Secretary, MHRD, Shri Amit Khare held a meeting with Vice Chancellor, (VC), Prof. Yogesh Kumar Tyagi along and the Registrar of University of Delhi at 4:00 PM today at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.

The University authorities apprised the Secretary that the administration is taking all steps to implement the decisions arrived at as per the Record of Discussions held on 5^th December, 2019 in MHRD.

The university vide letter dated 20.12.2019 has already clarified to all colleges/institutions to appoint ad-hoc/temporary/ contract/ guest faculty as an interim arrangement before filling up the permanent vacancy.

Further, the university has taken up the issue of additional requirement of faculty under EWS scheme with UGC. The University will be finalizing the proforma for promotion of teachers.  It has also been clarified that the University shall continue the counting of past service as per UGC Regulations.

The Secretary appealed to the concerned stake holders to withdraw their agitation and work for the smooth functioning of the institutions/colleges in the interest of the students. MHRD is committed to protect the legitimate interest of all the stake holders.

 

*****

Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence of Finland Mr Jukka Juusti signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further defence cooperation between India and Finland, here today. The MoU on co-operation in the field of Production, Procurement, Research and Development of Defence related Equipment and Industrial cooperation has been inked on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2020. Under the broad ambit of the MoU, cooperation between Finnish companies and Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings could be explored.

A draft MoU between the two countries in the field of defence cooperation amongst others was under discussion since the DefExpo 2018 and has now been formalised in the run up to DefExpo 2020, to be held in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow between February 5-9, 2020.

In 2019, Mr Juusti had led a delegation to Aero India in Bengaluru and post his visit, the Permanent Secretary had evinced their interest to participate in the ‘Make in India’ vision and formalise an arrangement for Defence Industrial cooperation through an MoU.

On February 13, 2016, Prime Minister of Finland Mr Juha Sipila had bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his visit to India for the inauguration of the ‘Make in India’ week. In April 17, 2018, Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with Mr Sipila during the first India-Nordic Summit in Stockholm, Sweden. Also, a delegation from Finland had visited India between November 29 – December 02, 2018 to explore new business opportunities for Finnish companies.

 

ABB/SS/Nampi/Savvy/MTJ

The Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (IC), ShriPrahlad Singh Patel launcheda month long special exhibition titled Indian Heritage in Digital Space and a two day long first international heritage symposium today in New Delhi. The exhibition was organized in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. The exhibitionwill remain open for public till 15th February, 2020. Secretary of Department of Science & technology Shri Ashutosh Sharmawas also present on this occasion.

Speaking on the occasion ShriPrahlad Singh Patel said that visitors in this exhibition will be able to see the recreations of the socio-cultural life and traditions of Hampi, architectural and conjectural reconstructions of several important structures and experience demystification of many murals. This is a good initiative, use of technology in heritage is very important but it should not be limited to research only, it should reach topeople in such a way that they get a chance to know and understand the unseen aspects of heritage sites easily.

Shri Patel further said that the Prime Minister always says that we have world class heritage and peoplefrom acrossthe globe visit India to see our rich cultural and historical heritage. In such a situation, we should introduce the history and features of these heritages through the use of technology.A person who comes to museum should be guided by use of technology so that it enriches their experience of the visit.

This special exhibition showcase adaptation and infusion of technologies being developed under the Indian Digital Heritage (IDH) initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India in the cultural heritage domain of the country. The exhibition demonstrate the outcome of two flagship projects viz., A digital mini-spectacle to showcase the glory of Hampiand Augmented reality based interactions with physical models of monuments; that are completed under the DST mentored initiative Indian Heritage in Digital Space (IHDS). These two projects are executed by a multi-disciplinary teams from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, National Institute of Design Bengaluru, CSIR-CBRI Roorkee, Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology, and a women-led, IDH start-up Vizara Technologies, New Delhi. The goals of these projects are to create digital installations using 3D laser scan data, AR, holographic projections and 3D fabrication,to provide interactive and immersive experiences showcasing the glory of Hampi and five Indian monuments namely KashiVishwanath Temple, Varanasi; TajMahal, Agra; Sun Temple,Konark; Ramachandra Temple, Hampi ; and RaniKiVav, Patan .

