Historic decisions for MSME sector, street vendors and farmers taken

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met on Monday, 1st June 2020. This was the first meeting of the Union Cabinet after the Central Government entered into its second year in office.

During the meeting, historic decisions were taken that will have a transformative impact on the lives of India’s hardworking farmers, MSME sector and those working as street vendors.

Helping hand to MSMEs:

Micro, small and Medium Enterprises popularly called as MSMEs are the backbone of Indian economy. Silently operating in different areas across the country, more than 6 crore MSMEs have a crucial role to play in building a stronger and self-reliant India.

In the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic, PM Shri Narendra Modi was quick to recognise the role of MSMEs in building the Nation. That is why MSMEs formed a very prominent part of the announcements made under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan.

Under this package, the MSME sector has not only been given substantial allocation but has also been accorded priority in implementation of the measures to revive the economy. Implementation relating to several of the key announcements have been made already.

Today, Government of India has laid down the road map for effective implementation of other announcements under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package too. These include:

Upward revision of MSME Definition. This is yet another step towards ease of doing business. This will help in attracting investments and creating more jobs in the MSME sector;
Proposal for provisioning of Rs 20,000 crore as subordinate debt to provide equity support to the stressed MSMEs has been formally approved by the cabinet today. This will benefit 2 lakh stressed MSMEs.
Proposal for equity infusion of Rs. 50,000 crores for MSMEs through fund of funds has also been approved by the Cabinet today. This will establish a framework to help MSMEs in managing the debt-equity ratio and in their capacity augmentation. This will also provide an opportunity to get listed in stock exchanges.

Further upward revision of MSME definition:

The Government of India today decided for further upward revision of MSME definition. In the package announcement, the definition of micro manufacturing and services unit was increased to Rs. 1 crore of investment and Rs. 5 crore of turnover. The limit of small unit was increased to Rs. 10 crore of investment and Rs 50 crore of turnover. Similarly, the limit of a medium unit was increased to Rs 20 crore of investment and Rs. 100 crore of turnover. It may be noted that this revision was done after 14 years since the MSME Development Act came into existence in 2006. After the package announcement on 13^th May, 2020, there were several representations that the announced revision is still not in tune with market and pricing conditions and it should be further revised upwards. Keeping in mind these representations, Prime Minister decided to further increase the limit for medium manufacturing and service units. Now it will be Rs. 50 crore of investment and Rs. 250 crore of turnover. It has also been decided that the turnover with respect to exports will not be counted in thelimits of turnover for any category of MSME units whether micro, small or medium.

Supporting our hardworking street vendors:

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched a Special Micro-Credit Facility Scheme – PM SVANidhi (PM स्वनिधि ) – PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbharNidhi,for providing affordable loans to street vendors. This scheme will go a long way in enabling them to resume work and earn livelihoods.

Over 50 lakh people, including vendors, hawkers, thelewalas, rehriwala, theliphadwala etc. in different areas/ contexts are likely to benefit from this scheme.

The goods supplied by them range from vegetables, fruits, ready-to-eat street foods, tea, pakodas, breads, eggs, textiles, apparel, footwear, artisan products, books/ stationaries etc. The services include barber shops, cobblers, pan shops, laundry services etc.

The Government of India is sensitive towards the problems they have faced in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. In such a time, there is an urgent need to provide affordable credit to them to ensure their business gets a boost.

Urban Local Bodies will play pivotal role in the implementation of the scheme.

This scheme is special due to a number of reasons:

1- A historic first:

This is for the first time in India’s history that street vendors fromperi- urban/ rural areas have become beneficiaries of an urban livelihood programme.

The vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs. 10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments in the tenure of one year. On timely/ early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy @ 7% per annum will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer on six monthly basis. There will be no penalty on early repayment of loan.

The scheme provides for escalation of the credit limit on timely/ early repayment of loan to help the vendor achieve his ambition of going up on the economic ladder.

It is for the first time that MFIs/ NBFCs/ SHG Banks have been allowed in a scheme for the urban poor due to their ground level presence and proximity to the urban poor including the street vendors.

2- Harnessing technology for empowerment:

In line with the Government’s vision of leveraging technology to ensure effective delivery and transparency, a digital platform with web portal/ mobile app is being developed to administer the scheme with end-to-end solution. The IT platform will also help in integrating the vendors into the formal financial system. This platform will integrate the web portal/ mobile app with UdyamiMitra portal of SIDBI for credit management and PAiSA portal of MoHUA to administer interest subsidy automatically.

3- Encouraging digital transactions:

The scheme incentivises digital transactions by the street vendors through monthly cash back.

4- Focus on capacity building:

MoHUA in collaboration with State Governments, State Missions of DAY-NULM, ULBs, SIDBI, CGTMSE, NPCI and Digital Payment Aggregators will also launch a capacity building and financial literacy programme of all the stakeholders and IEC activities throughout the country during the month of June and loaning will commence in the month of July.

Igniting the spirit of Jai Kisan:

For the Kharif season 2020-21, the government has kept its promise of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times of the cost of production. Today, the MSP of 14 crops for the Kharif season 2020-21 has been announced, based on the recommendation of CACP. The return over cost for theses 14 crops ranges from 50% to 83%.

The Government of India has also decided to extend repayment date up to 31.08.2020 for all Short-Term loans up to Rs.3 lakh advanced for agriculture and allied activities by banks. Farmers will also get benefit of interest subvention and prompt repayment incentive.

The agricultural short-term loan due between 1^st March 2020 and 31^stAugust 2020 will continue to get benefit of 2% Interest Subvention (IS) to Banks and 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) to farmers.

Government of India’s decision of providing such loans to farmers through banks @ 7% per annum, with 2% per annum interest subvention to banks and 3% additional benefit on timely repayment by farmers thus provides loans upto Rs.3 lakh at 4% per annum interest.

Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) wasstarted toprovideconcessionalshort-term crop loansincludingloans availedthroughKisan Credit Cards tothefarmers. In the last few weeks, many farmers are not able to travel to bank branches for payment of their short-term crop loan dues. Hence the cabinet decision would help crores of farmers.

Caring for the poor the Government’s top focus:

The poor and vulnerable are at the top of the priorities of the Government led by the Prime Minister. During the Coronavirus pandemic, right from the day of announcement of the lockdown, the government has been sensitive to the needs of the poorest of the poor. This was seen in the announcement of the Pradhan MantriGaribKalyanYojana package on 26th of March 2020, within just two days of the start of lockdown.

