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Quantum Security Research Lab on 23rd Foundation Day of Society for Electronic Transactions and Security in Chennai

 Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, today (June 25, 2024) attended the 23rd Foundation Day of the Society for Electronic Transactions and Security (SETS) in Chennai. Prof. Sood also inaugurated the Quantum Security Research Lab on the occasion.

Conceived by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2002, SETS, an initiative of the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, is a cybersecurity R&D organization pursuing research in the core areas of cyber security, cryptology, hardware security, quantum security, and network security.

 

(23rd Foundation Day Celebration at SETS underway)

The celebration kicked off with Dr. N Subramanian, Executive Director, SETS extending a warm welcome and delivering a brief on SETS’ research and development activities. He mentioned that SETS has developed futuristic solutions like Post Quantum VPN, Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG), Key Distillation Engine (KDE) for Quantum Key Distribution, PKI solution, Ransomware Early Detection Solution, Security for Blockchain, etc. SETS is working with various academic institutions including IITs and IISc Bangalore, government agencies, national R&D organizations, and user agencies such Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Department of Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and state governments for collaborative research and innovation.

Delivering the presidential address, Prof. Sood congratulated SETS for their efforts in developing and deploying indigenous cybersecurity solutions in areas such as cryptography, secure quantum communication, hardware security, and network security. He also lauded SETS’ success in translating lab research into field applications, including the deployment of VPNs for the strategic sector and the Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG) solution for industry and strategic agencies.

 

(PSA Prof. Sood delivering presidential address)

Prof. Sood encouraged SETS to leverage its expertise to lead national efforts in Post Quantum Cryptography and to deepen the collaboration with industry, R&D labs, and academia to ensure the nation’s computing and communication infrastructure is quantum-safe. He emphasized on scaling up successful projects like hardware security testing and post-quantum cryptography.

 

(Dr. Maini, Scientific Secretary, delivering special address)

In her special address, Scientific Secretary Dr. Maini commended the scientists and staff of SETS for their impactful contributions. She stressed the importance of continuously upgrading cybersecurity measures to address new vulnerabilities and dynamic threat landscapes, citing recent cyber threat incidents. Dr. Maini recognized recent enhancements in SETS’ infrastructure for undertaking the upcoming challenges as these advancements are crucial for SETS to effectively tackle cybersecurity challenges and develop robust solutions.

Dr. Maini also noted SETS’s involvement in cutting-edge projects, including AI for cybersecurity under the National Supercomputing Mission. She asserted the importance of standard-based development for international collaborations in areas like quantum communication and 6G. She also highlighted the need for SETS to collaborate with industry to advance its technologies from research to field deployment.

Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in his address, mentioned the evolving concerns of cybersecurity in the context of AI, the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), and drones. He urged that SETS should evolve a roadmap to address these challenges and develop innovative solutions.

This was followed by Prof. Sood inaugurating the Quantum Security Research Lab of SETS. He appreciated the demonstrations carried out by the SETS team on QRNG, post-quantum implementation in Arm-Cortex, True Random Number Generator (TRNG), and KDE. The team also demonstrated the Metro Area Quantum Access Network (MAQAN), jointly being implemented by SETS, IIT Madras, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

 

(PSA Prof. Sood inaugurating Quantum Security Research Lab )

The Foundation Day celebration also witnessed Technology Sessions hosted by SETS’ scientists and provided a technical deep dive into topics including post-quantum cryptography, side-channel analysis & hardware security, quantum communication security, security for blockchain, and network & IoT Security areas.

(Group Photo commemorating 23rd Foundation Day Celebration at SETS)

The event was attended by various agencies like National Informatics Centre, Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate, DRDO, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA), Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), IIT Madras, IISc Bangalore, C-DAC along with representatives from industries and startups. 

 

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Developing world class manufacturing facilities is a must for realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of “Make in India “with “Zero Effect; Zero Defect”

 Union Minister for Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated the 71st edition of the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre today. Delivering his inaugural address, the Union Minister emphasized that the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) offers a unique marketing platform for micro, small, and medium exporters, showcasing India’s latest trends and diverse offerings to the rest of the world. Shri Giriraj Singh further said that developing world class manufacturing facilities is a must for realising the Prime Minister’s vision of “Make in India “with “Zero Effect; Zero Defect” at each level of the value chain.

Shri Singh also called for the adoption of the ‘hub and spoke’ model to enhance domestic manufacturing, encouraged industry collaboration and underscored the importance of establishing Indian brands. The ministry is also poised to revive the Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) to create internationally standardized parks.

Shri Giriraj Singh stated that, “Today, India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world with a GDP growth rate of 7.2% and is expected to be 3rd largest economy by 2027-28.” The convergence of a positive domestic outlook with a growth-oriented political establishment has provided a conducive ecosystem for business in India. Several measures have been taken by the Government of India to enhance the infrastructure sector and ease of doing business, he added.

Further, the Minister stated that, the Indian Apparel and textiles market is of the size of 165 billion USD which has to touch 350 USD billion; a target, which has been fixed after industry consent. I request you to take it to 50 billion USD by 2030. Prime Minister made a roadmap to promote technical fiber and Geo textile, which is providing huge options for growth.

 

“I have said that my challenge is not Bangladesh. I would like to take ahead of China in time to come. Bangladesh water and raw material charges are going high. Further Shri Singh suggested that we will make small clusters for smaller players in India to boost RMG exports”.

Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh announces the expansion of the Rs 10,000 crore PLI scheme to the garment sector to boost domestic manufacturing and exports. Addressing the India International Garment Fair, Singh emphasizes revamping textile parks, and promoting green textiles will be our focus.

Shri Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman AEPC during his address underlined, “the global headwinds negatively affected Indian apparel exports. But despite these adverse scenarios, the Indian apparel export industry was able to hold its own and contain the damage to quite an extent.

Shri Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General said that there is a greater chance for Indian apparel exporters to expand its footprint across developed countries in coming years. The Indian apparel industry must in-cash this opportunity and start dreaming big.

Knowledge sessions are also being organised on the sidelines on the 25th and 26th June’2024 covering various topics like Navigating Global Trade: Challenges and Opportunities for the Industry, The Efficiency Advantage: Driving Manufacturing – Excellence in Apparel and Sustainable Fashion: From Concept to Reality.

This fair being organised by the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) through the International Garment Fair Association (IGFA), in association with three major garment Associations of India namely, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), Garment Exporters & Manufactures Association (GEMA) & Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR), is a testimony of the collective spirit, team-work and synergies built by these associations to achieve greater goal. More than 600 buyers from 50 countries participated in the event. 71st Edition will also host two fashion shows each day, from 25th to 27th June’2024, showcasing the best of the collections exhibited during the show.

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270 candidates certified by the Beauty & Wellness SSC at their Annual Convocation Ceremony

 Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), today met and congratulated all the 270 candidates who have been certified under PMKVY 4.0 and various CSR projects under Skill India. This was the 3rd convocation ceremony organized by the Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC) which has till now trained more than 13 lakh candidates under the mission. The event took place at the Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi, and was attended by Shri Atul Kumal Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE; Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, officiating CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International; Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson, B&WSSC; Ms. Monica Bahl, CEO, B&WSSC and other prominent dignitaries.

 

Speaking at the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary said that the global beauty and wellness sector is a promising sunrise industry and India has notably outpaced the global growth in this sector. Over the past nine years, B&WSSC has achieved remarkable milestones, creating 106 job roles with a strong focus on women empowerment and entrepreneurship, he added. He congratulated the graduates for exemplifying immense resilience and determination, transforming themselves into leaders within the vibrant industry. Among them are inspiring acid attack survivors who have become champions of their own stories, Shri Chaudhary commented.

The Minister also said that the sector’s exponential growth is a testament to India’s demographic dividend, set to provide opportunities for close to 3 crore people by 2030 and contribute to a Rs. 5 lakh-crore industry with significant prospects across the Asia-Pacific region. As the country moves towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the energy and vigour of its skilled workforce will be the driving force behind this sector’s success, he added.

 

The ceremony witnessed the certification of people from the LGBTQIA+ community and acid attack victims, highlighting the importance of establishing an inclusive, diverse and holistic skill ecosystem. The Minister interacted with the candidates and encouraged them while lauding them for their resilience and commitment to pursuing successful careers in the beauty and wellness industry. He also launched the B&WSSC’s Coffee Table Book – “Lakshaya-Transformative Tales of Empowerment”.

Aligned with the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making India the Skill Capital of the World, B&WSSC offers various NSQF-aligned skill courses under the Skill India Mission, providing livelihood opportunities and enabling entrepreneurship. The SSC also collaborates with the state governments to extend skilling initiatives to the underprivileged from diverse and marginalized backgrounds including widows, prison inmates, school dropouts, acid attack survivors, and transgenders.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), a flagship scheme of Skill India, B&WSSC has trained 4.89 lakh individuals, with 1.34 lakh certified under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and 2.54 lakh certified under Short-Term Training (STT) and Special Projects (SPL), achieving a 49% placement rate. The top job roles under RPL include Yoga Instructor, Yoga Trainer, and Assistant Beauty Therapist, while under STT and SPL, the top roles are Assistant Beauty Therapist, Pedicurist & Manicurist, and Beauty Therapist.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this industry is its inclusivity and empowerment, with women constituting about 66% of the workforce—a figure expected to rise to 70% by 2030. The sector is becoming more gender-neutral, providing equal opportunities for all, supported by government and private sector initiatives promoting skill development across the country.

 

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Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Reviews Inland Water Transport Projects at IWAI Headquarters

 Today, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, visited the Noida Head Office of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). During his visit, Shri Sonowal was briefed about the status of the 111 National Waterways in the country and how inland waterways are emerging as a sustainable mode of transportation to complement roadways and railways.

While interacting with senior officials of IWAI, the Hon’ble Minister emphasized the need to develop national waterways across the country and to significantly increase passenger and freight movement on waterways. He praised the efforts made to promote river cruise tourism in the country and recent initiatives such as the introduction of Hybrid Electric Catamaran vessels and the country’s first Hydrogen Vessel.

Additionally, Shri Sonowal reviewed the progress of the World Bank-funded Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on National Waterway (NW) 1 – River Ganga. The Authority is enhancing waterways infrastructure by constructing Multi-Modal Terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj, and Haldia, and an Inter-Modal Terminal at Kalughat to facilitate freight movement and improve connectivity. IWAI is also installing community jetties to benefit communities residing along the banks of the river Ganga.

