Page 492 - ES 2020-21_Volume-1-2 [28-01-21]

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c. The component systems that would be developed simultaneously and later latched
on to iLOG through open APIs are secured logistics document exchange (Aadhaar
and Blockchain-based security protocols); truck visibility & positioning platform
(integrated with e-way bill and Vahan); National e-registry of warehousing; digital
trucking; logistics account number (LAN); digital Green corridor; digital port
decongestion and container tracking & management system.

3.47 It is estimated that logistics sector employs 12 million workforce, involved mainly in
land transportation, warehousing (storage and packaging), supply chain and courier and express
services. In order to impart right set of skills to them, a curriculum on logistics and supply
chain is being developed for classes 9 and 10 at the school level. Courses will be introduced
in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas
Yojana (PMKVY), Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) and state
skill missions.

INDIA’S ENGAGEMENT WITH WTO
3.48 India is one of the founding members of WTO, which has played an important
part in the effective formulation of major trade policies. Increasing protectionism,
inadequate members in the Appellate Tribunal for dispute resolution, increasing number
of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) etc. have
resulted in member countries questioning the efficacy of WTO as an institution meant
to ensure free trade and promote multilateralism. In the ongoing discussions on WTO
reforms, India's proposal seeks to re-affirm the importance of development and promote
inclusive growth. The broad elements of India's proposal include: (i) Preserving the core
values of the Multilateral Trading System; (ii) Resolving the impasse in the Dispute
Settlement System; (iii) Safeguarding development concerns; and (iv) Transparency
and Notifications.
3.49 During the WTO TRIPS Council meeting, held on 15-16 October, 2020, India and South
Africa jointly proposed “Waiver from Certain Provisions of the TRIPS Agreement for the
Prevention, Containment and Treatment of COVID-19” for a limited time period, with a view to
ensure that the intellectual property rights do not become a barrier in the timely and affordable
access to medical products, including vaccines and therapeutics, and enable nations to deal
effectively with the public health emergency arising out of COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal
has received broad-based support from many WTO members, civil society and international
organizations.
3.50 The WTO’s Appellate Body (AB) is a permanent body intended by the Dispute
Settlement Understanding (DSU) to resolve appeals on issues of law. It is ordinarily
composed of seven members having a four-year term, with the possibility of one
reappointment. Since July 2017, the United States has been stalling AB appointments
on the pretext that it has not been functioning in accordance with the DSU norms –
precipitating the ‘Appellate Body crisis’. With fewer than three members to hear any
appeal since 10 December, 2019, the AB is not able to function as mandated under the
th
DSU. In the wake of this crisis, around 23 WTO members have created a Multiparty Interim
Arbitration (MPIA) mechanism that closely replicates the substantive and procedural