Day: June 2, 2023

To implement National Mission for Mentoring, NCTE organises 2 day capacity building workshop

 The National Mission for Mentoring (NMM), as envisaged in NEP 2020, is about the creation of a large pool of outstanding professionals willing to provide mentoring to school teachers and ensure their continuous professional development. These potential mentors, regardless of the age or position of the mentor and mentee, will contribute towards realizing 21st century development goals of our nation. National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) launched NMM in Pilot mode on 29th July 2022 in selected 30 Central Schools (15 KVs, 10 JNVs, 5 CBSE) across the country.

For effective implementation of NMM, NCTE is conducted a 2 day capacity building workshop for the 60 mentors on 31st May and 1st June 2023 in order to provide quality professional support to teachers along with the essential mentoring skills and techniques.  Prof.  Yogesh Singh, Chairperson, NCTE graced the 2 day workshop as Chief Guest and addressed the dignitaries and mentors present there. He also launched the NMM Web Portal in the presence of Ms. Kesang Y. Sherpa, Member Secretary, NCTE to facilitate the mentoring sessions using synchronous and asynchronous methods. This portal will serve as an interface for conducting successful and effective mentoring sessions for teachers that are facilitated by trust, discovery, and constructive feedbacks.

NCTE has onboarded 60 outstanding professionals from various fields as mentors for NMM in areas such as Instructional Leadership Skills, Digital Education, Socio-emotional Learning, Inclusive Education, Professionalism and Ethics, Classroom Management, Building 21st Century Skills, Interpersonal Skills/Community Engagement, Action Research, Holistic Assessment, Art Integrated Pedagogy, Teachers’ Mental Health Management etc.

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Two-day festivities to celebrate Telangana Formation Day in spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat at Golconda Fort

 The Ministry of Culture, under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, is celebrating Telangana Formation Day at Golconda Fort in Telangana. The  Minister of Culture, Tourism and DoNER, Shri G. Kishan Reddy will inaugurate the two-day festivities with a flag hoisting ceremony in the morning tomorrow (2nd June), followed by cultural performances in the evening. The celebrations will be in the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.

The activities of 2nd June  include various events such as a march past, photo and painting exhibitions, classical dance performances by Ms. Anandaji and her group, performances by Manjula Ramaswamy and her group, and more. The public will also have the opportunity to witness performances by renowned Telugu singers Ms. Mangli and Ms. Madhupriya. The day will conclude with a spectacular performance by singer Shankar Mahadevan, featuring patriotic songs.

On 3rd June, there will be captivating folk-dance performances including Dimsa, Dappu, Bonalu, and Gussadi. Additionally, a theatrical production on Raja Ram Mohan Roy will be staged, and the day will culminate with a multilingual mushaira.

This event is part of the special campaign called Qila Aur Kahaniya, which aims to highlight the forts and their illustrious history throughout India, promoting the theme of Cultural Pride.The theme of Cultural Pride is a tribute to India’s vibrant culture and history. It pays homage to the unsung heroes who selflessly sacrificed their present for the freedom and future of the nation. This theme celebrates both the tangible and intangible aspects of our cultural identity. Under this theme, the Qila Aur Kahaniya campaign strives to showcase the unique characteristics and historical significance of various forts in India, providing an opportunity to connect with our past and honour our cultural legacy.

Under the Qila Aur Kahaniya campaign, several events have already taken place at forts like Chittorgarh and Kangra, while others are planned for sites such as Bithoor Fort, Mandu Fort, Jhansi Fort, and Kangla Fort, among others.

These events are made possible through the collaborative efforts of key institutions under the Ministry of Culture, including the Archaeological Survey of India, various Zonal Cultural Centers, Lalit Kala Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, CCRT, Sahitya Akademi, and others.

As part of the Qila Aur Kahaniya campaign, the spirit of Telangana is being celebrated at Golconda Fort. The state of Telangana was officially formed on 2 June 2014, hence this day is commemorated as Telangana Day.

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, initiated by the Government of India, is a commemorative campaign that celebrates the incredible 75-year journey of the nation since independence. This grand campaign, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, is being celebrated throughout the country and beyond with great enthusiasm. More than 1.78 lakh events have been organized as part of this initiative.