From ensuring coverage of around 80 crore people with food security to direct cash transfers into the bank accounts of 20 crore women, from putting money into the hands of senior citizens, poor widows and poor Divyangs to front-loading of the PM-KISAN instalment to crores of farmers, steps were announced. These covered a wide range of vulnerable sections who would have borne the brunt of the lockdown if not for the immediate intervention of the government. Moreover, these were not mere announcements. Within days, assistance reached crores of people directly, either in cash or kind.

As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, One Nation One Ration card, free food grains even for those without ration cards, a new affordable rental scheme for their housing and many more measures have been announced for the welfare of the migrant labourers.

Massive reforms were announced for farmer welfare, freeing farmers from the chains that bound them and giving their income prospects a significant boost. Along with this, more investments into farm infrastructure were proposed. Allied activities such as fisheries too received a financial package.

At every step, the Government of India has shown compassion and alacrity in serving the needs of the most vulnerable.

PM Modi Launches CHAMPIONS: Technology Platform to empower MSMEs

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today launched the technology platform CHAMPIONS which stands for Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength.

As the name suggests,the portal is basically for making the smaller units big by solving their grievances, encouraging, supporting, helping and handholding.It is a real one-stop-shop solution of MSME Ministry.

This ICT based system is set up to help the MSMEs in present difficult situation and also to handhold them to become national and international champions.

Detailed objectives of CHAMPIONS:

Grievance Redressal: To resolve the problems of MSMEs including those of finance, raw materials, labor, regulatory permissions etc particularly in the Covid created difficult situation;
To help them capture new opportunities: including manufacturing of medical equipments and accessories like PPEs, masks, etc and supply them in National and International markets;
To identify and encourage the sparks: i.e. the potential MSMEs who are able to withstand the current situation and can become national and international champions.

It is a technology packed control room-cum-management information system. In addition to ICT tools including telephone, internet and video conference, the system is enabled by Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Machine Learning. It is also fully integrated on real time basis with GOI’s main grievances portal CPGRAMS and MSME Ministry’s own other web based mechanisms.The entire ICT architecture is created in house with the help of NIC in no cost. Similarly, the physical infrastructure is created in one of ministry’s dumping rooms in a record time.

As part of the system a network of control rooms is created in a Hub & Spoke Model. The Hub is situated in New Delhi in the Secretary MSME’s office. The spokes are in the States in various offices and institutions of MSME Ministry. As of now, 66 state level control rooms are createdand made functional. They are connected through video conference also in addition to the portal of Champions. A detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) has been issue to the officers and staff have been deployed and training has been conducted for them.

On this occasion, Minister of MSME and Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadakari was also present.

PM addresses SPIC MACAY’s International Convention

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today addressed the Spic Macay’s International Convention via video conference.

Prime Minister appreciated the fact that even under these trying circumstances, the spirits of the musicians remained undeterred and that the theme of the convention is focusing on how to alleviate the stress amongst the youth owing to the COVID -19 pandemic.

He recalled how historically music played an inspiring role and a cohesive role in times of war and crisis.

He said poets, singers and artists always scripted songs and music to bring out the valour out of the people in such times.

Prime Minister said that even now, in such trying times when the World is fighting an invisible enemy, the singers, lyricists, and artists are scripting lines and singing songs that would increase confidence of the people.

Prime Minister recalled how the 130 Crore people of this country have come together to clap, sound bells, blow conch shells to energise the entire nation in its fight against the pandemic.

When 130 crore people come together withthe same feeling and emotions it becomes music, he said.

Just as there is a need for harmonyand discipline in music,there is a need for similar harmony, restraint and discipline from every citizen to fight the Corona Pandemic he said.

He appreciated the new elements in the Spic Macay convention this year like nature walk, heritage walk, literature and holistic food along with Yoga and Naad Yoga.

Elaborating on Naad Yoga, he said in India, Naad is considered to be the basis of music and also as the basis of the energy in self.

He said that this Naad reaches its crescendo or Brahmnaad when we regulate our inner energy through yoga and music.

This is the reason that both music and yoga have the power of meditation and motivation, both are immense sources of energy, the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister said, music has not only been a source of happiness, but also a means of service and a form of penance.

There have been many great musicians in our country who have lived their entire lives to serve the humanity, he said.

Prime Minister said, the fusion of ancient art and music with technology is also a demand of the times.

Rising above the boundaries of states and languages, today music is also strengthening the ideal of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ more than ever, he said.

Prime Minister appreciated the fact that people are giving new messages on social media through their creativity, furthering the country’s campaign against Corona

Prime Minister expressed the hope that this convention will also give a new direction to in our fight against the corona virus.

Consolation through baiting lives!

“All is well” a consolation that’s what chief minister shivraj Singh chauhan is trying to tell the centre by conducting the examination all across the state even though reciveing tremendous amount of backlash by students and intellectuals, Chief minister is standing firm ground on his decision but is it right to use students lives as bait even as in this pandemic? a morale question needed to be asked by BJP leader himself as what he sees this situation as a mean to promote his political agenda because the situation itself says “All is not well”.
Meanwhile many IITS and NITS have opted to passing students without exams this year, the rgpv university has opened it’s examination forms for all years and degrees.The questions arises that if these premier institutions can allow students to pass them for one semester then why cannot these state universities pass students for just one semester?
Meanwhile the chief minister has tweeted that “we cannot put the future of students in jeopardy as passing them without exams would wash away all of their hard work they had done during the whole year.”
Well taking to these tweets students have replied quite humorously as well as giving witty answers that might have led the bjp leader ask questions to himself.
One of the students replied by saying that if you can win the election without conducting the election then why can’t we pass the exam without appearing in them while another one said that if students lives are in jeopardy than aren’t there future at risk due to the QUOTA SYSTEM.
Well all in all we know how college exams are we start preparation a week before and still we will are able to ace the test but when it comes to cracking a technical company interview there’s only just a few of us Who make it.
The big question that should be asked is if the chief minister is as stiff in taking the exams then would he also assure a job placement after the students clear there exam where one might actually need skills!
Seems what we all have are a web of questions and the possibility of getting the answers are as close as to getting the covid-19 vaccine.

