Day: October 8, 2023

PATA and India to jointly promote Travel for LiFE in Asia-Pacific region

 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA),has committed to work with India to expand Travel for LiFE initiative across Asia Pacific region.

India hosted 46th edition of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2023 from Oct 4 to Oct 6 at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC), Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi.  PATA Mart saw the participation of around 1000 delegates, is one of the major international trade exhibitions catering to the tourism sector and it serves as a platform for trade interactions between global buyers and sellers.    

Besides facilitating trade interactions between Buyer Sellers meet, the PTM 2023 also included thought provoking knowledge sessions at PATA Forum and youth engagement at PATA Youth Symposium. Travel for LiFE initiative was showcased by the Ministry across all the events and it generated huge interest from international travel trade community 

The Travel Mart was followed by the PATA Board meeting held  where Ministry of Tourism shared Travel for LiFE initiative with the Board members. PATA Board appreciated the initiative and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India will work with PATA to expand the initiative across Asia Pacific region.

It may be recalled that New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration 2023 during G20 summit under India’s Presidency noted the launch of “Travel for LiFE” and supported the development of smart destinations that are responsible and sustainable. Travel for LiFE, a sectoral programme initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, aligns with the philosophy of the Mission LiFE.

Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was formally launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 19th October 2022, in the presence of the UN Secretary General António Guterres, at the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. It is a global mass movement led by India urging individuals and communities to act for protection of the environment against the effects of the climate change.

Ministry of Tourism will set up a PATA desk to strengthen engagement with PATA on Travel for LiFE and other areas of cooperation in tourism sector. This is the first major international partnership for Travel for Life program after its global launch on September 27, 2023, world tourism day. Ministry of Tourism is already working with UNEP and UNWTO on strengthening the TFL program.

Travel for LiFE embodies the spirit of the Pro Planet People and functions on the basic principles of “Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet”.  It aspires to bring large-scale behavioral change amongst tourists and tourism businesses, which will have a significant impact on environment protection while ensuring socio-cultural sustainability.

The Travel for LiFE program has identified an illustrative list of actions that are designed in line with the eight themes of Travel for LiFE – Save Energy, Save Water, Say No to Single Use Plastic, Reduce Waste, Empower Local Businesses and Communities, Respect Local Culture and Heritage, Consume Local Foods and Conserve Nature

Going a step further, Travel for LiFE Program also aims to inspire the Tourism Businesses to deepen their sustainability practices by observing adherence to Travel for LiFE- Signed up badge. Subsequently the tourism businesses can go for the Travel for LiFE certification in bronze, silver and gold.

Ministry of Tourism is working with all the stakeholders in tourism ecosystem including the State Governments, Industry, Destinations and Tourists to make Travel for LiFE a mass movement.

Travel for LiFE Program will position India as leader in promoting sustainable and responsible tourism and using tourism as a vehicle for achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

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BY/SK

World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day Celebrations

 On the eve of World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, celebrated annually on October 8th, the Government of India held a half-day event to explore and leverage the boundless possibilities of hydrogen as a source of green and sustainable energy. The event, organized in New Delhi on October 7, 2023, by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, in association with Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited, brought together hydrogen experts from the industry, academia and government.

On the occasion, the R&D Roadmap for the National Green Hydrogen Mission was unveiled by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. The roadmap, which provides for a budget of Rs. 400 crores, seeks to provide guidance for developing a vibrant research and development ecosystem which can help commercialize Green Hydrogen and contribute to India’s ambitious climate and energy goals. It focuses on developing new materials, technologies, and infrastructure to improve the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of green hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. The R&D program will also prioritize safety and address technical barriers and challenges in developing a hydrogen economy.

 

“Let us reiterate our commitment to research, development and deployment of hydrogen solutions”

In a video message, the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh, said, that World Hydrogen and Cell Day is a day when we celebrate a transformative element in the universe which holds the promise for a brighter and more sustainable future. “Hydrogen is the most abundant element and it has the potential to revolutionize our energy landscape, mitigate climate change, and power our economies with clean energy. On this World Hydrogen Day, let us reiterate our commitment to research, development and deployment of hydrogen solutions. Let us inspire our industries and communities to embrace hydrogen as a key player in the energy transition. Together, we can ensure that hydrogen becomes a cornerstone of a sustainable and prosperous future for our Planet Earth.”

