Day: May 9, 2024

MEDITECH STACKATHON 2024 in collaboration with CII at New Delhi

 Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers Dr Arunish Chawla, launched the MEDITECH STACKATHON 2024 in collaboration with CII in New Delhi today. The MEDITECH STACKATHON is a groundbreaking initiative designed to catalyze transformative change within India’s burgeoning MedTech sector by undertaking a comprehensive value chain analysis of select medical devices. Through close consultation with industry leaders, policymakers, and experts, the STACKATHON aims to address critical challenges, foster domestic manufacturing, and reduce import dependence, thereby positioning India as a global leader in medical technology. Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals Shri RP Singh and Chairman, CII National Medical Technology Forum Shri Himanshu Baid and other senior officials of the Department and representatives of the Industry were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Arunish Chawla said that India’s MedTech industry holds immense potential, with projections estimating a growth rate of 28% annually, reaching a size of USD 50 billion by 2030. He said that currently, India is the 4th largest market for medical devices in Asia and among the top 20 globally. Net imports for 2022-23 stands at USD 4101 Million with import coverage ratio of 0.45.

The Secretary said that the sector has witnessed a surge in imports, driven primarily by countries like the US, China, and Germany, however, India’s robust policy ecosystem presents opportunities for export boosts and reducing import dependence through domestic manufacturing.

Pharma Secretary Shri Arunish Chawla emphasized on the importance of policymakers, industry coming together to draw up a sturdy policy stack for growth of medical devices industry in the country.

He highlighted the critical need to focus on quality to ensure that India becomes globally competitive.

Exports have overtaken imports in consumables and disposables during last year, he said, and urged the industry to continue with the momentum in other pillars of medi-tech sector.

Collaboration among stakeholders is essential to address these challenges and enhance both the ease and cost of doing business in the sector. By fostering partnerships, boosting investment in research and innovation, and streamlining value chain processes, we can achieve our shared goal of accessible and affordable healthcare for all, he added.

Through the STACKATHON, participants will delve into the complexities of different product segments within the medical devices industry to gain insights into their unique challenges and opportunities, analyze and map value chains across various segments of the medical devices industry to identify key stakeholders, processes, and dependencies, identify critical issues hindering the development of the medical devices industry, such as import dependence, regulatory hurdles, and technological gaps, Dr Chawla said in his address.

The STACKATHON would deliberate in eight focused groups namely Cancer Therapy, Imaging, Critical Care, Assistive Medical Devices, Body Implants, Surgical instruments and Hospital Equipment, Consumables & Disposables, and IVD Instruments and reagents, each tasked with specific objectives including segment-wise identification of important medical devices, assessment of import-export dynamics, examination of duty structures, and their implications across the entire value chain.

Preceding this workshop, group leads and members have undertaken extensive virtual discussions and preparatory work. The challenges persist in the sector, including cost competitiveness, quality assurance, and regulatory hurdles.

Shri Himanshu Baid, Chairman, CII highlighted a shared vision of collaborative excellence, wherein stakeholders unite to drive tangible outcomes and propel the MedTech industry towards unparalleled growth. He said that with India’s MedTech exports surpassing 4 billion dollars, the industry stands poised on a trajectory of remarkable expansion. However, he highlighted the need for enhanced data collation mechanisms to address gaps in product consumption and production within India. He stated that India’s MedTech landscape is brimming with promise, poised to capture 10% of the global market share over the next decade. Endowed with a robust ecosystem comprising world-class hospitals, skilled manpower, and cutting-edge resources, India is primed to emerge as a frontrunner in the global MedTech arena. He further underscored the importance of fostering industry-friendly policies, streamlining regulatory frameworks, and extending support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted incentives and technology funds.

Against this backdrop of immense potential, the MEDITECH STACKATHON 2024 seeks to harness the collective expertise of stakeholders to propel the industry towards unprecedented heights of innovation and self-reliance.