Insights into The Student’s world amidst Covid-19

Student’s issues: The incomplete syllabus, pressure due to the ongoing pandemic, and delay in completion of degrees and diplomas are nowadays the prime concerns of students across the country. Also, the “online mode” of classes and examinations is causing trouble due to slow internet connections and lack of infrastructure especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities due to this there have been low attendance ratios in online based classes.

Government’s response: In response to this, last week, on May 27, 2020, the Union HRD Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank conducted a digital conference with heads of more than 45,000 Higher Education Institutes and announced that students will be promoted (except final year) without exams, based on internal assessments and preceding year’s results.However, on Sunday, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray announced that the state government has decided to cancel university examinations of final year students as well.

This has given hope and relief to about eight lakh final year graduation students. This decision has been taken after considering the rapid spread of Covid-19 infections across the state. Currently, over 65,000 confirmed cases including over 2,197 deaths by SARS-2-COV have been officially cited in Maharashtra.
In an official statement, Mr. Thackeray said, ” Today we are not in a position to conduct the exams and in future when it will happen that we are also not sure. The new academic year is starting so we do not want students to miss their further educations. Those students who are not happy with the marks of last semester can reply to upgrade their marks once the situation is normal.”

Beyond lockdown: After this news became public, netizens today flooded Twitter with #examscancelled with memes. However, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated on May,30 that schools, colleges, educational institutions will be reopened after discussing with States and Union territories during phase two of Lockdown 5.0. Most likely, after having the suggestions from parents and stakeholders the educational institutions may reopen in July, after issuing SOP by Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).
Our honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi quoted inspirational words for students in Mann ki Baat (May, 31), ” We are responsible for making exams a burden. We should stop doing it. We must not waste our energy in competing with others. Start competing with yourself and make sure your present is better than your past.”

The optimistic spirit: Regarding this, to make the most use of this lockdown phase a shift has been observed amongst students that online skill-based courses and distant learning programs are now seen as a probable solution till a safe vaccine for Covid-19 comes into existence. During the times of pandemic, it’s true that currently, we are living through a future’s history class lesson but now it will be a vital responsibility of our nation’s youth to steer the economy and future of our nation towards glory and progress so that this chapter of history when over, be seen as a positive one in the course of our great nation’s journey.

International parents day

Parents-Day-660x330 Parents, the name is enough to protect the future, A Mother’s love is something that no one can explain, It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain, It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may For nothing can destroy it or take that love away and the father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society. Both play an important role in one’s life, without one person the life of the child is like a rollercoaster, however, a child has to face many problems in society if he or she belongs single-parent family.

Parents are like the backbone of their chield they educate, feed, nourish, and give many other facilities regarding the fortune life, sometimes parents sacrifice their own beautiful dream. since the birth parents take care of their child as a piece of heart, they never let their child cry. When the child grows up in parallel the demand also grows up, but parents take care of the demand, they share gifts and happiness with the child, so the child never upset and be happy, furthermore, patents never forget to celebrate the birthday of a child, on that way they try to show how much they love their baby.

But, here comes the truth, when the child grows in teenage and young age they never respect their parents, when they meet new people they try to know more things from them instead of learning from their parents. they forget the moral values which were thought by there parents and they continue to disrespect them. In, India around 40% of people do not love to stay with their parents that’s why they leave home and stay away from their parents, whenever parents need any help form their child they never present at the same place. Additionally, many videos and posts on youtube and other social media handle where young children beat heir parents, which is the same full for us to see, but never react. According to the last researchers of the old age home, the ratio is very high in the year 2015-2016 around 8.5 % of the total population old people live in old age homes. because of young children.

However, from 2020, we all young people take an oath to live with parents and family and never leave the family never forget the Favour which we get from parents at an early age. parents can sacrifice their dream but why not us, never forget to take care of parents at the old age because they do not have any other source of help. Never forget the birthday of parents and international parents’ day because it is the only way to rejuvenate life.

the next parents’ day on 26 July 2020.

here some golden words for parents,

behind every child who believes in himself is a parent who believes him first.

parents’ love is whole no matter how many times divided.

Thank you to give your time to read my article.

PM NARENDRA MODI MANN KI BAAT(31/5/2020)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Sunday through his Mann Ki Baat where he said that it’s going to be a long way in the fight against the coronavirus. He began with saying that the means of transport were suspended the last time he addressed. This time many areas are in operation along with Shramik Special trains, airflights, miniature industries which has lead to the gradual rise in the economy. Still no leniency has to given while following the protective measures.

With mutual contribution, we are able to fight against corona. If we compare with other countries, we’ve accomplished a lot. Inspite of having more challenges, we are able to fight corona better than other countries. We feel sorrow over the losses caused but we are successful in saving a lot due to the united power of the countrymen. Every individual is contributing to its best. This whole cause is people driven. The most important feature of the people which lead to moving ahead is ‘Seva Shakti’ or the power to help. In reality, in this pandemic we have shown that ‘SERVICE’ and ‘SACRIFICE’ are not only our ideals but also our ways of life. It is said that, ‘Seva Parmo dharma’ which means that there is pleasure and satisfaction in service. We have witnessed that one who is involved in service activities is free from depression and stress. Servicing others leads to Confidence and Positivity.

Our doctors, nurses, cleaners, workers, and media body are contributing their limitless efforts towards the pandemic. He quoted example of Mr. C Mohan of Tamil Nadu who runs a saloon in Madurai. He donated his 5 lacs of money for service which he has saved for his daughter’s education. Similarly, in Agartala, Gautam Das, a cart-puller, gave his savings to the needy by providing food. In Punjab, a differently-abled person, donated his amount to make masks. Mr. Narendra Modi appreciates such people. In this pandemic, people are innovating in the labs and small startups. Nasik’s Rajendra Yadav, a farmer has created a sanitizing machine using his tractor. Innovations are also seen in the field of education. The strong will power of the people is leading such innovations. This pandemic is long, we are inexperienced facing new challenges and problems. Yet the most affected are poor sections of the society. We can share their pain. The whole India is making efforts. Railway employees are also corona warriors as they strive hard to send the people to their locations.