“MoPSW is committed towards developing a robust inland water transport system. By enhancing India’s national waterways, MoPSW and IWAI together aims to boost economic growth and ensure efficient, sustainable transportation options for the nation, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘New India’ with world-class infrastructure,” said Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.

During the interaction at IWAI, the minister unveiled a five-year action plan for developing new national waterways, emphasizing river cruises through targeted campaigns and events to boost tourism. Collaboration with Northeastern Region (NER) states was highlighted, with a robust mechanism in place to ensure effective CSS project implementation. Addressing human resource issues, the minister discussed overcoming challenges in the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route and proposed innovative solutions for expediting Inland Water Transport (IWT) work in Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, leveraging technology and inter-state cooperation to enhance national infrastructure.

Shri Sonowal also assessed the interventions being made by the Authority to promote IWT activities in North Eastern Region especially NW 2, 16 and 31 i.e. Brahmaputra, Barak and Dhansiri rivers in Assam. Initiatives to improve regional connectivity with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar were also evaluated.  New technological advancements by IWAI made to improve navigation were also showcased to the Union Minister. This included initiatives like PANI – Portal for Assets and Navigational Information, RIS – River Information System, CAR-D for collection and compilation, analyses and dissemination of cargo and cruise movement data and also future projects like Central Database and National River Traffic and Navigation System among others.

As a symbol of growth and prosperity, Shri Sonowal also planted a sapling in the premises of IWAI in the presence of Shri Vijay Kumar, Chairman, IWAI, Sh.R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (IWT) MoPSW, Sh Sunil Kumar SINGH, Vice Chairman, IWAI and other senior officials of the Authority.

Notably the cargo movement on national waterways has increased to over 133 million tons recording a CAGR growth of 22.1% over a period of ten years from FY 2014 to FY 2024. IWAI aims to increase the modal share of freight movement through IWT from 2% to 5% and traffic volume to more than 200 MMT in line with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and more than 500 MMT by 2047 as per the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The two vision documents formulated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways aim to promote inland water transport in a big way ensuring a sustainable complimentary mode of transportation in the country.

To enable inland waterways as conduits of economic growth and commerce in the country, an investment ₹45,000 crore for development of river cruise tourism in the country has been planned. Of this ambitious sum, an estimated ₹35,000 crore has been earmarked for cruise vessels and another ₹10,000 crore for development of cruise terminal infrastructure at the end of Amrit Kaal, i.e. by 2047. To amp up inland waterways for cargo trade, an investment of ₹15,200 crore has been arrived at the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) held in Mumbai in October, 2023. This is likely to register a growth rate of more than 400%, increasing the volume upto 500 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) by 2047. With the Harit Nauka Guidelines, the MoPSW has put forth a strong commitment towards furthering passenger transport through waterways in an environment friendly and sustainable manner by promoting the adoption of low-emission fuel (CNG/LNG/electric/hydrogen/methanol) as propulsion fuel for inland vessel operations (Green Vessels).

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C-DAC and AICTE sign MoA to create an ecosystem for human resource development in High Performance Computing and allied areas

 Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) today entered into Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to create an ecosystem for human resource development in High Performance Computing (HPC) and allied areas.

The MoA was signed by Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman AICTE and Col. Asheet Nath (Retd.), Executive Director, C-DAC Pune and Corporate Strategy, in presence of Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and other officials of MeitY & Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Some of the key activities to be taken up under this Memorandum of Association (MoA) are:

  • Master Trainer Programs: These training and refresher programs will be conducted to train the Master Trainers in order to enhance their teaching skills in HPC and allied technologies. The master trainers will in turn train faculty members with the necessary knowledge to teach students in their colleges.
  • Quality Improvement Programs: These training programs will be conducted to enhance the subject expertise in HPC and allied technologies of faculties from streams other than Computer Science.
  • Courses on SWAYAM: Courses in HPC will be offered on the Ministry of Education’s SWAYAM platform which offers free online courses in various disciplines to the learners. This will help in reaching out to students across the country
  • Formulation of Course Aligned with Industry Needs: HPC related courses will be designed in such a way so as to ensure that they are aligned with the current and emerging requirements of the HPC industry.
  • Offering C-DAC developed HPC learning platforms: C-DAC will offer the HPC learning platforms like PARAM Shavak, PARAM Vidya and other upcoming ones through AICTE to nominated institutes

As is evident from these objectives, the MoA between C-DAC and AICTE aims to drive sustainable human resource development in HPC and allied technologies, foster innovation, and meet the evolving needs of the industry and academia.

On this occasion, Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY mentioned that the HPC-aware manpower development activity under NSM will now reach a wider audience in engineering colleges across the country. “This, in turn, will help in building HPC-related capability in the technical workforce, making them ready for the industry”, he added.

Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman AICTE said “With the signing of this MoA between AICTE and C-DAC, we are taking a significant step towards creating a robust ecosystem for High Performance Computing (HPC) education in India.”. He also mentioned that this initiative aligns perfectly with the goals of the National Supercomputing Mission and the vision of NEP 2020, ensuring that our technical education system remains at the forefront of global advancements.

Advancing HPC through National Supercomputing Mission

Development of HPC aware manpower is one of the key deliverables of National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).  The NSM is a flagship program of the Government of India to build capacity and capability in HPC in the country, being executed by MeitY and DST. AICTE is mandated with planning and coordinated development of the technical education system across India and promotion of qualitative improvements of such education. Thus, to meet the goals of NSM, C-DAC is partnering with AICTE for the proliferation of HPC education in AICTE affiliated colleges across the country.

