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Understanding Natural Disasters

  1. What are natural disasters and how are they different from other types of disasters?
  2. What are the main causes of natural disasters?
  3. How do natural disasters impact the environment?
  4. What are some common types of natural disasters and their characteristics?
  5. How do natural disasters affect human populations?
  6. What are some measures that can be taken to mitigate the effects of natural disasters?
  7. How does climate change contribute to the frequency and intensity of natural disasters?
  8. How do natural disasters impact infrastructure and property?
  9. What role does early warning systems play in mitigating the impact of natural disasters?
  10. How do natural disasters affect the economy of a region or country?

  1. What are the social and psychological impacts of natural disasters on affected communities?
  2. How can communities and individuals prepare for natural disasters?
  3. What are the key challenges in responding to and managing natural disasters?
  4. How do natural disasters affect agriculture and food security?
  5. What are the long-term implications of natural disasters on the affected regions?
  6. How can technology be utilized to better understand and predict natural disasters?
  7. What are some examples of successful disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts following natural disasters?
  8. How do natural disasters impact vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and marginalized communities?
  9. How can international cooperation and assistance be coordinated during and after natural disasters?
  10. What are the lessons learned from past natural disasters and how can they inform future disaster management strategies?

Top 10 Train Accidents in India


Train accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to loss of life, injuries, and damage to infrastructure. While I can provide information on notable train accidents in India, it’s important to note that this list may not be exhaustive and may not include the most recent accidents. It’s always advisable to refer to reliable news sources and official reports for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Here are details about ten significant train accidents in India:

Gaisal Train Disaster (1999): On August 2, 1999, the Gaisal Express derailed in Gaisal, Assam, resulting in a collision with an incoming freight train. The accident claimed the lives of 285 people and injured more than 300.

Khanna Rail Accident (1998): On November 26, 1998, near Khanna, Punjab, the Jammu Tawi-Sealdah Express collided with two derailed wagons, causing a massive fire. The accident resulted in the loss of 212 lives and injuries to several others.

Firozabad Train Collision (1995): On August 20, 1995, in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, the Purushottam Express collided with a stationary Kalindi Express due to a signal error. The accident caused the deaths of 358 people and injured over 400.

Rafiganj Train Derailment (2002): On September 10, 2002, near Rafiganj, Bihar, the Rajdhani Express derailed after hitting a derailed goods train. The incident resulted in the loss of 130 lives and injured several passengers.

Kanpur Train Derailment (2016): On November 20, 2016, the Indore-Patna Express derailed near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The accident led to the deaths of 150 passengers and injured many others. The exact cause of the derailment was under investigation.

Pukhrayan Train Derailment (2016): On November 20, 2016, near Pukhrayan, Uttar Pradesh, the Indore-Patna Express derailed, resulting in one of the deadliest train accidents in recent times. The accident claimed the lives of 152 passengers and caused injuries to numerous individuals.

Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express Accident (1991): On September 6, 1991, the Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express collided with a derailed freight train near Khanna, Punjab. The accident led to the deaths of 57 people and injured many others.

Awadh-Assam Express Collision (1995): On April 21, 1995, the Awadh-Assam Express collided with the Brahmaputra Mail near Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The accident resulted in the loss of 57 lives and caused injuries to several passengers.

Midnapore Train Derailment (2010): On May 28, 2010, the Howrah-Kurla Lokmanya Tilak Gyaneshwari Express derailed near Midnapore, West Bengal. The accident was caused by sabotage, resulting in the deaths of 148 passengers and injuries to many others.

Kalka Mail Train Accident (2011): On July 10, 2011, the Howrah-Delhi Kalka Mail derailed near Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh. The accident led to the loss of 69 lives and injured numerous passengers.


The death toll in the three-train accident at Bahanaga Bazar station in Odisha’s Balasore rose to 288 on Saturday and left over 1,000 injured, with a preliminary probe implying human error in the deadliest railway tragedy in 30 years. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw who reviewed the restoration work at the Balasore triple train collision site on Sunday, said that the accident that claimed the lives of 288 passengers happened due to a change in electronic interlocking. 

It’s important to note that these accidents are tragic events that highlight the need for continuous efforts in improving railway safety, infrastructure maintenance, and implementation of advanced technologies to prevent such incidents in the future.

Strategies for eCommerce Business Management

 by Shashikant Nishant Sharma 

In the digital age, ecommerce has revolutionized the way businesses operate, providing a platform for buying and selling products and services online. However, the management of an ecommerce business requires careful planning, execution, and adaptation to succeed in a highly competitive market. This article discusses key management strategies that can help businesses thrive in the ecommerce landscape.

