Logistics Index Chart 2024

The Logistics Index Chart, released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry, serves as an indicator of the efficiency of logistical services essential for promoting exports and economic growth.

Achievers

• Gujarat
• Karnataka
• Maharashtra
• Odisha
• Tamil Nadu
• Delhi
• Chandigarh
• Haryana
• Telangana
• Uttar Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• Assam
• Arunachal Pradesh

Fast Movers

• Andhra Pradesh
• Goa
• Bihar
• Himachal Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Punjab
• Rajasthan
• Meghalaya
• Mizoram
• Nagaland
• Sikkim
• Tripura
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Lakshadweep
• Puducherry

Aspirers

• Kerala
• West Bengal
• Chhattisgarh
• Jharkhand
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Ladakh

Changes in Rankings

• Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh improved from 'Fast Movers' and 'Aspirers' in 2023 to 'Achievers' in 2024.
• Punjab has slipped from 'Achievers' to 'Fast Movers' in 2024.
• Andhra Pradesh has moved from 'Achievers' in 2023 to 'Fast Movers' in 2024.

India-US Bilateral Trade Relations

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the Indian government's commitment to strengthening ties with the new US administration under President-elect Donald Trump.

• India has maintained strong bilateral relations with past US administrations under leaders like Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden.
• Concerns are present regarding potential tariffs from the US targeting India, along with China, Mexico, and Canada.

Impact on Indian Exports

• The Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) warned of susceptibility in consumer goods exports, such as pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and marine products, to US tariffs.
• India's exports in consumer goods to the US amounted to $26.6 billion, representing a significant portion of the bilateral trade valued at $29.5 billion.
• The US accounts for 18% of India's exports, a rise from 10% in 2010–11.
• India's export basket to the US encompasses textiles, electronics, and engineering.

Export Projections

Goyal expressed optimism despite global challenges, projecting exports will exceed $800 billion in FY25, an increase from $778 billion in the previous year.

Challenges for Developing Countries

Goyal noted the strain on developing and least developed countries (LDCs) due to the forex crisis and ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India

Goyal highlighted advancements in the EV sector, stating companies agree no further subsidies are needed post the existing regime.

• EVs are supported under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, approved with a budget of 25,938 crore for five years.
• EV sales in 2022 reached approximately 10 lakh units, with Tata Motors leading in passenger EVs.

Increase in Student Enrolment in PM-SHRI Schools

Student enrolment has significantly increased in PM-SHRI schools, demonstrating a strong impact of the scheme on educational participation across selected states in India.

Statistics on Enrolment Increase

• The enrolment increased by 75.8% across 40 schools in five states: Manipur, Tripura, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Initial enrolment in these schools was 14,258 in 2020-21, rising to 25,065 in 2023-24.
• Individual school enrolment increases ranged from 49% to 295%.
• In Manipur, one school saw enrolment jump from 173 to 684, marking an increase of approximately 295%.

About the PM-SHRI Scheme

• The PM-SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme was approved in 2022.
• Aims to develop 14,500 schools nationwide to showcase the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Functions as exemplar schools and mentors for regional schools.
• Targets existing elementary, secondary, and senior secondary schools run by the Centre, state, or local government.
• So far, 12,084 schools have been selected under this scheme.

Current Implementation Status

• Three states - Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal - have yet to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education to implement the PM-SHRI scheme.
• The increase in enrolment reflects a growing willingness among parents to send their children to government schools, seeing them as branded and of good quality.

18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Programme

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas programme is slated to occur in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10.

Chief Guest

• Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo is the chief guest.
• President Kangaloo is a descendant of Indian indentured workers who migrated to the Caribbean in the late 1800s.
• Her professional background includes a legal career starting in the 1990s and entering politics in 2001.
• She has held various ministerial positions, covering portfolios such as legal affairs, and science and technology.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards

President Droupadi Murmu will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman during the valedictory session of the PBD Convention.

• The award recognizes the achievements of the Indian diaspora in multiple fields.
• Prominent awardees include:
   
  • Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar from the UK for her contributions in politics.
•  
  • Dr. Sharmila Ford from the US for community service.
•  
• Several institutions have also been recognized.

Selection Process

• The award recipients for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) 2025 were recommended by a Jury-cum-Awards Committee.
• The PBSA is the highest honor bestowed upon overseas Indians.

Indo-Iran Bilateral Relationship Review

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Majid Takht Ravanchi, conducted a review of the bilateral relationship between India and Iran during their meeting.

Discussion Topics

• Chabahar Port:
  The significance of Chabahar Port was underscored for its role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction and economic development.
• Agricultural Cooperation:
  Emphasis on enhancing agricultural ties between the two nations.
• Trade and Economic Issues:
  Discussions aimed at improving trade relations and addressing economic challenges.
• Cultural and People-to-People Ties:
  Focus on strengthening cultural exchanges and enhancing connections between the people of both countries.

Foreign Office Consultations (FOC)

The 19th India-Iran FOC was conducted in New Delhi, led by Foreign Secretary Misri and Majid Takht Ravanchi.

Regional and Global Developments

• Situations Discussed:
  • Afghanistan
  • West Asia
  • South Caucasus

Multilateral Cooperation

• Commitment Reaffirmed:
  • United Nations (UN)
  • BRICS
  • Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

Meeting with Jaishankar

Deputy FM Ravanchi also met with Jaishankar to discuss bilateral matters and regional challenges, with a focus on maintaining a high-level exchange momentum to strengthen cooperation.