“First priority is mission-mode projects which will yield results in 2–3 years”

Delivering the keynote speech, renowned scientist and Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood opined that green hydrogen is the Swiss knife for decarbonization. Speaking about the R&D Roadmap, the PSA said that the goal in the first phase is to focus on mission mode projects which can yield results in 2 – 3 years. “The R&D budget announced in this Mission is Rs. 400 crores in just 2 – 3 years. If we are able to demonstrate that this R&D can make a difference at the ground level, then I am confident that more will come. Our first priority should be mission-mode projects which will yield results in 2 – 3 years; then, we can address grand challenges which will be rather long-term and also blue sky projects which will take disruptive pathways.”

 

The PSA underscored the need for augmenting domestic capacity for production of electrolyzers in a very short time scale. He said that this is one goal the SIGHT programme addresses. Prof. Sood emphasized the immediate need for coming out with standards for Type IV cylinders for storing hydrogen. “Our standards are for Type III cylinders. Around the world, it is Type IV cylinders. So India has to come out with standards for Type IV cylinders; with these cylinders, we can triple mileage and filling time is also one tenth or so.”

“Research awarded under R&D Roadmap will allow India to be absolutely at the cutting edge in the field”

Addressing the stakeholders, New and Renewable Energy Secretary, Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, said that India has entered the green hydrogen space at the right time and that the country is poised to become one of the leaders in the green hydrogen sector. The Secretary said that the R&D Roadmap aims to leverage research to ensure that India is at the cutting edge of the sector in the world. “If you really want to succeed, we need to produce green hydrogen at the least cost, in the best possible way. For this, we want to be the leader in technology as well, at par or ahead of the rest of the world. The R&D Roadmap for National Green Hydrogen Mission aims for all of this. It covers all aspects of production, transportation, storage and safety. We will issue call for proposals based on this roadmap and we will start awarding specific projects under the Mission. The research awarded will allow India to be absolutely on par with the cutting edge in the field.”

Launch of National Single Window System page for Approvals under National Green Hydrogen Mission

Besides the R&D roadmap, the Green Hydrogen page on The National Single Window System (NSWS) of Government of India was unveiled, which will provide a single window to industry for obtaining all approvals related to projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The page can be accessed here: https://www.nsws.gov.in/portal/scheme/greenhydrogenpolicy.

 

Shri Bhalla said that we have to reach Net Zero by 2070, for which there is no option other than decarbonizing our major sectors fully. He shed light on India’s hydrogen-powered future and said that hydrogen is not just a fuel, but a game changer and a key to a cleaner and more sustainable future. The Secretary urged everyone to embrace the versatility of hydrogen, ranging from fuelling vehicles to storing renewable energy. He acknowledged the potential of hydrogen and fuel cells in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, energy security and environmental sustainability. He highlighted the objectives of the Mission leading to a cleaner, prosperous India powered by hydrogen.

CMD, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Shri R. P. Gupta said that storage cost of energy is a key issue which needs to be sorted out and that this is where hydrogen fits in. “Hydrogen along with green ammonia could be one solution for long-term storage. Challenges become opportunities. Cost of finance has to be reduced, technology should reduce cost and this has to be done at each stage of value chain.”

Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Shri Abhay Bakre shared the details of the Draft Accreditation Procedure and Eligibility for Accredited Carbon Verification Agencies, which he said is being released for public and stakeholder comments. In his presentation on ‘Carbon Credit Trading Scheme,’ which has been announced by the government to address the issue of GHG emissions, the DG BEE underlined the necessary framework and the roles of diverse stakeholders for the development and functioning of the Indian Carbon Market.

