कर्नाटका के मुख्‍यमंत्री श्रीमान येदियुरप्पा जी,  DRDO के चेयरमैन डॉ जी. सतीश रेड्डी जी, DRDO के अन्‍य शीर्ष अधिकारीगण, Apex Committees के Members! Young scientists के labs directors

साथियो, आप सभी को सबसे पहले नववर्ष की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। Happy New Year… ये संयोग ही है कि अब से कुछ समय पहले मैं किसानों के कार्यक्रम में था तुमकुर और अब यहां देश के जवान और अनुसंधान की चिंता करने वाले आप सभी साथियों के बीच में हूं। और कल मुझे साइंस कांग्रेस में जाना है। एक प्रकार से कर्नाटका का मेरा ये प्रवास और 2020 का ये मेरा पहला प्रवास,  जय जवान, जय किसान, जय विज्ञान और जय अनुसंधान इसकी न्यू इंडिया की भावना को एक प्रकार से समर्पित है। और ये भी हम सबके लिए बहुत गौरव का विषय है कि ये आयोजन Aeronautical Development Establishment में हो रहा है, जहां हम सभी के श्रद्धेय डॉ. ए पी जे अब्दुल कलाम DRDO से जुड़े थे।

 

साथियो, ये दशक न्यू इंडिया के रूप में तो महत्‍वपूर्ण है ही है। क्‍योंकि जब 2020 है तो वो एक नया साल नहीं पूरा दशक हमारे सामने आया है। और आने वाले वर्षों में भारत की ताकत क्‍या होगी, विश्‍व में हमारा स्‍थान कहां होगा। ये decade ये भी तय करने वाला है। ये वो दशक है जो पूरी तरह से युवा सपनों का है, हमारे युवा Innovators का है। विशेष तौर पर वो Innovators जो 21वीं सदी में या तो पैदा हुए हैं या फिर 21वीं सदी में युवा हुए हैं। जब मैंने आपसे आग्रह किया था कि DRDO को rethink और खुद को reshape करना चाहिए। 21वीं सदी की चुनौतियों से निपटने के लिए नई ऊर्जा के साथ काम करना चाहिए। तो इसके पीछे यही मेरी एक सोच थी कि इसका मतलब ये नहीं कि जो 36 का हो गया वो बेकार हो गया… इसके पीछे मेरी भूमिका यही है कि जो 60 साल, 50 साल, 55 साल इतनी तपस्‍या करके वहां पहुंचे हैं अगर उनके कंधे पर वो 35 से कम आयु वाले को बिठा देते हैं तो दुनिया को एक नए भारत के दर्शन होते हैं। ये जो पुराने लोग हैं उनकी मजबूती के बिना नए का ऊपर जाना संभव नहीं है। और इसलिए ये एक Combination बहुत आवश्‍यक है। और इस विचार के पीछे मेरा अपना भी एक अनुभव है। मैं राजनीतिक जीवन में बहुत देर से आया हूं और शुरू में मैं मेरा पार्टी का organization का काम देखता था। election or moment उन चीजों को करता था। तो मैं जब गुजरात में मैंने शुरुआत की और मेरे सामने पहला एक बड़ा चुनाव की जिम्‍मेवारी आई। मैं बिल्‍कुल नया था, और उस समय अखबारों ने इस चीज को बड़े विस्‍तार से लिखा था। क्योंकि उस समय करीब 90 लोग मेरे ऑफिस में, मेरी मैनेजमैंट में काम करते थे। पूरा चुनाव पूरे राज्‍य भर में लड़ा जाता था लेकिन ऑफिस  मैनेजमैंट करीब 90 लोग थे। और Volunteer के रूप में आए थे वो 2-3 महीने के लिए काम करने वाले थे। लेकिन अखबार वालों ने ढूंढ कर निकाला था। ये जो 90 लोग हैं इस पूरी टीम की average age 23 है यानी 23 की average age ग्रुप से मैं चुनाव लड़ा था, और लड़वाया था और हम पहली बार विजयी हुए थे।

युवा में restricting capacity बहुत होती है। आप कितने ही अच्‍छे कबड्डी के खिलाड़ी हो, कितने ही बढि़या लेकिन और जीवन में मानो 20 साल तक कबड्डी खेले हैं। National, International खेले हैं लेकिन 60-70 साल की आयु के बाद एक कबड्डी का खेल चल रहा है और आप वहां सिर्फ देखने के लिए गए हैं। क्‍योंकि पूरी जिंदगी कबड्डी खेलें हैं और कोई 18-20 साल का नौजवान जिस तेजी से मूवमेंट करता है, उठता है, पटकता है, तो आप बाहर बैठे मन में अरे-अरे गिर जाएगा, अरे-अरे चोट न लग जाए…. आप खुद भी तो कभी ये करके आए हैं। लेकिन अब वो देख नहीं पाते लगता है अरे-अरे कहीं गिर न जाए। ये साइको‍लॉजी काम करती होगी। ये युवा मन और अनुभवी मन के बीच में एक अंतर होता है। और इसलिए एक मनो‍वै‍ज्ञानिक परिवर्तन विश्‍व की चुनौतियों को स्‍वीकार करने के लिए DRDO में इन दोनों का combination कैसे हो। कभी-कभार एक बहुत बड़े वृक्ष के नीचे छोटा पौधा पनप नहीं पाता है। दोष बड़े वृक्ष का नहीं है। पौधे को भी रहता है कि इनके सामने मुझे ऐसा ही रहना चाहिए। किसी का दोष नहीं है। लेकिन अगर उसी पौधे को कहीं खुले में छोड़ दिया जाए तो देखते ही देखते वट वृक्ष भी गर्व करेगा वाह ये भी मेरे साथ पनप रहा है। इसी एक भूमिका को लेकर के इन पांच Labs से शुरू किया है। और मैं चाहता हूं कि वो गलतियां करे ये पांच Labs पूरा बजट उड़ा दे तो उडा दे एक बार। एक scientist पूरी अपनी जिंदगी तबाह कर देता है जी, तब देश को कुछ मिलता है। तो फिर खजाना क्‍या चीज होती है, आप तो अपनी जिंदगी लगा रहे हो तो सरकार को खजाना लगाने में क्‍या जाता है।

और मुझे संतोष है कि Advanced Technologies के क्षेत्र में 5 Labs स्थापित करने के सुझाव पर गंभीरता से काम हुआ और आज बेंगलुरु, कोलकाता, चेन्नई, हैदराबाद और मुंबई में 5 ऐसे संस्थान शुरु हो रहे हैं। और मुझे ये विश्‍वास है कि ये Young Scientist Labs युवा और वैज्ञानिकों के विचार और व्‍यवहार को नई उड़ान देगी। इसका मतलब ये हुआ कि अब ये पहचाना जाएगा कि DRDO-Y लेकिन बोलते समय लगेगा DRDO Why और मैं समझता हूं कि ये पांच लैब DRDO-Y को जवाब देने की ताकत रखते है ये मेरा विश्‍वास है। और हमने सबने मिल करके इसे बल देना है। इन Labs से मिलने वाले results Advanced Technologies के लिए हमारे राष्‍ट्रीय प्रयास का स्‍वरूप intensity का तय करेंगे। ये Labs, देश में उभरती हुई Technologies के क्षेत्र में, Research और Development के स्वरूप को तैयार करने में मदद करेंगी।

और हां, अपने युवा वैज्ञानिक और मैं इन साथियों से जरूर कहना चाहूंगा कि ये Labs, सिर्फ टेक्नोलॉजी को टेस्ट नहीं करेंगी, वर्ना कभी-कभी तो लगता है ये टेक्नोलॉजी में 2 कदम गए 5 कदम गए मेरे हिसाब से ये सिर्फ टेक्नॉलॉजी को टेस्ट नहीं करेंगी। ये मेरे young scientist के टेंपरामेंट और पेशेंस को भी टेस्ट करने वाली हैं और यही सबसे बड़ा उसका पैरामीटर है।

आपको हमेशा ये ध्यान रखना होगा कि आपके प्रयास और निरंतर अभ्यास से ही भारत सफलता के रास्ते पर आगे ले जाएगा। सिर्फ Positivity or Purpose यही आपकी प्रेरणा के स्‍त्रोत होने चाहिए। आपको हमेशा ये ध्‍यान रखना है। कि 130 करोड़ की आबादी का जीवन सुरक्षित और आसान बनाने का जिम्‍मा आपके कंधे पर है।

साथियो आज का ये कार्यक्रम तो एक शुरुआत भर है। आपके सामने सिर्फ अगला एक साल नहीं, अगला एक दशक है। इस एक दशक में DRDO का मीडियम और लॉन्ग टर्म रोडमैप क्या हो, इस पर बहुत गंभीरता से विचार किया जाना चाहिए। और मैं एक और सुझाव देता हूं। ये पांच लैबस 35 और उसके नीचे की टीम है और जब इस टीम में 36 हो जाएंगे तो क्‍या होगा तो मैं उन लोगो को insurance देता हूं कि अब इस 5 लैब को 45 होने की भी छूट है और 55 होने की भी छूट है। आपको नई पांच 35 वाली बनानी होगी इसको 35 maintain नहीं करना है ये 35 वाला 40 होने दीजिए, ये 35 वाले को 45 होने दीजिए। अब नए पांच 35 वाले करिए। वे जब 35 cross करेगे तो फिर नए 35 वाले पांच कीजिए ये चेन चलती रहनी चाहिए। अगर ये चेन नहीं चलेगी तो यहां 32 वाला बैठा है वो सेाचेगा कि मेरे लिए यहां 3 साल है मैं क्‍या करूं फिर तो मेरा सारा सपना टूट जाएगा। इसलिए जिनको ये दिया है लैब तो जब तक वो न थक जाए तब तक उसके जिम्‍मे छोड़ दिजिए। वे पचास का हो जाए,पचपन का हो जाए साठ का हो जाए करने दीजिए। 5 नई लैब 35 वाली बना दीजिए। और ये पांच का क्रम चलता रहे। तब देखिए आप नयापन का एक क्षेत्र लगातार बनता चला जाएगा। और यही हमें ultimately फायदा करेगा। और सिर्फ हम विचार करने पर न रूके। तय समय के भीतर actionable point पर भी कार्यक्रम भी शुरू होना चाहिए।

मैं DRDO को उस ऊँचाई पर देखना चाहता हूं जहां वो न सिर्फ भारत के वैज्ञानिक संस्थानों की दिशा और दशा तय करे, बल्कि दुनिया के…. और मैं बहुत जिम्‍मेवारी के साथ कह रहा हूं। दुनिया के…. और अन्य बड़े संस्थानों के लिए भी DRDO और हमारी young lab प्रेरणास्रोत बन सकती है। मैं ऐसा क्‍यों कह रहा हूं इसकी ठोस वजह है….. वजह है DRDO का इतिहास, DRDO का प्रर्दशन, DRDO देश का भरोसा।

