Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare has released the Final Estimates of 2018-19 and 1^st Advance Estimates of 2019-20 of Area and Production of various Horticulture Crops. These are based on the information received from different State/UTs and other source agencies.

Total Horticulture	2017-18	2018-19 (Final)	2019-20 (1st Advanced Estimate)
Area  (Million Hectare)	25.24	25.43	25.61
Production (Million Tonne)	310.67	310.74	313.35

 

Highlights of 2018-19(Final)        

• The Total Horticulture Production of the country is estimated to be 310.74 Million Tonne in 2018-19, which is marginally higher than the Horticulture Production in 2017-18.

• Increase in Fruits, Flowers, Spices and Honey while decrease in Vegetables, Aromatic & Medicinal Plants and Plantation Crops.
• Fruits Production is estimated to be around 97.97 Million Tonne, compared to 96.45 Million Tonne of 2017-18.
• Vegetables Production is estimated to be around 183.17 Million, which is lesser than the production of 2017-18.

• Onion Production is estimated to be around 22.82 Million Tonne, which is lesser than the production of 2017-18.
• Potato Production is estimated to be around 50.19 Million Tonne, which is lesser than the production of 2017-18.
• Tomato Production is estimated to be around 19.01 Million Tonne, which is lower than the production of 2017-18.

 

Highlights of 2019-20 (1st Advance Estimates)      

• Total Horticulture production in 2019-20 (1^st Advance Estimates) is expected to be 0.84% higher than 2018-19.
• Increase in Vegetables, Aromatics and Medicinal and Plantations is envisaged but decrease in Fruits, Flowers and Spices is expected.
• The Fruits production is expected to be lower by 2.27% in 2019-20 over 2018-19. It is mainly due to loss in production of Grapes, Banana, Mango, Citrus, Papaya and Pomegranate.
• Increase of 2.64 % in production of vegetables in 2019-20 over 2018-19.  Increase is mainly due to increased production of Onion, Potato and Tomato.

• Onion production is expected to be 24.45 Million Tonne (increase of 7.17%) as compared to 22.82 Million Tonne in 2018-19.
• Potato production is expected to be 51.94 Million Tonne (increase of 3.49%) as compared to 50.19 Million Tonne in 2018-19.
• Tomato production is expected to be 19.33 Million Tonne (increase of 1.68%) as compared to 19.01 Million Tonnes in 2018-19.

****

 Please click here for details

 

APS/JP

There is one casual vacancy in the Karnataka Legislative Council by the members of Legislative Assembly. The details of the vacancy are as follow:

Name of Member	Nature of election	Cause of vacancy	Term up to
Sh. Rizwan Arshad	By MLAs	Elected to Karnataka Legislative Assembly on 09.12.2019	14.06.2022

 

2.         The Commission has decided to hold a bye-election to the Karnataka Legislative Council by the members of the Legislative Assembly to fill the above mentioned vacancy as per the following schedule: –

 

S. No.	Events	Dates
	Issue of Notifications	30th January, 2020  (Thursday)
	Last Date of making nominations	06th February, 2020 (Thursday)
	Scrutiny of nominations	07th February, 2020 (Friday)
	Last date for withdrawal of candidatures	10th February, 2020 (Monday)
	Date of Poll	17th February, 2020 (Monday)
	Hours of Poll	9.00 A.M. to 4.00 P.M.
	Counting of Votes	17th February, 2020 (Monday) at 5.00 P.M.
	Date before which election shall be completed	18th February, 2020 (Tuesday)

 

SBS/MR/AC

Cabinet Secretary today (27.1.2020) reviewed the situation arising out of “Novel Coronavirus” outbreak in China.

2.      Secretaries in the Ministries of Health, External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Labour, Defence, I&B and Member-Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority, DG (Armed Forces Medical Services) attended the Meeting.

3.      Cabinet Secretary was informed that till yesterday 137 flights have been screened (total cumulative passengers 29707).

4.      Samples of 12 passengers were referred to NIV Pune.  No positive case has been reported so far.

5.      Following actions are being taken:

Ministry of Civil Aviation

(i)      issue of instruction to airlines for managing and notifying anybody reporting illness on all flights with direct or indirect connectivity to China.

(ii)      facilitate in-flight announcements and

(iii)     distribution of health cards to all flights with direct or indirect connectivity to China.

Ministry of Home Affairs

To ensure that integrated check posts initiate screening of visitors across Nepal border. States have been requested to provide health staff for these check posts. SSB/ BSF/Immigration officers manning integrated check posts have been sensitized.

Ministry of Shipping

To initiate entry screening at the International ports having traffic from China.

6.      Health Ministry also held a review meeting earlier today with Chief Secretaries to review the preparedness and screening in 5 states having border with Nepal, in addition to Pr. Secretaries (Health) of other states.  They have been asked to ensure that community level monitoring of passengers is undertaken through health staff.

7.      It was decided that steps may be taken to prepare for possible evacuation of Indian nationals in Wuhan. Accordingly, Ministry of External Affairs will make a request to the Chinese authorities.

8.      Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Health will make arrangements for transport and quarantine facilities respectively.

 

***

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shall be addressing the 3^rd Global Potato Conclave at Gandhinagar, Gujarat through remote video conferencing tomorrow i.e 28^th of January 2020.

Prime Minister is expected to take an overall view of the achievements and opportunities in the area of potato research, trade and industry, and value chain management and set a roadmap for the decade.

The present conclave is the third in the series. In a gap of every ten years it is necessary to work out the achievements in potato sector and set a roadmap for forthcoming decade. In this direction, during last two decades two Global Potato Conferences were organized during 1999, and 2008.

The Conclave will provide an opportunity to bring all stakeholders at one common platform so that all the issues are discussed and future plans are made involving everyone related to the potato sector. This will be a unique event to expose different stakeholders of the country to the frontiers of knowledge and innovations in potato research.