 

Joint Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Shri Ajay Yadav, informed that all schemes under the National Green Hydrogen Mission have been finalized and that the scheme for hydrogen hubs is ready to be rolled out. He said that pilot projects are being undertaken in steel, shipping and road transport sectors and that implementation of National Green Hydrogen Mission is steering the nation towards a hydrogen-powered future that promises to revolutionize the energy landscape.

The winners of the National Hydrogen Maha Quiz were announced at the event.

President, Hydrogen Association of India, Shri R.K. Malhotra spoke on the latest status of green hydrogen development in the country. Dr. Rochan Sinha of startup Newtrace spoke about the development of membrane-less electrolysers for green hydrogen production. Renowned scientist Dr. C. Gopinath from National Chemical Laboratory, Pune spoke on the latest scientific developments in the field of Artificial Photosynthesis and Negative Carbon Electrolysis. Representative of Sustainable Projects Development Association, Shri Prashant spoke on the challenges being faced by green hydrogen developers.

A roundtable meeting was organised by the Ministry in association with Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, to create synergy between banking system and green hydrogen developers in order to facilitate access to low-cost finance and thus to lower the cost of green hydrogen. The meeting was attended by officials of MNRE, DFS, SECI, IREDA, NITI Aayog, members of Indian Banks’ Association, leading nationalised and private sector Banks, Financial Institutions and leading developers in green hydrogen sector, among others.

World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is a global initiative aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source, along with the versatile technology of fuel cells. This day serves as a platform to acknowledge the potential of hydrogen and fuel cells in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, energy security, and environmental sustainability. we delve into the significance of World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, the role of hydrogen in the energy transition, and the promising developments in fuel cell technology.

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Recovery and restoration work in Sikkim

 On second day of his visit to Sikkim, Minister of State for Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra held a high-level meeting with the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang today.

The primary agenda of the meeting was to deliberate on the recovery and restoration efforts in the aftermath of the recent flood crisis, which has affected the state. Both the leaders held comprehensive discussions, examining the immediate and long-term strategies to address the current situation. The discussion was focused around the coordination of resources, relief assistance, and support to expedite the rescue and recovery work.

 

Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra reaffirmed commitment of the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah to collaborate closely with the State Government to ensure swift and effective recovery. Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang expressed gratitude towards Government of India for prompt response and expressed commitment to work in tandem with the Central Government to expedite the recovery and restoration work. Both the leaders reiterated their resolve to work tirelessly to restore normalcy and extend support to those affected by the recent floods.

 

 

Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra also visited disaster-affected areas in Naga in Mangan district. He provided assurance of relief and assistance to the affected citizens, emphasizing that Prime Minister is continuously monitoring the situation. Shri Mishra underscored the urgent need to prioritize the rescue and relief efforts for individuals stranded in isolated areas.

 

 

Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) continues to conduct search and rescue operations at Chungtham town near Teesta hydro power project in Mangan district today. One body was recovered from a tunnel. A log bridge has been made across the Teesta River for the movement of the people. Two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), one team each at Rangpo in Pakyong district and at Singtam in Gangtok disctrict, are also conducting search and rescue operations. Meanwhile two more teams of NDRF have reached Chungtham and are carrying out search and rescue operations.

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Sagar Parikrama: A successful journey towards resolving issues of fishers on ground

 A massive fishers and fish farmers outreach program namely Sagar Parikrama Yatra led by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala is being undertaken since March 2022 through a pre-decided sea route from Gujarat to West Bengal covering around 8000 km of India’s coastline. Sagar Parikrama aims to meet the fishers at their door-steps and understand their issues and grievances, promote sustainable fishing and publicise the schemes and programs of the government and it has been instrumental so far. During Sagar Parikrama, fishers get an opportunity to interact with Union Minister Shri Rupala and key officials of Department of Fisheries, Government of India, State Government and other stake holders at their door- step.

 Shri Parshottam Rupala received a text message regarding capsized boat from a local fisherman who met him in Colachel during previous phase of Sagar Parikrama. The Union Minister issued directives immediately to concerned agencies for undertaking intense rescue operation of missing fishermen onboard fishing boat operating from Colachel Fishing Harbour.