It is expected that 2500 faculty members from about 1000 engineering colleges across India will be trained through 50 Faculty Development Programs (FDP). These resources will then be able to teach HPC related topics to about 50,000 students as a part of their curriculum. To generate interest among aspirants from engineering colleges in the area of HPC, awareness programs introducing the nuances of HPC will be conducted in 1,000 colleges, eventually reaching out to 100,000 students. It is also proposed to install 50 numbers of PARAM Shavak – ‘Supercomputing Solution in a Box’ by C-DAC in AICTE affiliated institutions, helping students gain hands-on experience using supercomputers.

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Ladakh Achieves Full Functional Literacy

 Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Dr. B.D. Mishra, on 24 June 2024 declared Ladakh as the administrative unit to achieve Full Functional Literacy under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, after having achieved more than 97% literacy. This milestone reflects Ladakh’s commitment to empowering its citizens through Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, and Critical Life Skills for all. Dr. Mishra informed this in a celebration at Sindhu Sanskritik Kendra (SSK), Leh.

 

The declaration was made in the presence of Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India; Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary; Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman, LAHDC, Kargil; Shri Sanjeev Khirwar, Principal Secretary, School Education, Ladakh; and more than 500 new literates and volunteers.

The ceremony included the felicitation of neo-literates and volunteer teachers and the launch of the Annual Achievement Report 2023 of the school department. dignitaries visited the ULLAS Mela.

While addressing the event Dr. Mishra motivated the new learners and volunteers to continue on the path of learning throughout their life. He said it is the parent’s responsibility to send their children to school. He also exhorted the students to not only look for jobs but also think of creating jobs. Praising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for introducing the NEP 2020, he said that the policy paves the way for the future growth of the country.

While addressing the audience, Shri Sanjay Kumar congratulated the people of Ladakh on this momentous achievement and assured that the Ministry of Education will extend all possible support to improve the school education system of Ladakh. He reiterated that education has the power to change the world. As the name ULLAS suggests, it can bring immense joy to new learners, he said. He also highlighted that the entire ULLAS model is based on volunteerism in which volunteers register through the ULLAS Mobile App without any expectation of reward and simply teach the non-literates, which is the true beauty of this program. He also mentioned the inspiring stories of perseverance, such as taking exams in snowy conditions, underscore Ladakh’s passion for literacy. This achievement sets the stage for lasting positive change and endless opportunities in Ladakh, Shri Sanjay Kumar added.

ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP) is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027. The scheme aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to empower those adults aged 15 years and above from all backgrounds who could not get due schooling and mainstream them with society to be able to contribute more to the growth story of the country. The scheme consists of five components – Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education. The vision of the ULLAS Scheme is to make Bharat – Jan Jan Saakshar and is based on the spirit of Kartvya Bodh and is being implemented on volunteerism. The scheme has benefitted more than 77 Lakhs people till now across the country. The ULLAS Mobile App has more than 1.29 Crore learners and 35 lakh volunteer teachers.

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Landmark 350th iDEX contract inked; MoD to collaborate with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for design & development of miniaturised satellite capable of carrying multiple payloads up to 150 kgs for Indian Air Force

 Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, signed the landmark 350th contract in New Delhi on June 25, 2024. The contract was inked with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for the design and development of a ‘Miniaturised satellite capable of carrying Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kgs’. This challenge is being led by the Indian Air Force. The 150th iDEX contract was signed in December 2022, and within a span of 18 months, the 350th contract has been signed.

The contract was exchanged between Additional Secretary (Defence Production) & CEO, Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) Shri Anurag Bajpai and Founder & CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd Shri Awais Ahmed Nadeem Alduri in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and other senior civil & military officials of the Ministry of Defence. SpacePixxel has been actively working to build and launch high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites to provide detailed earth observation data.

This 350th iDEX contract enables innovation in space electronics, wherein many payloads earlier deployed on dedicated large satellites are now being miniaturised. The modular small satellite will integrate multiple miniaturised payloads as per requirement, providing advantages like faster and economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and less environmental impact.

In his address, the Defence Secretary appreciated the unwavering commitment of new defence innovators for pushing the boundaries of technology and safeguarding the nation. Emphasising the importance of combining indigenisation with innovation, he stated that domestic capabilities provide a foundation for fostering innovation by offering a platform for experimentation and development. Innovation fuels indigenisation by driving the creation of new technologies and solutions that can be produced domestically, he said, assuring all possible support to the innovators at every step.

About iDEX

iDEX, the recipient of the esteemed Prime Minister Award for Public Policy in Innovation Category in 2021, has emerged as a game-changer in the defence ecosystem. Established by the DIO under Department of Defence Production, iDEX has launched 11 editions of the Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC), and recently unveiled the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.

In a brief period, iDEX has successfully gained momentum, fostering a burgeoning community of start-ups within the defence sector. It is currently engaged with over 400 start-ups and MSMEs. Till now, procurement of 35 items, worth over Rs 2,000 crore, has been cleared. iDEX has facilitated the creation of numerous job opportunities and played a pivotal role in the development of the defence ecosystem.

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CCRAS Hosts National Consultative Meet on Traditional Medicine

 Fostering a pioneering effort in aligning traditional medicine research with global standards and priorities the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an apex autonomous organization under the Ministry of Ayush, has signed two MoU’s with Shri Krishna Ayush University, Kurukshetra & Dabur, a leading Ayurvedic company in India.  CCRAS also launched its new and updated website.