Gujarat is one of the leading producers of Potato in the country.  In the last eleven years alone, while the area under potato in India, has increased by 19%, it has increased by about 170% in Gujarat (49.7 thousand ha in 2006-07 to 133 thousand ha in 2017-18). With a productivity of more than 30t/ha, Gujarat is holding the No. 1 position in India for last one decade. The State uses modern methods of agriculture like sprinkler and drip irrigation for cultivation.

The State also has the best of the cold storage facilities and linkages and is a hub for major potato processing industries in the country.

In addition most of the potato exporters are also based in Gujarat. These have led to emergence of the state as a major potato hub in the country.

In the light of this the 3^rd Global Conclave is being held in Gujarat.

The Conclave is being organized by Indian Potato Association (IPA) in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, and ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla and International Potato Center (CIP), Lima, Peru.

This mega event has three major components; (i) The Potato Conference, (ii) The Agri Expo and (iii) Potato Field Day.

The Potato Conference will be held for 3 days during 28-30 January, 2020. It will have 10 themes out of which 8 themes are based on basic and applied research. The remaining two themes will have special emphasis on potato trade, value chain management and policy issues.

AgriExpo will be organized during 28 to 30 January, 2020, to showcase the status of potato-based industries and trade, processing, seed potato production, biotechnology, public-private partnership in technology transfer and farmers related products etc.

Potato Field Day will be organized on January 31, 2020. This will include demonstration of advancements in potato mechanization, potato varieties and latest technologies.

Major issues that are to crop up are Shortage of Planting Material, Supply Chains, Post-Harvest Losses, needs for enhanced processing, export and diversified utilisation and necessary policy support – viz for production and use of certified seed, for long distance transport and export promotion.

*****

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will attend the National Cadet Corps (NCC) rally at the Cariappa Parade ground in New Delhi tomorrow.

At the event, Prime Minister will inspect the Guard of Honour and review the March Past by the various NCC contingents. Along with a cultural performance, NCC cadets will present before the Prime Minister their capabilities in fields such as adventure sports, music and performance arts.

Prime Minister will also distribute awards for the meritorious NCC cadets and will later address the gathering.

Every year, hundreds of NCC cadets come to New Delhi for the Republic Day camp. Last year, Prime Minister while addressing the NCC rally had applauded their efforts in the relief and rescue operations during natural disasters as well as their efforts for the promotion of initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

 

***

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi hailed the historic Bodo Accord signed today and said the Accord will lead to transformative results for the Bodo people.

In a tweet Prime Minister said, “Ushering in a new dawn of peace, harmony and togetherness! Today is a very special day for India. The Accord with Bodo groups, which has been inked today will lead to transformative results for the Bodo people.

Bodo Accord inked today stands out for many reasons. It successfully brings together the leading stakeholders under one framework. Those who were previously associated with armed resistance groups will now be entering the mainstream and contributing to our nation’s progress.

The Accord with Bodo groups will further protect and popularise the unique culture of the Bodo people. They will get access to a wide range of development oriented initiatives. We are committed to doing everything possible to help the Bodo people realise their aspirations”.

****

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today asserted that there was no scope for outside interference in India’s internal matters.

Expressing his concern over the trend of foreign bodies interfering in matters that are completely within the purview of the Indian Parliament and the Indian Government, Shri Naidu said that such efforts were totally uncalled for and unwarranted and expressed hope that they would refrain from making such statements in future.

Addressing the gathering after releasing the book ‘TRG-An Enigma’ in New Delhi today, Shri Naidu said that as a mature Republic and democratic polity, India capable of addressing the concerns of its citizens and needs no advice or guidance in such matters from others.

“As a Republic of 70 years of experience, we have successfully withstood various challenges and have overcome several challenges. We are now more united than ever before and no one should have any concerns in this regard”, he said.

The Vice President complimented the people of our country for India’s successful 70-year long journey as a Republic and said that we as a nation will always be committed to Justice, Liberty and Equality for all of our citizens.

Asserting that our polity and democracy provided enough space for expressing differences and dissent whenever warranted, the Vice President said that whenever basic and fundamental rights of citizens came under threat, citizens rose in unison and defended them, as was seen against emergency. “As a result, we have emerged as the most vibrant democracy in the world”, he added.

Lauding Shri Tilak Raj Gupta’s distinguished contribution to education in India for over five long decades, the Vice President said that his humane management approach, along with his love and affection for students, staff and parents made him an outstanding educator.

Emphasizing that educators of the 21st century cannot merely be content with imparting knowledge Shri Naidu said that they must serve as true role models to children. “Educators must be capable of amalgamating new technology with ancient traditions and merging new knowledge with age-old cultural values”, he added.

The Vice President said that he had always looked upon education as a mission, something that has to be undertaken with the purest of intentions and not profit motive. He advised the best minds in each field, each discipline to turn to teaching and asked practitioners in various fields to find some time to pass on their practical experience to students.

Observing that ‘New India’ needed vibrant young thinkers who are willing to experiment and explore the various possibilities around them, he called upon the youth of the nation to become solution-makers.

The Vice President also stressed that education was meant not just to secure employment but also for enhancement of knowledge, empowerment, and enlightenment. “Education is meaningful only if it can bring out the best in every person and make them more compassionate human beings. The need of the hour is to impart value-based education”, he said.

Referring to India’s cherished ideal of ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava’, the Vice President said that secularism is one of the founding principles of the nation and is a value that is ingrained in every Indian. The Vice President also said that India is one of the most vibrant, diverse and tolerant nations in the world.

 

Congratulating the winners of the Padma Awards that were announced recently, the Vice President also appreciated the government for recognizing these unrecognized voices.

 

Shri. Tilak Raj Gupta, Mrs.  Pushpa Mahajan, Dr. Harsh Mahajan, and others were present on the occasion.

 

The following is the full text of the speech:

Shri. Tilak Raj Gupta Ji, Mrs.  Pushpa Mahajan, Mrs. & Dr. Harsh Mahajan, distinguished invitees and sisters, and brothers,

I am delighted to release the book, “TRG- an Enigma”, which provides a unique insight to Shri. TR Gupta’s life and his distinguished contribution to education in India over five long decades.