साथियो आज देश का बेहतरीन Scientific Mind DRDO में है। DRDO की उपलब्धिया अनंत है। अभी मैंने जो exhibition देखी है। जिसमे मौजूदा उपलब्धियों के साथ-साथ भविष्‍य के आपके प्‍लान और प्रोजेक्‍ट की भी जानकारी है। और मुझे इतनी सरल भाषा में आपके नौजवानों ने समझाया कि मुझे भी समझ आ गया कि हां ये तो मैं भी कर सकता हूं। वर्ना स्‍कूल तो नहीं समझ में आता था कुछ। आज आपने समझा दिया। आपने भारत के मिसाइल कार्यक्रम को दुनिया के सबसे उत्कृष्ट कार्यक्रमों में शामिल किया है। और बीता वर्ष तो स्पेस और एयर डिफेंस के क्षेत्र में भारत के सामर्थ्य को नई दिशा देने वाला रहा है। A set… A set के रूप में अत्‍याधुनिक स्‍पेज टेकनोलॉजी का सफल परीक्षण ये निश्चित रूप से 21वी सदी के भारत के capability को define करेगा।

आप सभी के प्रयासों से आज भारत उन बहुत कम देशों में से एक है जिनके पास aircrafts से लेकर के aircraft carrier तक सब कुछ बनाने की क्षमता है। लेकिन क्‍या सिर्फ इतना किया जाना काफी है। जी नहीं… साथियो और…… घर में भी देखा होगा जो बच्‍चा अच्‍छा काम करता है मां-बाप उसको ज्‍यादा परेशान करते हैं वो पांच करता है तो बोलते है सात करो। सात करता है तो बोलते हैं दस करो…… और जो नहीं करता है अरे छोड़ो….. वो करेगा नहीं वो….. उसे छोड़ देते हैं। तो आपकी मुसीबत है कि आपको लोग काम बताते ही रहेंगे।

देखिए रामचरित्र मानस में एक बहुत बढि़या बात कही है। रामचरित्र मानस में कहा गया है

कवन जो काम कठिन जग माहीं।

जो नहिं होइ तात तुम्‍ह पाहीं।।

यानी इस धरती पर ऐसा कौन सा कार्य है आपसे हो नहीं सकता। तो सब कुछ हो सकता है आपके लिए कोई भी कार्य कठिन नहीं है। जैसे जब रामचरित्र मानस जब बना तब उसे मालूम था कभी DRDO होगा। मैं DRDO के लिए भी यही दोहराना चाहता हूं। आपकी क्षमताएं असीम हैं आप बहुत कुछ कर सकते हैं। आपने दायरे का विस्‍तार करिए अपने Performance के Parameters को बदलिए, अपने पंख को पूरी क्षमता से खोलकर आसमान पर एकछत्र राज करने का हौसला तो दिखाइए। अवसर है और मैं आपके साथ हूं।

देश के प्रधानमंत्री के नाते मैं आपके सामने खड़ा होकर कह रहा हूं कि सरकार पूरी तरह आपके साथ, देश के वैज्ञानिकों के साथ, innovators के साथ कंधे से कंधे मिलाकर चलने के लिए आज हिंदुस्‍तान तैयार है। आप सभी इस बात से परिचित है कि आने वाले समय में Air और Sea के साथ-साथ Cyber और Space भी दुनिया के Strategic Dynamics को तय करने वाला है। इसके साथ-साथ Intelligent Machines भविष्‍य की रक्षा सुरक्षा के तंत्र में अहम भूमिका निभाने लायक है।  ऐसे में भारत किसी से भी पीछे नहीं रह सकता। अपने नागरिकों, अपनी सीमाओं और अपने हितों की रक्षा के लिए भविष्य की तकनीक पर Investment भी ज़रूरी है और Innovation भी आवश्यक है।

मुझे विश्‍वास है कि न्‍यू इंडिया की आवश्यकताओं और आंकाक्षाओं को पूरा करने में आप कोई कसर बाकी नहीं छोड़ेंगे, और बल्कि मैं तो ये भी कहूंगा कि आपका विस्‍तार सिर्फ भारत के भीतर तक ही सीमित नहीं रहना चाहिए। DRDO जैसा संस्‍थान दुनिया में मानवता को बहुत कुछ दे सकता है। विश्‍व सुरक्षा में आप बड़ी भूमिका निभा सकते हैं। आज दुनिया के बहुत से देश हैं जिन्‍हें सीमाओं पर हमले का खतरा नहीं है। अड़ोस-पड़ोस में सारे मित्र देश हैं। लेकिन ये देश भी जिन्‍होंने कभी नहीं सोचा था कि उनको बंदूक तो उठानी पड़ेगी। क्‍योंकि अड़ोस-पड़ोस कभी युद्ध का खतरा ही नहीं था। सीमाएं सुरक्षित थी, शांत थी, खुली थी, प्‍यार भरा माहौल था लेकिन वे देश भी आतंकवाद की चपेट में आ चुके हैं। उनको भी बंदूक उठानी पड़ी।

DRDO ऐसे देशों में भी आंतरिक सुरक्षा बढ़ाने में अपना योगदान दे सकता है। जिन छोटे-छोटे देश के लोगों से मैं मिलता हूं उनकी इतनी आवश्‍यकताएं बढ़ गई है। सीमित संसाधनों के बाद भी इन खतरों के लिए उनको कुछ-कुछ नया सोचना पड़ेगा। हम ऐसे छोटे-छोटे लोगों का हाथ पकड़ करके उनको सुरक्षा की गांरटी दे सकते हैं। ये मानवता का काम होगा। और आपके द्वारा किया गया ऐसा हर कार्य मानवता की बहुत बड़ी सेवा होगा और विश्‍व मंच पर भारत की भूमिका को भी और मजबूत करेगा।

साथियो, Defence Manufacturing के क्षेत्र में, भारत को आत्मनिर्भर बनाने के लिए DRDO को नए Innovations के साथ सामने आना होगा। देश में एक Vibrant Defense Sector को बढ़ावा देने में, मेक इन इंडिया को मजबूत करने में DRDO के Innovations की बहुत बड़ी भूमिका है। और इसलिए हमारा ये निरंतर प्रयास होना चाहिए कि design से लेकर development तक हम पूरी तरह से आत्‍मनिर्भर बनें। हमें ऐसा Ecosystem विकसित करना होगा जहां integration और innovation पर संपूर्ण ध्‍यान हो।

साथियो, आज भारत डिफेंस के क्षेत्र में नए-नए रिफॉर्म्‍स की तरफ तेजी से आगे बढ़ रहा है। दुनिया में जितनी तेजी से स्थितियां बदल रही हैं। टेक्‍नोलॉजी निरंतर हावी हो रही है। भारत सिर्फ पुरानी व्‍यवस्‍थाओं के भरोसे नहीं रह सकता। मैं 19वीं सदी की व्‍यवस्‍थाओं से 21वीं सदी पार नहीं कर सकता अभी इसी हफ्ते अभी इसी हफ्ते, सरकार द्वारा चीफ ऑफ डिफेंस स्‍टाफ की भी नियुक्ति की गई है। ये सीडीएस अपने आप में बहुत बड़ा बदलाव लाने वाला है। उसका सीधा संबंध DRDO से जाने वाला है।  बरसों पहले इस बात की जरूरत महसूस की गई थी कि भारत में तीनों सेनाओं के बीच बेहतर तालमेल के लिए, ज्‍वाइंटनेस और सिनर्जी के लिए इस तरह का पद होना चाहिए, व्‍यवस्‍था होनी चाहिए। ये पद, हमारी सरकार का देश के प्रति कमिटमेंट था, जिसे हमने पूरा किया है।

साथियों, हमें परिवर्तन के इस दौर के साथ खुद को निरंतर मजबूत करते रहना है। यही देश की हमसे अपेक्षा है और Young Scientists Labs की स्‍थापना  के पीछे भी यही विजन है। आज भविष्‍य के Technological Challenges से तो निपटेंगे  ही, DRDO के वर्किंग कल्‍चर में भी नई ऊर्जा का संचार करेंगे, इसी कामना के साथ, आप सभी को एक बार फिर मेरी तरफ से बहुत-बहुत बधाई।

आपको और आपके परिवार को फिर एक बार नए वर्ष की मंगलकामना।

बहुत-बहुत धन्‍यवाद।

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Indian Science Congress (ISC) 2019 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 3^rd January. The 106^th Session of Indian Science Congress, 2019 was held from January 3-7, 2019 at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, and Punjab.

During the Congress, significant lectures from three Nobel Laureates; 20 Plenary Sessions & several sectional symposia with top authorities from DRDO, ISRO, DST, ICAR, CSIR, ICMR, AICTE, NAAC, UGC, ISCA, the USA, UK Universities, were attended by nearly 30,000 participants. More than fifteen thousand delegates participated at this scientific meet.

“The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill – 2019” passed in Lok Sabha:

In a landmark decision, the Lok Sabha passed “The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill – 2019” on 8^th January, 2019. The Bill has been formulated recognizing the need for regulation of the use and application of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) technology, for establishing identity of missing persons, victims, offenders, under trials and unknown deceased persons.

MoU signed for Inter-Ministerial Cooperation for Promotion and Facilitation of Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education:

The DBT and ICAR entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 15^th January, 2019 for much-needed emphasis on multi-disciplinary R&D activities and nurturing innovations in Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education.

Highlighting the importance of the MoU, Secretary DBT, Mrs. Renu Swarup said that five to ten focused programmes both short, medium and long term will be developed and implemented. Major facilities and technology platforms created by both the agencies will be accessible to the National systems and a joint working group will be constituted to take the partnership forward.

Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation addresses Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC):

On 16^th January, the Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation, Professor Mark Walport, during his two-day visit to Delhi, at the invitation of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Professor K. Vijay Raghavan met and addressed the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).

Chaired by Professor K. Vijay Raghavan, the PM-STIAC is an overarching body that assesses specific science and technology domains in India, and formulates interventions and roadmaps. It advises the India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on all matters of science, technology and innovation.