Customer-Centric Approach: Successful ecommerce businesses prioritize customer satisfaction. Understanding customer needs, preferences, and expectations is crucial for tailoring products, services, and overall user experience. Implementing robust customer relationship management (CRM) systems, gathering customer feedback, and analyzing data can provide insights into customer behavior, enabling businesses to personalize offerings and enhance customer loyalty.
Seamless User Experience: A seamless and user-friendly website or mobile app is vital for ecommerce success. Businesses must invest in responsive design, intuitive navigation, fast page loading times, and secure payment gateways to ensure a smooth shopping experience. Regular usability testing, optimization, and incorporating user feedback help identify and address any usability issues, improving customer satisfaction and conversion rates.
Effective Inventory Management: Efficient inventory management is essential for ecommerce businesses to meet customer demands while minimizing costs. Employing inventory management systems and implementing demand forecasting techniques can help optimize stock levels, avoid stockouts, reduce holding costs, and streamline order fulfillment processes. Real-time inventory tracking ensures accurate product availability information, minimizing the risk of disappointing customers with out-of-stock items.
Streamlined Order Fulfillment: Timely order fulfillment and reliable shipping processes are critical for customer satisfaction. Ecommerce businesses should establish partnerships with reliable logistics providers to ensure prompt delivery and order tracking. Integration between the ecommerce platform and the fulfillment process, along with automated order processing, can improve efficiency and reduce errors. Providing customers with transparent shipping updates and clear return policies further enhances their experience.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Effective management of an ecommerce business relies on leveraging data insights. By utilizing analytics tools, businesses can track key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze sales trends, customer behavior, and website performance. This data-driven approach helps identify areas for improvement, fine-tune marketing strategies, optimize pricing, and enhance overall business operations.
Marketing and Customer Acquisition: To stand out in the competitive ecommerce landscape, businesses must invest in marketing and customer acquisition strategies. Utilizing search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, paid advertising, social media marketing, and content marketing can increase brand visibility, drive traffic to the website, and attract potential customers. Effective use of data analytics and customer segmentation allows businesses to target their marketing efforts, maximizing the return on investment.
Mobile Optimization: As mobile usage continues to rise, optimizing ecommerce websites and applications for mobile devices is crucial. Mobile responsiveness, intuitive navigation, and mobile-friendly payment options ensure a seamless experience for customers accessing the platform through smartphones and tablets. Mobile optimization strategies also include leveraging mobile apps, push notifications, and location-based marketing to engage with customers and enhance their mobile shopping experience.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection: With the increasing risk of cyber threats and data breaches, ecommerce businesses must prioritize cybersecurity and data protection. Implementing robust security measures such as encryption, secure payment gateways, and secure user authentication helps safeguard customer information and build trust. Compliance with data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is essential for ensuring customer privacy.
Continuous Innovation and Adaptation: The ecommerce landscape evolves rapidly, and successful businesses must adapt to changing trends and technologies. Continuous innovation in product offerings, customer experience, and technology implementation is vital to stay competitive. Monitoring market trends, keeping an eye on competitors, and actively seeking customer feedback enables businesses to identify opportunities for improvement and implement necessary changes.

ATL Tinkerpreneur 2023: Atal Innovation Mission calls for registration

 Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog has opened registration for ‘ATL Tinkerpreneur 2023’- a flagship summer boot camp under AIM’s Atal Tinkering Labs program.

ATL Tinkerpreneur is a 7-week long virtual summer bootcamp in June July which equips students with key digital skills and frameworks to create their own online venture by the end of the bootcamp. The last edition of the bootcamp witnessed 5000+ team innovations, the top 100 of them got internship & funding opportunities from Indian School of Business.

The bootcamp is open to students from all schools (ATLs and non-ATLs). Students will receive certificates, internships, and other attractive opportunities. The last date for registration is 5th June 2023.

Each of the registered teams shall be provided dedicated mentoring support for the whole duration of the bootcamp from NITI Aayog’s Mentors of Change. The bootcamp shall start from 8th June and shall last till 24th July. The students can submit their entries by 6th August.

Each week, there will be dedicated expert sessions for students on digital skills, product development and entrepreneurship skills, and handholding sessions for a more focussed approach.

This year, there will be special podcasts in regional languages, weekly challenges to solve and lots of learning through different sessions.

Unveiling the challenge, Mission Director AIM , Dr Chintan Vaishnav said “This is an exciting moment for all of us as. We have seen some brilliant innovations in previous two editions and we are sure this year too, we will get to see some exciting innovations. For students, ATL Tinkerpreneur is a great platform to traverse the journey from think to implementation”

Students can register themselves here: https://kid-ex.com/champions/atltnkr2023

For detailed brochure, click here: https://kid-ex.com/pdf/ATL_Tinkerpreneur_2023_Brochure.pdf

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Indian Deaf Cricket Team, winners of IDCA TR-Nation ODI for the Deaf against Bangladesh

 Today on 1st June, 2023, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) felicitated the winning team of IDCA TR-Nation ODI for the Deaf, 2023 in the conference hall of the Department at Pandit Deen Dayal Antyodaya Bhavan, CGO Complex, New Delhi. This International tournament was held between 29th April & 5th May and came to a successful close at Merlin Rise, Sport’s City, Club Pavilion Cricket Grounds, Rajarhat, Kolkata.  The Indian Deaf cricket team won IDCA TR-Nation ODI for the Deaf, 2023 by defeating Bangladesh Deaf Team by record 166 runs.

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Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary (DEPwD) congratulated all the team members including the coaches and president IDCA for their outstanding efforts. He interacted with each team member to know their background, employment status, etc. He wished victory of the team in the coming Deaf ICC ODI World Cup in Qatar.

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Ms. Reena Jain Malhotra, Patron of IDCA has informed that IDCA was formed in 2020 and registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 with the sole aim to promote the game of Cricket amongst the deaf athletes of the country and to provide them with a platform to showcase their talent and to represent their respective States at a national level and country at international level. She further told that Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) is a governing body for deaf cricket in India and a member of DICC (Deaf International Cricket Council) which closely works with ICC to promote Cricket amongst Deaf Cricketers globally.