The first of its kind consultative meet brought together representatives from diverse domains of Traditional Medicine (TM) in India, including policymakers, academic institutions, researchers, patients, and industry stakeholders. The aim is to identify and prioritize key research areas across various traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy.

These announcements were made during the one-day National Consultative Meet on “Research Priority Settings in Traditional Medicine” on June 24, 2024, at the India Habitat Center, New Delhi, held in collaboration with the WHO-SEARO (World Health Organisation – South East Asia Region office) office and WHO-GTMC (World Health Organisation – Global Traditional Medicine Centre)

On this occasion,Vaidya, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush Rajesh Kotecha  said “The objective is to ensure effective utilization of funds and address critical areas of need within traditional medicine, including medicinal plant research, quality, safety, and efficacy studies, pre-clinical validations, rational use of traditional medicines, clinical trial monitoring, medical anthropology, and the digitalization of ancient medical literature and thereby supporting its global acceptance and integration”.

Director General, CCRAS, Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, said “We wanted to chart a research roadmap for the next decade and lay the groundwork for a decade-long research strategy in traditional medicine and align efforts with WHO guidelines. These two Mou’s with 

Dabur & Sri Krishna AYUSH University is a heathy start in this direction.

Vice Chancellor of Sri Krishna Ayush University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, Prof.  Kartar Singh Dhiman, emphasized the importance of MoU and under its ambit both parties will look at fostering the path for academic and research collaborations that provides opportunity to researchers and scientists for exchange of ideas through workshops, seminars. PhD Studies of CCRAS scientists.

Setting research priorities is a critical endeavor that guides the allocation of resources, shapes scientific agendas, and influences the direction of innovation and discovery. Setting research priorities in traditional medicine is need of the hour as increase in demand and the global accessibility and acceptability of systems fosters the need for same. The identified areas will shape the roadmap of policies for traditional medicine at regional or global level.

Around 150 stakeholders representing Ministry of Ayush, NITI Aayog, Heads of Research Councils from different streams of traditional medicine and homeopathy in India, Vice-chancellors of various reputed universities, Directors of National Institutes under ministry of Ayush, ICMR- NITM, CSIR, RIS-FITM, JNU New Delhi, WHO-SEARO, WHO-GTMC, policy makers, pharmacy representatives and media persons. The Round table discussions among Expert working groups shaped the prioritization exercise followed by a plenary session including the way forward. Dr. G P Prasad, Assistant Director (In-charge) of National Institute of Indian Medical heritage (NIIMH), a recently designated WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine in India and a co-organizer of this event points out that prioritization fosters the preservation and documentation of traditional knowledge, protecting cultural heritage and biodiversity associated with medicinal plants and indigenous healing practices.

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India’s Nuclear Power generation capacity to increase by around 70 percent in the next 5 years

 India’s Nuclear Power generation capacity is to increase by around 70 percent in the next 5 years”, says Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh while convening a high-level meeting to review the 100 days Action Plan of the Department of Atomic Energy here today.

This is the first Atomic Energy related meeting convened by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh after he reassumed charge as Minister in the Modi Govt 3.0.

Highlighting India’s progress in nuclear energy and renewable energy in the energy landscape, Dr Jitendra Singh said “Installed capacity of 7.48 GWe will become 13.08 GWe by 2029, which is over 70 percent increase with addition of 7 new reactors. He also took stock of the already operational projects and gave directions for upcoming plans.

Dr. Jitendra Singh directed the department to integrate and collaborate to harness full potential, by capacity building and sharing of knowledge, resources and expertise. The Minister emphasized on indigenous development of technology. He said, “Indigenous technology development and promoting energy security should be our priority.” He recalled that this government has allowed Joint Ventures with public sector units, increasing budget through collaboration, use of next generation technologies, and increasing cooperation. Speaking on the ease of doing research and scaling up activities he said we are giving single point approval to promote ease of science and promote ease of living for citizens by application of nuclear technology.

Dr. Jitendra Singh informed that the department is suitably designing the 220MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) to use a Bharat Small Reactor (BSR) for captive nuclear power generation. He also informed that DAE is also working on Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) 220 MW to use light water-based reactors by replacing Calandria by pressure vessel.

According to Dr, Jitendra Singh, BHAVINI, a public sector undertaking is in progress to complete initial fuel loading of Prototype Fast Breeder reactor and its 1st approach to criticality is expected in the coming months. This is the 1st fast breeder reactor to produce more fuel than it consumes.

The minister emphasized that along with energy security, health and food security, Radiopharmaceuticals & nuclear medicine, agriculture, and food preservation should also be focused. Adding further he said, development in radiation technology will lead to economic and societal benefit of common citizens and promote ease of living and promote research in basic, applied and translational sciences using subatomic particles.

Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy along with senior officials of the department were present for the review meeting.

 

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 PK/PSM

Exploring Prop Trading Platforms: Learning Opportunities in Forex and Crypto Markets

 Exploring prop trading platforms will reveal numerous
learning opportunities in Forex and Crypto markets. You’ll benefit from higher
profit potential and sophisticated tools. The Forex market has a daily trading
volume exceeding $6 trillion, requiring you to understand currency pair
dynamics and session influences. In the Crypto market, grasp the significance
of blockchain technology and market capitalization. Choosing the right firm
involves evaluating risk management strategies and profit sharing models. Effective
risk management, essential trading tools like MetaTrader 4, and rigorous
strategy development will enhance your trading acumen. Dig deeper to uncover
detailed insights for maximizing your potential.