Shri Tilak Raj Gupta took over the Hans Raj Model School, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi in 1970.

The growth of the Hans Raj Model School from tents to the present beautiful complex is not only a testament of Shri T.R. Gupta’s hard work and dedication but is also a pacesetter for the 800 D.A.V. Public Schools and institutions all over the country that used this school as a model and inspiration.

His humane management approach as a Principal cum Manager over his tenure of 25 years, along with his love and affection for students, staff and parents made him an outstanding educator.

Shri Gupta was born into a poor family in village Der Gwar near Batala, in district Gurdaspur. From a tender age, Shri. TR Gupta was filled with nationalistic fervor and joined the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS).

There is an impressive anecdote from his life that I was truly impressed to learn about. I am told that in 1948, during an agitation launched by the RSS was arrested and taken to District Jail, Gurdaspur. He was just 18 years old and the jailor met him and asked him to write a letter saying that he would not participate in any future protests and then he would be released.

But the young man refused point blank and said that if his seniors in RSS called on him, he would join the agitation again. In fact, he started trying to convert the jailor to the cause of RSS. Though he failed in changing the jailor’s mind, he won his respect and admiration.

Shri TR Gupta is also a fine orator and a talented organizer. His contributions to school education are beyond pure academics.

I am happy to note that he introduced several Arts, Sciences and Culture based workshops in the school which ensured a great blend of scientific education with cultural values, thereby ensuring the overall development of the students.

I appreciate him for ensuring that the weaker sections of society get quality free education, free transport, free books and free uniforms. This led the Government to follow this example and develop a policy regarding reaching of weaker sections of society in the public schools of Delhi.

I am happy to know that his love for education also led him to set up initiatives for the promotion of adult literacy in line with the National Policy on education. His initiatives included programs for women of slum areas and vocational courses for the deprived sections of society.

Shri. TR Gupta’s immense contribution to school education policy and programs can not be ignored.

Let me congratulate Shri T.R. Gupta for the many accomplishments that he has amassed over the course of an illustrious career. Let me also congratulate his wife, Mrs. Pushpa Mahajan, for being a pillar of support to Shri Gupta. I am happy to know that together, they raised two children Dr. Poonam Bewtra and Dr. Harsh Mahajan who are both accomplished professionals and pillars of the community.

My dear Sisters and Brothers,

As a nation of young people, India has been bestowed with an enormous demographic advantage – out of a population of more than 1.25 billion, 672 million i.e. almost 50% are in the age-group 15 to 59 years.

At this critical juncture, we must ask ourselves, are our schools and universities adequately prepared to educate young people for future challenges?

Thanks to the Right to Education Act, we have successfully increased the enrolment in schools.

We have also witnessed a rise in the number of students who complete schooling.

But we must not forget that 62 million children of school-going age, between 6 and 18 years were out-of-school in 2015.

We have also still have not been able to improve learning outcomes to the extent desired.

The solution to these problems lies in creating an education system that is built on the pillars of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability and focuses on the creation of essential skills and the inculcation of values in our youngsters.

It should be our top priority of the country to bring out-of-school children back to schools, especially girl children.

We must also re-imagine and re-invent our teaching, training systems to improve learning outcomes.

Educators have a crucial role to play here.

In the 21^st century, educators cannot merely be content with imparting knowledge, they must serve as true role models to children.

They must be capable of amalgamating new technology with ancient traditions and new knowledge with age-old cultural values.

They must shape the lives of their wards in the best manner possible so that they grow up to be ideal global citizens.

I have always looked upon education as a mission, something that has to be undertaken with the purest of intentions and not profit motive.

Through education, you are building the nation, securing a bright future for it.

I have felt that the best minds in each field, each discipline must turn to teaching. Practitioners in various fields especially must find some time to pass on their practical experience to students.

This is how you give back to society.

Building a new India is no easy task. The new India requires young and vibrant young thinkers who are willing to experiment and explore the various possibilities around them.

The youth in new India must be solution-makers.

It is often said that it takes a whole village to raise a child and therefore along with educators, each and every one of us must work to build a conducive environment for our youngsters to flourish in.

My dear sisters and brothers,

Though we speak of the need to educate and skill youngsters to make them employable, I strongly believe that education is not just for employment but also empowerment and enlightenment.

Swami Vivekananda once said that “education is the manifestation of perfection already in man”.

Education is meaningful only if it is able to bring out the best in every person and make them more compassionate human beings.

The need of the hour is to impart value based education.

The stress should be on inculcating values such as patience, honesty, respect, tolerance and empathy.

The youngsters need not only to be taught how to develop their skills, talents, and abilities, they must also be taught how to use these skills, talents and abilities for the welfare and betterment of the world.

They must be taught to love nature and live in harmony with all living beings. We must nurture in them a zeal to protect and conserve the environment right from a young age.

Children must also be sensitized to our rich cultural heritage and must be encouraged to pick up as many languages and practice as many art forms as they can.

Through education, we must raise a generation of young people who will not only make India a powerful economy but will also secure a position for it among the most inclusive, innovative and harmonious societies of the world.

My dear sisters and brothers,

Our nation as a Republic completed 70 years of successful journey on the path of Constitutionalism yesterday.

I compliment the people of our country, the political parties, the legislatures and the legislators and all other stakeholders including the media for this accomplishment.

Not many westerners gave any hope and chance for the India of 1947 to survive and last as a democracy.

While women and some other sections were discriminated in leading democracies of the world regarding voting, we adopted adult suffrage in one stroke giving voting rights to all with the adoption of our Constitution in 1950. And since then, voter participation has been steadily improving with last year’s general elections recording a high voter turn out of about 67%.

Since the first general elections in 1952, our Parliament and State Legislatures have enacted path breaking legislations aimed at socio-economic and political reforms.

Whenever, basic and fundamental rights of citizens came under threat, citizens rose in unison and defended them as was seen against emergency.