BRO celebrates its 65th Raising Day

 The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is celebrating its 65th Raising Day on May 07, 2024. To mark the day, an event was organised in New Delhi, which was presided over by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane. In his address, the Defence Secretary lauded the BRO for fulfilling its responsibilities successfully in inhospitable terrain and tough weather conditions. He termed the BRO an extremely crucial organisation which, through its infrastructure projects in border areas, is playing a major role in the security of the country, besides ensuring the socio-economic progress of far-flung areas.

Shri Giridhar Aramane commended the BRO for completing the projects in a time-bound manner, exuding confidence that the Karmayogis will continue to ensure border infrastructure development in a record time. He urged the BRO to infuse latest technology and techniques for faster completion of projects, through which human efforts will be reduced & utilised more efficiently. Automation and mechanisation will be key for the BRO in the future, he said.

The Defence Secretary also recalled the valuable contribution of the BRO personnel in the relief and rescue efforts during the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse and the Sikkim Floods. He added that the Organisation will play an important role in the Vibrant Villages Programme which envisages comprehensive development of select border villages.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General, Border Roads Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan extended greetings to all ranks of the BRO. He stated that the pan-India presence of the BRO reflects its commitment to national security, connectivity and development. He added that the tagline ‘In the Silence of Our Great Mountains – Work Speaks’ speaks volumes of the Organisation’s dedication, perseverance and impact on the lives of the people residing in the remotest corners of the country. He exhorted all ranks to renew the pledge to continue ‘Connecting Places Connecting People’ and leaving a lasting legacy of progress, prosperity and unity.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of a compendium on Sela Tunnel as well as some books including ‘Oonchin Sadaken’, ‘Path Pradarshak’ and ‘Path Vikas’ by the Defence Secretary. He gave away Excellence Awards to the BRO personnel for the year 2023-24 and felicitated the women achievers of the Organisation. The Casual Paid Labourers who worked in various projects such as Sela Tunnel, as well as during Sikkim floods were also felicitated.

Raised with just two projects in 1960 – Project Tusker (now Vartak) in the East and Project Beacon in the North, the BRO has today become a vibrant organisation with 18 projects operating in 11 States and three Union Territories. It has now established its credentials as the leading infra construction agency in the high-altitude and difficult snow-bound areas.

The BRO executes road construction and maintenance works at altitude ranging from 9,000 ft up to 19,000 ft along the Northern and Western frontiers, primarily to meet the strategic requirements of the Armed Forces. In over six decades, it has constructed over 62,214 kms of roads, 1,005 bridges, seven tunnels and 21 airfields in adverse climatic and geographical conditions along India’s borders as well as in friendly countries, including Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan & Tajikistan, thus contributing towards the nation’s strategic objectives.

In 2023-24, the BRO completed a total of 125 infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,611 crore. This includes the construction of Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh on Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang Road. The tunnel was dedicated to the Nation by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently from Itanagar virtually. The BRO will soon commence the construction on 4.10-km long Shinkun La Tunnel. Once completed, this tunnel will become the world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 ft bypassing Mila Tunnel in China at 15,590 ft.

The BRO accomplished the completion of two significant airfield projects namely Bagdogra and Barrackpore, marking yet another milestone in its journey of excellence. The foundation stone for Mudh Airfield Project was laid by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh recently. The BRO aims to complete the project within just two working seasons.

Over the few years, the BRO has witnessed an exponential surge in budget expenditure, marking a remarkable leap forward in capabilities and impact. This increased budgetary support has empowered the organisation to undertake crucial projects, accelerate critical infrastructure development, and enhance its operational readiness.

The BRO has been at the forefront of promoting gender equality and inclusivity, offering key roles and opportunities to women. Officers like Col Ponung Doming is leading critical projects in Eastern Ladakh. Assistant Executive Engineer (Civ) Smt Nikita Chaudhary has played a pivotal role in successful completion of Sela Tunnel Project.

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Capacity Building on Design and Entrepreneurship (CBDE) program

 Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Shri K. Sanjay Murthy today virtually launched the ‘Capacity Building on Design and Entrepreneurship (CBDE)’ program in presence of officials of the Department; members of the Program Advisory Council, CBDE; mentors from the industry; representatives of the shortlisted Higher Education Institutions (HEIs); Prof. Sudhir Varadarajan, Program Director, CBDE, and Principal Investigators and Co-Principal Investigators. More than 130 participants virtually attended the meeting.

