Day: May 31, 2024

Ministry of Jal Shakti announces Mass Communication Internship Programme

 The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD, GR), under Ministry of Jal Shakti, has announced Mass Communication Internship Programme. It seeks to engage students pursuing Graduate / Post Graduate Degrees or are Research Scholars enrolled in recognized University/Institution in the field of Mass Communication in India, as interns.

The Internship Programme allows short term exposure to the selected candidates to be associated with the Department’s work related to media/social media activities. Students who have completed their graduation in mass communication or Journalism or related fields or the students who are pursuing their PG or Diploma (subject to completion of graduation in mass communication or related field) in the aforesaid fields from any recognized college/university are eligible, subject to conditions as mentioned in the Guidelines.

The duration of the internship will be of six to nine months. An honorarium of Rs.15,000/- per month and a certificate of internship will be given to the selected candidates on successfully completion of internship programme. The last date to apply is 29th June, 2024. Those interested in applying for the internship can apply only through online form, which is accessible at https://mowr.nic.in/internship/ . For other details, access at: https://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/ .

NIMHANS bags the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024 by the World Health Organization

 

National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has been awarded with the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO).

 

The Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion, established by WHO in 2019, recognizes individuals, institutions and/or governmental or non-governmental organizations that have demonstrated remarkable contributions to health promotion.

Union Health Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated NIMHANS on being conferred with this award. He stated that it is “a recognition of India’s efforts in inclusive healthcare.”

Shri Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary expressed his happiness at the recognition of India’s efforts and pioneering work in the field of mental health and congratulated NIMHANS for this achievement.

 

“We are immensely proud to receive the prestigious Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion at this juncture of our institutional journey,” said Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS. “This award is not only a recognition of our past and present achievements but also a validation to the enduring legacy and vision that has guided NIMHANS since its inception. It reinforces our resolve to continue our mission of promoting mental health and well-being – making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve”, she stated.

 

The award is a testament to NIMHANS’ dedication and outstanding contributions to promoting mental health and well-being. NIMHANS has been at the forefront of mental health and neurosciences, championing innovative approaches to research, education, and patient care. It has been instrumental in initiating and implementing avant-garde mental health programs that address the needs of diverse populations. Its efforts in integrating mental health care into general health care, developing community-based strategies, and pioneering digital health interventions have been recognized globally.

This accolade arrives at a particularly momentous time for NIMHANS, as the Institute celebrates 50 years of its formation and the 70th anniversary of its precursor, the All India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH). As NIMHANS marks the dual milestone, the award holds special significance, highlighting the Institute’s rich legacy and continuous evolution in the field of mental health and neurosciences.

India has made major strides in the field of mental health in recent times. Mental Health Units are supported in almost all districts of the country today through the National Health Mission. India’s national tele mental health helpline, Tele MANAS, which was launched on 10th Oct 2022 also recently achieved the landmark of having handled 10 lakh calls.

 

 

Ms. Hekali Zhimomi, Addl. Secretary, Union Health Ministry and other senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present on the occasion.

 

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World No Tobacco Day 2024

 The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, organized an event today to observe World No Tobacco Day 2024. This year’s theme, “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” underscores the urgent need to shield youth from the detrimental influences of tobacco consumption. Union Health Secretary Shri Apurva Chandra addressed the event through a video message, focusing on the devastating impact of tobacco use. He emphasized the Government’s  proactive stance, implementing measures across various levels—local, national, regional, and global—to significantly reduce tobacco prevalence and exposure to tobacco smoke, thereby fostering healthier communities. The message can be viewed here:

Speaking on the occasion, he reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding current and future generations from the major health, social, environmental, and economic harms associated with tobacco use. He highlighted how India’s stringent enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has yielded noticeable results, citing tangible outcomes evidenced by the tobacco surveillance and monitoring mechanisms in place.

Furthermore, he unveiled the key focus areas for tobacco control initiatives in 2024, which include strict enforcement of India’s National Tobacco Control Law – COTPA 2003, intensified public awareness campaigns, increasing tobacco-free educational institutions, and establishing tobacco-free villages nationwide.

To motivate young children and youth to steer clear of tobacco in all forms, Indian badminton maestro Ms. PV Sindhu was designated as the brand ambassador for Tobacco Control today. In a compelling video message, Ms. Sindhu urged everyone to unite in the campaign against tobacco use, encouraging individuals to lead a tobacco-free life and embrace healthier choices today for a better tomorrow. Her message can be accessed here:

Smt. V. Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, stated that in 2023, the Government of India extended the TV and Film rules to OTT platforms on the official gazette and is the first country globally to regulate anti-tobacco warnings on streaming or OTT media platforms.