Our polity and democracy do provide enough space for expressing differences and dissent whenever warranted.

As a result, we have emerged as the most vibrant democracy in the world.

Recently, some efforts are being made outside India to comment on some laws made by the Parliament and to raise some issues based on inadequate knowledge and insufficient understanding of the issues sought to be addressed by our law makers.

Such efforts are totally uncalled for and unwarranted.

As a mature Republic and democratic polity, we are capable of addressing the concerns, if any of our citizens and we need no advice or guidance in such matters from others.

As a Republic of 70 years experience, we have successfully withstood various challenges and overcame several challenges. We are now more united than ever before and no one should have any concerns in this regard.

We as a nation are committed to the cardinal principle of ensuring Justice, Liberty and Equality for all of our citizens.

While we are capable of addressing our internal matters as evidenced over the last 70 years, let others do so in their respective domains.

My dear sisters and brothers,

Before I conclude, let me re-iterate that the work done by trail-blazers such as Shri T.R Gupta will serve as an inspiration for generations of educators to come.

I once again congratulate everyone who worked behind the creation of this book. I hope that the book will help the readers unravel the enigma that is Shri T.R Gupta!

Thank You!

Jai Hind!

*********

To celebrate the spirit of India, the annual event Bharat Parv has been organised in Delhi . Special Secretary & Financial Adviser of Ministry of Tourism Shri Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi inaugurated the Bharat Parv by playing Nagada and releasing Tri-color balloons today at Red fort ground in New Delhi.DG, Tourism, Smt. Meenakshi Sharma, ADG,Tourism Smt. Rupinder Brar and other senior officials of Ministry were also present during the inaugural ceremony.

After the inaugural ceremony, armed forces band gave their tremendous performance which was followed by cultural performance by North Centre Zone Cultural Cenre.

Bharat  Parv,  2020  is  being  celebrated  from  26th to 31st  January, 2020   in  front  of  Red  Fort  at  Gyan  Path  and  Red Fort grounds. The  objective of  Bharat Parv  is  to  encourage  Indians  to visit  different  tourism  places  of  India and to inculcate  the spirit  of  ‘Dekho  Apna  Desh’. More than 50 food stalls, 79 handicrafts / handloom stalls and 27 theme pavilions have been setup during Bharat Parv.

The  Central theme  of  this  year’s  Bharat  Parv  is   ‘Ek  Bharat  Shreshtha  Bharat’ and  ‘Celebrating  150 Years of  Mahatma Gandhi’. Bharat Parv will be open for the General Public on 26th January, at 5.00 PM till 10.00 PM.  On the remaining days 27th to 31st January, 2020 the Bharat  Parv would   be  open  from  12.00 Hrs  till  10.00 PM.

Bharat Parv have many attractions for public like display of Tableaux of the Republic Day parade, performance by armed forces bands, tourism theme pavilion by State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations and line Ministries, handicraft & Handloom Stalls by the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, Commission Handloom / Handicrafts / TRIFED, food Court by State Governments, Institutes of Hotel Management and other organizations, cultural Performances by North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) and State Governments / UT Administrations and cookery  demonstrations  by  State Governments  and Institute of  Hotel  Management.

Entry to the Bharat Parv  is  free though  the  visitors  will  have to show  their  identity proof  for  entering  the Parv.

*****

NB/AKJ/OA

To celebrate the spirit of India, the annual event Bharat Parv has been organised in Delhi . Special Secretary & Financial Adviser of Ministry of Tourism Shri Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi inaugurated the Bharat Parv by playing Nagada and releasing Tri-color balloons today at Red fort ground in New Delhi.DG, Tourism, Smt. Meenakshi Sharma, ADG,Tourism Smt. Rupinder Brar and other senior officials of Ministry were also present during the inaugural ceremony.

After the inaugural ceremony, armed forces band gave their tremendous performance which was followed by cultural performance by North Centre Zone Cultural Cenre.

Bharat  Parv,  2020  is  being  celebrated  from  26th to 31st  January, 2020   in  front  of  Red  Fort  at  Gyan  Path  and  Red Fort grounds. The  objective of  Bharat Parv  is  to  encourage  Indians  to visit  different  tourism  places  of  India and to inculcate  the spirit  of  ‘Dekho  Apna  Desh’. More than 50 food stalls, 79 handicrafts / handloom stalls and 27 theme pavilions have been setup during Bharat Parv.

The  Central theme  of  this  year’s  Bharat  Parv  is   ‘Ek  Bharat  Shreshtha  Bharat’ and  ‘Celebrating  150 Years of  Mahatma Gandhi’. Bharat Parv will be open for the General Public on 26th January, at 5.00 PM till 10.00 PM.  On the remaining days 27th to 31st January, 2020 the Bharat  Parv would   be  open  from  12.00 Hrs  till  10.00 PM.

Bharat Parv have many attractions for public like display of Tableaux of the Republic Day parade, performance by armed forces bands, tourism theme pavilion by State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations and line Ministries, handicraft & Handloom Stalls by the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, Commission Handloom / Handicrafts / TRIFED, food Court by State Governments, Institutes of Hotel Management and other organizations, cultural Performances by North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) and State Governments / UT Administrations and cookery  demonstrations  by  State Governments  and Institute of  Hotel  Management.

Entry to the Bharat Parv  is  free though  the  visitors  will  have to show  their  identity proof  for  entering  the Parv.

*****

Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank felicitated 87 meritorious students from across the country here today. These students also witnessed the Republic Day Parade in National capital today. The students were awarded with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Minister to encourage them to achieve new heights in future. Secretary, MHRD, Shri Amit Khare and senior officials of the Ministry were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Pokhriyal said that the students are the future of the country and the responsibility of creating a new and prosperous India is on them. He said that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that the on completion of 100 years of independence, the students will provide leadership in various fields and that will be a moment of pride for us.