Shri K. Sanjay Murthy in his address highlighted that the program will be led by industry and academia collaboration. He mentioned that industry experts are also providing the necessary guidance and support to HEIs through various initiatives under the banner of industry-academic linkage. He recognized the rigorous selection process instituted through which 30 HEIs have been identified to implement this program in their institution..

The Capacity Building Program is designed to equip identified HEIs and faculty members to focus on Design and Entrepreneurship development in their institution with the support of mentors from industry. At this stage, 30 HEIs have been selected through a process anchored by the IIITDM, Kancheepuram, a Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Center (MMTTC) as Nodal Centre for the program. This program will focus on instilling in students a problem-solving approach that encourages creative and innovative solutions to complex challenges and ultimately takes concrete steps in scaling up their ideas through stage-wise hand-holding support provided by mentors from the industry. The program includes one-to-one mentoring of faculty and promoting generative dialogue among faculty, student teams and HEI partners by a pool of expert mentors. The program is designed to provide mentor support to the identified HEIs to learn from the expertise gained through years of engagement in the industry setup.

During the meeting, industry experts including Shri Manoj Kohli, Chairperson, Program Advisory Council, CBDE, and Smt. Debjani Ghosh, President, NASSCOM expressed hope in the outcomes of this program. Shri Kohli suggested that during the execution of the initiatives, efforts will be made to ensure linkages and support to the startups from global investors and industry. In her remarks, Smt. Ghosh mentioned entrepreneurial mindset needs to be nourished in the young minds present in educational institutions. Problem-solving skills as demanded by the industry are required to complement the technical skills provided in the traditional pedagogical approach, she said.

In his address, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras envisioned that prioritization of locally relevant challenges to produce effective and sustainable solutions by young entrepreneurs/innovators would garner global recognition.

Mentors from the industry also shared their views about the program. Dr Miftahul Barbaruah, Member, Confederation of Indian Industry, Assam Chapter, and Shri Chandrasekaran Balakrishnan, former Chief Digital Data and Innovation Officer, Marsh McLennan Asia, highlighted that the program will build capacities of the HEIs to transform students into entrepreneurs and enable them to develop solutions to pressing challenges of the society.

Prof. Sudhir Varadarajan, Program Director, IIITDM Kancheepuram, shared the way forwardand guided the participating HEIs to follow the subsequent plan of action about implementation of the program.

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CISCE empowers students with convenient access: Declaration of 2024 real-time examination results and availability of marksheets and certificates through DigiLocker

 In a pioneering digital transformation initiative, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) integrated with DigiLocker platform to declare the ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) examination results for 2024 digitally via DigiLocker platform. Additionally, CISCE made available certificates and marksheets in real-time through DigiLocker.  A total of 2,43,617 students appeared for ICSE while 99,901 took ISC exams this year.

Over 3.43 lakh students can now seamlessly access their academic awards such as marksheets and certificates issued by CISCE on the DigiLocker instantly after results were announced.

The overall pass percentage for ICSE 2024 was an impressive 99.47% with Girls outperforming Boys (99.65% for Girls vs 99.31% for Boys). In the ISC exams, 98.19% students cleared with a similar trend of girls faring better than boys (98.92% vs 97.53%).

DigiLocker, the flagship platform under Digital India initiative, has enabled this revolutionary step by providing a secure, trusted and eco-friendly solution for issuing and accessing academic credentials in digital format by boards, universities and other bodies.

Key Highlights:

  • 2,42,328 students passed ICSE: 98,088 cleared ISC across India and abroad.
  • Marksheets, certificates instantly available on DigiLocker in digital format.
  • Students can access their authentic digital documents anytime, anywhere.

Dr Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive & Secretary of CISCE, announced that examination results are now accessible in real-time via DigiLocker and the CISCE website. Additionally, he discussed the availability of academic awards on the DigiLocker platform.