This situation is also an opportunity to learn. The countrymen are making efforts to develop the eastern India. The Central Government is taking steps to look after the job opportunities in the villages. If the villages and small districts would have been self-dependent, then these problems would have been minimised. He quoted, ‘It’s human behaviour to move from darkness to light’. He is happy to see that being self-dependent is taken as a challenge. ‘Vocal for local’ is also being adopted widely. ‘Make in India’ should grow by individual efforts. We must minimise the use of outside commodity. In this pandemic, he has also talked to various foreign ministers. He got to know that they are also giving priority to ‘Yoga and Ayurveda’. In India too, people are getting themselves involved in doing yoga at home and learning about ayurveda. Yoga community, immunity and unity are beneficial for all. Yoga is important as corona affects the respiratory system. Ministry of AYUSH has started ‘MyLifeMyYoga’ which is a video blog competition where people can participate by posting a 3 minutes video of performing yoga asanas and sharing their experiences.

The fear of falling sick is the nightmare of the poor people. ‘Ayushman Bharat Yojana’ which started 1.5 yrs ago, has treated more than 1 crore people for free. If poor people would have spent money in their treatment then they would have been in loss. Portability has bound the country together. Any person of Bihar can avail the treatment in Karnataka too. Among the 1 crore people, 80 percent of them are the villagers. Some even had critical diseases and 70 percent underwent surgeries. He said that we must talk to the people being treated by Ayushman. People after treatment have become optimistic and motivated to fight the challenges of life. He has also appreciated the honest tax payers of the country.

He kept on mentioning about the super cyclone which has hit West Bengal and Orissa. Homes are destroyed. He even visited the place. India stands with them. The current locust attack reminds us that small creatures are also capable enough to destroy. People are innovating to fight against such critical situations. On 5^th June, World Environment Day will be celebrated and the theme is Biodiversity. This theme is especially important in the present scenario. Since the last weeks, we have slowed down, but this has given us an opportunity to understand the rich biodiversity around us. People are able to hear chirps of many birds who were once considered lost in noise and pollution. We are getting news of animals walking freely. People are sharing photos that they can see mountains and wonder that whether they would continue to see such beauties of nature or not.

He concluded by saying that we can draw inspiration to coexist with nature by creating balance. We must conserve water through simple processes. We can save water in this rainy season. At individual level, we can take initiatives to plant trees and hence save nature. After such hardwork, we must keep fighting and don’t become negligent. It’s our duty to save every ones life. Take all the necessary precautions. At last he said that he would be meeting next month through ‘MANN KI BAAT’.

Misconceptions About Introverts

Just Because Introverts Are Quiet Doesn’t Mean They’re Shy

People sometimes make the mistake of that just because a person is quiet, it also means the person is shy. It is important to realize that there is a big difference between introversion, shyness, and social anxiety.Introverted people are not necessarily apprehensive about talking to others, although some introverted people certainly do experience shyness or social anxiety.

Introverts tend to be more reserved and inward-turning.They like to get to know a person more before engaging in a lot of conversation.Introverts prefer to think before they speak. They typically don’t enjoy a lot of chit-chat or small talk.So, the next time you notice someone who is quiet and reserved, don’t assume that they are shy or afraid of talking to others.

Needing to Recharge Doesn’t Mean They’re Angry or Depressed

When an introvert feels overwhelmed by too much socializing, they often need a little quiet time and solitude to recharge. Unfortunately, people sometimes misinterpret this desire to be alone as a negative emotion, such as being angry, depressed, sullen, or anxious.If you are an introvert, you might recall being told by parents or other adults to “come out of your room and stop sulking,” when you were really just trying to have a little quiet time.Introverts might be surprised to find that other people interpret the need to be alone as rude or dismissive.

They Do Have Fun

Introverts are not party-poopers. While they might be quiet at a loud and crowded social gathering, it doesn’t mean they are not having fun.In many cases, the introverts in the room are content to sit back and observe, taking in all the interesting sights, sounds, and conversations. They are curious and want to learn more about the world and the people around them. While extroverts might accomplish this by asking questions and starting conversations, introverts prefer to listen and reflect.

They Aren’t Rude

Introverts can be quiet and reserved when you meet them, and it can be difficult to know what they’re thinking. This can cause others to perceive them as rude.Rather than interpreting this initial reserve as rudeness, it is important to understand that an introvert might simply need to get to know you better before they feel comfortable and willing to open up

Introverts Aren’t Weird

According to some estimates, as much as half of the population identifies themselves as introverted. Based on those figures alone, introversion certainly is not something weird, odd, or even eccentric. Introverts are sometimes unfairly pegged as strange.Introverts tend to follow their own interests rather than paying much attention to what is popular or trendy.

They Don’t Want to Be Alone All the Time

While introverts might need to have some time alone each day to gain back their energy, it certainly does not mean that they want to be alone all the time.3Introverts actually do like spending time with people they know well. It’s just that they periodically need quiet time to decompress and regain the energy they expend while socializing.

They Aren’t Agoraphobic

Just because introverts are quiet and enjoy periods of solitude does not mean that they have agoraphobia. Certainly, some individuals are both introverted and agoraphobic, but one is not an indicator of the other.Many introverts do describe themselves as “homebodies,” or people who enjoy hanging out at home and enjoying their family and hobbies. This does not mean that they are afraid of public spaces

Introverts Don’t Have Low Self Esteem

Another common misconception about introverts is that they are quiet and reserved because they have low self esteem or lack self-confidence.This can be particularly problematic for introverted kids who are constantly pushed into situations by adults who think that socializing is the way to “fix” kids the adults perceive as being shy and insecure. Kids who receive constant feedback from adults and peers that something is fundamentally wrong with their personality just might, however, start to question themselves as a result.

Introverts Don’t Hate People

People who are introverted are not misanthropic. In fact, introverts are typically very interested in people; they simply feel exhausted by lots of talking and socializing, particularly lots of what they perceive to be needless talking.Small talk is something that makes most introverts cringe. What they need is a reason to talk.Start an interesting conversation about something the introvert cares about and you just might find that they can be the most talkative person in the room.

Introverts Aren’t Broken and Don’t Need to Be Fixed

Introversion is often treated as something that needs to be overcome.Many introverts report that teachers and other adults often forced them into situations where they felt uncomfortable or overwhelmed—making a quiet student take over as the leader of a group, assigning a reserved child the lead role in the class play, and pairing quiet kids with the most extroverted kids in class for group assignments, for example.Such actions are often accompanied with one simple (but woefully misinformed) explanation: “You’re too quiet and getting you out there more will help you get over it!”But introversion isn’t something to “get over.” Extreme shyness and social anxiety are certainly problems that need to be addressed, particularly if they result in significant distress or impairment in daily life. But these things should be dealt with in a compassionate and professional way. Forcing a shy or anxious child into social situations where they feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable is not the most appropriate way to deal with it.Being quiet is not the same thing as being shy. Introverts don’t need to be broken down and remolded into extroverts.