What Is Prop Trading?

Prop trading, or proprietary trading, involves firms
investing their own capital in financial markets to directly generate profit,
rather than earning from client commissions. Originating in the 1980s, prop
trading has evolved significantly with technological advancements enabling
high-frequency trading and algorithmic strategies. Understanding the regulatory
landscape is crucial as rules vary by jurisdiction but generally focus on
ensuring market stability and transparency. For instance, the Volcker Rule under
the Dodd-Frank Act restricted prop trading by banks in the U.S. after the 2008
financial crisis, aiming to reduce risk and prevent conflicts of interest. In
Europe, the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) imposes
stringent reporting and transparency standards on trading activities,
influencing how Prop Trading Platforms operate by emphasizing
compliance and robust risk management practices.

Benefits of Prop Trading

Prop trading offers significant advantages:

●     
Higher
Profit Potential: By leveraging the firm’s capital, prop traders can
achieve returns up to 20% higher than typical retail traders.

●     
Enhanced
Control Over Strategies: Prop traders enjoy autonomy to tailor trading
strategies, fostering deeper market understanding and sharpening
decision-making skills.

●     
Access to
Advanced Tools: Prop trading firms provide access to sophisticated
analytics platforms, real-time data feeds, and risk management software,
enhancing trading efficiency.

●     
Psychological
Resilience: The high-stakes environment cultivates resilience, teaching
traders to manage stress, adapt quickly to market changes, and maintain focus—a
critical skillset for long-term success.

Forex Market Basics

The forex market, boasting a daily trading volume
exceeding $6 trillion globally, revolves around currency pairs and distinct
trading sessions across major financial hubs.

Currency Pair Dynamics

Currency pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/JPY reflect the
relative value between two currencies, denoted by exchange rates. Fluctuations
in these rates are influenced by economic indicators, geopolitical events, and
market sentiment. Traders track these changes using tools such as moving
averages, Bollinger Bands, and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) to inform
their strategies.

Market Trading Sessions

The forex market operates continuously, segmented into
four primary trading sessions: Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York. Each
session’s unique timing impacts market liquidity and volatility, with peak
activity during overlapping periods like the London-New York session overlap
from 1 PM to 4 PM GMT. Understanding these sessions helps traders optimize
trading strategies and manage risk effectively.

Mastering these fundamentals equips traders to navigate
the dynamic forex market with precision and confidence.

Crypto Market Fundamentals

Understanding the crypto market involves key
principles: blockchain technology, market capitalization, and trading volumes.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain serves as the secure, decentralized ledger
for cryptocurrencies, ensuring transparent transactions across a network of
computers. This structure minimizes fraud risks and enhances trust among users.
Digital wallets are essential for storing and managing cryptocurrencies
securely.

Market Capitalization

Market cap measures the scale and maturity of
cryptocurrencies, calculated by multiplying total supply by current price. High
market cap coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum tend to offer stability, while lower
cap alternatives may be riskier but potentially more rewarding.

Trading Volumes

Trading volumes reflect liquidity and interest in a
cryptocurrency. High volumes indicate active market participation and
contribute to accurate price discovery. Conversely, low volumes can lead to
higher volatility and less predictable price movements.

These fundamentals provide insights into navigating the
dynamic crypto market landscape effectively.

Choosing a Prop Trading Firm

Choosing a prop trading firm involves careful
evaluation of funding and capital allocation policies, risk management
strategies, and profit sharing models.

When assessing funding, consider the origin of
funds—whether internal, from external investors, or a combination.
Understanding equity allocation policies is crucial to foresee how much of your
earnings you can retain versus what the firm takes. Evaluate whether capital
allocations are fixed or performance-based, and ascertain if the firm offers
scalability options as your trading performance improves.

In terms of risk management, focus on the firm’s
position sizing guidelines and stop loss policies. Look for clear protocols
that limit your exposure per trade and enforce disciplined exit strategies to
mitigate potential losses. Assess whether the firm provides robust tools and
resources for real-time risk assessment and analytics, and seek out educational
support on effective risk management strategies.

Regarding profit sharing, examine the equity
distribution model—whether it’s a fixed percentage or tiered structure.
Understand the timing of profit allocations—whether they occur monthly,
quarterly, or upon reaching specific performance thresholds. Additionally,
clarify how the firm handles losses—whether they deduct losses from your equity
share or absorb initial losses up to a predefined limit.

Choosing the right prop trading firm involves weighing
these factors carefully to align with your trading objectives and maximize your
potential earnings in the Forex and crypto markets.

Risk Management Techniques

Effective risk management in prop trading involves
several key techniques to minimize losses and sustain profitability. Position
sizing is crucial, determining how much capital to allocate per trade based on
your risk tolerance. For example, risking 1% of your trading capital per trade
involves calculating the position size by dividing the dollar amount at risk by
the distance between your entry and stop loss points.

Stop losses are essential tools that automatically exit
positions when the market moves against you by a predefined amount. This
strategy helps mitigate emotional decision-making and limits potential losses,
aligning with data showing improved risk-adjusted returns with their consistent
use.