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One-Day Workshop on State Mining Index in collaboration with IIT-ISM, Dhanbad

 Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology – Indian School of Mines (IIT-ISM), Dhanbad will organize a one-day workshop tomorrow i.e., on 8th May, 2024 in Delhi to discuss the draft framework of the State Mining Index, envisaged to capture mining sector performance of States. The Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, will  chair the workshop, to be participated by the senior officials from States.

The mining sector is at the forefront of numerous value chains, supplying raw materials to key industrial domains such as steel, non-ferrous metals, cement, fertilizers, chemicals, and electronics. The States have a crucial role to play in the development of the country’s mining sector. For a mining sector vision that prioritizes resource use efficiency with equity, sustainability and responsibility, focussed attention is required on the exploration of India’s geography; taking actions for facilitating future mineral production and working for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining related operations. In such a national effort, a State’s relative contribution is important and needs to be reflected. As such, a State Mining Index has been envisaged to capture the mining sector performance as well as States’ future readiness in mining activity. The ambit of the index will be non-fuel major minerals and minor minerals. Ministry of Mines has commissioned IIT-ISM, Dhanbad to conduct a study for designing the framework, collecting data and formulating the index.

In order to make the process transparent and objective, States are being consulted at every stage of index development. The One-Day Workshop in Delhi is a part of this endeavour. Feedback from States at the workshop will help in finalizing the framework.

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5th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bhutan

 The 5th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting between India and Bhutan was held on 6th-7th May, 2024 in Leh, Ladakh. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Government of India, and Mr. Sonam Jamtsho, Director General, Department of Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan.

The 5th JGC meeting discussed a host of bilateral issues such as opening of new Land Customs Stations and notifying new trade routes, development of infrastructure, automation and digitisation of transit processes, prevention of smuggling, coordinated cross-border management, pre-arrival exchange of Customs data, bilateral agreement on Customs cooperation and movement of transit cargo under electronic cargo system among others.

Bhutan thanked the Government of India and particularly the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs for the continued support in providing capacity building, training and skill development through workshops, seminars and various training programmes, including the IRS programme to the Bhutan customs administration. Also, Bhutan expressed sincere appreciation to the Indian Government for initiating and promoting the cross-border trade and economic activities with Bhutan through the various bilateral agreements.

 

The India-Bhutan Joint Group of Customs meetings are held annually to discuss issues relating to re-defining and re-engineering of Customs procedures, promote Customs cooperation and cross-border trade facilitation with alignment to global best practices. These meetings play a vital role in enhancing connectivity and developing trade infrastructure for smooth customs clearance at land borders. There are 10 Land Customs Stations along the India-Bhuan Border in the States of West Bengal (6) and Assam (4).

India is Bhutan’s top trade partner both as an import source and as an export destination. Since 2014, India’s trade with Bhutan has more than tripled from $484 million in 2014-15 to $1,615 million in 2022-23, accounting for about 80% of Bhutan’s overall trade. Trade with Bhutan through the land Customs Stations is significant as Bhutan is a land-locked country.  Enhancing connectivity with Bhutan is pivotal to India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and the ‘Act East’ Policy.

The meeting concluded on an optimistic note. Both the countries agreed on discovering new strands of complementarities between India and Bhutan that can be maximised for mutual benefit, respond to the expectations and aspirations of the youth and adapt to the rapid changes related to new technologies and social innovations. Both sides also agreed to consider new developments for facilitating customs and trade cooperation for mutual prosperity. 

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Two-Week Capacity Building Programme on Project and Risk Management for Public Works for officials of Tanzania at Mussoorie

 The two weeks program on Capacity Building Programme on Project and Risk Management for Public Works for the officers from Republic of Tanzania commenced today at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Mussoorie. The program is being organized from 6th May, 2024 to 17th May, 2024 in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Government of India. A total of 39 officers representing various organisations and ministries in Tanzania such as National Roads Agency, Ministry of Energy, Planning Commission, Tanzania Building Agency, Tanzania Railway Corporation, Housing investments, Rapid Transit Agency, E-government authority, Energy and Water Regulatory Authority, President’s Office Public Service Management and Good Governance, Regional Administration and Local Government, Livestock and Fisheries among others are attending the programme.