Shri Pokhriyal highlighted that India has one of the world’s largest education systems with over 1000 universities, 40000 colleges, 10725 standalone institutes, more than 1 crore teachers, 16 lakh schools and 34.6 million (34.6 crore) students. He added that India has largest number of youth population and this strength can make the country a global superpower and an economic giant. He added that the government has set an ambitious target of achieving a 50% (GER) gross enrollment ratio compared to the current 26.5% in higher education by 2030 to equip its working population with employable skills.

He said that some scholars have described education as a Parasmani, which is an excellent universal means of achieving the goal and purpose of life. He added that the Government is committed to provide quality innovative education to all the students which paves the way for multi-faceted development. The Minister extended his best wishes to the students in the coming examinations.

Every year Ministry of Defence requests MHRD to invite toppers to witness the Republic Day Parade. Accordingly, this Ministry seeks list of toppers from CBSE and Various Universities and Institutes from all over the Country. From the list provided by the CBSE and University/ Institute, the Ministry selects a student from each CBSE region (10th and 12th standard each) and University/Institutions who have secured maximum marks and figured at top position in the list.

*****

NB/AKJ/AK

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is committed to the indigenous development of defence systems. Continuous innovation in advanced defence technology has led to many pathbreaking systems being realised in the country. This year’s Republic Day parade at Rajpath today saw many defence systems developed by DRDO as part of the contingents of the Armed Forces and DRDO.

The DRDO-developed products such as surface-to-air-missile ‘Akash’, Mobile Bridging System ‘Sarvatra’, beyond visual range air-to-air missile ‘Astra’, Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’, Air Defence Tactical Control Radar (ADTCR) and Anti-Satellite Missile (ASAT) were displayed as part of different tableaux of DRDO and the Armed Forces.

The DRDO showcased the ASAT missile used in Mission Shakti. Maiden successful trial of ASAT was carried out on March 27, 2019. Mission Shakti, the test mission, was a major breakthrough in demonstrating the nation’s anti-satellite technology and precision strike capability. ASAT will play a critical role in providing necessary deterrence against rogue satellites as well as intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The ADTCR, the other presentation from DRDO, is used for volumetric surveillance, detection, tracking and friend/foe identification of aerial targets of different types. The radar is capable of detecting very small targets and low flying targets.

 

ABB/SS/Nampi/DK/Savvy/MTJ/ADA

My dear countrymen, Namaskar. Today is the 26^th of January. Heartiest greetings to you on the Festival of our Republic. This is our first meeting of minds in the year 2020, through ‘Mann Ki Baat’. This is the first such programme of the year; nay, of the decade. Friends, this time, it came across as appropriate to change the broadcast time of Mann Ki Baat, on account of the Republic Day Celebrations. And that is why I am reaching out to you this evening through Mann Ki Baat, having thought of a separate time slot. Friends, every day is a new day; weeks and months keep seeing change; years witness transformation, except for the enthusiasm and fervor of the people of India! And, of course, we are no less… we are certain to outdo ourselves. The spirit of ‘can do’, is emerging as a new resolve. The sentiment of contributing positively to the country & society is gaining strength, day by day. Friends, we have come together, once again, on the dais of Mann Ki Baat. This is to discuss newer subjects; to celebrate the latest achievements of our countrymen; in fact, to celebrate India. Mann Ki Baat has emerged as a fruitful, frank, effortless & organic platform for sharing, learning and growing together. Every month, thousands of people share their suggestions, their efforts, and their experiences thereby. And through the endeavour, we get a chance to discuss some extraordinary feats by people, which serve as a beacon of inspiration to society.

Somebody has succeeded in doing something – can we too achieve that! Can that particular venture be replicated to bring about a colossal transformation in the entire country? Can we establish that change into permanence, turning it into a simple, natural social habit? In a likewise quest to seek answers, the caravan of Mann Ki Baat progresses with a few appeals, some invocations and a lot of resolves to do something. For the past many years, we would have made varied resolves. Just as, ‘No to single use plastic’, buying Khadi or ‘local’, sanitation & cleanliness, respect & honour for the girl child, or emphasizing on the new aspect of ‘less cash economy’! Many a resolve such as these came into being on account of our conversations & chats through Mann Ki Baat. And, you have been the ones who strengthened that.

I have received a lovely letter, written by Shriman Shailesh from Bihar. In fact, he no longer stays in Bihar. He says, he stays in Delhi, working for an NGO. Shailesh writes, “Modi ji, you appeal to us on one point or the other, in every episode of Mann Ki Baat. I have implemented many of them in letter & spirit. This winter, I collected warm clothes from people, going home to home and distributed them to the needy. Taking a cue from Mann Ki Baat, I have embarked upon many initiatives. But gradually, I began forgetting… certain things started fading away. This new year, I have made a Charter pertaining to Mann Ki Baat, consisting of a list of all these, just the way people make resolutions at the onset of the New Year. Modi ji, this is my social resolution for this new year. I feel there are many little things that can usher in a big change. Can you inscribe your autograph on this Charter and arrange to send it back to me?” Well, Shailesh ji, heartiest congratulations and many good wishes to you. The Mann Ki Baat Charter in connection with your New Year resolution is very innovative. I shall certainly send it back to you, along with my best wishes inscribed. Friends, when I was glancing through this ‘Mann Ki Baat Charter’, I was taken aback at the magnitude of its contents… a multitude of hash tags. And, of course, we have striven together on myriad endeavours. There have been times when we tried to establish a stronger emotional connect with our soldiers through the campaign ‘Sandesh to Soldiers’; we have also catapulted sales of Khadi with ‘Khadi for Nation- Khadi for Fashion’. We internalized the Mantra of ‘buy local’. Through ‘Hum Fit toh India Fit’, we enhanced awareness, towards fitness. We turned sanitation into a mass movement, through the endeavours of ‘My clean India’ or ‘Statue Cleaning’. #‘No to Drugs’, #‘Bharat Ki Lakshmi’, #‘Self for Society’, #‘Stress free Exams’, #‘Suraksha- Bandhan’ #‘Digital Economy’, #‘Road Safety’…. Oh, the list is endless.