Being Told “You’re Too Quiet” Is Insensitive and Rude

Introverts are not the only personality types that are misunderstood at times. Extroverts are often accused by those who don’t understand them as being loud and overly talkative.
For an introvert, constantly being told that “you’re quiet” is a lot like telling an extrovert that they “never shut up.” It’s unnecessarily rude and comes with the implication that there is something wrong with the individual.
Both personality types need to make an effort to understand those who differ from them. Introverts have their own needs and quirks, just as extroverts do.
Most importantly, not all introverts (or extroverts) are the same. Painting each personality type with broad strokes misses all the nuance and detail that make each person a unique individual. But learning more about how people with these personality types tend to think, act, and feel can certainly improve your understanding of people who are different from you.

Introversion And Nature

If you ask me, nature is the ultimate elixir. It rejuvenates, exhilarates, and calms us in equal measures. Whether it’s the woods, the mountains, or the beach (whatever vibe most suits you), many of us find solace in the outdoors — whether we’re introverts or extroverts.

However, speaking as an introvert, I’ve always found a special comfort in nature. It’s where I turn when I’m stressed or overwhelmed, as well as when I want to feel invigorated. Walking in a forest, hiking in the mountains, or bathing in the sea makes me feel connected to the world as a whole in a way I rarely feel with other people.

Spending time outside has well-documented benefits for everyone, but here are five reasons it’s especially great for introverts.

Why Nature Is Great for Introverts

1. It gives us the space we need to process.

Typically, we need more time than extroverts to process our feelings and experiences. It’s often necessary for us to spend time “digesting” our thoughts before discussing them. This doesn’t mean we don’t want to share what we’re thinking. It just means at times it feels right and even easy to share, while other times the simple task of forming our ideas into coherent sentences seems… herculean.

The weird thing is that our reticence doesn’t just apply to the big things. Sometimes, even a well-intentioned, “How was your day?” can send an introvert’s mind spinning and alarm bells ringing. We want to give an honest answer, but if we’re still processing something ourselves, it can be difficult for us to verbalize straight away.

Taking a walk or sitting outdoors with a book or sketchpad gives introverts the space we need to let things settle in our mind. Sometimes this means actively mulling something over — but not always. For me, the simple lack of pressure to express myself prepares me to do so more clearly later on.

2. Science says so.

Countless studies have shown that spending time outside is extremely beneficial for both our mental and physical health. Interacting with nature:

fights depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues

lowers blood pressure

reduces inflammation levels

lowers cortisol, the “stress” hormone

improves short-term memory

improves vision by reducing the risk of developing nearsightedness

improves focus and memory

In one study, researchers introduced variables that made it difficult for participants to focus on a task. They then instructed one group to take a walk in nature, a second group to walk through the city, and a third group to simply relax. When everyone returned, they were given a proofreading exercise. Can you guess which group scored the best? That’s right — the ones who spent time in nature.
Another study involved sending some students to a forest and some students to a city. Both groups spent two nights in their respective locations. When they returned, the students sent to the woods had lower levels of cortisol — the hormone that is often used as a marker for stress — than those who stayed in the city.

Introverts can be more prone to stress, overwhelm, and mental health issues than extroverts. That’s why it’s even more important for us to get a healthy dose of sunshine and fresh air.

3. We get to step away and unplug.

There’s a lot of talk of unplugging these days — putting the phone or laptop away and engaging more holistically with what’s right in front of you. Being present with our surroundings helps us connect more deeply with the people we care about, as well as ourselves. Going outdoors gives us the perfect means of not only taking a break from technology, but also from the draining aspects of daily life.

Why is this especially important for us “quiet ones”? Due to the way we’re wired, we process and feel things deeply. That means we get more easily stressed and drained from stimulation than our extroverted counterparts. If you’ve ever mentally and physically crashed after attending a party, group project, or meeting at work, you know exactly what I mean.

The solution: avoid overscheduling and plan adequate time alone to recharge our “batteries.” This doesn’t have to — always — mean holing up at home. The revitalizing effects of doing something outside at your own pace, in the fresh air, can be pretty instantaneous. Although I’m often tempted to crash at home when I’m feeling extra-introvertey, putting on my shoes and getting out the door for a walk makes me feel much better, much sooner.
If you ask me, nature is the ultimate elixir. It rejuvenates, exhilarates, and calms us in equal measures. Whether it’s the woods, the mountains, or the beach (whatever vibe most suits you), many of us find solace in the outdoors — whether we’re introverts or extroverts.

4. It inspires our creativity.

Not all introverts have a sensitive, artsy side, but many of us do. We enjoy hobbies — or careers — that involve writing, drawing, photography, or anything that allows us to express ourselves. When we create, we share a bit of our private inner world with the outside world — in a way that’s more comfortable than speaking up in a group.

Nature’s beauty has inspired countless artists. Whether it be a jaw-dropping landscape, or simply a pleasant outdoor park, the natural environment is the perfect backdrop to set the creative mind in motion.

5. It’s a great way to be out in the world.

Introverts are parodied as shy, sensitive types that hide themselves away at home watching Netflix or hanging with their cats. Okay, this might be true to a degree, but it’s in no way the whole picture. Introverts have just as much desire as extroverts to connect with others and discover what the world has to offer — we just do it differently.

We have no qualms about doing things alone, like traveling solo or heading out for a day by ourselves. We enjoy the freedom that comes with letting the day unfold as it may, knowing we don’t have to keep up constant conversation or worry about whether someone else is bored. When it comes to socializing, introverts prefer hanging out one-to-one or in small groups. It’s easier for us to open up that way, and allows us to go deeper.

COVID19: CAN SURGICAL MASKS OR RESPIRATORS PREVENT CORONA VIRUS?

COVID19:
CAN SURGICAL MASKS OR RESPIRATORS PREVENT CORONA VIRUS ?