The NCGG, an autonomous institution under the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India, is committed to action research, studies, and capacity building at both the national and international levels. NCGG’s efforts align with the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ i.e. “The world is one Family” and emphasizes strengthening bilateral ties and fostering cooperation with other countries. The capacity building program focuses on providing a rich cross country experience and a platform for policy dialogue, while sharing best practices focusing on project and risk management in various sectors. This will result in the officers gaining valuable insights into the manner in which projects are planned and executed and institutions are being transformed and people are getting closer to the government.

Shri V. Srinivas, Director General, National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and Secretary, Department of Administration Reform and Public Grievances (DARPG) in his inaugural address extended a warm welcome to the participating officers. During his address, he talked about the relations between the two nations and the outline of future collaborations in the area of capacity building programmes. He focused on the evolving landscape of governance and gave an elaborate presentation on the New Paradigms of Governance and emphasized on the transformative role of technology in maximizing governance efficiency and development thereby bringing citizens closer to government. He elaborated on National E- Service Delivery Assessment, India’s vision for 2047 and showcased exemplary governance models such as Aadhaar Card, Advancements in Fintech, Public Grievance Redressal Mechanisms like CPGRAMS, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in administration.

Shri V. Srinivas, Director General, National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and Secretary, Department of Administration Reform and Public Grievances (DARPG)

Speaking on the occasion Mr. George Nsavike Ndatta, Head of the Delegation expressed gratitude to the Indian Government for extending such a warm hospitality and providing this immensely useful opportunity to facilitate knowledge exchange. He was of view that this will ultimately empower officers to implement and design effective projects thereby aiding development in the country.

 

Dr. B.S Bisht, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator gave a comprehensive presentation on the background and ongoing initiatives of the National Centre for Good Governance. He also highlighted the core objectives of the two-week training program, which is meticulously structured to equip officers with essential skills in Project and Risk Management for Public Works, while showcasing several projects and works in several important sectors relevant to the participants. He elaborated how the programme is designed for officers who are at decision making level and is aimed at equipping them with the cutting-edge knowledge, skills and tools to deliver and design effective public works projects, which will lead to achievement of good governance and ultimately sustainable development apart from providing a rich cross-country experience so that there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

He discussed how the programme covers a diverse range of topics such as Project Selection and Formulation, Project Management Framework and Processes, Project Risk Management, PPP in Infrastructure Projects, Smart and Resilient Cities, Innovation in Awarding Public Projects, and Managing Rural and Urban Housing Projects. Additionally, the program incorporates immersive field visits, with officers slated to visit key project sites such as Dakpathar Hydropower and Irrigation Dam, NHAI in Uttarakhand, Dwarka Expressway in New Delhi, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, World Trade Centre NBCC in New Delhi, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, culminating with a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal.  He also informed that in partnership with MEA, NCGG has imparted training to civil servants of 17 countries.

The entire capacity building programme will be supervised by Dr. B.S Bisht, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator, Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Associate Course Coordinator and Shri Brijesh Bisht, Training Assistant, NCGG.

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7th CONVOCATION OF CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

 The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the 7th convocation of Central University of Himachal Pradesh at Dharamshala today (May 6, 2024). 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that change is the law of nature. But, the pace of change was not so rapid in the past. Today we are in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution. New areas like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning are emerging rapidly. Both the speed and magnitude of change are very high, due to which technology and required skills are changing very quickly. At the beginning of the 21st century no one knew what kind of skills people would need in the next 20 or 25 years. Similarly, many current skills will no longer be useful in the future. Therefore, we have to continuously adopt new skills. Our focus should be on developing flexible minds so that the young generation can keep pace with the rapid changes taking place. We have to strengthen the curiosity and the desire to learn in the students to prepare them for facing the challenges of the 21st century.

Addressing the teachers, the President said that education should be such that along with educating the students, it makes them self-reliant and builds their character and personality. The aim of education is also to bring awareness among the students about their culture, tradition and civilization. She stressed that the role of teachers is very important in this regard. Their scope of work is not limited to teaching only, and they have the huge responsibility of building the future of the nation.

