against agreeing to minimum standards on clean energy products/technologies for domestic markets and stopping preferential treatment to domestic suppliers in government procurement of goods. The report emphasizes the importance of settling issues at the domestic level before taking on international obligations and retaining regulatory autonomy. It also cautions against agreeing to reiterate International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions under the IPEF. India should be cautious while finalizing the clean and fair economy agreements of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to ensure that new commitments do not overly restrict its policy space or tax revenue generation abilities, according to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The report suggests that India should keep critical issues in mind while finalizing the agreements, such as not agreeing to a non-derogation clause, minimum standards on clean energy products/technologies for domestic markets, and stopping preferential treatment to domestic suppliers in government procurement. The report also advises against allowing the import of genetically modified (GM) seeds and foods in the name of food security. The GTRI emphasizes the need to settle these issues at the domestic level before taking on international obligations.
Uganda has signed its fourth Country Programme Framework (CPF) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the period of 2024-2029. The CPF was signed by Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, and Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, on February 16, 2024. The CPF identifies seven priority areas for Uganda, including nuclear and radiation safety, water and the environment, introduction of nuclear power, uranium production, and feasibility studies on industrial applications such as research reactors, industrial irradiators, and non-destructive testing. Uganda has been a member state of the IAEA since 1967. [640b8a6f]