Prof. Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, emphasized the urgent need for innovative strategies to educate youth about the harmful effects of tobacco use from an early age. He highlighted the importance of curbing tobacco advertising and engaging more influencers to spread awareness. Dr. Goel called for individual participation in raising awareness and urged a thorough examination of all health concerns associated with tobacco consumption.

Dr. Roderico Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, commended India’s leadership in tobacco control, highlighting its pioneering role in regulating tobacco depiction on OTT platforms and its policy on the prohibition of e-cigarettes. He urged for collective efforts to protect future generations from the adverse effects of tobacco consumption by raising public awareness and safeguarding tobacco control policies from industry influences.

Operational Guidelines for Establishing Tobacco Cessation Centres in Medical Institutions was also unveiled. The initiative aims to educate and sensitize medical students about tobacco cessation, aligning with the guidelines set by the National Medical Commission to train graduates in holistic medicine. By offering these cessation services, medical institutions aim to substantially boost quit rates among tobacco users, thereby fortifying the overall healthcare system. The integration of tobacco cessation clinics into medical and other healthcare institutions will contribute to the universalization of cessation services and strengthen the health system as a whole.

During the event, awardees of the WHO World No Tobacco Day 2024 Award were felicitated. The WHO WNTD Award for 2024 was presented to the State Tobacco Control Cell, Odisha and the Regional Director’s Special Recognition Award for 2024 was presented to Dr. Mir Mushtaq Ahmad, Nodal Officer Kashmir, National Tobacco Control Program and the Generation Saviour Association, Punjab. The awards are given annually by WHO on a nomination basis to individuals or organizations for their accomplishments in tobacco control.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has enabled an online “No Tobacco Pledge” through the MyGov platform. States, Union Territories, and all stakeholders have been encouraged to disseminate the pledge widely and encourage maximum participation in the No Tobacco Pledge campaign starting from May 31. All the participants, including the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, State Government officers, and partner organizations, took a “No Tobacco Pledge”.

Link for No Tobacco Pledge: https://pledge.mygov.in/no-tobacco-2024/

Under the National Oral Health Programme, an oral screening and tobacco cessation camp was also organized at Nirman Bhawan by the National Resource Centre for Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder (OPMD Hub) of the Lady Hardinge Medical College.

Dr. L. Swasticharan, Addl. DDG, Dte. GHS, Dr. Poonam Meena, Deputy Secretary (Tobacco Control), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and other senior officers of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare were present on the occasion.

 

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India successfully concludes hosting of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26)

 India successfully concluded hosting of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26) from May 20th to May 30th, 2024 in Kochi, Kerala.

Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Ministry of Food Processing Industries, announced India’s plan to set up an Antarctic research station, Maitri-II.

The ATCM-46 was held with the overarching theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a Sanskrit phrase that means one Earth, one family, one future. This resonates deeply with the Antarctic Treaty System, which promotes peace, scientific cooperation, and the preservation of Antarctica for mankind. ATCM-46 was inaugurated by the Honourable Union Cabinet Minister, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Ambassador Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs and Dr Shailesh Nayak, former Secretary of MoES and Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru. Ambassador Pankaj Saran, former Deputy Adviser to the National Security Board, was elected as the Chair of the 46th ATCM. Dr Vijay Kumar, Scientist G-Adviser, MoES, was the Head of the Host Country Secretariat.

 

 

Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES and Head of the Indian delegation (host country), informed that soon India will be submitting comprehensive environmental evaluations for establishing Maitri-II. He said, “The successful hosting of the 46th ATCM and 26th CEP in India underscores our collective resolve to safeguard Antarctica’s unique ecosystems and promote global environmental sustainability. Through dialogue, cooperation, and concerted action, we can ensure that Antarctica remains a beacon of peace, science, and environmental protection for generations to come.”

The ATCM-46 and CEP-26 were hosted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, with support from the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat headquartered in Argentina. The event witnessed the reaffirmation of the Antarctic Treaty (1959) and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol, 1991) by the Parties. The ATCM and CEP are crucial global forums for Antarctic affairs convened annually that set collective and concerted dialogue and action towards preserving one of Earth’s most pristine and fragile ecosystems. An additional working group discussed the development of a tourism framework for the southern white continent this year.