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Application Deadline for the National Startup Awards 2023 extended till15th June 2023

 The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry introduced the National Startup Awards (NSA) in 2020. The applications for National Startup Awards 2023 have been made live from 1st April 2023 and the deadline for submissions is now extended to 15th June 2023.

The extension of the National Startup Awards 2023 application deadline allows aspiring entrepreneurs and enablers additional time to showcase their innovative solutions and profound societal impact.

The National Startup Awards 2023 will commemorate innovations from all corners of the country, aligning with the vision of ‘Vision India @2047’, which charts the path for India’s transformation into a developed economy, driven by the spirit of Amrit Kaal across key themes.

DPIIT will award a cash prize of INR 10 lakhs to one winning startup in each category. Furthermore, the winners and finalists of the National Startup Awards 2023 will receive exclusive handholding support, including access to investors and government networks, mentorship programs, international market exposure, connections with corporates and unicorns, and various other valuable resources.

Through three successful editions, these prestigious awards have highlighted the invaluable contributions made by visionaries who have revolutionized the Indian startup ecosystem. NSA was started with the aim of bestowing recognition and rewards upon exceptional startups and enablers within the startup ecosystem. These entities have been instrumental in fostering innovation, creating groundbreaking products, and exhibiting tangible social impact.

Interested participants are encouraged to visit the official National Startup Awards website and submit their applications before the revised deadline of 15th June 2023.

For more details, visit https://www.startupindia.gov.in/

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Startup20 Engagement Group

 Startup20 Engagement Group, operating under the esteemed India’s G20 presidency, is all set to host its much anticipated third meeting here in Goa.

International delegates from G20 nations and Indian delegates will be arriving on 2nd June onward to Goa.

The Startup20 Engagement Group extends a warm welcome to all delegates attending this significant gathering. Under India’s G20 presidency, Startup20 serves as a prime opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and shape the future of startups and entrepreneurship on a global scale.

Embracing the spirit of “Sankalpana,” a Sanskrit term for collective resolve, brings together international delegates and experienced members of the Indian Startup Ecosystem, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The focal point of the meeting will be to build consensus on the Draft Policy Communique, which the Startup20 recently published asking public for feedback. The meeting will feature a startup showcase, exciting talks as part of the Startup20x series, cultural experiences, and discussions on the implementation and benefits of the ideas outlined in the document. Dignitaries from state, central, and international levels are expected to be present at the meeting, adding to the significance of the event.

In addition, the Goa Sankalpana event will offer various stimulating sessions, including presentations by taskforces on the final policy communiqué, closed group country huddles, closed-door HoD meetings etc. These sessions will provide a platform for engaging discussions, fostering collaboration, and advancing initiatives that will shape the future of startups and entrepreneurship across G20 nations.

Furthermore, a gala dinner with a mesmerizing cultural program will add a touch of grandeur to the event, offering delegates an opportunity to network and unwind amidst the enchanting charm of Goa.

Moreover, Startup20 recognizes the vital role that startups play in driving economic growth and development. It aims to foster global economic growth, enhance international cooperation, and address pressing global challenges. Through various engagement initiatives, Startup20 promotes dialogue and collaboration on crucial issues, including startups and entrepreneurship.

Negotiations for the Supply Chains (Pillar-II) Agreement

 Negotiations for the Supply Chains (Pillar-II) Agreement were substantially concluded during the second in-person Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting held in Detroit on 27 May 2023, hosted by the US.

Once implemented, the Supply Chain Agreement is expected to bring in a number of benefits to India and the other IPEF partner countries. Some of the key benefits expected are: potential shift of production centres in key goods/critical sectors to India; bolstering of domestic manufacturing capacities; giving a boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Production Linked Initiatives schemes; mobilization of investments especially in production of key goods, logistics services and infrastructure; deeper integration of India in the Global Supply and Value Chains particularly of Indian MSMEs; enhanced exports from India; upward mobility in the value chains; mitigation of risks of economic disruptions to India from supply chain shocks/adverse events; creation of a seamless regional trade ecosystem facilitating flow of Indian products; enhanced trade facilitation including through digital exchange of trade documentation, quicker port clearances; joint Research and Development; and workforce development. 

India and other partner countries will continue to engage to ensure effective implementation of the Agreement so as to achieve the overall objectives of the Agreement which is to make IPEF supply chains more resilient, robust, and well-integrated, and contribute towards economic development and progress of the region as a whole.