One Health India Conference, 2019 held:

Two-day long One Health India Conference, 2019 was inaugurated on 18^th February in New Delhi. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology in partnership with the Departments of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) and Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DAHDF), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare; the Departments of Health Research (DHR) and Health & Family Welfare (DHFW), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, hosted the “One Health India Conference”. The conference aimed to launch India’s new One Health Initiative – an inter-sectoral approach to tackling the most urgent health threats in India as well as in low and middle income countries across South and South East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Department of Biotechnology celebrates its 33rd Foundation Day:

The Department of Biotechnology in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day in New Delhi on 26^th February with the theme as “Celebrating Biotechnology: Building Indian as an Innovation Nation”. On the occasion, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan gave away the Biotechnology Research Innovation and Technology Excellence (BRITE) awards.

The Minister announced key missions at the foundation day ceremony including Atal JaiAnusandhan Biotech Mission – Undertaking Nationally Relevant Technology Innovation (UNaTI), which is expected to transform Health, Agriculture and Energy sectors during the next 5 years. This mission included GARBH-ini – A Mission to promote Maternal and Child Health and develop prediction tools for pre-term berth, IndCEPI – A Mission to develop affordable vaccines for endemic diseases, Development of Biofortified and Protein Rich wheat – contributing to POSHAN Abhiyan, Mission on Anti Microbial Resistance for Affordable Diagnostics and Therapeutics and Clean Energy Mission – Innovative Technology interventions for Swachh Bharat.

Cabinet approves MoU between India and UK on Cancer Research Initiative:

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7^th March, 2019, has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and U.K. on Cancer Research Initiative. The MoU was signed on 14^th November 2018.

Photo Exhibition titled “Celebrating Indian Women in Science: An Incredible Journey” organised:

The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India in Partnership with India International Centre, New Delhi, organized a Photo Exhibition on 7^th March, 2019, titled “Celebrating Indian Women in Science: An Incredible Journey”. The aim of the exhibition was to remember, acknowledge and showcase the stories of great Indian women scientists on International women’s day, who have contributed to the development of science through their outstanding work.

Cabinet approves five years’ extension of Biomedical Research Career Programme:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 27^th March approved the continuation of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP), and Wellcome Trust (WT)/DBT India Alliance beyond its initial 10-year term (2008-09 to 2018-29) to a new five year phase (2019-20 to 2023-24) with Department of Biotechnology (DBT) increasing its commitment to two times that of WT. The total financial implication will be Rs. 1092 crore with DBT and WT contributing Rs.728 crore and Rs.364 crore respectively.

Government and IIT-Delhi to set up a Centre of Excellence for Waste to Wealth Technologies:

The Principal Scientific Advisor to the Govt of India, Prof K. Vijay Raghavan and Director, IIT Delhi, Prof V. Ramgopal Rao signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 2^nd May, in New Delhi for setting up a Centre of Excellence for Waste to Wealth Technologies for implementation of sustainable, scientific and technological solutions for waste management, through validation and deployment of available technologies for transformation of waste to wealth.

MoU for Joint Collaboration on Cancer Research:

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), M/o Science and Technology and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India on 22^nd May signed an MoU for supporting joint collaborative research programmes in the area of Cancer. This MOU shall help strengthen the various initiatives specifically for cancer viz. Strategizing and prioritizing cancer research, development of new and affordable technologies, jointly design and fund clinical trials, coordinate and collaborate for translational research, interventions, training of manpower and infrastructure development.

Launch of electronic collection facility of Non-Tax Receipts of Survey of India The electronic collection facility for the costs of maps and other publications will now be available at all the sale counters of Survey of India (SoI). This will help students, researchers and other customers to buy what they would need using credit/ debit cards etc.

Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Thailand in the field of Astronomy (12^th June):

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation between India and Thailand in the field of Astronomy / Astrophysics / Atmospheric Science. The MoU will lead to new scientific results, human resource development through increased scientific interaction and training, joint use of scientific infrastructure etc. The MoU was signed in November, 2018.

Cabinet approves Intimation of Letter of Intent between India and Costa Rica in the field of Biotechnology:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of signing of Lotter of Intent (LOI) between India and Costa Rica in the field of Biotechnology.

Cabinet approves Inter-Institutional Agreement between India and USA for cooperation in the field of medicine:

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17^th July gave ex-post facto approval to the Inter-Institutional Agreement between India and the USA in the areas of regenerative medicine and 3D bioprinting, new technologies, exchange of scientific ideas/information and technologies, and joint use of scientific infrastructure.

Drones to undertake Large scale Mapping of Village areas in Maharashtra:

Survey of India, the national mapping agency of the country under the Min of Science & Technology has signed an MoU with Department of revenue & Land records, Govt of Maharashtra to undertake the Large scale Mapping of Village Gaothan (Aabadi) areas in the State of Maharashtra using drones.

India joins the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub:

India joined the Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research and Development (R&D) Hub as a new member on 12^th September. This expands the global partnership working to address challenges and improve coordination and collaboration in global AMR R&D to 16 countries, the European Commission, two philanthropic foundations and four international organisations (as observers).

National Centre for Clean Coal Research & Development inaugurated at Bengaluru:

Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, inaugurated the National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development at Indian Institute of Science (IISc)-Bengaluru on  16^th September. Government of India through Department of Science & Technology, has set up the National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development (NCCCR&D) as a national level consortium on clean coal R&D, led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)-Bengaluru.

Government launches ‘UMMID’ initiative to tackle inherited genetic diseases of new born babies:

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan on 23^rd September launched UMMID (Unique Methods of Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders) initiative and inaugurated NIDAN (National Inherited Diseases Administration) Kendras.

25th edition of DST-CII India Netherlands Technology Summit inaugurated at New Delhi on 15^th October:

Inaugurating the 25th edition of DST-CII India Netherlands Technology Summit at New Delhi by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands and Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, expressed their pleasure at the successful collaboration in Science & Technology between the two countries. ‘NEXUS’ was the central theme of the summit, discussing how to co-create on pioneering innovative solutions for global challenges related to water, food and good health for all.

Cabinet approves proposal for Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation between India and the United States of America:

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on  23^rd October approved the proposal for Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation between India and the United States of America. The Agreement would provide an opportunity to promote ‘high quality’ and ‘high impact’ research and innovation partnerships as well as broadening and expanding relationships between the extensive scientific and technological communities.

Guidelines Released for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals in India on 24^th October:

While releasing the guidelines, Dr. Harsh Vardhan informed that these “Guidelines for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals in India” is one of the most important steps for delineating quality, safety and efficacy assessment of the novel nanoformulations. He further added that these guidelines are intended to provide transparent, consistent and predictable regulatory pathways for nanopharmaceuticals in India. The guidelines will pave the way for significant benefits through such cutting edge technology and contribute to the mission on “Affordable Health Care for All”.

India and Netherlands launched the second phase of the LOTUS-HR (Local Treatment of Urban Sewage streams for Healthy Reuseplant) as a part of joint collaboration:

During the visit of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty, Queen Maxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands a joint launch of the second phase of the Local Treatment of Urban Sewage streams for Healthy Reuse (LOTUS-HR) program was done by the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan on  5^th October. The launch programme was held during the visit of Netherlands King & the Queen to the India-Netherlands water laboratory at the Barapullah drain in Delhi.

5th India International Science Festival held in Kolkata from 5th to 8th November, 2019:

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated via video conference, the 5^th India International Science Festival at Kolkata on 5^th November. Addressing on the occasion, Prime Minister said the theme of the festival “RISEN: Research, Innovation and Science Empowering the Nation” reflects the aspirations of 21^st century India. He said science and technology has a major impact on society, and therefore government is providing the Institutional Support for both Invention and Innovation. Advocating for a strong ecosystem supporting Science and Technology, he said every effort is being taken to support innovation in the country.

India’s first-ever global Mega-Science exhibition, ‘Vigyan Samagam’, inaugurated at the Science City in Kolkata (4^th November):

This multi-venue Science Exhibition, after its successful journey in Mumbai and Bengaluru, opened for public in Kolkata from 4^th November till December 31, 2019. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Department of Science and Technology (DST), the funding agencies of these projects and the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, who are venue partners and having expertise in design and hosting such exhibitions, have joined hands to organize this prestigious Science Exhibition.

3-day Global Bio-India Summit, 2019 inaugurated (21^st November):

Union Ministers Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Shri Dharmendra Pradhan also inaugurated the Global Bio-India Exhibition. Global Bio-India is one of the largest biotechnology stakeholders conglomerate being held in India for the first time. Over 3,000 delegates from around 25 countries and over 15 states of India are participating in the mega event.

5th Meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

The 5^th Meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States’ Heads of Ministries and Departments of Science and Technology and Permanent Working Group on S&T Cooperation concluded in Moscow, Russia on 21^st November. Secretary, DSIR & DG, CSIR, Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, led the Indian delegation. India will be the host of Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of SCO Member States in 2020, which will approve the Draft SCO Roadmap on cooperation between research institutions of SCO Member States for the period 2021-2023.

Global Bio-India Awards presented on 22^nd November:

Presenting the awards, the Union Minister of Railways and Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal said the Government has simplified the Patents regime for Start-ups, MSMEs among others to encourage innovation. He assured the Department of Industrial will extend all support to new and emerging enterprises in Biotechnology sector.

8^th Foundation Day of Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA) (PPP between Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)) held on 28^th November:

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan recognized and felicitated the exceptional performance of GITA project in contributing towards enhancing the country’s innovation ecosystem. The theme of the event was ‘Making India Future Ready’.

 

Prime Minister confers Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) prizes for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018:

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conferred Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) prizes for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 in New Delhi on 28^th February. The SSB prize is awarded each year on the basis of conspicuously important and outstanding contributions to human knowledge and progress, made through work done primarily in India during the five years, preceding the year of the prize.

Redefined units of measurement of kilogram, Kelvin, mole and ampere implented in India by CSIR-NPL:

After decades of ground-breaking laboratory works, the world’s scientific and technical community, in a landmark and historic decision taken in the recent open session of the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) at BIPM on 16^th November 2018, has unanimously adopted the resolution to redefine four of the seven base units, the kilogram (SI unit of weight), Kelvin (SI unit of temperature), mole (SI unit of amount of substance), and ampere (SI unit of current). The new SI is being implemented worldwide from 20^th May 2019 i.e. the World Metrology Day by CSIR-NPL in India.

NSG facility inaugurated at CSIR-CCMB:

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the Next Generation Sequencing (NSG) facility at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMC) in Hyderabad on 20^th July. The facility includes technology for high genome sequencing and also diagnostic sequencing of clinical samples. The state of art machine, acquired at a cost of Rs. 8 crore can sequence 18,000 samples in 8 minutes. The NGS would help prenatal genetic screening and counselling, thereby generating large scale genomic data critical for diagnosis and therapy.