This special exhibition, first of its kind in India,has a major focus to display the latest interventions in the cultural heritage domain, that are being driven by cutting-edge technologies such as 3D fabrication, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality, Holographic Projections and Projection Mapping etc.  A special installation named ‘ViRaasat’, consisting of a scaled down 3D printed replica shall provide a mixed reality experience to visitors for selected monuments, using laser-scanning, 3D modelling and rendering, 3D printing, computer vision and spatial AR.

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No imports will be allowed without HSN code into the country said the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways, Piyush Goyal in New Delhi today. He was speaking at the 6th National Standards Conclave on the subject of Standards for Trade Facilitation.

Commerce & Industry Minister further said that henceforth there must be zero tolerance for substandard products and services from industry and consumers. He further stated that Government will support industry in every way to establish standards for Indian goods and services to meet international requirements so that brand India is recognized in the world as a provider of quality products and services. Unless Indian business and industry make standards its calling card, India will not be able to reach the target of a USD 5 trillion economy, said Piyush Goyal. The Government is committed to establishing standards of Indian products and services to world class levels which will enable our exports to be accepted globally due to the quality of goods and services, added the Minister. He said Made in India should carry the commitment of 130 crore people towards quality, sincerity, customer satisfaction and not be second best.

Commerce and Industry Minister further said that it is an unfortunate reality for India that the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) entered into with other countries has not led to the growth of India’s trade and business because the poor quality of the products and services that get restricted with non-tariff barriers when exported. He further elaborated on this point with the number of Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) in countries like US (8000), Brazil (3879), China (2872) and India with only 439 TBTs. This illustrates the fact as to the manner in which India and rest of the world are looking at the concept of quality in products and services, said the Minister.

Commerce and Industry Minister further stated that the time has come to get out of the mind set of subsiding exports and adopt the mantra of zero defect zero effect in order to ensure that emerging India will be the destination for quality products and services. He said that the need of the hour is to get cracking towards a zero defect policy, that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has articulated a number of times. The Minister said that the quality standards must be accepted as the reality of an emerging India, an India that wishes to be recognised as a country manufacturing quality products.

Commerce and Industry Minister informed that the new Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act is relooking at all standards for goods and services in order to balance the interest of consumers with that of the industry which will enable the culture of quality to take root in the country and production or import of substandard products and services will not be tolerated any longer.

Commerce and Industry Minister urged BIS, FSSAI and other departments of the Government, that are mandated to set up and establish standards, to work in mission mode so that goods and services produced and imported in India meet international quality requirements. This will help India to engage with the world on equal and reciprocal terms.

Commerce and Industry Minister hoped that this will see a new era of quality production of goods and services in the country and quality will be the buzzword and the collaborative approach of Government, industry and consumer will help in setting up and upgrading standards to give the best products and services to the consumers and also ensure the protection of the environment.

The 6th National Standards Conclave is being held in Delhi on 15-16 January 2020 and is organized by Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Export Inspection Council of India (EIC), National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) and the Centre for Research on International Trade.

***

India’s overall exports (Merchandise and Services combined) in April-December2019-20* are estimated to be USD 397.48 billion, exhibiting a positive growth of 0.93 per cent over the same period last year. Overall imports in April-December 2019-20* are estimated to be USD 455.14 billion, exhibiting a negative growth of (-)5.82 per cent over the same period last year.

*Note: The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for November 2019. The data for December 2019 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI’s subsequent release.

I. MERCHANDISE TRADE

EXPORTS (including re-exports)

Exports inDecember 2019 were USD27.36 billion, as compared to USD27.86 billion in December 2018, exhibiting a negative growth of (-)1.80 per cent. In Rupee terms, exports were Rs. 1,94,764.74 crore in December 2019, as compared to Rs. 1,97,044.76 crore in December 2018, registering a negative growth of (-)1.16 per cent.