Shailesh ji, you must have realized after going through this Mann Ki Baat Charter that the list is indeed long! Come, let us continue this journey. Do join any cause of your choice listed in the Mann Ki Baat Charter. Using the hashtag, proudly share your contribution with one & all. Try motivating friends & family. When every Indian takes a step forward, it results in India going ahead by a 130 crore steps. And that’s why, it is said “Charaivetee, charaivetee, charaivetee…” Keep walking, keep marching, keep advancing! Your endeavour should revolve around that Mantra.

My dear countrymen, we touched upon the Mann Ki Baat Charter. The ethos of public participation, besides in the area of sanitation, is rising rapidly on another front… and that is water conservation. Quite a few extensive & innovative efforts are under way, in every corner of the country, for the sake of conserving water. It gives me joy to let you know that the Jal-Shakti Campaign that commenced last monsoon is taking rapid, successful strides with the aid of public participation. A large number of lakes & ponds have been built. And the best part is that in this campaign, people from all strata of society contributed wholeheartedly. Take for instance Jalore district in Rajasthan. There, two historical step wells had turned into storehouses of garbage & dirty water. But one fine day, hundreds of people from Bhadraayun & Thanawala Panchayats took a resolve to rejuvenate them, under the Jal Shakti Campaign. Much before the rains, people immersed themselves in the task of cleaning out the accumulated filthy water, garbage and morass. For this campaign, some donated money; others their labour & sweat. As a result, these step wells have turned into their lifelines now. A similar story comes across from Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh.

Here, the Saraahi Lake, spread across 43 hectares was on the verge of breathing its last. But the villagers, through the power of their collective resolve pumped life into it. They did not let any deterrent enter in the way of this mammoth mission. Villages joined hands, one after the other. They built a one meter high embankment along all the four sides of the lake. The lake now is brimming with water; the surroundings wake up to the melody of the chirping of birds.

Village Suniyakot along the Almora-Haldwani highway in Uttarakhand has also emerged as a similar example of public participation. To tide over an acute water crisis, villagers took it upon themselves to ensure that water reached their village. There was no stopping to their resolve. People raised money among themselves. The plan was followed by collective donation of labour and from almost a kilometre away, a pipe was laid upto the village. A pumping station was set up. By and by, a two decade old agonizing problem came to an end. Whereas, a very innovative idea of harnessing a borewell for rainwater harvesting sprung up from Tamilnadu. The country is replete with innumerable such stories, of water conservation, lending more strength to the resolves of New India. Today the entire country is eager to hear similar accomplishments of our Jal Shakti champions. I urge you to share without fail, stories, photos & videos of such endeavours of water conservation and water harvesting undertaken by you or those around you using #Jalshakti4India.

My dear countrymen and especially all my young friends, today, through the forum of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, I congratulate the Government and the people of Assam for being the excellent hosts of ‘Khelo India’. Friends, on 22^nd January, the third ‘Khelo India Games’ concluded in Guwahati. These games had around 6 thousand players from different states participating. You will be surprised to know that 80 records were broken during this grand sports festival. And I am proud that of these 80 records, 56 were broken by our daughters. These laurels have been recorded in the name of our daughters! I along with all the winners, congratulate all the participants. I also thank all the people, coaches and technical officers associated with ‘Khelo India Games’ for organising them successfully.

It is very pleasant for all of us to learn that the participation of athletes in ‘Khelo India Games’ is on the upsurge year after year. And this also tells you about the increasing inclination towards sports in our school children. I wish to tell all of you that in 2018, when ‘Khelo India Games’ were instituted, thirty-five hundred players took part, but in just three years the number of players has increased to more than 6 thousand, which translates to the fact that it has almost doubled. Not only this, in just three years, through ‘Khelo India Games’, thirty-two hundred gifted children have emerged on the sporting horizon! Many of these children grew up amidst dearth and poverty. The stories of the patience and determination of these children who participated in ‘Khelo India Games’ as well as their parents will inspire every Indian. Now take the example of Purnima Mandal of Guwahati, a sanitation worker in Guwahati Municipal Corporation! But whereas her daughter Malvika showed her mettle in football, one of her sons Sujit represented Assam in Kho-Kho, while the other son Pradeep did the same in hockey.

Somewhat similar is the story of Yogananthan of Tamil Nadu which fills you with great pride! Yogananthanmakesbeedis in Tamil Nadu, but his daughter Purnashree won everyone’s heart by bagging the Gold Medal in Weight Lifting. If I now take the name of David Beckham, you will think whether I’m referring to the legendary International Footballer. But now we also have a David Beckham amidst us and he has won a gold medal at the Youth Games in Guwahati. That too in the 200-meter Sprint event in Cycling! You know, some time ago I had visited Andaman-Nicobar Islands! There was David, a denizen of Car-Nicobar who had lost his parents while he was an infant! His uncle wanted him to become a footballer, and hence had named him after the famous footballer. But young David was obsessed with cycling. He was selected under the ‘Khelo India’ scheme and today you can witness for yourself that he has created a new record in cycling.

Prashant Singh Kanhaiya of Bhiwani broke his own national record in the Pole vault event. Prashant, 19, hails from an agrarian family. You will be surprised to know that Prashant used to practice Pole vault on clay! After knowing this amazing fact, the Sports Department helped his coach to run the academy at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi and today Prashant is being coached there.

The never say die story of Kareena Shankta of Mumbai inspires everyone. Kareena competed in the 100 metre breast-stroke event in swimming, won the gold medal in the Under-17 category and also set a new national record. However there was a time for Kareena, a 10^th standard student when she had to forego her training due to a knee injury. But Kareena and her mother did not lose courage and the result of that fortitude is evident in front of all of us today. I wish all the players a bright future. Along with this, I also, on behalf of all our countrymen, bow in honouring those parents, who did not permit poverty to become a hurdle for the future of their children. We all know that National Games is an arena, where players get a chance to display their passion besides becoming acquainted with the culture of other states. Therefore, we have decided to organize ‘Khelo India University Games’ every year on the pattern of ‘Khelo India Youth Games’.