The IPEF Supply Chains (Pillar-II) Agreement is one of the fastest ever concluded plurilateral economic cooperation Agreements. Under this Agreement, IPEF partner countries are seeking to: make supply chains more resilient, robust, and well-integrated through crisis response measures; cooperation for mitigation of the effect of disruptions to better ensure business continuity, and improve logistics and connectivity; promoting investments particularly in critical sectors and production of key goods; and worker role enhancement through requisite upskilling and reskilling, and increasing comparability of skills credentials frameworks across IPEF. It entails cooperative and collaborative efforts among the IPEF partners.

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Coal Production Goes up to 76.26 Million Tonne in May 2023

 The Ministry of Coal has achieved a remarkable feat with a substantial surge in overall  coal production during the month of May’23, reaching 76.26 Million Tons(MT), surpassing the figures of the month May’22 of 71.21 MT, representing an increase of 7.10%. The production of Coal India Limited (CIL) has increased 59.94 MT in the month of May’23 as compared to 54.72 MT in May’22 with the growth of 9.54%. The cumulative coal production has seen quantum jump of 149.41 MT in FY’ 23 as compared to 138.41 MT in FY’22 with a growth of 7.94%.

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With increased First Mile Connectivity infrastructure,  coal dispatch in the month of May ’23 registered at 82.22 MT as compared to 77.79 MT in May ’22,  growth of 5.70%.  Coal dispatch from Captive and Commercial coal block has reported at 12.23 MT in May’23 in comparison to 10.47 MT in May ‘22 with the growth of 16.84 %. The cumulative Coal dispatch has registered remarkable increment of 162.44 MT in the FY 2023-24, up from 149.76 MT in the FY 2022-23, with an increase of 8.47%.

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This Impressive upturn in offtake has resulted in a comfortable coal stock position, guaranteeing  reliable and abundant supply of coal lying at pithead coal stock at CIL, SCCL, stock at TPP(DCB) etc. The total coal stock as of 31st May 2023 is 112.41 MT, compared to 82.97 MT on 31st May 2022 with the growth of 35.48%.  The positive coal stock position has strengthened the capability to tackle unforeseen fluctuations in energy demand and ensures meeting the energy demands of the nation.

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Furthermore, the availability of coal rakes, which play a crucial role in coal transportation, has remained consistently good throughout this period due to the initiative taken by the Ministry to augment rail connectivity infrastructure under PM Gati Shakti to ensure seamless evacuation of coal. This positive trend in rake availability has facilitated the smooth transportation of coal, minimized transportation bottlenecks, and ensured uninterrupted supply.

The Ministry is making constant efforts to augmenting coal production. The Ministry has already moved forward with a comprehensive plan for responsible development, placing strong emphasis on fostering conscientious coal mining practices that   prioritize the well-being of the environment and communities.

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Bureau of Indian Standards notifies 31 Indian standards related to Ayush herbs and products

 The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standard body of India, mandated for the development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification has taken an important step in a new push for standardization in the field of Ayush. BIS has notified 31 Indian standards related to Ayush, which includes 30 herbs and 1 product (stainless steel neti pot). These standards were recently published through gazette notification. BIS has also created an additional department for enabling dedicated focus on Ayush at BIS.

Ministry of Ayush appreciates this step and believes that this endeavor by BIS for development of standards and accreditation/certification of Ayush will augment international trade by ensuring quality of products & services, provide confidence to the manufactures and bring benefits to consumers in terms of reducing costs, enhancing performance and improving safety.

Recently, BIS has added another pillar to its robust structure of standardisation in India by establishing an additional department with a dedicated focus on Ayush at BIS. It is believed that the move will not only provide an impetus to the process of standardization but also will aid Ministry of Ayush objectives to ensure quality of Ayush products and services at all levels.

BIS has also taken the initiative to formulate International Standards in collaboration with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). On the advice of BIS, a Working Group (WG–10) on ‘Traditional Medicine’ has been created in the ISO/TC-215 ‘Health Informatics’.

The globalisation and increasing usage of traditional systems of medicine, the need for national and international standards for Ayush systems has become imperative. Ministry of Ayush has been consistently working to create a vibrant quality ecosystem to facilitate trade and ensure the availability of quality products and services to consumers both at the national and global levels.

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