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three-day visit to National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities

 The three-day visit to the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (Divyangjan), Dehradun, concluded today. The institute focuses on various aspects of education and overall development for the visually impaired, including printing books. Education for disabled and visually impaired individuals requires joint effort from parents and teachers. The Cross Disability Early Intervention Center of the institute caters to children aged 4 to 12, where teachers educate them in the presence of their families. Teaching these young students poses significant challenges. Visually impaired children have limited vision capabilities.

To adapt to the modern era, the national institute for empowering Divyangjan is introducing new and contemporary courses, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). Starting this year, the institute has prepared to offer an AI course specifically tailored for Divyangjan students. This will enable them to excel in the IT sector through the utilization of cutting-edge technology. The institute has made provisions for the visually impaired students by providing Artificial Intelligence machines such as computer systems, expert systems, computing devices, sentence recognition applications, and other necessary equipment to facilitate their development.

   

The work of education and training of visually impaired children is being carried out in this institute for a long time. The children coming out from here are not only getting fully established in the mainstream of the society, but they are also securing great ranks in exams from UPSC civil services to CBSE Board exams. Apart from visually impaired children and adults, new research is being carried out daily for the training of other disabled people in this institute, as well as such human resources are also being prepared who can help others with their knowledge in other parts of the country.

  

Dr. Surendra Dhalwal, the Assistant Professor of Medical Psychology at the institute, explained that its origins can be traced back to the British era when it was established to assist soldiers who lost their eyes in war. After India gained independence, the government transformed it into a national institute, focusing on research and training for all types of disabled individuals, with a particular emphasis on visually impaired children. Today, the institute not only conducts research and training but also houses an intermediate-level college affiliated with the CBSE Board. This college provides education from primary to intermediate levels for visually impaired children from across the country.

Amit Kumar Sharma, the Vice Principal of the college, mentioned that the college currently has 254 registered students across different classes. These children are selected at a young age through an online application process. They reside in the hostel located within the college campus. During the Covid-19 pandemic, online education was introduced for the first time, and in 2021, the college’s students achieved remarkable results in the CBSE board examinations. In recognition of their outstanding performance, the CBSE Board awarded the college an A+ category certificate.

Mr. Sharma further stated that the college is planning to introduce the study of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as per the CBSE Board’s curriculum. In addition to general subjects, visually impaired students are being taught subjects like Information Technology. The students’ proficiency in computer education is so impressive that their visual impairment becomes inconspicuous.

The institute and college continue to evolve and adapt to modern education trends. Driven by a mission to empower visually impaired individuals, they strive to provide a nurturing environment where students can excel academically and acquire skills that enable them to overcome barriers.

Apart from general education, the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with the Visual Disabilities (Divyangjan) also works on skill development and economic empowerment and has a Central Braille Press. Special ballots prepared for the visually impaired in the general elections are also prepared from this institute. Training for courses like B.Ed and D.Ed is also given in this institute so that necessary human resources can be prepared for training the Divyangjans. Many pass outs from here are working in different parts of the country to teach visually impaired children. Along with making necessary equipment for the visually impaired, research is also being done on it. The institute has also prepared a special chess board for visually impaired children.

Apart from different states of the country, children from many other countries also come to study in this institute. Today this institute is setting an example at the world level.

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Unified Registration Portal For GOBARdhan

The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan which will act as a one stop repository to assess investment and participation in Biogas/CBG sector at pan India level and more importantly streamline the process of setting up CBG/Biogas plants in India. Any government, cooperative or private entity operating or intending to setup a Biogas/CBG/Bio CNG plant in India can obtain a registration number by enrolling in this unified registration portal launched today. The registration number will enable availing of multitude of benefits and support from the Ministries & Departments of Government of India. States have been advised to get their CBG/Biogas plant operators registered on the portal on priority to avail existing and upcoming support from the Union Government.

Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) is a vital umbrella initiative of Government of India, based on the whole of Government approach and aims to convert waste to wealth towards promoting circular economy. Government of India intends to build a robust ecosystem for setting up Biogas/Compressed Biogas (CBG)/ Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plants to drive sustainable economic growth and promote a circular economy. As the nodal department for GOBARdhan, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti has developed this portal, which can be accessed at https://gobardhan.co.in. The launch was attended, in virtual mode, by Additional Chief Secretaries/Principal Secretaries (In charge of rural sanitation) of all States/UTs and representation of various central Ministries and Departments.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that this Unified Registration Portal of GOBARdhan is a perfect example of Cooperative Federalism as the stakeholder Central Ministries, all line departments of Centre and States have come together in development and deployment of the portal. He stated, “Our visionary Prime Minister gave us the responsibility of ensuring ‘waste to wealth’ to which effect we launched the GOBARdhan initiative. With more than 650 GOBARdhan plants and this portal, we have made significant achievement in our waste to wealth generation journey”. The Union Minister further said that the portal will not only ensure Ease of Doing Business (EODB) but with aggregated data from all Ministries & Departments across Centre and States, the initiative will also attract greater investment from the private players. “I hope and urge everyone present here today that we must continue our concreted efforts to ensure faster pace and progress of outcomes – ‘gati aur pragati’ of the GOBARdhan initiative”, he added. Sh. Shekhawat highlighted that registering of new projects on the portal is a pre-requisite to avail any benefit/support of GoI schemes and programs (GOBARdhan related) and in that context he urged all private operators as well as Government stakeholders to register at the earliest on this Unified Registration Portal.Sh. Shekhawat concluded his address by congratulating all the Officers and stakeholders for all their efforts towards developing the portal.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ms. Vini Mahajan said that the Portal was the result of extensive consultative process among all stakeholder Ministries. She informed that the Portal was made live to all States, Ministries and Line Departments for dry run, to sort all technical issues. The CBG Producers Association was also made to test and explore the functioning of the portal. Ms. Mahajan added that the Portal displays information on both existing as well as proposed GOBARdhan projects and will be a valuable tool for investors as well as entrepreneurs of the sector.