In December 2019, major commodity groups of export showing positivegrowth over the corresponding month of last year are

Cumulative value of exports for the period April-December 2019-20 was USD239.29 billion (Rs.16,84,558.61 crore) as against USD244.08 billion (Rs.17,02,261.31 crore) during the period April-December 2018-19, registering a negative growth of (-) 1.96 per cent in Dollar terms (negative growth of (-)1.04 per cent in Rupee terms).

Non-petroleum and Non Gems and Jewellery exports in December 2019 were USD21.05 billion, as compared to USD21.16 billion in December 2018, exhibiting a negative growth of (-)0.54 per cent. Non-petroleum and Non Gems and Jewellery exports in April-December 2019-20 were USD177.81 billion, as compared to USD177.65 billion for the corresponding period in 2018-19, anincrease of 0.09 per cent.

IMPORTS

Imports in December 2019 were USD38.61 billion (Rs.2,74,883.64 crore), which was 8.83 per cent lower in Dollar terms and 8.24 per cent lower in Rupee terms over imports of USD42.35 billion (Rs.2,99,553.40 crore) in December 2018. Cumulative value of imports for the period April-December 2019-20 was USD357.39 billion (Rs.25,14,783.82 crore), as against USD392.31 billion (Rs.27,37,092.01 crore) during the period April-December 2018-19, registering a negative growth of (-)8.90 per cent in Dollar terms (negative growth of (-)8.12 per cent in Rupee terms).

Major commodity groups of import showing negative growth in December 2019 over the corresponding month of last year are:

CRUDE OIL AND NON-OIL IMPORTS:

Oil imports inDecember 2019 were USD10.69 billion (Rs. 76,136.69 crore), which was 0.83 percentlower in Dollar terms (0.18 percent lower in Rupee terms), compared to USD10.78 billion (Rs. 76,275.54 crore) in December2018. Oil imports in April-December 2019-20 were USD95.69 billion (Rs. 6,73,447.56 crore) which was 11.78 per cent lower in Dollar terms (11.13 percent lower in Rupee terms) compared to USD108.47 billion (Rs. 7,57,772.55crore), over the same period last year.

In this connection it is mentioned that the global Brent price ($/bbl) has increased by 16.63% in December 2019 vis-à-vis December 2018 as per data available from World Bank.

Non-oil imports inDecember 2019 were estimated at USD27.92billion (Rs. 1,98,746.95 crore) which was 11.56 per cent lower in Dollar terms (10.99 percent lower in Rupee terms), compared to USD31.57billion (Rs. 2,23,277.86 crore) in December 2018. Non-oil imports in April-December 2019-20 were USD261.70 billion (Rs. 18,41,336.26 crore) which was 7.80 per cent lower in Dollar terms (6.97 percent lower in Rupee terms), compared to USD283.84 billion (Rs. 19,79,319.46 crore) in April-December2018-19.

Non-Oil and Non-Gold imports wereUSD25.45 billion in December 2019, recording a negative growth of (-)12.24 per cent, as compared to Non-Oil and Non-Gold importsof USD 29.00 billion in December 2018. Non-Oil and Non-Gold imports wereUSD238.64 billion in April-December 2019-20, recording a negative growth of (-)7.90 per cent, as compared to Non-Oil and Non-Gold importsUSD 259.11 billion in April-December 2018-19.

 

II. TRADE IN SERVICES

EXPORTS (Receipts)

As per the latest press release by RBI dated 15^thJanuary 2020, exports in November2019 were USD 18.00 billion (Rs. 1,28,584.48 crore) registering a positive growth of 7.91 per cent in dollar terms, vis-à-vis November2018. The estimated value of services export for December 2019* is USD 17.92 billion.

IMPORTS (Payments)

As per the latest press release by RBI dated 15^th January 2020, imports in November 2019 were USD 11.47 billion (Rs. 81,969.39 crore) registering a positive growth of 13.48 per cent in dollar terms, vis-à-vis November 2018. The estimated value of service Import for December 2019* is USD 11.32 billion.

III.TRADE BALANCE

MERCHANDISE: The trade deficit for December 2019 was estimated at USD11.25 billion as against the deficit of USD14.49 billion inDecember 2018.