First Indigenous Fuel Cell System developed by CSIR launched on CSIR Foundation Day on 26^th September 2019:

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, on 26^th September unveiled the first Indigenous High Temperature Fuel Cell System developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in partnership with Indian industries under India’s flagship program named “New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI)” on the occasion of CSIR Foundation Day in New Delhi. A unique example of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) among CSIR’s three Laboratories [CSIR-NCL, Pune; CSIR-NPL, New Delhi & CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi (Chennai Center)] and two Indian industries; M/s Thermax Limited, Pune and M/s Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai exemplified exploiting materials of science developments at CSIR laboratories into practice by Industry.

President of India presents awards for outstanding contributions in Science and Technology on the occasion of CSIR Foundation Day on 26^th September:

The President lauded the accomplishments of CSIR and its technological interventions towards the socio-economic development of the nation. The President presented the CSIR Technology Awards to teams of CSIR and the G.N. Ramachandran Gold Medal to Prof. Amitabha Chattopadhyay of CSIR-CCMB.

Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan  launches “Green Crackers” developed by CSIR  in a bid to curb air pollution on 5^th October:

Green logo and QR coding system was also launched to track manufacture & sale of counterfeit crackers. Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan announced that Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs have been successful in developing various environment-friendly fireworks such as sound emitting crackers, flowerpots, pencils, chakkar and sparklers.

CSIR conducts Whole Genome Sequencing of over 1,000 Indians for Biomedical Applications:

The CSIR has conducted Whole Genome Sequencing of 1,008 Indians from different populations across the country. Announcing details of the IndiGen Genome project, the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the whole genome data will be important for building the knowhow, baseline data and indigenous capacity in the emerging area of Precision Medicine.

CSIR signs MoU with KVIC on promotion of honey production Khadi outlets to also display CSIR products on 5^th December:

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to leverage the expertise available in CSIR with the effort of KVIC for promotion of honey production and also to enable wider outreach of the CSIR technologies and products.

MOU signed between Ministry of AYUSH and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research on 22^nd April 2019

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of AYUSH and CSIR, New Delhi for cooperation in research and education in areas of traditional systems of medicine and its integration with modern science.

CSIR signs MoU with Indian Navy on 5^th April 2019

The Indian Navy and CSIR signed a MoU to undertake joint research and development of advanced technologies for the Indian Navy. This will be a collaborative arrangement between labs of CSIR, the Indian Navy and Indian industry.

 

HPCL & CSIR have developed BND

HPCL and CSIR–NPL released 26 Petroleum BNDs (Bharatiya Nideshak Dravya or Indian Reference Material) coinciding with the occasion of World Metrology Day. These will be of immense use for BS VI fuels and will save foreign exchange through import substitution for Certified Reference Materials (CRMs). This will provide traceability for all vital parameters of Petroleum products testing and certification comprising of 13 physical properties, 2 Physicochemical properties and 11 Chemical properties, including BND for sulfur content measurement at lower concentrations which will be of immense use for BS VI fuels.

CSIR and IIT Delhi Signed an MoU on 16^th July 2019

CSIR and IIT Delhi, have entered into an agreement with five of the renowned National Laboratories of CSIR Viz CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute, CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory. As a part of MoU, IIT Delhi plans to promote collaborative research, exchange of ideas, development of knowledge, enhancing high quality research throughput. IIT Delhi and CSIR aspire to leverage the  mutual expertise to contribute to the socio economic needs of the country.

Union Minister of S&T Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a demonstration plant for converting plastic waste to diesel

 

Honourable Union Minister of S&T Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a demonstration plant for converting plastic waste to diesel based on technology developed by CSIR-IIP. This plant can convert one tonne of plastic waste into 800 liters of diesel every day that is of automotive grade and is in collaboration with Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) India.

CSIR-NPL designated as the National Verifciation Agency for Air quality monitoring instruments

Union environment ministry has designated CSIR-NPL as the national verification agency for certifying instruments and equipment for monitoring emissions and ambient air quality, which will assist in maintaining standards of instruments and data of air quality being collected.

CSIR-IICT has signed a global licensing pact with Sun Pharma

CSIR-IICT has signed a global licensing pact with Sun Pharma for patents on dermatology, ophthalmology and oncology. Sun Pharma will pay upfront and milestone linked payments upto Rs 240 crore and royalties to CSIR-IICT from commercialization.

 

Joint Workshops conducted by CSIR and Fraunhofer, Germany

Series of workshops were conducted between CSIR and Fraunhofer Institute, Germany towards Indo – German collaboration in Research and Innovation towards leapfrogging in Frontier Technologies.

 

CSIR and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (National Institutes of Health) USA, signed an MoU

The MoU was to strengthen and develop research cooperation related to environmental health sciences with emphasis on understanding the health effects associated with exposure to air poluttants and other environmental chemicals.

Smart Aerospace Composite Manufacturing Facility was inaugurated, by  Union Minister of S&T and ES

Smart Aerospace Composite Manufacturing Facility was inaugurated, by Hon’ble Union Minister of S&T and ES which will produce high quality lightweight polymer composite airframes for the HANSA-NG program of CSIR-NAL and the present prototyping facility shall produce 3 to 4 aircraft per year.

 Union Minister of S&T and ES inaugurated at CSIR-NCL Venture Center, a MedTech clean room facility

Hon’ble Union Minister of S&T and ES inaugurated at CSIR-NCL Venture Center, a Med Tech clean room facility which is designed for the manufacture of medical devices and diagnostic services for undertaking clinical study and testing purposes. This has the potential to boost the innovation ecosystem and startups in the medical devices sector.

International training programme on Petroleum Refining Technology and Petrochemicals conducted by CSIR-IIP

A eight weeks international training programme on Petroleum Refining Technology and Petrochemicals was conducted by CSIR-IIP, Dehradun. About 15 foreign Government officials mainly from African countries participated in the programme under Indian Technical Economic Cooperation.

 

CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur launched the Indian air quality Interactive Repository or IndAIR

CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur launched the Indian air quality Interactive Repository or IndAIR which has archived approximately 700 scanned materials from pre-internet era (1950-1999), 1215 research articles, 170 reports and case studies, 100 cases and over 2,000 statues, to provide the history of air pollution research and legislation in the county. Such a repository on the subject of air pollution is one of the first in the world.

 

CSIR-TKDL (Traditional Knowledge Digital Library) signs Agreement with Asiam Agri History Foundation

An agreement with Asian Agri History Foundation, at Pant Nagar was signed by TKDL for cooperation related to digitization and inclusion of information on traditional Indian agriculture and allied domains

CSIR has signed MoU with CNRS, France

MoU signed with CNRS, France for Promotion & Support of Scientific & Technological Research in areas of mutual interest including including plant and marine biotechnology; health research; environment and climate change studies; engineering science and technology; material science and technology; energy science and technology and water research.

CSIR-IHBT, Palampur and Ladakh Farmers and Producers Co-operative Limited (LFPCL) have entered into an MoU

The MoU is to grow saffron in Ladakh using tissue culture technology for production of disease free, healthy and flowering sized saffron corms in the non-traditional areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Leh, North East and hilly regions of Tamil Ladu.

Zero Waste Potash technology developed by CSIR-CSMCRI

The efforts of CSIR scientists from CSIR-CSMCRI who have developed a technology for recovery valuable potash from spent wash and saves foreign exchanges and prevents hazardous spent wash being discarded was appreciated by  Prime Minister  Shri Narendra Modi.

********

This was a year for consolidating the gains that accrued from major policy decisions taken in the previous five years, a time for monitoring of ongoing projects, tackling road blocks and adding to the already impressive pace of work achieved during the past years. During 2018-19, projects in about 5,494 km length were awarded and completion was achieved in about 10,855 km length of roads. The rate of development of roads has increased significantly from about 11.7 km during 2013-14 to about 30 km now. During the current year, projects for 3211 km length have been awarded and 5958 km length has been constructed till November 2019.

During the year the Ministry and its associated organizations have carried forward the good work of the previous years, expanding the national highways network in the country, taking various steps to make these highways safe for the commuters and making best efforts to minimize adverse impact on the environment. As a result, National Highways (NHs) length has increased from 91,287 km in April, 2014 to about 1,32,500 km. as on 31.12.2019.

Construction of National Highways

Year	Award (Km)	Construction (Km)
2019-20*	3211	5958
2018-19	5493	10855
2017-18	17055	9829
2016-17	15948	8231
2015-16	10098	6061
2014-15	7972	4410

 

 

 

                              *Achievement till Nov, 2019

Targets for 2019-20

Award         –     10,000 Km

Construction –    11,000 Km

Under ToT mode, a bundle of 9 projects with total length of 566 km has been awarded this Financial Year for a concession fee of Rs. 5,011 crores against the reserve price of Rs. 4,998.71 crore. Further initiatives are being taken up to bid out more projects under TOT mode during this Financial Year.

Accelerated Development of Highways

The Ministry proposes to develop additional 60,000 kms of National Highways in the next five years, of which 2500 km are Express Ways/Access Controlled Highways, 9000 kms Economic Corridors, 2000 kms for Coastal and Port Connectivity Highways and 2000 kms Border Road/ Strategic Highways. The Ministry also intends to improve connectivity for 100 tourist destinations and construct Bypasses for 45 towns/cities during this period.

Expenditure of Ministry increased from 33,745 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 1,37,354 crore in 2018-19. During the current year an expenditure of Rs. 85,275 crore has already been incurred till November 2019 including IEBR of NHAI.

Augmenting Finances through Innovative Instruments

With a view to augmenting sources of funding for NH projects, the NHAI intends to raise Rupees one lakh crore through Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) Model of asset monetization in the next five years. Finances are also likely to accrue from Securitization of Toll Revenues as well as the setting up of Infra Investment Trust (InvIT). Other steps being taken by NHAI include financing new projects through National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) supported SPVs.

Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) and Securitization of user fee receipts of NHs

With a view to expanding the project base available with NHAI for monetization under TOT mode and for raising finance against toll receipts from identified Public Funded/Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) projects through securitization, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has accorded the following approval (vide communication no. CCEA/20/2019 (i) dated 25.11.2019 ):

NHAI is authorized to monetize public funded NH projects which are operational and are collecting toll for at least one year after the COD through the Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) on a case to case basis.

NHAI is authorized to vary the Concession Period between 15 to 30 years depending on project features.

The detailed proposal for every TOT bundle, including the proposed project stretches; estimated concession value & proposed concession period shall be approved by NHAI Board (Authority).

NHAI is allowed to raise long term finance from banks by securitizing the user fee receipts from fee plazas as alternate mode of asset monetization.

Securitization would offer an alternative mode for raising finance against toll receipts from identified Public Funded/HAM projects. Securitization as a model entails the generation of upfront funds against the future cash flows generated by select assets.