Sh. Jitendra Srivastava, JS&MD, SBM(G) & GOBARdhan informed that as on date, more than 650 GOBARdhan plants have been reported by different stakeholders. He added that the portal is available in the public domain to ensure transparency as well as making data available for research and related purposes.

The objective of GOBARdhan is to generate wealth and energy by converting cattle dung, agri residue and other organic waste into Biogas, CBG and bio fertilizers. This initiative comprises the entire gamut of schemes, programmes, policies promoting the conversion of organic waste like cattle dung, agri-residue etc. to biogas/CBG/Bio CNG. It encompasses schemes/programmes under various Ministries & Departments viz. Waste to Energy Scheme of M/o New and Renewable Energy, SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme of M/o Petroleum and Natural Gas, SBM(G) Phase II of DDWS, Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF) of Dept. of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare and Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) of Dept. of Animal Husbandry & Dairy. GOBARdhan is being implemented in partnership with State Governments and Private Sector including entrepreneurs, societies etc. Any plant/project producing CBG/Biogas (more than 10 cuM/day) and bio slurry as principal outputs is eligible to be under the ambit of GOBARdhan.

GOBARdhan initiative is envisioned to contribute significantly towards reaching India’s climate action goals particularly achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. With the highest livestock population in the world, India produces vast amounts of animal waste. CBG/Biogas sector can play a crucial role in India’s energy transition, ensuring energy security and affordability, enhancing entrepreneurship, providing rural employment, and boosting local economies. Transitioning to CBG/Biogas can contribute to job creation for semi-skilled and skilled labor in multiple areas viz. waste collection, operations, construction etc. It will benefit rural people in general and women in particular from the use of clean fuel, improved cleanliness in villages and consequent improvement in health outcomes (through decreased incidence of vector borne and respiratory diseases). Initiative will also augment nation’s efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) viz. SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable & Clean energy, SDG 13: Climate Action; amongst others. Further, the initiative contributes significantly towards circular economy, and Govt.  of India’s Mission LiFE.

It encompasses schemes/programmes under various Ministries & Departments viz. Waste to Energy Scheme of M/o New and Renewable Energy, SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme of M/o Petroleum and Natural Gas, SBM(G) Phase II of DDWS, Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF) of Dept. of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare and Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) of Dept. of Animal Husbandry & Dairy. Other stakeholder Ministries are M/o Housing and Urban Affairs, D/o Agriculture Research and Education, D/o Rural Development, D/o Fertilizers, M/o Environment Forest and Climate Change, D/o Science and Technology, M/o Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

The Union Government is firmly committed in its endeavor to build a robust CBG/Biogas policy ecosystem in India. Few initiatives which are in the pipeline, aim to strengthen CBG/Biogas supply chain with special thrust on aggregation of biomass, grid pipeline connectivity, enabling organic farming practices, supporting Research & Development and constant engagement across CBG/Biogas stakeholders.

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PM SVANidhi fostering entrepreneurship and stability among Street Vendors

 Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Petroleum and Natural Gas complimented the Prime Minster Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme on its successful completion of 3 momentous years. The Minister stated that PM SVANidhi yojana is witnessing one of the fastest roll-outs of government schemes. He further stated that PM SVANidhi has led an unparalleled wave of financial inclusion and digital literacy in India’s cities and towns that has provided dignity and stability to Street Vendors.

PM SVANidhi Scheme launched on 01 June, 2020, aiming to restore Swarozgar, Svavlamban, Swabhimaan (Self Employment, Self-Sustenance, and Self-Confidence) within street vendors has become one of the fastest growing micro-credit schemes of the Government of India and has provided its citizens access to credit and linkages to social security schemes.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) organised an event at Vigyan Bhawan to celebrate 3 years journey of PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Yojana, here today. The scheme has empowered COVID-19 affected street vendors to resume their livelihood. Not just that, it has achieved various milestones in financial inclusion and mainstreaming of street vendors. were highlighted. This scheme, launched amidst the pandemic, has made significant contributions to the lives of street vendors across the country.

During the event, a booklet highlighting the noteworthy achievements and initiatives implemented under the PM SVANidhi scheme was released. The booklet provides insights into the various initiatives and reforms undertaken by the scheme to transform the lives of street vendors and their families throughout the country. The event was attended by Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, MoHUA; Sh. Rajeev Jain, Addl. DG (Media); Sh. Rahul Kapoor, Jt. Secretary & Mission Director; and senior officials from Central Government, State Governments, Banks, Digital Payment Aggregators, key partners and the PM SVANidhi beneficiary Street Vendors.

In addition, the Minister launched a PM SVANidhi mobile app for street vendors, to ease the loan application process and provide various information to Street Vendors regarding the Scheme. Moreover, a facility for ‘Udyam’ registration and obtaining ‘Udyam Assist’ certificate for Street Vendors on PM SVANidhi portal was also launched with the help of Ministry of Small and Medium enterprises, MSME, to provide easy access to vendors for obtaining Udyam Registration Certificate for promotion of their business.