Diversification across asset classes, such as Forex and
crypto, is another vital technique. Analyzing historical volatility and
correlations between assets informs portfolio optimization, spreading risk more
effectively.

By implementing these disciplined risk management
techniques, prop traders can enhance their risk-adjusted returns, bolster
trading strategies, and sustain profitability over the long term.

Essential Trading Tools

Mastering risk management techniques is crucial, but
equipping yourself with essential trading tools further enhances
decision-making and execution efficiency. Charting software, like TradingView
and MetaTrader 4, offers real-time data visualization to pinpoint trends, price
movements, and entry/exit points in volatile Forex and crypto markets. These
platforms also provide customizable charts and extensive indicators.

Integrating backtesting tools into your toolkit is
equally essential. Platforms such as Amibroker and Forex Tester enable you to
test trading strategies against historical data without risking capital. This
process refines strategies, enhances predictive accuracy, and identifies
strengths and weaknesses, ensuring informed decision-making.

Both charting software and backtesting tools are
indispensable for maximizing efficiency and profitability in trading. They
establish the analytical foundation and practical insights necessary for
success in dynamic Forex and crypto markets. Mastering these tools
significantly enhances your trading experience and performance.

Strategy Development

Developing a strong trading strategy relies on
analyzing historical data, identifying patterns, and adapting to market
conditions with precision. Begin by gathering comprehensive historical data
relevant to your chosen Forex or crypto markets. This data serves as the basis
for backtesting, a crucial step in validating your strategy before live
trading.

Utilize software tools to simulate trades using
historical data, ensuring your strategy can handle diverse market scenarios.
Carefully select indicators that align with your trading objectives, such as
moving averages for trend analysis or the Relative Strength Index (RSI) for
identifying overbought or oversold conditions.

While combining multiple indicators can provide deeper
insights into market trends, avoid overfitting, which may yield unreliable
outcomes. Continuously refine your strategy by analyzing key performance
metrics like win rate, average return, and maximum drawdown. This data-driven
approach enables informed adjustments that strengthen your strategy over time.

Real-World Trading Experience

Once you’ve refined your strategy through rigorous
backtesting, gaining real-world trading experience is essential to validate its
effectiveness under live market conditions. Real-world trading introduces
variables like slippage, transaction costs, and emotional pressure, which
aren’t replicated in backtesting.

Mentorship programs can be invaluable at this stage,
offering insights from experienced traders to help navigate market nuances and
refine your strategy further. Developing psychological resilience is crucial in
real-world trading; studies show that managing emotions significantly improves
performance. Skills like stress management, discipline, and avoiding impulsive
decisions are essential for maintaining a consistent trading plan.

Additionally, prop trading platforms often provide
real-time analytics and performance reviews, allowing you to objectively assess
the effectiveness of your trades. Detailed reports can highlight areas for
improvement, such as timing of entries/exits and risk management strategies.

Conclusion

By delving into prop trading platforms, you’ll gain
invaluable experience in both forex and crypto markets. You’ll benefit from
thorough risk management techniques, essential trading tools, and strategic
development insights.

Evaluating prop trading firms carefully guarantees you
pick the right one to maximize your learning opportunities. Your analytical
approach will be honed through real-world trading experiences, enabling you to
make data-driven decisions.

Ultimately, this hands-on exposure will sharpen your
trading acumen, paving the way for future success.

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat assumes charge of Ministry of Tourism

 Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat took charge as Union Minister of Tourism, here today. Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Ms. V. Vidyavathi,along with other senior officials of the ministry, welcomed the Minister.

Shri Shekhawat was briefed by senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism about the schemes and initiatives of the ministry. Speaking on the occasion Shri Shekhawat expressed his gratitude that he has been given this responsibility of globally showcasing Bharat and inviting the world to our country.  “As PM Shri Narendra Modi has emphasized through his various visits and words about our tourism potential, we will work towards enhancing the same, highlighting our various natural and cultural heritage sites from Kashmir to Kanyakumari”, added the minister

***

Action plan for first 100 days to continue India's progress under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi

 Dr Jitendra Singh assumed charge Minister of State( Independent Charge) Ministry of Science and Technology today at Council Scienific and Industrial Research(CSIR) headquarter in New Delhi.

Soon after assuming the charge as Union Minister ,Dr. Jitendra Singh convened a joint meeting of six Science Ministries/ departments and their Secretaries wherein he discussed the first 100 days Action plan under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi.

“Action plan for the first 100 days is intended to continue India‘s progress under the leadership of PM Shri. Narendra Modi, says Dr. Jitendra Singh.

Addressing the media after assuming charge, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said “India is a frontline nation under PM Modi to offer leadership to the world in the field of Science & technology.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said “The special priority were Startups in the last 10 years under PM Modi which is evident from the statistical figures from 350 Startups in 2014 to 1.5 lakh 2024 with more than 110 unicorns”.

Bio economy has gone up by many folds and the progress will continue in this term .

Dr. Singh highlighted that the Patronage of PM Modi has played an active part in introducing new Technologies making the Innovations technologies such as Road construction technology, AI driven Healthcare, has brought ease of living for citizens of the country.

He expressed his confidence in carrying forward this mission for the next 20 years when India usher in 2047.

Innovations became part of infrastructure development when India will celebrate its Centenary year of Independence.