The CEP-26, held from May 20 to 24, 2024, addressed a range of issues and contributed to the implementation of the Environmental Protocol in Antarctica. The Committee agreed to prioritize further work on the management implications of sea ice change, enhancing environmental impact assessment of major activities, protecting the emperor penguin, and developing an international framework for environmental monitoring in Antarctica. Following the advice of the CEP, the Parties adopted 17 revised and new management plans for ASPAs (Antarctic Specially Protected Areas) and several modifications and additions to the list of Historic and Monument sites. The ATCM also encouraged efforts to increase renewable energy use and to ensure robust implementation of biosecurity measures to minimize the risks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

To mark the ATCM-46 and CEP-26, NCPOR (MoES) organised several side events. It organized a seminar entitled ‘Changing Antarctic and Challenges Ahead’ jointly with the Korean Polar Research Institute and Polar Cooperation Research Centre, Kobe University, on May 20, 2024, comprising two panel discussions themed ‘Challenges in Antarctic governance’ and ‘Shared responsibilities and commitments for Antarctic future’.

 

The release of a commemorative MyStamp marking the ATCM-46

Mystamp customised with the ATCM-46 logo was released in collaboration with India Post.

 

A mural depicting species-rich Antarctica designed by school students

A mural themed ‘Species-rich Antarctica’ designed by school children, aimed at enhancing awareness of Antarctica amongst young minds, was unveiled in collaboration with Germany, ASOC, and its partners. A panel discussion on ‘Antarctic Synergy: Driving Scientific Progress through Diplomacy, fostering Cooperation through Research’ was organized as an outreach effort for college students from Kochi, Kerala. Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR, congratulated his team for successfully hosting the high-level Antarctic meetings in Kochi. “Our active and strategic participation in Antarctic affairs, India’s polar programme and its role as host showcased our dedication to fostering global partnerships and advancing the cause of environmental conservation on a global stage,” he said.

The Parties also discussed several important Antarctic matters, including liability, biological prospecting, exchange of information, education and awareness, a multi-year strategic work plan, safety, inspections, science, future science challenges, scientific cooperation, climate change implications, and tourism management, amongst others. A significant outcome was the adoption of a decision to develop an ambitious, comprehensive, flexible, and dynamic framework for regulating tourism and non-governmental activities in Antarctica. The parties also discussed consultative status requests from Canada and Belarus, but no consensus was reached.

 

Glimpses from the ATCM-46 and CEP-26 in Kochi, Kerala

India hosted 400+ delegates from 56 countries at the global meeting on Antarctic affairs which brought together diplomats, scientists, and experts to discuss a variety of Antarctic matters, including science, policy, governance, logistics, operations, environmental stewardship, etc. The meetings were in-person events with a virtual audience.

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The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) organized Swachhata Pakhwada from 16th May to 31st May 2024

 The Pakhwada started with a Swachhata Pledge by Officers and Staff of MDoNER and Its Organisations, reaffirming their commitment towards cleanliness activities. A comprehensive cleaning of rooms, common spaces, common office equipment, computers, furniture etc. was conducted.  Records which are no longer required as per extant rules were disposed off. The waste material dumped in the backyard of Vigyan Bhawan Annexe was cleared. To create awareness about the importance of Plants, all the officers and staff were given indoor plants.

 

Organizations under MDoNER also distributed plants, Organized  tree plantation drive  in nearby locations, involving local communities and students from schools and colleges. Vehicular Emission testing was done at NEC, Shillong in addition to other activities. NERAMAC, NEDFi and NECBDC also organized similar activities in and around their offices, schools, local Bazars etc.

 

 

 

A workshop was organized by NEHHDC for students to create awareness on crucial environmental issues, particularly focusing on climate change and effective waste management practices. Nukkad Natak was performed emphasizing the critical role of cleanliness in community health and will being in NEHHDC. Wealth from waste competition was also organized at NEHHDC.

  

The concluding day of Swachhata Pakhwada ended with a prize distribution ceremony, where winners of the essay competition, poster making competition, and slogan writing competition were awarded. Additionally, the top three sections that excelled in Swachhta parameters were recognized and rewarded.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, MDoNER expressed his gratitude to the entire team for their enthusiastic participation in the cleanliness drive and advised to make Swachhata a habit and inculcate it in our daily routine. He also appreciated the efforts of  MDoNER’s Organisations which  performed spread swachhata awarness  at many villages and asked them to continue such activities.

Swachhata Pakhwada reflects the MDoNER’s commitment to promoting Swachh Bharat, not only within the organization but also in the wider community. During the Pakhwada, Team MDoNER demonstrated their strong resolve to promote cleanliness, good governance, and dedicated public service, aligning with the vision of a Swachh Bharat.

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