Further, States and lending Institutions which have shown good performance under the Scheme were also felicitated for their valuable contribution towards empowering the street vendors. Amongst the banks, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Union Bank of India were felicitated for offering large number of loans to street vendors. Amongst RRBs Andhra Pradesh Grameen Vikas Bank, and from State Cooperative banks Stree Nidhi Credit Cooperative Federation Ltd. were felicitated.

Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Minister, MoHUA also interacted with beneficiary Street Vendors of PM SVANidhi scheme and was apprised with the changes which the scheme has brought in their lives. He expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders, including Central Ministries and State Governments, Urban Local Bodies, Lending Institutions, and partners for their enormous support and contribution to the success of the scheme.

PM SVANidhi scheme has achieved significant milestones over the past three years. The scheme facilitates working capital loans in three tranches to the Street Vendors. It has been providing microcredits to more than 36 lakh Street Vendors across India. As on June 30, 2023, 48.5 lakh loan applications have been sanctioned, with over 46.4 lakh loans disbursed to street vendors, amounting to a total of Rs. 5,795 crore. Digital on boarding and training have been a key component of the scheme and the Ministry is taking various efforts training all PM SVANidhi beneficiaries in making digital transactions and thus providing them social acceptance and dignity.

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Mission LiFE on Agatti Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep

 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India envisages to celebrate the World Environment Day 2023 with a thrust on the Mission LiFE. The concept of LiFE, introduced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, aims to promote sustainable living by encouraging individuals to make changes in their lifestyles and emphasizes responsible and conscious use of resources to safeguard and conserve the environment.

To generate widespread awareness and advocacy for LiFE across India, a month-long mass mobilization campaign on Mission LiFE is currently underway.  Following the “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach, the Ministry has mobilized Central Ministries/ Departments, State/ UT Governments/ Administrations, Institutions, and private organizations to spread the message of Mission LiFE. The ongoing mass mobilization campaign aims to amplify pan-India advocacy and awareness about LiFE, leading up to celebration on World Environment Day on 5th June 2023.

  1. National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management

In an ongoing effort to promote the principles of Mission LiFE, Lifestyle for Environment, NCSCM scuba divers undertook a sea floor clean-up and awareness drive at the coral reefs of Agatti Island, one of the inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep Union Territory. The island, located in the Arabian Sea off the southwestern coast of India, is home to a diverse and vibrant coral reef ecosystem. Lakshadweep holds immense ecological and economic significance and is considered a biodiversity hotspot due to its rich marine life. The coral reefs of the islands support a wide range of organisms, including fish, mollusks, and other invertebrates, which attract tourists from around the world. The pristine beauty of these reefs, with their colourful corals and diverse marine life, makes them popular destinations for snorkelling, scuba diving, and other water-based recreational activities. Tourism associated with coral reefs contributes to the local economy and provides employment opportunities. Given their ecological, economic, and cultural significance, it is crucial to protect and conserve the coral reefs of Lakshadweep. Sustainable management practices, community engagement, and awareness campaigns can play a vital role in ensuring the long-term health and survival of these invaluable ecosystems. However, Lakshadweep Island has faced several environmental challenges in recent years, including marine litter.

On the sea floor clean-up drive, NCSCM partnered with Ammathi Scuba to conduct a sea floor clean-up and sensitization programme at the coral reefs of Agatti Island. Divers recovered around 5 kg of seafloor litter, including pet bottles, abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), ropes, packing materials, and food wrappers. This public awareness campaign aims to improve the health of the oceans through collective action and large-scale community participation (Janbhagidari). Participants in the event took part in the LiFE pledge to safeguard the environment. As part of the event, placards and LiFE mascots were displayed on the beach and underwater to describe Mission LiFE to regional and national audiences.

The NCSCM has launched yet another effort to promote Mission LiFE on Agatti Island, in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. As part of Lifestyle for the Environment, NCSCM scientists undertook a public outreach and beach clean-up drive at Agatti Island. This is one of the inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago, and it holds cultural, demographic, ecological, and economic significance. Agatti Island is a popular tourist destination in Lakshadweep due to its scenic beauty, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life. The island offers opportunities for activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and boat tours. Fishing is an important economic activity on this island and throughout the Lakshadweep archipelago. The islanders have a long-standing tradition of fishing, and it plays a crucial role in their livelihoods. However, Lakshadweep Island has faced several environmental challenges in recent years, including marine pollution. Rising sea levels, coral bleaching, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events are some of the specific environmental challenges associated with climate change in the islands.

Along with the NCSCM staff, the general public, including women, youth, and representatives from the fishing community, participated in the lagoon-side beach clean-up and awareness campaign. About 25 islanders took part in the clean-up drive, where about 20 kg of plastic waste, including discarded nets, were collected and handed over to a material recovery facility. NCSCM scientists sensitised around 60 islanders of various age groups on the services and functions provided by the several ecosystems (coral, seagrass, sandy beaches, and dune vegetation) and emphasised the need for conservation of these ecosystems. The public was made aware of the necessity of reducing plastics in such sensitive ecosystems by using eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. The concept of a sustainable blue economy, including responsible tourism and fishing, waste segregation at the source and management (constructed wetlands), water (rainwater harvesting), energy (rooftop solar), biodiversity conservation, native coastal vegetation as a “bioshield” against these extreme events, and adopting a sustainable lifestyle, were also highlighted during the event. The scientists also emphasised the need to follow the litter minimization hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, recovery, and disposal) for their daily litter footprint. The initiative provided a quick introduction to the islanders about the sensitivity of island ecosystems and the need to conserve the values of the sensitive ecosystems by avoiding “trampling” and “littering”. During the event, participants undertook the LiFE pledge in support of the LiFE mission and safeguarding the environment. Placards, posters, and LiFE mascots were displayed on the island to describe Mission LiFE to the local community.