The world is suffering from the deadly infection of Coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the infection as ‘pandemic’. The early symptoms of this deadly infection are high fever, shortness of breath, tiredness and dry cough. So, the entire world is under lockdown to break the chain of COVID-19 with certain precautionary steps is to be ensured. The contemporary ways to sanitize oneself is the 20 seconds formulae of hand wash or using disinfectant containing at least 60% alcohol, avoid touching surfaces and handshakes and no unnecessary contacts. The use of mask and covering face using napkin or elbow while coughing and disposing the napkin would add an added advantage.
We all know that sanitizer containing good quality alcohol can kill most of the germs, bacteria and viruses including fatal Coronavirus . In a research, it was found that the Coronavirus can survive for 3 days (72 hours approx.) on surfaces like steel or plastic.
Now , the question arises whether any face masks or covering mouth with any cloth helps to prevent Coronavirus from invading our body ?
Firstly, I want to let you know that no mask can provide 100% safety from Corona Virus. There are different types of masks available in market and most common of them are Surgical masks and Respirators.
They act as a barrier to prevent the foreign body from entering our body, but the main difference between them is that Surgical masks are used only to prevent dust particles or large particle droplets that enter through our nose or mouth while Respirators can prevent vapours, airborne microorganisms, fumes or particulate matter that enter through nose or mouth . But as we know that the virus can enter our body through eyes so the person wearing a spectacles or googles can help prevent Covid19 to enter body to some extent . As spectacles or googles are left open from its sides so virus can reach our eyes easily. Hence, it is advised to stay at home and take precautionary steps while stepping out of home. The frontline workers including police, media persons, essential service and sweepers wear face shield along with N95 masks to safeguard themselves.
Surgical masks are mostly used by people who are not into any essential services as these are not designed to protect the wearer from breathing in airborne bacteria or viruses. Coronavirus is smaller than the PM 2.5 cutoff but bigger than some regular dust particles and gases. These masks can be used by a person with weak immune system or suffering from chronic health diseases. Persons dealing with severe respiratory or breathing issues are more prone to get infected from coronavirus, hence it is advisable for the infected person to use face mask as well in order to protect others from getting infected. The use of masks is also recommended to healthy person from getting infected. Surgical masks are of three types-: 2-layered surgical mask , 3-layered surgical mask and 6-layered surgical mask
The protection also depends on the number of layer, more number of layers contribute more protection. A 3-layered mask is better than 2-layered masks, the cost of 3-layered mask is also higher than 2-layered mask. While the 6-layered masks are best till now as it can protect us from some of the viruses but cannot protect from SARS CoV-2 to enter the body This type of mask is loose-fitting and virus can easily enter through the opening sides. And one more drawback is that it is not having any particular side from which a person have to wear it. So as a human it’s common to make mistake and use different side to wear while reusing, keeping it anywhere after using can spread risk of virus at that particular place and without knowledge of its proper way of wearing help the virus to enter the body. Also, the outer layer of the mask consists of virus and accidental touching can lead to the novel coronavirus.
As mostly surgical masks tend to be disposable, it get wet due to water vapours generated during respiration, that means they need to be replaced with new mask or washable 6-layered mask, washing it with 60°C hot water with a disinfectant to kill the germs can help in reusing them.
Respirators are used by health professionals as they are having contact with infected person quite often. These are at a risk of getting contaminated by infected person that’s why they use it along with face shield to be more secure from the Coronavirus. N95 mask is most common respirator consisting of filters that can prevent 95% i.e 0.3 micron airborne particles. It is a type of mechanical filter respirator and is better than any type of surgical mask. Respirator is tight fitting and have no opening , it protects in a better way. It protects us from most of the viruses which enter from mouth or nose openings but still protects against SARS CoV-2 to small extent. When someone around us coughs or sneezes then the germs or droplets exhaled can stick on a person’s clothes or long hair especially in women, so the hair must be covered with a cloth while going out and changing clothes after coming back to home is recommended. For men too keeping a long bushy beard and facial hair are also prone to Corona virus so best way is to avoid going out or to keep short or no beard on face or clean it after every outside tour. It contains valve which releases unfiltered air when the wearer breathes out, hence the spread cannot be stopped just by using respirator.
So along with respirator, using a sanitizer is must, to clean our hands from time to time. A respirator cannot be reused and after a particular time period of usage it becomes difficult for us to breath through it and it indicates the time to replace or dispose after use. Most of the doctors and nurses who are curing the Corona patients use surgical masks, face shield, Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) kits and respirator to get best protection. No doubt, for full day wearing casuse skin irritation and problems especially in the summer season, discomfort due to sweat on the human body, but still to save life and to contribute the nation, the Corona Warriors are doing their best work to keep us safe during this crucial period.
Therefore, for the common people, the best way is isolation and social distancing. Mask is better than no mask. A common man must keep physical distance from everyone and use sanitizers to kill the microorganisms on hands and wrist. Infact if we apply some sanitizer over the mask before using then the germs which stick will be killed at the moment and the mask will be more risk free. And if a person is having any symptoms of COVID-19, then he much contact the health care team or can go to a hospital for checkup. As prevention is better than cure, all things must be kept in mind to fight this virus. If tested positive than he can get cured. Either the person has good immunity or should intake healthy foods for boosting immune system, for example, Citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach, curd and almonds are best immunity boosters, drinking plenty of normal water everyday also help in keeping our body fit. Immunity system helps in recovery.
If we, common people maintain social distancing and use just any cloth mask or scarf or just simple 3-layered or 6-layered, it is enough with respect to follow all precautionary measures then there will be no problem as such balefully.
That’s why Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay Healthy & Stay Fit and the world will soon defeat this Coronavirus.

Sahaj Sabharwal
Jammu city, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Pincode -: 180001

Contact-:

Email-: sahajsabharwal12345@gmail.com

Phone -: +917780977469

https://www.sahajsabharwal.blogspot.com

Technology as an integral part of education

What is technology?
Well according to the basic definition,Technology is the set of knowledge, skills, experience and techniques through which humans change, transform and use our environment in order to create tools, machines, products and services that meet our needs and desires.
That all put into simple words is using our smartphones,computers,laptops and basically anything that come in the category of machine is technology.

Today in this modern era technology has bought about a huge change in our lives and our day to day habits be it from recharging our phones to sending satellites in earth’s atmosphere anything and everything is somehow related to technology.But a huge amount of population is currently using technology at it’s best in order to learn and educate which has changed our present a lot from our past when education was not only just limited but that too not very easily accessible.