Friends, next month, the first edition of ‘Khelo India University Games’ is being organized in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 22^nd February to 1^st March. And more than 3000 players have qualified for participating in these games.

My dear countrymen, the exam season has arrived, and obviously all the students will be busy giving final shape to their preparations. After my experience with millions of students of the country through the platform of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, I can say with confidence that the youth of the country is brimming with self-confidence and is ready to face every challenge.

Friends, on the one hand, we are facing examinations; on the other, the winter season. Betwixt these two I urge you to try & keep fit. Do some exercises or play a little! Sports & games is the key to keeping fit. By the way, these days, I see that many events pertaining to ‘Fit India’ are being organised. On January 18, our young friends organized a Cyclothon throughout the country. Millions of countrymen participating in this Cyclothon spread the message of fitness. Efforts to ensure that our New India remains fit that are evident at every level fills us with fervour & enthusiasm. The ‘Fit India School’ campaign, which started in November last year, is also bringing results. I have been told that till date, more than 65,000 schools have obtained the ‘Fit India School’ certificates through online registration. I urge the rest of the schools in the country to integrate physical activity and sports with education and ensure that they become a ‘fit school’. Also concomitantly, I appeal to all countrymen to promote more physical activity in their daily routine. Remind yourself every day that if we are fit India is fit!

My dear countrymen, a couple of weeks ago, different parts of India were celebrating a variety of festivals. When Punjab was spreading the warmth of enthusiasm by celebrating Lohri, sisters and borthers of Tamil Nadu were celebrating Pongal and birth anniversary of Thiruvalluvar. Assam was aglow with the fascinating lustre of Bihu. In Gujarat, everywhere you could see kites in the sky and the pomp of Uttaraayan. In such an atmosphere, Delhi witnessed a historic event. A significant agreement was signed in Delhi. With it, the close-to-25-year-old Bru-Reang refugee crisis, a painful chapter, was put to an end forever and ever. Due to the busy routine and festive season, you might not have been able to learn about this historic agreement in detail. So I thought, I should definitely discuss this in Mann ki Baat. This problem pertains to the 90s. In 1997, ethnic tension forced the Bru-Reang tribe to leave Mizoram and take refuge in Tripura. These refugees were kept in temporary camps in Kanchanpur in North Tripura. It’s painful that the Bru-Reang community lost a significant part of their life as refugees. Life in camps meant that they were deprived of all basic amenities. For 23 years – no home, no land, no medical treatment for their families, no education facilities for their kids. Just imagine, how difficult it must have been for them to live 23 long years in trying circumstances in camps! How painful it would have been to spend every moment, every day of their lives hurtling towards an uncertain future! Governments came and went, but there was no cure for their pain. Despite that, their unwavering belief in the Indian Constitution and culture continued. It’s a result of that belief that their life is on the threshold of a new dawn today. As per the agreement, the path to a dignified life has been opened for them. Finally the new decade of 2020, has brought a new ray of hope in the life of the Bru-Reang community. Around 34000 Bru refugees will be rehabilitated in Tripura. Not just that, the government will provide an assistance of close to Rs.600 crores for their rehabilitation and all-round development. Each displaced family will be provided a plot of land. They will be assisted in construction of a house. In addition, rations will be provided to them. They will now be able to benefit from the public welfare schemes of the state and central governments. This agreement is special for many reasons. It symbolises the spirit of cooperative federalism. The Chief Ministers of both Mizoram and Tripura were present during the signing of the agreement. This agreement was made possible only because of the consent and good wishes of people from both the states. I would like to especially express my gratitude to the people and the Chief Ministers of both the states for making this possible. This agreement also epitomises the inherent compassion and sensitivity of Indian culture. Considering everyone as its own and living with the spirit of togetherness is embedded in the ethos of this holy land. I would once again like to congratulate the residents of these states and the Bru-Reang community.

My dear countrymen, Assam, which hosted the grand ‘Khelo India’ games successfully, was witness to another great achievement. You might also have seen it in the news, that a few days ago, 644 militants pertaining to 8 different militant groups, surrendered with their weapons. Those who had strayed twards the path of violence, have expressed their faith in peace and decided to become a partner in the country’s progress and return to the mainstream. Last year, in Tripura as well, more than 80 people left the path of violence and returned to the mainstream. Those who had picked up weapons thinking that violence could solve problems, now firmly believe that the only way to solve any dispute is peace and togetherness. Countrymen will be thrilled to know that insurgency in the North-East has considerably reduced. And the biggest reason for that is that every issue of this region is being honestly and peacefully solved through dialogue. On the solemn occasion of Republic day, I would appeal to anyone in any part of the country, who’s still seeking solutions to problems through violence and weapons, to return to the mainstream. They should have faith in their own capabilities and the capabilities of this country to resolve issues peacefully. We live in the 21^st century, that is the era of knowledge, science and democracy. Have you ever heard of a place where life has turned better due to violence? Have you ever heard of a place where peace and goodwill have been impediments in the quest of a good life? Violence never resolves any issue. No problem in the world can be solved by creating another problem. It can only be solved by seeking an optimal solution. Come, let’s together forge a new India, where every issue is resolved on a platform of peace. Solidarity should be the key to resolving every issue. And brotherhood, should foil every separatist attempt to divide us.

My dear countrymen, on the solemn occasion of Republic Day, it gives me great joy to tell you about ‘Gaganyaan’. The country has taken another step towards this goal. In 2022, we will be celebrating 75 years of Independence. And on that occasion, we have to fulfil the pledge to take an Indian into space through the Gaganyaan mission. Gaganyaan mission will be a historic achievement in the field of science and technology for India in the 21^st century. It will prove to be a milestone for New India.