Infrastructure Investment Trusts

In order to enhance NHAI’s resource mobilization, the Cabinet has accorded the following approval (vide communication 39/CM/2019(i) dated 13.12.2019):

NHAI is authorized to set up Infrastructure Investment Trust(s), as per InvIT Guidelines issued by SEBI, to monetize completed National Highways that have a toll collection track record of at least one year and NHAI reserves the right to levy toll on the identified highway.

NHAI is authorized to incorporate SPV(s) which are essential and integral part of the entire InvIT structure.

NHAI is authorized to set up its first InvIT as per the structure approved by NHAI Board and to incorporate two SPVs which are essential and integral part of the InvIT structure:

• An SPV to hold all identified public funded projects to be placed in an InvIT
• An SPV to act as an Investment Manager in the proposed InvIT

NHAI is authorized to create a reserve fund from the sums received from InvIT, which shall be kept in a separate account for repayment of debt.

Progress of Major Programmes/ Landmark Projects

The work of major bridge across Sharavathi backwaters, approaches between Ambargodu and Kalasvali in Karnataka and 16 packages of Trans Rajasthan Highways project have been awarded.

A three-lane underpass inaugurated at Parade Road junction near Manekshaw Centre on NH 8 in New Delhi on 12.07.2019.  With opening of this underpass, movement of traffic from Airport to Dhaula Kuan has become signal free.

Dasna-Hapur section of Delhi-Meerut Expressway (package-3) in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilakhuwa has been inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister, Shri Nitin Gadkari on 30^th September, 2019.  The completion of this section is expected to further help in decongesting the National Capital Region, bring down pollution levels and reduce travel time significantly.

The integrated bus ports in Cuttack (Odisha) and in Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) have been approved and the DPRs thereon are under progress.

 

National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program which provides for collection of user fee through FASTags based on RFID technology. In order to save fuel, time and pollution and to ensure seamless movement of traffic, it has been decided to enable all lanes in Fee Plazas for electronic toll collection program through FASTags. The Tolling systems would be spruced up to create a digital experience of seamless tolling for all the Highway users.

The Ministry vide letter dated 29^th November, 2019 initiated the process of declaring “FASTag lane of Fee Plaza” for all the lane to be complied w.e.f. 15^th December, 2019. However, considering the request of NHAI and that the Citizens inconvenience this condition has been eased for the next 30 days. It has been accordingly decided that depending on the traffic pile up at high traffic volume fee plazas, not more than 25% “FASTag lane of Fee Plaza” may be converted temporarily to hybrid lane by the RO concerned. It should also be ensured that least possible number be converted into hybrid lane and that at least 75% lanes of every fee plaza remain declared and operational as “FASTag lane of Fee Plaza” in order to incentivize the vehicles carrying FASTag. A total of 1,11,70,811 FASTag have been issued till 26.12.2019.

 

Ministry is trying to bring inter-operability of the FASTags with the State Governments so that a single FASTag can be used both at State Highways Toll Plaza and National Highways Toll Plaza. An NHAI Prepaid Wallet was also launched giving customers the choice of not linking their FASTag to their bank accounts and includes the feature of UPI recharge.

 

Discouraging the use of ‘Single-Use Plastic’

This Ministry has directed all offices/officers/staff to stop use of ‘Single-Use Plastic’ in office premises, and also to use locally produced environment-friendly products such as Kulhads, clay glasses/plates etc. in place of harmful plastic products.

Swachhata hi Seva Campaign (SHS)

The Government decided that in 2019-20, the ‘Swachhata hi Seva Campaign (SHS)’ 2019 between 11^th September, 2019 to 27^th October, 2019 will focus on Plastic Waste Management as the main theme.  For the campaign, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways prepared a detailed Action Plan and the personnel undertook Shramdaan and ensured the collection of all plastic waste on and around National Highways.  Efforts for awareness generation were also successful; roughly 69,000 people were mobilized, and shramdaan of around 2,22,226 lac-man hours was done during the campaign. Waste plastic has been used in 56.96 km of road length by Nov, 2019.  More roads are being constructed using plastic waste.

 

Road Safety

State Support Programme

A State Support Programme aimed at incentivising the States to improve their road safety performance is proposed to launched to reduce the overall fatalities by road accidents by 25% by 2024. With a view to accurately recording the accident details so that timely corrective action is undertaken a Geo-Tagged accident data collection programme would be launched under the project “Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD)”. IT based road safety infrastructure would be erected on all the four lane and above Highways. Incidence management systems shall also be provided on all such Highways.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 is the principal instrument through which road transport is regulated in the country. The same has been amended first time in a comprehensive way after thirty years by The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, passed by the Parliament and published in the Gazette of India on 9^th August 2019.

The Act will bring reforms in the area of Road Safety, bring citizen facilitation, transparency, and reduce corruption with the help of information technology and removing intermediaries. The Act will strengthen public transport, safeguard and protect Good Samaritan and reform the insurance and compensation regime. It will allow innovation and new technologies such as driverless vehicles, to be tested in live environment and increase efficiency in research. The Act will facilitate Divyang by allowing motor vehicles to be converted to adapted vehicles with post-facto approval and facilitating licence to drive adapted vehicles. The provisions of compensation and post – accident treatment have been amended and measures will be taken provide cashless treatment for accident victims.

Road Safety Provisions and Penalties

• It facilitates electronic monitoring of vehicles for enforcing traffic rules.
• Provision of a refresher training course to obtain the DL after its suspension or revocation for certain offences like over speeding, drunken driving etc.
• Penalties have been introduced for new offences and enhanced for existing offences.
• For offences committed by juveniles-
• penalty of Rs. 25000 and imprisonment up to 3 years for the owner/guardian.
• Digital intermediaries and aggregators (Ola and Uber) will follow guidelines prescribed by the Centre.
• Constitution of National Road Safety Board to render advice on Road Safety and Traffic Management.

 

Citizen facilitation, Transparency and Reduction in Corruption

• All forms, fees and documents under the Act can be submitted online to avoid human intervention.
• Dealer point registration – for registration of new motor vehicles, the onus to apply for registration has been shifted to dealers and the requirement to produce vehicles before authority has been removed.
• Formulation of National Registers for DLs and registrations to bring transparency.
• Automated testing.
• The validity periods for DLs have been extended.
• DLs can be renewed anytime between 1 year before its expiry till 1 year after its expiry to facilitate citizen away from home, visiting abroad, chronic patients etc.

 

Employment facilitation

• The requirement of minimum educational qualification for license to drive transport vehicles has been removed.
• Scheme for setting up driving schools with the Central assistance.

 

Increased accountability of manufacturers of Motor Vehicles

• Centre can order recall of motor vehicles for any defect.

 

Insurance and Compensation

• Constitution of Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.
• compensation for hit and run cases.
• Cashless treatment of road accident victims during golden hour.
• Drivers and Co-driver/helper have been included as third parties, for the purpose of insurance.

Implementation Status of MVA, 2019

The Central Government has made operational around 60 provisions of the new Motor Vehicles Amendment Act starting from 1^st of September 2019 in whole of India.

• For operations of these provisions there is no requirement of amendment of the rules.
• The provisions implemented from 1^st of September include provisions relating to-
  • Enhanced penalties for the offences under the Motor Vehicles Act
  • Facilitation of the licencing process so that the citizen can apply anywhere in the State for obtaining the Learner Licence, Driving Licence or Renewal
  • Allowing driving licence holders to apply for renewal any time between one year between one year before its expiry upto one year after its expiry.  This will greatly help our citizens working and staying abroad.
  • Facilitation of the process of registration of vehicles process so that the citizen can apply anywhere in the State for registering the vehicles or recording any other changes
  • Provisions which provide for powers to the Central and the State Governments for formulation of rules
• The States are in the process of issuing notifications in regard to the amount to be charged for the offences which are ‘compoundable’.

The rest of the provisions would be made operational as soon as the Rules for them have been drafted.  The process of formulation of rules is underway and we expect that in the next 2 to 4 months the rules would be in place as it involves detailed consultation.

Transport Sector

The Ministry has notified GSR886 (E) dated 29^th November, 2019 to bring amendment in the forms in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 in regard to capture of the Mobile Numbers of the owners when availing any service relating to the Registration of the Vehicles. While examining the subject “Management of worsening traffic in Delhi”, Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee MHA has also observed that a large number of vehicles of VAHAN data base do not have the mobile numbers. In view of the above, considering the urgency of the issue the relevant Forms in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 which pertains to the service relating to the Motor Vehicle i.e. the registration, transfer, Register of Motor Vehicle, Renewal, duplicate copy, grant of NOC, change of address, entry or termination entry for Hire/ Purchase/ Hypothecation are proposed to be amended to include for capturing the mobile number of the owner as and when they apply for availing services.

To ensure ease of doing business at RTOs, it is proposed that from 2020 learning licenses would be issued online, registration of vehicle would be done the same day and App based transfer of license and registration would be made possible.

The Ministry issued Notification bearing No. GSR 784 (E) dated 12^th November, 2008, vide which it had been mandated that all commercial vehicles manufactured after April 2009 need to have retro-reflective tape applied.  This is as per Rule 104 of CMVR. It has come to the notice of the Government that most of the older vehicles, taking advantage of this notification, are taking exemption during their annual fitment test.  In this regard, this Ministry vide GSR 80 (E) dated 23^rd October, 2019 has mandated fixation of retro-reflective tape on all the vehicles irrespective of date of manufacturing and also notified their specifications. This is expected to enhance road safety.

 

Keeping with the demand of economically backward and unemployed persons, this Ministry issued a notification GSR 681 (E) dated 23^rd September, 2019 for omission of Rule 8 of the CMVR 1989, wherein educational qualifications have been prescribed for obtaining driving licenses.

In order to ensure compliance of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, an advisory to all States/ UTs has been issued on 23^rd September, 2019 to facilitate citizens so that they can use Digilocker or mParivahan app to show Driving Licence, Registration Certificate, etc., in electronic format. The States were also requested that provision for handheld devices for mParivahan or e-challan with requisite ‘PoS’ machine may be made available to the Enforcement officers.

This Ministry made an amendment in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 vide GSR 527 (E) dated 6.6.2018, which provides for online IT based linkage of PUC certificate with VAHAN database. The States through an advisory dated 23^rd September, 2019 have been requested that the information relating to the PUC check should be made using the online system being provided by the Ministry and the data should be made available to citizens in ‘electronic form’ also on the m-Parivahan platform.

With a view to enhancing the security features in a vehicle, the Ministry has issued a draft notification GSR 521 (E) on 24^th July, 2019, allowing the motor vehicles and their parts, components, assemblies, sub-assemblies to be affixed with permanent and nearly invisible microdots that can be read physically with a microscope and identified with ultra violet light sources.