The President said that our focus should be on ‘what to learn’ as well as ‘how to learn’. She underlined that when students learn independently, without any stress, their creativity and imagination take flight. In that case they do not consider education as just a synonym for livelihood. Rather, they innovate, find solutions to problems, and learn with curiosity.

Addressing the students, the President said that every person has the potential for both good and evil. She advised them to keep in mind that no matter how difficult the situation they are in, they should never let evil dominate them. They should always take the side of good. She urged them to make human values ​​like compassion, conscientiousness and sensitivity their ideals. She said that based on these values, they can live a successful and meaningful life.

The President said that the youth have immense potential for growth. They are the most important link to fulfil the resolve of a developed India. Therefore, they should dedicate themselves to the nation. This is not only their human, social and moral duty but also their duty as citizens.

 

Please click here to see the President’s Speech – 

 

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Vice-President highlights India's historical eminence as the epicentre of knowledge and education

 The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today underscored India’s historical eminence as the epicentre of knowledge and education, and asserted that the country is firmly on its way to regain its past glory. Mentioning the illustrious legacy of institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila, Vice-President highlighted the paradigm shift & resurgence in India’s educational landscape in contemporary times.

Addressing the gathering at the 62nd Foundation Day Celebration of the School of Open Learning (SOL), University of Delhi, Vice-President applauded SOL for providing a transformative platform for diverse range of learners, from varied walks of life including working professionals, homemakers and students.

He further emphasized that SOL has opened doors for those previously handicapped by circumstances, enabling them to pursue education without disrupting their routine.  Shri Dhankhar commended SOL for offering a second chance to those who missed formal education earlier, empowering marginalized communities through knowledge and skills, thereby fostering an environment of true inclusivity. Shri Dhankhar further emphasized the pivotal role of faculty over infrastructure in shaping the essence and quality of educational institutions.

Highlighting Education as the most impactful transformational mechanism for change, Shri Dhankhar asserted that education is not merely a means to acquire knowledge; rather, it is the cornerstone of progress, empowerment, and social transformation. It is the key that unlocks the door to progress, prosperity, and empowerment. “Education is the greatest right and donation. There can be no fundamental right greater than education and no donation can be greater than education”, he added.

Drawing inspiration from the Chandrayaan journey where after initial setback it made a smooth landing on the south pole of the moon, Shri Dhankhar urged students to consider failure as a key to success. He underscored the need for a resilient mindset in navigating the complexities of the modern world.

Highlighting the pivotal role of The New Education Policy (NEP) in Indian Educational Landscape, Shri Dhankhar Stated that NEP heralds a transformative change, charting a roadmap for holistic learner development and creating a knowledgeable society equipped for the 21st century challenges. He underscored the emphasis of NEP on flexible learning pathways, technology integration, recognizing diverse needs and aspirations

He further expressed confidence that institutions like the School of Open Learning will play a pivotal role in expanding access to quality education and bridging long-standing gaps, as envisioned by NEP.

Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi, Prof. Payal Mago, Director, Campus of Open learning, University of Delhi, faculty members, students and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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4th Session of India-Ghana Joint Trade Committee held in Accra

 A seven-member delegation from India led by Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia accompanied by High Commissioner of India to Republic of Ghana, Shri Manish Gupta and Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, Ms. Priya P. Nair held a Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting with their Ghanaian counterparts in Accra from 2nd to 3rd May, 2024. The JTC was co-chaired by Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Republic of Ghana, Hon. Michael Okyere-Baafi; and Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia.

 

 

In a comprehensive dialogue, both sides undertook a detailed review of recent developments in bilateral trade and investment ties and acknowledged the vast untapped potential for further expansion. Both sides agreed to work expeditiously towards the operationalization of Unified Payment Interface (UPI) of National Payments Corporation of (NPCI) on Ghana’s Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GHIPSS) within a period of 6 months. Both sides delved into discussions regarding the possibilities of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Digital transformation Solutions; Local Currency Settlement System and also deliberated on the opportunities offered by African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Both sides identified several areas of focus for enhancing both bilateral trade as well as mutually beneficial investments. These include cooperation in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, information and communication technology, agriculture and food processing, renewable energy, power sector, digital economy and digital infrastructure, critical minerals, textiles and garments, etc.