Union minister categorically mentioned that towards nearing the end of its Second term the government brought Anusudhan National research foundation (NRF) legislation was introduced which makes India A frontline nation in Science and technology.

Highlighting India’ s progress in the Space sector Dr Singh said “India’s esteem has risen due to its achievements in Space with successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the moon and steady progress towards India”s first Human Space flight mission – Gaganyaan mission.”

We have no dearth of Scientific Acumen in the country, only lacking was the commitment from the policy making side emphasising the government’s focus.

Dr. Singh briefed that Innovation in Bio-economy, Blue-economy, Space economy will remain a priority.

Union Minister took a review meeting having presence of all secretaries in Science and Technology Ministry . Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, PSA to Government of India along with Prof. Abhay Karandikar, secretary, DST ; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary,DBT along with senior scientists of ISRO and CSIR were also present.

Dr. Jitendra Singh sensitized senior officials on the PM’s plan for 100 days. He also discussed plans to revamp CSIR to increase its efficiency and contribution in the country’s progress.

 

****

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan officially takes charge of Ministry of Rural Development

 Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today took charge of the Ministry of Rural Development. Addressing the media after taking charge, the Minister said that rural development is the priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several schemes are being implemented in this direction. Shri Chauhan said that schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has changed the rural landscape of the nation. Talking about the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), he said that it is a huge employment generator and there is now an emphasis on creating assets under the scheme. He said there has been revolutionary progress in rural development under leadership of PM Modi and empowering three crore lakhpati didis is a dream for him. Shri Chauhan said the scheme is very close to his heart and his government is committed to ensure justice for the female population of the country. The minister said woman empowerment is a mission for the government and self – help groups are playing an important role for it. The rural development minister also said that his Ministry will work to achieve the tasks set up in the 100-days plan of the government.  He also mentioned the decision taken by the union cabinet to construct three crore more houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

 

Later, he held a meeting of senior officials of the Ministry and underscored the need for transparency in Ministry functioning. He also handed government manifesto for rural development and called upon everyone to work towards its fulfilment.

 

Minister of State in Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan also took charge of his portfolio today. The hon’ble Ministers were welcomed by department Secretaries and other senior officials of the Ministries.

**

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri takes Charge as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas

 Shri Hardeep Singh Puri has officially taken charge as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas here today.

 

After taking charge as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri said that India under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi successfully navigated the energy trilemma of energy availability, affordability and sustainability while nations in our neighbourhood and even developed countries struggled with energy rationing, pump dry-outs and spiralling fuel prices. India is perhaps the only country in the world where fuel prices have come down over a two- and half-year reference period.

The Minister said “in 2014, our LPG connections numbered only 14 crores and only 55% population had access to LPG cylinders and now they have reached 32 crore and all mothers & sisters now have access to LPG as our Ujjwala scheme has been very successful.”

Speaking about Exploration and Production, Shri Puri said that Oil production from the 98/2 well will increase to 45,000 barrels per day very soon and gas production will also start soon. “for western offshore, ONGC has already floated a tender to get an international technology partner. All international oil and gas majors having an annual revenue above 75 billion USD have been invited to participate in this tender.”, he noted.

Reiterating government’s commitment to achieve 20% ethanol blending target by 2025, the Minister said, “in the month of May only, we were able to cross 15% of ethanol blending.”  He further added, “As you know, the Prime Minister had set a target originally of 20 percent blending by 2030. On the basis of what I have seen and in the basis of work in progress, I am reasonably confident that the 20% blending target, which was brought forward from 2030 to 2025, will be completed by the year 2025.”

Highlighting the government’s dedication to integrating green hydrogen in the refining process, Shri Puri said that green hydrogen plants at refineries in Panipat (10 KTA), Mathura (5 KTA), and Paradeep (10 KTA) will be installed soon. “First green hydrogen plant (10 MW) was commissioned on 27th May 2024, even as elections were on. Many of our Oil PSUs are in the process of issuance of tender for supply of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen station at Kochi has been commissioned for bus plying from Kochi Airport.”, he added.

Talking about upcoming projects in refining sector, Shri Puri, said that BPCL is in advanced stage to set up greenfield refineries and GAIL is also planning an ethane cracker unit for petrochemicals. “BPCL’s Bina refinery is coming up and Cauvery Basin Refinery is also coming up by IOCL at Chennai”, he added.

Suresh Gopi Takes Charge as Minister of State for Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

 Shri Suresh Gopi, Member of Parliament from Thrissur, Kerala, has officially taken charge as the Minister of State for the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Shri Gopi, who has been an influential figure in various fields, steps into this role following his predecessor, Shri Rameswar Teli.

The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, extended a warm welcome to Shri Gopi.

Born on June 26, 1958, in Alappuzha, Kerala, Gopi has had a distinguished career both in the entertainment industry and public service. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and a Master of Arts degree in English Literature from Fatima Mata National College in Kollam. His extensive background includes serving as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 2016 to 2022, where he was known for his advocacy on environmental issues and social justice.

Gopi’s entry into politics was marked by his commitment to philanthropy and social work. In the 2024 Indian General Elections, he has been elected as the Member of Parliament for Thrissur, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His appointment as the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas signifies the government’s trust in his abilities to oversee this critical sector.

Suresh Gopi is poised to bring his diverse experiences and passion for public service to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, aiming to drive innovation and efficiency in the sector.