Let’s see how technology has changed the way of learning:
Education can be basically divided into three categories mainly primary,secondary and higher education.

PRIMARY EDUCATION:

Preschools and nursery education is considered to be the foundation of our education as it’s the first time we start to learn about new things and our environment.This is the time our brain is processed to think and analyze certain things and this process could be made creative using technology.At the preschool level, technology can be introduced in several ways at the most basic is the use of computers, tablets, and audio and video resources in classrooms.

SECONDARY EDUCATION:

There’s a transition of a student as he goes from primary to secondary school as his way of thinking changes,this is great time to get the student really into E -LEARNING ,as brain really process information really quickly and faster when information is in the form of visuals combined with audio.E-learning also has been rising as a supplement to the traditional classroom. Students with special talents or interests outside of the available curricula use e-learning to advance their skills or exceed grade restrictions.

HIGHER EDUCATION:

Online college course enrolment has seen a 29% increase in enrolment with nearly one third of all college students, or an estimated 6.7 million students are currently enrolled in online classes.Technology has helped a lot in spreading knowledge across the globe.Colleges like Harvard,MIT,Standford and many more put there online courses with best faculties on online learning platform like udemy,Coursera etc for a minimal price or free of cost.The gist is higher education is now easily and quickly accessible to a larger crowd and the credit goes to Technology.

Some other Ways in which technology is being used as a medium to educate:-

Flipped classroom:

This is an instructional strategy in which computer-assisted teaching is integrated with classroom instruction. Students are given basic essential instruction, such as lectures, before class instead of during class. Instructional content is delivered outside of the classroom, often online. The out-of-class delivery includes streaming video, reading materials, online chats, and other resources. This frees up classroom time for teachers to more actively engage with learners.

Virtual classrooms:

A virtual classroom provides the opportunity for students to receive direct instruction from a qualified teacher in an interactive environment. Learners can have direct and immediate access to their instructor for instant feedback and direction.For example: In India the biggest online learning platform is unacademy.

Augmented Reality:

Augmented reality (AR) provides students and teachers the opportunity to create layers of digital information, including both virtual world and real world elements, to interact with in real time.Augmented reality plays an important role in the future of classrooms.

Disadvantages :

“A coin always has two sides”

Here is a list of disadvantages from learning through technology:
1)It could be distracting
2)It disconnects students from a face to face relationship with teacher
3)It may not be all the time the source they are studying from is reliable
4)It can cause major heath issues if a student is exposed to blue light for a prolonged period of time.

Do bats spread Covid-19?

Some of the misinformed citizens are on a hunt to get rid of bats, owing to the fear of Covid-19 spread through this mammal. Reportedly, more than 150 bats were killed in Rajasthan alone despite the appeal of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This whole bat-hunt began when an ICMR report found CoVs positive in Rousertus and Pteropus: 2 Indian bat species. A local newspaper reported similar incidents happening Bangalore. Even the USA, Australia, and other countries are having hundreds of bats found at animal markets culled.

Now the question arises do bats spread Covid-19?

The answer is no. A report published in Medical News Today cited that out of 1400 bat species in the world, two have been tested positive for a close relative of SARS-2-Cov, which is the RATG 13 virus. But it is only similar to novel coronavirus (not the same) and it can neither transmit it to humans nor can cause Covid-19 to our species. The current hypothesis proposed by scientists across the globe is that Bats transmitted this close genetic relative to pangolins and then to humans as Pangolins are the world’s most trafficked mammals for global wildlife trade, Chinese medicines, and luxury food. Even in the past, the linker between humans and bats has been an animal that has been extensively traded or farmed. For example, in the 2013 Ebola virus outbreak, non-human primates like chimpanzee or deer have been intermediate hosts between humans and bats. Bats throughout history have been the origin of Ebola, Nipah virus, and rabies.

For instance, in the case of Nipah virus, fruits bitten and thrown by bats carry their saliva, which if consumed by humans might transmit Nipah due to salivary transmission. Fortunately, both in the case of Nipah and Covid-19, negligible chances of transmission have been found through their excretory wastes.

So what to do if you cite a bat in or near your house?

Just call a professional rehabilitator or yourself lead them to the way out of your house. No need to kill them.

Why do bats carry so many viruses and why there’s a need to protect bats?

Bats have a strong immune system and they are the only flying mammal. Their strong immune system makes their lifespan as long as 20-30 years. This strong immunity of bats has now been a key research area for the development of the Covid-19 vaccine ( by the University of Saskatchewan, Canada).

Also, another need for protecting bats is that they maintain a biological ecosystem by:

1. Pollination of flowers and fruits: Especially in mangrove regions bats play a major role in the pollination of pollen grains. This year in India itself, Cyclone Amphan went just aside mangroves as these thick trees act as a shield against such natural calamities.

2. By helping in pest control in farmlands:

Bats eat up insects and pests. As per The Print, worth 800 million dollars and 22 billion dollars pest control annual expenses are saved by bats alone in Indonesian farms and USA corn farms respectively.

3. As per Wildlife Protection Act,1972 two of the bat species are protected in India due to the threat of extinction.

Conclusion: The major cause for such global outbreaks such as Covid-19 is mostly due to human activities such as wildlife trade and habitat destruction.

UGC to bring norms for e-degree courses

The University Grants Commission is set to bring in regulations for online degree courses, officials familiar with the matter said.

The development has come after the ministry of human resource development asked the country’s top 100 universities to offer such courses amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Members of the commission, in a meeting on Friday, discussed the contours of the regulations which will be similar to those for open learning courses.

“It is likely that an integrated set of regulations for distance and online learning can soon be brought out by the UGC. There is a general agreement that courses which are high on practical content like engineering or others will not be offered through online education. However, courses where there is less of practical training are ideal for such teaching. Moreover, subjects like coding can also be taught,” said a senior official, requesting anonymity.

Even with integrated regulations, there may be clauses specifically for online courses, the official cited above said. The reason for bringing in regulations is mainly to address quality concerns related to such courses, he said.

The higher education regulator has already decided that it will lower the bar for varsities to offer online and distance learning courses from the earlier benchmark 3.26 score by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) at least for one academic year.

It is also likely that varsities will be given a free hand in offering diploma and certificate courses online, said another official.