SERVICES: As per RBI’s Press Release dated 15^th January2020, the trade balance in Services (i.e. Net Services export) for November, 2019 is estimated at USD6.52 billion.

OVERALL TRADE BALANCE: Taking merchandise and services together, overall trade deficit for April-December 2019-20* is estimated at USD57.66 billion as compared to USD89.46 billion in April-December 2018-19.

 

*Note: The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for November 2019. The data for December 2019 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI’s subsequent release.       

 

MERCHANDISE TRADE

 

EXPORTS & IMPORTS  : (US $ Billion)
(PROVISIONAL)
	DECEMBER	APRIL-DECEMBER
EXPORTS(including re-exports)
2018-19	27.86	244.08
2019-20	27.36	239.29
%Growth 2019-20/ 2018-19	-1.80	-1.96
IMPORTS
2018-19	42.35	392.31
2019-20	38.61	357.39
%Growth 2019-20/ 2018-19	-8.83	-8.90
TRADE BALANCE
2018-19	-14.49	-148.23
2019-20	-11.25	-118.10
EXPORTS &IMPORTS: (Rs. Crore)
(PROVISIONAL)
	DECEMBER	APRIL-DECEMBER
EXPORTS(including re-exports)
2018-19	1,97,044.76	17,02,261.31
2019-20	1,94,764.74	16,84,558.61
%Growth 2019-20/ 2018-19	-1.16	-1.04
IMPORTS
2018-19	2,99,553.40	27,37,092.01
2019-20	2,74,883.64	25,14,783.82
%Growth 2019-20/ 2018-19	-8.24	-8.12
TRADE BALANCE
2018-19	-1,02,508.64	-10,34,830.70
2019-20	-80,118.90	-8,30,225.21

 

 

SERVICES TRADE

 

EXPORTS & IMPORTS (SERVICES) : (US $ Billion)
(PROVISIONAL)	November 2019	April-November 2019-20
EXPORTS (Receipts)	18.00	140.27
IMPORTS (Payments)	11.47	86.44
TRADE BALANCE	6.52	53.83
EXPORTS & IMPORTS (SERVICES): (Rs. Crore)
(PROVISIONAL)	November 2019	April-November 2019-20
EXPORTS (Receipts)	1,28,584.48	9,86,225.58
IMPORTS (Payments)	81,969.39	6,07,776.64
TRADE BALANCE	46,615.09	3,78,448.94
Source: RBI Press Release dated 15thJanuary 2020

 

*Note: The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for November 2019. The data for December 2019 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI’s subsequent release.

 

* Link for Quick Estimates:

***

Moving ahead after the recent amendments MMDR Act 1957 and the CMSP Act 2015,the Ministry of Coal is initiating the process for auction of coal mines for sale of coal.Expected to be held in multiple tranches, the first tranche is proposed to be launched in the current financial year. The Union Ministerfor Coal and Mines ShriPralhad Joshi said that this is a historic step towards Ease of Doing Business and democratization of coal and mining sectors.

A Discussion Paper containing the draft methodology and key bidding terms and conditions on the auction of coal mines for sale of coal has been uploaded on https://www.coal.nic.in/ and  https://www.coal.nic.in/content/nominated-authority.  A tentative list of mines along with mine-specific details  are also provided at https://coalblock-is.cmpdi.co.in/pages/dashboard.php

The Ministry of Coalhas urged interested stakeholders to view the Discussion Paper and the mine specific details and submit their views/ suggestions, indicate their preferences for the mines to be considered for auction under the first tranche, as per the instructions provided in the Discussion Paper.

The Ordinance promulgated last week, amended the CM(SP) Act, 2015 and MMDR Act, 1957,whereby the restriction on prior experience in coal mining was removed thus enabling wider participation in auction of coal mines. Further, the Ordinance also enables auction of unexplored and partially explored coal blocks for mining through prospecting license-cum-mining Lease (PL-cum-ML).These steps are expected to result in opening up of the coal sector completely for commercial mining to local as well as global firms. This would further boost economic growth and employment generation.

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SP/NG

“Gaganyaan” space astronauts will start their training this month, most likely in the third week of January.