 

  1. Zoological Survey of India

Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata organised a number of events for mass mobilisation of Mission LiFE at Netaji Subash Chandra Airport, Kolkata. The  ZSI team  spoke to  managers from different sectors at the airport on different  themes of Mission LiFE and asked them what steps they have taken to support LiFE.The manager of a  cake shop Floury’s said supporting ‘Say No to Plastics’ they have completely banned use of single use plastics and use cloth bags and paper packets instead of plastics. A young customer at  a cosmetic shop said she uses products which are free from chemicals, not tested on animals and sourced from natural plant products.She appealed to all To support LiFE. To Save water the taps in the toilets  are  installed with sensor or timers. The toilets are regularly cleaned and hygiene is maintained. Continuing with the mass mobilisation of LiFE the team spoke to passengers of Air Asia flight and a nine year old school girl said she supports Mission LiFE for her future.Through this campaign  Zoological Survey of India could spread awareness across 300 people of different age groups and different professions including passengers and also retail shop owners.

Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata conducted an awareness drive at Sanyasisthan Tea Gardens, Bagdogra, Dist Darjeeling, West Bengal in which the manager of the garden,Mr Mithilesh Singh told the tea garden workers about the importance of fauna and Mission LiFE. About 200 workers took the Mission LiFE pledge amidst  the lush green tea gardens.

 

  1. GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment

Garhwal Regional Centre (GRC) of the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) conducted an awareness program and cleanliness drive along the banks of Alaknanda River, Srinagar under the ‘Say no to Single Use Plastic’ theme of mission LiFE. A total of 25 kg of plastic waste was collected and disposed off at the waste collection point of Nagar Nigam. A total of 35 participants participated in the program including local, faculties, researchers, and staff. All the participants pledged to adopt environmentally friendly habits.

 

North-East Regional Centre (NERC) of the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) organized an awareness meeting under the theme “Mission Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)”. A total of 10 participants, including scientists, researchers, and office staff, attended the meeting. The program aimed to encourage the adoption of the following practices within the office premises including avoiding the uses of water resources for our daily uses, and avoiding using single-use plastic by replacing it with environment-friendly alternatives such as cloth/jute bags. All the participants took the LiFE pledge to sustain the natural resources in the Indian Himalayan region (IHR) and to contribute to environmental conservation.

Centre for Socio-Economic Development (CSED) of the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) organized four awareness and action programs under the Mission LiFE on 01st June, 2023. Two awareness programs were conducted which were followed by two cleanliness events by faculty, research scholars and supporting staff of CSED at Jyoli Village of Almora district and its nearby spring (water source). A total of 30 participants including the shopkeepers and women from Jyoli village, Almora and tourists participated in the program. The participants were sensitized on reducing single-use plastic. All the participants took the LiFE pledge to sustain the natural resources in the Indian Himalayan region (IHR) and to contribute to environmental conservation.

Centre for Land and Water Resource Management (CLWRM) of the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) conducted an awareness and action campaign under mission LiFE on 01 June 2023 at Badi Village, Almora, Uttarakhand. The participants were sensitized on various themes of mission LiFE themes viz. ‘Save Water’, ‘Adopt Sustainable Food Systems’ ‘Reduce Waste’ and ‘Adopt Healthy Lifestyles’ etc. Further, the participants were also informed about the role of spring rejuvenation in water security in the Himalayan region. A cleanliness drive was conducted with the villagers to clean the local water source (Naula) at Badi Village. With major participation from Women, a total of 50 participants from the village including faculties, researchers, and support staff of CLWRM, NIHE participated in the event. All the participants took LiFE pledge for adopting environment-friendly habits.

 

  1. Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP):

The program is dedicated to raising awareness, building capacity, and promoting sustainable actions among individuals and communities across India. On Thursday, 1st June, 2023, the EIACP Programme Centres conducted a series of activities as part of a mass awareness campaign on Mission LiFE leading up to the World Environment Day 2023 celebrations.

In a run up for WED Mission LiFE Campaign, EIACP PC Hubs and RPs conducted awareness drives to various stakeholders including government officials, academic institutions, government schools, colleges, etc. More than 20 activities and over 1400 participants took part in various events organised by EIACP Centres across India.

 

 

 

  1. Environment Education Programme (EEP)

Various Eco-clubs under Environment Education Programme (EEP) organized 1022 events for promiton of Mission LiFE with participation of more than 37,000 children on June 1, 2023. More than 36,000 LiFE pledges also were taken during the day’s events.

Under Mission LiFE mass mobilization campaign various schools in Madhya Pradesh organized LiFE pledge events, essay and painting competitions, etc.  for Eco-Club students. LiFE pledge was taken by all the Principals of HS and HSS, of District Mandla, MP under the leadership of Shri Rajesh Chatri, NGC In-Charge. The participants were also sensitized about EEP and also on environmental protection, water conservation, cleanliness, and biodiversity conservation. EEP resource materials were also distributed to the participants.