In order to combat the issue of pollution by encouraging usage of less polluting fuel, the Ministry issued a draft notification GSR 522 (E) dated 24^th July, 2019 regarding emission standards for additional alternate fuels.

The Ministry, in keeping with the demand of economically backward and unemployed persons, has issued a notification GSR 681 (E) dated 23^rd September, 2019 for omission of Rule 8 of the CMVR, 1989, i.e., the minimum educational qualification for driving transport vehicles.

Draft notification has been issued on 19.06.2019 to exempt Battery-Operated Vehicles/electric vehicles from paying registration fees.

This Ministry has authorized and provided for one more Vehicle Testing Agency for Testing of Vehicles.  As per the notification dated 18^th July, 2019, GSR 511 (E) the Ministry through amendment in Rule 126 of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Rules, 1989 has added ‘National automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) Indore’.  This will ease the workload and pressure on the existing vehicle testing agencies such as ARAI, ICAT, ARAI, GARC, etc.

 

Data on “Road Accidents in India 2018”

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released its annual publication on ‘Road Accidents in India, 2018’. It provides data on accident related deaths and injuries, calendar yea- wise, based on information supplied by the Police Department of States and UTs. As per the Report, Road accidents in the country have increased marginally by 0.46 % during 2018 with the year seeing 4,67,044 road accidents as against 4,64,910 in 2017. The fatalities during the same period have also risen by about 2.37% and 1,51,471 persons were killed in 2018 as against 1,47,913 in 2017. Road accident injuries have however showed a decrease of 0.33% in 2018 as compared to 2017.

 

Registration Mark for newly formed UT, Ladakh      

Ministry vide SO 4262(E) dated 25^th November, 2019 has assigned a new Registration Mark for newly formed UT, Ladakh as “LA” for registration of vehicles u/s 41(6) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.  This is applicable from the date of publication of Notification.

***

Indian Railways has continuously endeavored to augment passenger experience through modernization and provision of improved facilities over trains and stations. The last fare revision over Indian Railways was done in 2014-15. In order to expand passenger amenities and facilities at railway stations and trains, it has become imperative to increase the fare marginally without over burdening any class of passengers. Further, the burden of 7th Pay Commission on Indian Railway has necessitated rationalization of fares.  Fare revision will help in channelising the fast modernization of Indian Railway.

Accordingly, Railways has decided to marginally effect an increase in fare. Keeping the affordability concerns of daily commuters, there shall be no fare hike for passengers over suburban sections and season ticket holders. This class constitutes 66% of total passenger segment over Indian Railways.  Even for the passengers traveling in Ordinary Non AC Classes, there shall be a marginal increase of 1 paise/PKM (Passenger Kilometer). The increase in fare will be on tickets bought on or after 1^st January 2020 and no excess fare (difference of fare) will be charged from passengers who have booked tickets before 1^st January 2020. The fare revision is as below:

1. Ordinary Non-AC classes(Non-suburban):  Fare  increase by 01 paise/PKM
2. Mail/Exp Non-AC classes : Fare increase by  02 paise/PKM
3. AC classes- Fare increase by  04 paise/PKM
4. Suburban fare and Season tickets: No increase

 

Existing fares of train services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Mahamana, Gatiman, Antyodaya, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Rajya Rani, Yuva Expresses, Suvidha and special trains on special charges, AC MEMU (non-suburban), AC DEMU (non-suburban) etc shall similarly be revised to the extent of the above proposed increase in class-wise fares.

There shall be no change in charges for reservation fee, superfast surcharge etc. Such charges, wherever applicable, shall continue to be levied additionally. GST as applicable shall be levied, as per instructions issued from time to time.

Indian Railways is constantly striving for up-gradation of amenities to passengers, modernising railway stations and providing state-of-the-art facilities on board and off -board. Rationalisation of passenger fares will boost the endeavours of Indian Railways in the same direction.

***

Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav, IRSEE (1980 Batch) has assumed charge today on 01.01.2020 after being reappointed as Chairman, Railway Board, in the rank of Ex-Officio Principal Secretary to Government of India. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved re-employment of Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav as Chairman, Railway Board for a period of one year w.e.f 01.01.2020.

Earlier, Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav was appointed as Chairman, Railway Board (Ministry of Railways) and ex-officio Principal Secretary to Govt. of India on 01.01.2019. Prior to this assignment, Shri Yadav had worked as General Manager, South Central Railway.

His academic qualifications including a Masters Degree in Business Administration –MBA (Technology Management) from La Trobe University, Australia and a Bachelors Degree in Engineering (Electrical Engineering) from Allahabad University, Uttar Pradesh. He holds immense experience in the fields of Project Management, General Management, Industrial Policy Formulation, Foreign Collaboration & Foreign Direct Investment, Management of Sector Specific International Technical Programmes and Co-ordination of World Bank and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Funding.

During the course of his illustrious career, Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav held several important executive and managerial positions on Indian Railways and on deputation to various Organizations. In Indian Railways, his assignments included serving as Chief Electrical Engineer, Planning/Traction Distribution, Northern Railway; Divisional Railway Manager, Lucknow Division, North Eastern Railway and Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Operation), Delhi Division, Northern Railway.

Amongst the assignments he held on deputation are – Executive Director, Railway Electrification Projects, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), New Delhi; Group General Manager (Electrical), Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited; Project Director, International Centre for Advancement of Manufacturing Technology at United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); he was also Director, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Industry, Government of India.

He also held an important foreign assignment as Deputy Manager (Electrical), IRCON at Turkey, where he was instrumental in planning, execution and commissioning of Railway Electrification Project for Turkish Railway.

Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav is recipient of the first ever “Best Transformation Initiative Award” of the Ministry of Railways.

***

SG/MKV/AP

The Winter Session, 2018 of Parliament commenced on Tuesday, 11^th December, 2018. Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Tuesday, 8^th January, 2019 which provided 17 sittings spread over a period of 29 days. Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Wednesday, 9^th January, 2019 which provided 18 sittings spread over a period of 30 days. Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines, said the productivity of Lok Sabha was approx. 47% and that of Rajya Sabha was approx. 27%.

Shri Tomar said that the special achievement of this session of Parliament was that both Houses passed the 124^th Constitutional Amendment Bill which will provide reservation in services and educational institutions for economically weaker sections in general category. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2019 were passed by both Houses of Parliament.

During the Session, 17 Bills (12 in the Lok Sabha and 05 in Rajya Sabha) were introduced. The Lok Sabha passed 14 Bills and while the Rajya Sabha passed 04 Bills during the session. 05 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament.

Proclamation issued by the President on the 19^th December, 2018 under Article 356 of the Constitution of India in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir was discussed and adopted in the Lok Sabha on 28.12.2018 and in the Rajya Sabha on 2^nd and 3^rd January, 2019 respectively.

Interim Budget Session of Parliament 2019 – Productivity of Lok Sabha – 89% and Rajya Sabha – around 8%; 4 Bills passed by both Houses:

Interim Budget Session, 2019 of Parliament which commenced on Thursday, 31^st January, 2019 was adjourned sine die on Wednesday, 13^th February, 2019. The Session provided 10 sittings spread over a period of 14 days. The productivity of Lok Sabha was 89% and that of Rajya Sabha was 8% approximately.

This being the first Session of the year, the President addressed both Houses of Parliament on 31st January, 2019. Interim Budget for 2019-20 was presented on Friday, the 1^st February. General Discussion on the Interim Budget was held in Lok Sabha. Due to constant interruptions in the House, the Rajya Sabha could not take up the Interim Budget for discussion.

During this Session, a total of 9 Bills (3 in Lok Sabha and 6 in Rajya Sabha) were introduced. 5 Bills were passed by Lok Sabha, 5 Bills were passed by Rajya Sabha and 4 Bills were passed by both Houses of Parliament.

All Political Parties condemn Pulwama Terror Attack and pledge support to Government:

A meeting of floor leaders of various political parties in Parliament, chaired by the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Rajnath Singh on 16^th February, condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on our security forces in Pulwama. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said all political parties, in one voice, condemned the terror attack and observed a two minute silence for the martyred soldiers.  A resolution condemning this act of terrorism was also adopted during the meeting, the Minister informed.

Cabinet approved dissolution of the Sixteenth Lok Sabha:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 24^th May gave its approval to the Resolution advising the President to dissolve the Sixteenth Lok Sabha, which was constituted on 18.05.2014. The first meeting of the Sixteenth Lok Sabha was held on June 4, 2014, when members were administered oath and affirmation.  The life of the present Lok Sabha is, therefore, to expire on June 3, 2019, unless the President dissolves it earlier.

Shri Narendra Modi chaired Meeting of Presidents of Political Parties; PM announces a Committee to study the issue of ‘One Country, One Election’ threadbare:

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, chaired a Meeting of Party Presidents of all political parties having representation in Parliament, on 19^th June. Issues that came up for discussion included:

Ways to Improve productivity of Parliament; One Country, One Election; Building a New India in the 75^th year of Independence; Programme and commitments to Celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150^th birth anniversary; & Development of aspirational Districts.

Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh conducted the meeting. Various Party Presidents emphasized that an atmosphere of discussion and dialogue must prevail in Parliament. Participants in the meeting also expressed the hope that approximately half of the members of the 17^th Lok Sabha, are first time MPs, who would take this opportunity to carry forward the spirit of constructive dialogue in the House.

Government held All Party Leaders Meeting to discuss important issues to come up during Budget Session of Parliament 2019;

Addressing floor leaders of various parties in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in New Delhi on 16^th June, on the eve of the Budget Session of Parliament 2019, Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi called on leaders of all political parties in Parliament to work cohesively with the government in running the House smoothly and to collectively address issues related to the welfare of people.

The Prime Minister exhorted all leaders to cooperate with the Government and strive in the direction of making a New India by 2022 and achieve the true meaning of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’. Shri Modi said that Government is always receptive to the issues raised by all Political Parties and is ready to discuss all issues of national importance on the floor of both Houses of Parliament.

First Session of Parliament After General Elections – productivity of Lok Sabha shoots to 137% and Rajya Sabha rises to 103%; abrogation of Article 370 and Triple Talaq Bills among 30 Bills passed by the Parliament:

The First Session of Seventeenth Lok Sabha commenced on 17^th of June, 2019 and 249^th Session of Rajya Sabha commenced from 20^th June, 2019. Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on 6^th August. Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on 7^th August.  The Session had a total of 37 sittings of Lok Sabha and 35 sittings of the Rajya Sabha.