This was disclosed here today by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh who also said that the training of the astronauts for India’s first human space mission will take place in Russia.  Four astronauts have been identified for the mission, he added.

It was further disclosed by the Minister that four astronauts, shortlisted for the mission, will receive training for 11 months.  All the four astronauts selected for the mission are men but their identity cannot be revealed.

After 11 months of training in Russia, the astronauts will receive module specific training in India. In that, they will be trained in crew and service module designed by ISRO, learn to operate it, work around it and do simulations.  As per the ISRO sources, India’s heaviest launch vehicle “Bahubali” GSLV Mark-III will the carry astronauts to space.

Rs.10,000 crores has already been sanctioned by the Union Cabinet  for  the Gaganyaan project. This followed the announcement made by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the Independence Day last year, stating that the Gaganyaan launch will coincide with the 75th year of India’s Independence.

Though the first Indian to go into space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984 but the spacecraft in which he went was not Indian.  Therefore, Gaganyaan will be the first – ever human space mission conceived and developed in India, as a distinct illustration of the Prime Minister’s “Make in India” vision.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has saluted the  courage and valour of  the Indian Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day.

“भारत की सेना मां भारती की आन-बान और शान है। सेना दिवस के अवसर पर मैं देश के सभी सैनिकों के अदम्य साहस, शौर्य और पराक्रम को सलाम करता हूं।

Our Army is known for its valour and professionalism. It is also respected for its humanitarian spirit. Whenever people have needed help, our Army has risen to the occasion and done everything possible! Proud of our Army”, the Prime Minister said.

*****

Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation who is on a visit to India to participate in the Raisina Dialogue, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.

Foreign Minister Lavrov conveyed to the Prime Minister greetings from H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. The Prime Minister warmly reciprocated, the greetings and conveyed his best wishes for peace and prosperity of the Russian people in the New Year.

The Prime Minister referred to the wide-ranging conversation he had with President Putin over telephone on 13 January 2020, and noted the progress in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the previous year.

Foreign Minister Lavrov conveyed that President Putin looked forward to the visit of the Prime Minister to Russia in May 2020 to participate in the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Victory Day, and in July 2020 for the BRICS and SCO Summits. Prime Minister welcomed multiple occasions this year to meet President Putin, and said that he also looked forward to hosting President Putin in India for the Annual Bilateral Summit later this year.

The Prime Minister noted that several important decisions and outcomes were reached between the two countries in 2019. He suggested that the year 2020, which is also the 20th anniversary year of the establishment of strategic partnership between India and the Russian Federation, should be the ‘year of implementation of those decisions’.

Foreign Minister Lavrov briefed the Prime Minister on Russia’s position on key international and regional issues.

***

Ministerial level delegates from 12 countries called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at his residence today, on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue.

Mr. Edgars Rinkevics, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Mr. Abdulaziz Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Mr. Peter Szijjarto, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, National Security Advisor of Afghanistan, Mr. Tomas Petricek, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic, Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Minister of Information of Bangladesh, Mr. Urmas Reinsalu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Dr. Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Mr. Jeppe Kofod, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Ms. Patricia Scotland, Secretary General of The Commonwealth, Mr. Vladimir Norov, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, were the delegates who called on the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister welcomed the leaders to India and appreciated their participation at Raisina Dialogue 2020. The Prime Minister spoke about the large-scale efforts undertaken by the Government for rapid and inclusive socio-economic development and highlighted their significance for alleviating major global developmental challenges and attaining Sustainable Development Goals.

***

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, graced and addressed the tenth foundation day of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) and the seventh convocation ceremony in New Delhi today (January 15, 2020).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that In India, we need about two lakh liver transplants a year, while only a few thousand are done every year. There is need to establish liver transplant programs in more public hospitals and ILBS can provide necessary expertise in this regard. But perhaps most crucial is to encourage organ donation and spread awareness about it. There is a huge gap between the requirement and availability of organs needed for saving lives. The dearth of donors results mainly from lack of awareness about organ donation. He urged ILBS to prepare a roadmap suggesting ways and means to encourage Liver donation, to improve the related procedures and protocols, and to strengthen the infrastructure needed to support a higher number of Liver transplants than is currently possible.