Around 20 Eco-club schools engaging 1000+ students took active part in Mission LiFE propagation and awareness in Sikkim. Activities included awareness on Mission LiFE theme on morning assembly, distribution of saplings and plantations, etc.

 

Students of Government Upgraded High School, Saintala, Bolangir district, Odisha have started collecting seeds and making seed balls for plantation in view of the rainy season.

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Ministry of Education organising Janbhagidari events

 Guided by the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for encouraging active participation of people as the central focus of India’s G20 Presidency, Ministry of Education is organizing a series of activities & programs aiming at promoting & endorsing the theme of “Ensuring Foundation Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)” especially in the context of blended learning.

Pursuant to this objective, Ministry of Education in partnership with all States & UTs is organizing Janbhagidari events throughout the country to create awareness & generate a sense of pride among various stakeholders like students, teachers, parents & community as a whole, about G-20, National Education Policy & FLN. In this context, a lot of activities including workshops, exhibitions, seminars and conferences have been planned from 1st to 15th June, 2023. The events would be widely organized all across the country at State, District, Block, Panchaayat and school level to involve people from all strata of life.

The Janbhagidari event would lead up to the main event i.e. 4th Education Working Group (4th EdWG) discussion at Pune, Maharashtra between 19th to 21st June 2023 and culminate with the Education Ministerial meeting on 22nd June 2023.

A schedule of the events being organized by the Ministry is as under:

  • Janbhagidari events on awareness about G20, NEP, FLN in all schools – 1st to 15th June, 2023.
  • Exhibition to showcase the best practices on the best practices in the field of school education, higher education and skill education from 17th to 22nd June, 2023 at Pune, Maharashtra.
  • 2-day National Conference on Foundation Literacy and Numeracy on 17th and 18th June, 2023.

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To implement National Mission for Mentoring, NCTE organises 2 day capacity building workshop

 The National Mission for Mentoring (NMM), as envisaged in NEP 2020, is about the creation of a large pool of outstanding professionals willing to provide mentoring to school teachers and ensure their continuous professional development. These potential mentors, regardless of the age or position of the mentor and mentee, will contribute towards realizing 21st century development goals of our nation. National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) launched NMM in Pilot mode on 29th July 2022 in selected 30 Central Schools (15 KVs, 10 JNVs, 5 CBSE) across the country.

For effective implementation of NMM, NCTE is conducted a 2 day capacity building workshop for the 60 mentors on 31st May and 1st June 2023 in order to provide quality professional support to teachers along with the essential mentoring skills and techniques.  Prof.  Yogesh Singh, Chairperson, NCTE graced the 2 day workshop as Chief Guest and addressed the dignitaries and mentors present there. He also launched the NMM Web Portal in the presence of Ms. Kesang Y. Sherpa, Member Secretary, NCTE to facilitate the mentoring sessions using synchronous and asynchronous methods. This portal will serve as an interface for conducting successful and effective mentoring sessions for teachers that are facilitated by trust, discovery, and constructive feedbacks.

NCTE has onboarded 60 outstanding professionals from various fields as mentors for NMM in areas such as Instructional Leadership Skills, Digital Education, Socio-emotional Learning, Inclusive Education, Professionalism and Ethics, Classroom Management, Building 21st Century Skills, Interpersonal Skills/Community Engagement, Action Research, Holistic Assessment, Art Integrated Pedagogy, Teachers’ Mental Health Management etc.

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Two-day festivities to celebrate Telangana Formation Day in spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat at Golconda Fort

 The Ministry of Culture, under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, is celebrating Telangana Formation Day at Golconda Fort in Telangana. The  Minister of Culture, Tourism and DoNER, Shri G. Kishan Reddy will inaugurate the two-day festivities with a flag hoisting ceremony in the morning tomorrow (2nd June), followed by cultural performances in the evening. The celebrations will be in the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.

The activities of 2nd June  include various events such as a march past, photo and painting exhibitions, classical dance performances by Ms. Anandaji and her group, performances by Manjula Ramaswamy and her group, and more. The public will also have the opportunity to witness performances by renowned Telugu singers Ms. Mangli and Ms. Madhupriya. The day will conclude with a spectacular performance by singer Shankar Mahadevan, featuring patriotic songs.

On 3rd June, there will be captivating folk-dance performances including Dimsa, Dappu, Bonalu, and Gussadi. Additionally, a theatrical production on Raja Ram Mohan Roy will be staged, and the day will culminate with a multilingual mushaira.

This event is part of the special campaign called Qila Aur Kahaniya, which aims to highlight the forts and their illustrious history throughout India, promoting the theme of Cultural Pride.The theme of Cultural Pride is a tribute to India’s vibrant culture and history. It pays homage to the unsung heroes who selflessly sacrificed their present for the freedom and future of the nation. This theme celebrates both the tangible and intangible aspects of our cultural identity. Under this theme, the Qila Aur Kahaniya campaign strives to showcase the unique characteristics and historical significance of various forts in India, providing an opportunity to connect with our past and honour our cultural legacy.

Under the Qila Aur Kahaniya campaign, several events have already taken place at forts like Chittorgarh and Kangra, while others are planned for sites such as Bithoor Fort, Mandu Fort, Jhansi Fort, and Kangla Fort, among others.

These events are made possible through the collaborative efforts of key institutions under the Ministry of Culture, including the Archaeological Survey of India, various Zonal Cultural Centers, Lalit Kala Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, CCRT, Sahitya Akademi, and others.