Friends, you would be aware that four candidates have been already selected as astronauts for this mission. All of them are pilots of the Indian Air Force. These promising youngsters symbolise India’s skill, talent, ability, courage and dreams. Our four friends are about to go to Russia in a few days for their training. I am confident that this would script another golden chapter in India-Russia friendship and cooperation. They will be trained for over a year. After that, the responsibility of carrying the hopes and aspirations of the nation and soaring into space, will rest on the shoulders of one of them. On the auspicious occasion of Republic Day, I congratulate these four youngsters and the Indian and Russian scientists and engineers associated with this mission.

My dear countrymen, in March last year, a video had become the centre of attention in the media and the social media. The buzz was about how a 107 year old elderly motherly figure broke the protocol to bless the President. This lady was Saalumarada Timmakka (सालुमरदअ तिम्मक्कअ), who is famous in Karnataka as ‘Vriksha Maataa’ (Tree Mother). And the ceremony was the Padma Awards distribution. The country recognised and honoured the extraordinary contribution of Timmakka who comes from an ordinary background. She was being decorated with the Padma Shri award ceremony.

Friends, today India feels proud of such great personalities and feels honoured to honour such down to earth, rooted individuals. Like every year, last evening Padma awards were announced. I urge you to read up about each of the awardees. Discuss their contribution with your family. This year over 46000 nominations were received for the 2020 Padma awards. This number is more than 20 times the number of nominations received in 2014. This statistic reveals the faith of every one of us and tells us that the Padma Awards have now become the Peoples’ awards. The entire process of the Padma Awards is now completed online. Earlier, the decision was taken by a select few. Now, it’s completely people driven. We could even say that there is now a new found faith and respect for these awards in the country. Many among the awardees are those who have risen from the bottom of the pyramid through dint of their hard work. They have overcome limitations of resources and a terrible atmosphere of despair around them and forged ahead. In fact, their strong resolve, spirit of selfless service, inspires us all. Once again, I would like to congratulate all the Padma award recipients. I urge you to read up about them and gather more information. The extraordinary stories of their lives, will inspire the society in the true spirit.

My dear countrymen, once again many many good wishes for the Republic Day celebrations. May this new decade bring new resolve and new achievements for each of you, and for the country. And may India surely achieve the capabilities to fulfil the expectations that the world has from India. With this belief, come, let’s start a new decade. Let’s serve Mother India with a new found resolve. Many many thanks. Namaskar. (Goodbye).

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In his first ever Mann Ki Baat of the new year and the new decade the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today said that Bru-Reang Agreement closes over two decade old refugee crisis providing succour and relief to over 34,000 refugees in Mizoram.

Explaining the problem in detail, Shri Modi said, “This problem pertains to the 90s. In 1997, ethnic tension forced the Bru-Reang tribe to leave Mizoram and take refuge in Tripura. These refugees were kept in temporary camps in Kanchanpur in North Tripura. It’s painful that the Bru-Reang community lost a significant part of their life as refugees. Life in camps meant that they were deprived of all basic amenities. For 23 years – no home, no land, no medical treatment for their families, no education facilities for their kids.”

Prime Minister said that several Governments have found no cure to the problem and the pain of the refugees. He appreciated the faith of the refugees in the Indian Constitution.

He said it is their belief that today led to the historic agreement that was signed in Delhi this month.

“It’s a result of that belief that their life is on the threshold of a new dawn today. As per the agreement, the path to a dignified life has been opened for them. Finally the new decade of 2020, has brought a new ray of hope in the life of the Bru-Reang community”, he said.

Explaining the benefits of the agreement, the Prime Minister said, “Around 34000 Bru refugees will be rehabilitated in Tripura. Not just that, the government will provide an assistance of close to Rs.600 crores for their rehabilitation and all-round development. Each displaced family will be provided a plot of land. They will be assisted in construction of a house. In addition, rations will be provided to them. They will now be able to benefit from the public welfare schemes of the state and central governments.”

Prime Minister termed this agreement as special, as it symbolises the spirit of cooperative federalism.

He said, “This agreement also epitomises the inherent compassion and sensitivity of Indian culture.”

Shed Violence – Return to Mainstream

Prime Minister said that violence cannot provide solutions to any problem. He praised the 644 Militants of 8 groups in Assam who surrendered their arms and decided to return to mainstream.

He said, “Assam, which hosted the grand ‘Khelo India’ games successfully, was witness to another great achievement. A few days ago, 644 militants pertaining to 8 different militant groups, surrendered with their weapons. Those who had strayed towards the path of violence, have expressed their faith in peace and decided to become a partner in the country’s progress and return to the mainstream.”

He said similarly in Tripura more than 80 people left the path of violence and returned to the mainstream and that insurgency in the North-East has considerably reduced.

He said, “The biggest reason for that is that every issue of this region is being honestly and peacefully solved through dialogue.”

He urged those who are still on the path of violence to return to the mainstream.

“On the solemn occasion of Republic day, I would appeal to anyone in any part of the country, who’s still seeking solutions to problems through violence and weapons, to return to the mainstream. They should have faith in their own capabilities and the capabilities of this country to resolve issues peacefully”, he said.

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VRRK/AKP

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi discussed the ‘Gaganyaan’ Mission in his first Mann Ki Baat of the new year and the new decade.

He said as India celebrates its 75th year of Independence in 2022 the country has to fulfil “the pledge to take an Indian into the space through the ‘Gaganyaan’ mission.”

He said, “Gaganyaan mission will be a historic achievement in the field of science and technology for India in the 21st century. It will prove to be a milestone for New India.”

Prime Minister praised the four pilots of the Indian Airforce who have been selected as astronauts for the mission and their forthcoming training in Russia.

“These promising youngsters symbolise India’s skill, talent, ability, courage and dreams. Our four friends are about to go to Russia in a few days for their training. I am confident that this would script another golden chapter in India-Russia friendship and cooperation.”

Prime Minister said that after their training for over a year, they would shoulder the responsibility of carrying the hopes and aspirations of the nation and soaring into space.

He said, “On the auspicious occasion of Republic Day, I congratulate these four youngsters and the Indian and Russian scientists and engineers associated with this mission.”

*****