Official delegation from India consisted of officials from Geological Survey of India, EXIM Bank and the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission. The officials of both India and Ghana actively engaged in the proceedings of the JTC.

 

 

A business delegation led by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) also accompanied the official delegation with representatives from the varied sectors including power, fintech, Telecommunications, electrical machinery, pharmaceuticals sectors. The delegation including representatives of business also met Secretary General, AfCFTA and his team of officials wherein areas of cooperation including signing of an MoU, setting of standards, investments, participation in trade events in India, and increasing the depth of engagement between India and AfCFTA was discussed. Names of nodal officers to take the discussions forward were also exchanged.

Ghana is an important trading partner of India in Africa region. Bilateral trade between India and Ghana stood at USD 2.87 billion in 2022-23. India stands as a leading investor in Ghana and emerged as the third-largest investor. These investments traverse diverse sectors, encompassing pharmaceuticals, construction, manufacturing, trade services, agriculture, tourism, and more.

The deliberations of the 4th Session of India-Ghana JTC were cordial and forward-looking, indicative of the amicable and special relations between the two countries. There was enthusiastic response towards greater cooperation in addressing pending issues, boosting trade and investment and enhancing people to people contacts.

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Sanjaya Kumar Mishra as the first President of GST Appellate Tribunal in New Delhi

 Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman administered the oath of integrity and secrecy to Justice (Retd.) Sanjaya Kumar Mishra as the President of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), in New Delhi, today. Justice (Retd.)  Mishra’s appointment marks the beginning of the operationalisation of the GSTAT, a crucial body for resolving GST-related disputes.

 

The GSTAT is the Appellate Authority established under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, to hear various appeals under the said Act and the respective State/Union Territories GST Acts against the orders of the first appellate authority. It consists of a Principal Bench and various State Benches. As per the approval of the GST Council, the Government has notified the Principal Bench, to be located at New Delhi, and 31 State Benches at various locations across the country. Process for appointment of Judicial Members and Technical Members is already in progress.

The Tribunal will ensure swift, fair, judicious and effective resolution to GST disputes, besides significantly reducing the burden on higher courts. The establishment of the GSTAT would further enhance the effectiveness of the GST system in India and foster a more transparent and efficient tax environment in the country.

GSTAT’s first President, Justice (Retd.) Mishra was a former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court and was selected by a Search-cum-Selection Committee headed by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India.

 

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Ministry of Tourism participates in Arabian Travel Mart 2024 in Dubai

 Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is participating in Arabian Travel Mart 2024, being held in Dubai from May 6th to 9th May, 2024. The event marks a significant step in strengthening India’s presence in the Middle East tourism market.

Incredible India pavilion was Inaugurated today by Mr. Satish Kumar Sivan, Counsul General of India to Dubai.  The pavilion has made a resounding entry, aiming to capture the entirety of the UAE market. Leading a delegation comprising tour operators, luxury hotels, wellness resorts, and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, India is poised to showcase itself as a 365-day destination.

Highlighting lesser-known yet refreshing destinations, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the ‘Cool Summers of India’ campaign at Arabian Travel Mart. This digital campaign challenges the notion of India being too hot for summer travel, emphasizing its offerings in hill resorts, including the Himalayas. The campaign seeks to promote India as a holistic destination throughout the year.

India’s participation in the Arabian Travel Mart 2024 holds immense potential for the tourism industry and the economy at large. The event provides a platform for Indian tourism players to exhibit their offerings, forge alliances within the industry, and attract visitors from the MENA region. This, in turn, is expected to bolster revenue generation and foster job creation within the tourism sector.

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Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) commemorates Swacchta Pakhwada

 Under the auspices of the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) commemorates Swacchta Pakhwada from May 1 to May 15, 2024, in an effort to raise awareness of cleanliness and hygiene. The first Swachhta drive was organized today at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), NCERT Campus, New Delhi.