As part of the Qila Aur Kahaniya campaign, the spirit of Telangana is being celebrated at Golconda Fort. The state of Telangana was officially formed on 2 June 2014, hence this day is commemorated as Telangana Day.

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, initiated by the Government of India, is a commemorative campaign that celebrates the incredible 75-year journey of the nation since independence. This grand campaign, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, is being celebrated throughout the country and beyond with great enthusiasm. More than 1.78 lakh events have been organized as part of this initiative.

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Application Deadline for the National Startup Awards 2023 extended till15th June 2023

 The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry introduced the National Startup Awards (NSA) in 2020. The applications for National Startup Awards 2023 have been made live from 1st April 2023 and the deadline for submissions is now extended to 15th June 2023.

The extension of the National Startup Awards 2023 application deadline allows aspiring entrepreneurs and enablers additional time to showcase their innovative solutions and profound societal impact.

The National Startup Awards 2023 will commemorate innovations from all corners of the country, aligning with the vision of ‘Vision India @2047’, which charts the path for India’s transformation into a developed economy, driven by the spirit of Amrit Kaal across key themes.

DPIIT will award a cash prize of INR 10 lakhs to one winning startup in each category. Furthermore, the winners and finalists of the National Startup Awards 2023 will receive exclusive handholding support, including access to investors and government networks, mentorship programs, international market exposure, connections with corporates and unicorns, and various other valuable resources.

Through three successful editions, these prestigious awards have highlighted the invaluable contributions made by visionaries who have revolutionized the Indian startup ecosystem. NSA was started with the aim of bestowing recognition and rewards upon exceptional startups and enablers within the startup ecosystem. These entities have been instrumental in fostering innovation, creating groundbreaking products, and exhibiting tangible social impact.

Interested participants are encouraged to visit the official National Startup Awards website and submit their applications before the revised deadline of 15th June 2023.

For more details, visit https://www.startupindia.gov.in/

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Startup20 Engagement Group

 Startup20 Engagement Group, operating under the esteemed India’s G20 presidency, is all set to host its much anticipated third meeting here in Goa.

International delegates from G20 nations and Indian delegates will be arriving on 2nd June onward to Goa.

The Startup20 Engagement Group extends a warm welcome to all delegates attending this significant gathering. Under India’s G20 presidency, Startup20 serves as a prime opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and shape the future of startups and entrepreneurship on a global scale.

Embracing the spirit of “Sankalpana,” a Sanskrit term for collective resolve, brings together international delegates and experienced members of the Indian Startup Ecosystem, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The focal point of the meeting will be to build consensus on the Draft Policy Communique, which the Startup20 recently published asking public for feedback. The meeting will feature a startup showcase, exciting talks as part of the Startup20x series, cultural experiences, and discussions on the implementation and benefits of the ideas outlined in the document. Dignitaries from state, central, and international levels are expected to be present at the meeting, adding to the significance of the event.

In addition, the Goa Sankalpana event will offer various stimulating sessions, including presentations by taskforces on the final policy communiqué, closed group country huddles, closed-door HoD meetings etc. These sessions will provide a platform for engaging discussions, fostering collaboration, and advancing initiatives that will shape the future of startups and entrepreneurship across G20 nations.

Furthermore, a gala dinner with a mesmerizing cultural program will add a touch of grandeur to the event, offering delegates an opportunity to network and unwind amidst the enchanting charm of Goa.

Moreover, Startup20 recognizes the vital role that startups play in driving economic growth and development. It aims to foster global economic growth, enhance international cooperation, and address pressing global challenges. Through various engagement initiatives, Startup20 promotes dialogue and collaboration on crucial issues, including startups and entrepreneurship.

Negotiations for the Supply Chains (Pillar-II) Agreement

 Negotiations for the Supply Chains (Pillar-II) Agreement were substantially concluded during the second in-person Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting held in Detroit on 27 May 2023, hosted by the US.

Once implemented, the Supply Chain Agreement is expected to bring in a number of benefits to India and the other IPEF partner countries. Some of the key benefits expected are: potential shift of production centres in key goods/critical sectors to India; bolstering of domestic manufacturing capacities; giving a boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Production Linked Initiatives schemes; mobilization of investments especially in production of key goods, logistics services and infrastructure; deeper integration of India in the Global Supply and Value Chains particularly of Indian MSMEs; enhanced exports from India; upward mobility in the value chains; mitigation of risks of economic disruptions to India from supply chain shocks/adverse events; creation of a seamless regional trade ecosystem facilitating flow of Indian products; enhanced trade facilitation including through digital exchange of trade documentation, quicker port clearances; joint Research and Development; and workforce development. 

India and other partner countries will continue to engage to ensure effective implementation of the Agreement so as to achieve the overall objectives of the Agreement which is to make IPEF supply chains more resilient, robust, and well-integrated, and contribute towards economic development and progress of the region as a whole.

The IPEF Supply Chains (Pillar-II) Agreement is one of the fastest ever concluded plurilateral economic cooperation Agreements. Under this Agreement, IPEF partner countries are seeking to: make supply chains more resilient, robust, and well-integrated through crisis response measures; cooperation for mitigation of the effect of disruptions to better ensure business continuity, and improve logistics and connectivity; promoting investments particularly in critical sectors and production of key goods; and worker role enhancement through requisite upskilling and reskilling, and increasing comparability of skills credentials frameworks across IPEF. It entails cooperative and collaborative efforts among the IPEF partners.

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