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, the HRD ministry has been focusing on popularising the online mode of education as classroom teaching appears increasingly difficult.

In her budget speech earlier this year, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that the country’s top 100 educational institutions will start offering full-fledged degree courses online. Sitharaman had again mentioned online courses while announcing the relief measures to alleviate the effect of the pandemic on the economy.

Assam plans to provide functional tap connections to 13 lakh rural households in 2020-21

Assam presented the Annual Action Plan for consideration and approval of Ministry of Jal Shakti. Government of India approved Rs 1407 Crore for 2020-21 under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). In 2020-21, State plans to provide tap connections to 13 lakh households out of total 63 lakhs. Realization of the goal of Jal Jeevan Mission in Assam is not difficult taking into account the abundant water resources in the State i.e. both ground water and surface water.

The state is giving emphasis on capitalising on ‘low-hanging fruits’ i.e. in the villages/ habitations where piped water supply schemes already exist, to yield the desired results. The state plans to immediately provide household tap connections to all remaining households of belonging to weaker and marginalised sections on priority. A defined roadmap is also charted for the effective implementation of Village Action Plan (VAP) with the active participation of the rural community. Strengthening of existing drinking water sources for long-term sustainability of drinking water supply systems through convergence of various programmes like MGNREGS, SBM (G), 15^th Finance Commission Grants to PRIs, District Mineral Development Fund, CAMPA, Local Area Development Fund, etc. at village level is planned for judicious use of all available resources.

While planning, thrust is given on covering households in quality-affected habitations, aspirational districts, SC/ ST dominated villages/ habitations, Sansad Adarsh Gramin Yojana villages, etc. on priority.

Above all, local village community/ Gram Panchayats and or its sub-committee/ user groups are being involved in planning, implementation, management, operation and maintenance of water supply systems in villages to ensure long-term sustainability. Jal Jeevan Mission encourages participation of local community in surveillance of water quality. PHE department is duty bound to empower and engage with the community. For this, action plan carried out to incorporate the entire value-chain- from timely procurement of kits, supply of kits to the community, identification of at least five women in every village, training women for use of Field Test Kits and reporting and collating the reports with laboratory-based findings of the water sources.

In the wake of Covid–19 pandemic, it is important that people don’t crowd public stand posts/ public water sources to fetch drinking water. Therefore, State is taking up water supply works in villages to provide household tap connections, which will help in practicing social distancing, and will additionally help local people in getting employment and boost rural economy.

When the country is grappling with CoVid-19 pandemic, it has become very important to provide livelihood to the migrant workers who have returned to their native villages. These migrant labourers are basically skilled and semi-skilled ones, whose services could be utilized in by providing jobs related to water supply especially plumbing, fitting, water conservation works, etc. in every village to ensure sufficient ground water availability leading to water security, water availability for agriculture and most importantly will help in provision of drinking water to every rural household.

With the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, people in rural areas now aspire to get tap connections in their household premises, which they could not even think of till last year. With the active support of States, Ministry of Jal Shakti is steering the Mission to bring cheers in lives of rural folks by making provision of potable water in adequate quantity and of prescribed quality on regular and long-term basis.

Jal Jeevan Mission announced by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi last year aims to provide tap water connections to 18 Crore rural households of the country by the year 2024. This ambitious scheme is benefitting all the States as the States are working hard to ensure every rural household gets water tap connection to bring improvements in their lives. This transformational Mission focusses on the principle of ‘equity and inclusiveness’ to ensure universal coverage of every rural household.

Pharmaceutical industry has an important role in Aatamnirbhar Bharat

The Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal today interacted with the captains of the Pharmaceutical industry, and Office-bearers of the Pharma Associations, through the Video Conference. The meeting was attended by the Ministers of State Shri H.S.Puri and Shri Som Parkash, Secretaries of the Department of Commerce, and Pharmaceuticals, and Officers from Departments of Commerce, Pharmaceuticals and Health.

During his interaction, Shri Goyal lauded the pharma industry for making India proud, by rising to the occasion during the Covid crisis. He said that India has been recognized as the ‘Pharmacy of the World’, as over 120 countries got some essential medicines, during the last two months, including 40 of them getting them in the form of grant, free of cost. He said that during the crisis, the officials of DGFT, MEA, Health and DoP burnt midnight oil to ensure that the export consignments are delivered at the earliest. The whole world appreciated India’s gesture, and this has swelled India’s goodwill and reputation. He said that India had adequate production capacity and abundant stock of HCQ and PCM for its projected domestic requirements, and putting restrictions on their exports was to ensure that the medicines are made available to all the needy nations, and no unscrupulous element stocks them for unwarranted gains.

The Pharma industry received accolades from the Minister for their extra-ordinary performance, in ensuring that the Country did not face any type of shortage of medicines during this period. Shri Goyal said that early announcement of the Lockdown helped the country in preventing and containing the scourge of pandemic, and also scaling up the health infrastructure and build capacity, besides generating awareness among the people about the precautions and preventive measures. He said that India has set an example, under the able guidance and leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in being pro-active in management of Covid-19, and also following it up with welfare and relief packages for mitigating its consequences.

Shri Goyal assured the industry that the Government will fully support the industry in its expansion, diversification and strengthening. He said that the industry has an important role to play in the Aatamnirbhar Bharat campaign. The country should become Aatmanirbhar in APIs as early as possible, as the government has taken a number of steps in this regard. It has already approved the scheme on Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks for financing Common Infrastructure Facilities in 3 Bulk Drug Parks. Also, Production Linked Incentive Scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical KSMs/Drug Intermediates and APIs in the country has been given a go ahead.

The Minister said that anti-dumping investigation process has been expedited. The Minister said that in case of ongoing bilateral FTAs, if any roadblock or unfair competition is being noticed, the Government may be informed and prompt remedial action will be taken. He said they should look at large untapped market in Eastern Europe and Russia. Calling upon a collaborative route in the R&D efforts, Shri Goyal said the Academicians, Universities, ICMR and private sector should join hands. Informing the gathering that the Government has decided to disinvest in certain Pharma PSUs, the Minister invited the Indian companies to use PSUs for plug and play model of manufacturing. The Minister assured the industry that all suggestions presented in the meeting will be quickly examined and wherever required, the inter-ministerial consultations will be completed at the earliest.

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