Being the first Session of the 17^th Lok Sabha, new Members took Oath/Affirmation during the first two days i.e. 17^th and 18^th June. Election of Speaker, Lok Sabha was held on 19^th June.

This being the first Session after General Elections, the President addressed both Houses of Parliament assembled together on 20^th June. The Union Budget for 2019- 20 was presented on 5^th July. General Discussion on the Union Budget was held in both Houses.  This engaged the Lok Sabha for 17 Hours 23 minutes against allotted 12 Hours and Rajya Sabha for 12 Hours 30 minutes against allotted 12 Hours.

This Session has been historic in many ways as legislations relating to almost all walks of socioeconomic activities have been passed.  A total of 40 Bills (33 in Lok Sabha and 07 in Rajya Sabha) were introduced. 35 Bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 32 Bills were passed by Rajya Sabha. 30 Bills have been passed by both the Houses of Parliament, which is a record in single first/effective Session after constitution of new Lok Sabha.

The most important business transacted during this Session is the abrogation of certain provisions from Article 370 and Presidential Orders thereunder.  The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, which declares the triple talaq/talaq-e-biddat void is a major step towards grant of gender justice to the Muslim women. Other important legislations include the Protection of Children form Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the National Medical Commission Bill, 2019, Consumer Protection Bill, 2019, National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 and Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Code on Wages Bill, 2019 and the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Departing from the earlier practice of adjourning the Houses for the day in the event of death of a sitting Member of the particular House, a new practice has been developed of adjourning the House for an Hour or Two and then meeting again for transacting essential business of the day.

The productivity of Lok Sabha was approx. 137% and that of Rajya Sabha was approx. 103%.

Winter Session of Parliament – 15 Bills passed in both the Houses; Lok Sabha productivity 116% Rajya Sabha 100%:

The Winter Session, 2019 of Parliament which commenced on Monday, the 18th November, 2019 concluded today. The Session provided 20 sittings spread over a period of 26 days.

During the Session, 18 Bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha passed 14 Bills while the Rajya Sabha passed 15 Bills during the session.  15 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament and would become Acts of Parliament.

Among the Bills passed by both Houses of the Parliament, the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019 aims to retain the inclusive character as envisioned by the founding fathers of the Constitution by continuing the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes for another ten years ie. upto 25^th January, 2030. The  Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019, Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill 2019, National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Bill, 2019, Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and Arms Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, were among other major Bills enacted by the Parliament.

The productivity of Lok Sabha was approx. 116% and that of Rajya Sabha was approx. 100%.

The President of India launched web-portal of “National Youth Parliament Scheme”:

A special function on the occasion to commemorate 70^th Anniversary of adoption of the Constitution of India, – “Samvidhan Diwas” was organized in the Central Hall of Parliament on 26^th November. The President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs graced the occasion and addressed the gathering of the Members of both Houses of Parliament.

On this occasion, the President Shri Ram Nath Kovind launched the Web-Portal of “National Youth Parliament Scheme”.

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has been implementing Youth Parliament programme since 1966 in Schools under the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi and NDMC, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Universities/ Colleges. So far, around 8,000 educational institutions and more than 4,00,000 students have been covered under the Youth Parliament programme of the Ministry.

The web-portal of the National Youth Parliament Scheme is available at http://www.nyps.mpa.gov.in.  The main objective of the portal is to increase the outreach of the youth parliament programme of the Ministry to hitherto untouched sections and corners of the country.

Orientation Course on Parliamentary Practices and Procedures for – IAS officers of 2017 Batch:

Inaugurating the Orientation Course in New Delhi on 17^th July, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla said that the Legislative, Executive and Judiciary wings should all fulfil their responsibility to bring a change and give direction to build a New India. He advised the officers to move ahead with an open mind to do justice to the people in an impartial manner.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi called upon the officers to think of the last person of the society, as they perform their duties. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal said that as part of the Executive wing of democratic system they should be responsible to the people.   MoS (Parliamentary Affairs) Shri V. Muraleedharan said the officers should make every effort to build a New India.

International Yoga Day 2019 celebrated in Parliament:

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi participated in the yoga event on 21^st June organised by Lok Sabha Secretariat, along with Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, other Ministers and MPs.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s interaction programmeParikshaPeCharcha 2020 with a cross section of Students and Teachersfrom India and abroad to beat exam stresshas been rescheduled to 20th January, 2020 at 11 a.m, on account of Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Onam and other festivals across the country. The programme was earlier scheduled for 16th January, 2020.

A lot of excitement and enthusiasm is being seen among the students, teachers and parents to not only participate in the unique event but also to receive valuable tips from the Prime Minister who is keen to ensure that the students take exams in a relaxed atmosphere and donot come under stress,  to ensure better results in the long run.

The HRD Ministry in partnership with MyGov has launched a ‘short essay’ competition for students of classes 9 to 12 for the third edition of Prime Minister’s Interaction Programme with school students “ParikshaPeCharcha 2020” . The entries for the competition, were invited online from 2nd December, 2019 to 23rd December, 2019 through www.mygov.in. As in previous years, students have also been invited to send their questions for the event online. The students whose entries are judged the best on the basis of their online responses will be invited to take part in the programme to be held in Delhi at Talkatora Stadium.

The First edition of Prime Minister’s Interaction Programme with school and college students “ParikshaPeCharcha 1.0” was held at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi on 16th February, 2018. The second edition of the said Interaction Programme with school and college students “ParikshaPeCharcha 2.0” was also held at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi on 29th January, 2019.

Third edition of Prime Minister’s Interaction Programme with school students “ParikshaPe Charcha2020” was proposed to be held at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi on 16th January, 2020. However keeping in view the school holidays insouthern States on account of Pongal/Makar Sakranti, it has been decided to hold it on 20th January, 2020 in Delhi.

 

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The gross GST revenue collected in the month of December, 2019 is ₹ 1,03,184crore of which CGST is ₹ 19,962crore, SGST is ₹ 26,792crore, IGST is ₹ 48,099crore (including ₹ 21,295crore collected on imports) and Cess is ₹ 8,331crore (including ₹ 847crore collected on imports). The total number of GSTR 3B Returns filed for the month of November up to 31^stDecember, 2019 is 81.21lakh.

The GST revenues during the month of December, 2019 from domestic transactions has shown an impressive growth of 16% over the revenue during the month of December, 2018. If we consider IGST collected from imports, the total revenue during December, 2019 has increased by 9% in comparison to the revenue during December, 2018. During this month, the IGST on import of goods has seen a negative growth of (-) 10%, but is an improvement over (-) 13% last month and (-) 20% in the month of October.

The government has settled ₹ 21,814crore to CGST and ₹ 15,366crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement. The total revenue earned by Central Government and the State Governments after regular settlement in the month of December, 2019 is
₹ 41,776 crore for CGST and ₹ 42,158 crore for the SGST.

The chart shows trends in revenue during the current year:

Following is the table showing State-wise gross domestic GST Collection and its comparison with that of December, 2018:

State-wise Gross Domestic GST Collection for the month of December, 2019

(Amount Rs. in Cr.)

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RM/KMN/DKS

During the year, various alerts and timely warnings were issued regarding Cyclonic storms, Heavy rainfall warning, Sea condition, Storm Surge Warning, Damage Expected, pre-cyclone alerts and expected damage, etc.

The alerts were issued for Cyclonic Storm ‘PABUK’ over Andaman Sea & neighbourhood, Cyclone ‘FANI’ over Southwest Bay & adjoining Southeast of Bengal, Cyclone Alert for Odisha, West Bengal & Srikakulam and Vijayanagaram Districts of Andhra Pradesh Coasts, Cyclonic Storm ‘VAYU’ over Northeast & adjoining East central Arabian Sea, Depression over northwest Bay of Bengal off north Odisha – West Bengal coasts, Cyclonic Storm ‘HIKAA’ over northeast and adjoining east central Arabian sea and Cyclonic Storm ‘BULBUL’ over northwest and adjoining West-Central Bay of Bengal. Other alerts like Snowfall over hills, hailstorms and Western Disturbance were also disseminated by issuing press releases.

Low cost device for ocean states forecast and mapping potential fishing zones launched:

For seamless and effective dissemination of emergency information and communication on disaster warnings, Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) and Ocean States Forecasts (OSF) to fishermen, the Government on 9^th October launched the Gagan Enabled Mariner’s Instrument for Navigation and Information (GEMINI) device. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), joined hands with Airports Authority of India (AAI) to utilize the GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) satellite system to transmit the PFZ, OSF and disaster warnings to fishermen with GAGAN system consisting of three geosynchronous satellites (GSAT-8, GSAT-10 and GSAT-15). GAGAN foot-print covers the entire Indian Ocean round the clock.

Government launched Special Weather Services for Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj

The government on 14^th January launched special weather services for the benefit of people visiting Prayagraj during Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela 2019 was held at Prayagraj during January-March 2019. A mobile application named “Kumbh Mela Weather Service” was developed to disseminate the live weather information (temperature, humidity, rainfall and winds) as observed in all the above four sites. The Mobile App was available for downloading from Google Store.

3-day International Symposium on “Advances in Agro-meteorology for managing climatic risks of farmers” organised at New Delhi:

Considering the urgent need of sharing the agro-meteorological knowledge among researchers, policy makers, industry and farmers to learn from each other, identify the technologies/practices and develop a roadmap for risk management, the Association of Agro Meteorologists (AAM) organized a 3-day International Symposium on “Advances in Agro Meteorology for Managing Climatic Risks of Farmers” (INAGMET-2019) at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (India) beginning 11^th February, 2019. The symposium was jointly organized with India Meteorological Department, Indian Centre of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Agricultural Research Institute and Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Vice President addressed the Silver Jubilee celebrations of NIOT in Chennai; sought innovative solutions to conserve water and tackle climate change, pollution:

Inaugurating the silver jubilee celebrations of National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai on 3^rd November, the Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said technology was needed for protection of coastal areas from negative impacts of climate change and for development of blue coastal infrastructure for the benefit of society.

The NIOT was established in November 1993 as an autonomous society under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India by the then Department of Ocean Development. NIOT has established itself as one of the premier institutes in the world, working on various ocean technologies.

Visit of UK’s Prince Charles to India Meteorological Department

Prince Charles visited the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 13^th November, 2019. Dr. M. Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, IMD welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Charles to IMD. DGM IMD highlighted the evolution of cyclone warning system aftermath of Odisha Super Cyclone in 1999 which led to loss of 10,000  human deaths to the current modernised early warning system of IMD which has minimised the loss of lives to less than 100 due to very severe cyclonic storms crossing the coast since 2013. The modernised system has not only helped India, but also the 13 countries in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea region to minimize loss of lives to less than 100. His Highness appreciated the accurate predictions during cyclone FANI which crossed Odisha coast in May, 2019 and recent cyclone Bulbul which crossed West Bengal-Bangladesh coast in November, 2019.