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR and DG CSIR addressing the campaign

 

The Swachhta drive began with an address of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR and DG CSIR where she motivated the children to become the future leaders in different walks of life. She also emphasized the significance of cleanliness in fostering a healthy and vibrant society. Shri Surinder Pal Singh, Joint Secretary, DSIR also encouraged the children to maintain for personal hygiene and cleanliness of their surroundings. Thereafter the DSIR team conducted cleanliness drive and motivated the children for keeping their surroundings clean.

Swachhta Pledge taken by entire DSIR family focused on individual’s commitment towards cleanliness, devoting hundred hours per year for cleanliness and propagating the message of Swachh Bharat Mission. Pledge encourages every individual to promote 100 other persons to take this pledge and make them devote their 100 hours for cleanliness. The Swacchta Pakhwada initiative aims to instill a sense of responsibility towards cleanliness and hygiene among individuals, particularly the younger generation.

 

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26 States Participate in the Workshop on State Mining Index Organized by Mines Ministry to Discuss and Finalize the Indicators of Performance

 Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology-Indian School of Mines (IIT-ISM), Dhanbad successfully organized a one-day workshop on State Mining Index, here today. The Index would serve as a tool for stakeholders of the mining sector to understand various aspects related to the Ease of Doing Mining Business within a State.

The workshop was chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Shri V. L. Kantha Rao. In his keynote address, Shri Rao emphasized the importance of States’ efforts in the development of mining sector getting properly reflected in the policy narrative. He emphasized the importance of having a State Mining Index, which will promote cooperative federalism as well as competition among States. Emphasizing the active participation of States being important in making the exercise successful, he requested the States to help in data collection efforts by properly submitting the statistical returns in time.

The workshop brought together policymakers, administrators and practitioners from the Central and State governments. Principal Secretaries, Directors and other officials from 26 States actively participated in the workshop to discuss and finalize the indicators and sub-indicators of performance which form part of the Index framework and methodology. Post consultations and feedback from the States, the Framework of the State Mining Index will be finalized and released in July 2024 for actual ranking to take place in April 2025.

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International Thalassemia Day

 Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stressed on the importance of timely detection and prevention of Thalassemia to tackle the disease. He stated that only by preventing it at the right time, can the burden of this disease be curtailed. The Union Health Secretary was speaking at an event to mark the International Thalassemia Day, here today.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Health Secretary stated, “Timely detection and prevention are the most effective strategies to tackle Thalassemia.” He added that there are almost 1 lakh Thalassemia patients in the country, with approximately 10,000 new cases reported each year. He emphasized on the urgency for proactive intervention aided by timely detection through screening.

Shri Apurva Chandra also highlighted the critical need for wide awareness around the subject. He stated that “Still many people are unaware of this disease and how this can be prevented. It is imperative that all stakeholders in this arena collaborate for a nationwide campaign to enhance awareness on Thalaseemia”. As a significant step in this direction, he launched a video made in collaboration with the Indian Association of Pediatrics and Thalassemics India to promote effective prevention methods and optimal treatment for Thalassemia
(https://youtu.be/H__bidXcanE?si=-_87PEPxAdsPNaw1).

Union Health Secretary also advocated for inclusion of compulsory Thalassemia testing in the existing reproductive and child health (RCH) programs under NHM as a means to curtail the prevalence of the disease. He added that some states have included this in their public health programs and activities; other states will be urged to include and expand screening and testing for Thalassemia.

 

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes a body to have less hemoglobin than normal. Celebrated every year, International Thalassemia Day serves as a crucial platform to emphasize the importance of disease prevention, raise awareness, sensitize stakeholders, promote early detection, and ensure quality care for those affected by thalassemia. This year’s theme, “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All,” encapsulates the collective mission toward universal access to comprehensive Thalassemia care.

Ms. Aradhana Patnaik, AS&MD (NHM); Dr. G. V. Basavaraja, President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics; Ms. Shobha Tuli, Secretary, Thalassemics India; Dr. Manas Kalra, Honorary Secretary, PHO Chapter of IAP and other senior officials from Union Health Ministry were present on the occasion.

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