The President said that the growing incidence of liver diseases is also linked to our unhealthy lifestyles. He noted that, at present, nearly one out of four Indians have fatty liver and may be ten per cent of them have liver diseases due to excessive body fat. He said that this condition is known to be a precursor to development of diabetes and heart disease. And diabetics have greater incidence of liver disease than others. It is for institutes like ILBS to take up research that can clarify the linkages between our lifestyle and liver diseases. That would help in developing a preventive care system based in lifestyle changes.

 

Click here to see the President’s speech

 

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Rashtrapati Bhavan and Mughal Gardens will remain close for public viewing on January 23, 25 and 26, 2020 in view of the Republic Day Parade 2020.

*****

Minister of State(I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Kiren Rijiju  andactor Suniel Shetty have called for a clean and drug-free sports culture, urging Khelo India athletes to refrain from any banned substances.During a workshop in Guwahati todayto educate youngsters about the dangers of dope, Suniel Shetty, who is a brand ambassador of the National Anti-Doping Agency shared his own success story to underline the importance of sports in a child’s life. He said “You may make many mistakes in your life but make sure that you don’t eat anything which is wrong. Whatever I have achieved in my life, it is purely because of sports”. He said, “I used to practice martial arts and I used to train really hard. I became an actor in my life only because I was an athlete. I still believe that I am a part of sports”.

 

 

The minister and the star took part in a shootout after a football match to entertain the spectators and to share their message.The Minister assured all athletes that they would be given full support as long as they stay away from banned substances.”Everyone in the country can see that the Khelo India Youth Games are being conducted well in Guwahati. Suniel Shetty has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the National Anti-Doping Agency to spread the message of being clean. I would like to tell all coaches and parents that they should ensure that all athletes should refrain from banned drugs. All athletes should stay clean and become champions. We are here to support all the athletes,” said Shri Rijiju.

 

Expressing  happiness atthe scale and success of the Khelo India Youth Games, Shetty said,“it was unbelievable that so many youngsters are getting a chance to feel that they are the stars of tomorrow”. He stated that youngsters need to be encouraged and be aware of what it is to represent the country.

***

Adoption is no longer an act of bringing a child home but it is a legal process where all the rights and privileges of a child are safeguarded along with the transfer of responsibilities to adoptive parents in a legal manner said Union Minister of Women and Child Development (WCD), Smriti Zubin Irani in New Delhi today.  She further said that a large number of parents are waiting to adopt, even as the total number of reported adoptions is less when compared to the figures of destitute and orphan children in the country. The WCD Minister was speaking at the National Consultation on Adoption organized by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), a statutory body of Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Smriti Zubin Irani urged all stakeholders that deliberations must lead to the way forward in order to improve the implementation of the adoption programme thereby ensuring the best interest of the children. She further said that the Government is committed to take all measures to ensure a bright future for the children of the country.

Officials and stakeholders from all States and UTs participated in the consultations.  Major issues deliberated upon during the national consultation were simplification of the adoption process, bringing more children in need of care and protection into the adoption pool, rehabilitation of older and special needs children and issues related to adoption being faced by the implementing agencies and state bodies.

The consultation was attended by Secretary WCD, Rabindra Panwar, CEO and Member Secretary CARA, Deepak Kumar and other senior officials from the Government of India.

 

****

Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, Union Minister of State for Steel, Govt. of India visited the Head Office of NMDC Limited at Hyderabad today and reviewed its performance. The Minister met CMD, Directors, CVO and Senior Officials of the company.

Shri Kulastesaid NMDC is one of the largest mining companies in India that has been the backbone of steel industry ensuring raw material security to steel producers. He appreciated NMDC’s efforts for carrying out sustainable and responsible mining. He also enquired about renewal position of Diamond Mining Project, Panna and congratulated NMDC for its CSR initiatives.

Earlier CMD, NMDC Shri N. Baijendra Kumar apprised the Minister about NMDC’s performance, progress of ongoing projects and assured that best efforts are put to enhance production and productivity.

***