Meanwhile the family members of missing fishermen met Shri Parshottam Rupala  in Karaikal to apprise him the issue and they were surprised to hear that he was not only informed but closely following the matter.

  

Efforts on rigorous search and rescue operations carried out by Indian Navy as well as by Indian Coast Guard with two Vessels of Indian Navy and One from Indian Coast Guard, mortal remains of one fishermen have been recovered by the divers today.

Search operations are still ongoing to locate the mortal remains of the second fishermen.  The family members of fishermen have expressed  thanks to the Union Minister and entire rescue team for recovery of bodies of the missing fishermen. 

With these endeavours and attempts, the Sagar Parikrama is expected to achieve its goal of achieving open communication and feedback while also build trust between the fishermen communities and proves an instrumental in resolving issues of the fishers.

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India Art Architecture Design Biennale

 Ministry of Culture organized the curtain raiser event for the India Art Architecture Design Biennale (IAADB ‘23) last evening at the National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi along with the Logo launch for the Biennale.

In a video message, Shri. G Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister for Culture, Tourism, and DONER, announced that the Ministry of Culture is hosting its inaugural India Art Architecture Design Biennale in December 2023, with events scheduled in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. He extended his best wishes for the Biennale’s success.

Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi delivered the key note address for the event. She stated that, “the India Art Architecture Biennale promises to stand as a beacon in India’s vibrant festival tapestry aiming to showcase the nation’s architectural and artistic brilliance on the global stage. This Biennale mirrors the grandeurs of International counterparts and promises not just inspiration but also pure enchantment. The Biennale will initiate dialogues, innovation & collaboration by bringing together grassroot artisans and contemporary designers thereby furthering the creative economy”.

Smt. Mugdha Sinha, the Joint Secretary, provided an overview of the upcoming Biennale in her opening remarks. She revealed that the Biennale is scheduled to take place from 9th to 15th December 2023, at the iconic Red Fort. The event will explore various themes through exhibitions and panel discussions, with each day centred around a specific theme, curated by experts in the field. The themes encompass topics such as doors and gateways, enchanting gardens, awe-inspiring stepwells, majestic temple architecture, modern wonders of independent India, the contemporary face of indigenous design, and the role of women in architecture.

Additionally, it was mentioned that the India Art Architecture Design Biennale 2023 will serve as a precursor to India’s participation in the Venice Biennale 2024, fostering a comprehensive dialogue among practitioners and professionals in the realms of art, architecture, and design. The Biennale aims to bring traditional grassroots artists and contemporary designers, curators, architects, and thought leaders to the forefront, transcending age, gender, and genre boundaries. Furthermore, it was noted that the Biennale aligns with the vision of the Prime Minister and will mark the launch of the Development of Cultural Spaces project at the Red Fort.

 

The event witnessed a significant turnout with diplomats, artists, architects, designers, curators, government officials, gallerists, and museum professionals in attendance. The evening was enhanced by the captivating performance of the jazz quartet ‘Capital Three’.

For the latest information and updates, please follow the official Instagram page of the India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale at @iaadb2023.

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Strengthen all the cooperative societies of the country

 Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, the Government of India has taken several steps to strengthen all the cooperative societies of the country. In this regard, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has taken an important decision to computerize and empower the registrars of all 28 states and 8 union territories, and 1,851 Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) operating in 13 states.

On the lines of computerization scheme of all Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) in the country, a centrally sponsored scheme has been approved for computerization of 1,851 units of Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) of 13 states through a national unified software and computerization of offices of Registrar of Cooperatives of all States/Union Territories similar to Central Registrar.

A Central Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) will be established for this scheme, which will work towards the successful implementation of the scheme. The total estimated expenditure for this scheme will be Rs. 225.09 crore.

The implementation of this scheme will not only enable people to quickly access services provided by the Cooperative Departments of the states and the offices of Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) but will also bring transparency and uniformity in the functioning of these offices, which will make them more efficient and save the time.

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