CURRENT AFFAIRS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS INDIA AND CANADA

The India-Canada Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear-Energy which was signed  [June 27, 2010] provides for cooperation in areas as design, construction, maintenance, sharing of operating experience and decommissioning of nuclear reactors, supply of uranium, projects in third countries, nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear waste management. The two countries may promote cooperation in the development and use of nuclear energy applications in the fields of agriculture, health care, industry and environment; and nuclear safety, radiation safety and environmental protection.

2. India and Canada are friendly States with comprehensive capabilities in advanced nuclear technologies. They recognize that nuclear energy is a safe, environment friendly and sustainable source of energy. Taking into account their respective strengths with regard to Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and CANDU Reactors, there is considerable scope for joint work between the two countries.

India-Canada Memorandum of Understanding for

Cooperation in Mining

An India-Canada Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today will establish cooperation between the two countries in the fields of mining and earth sciences. The MoU envisages cooperation in the specific areas of:

a. exploration geochemistry and geophysics;

b. geo-hazards;

c. geo-science information and related informatics;

d. environmental geology;

e. cooperation in improved dialogue on mining and related activities at various international fora;

f. encouragement of improved market access and bilateral in investment in relation to mining in both countries where appropriate; and

g. other areas of mutual interest to be decided upon by the participants.

2. Canada is a major mining nation with state-of-the-art technology, expertise in the mining sector. India will benefit from this MoU by way of education, training, and human resource development in geosciences as well as minerals and metals; transfer of technology in support of collaborative projects; and exchange of information on research and development.

India-Canada Memorandum of Understanding for

Cooperation in Culture

The India-Canada Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation signed today will strengthen and promote better mutual understanding in art, literature, history, sports and other cultural disciplines, and enhance protection and promotion of cultural diversity;

2. Encourage arts and cultural festivals, holding of exhibitions and special events and exchange programmes, particularly during major international events in both countries;

3. Encourage and facilitate exchanges of professionals/experts, knowledge, technical support and expertise in Archaeology, Museums, Cinematography, Arts, Libraries, Archives, Mass media, Tourism and exchanges of exhibitions of artistic, informative, historic and archaeological nature including fine arts, crafts, photography, new media arts, human and social history and heritage;

4. Share expertise on issues related to creation, production, distribution and dissemination of Indian and Canadian cultural goods and services, and facilitate participation in cultural and trade events to promote various cultural goods and services from both countries.

5. Canada will organise an exhibition on ‘Inuit Art’ in the National Museum, New Delhi in 2010. India will organise a Festival of India in Canada in 2011.

India-Canada Memorandum of Understanding for

Cooperation in Higher Education

The India-Canada Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in Higher Education signed today provides for:

2. Exchanges of students at undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral level, and short-term awards for faculty and students for research and curriculum development including doctoral studies at Indian and Canadian universities;

3. Joint workshops, seminars, special technical programs and professional/academic development activities, exchange of research materials, publications, educational literature, teaching aids, demonstration material and information;

4. Twinning arrangements between institutions of higher learning and promotion of teaching and research about India and Canada. It will bring together institutions of educational excellence in technical, vocational and higher education through education and training programmes;

5. Allows both countries to explore possibilities of mutual recognition of educational qualifications; and reciprocal internship programs in areas of mutual interest.