MoU between India and the UK on Cooperation in Weather and Climate Sciences:

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on  28^th February was apprised of the MoU between India and United Kingdom (UK) on Cooperation in Weather and Climate Sciences. The MoU was signed on 28^th January 2019, under which, an Implementation Agreement on Weather and climate science for service partnership will also be signed between India and the UK.

MoU on Antarctic cooperation between India and Argentina:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 27^th March was apprised about an MoU signed in February, 2019 between India and Argentina on Antarctic cooperation. The MoU will help scientific cooperation on projects in the fields of Earth sciences, as well as those related to the protection and conservation of the natural environment of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans.

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Air Marshal MSG Menon VSM takes over as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration of Indian Air Force with effect from 01 Jan 2020.

Air Marshal MSG Menon VSM was commissioned in Administrative branch of IAF in Dec 1982. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Calicut University.
He has undergone Higher Air Command Course from College of Air Warfare. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College Wellington and the prestigious National Defence College.

The Air Marshal is a Cat ‘AYE’ Air Traffic Controller and has commanded an operational radar unit at a major flying station. He was a member of the first UN Mission to Sudan. He has tenanted the appointments of Chief Administrative Officer at a major AF Station and Director at National Defence University. He has served as the Commandant of the prestigious Air Force Administrative College, Coimbatore and Principal Director Ops (Air Traffic Services). On promotion to Air Vice Marshal, he tenanted the appointment of Assistant Chief Of Air Staff (Org & Ceremonial) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (AF Works).

Prior to taking over as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration, he was the Director General (Works & Ceremonials) at Air HQ.

For his distinguished service, the Air Marshal was commended by the VCAS in the year 2007. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) by the Hon’ble President of India in the year 2016.

He is married to Mrs. Lakshmi Menon and they are blessed with a daughter who is a micro biologist and is married.

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Air Marshal Vibhas Pande VSM has taken over as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance of Indian Air Force with effect from 01 Jan 2020.

Air Officer was commissioned as Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) in IAF on 29 Aug 1984. He started his career as Engineering Officer in IAF with fighter aircraft and later also gained experience in maintenance operations on transport aircraft and helicopters. He has flown nearly 1200 hrs on helicopters as Flight Engineer and has also been Air Force Examiner for Rotary Wing aircraft.

Air Officer is a Post Graduate in Reliability Engineering from IIT Powai, Mumbai. He is also an alumnus of College of Air Warfare and National Defence College.

Air Officer has held the appointments of Senior Production Engineer at 11 Base Repair Depot, Commanding Officer of Air Armament Inspection Wing, Khamaria, Directing Staff at College of Air Warfare and Command Engineering Officer at HQ WAC. He has also spearheaded indigenisation drive in IAF as CO of 1 CIMD. Some of the key appointments held by him include command of a premier Base Repair Depot, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at HQ EAC and  ACAS Eng (T&H) at Air HQ. Prior to assuming his present appointment, he was holding the appointment of Director General (Aircraft).

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General Bipin Rawat assumed office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) here today. As the CDS, General Rawat will be the Principal Military Advisor to the Raksha Mantri on all Tri-Services matters. He will also head Department of Military Affairs (DMA). The CDS will have a key role in ensuring optimum utilisation of allocated budget, usher in more synergy in procurement, training &operations of the Services through joint planning and integration. The CDSwill facilitate indigenisation of weapons and equipment to the maximum extent possible while formulating the overall defence acquisition plan for the three Services.

Interacting with media persons, General Rawat vowed to work to create more synergy among the three Services. “The CDS is mandated to facilitate integration, ensure best economical use of resources allocated to the Armed Forces and bring uniformity in the procurement procedure. I want to assure you that the Army, Navy and Air Force will work as a team and the CDS will ensure integration among these,” he said.

Earlier, General Rawat inspected the Tri-Service Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria and Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravanewere also present on the occasion. General Rawat also laid wreath and paid homage to the martyrs at the National War Memorial.

Ex-Chief of the Army Staff General Rawat, is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; Higher Command, National Defence College. He also attended the Command and General Staff Course at Fort Leavenworth in the United States.

During his distinguished career in the Army, General Rawat commanded an Infantry battalion along the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Sector, a Rashtriya Rifles Sector, an Infantry Division in the Kashmir Valley and a Corps in the North East. General Rawat had also commanded a Multinational Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As an Army Commander, he commanded a theatre of operations along the Western Front and was appointed the Vice Chief of the Army Staff before assuming office of Chief of the Army Staff.

During the span of over 41 years in the Army, General Rawat has been awarded several gallantry and distinguished service awards.

There is a well-established system for selection of tableaux for participation in the Republic Day Parade as per which Ministry of Defence invites proposals for tableau from all States/UTs and Central Ministries/Departments.

The tableaux proposals received from various States/UTs and Central Ministries/Departments are evaluated in a series of meetings of the Expert Committee comprising of eminent persons in the field of art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, choreography etc. The Expert Committee examines the proposals on the basis of theme, concept, design and its visual impact before making its recommendations. Due to time constraints arising out of overall duration of the parade, only a limited number of tableaux can be shortlisted for participation in the parade. The selection process in vogue, leads to participation of the best tableaux in the parade.

For Republic Day Parade 2020, a total of 56 tableaux proposals (32 from States/UTs and 24 from Ministries/Departments) were received. Out of these, 22 proposals, comprising of 16 States/UTs and 6 Ministries/Departments, have finally been shortlisted for participation in the Republic Day Parade 2020 after a series of five meetings.

The tableau proposal of Govt. of West Bengal was examined by the Expert Committee in two rounds of meetings. The tableau proposal of Govt. of West Bengal was not taken forward for further consideration by the Expert Committee after deliberations in the second meeting. It is pertinent to mention here that the tableau of Govt. of West Bengal was shortlisted for participation in Republic Day Parade 2019 as an outcome of the same process.

 

In order to promote India-Africa trade and economic relations, Ministry of Commerce and Industry regularly reviewsIndia’s trade with Africa through institutional mechanismslike Joint Commission Meetings (JCMs), Joint Trade Committees (JTCs), and Joint Working Groups(JWGs).

The 9^th Session of the India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee was held in New Delhi on 19-20 August, 2019 under the co-chairmanship of Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal and his Kenyan counterpart Mr. Peter Munya, Cabinet Secretary (Minister) for Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Government of the Republic of Kenya.  During the meeting, wide ranging discussions were held cutting across sectors like MSME, Agriculture, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Tourism, Administration of Standards, Development of Human Resources in Higher Education, Science & Technology, Investment Promotion and Protection, Air Services, Energy, Plastics, Textile, Pharmaceuticals, Oil & Gas, Health, Immigration, Automobile and other engineering products. Collaboration in the field of issue of recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia in Kenya was also discussed.

The First India-Nigeria JTC was held on 19^th – 20^th December, 2019 in New Delhi, under the Co-chair of Commerce Secretary, Government of India and his Nigerian counterpart. During the meeting discussions were held in various sectors including oil and natural gas, market access in bovine meat, rice, recognition of pharmacopoeia, cooperation of SME sector, higher education and power.

The first meeting of the India-South Africa JWG on Trade and Investment was held in January, 2019, to deliberate upon the bottlenecks including non-tariff barriers, and suggest the way forward to further deepen India’s trade with the region.

The proposed India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA)seeks to mutually benefit both the countries, in the area of trade in goods, and trade in services.  Seven rounds of India-Mauritius CECPA negotiations have been held till now.  The 7th round was held during 19-23 November, 2018 in Mauritius. During these rounds, negotiations were held cutting across trade in Goods, trade in Services, Rules of Origin, Technical Barriers to Trade and Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary(SPS) measure, Trade Remedies and Dispute Settlement. India- Mauritius CECPA negotiations for trade in goods and trade in services, have been completed. The Agreement is near finalization.

On the Occasion of World Cotton Day organized by WTO in Geneva on 7^th October, 2019, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India announced the launch of Phase-II of C-TAP in 11 African countries. The programme is aimed at enhancing productivity in cotton sector, improving the post-harvest and plant by-products industry in the participating countries, as well as building the capacity of the cotton-based textile sector. Department is currently working on implementation plan inconsultation with stakeholders such as foreign counterparts through IndianMissions, Ministry of External Affairs, institutes engaged in cotton researchand capacity building activitiesinIndia.

In order to leverage the huge presence of Indian business community in Africa for promoting India’s exports to the region, three rounds of interactions of Minister of Commerce & Industry were organized through Indian Missions with Indian business community in Madagascar, Tanzania, Mauritius, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Ghana, Botswana, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia and Egypt over Digital Video Conference (DVC) in May, 2019.

For promoting India-Africa trade and economic relations, a regional conclave was organised by Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India jointly with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in March, 2019 at New Delhi. On the sidelines of the Conclave/Regional Conclave, bilateral meetings with participating countries were also held at the Ministerial level to boost up Indian participation in project exports opportunities in African countries. The conclave was attended by Head of the States from three African countries. More than two dozen Ministers along with around 500 business delegates from Africa participated in the Conclave.

On the sidelines of the conclave, bilateral meetings were held between Minister of State (Commerce & Industry) with Trade Ministers of African countries, issues related to trade, investments, and cooperation in agriculture, pharmaceutical sector were discussed.The conclave also focused on new ideas and strategies, for enhancing the engagement between Indian and the Southern African Development Community (SADC- a 16-member organization) in various sectors. Various opportunities in project exports were discussed by Indian and African business delegates in B2B meetings.

Ministry of Commerce & Industry jointly with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organized the India-Africa Higher Education and Skill Development Summit on 26 – 27 August 2019 at New Delhi.

 

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Registration of political parties is governed by the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. An association seeking registration under the said Section has to submit an application to the Commission within a period of 30 days following the date of its formation, as per the guidelines prescribed by the Commission in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

In order to enable applicants to track the status of the application, the Commission has launched a “Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System(PPRTMS)”.  The salient feature in the PPRTMS is that the applicant, who is applying for party registration from 1st January, 2020 will be able to track the progress of his/her application and will get status update through SMS and e-mail.  The status can be tracked through the Commission’s portal at link https://pprtms.eci.gov.in/. The Commission in the month of December, 2019,  has amended the guidelines and issued a Press Note dated 02.12.2019 regarding registration of political party for the information of the general public.  The new guidelines is effective from 1st January, 2020 and is available on the Commission’s website http://eci.gov.in.

 

 

SBS