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students to give back to the society and explore finding solutions to global challenges

 Union Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addresses 22nd Convocation of University of Hyderabad today.  Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Governor of the State of Telangana and Chief Rector, University of Hyderabad graced the occasion.

While addressing the gathering he said that Hyderabad is known as the city of decorative pearls. It is also a city that is generating intellectual pearls. He further added that Hyderabad is known for its IT prowess. It is also emerging as a leading medical technology hub of the country. University of Hyderabad is emerging as a centre-of-excellence and expressed his confidence that the University will be a torchbearer of knowledge-based economy in the 21st century, he added

Shri Pradhan shared that a lot of girl students being honored at the University of Hyderabad Convocation. Our NariShakti will play a major role in the economic well-being of our country.

Shri Pradhan said that today, climate change, changing agricultural patterns, new diseases are a concern for everybody. Society is looking towards knowledgeable people for providing solutions to these pressing challenges and University of Hyderabad is capable of providing solutions to these challenges. He stated that India is aspiring to become a leading economic superpower and a knowledge-based economy. Innovation and entrepreneurship will take us forward. We must create more wealth-creators and job-creators for our society to grow, he added.

Shri Pradhan also said that India is a very old civilization with strong linkages with science and technology. The Covid19 pandemic has shown that Indian Knowledge Systems and the Indian way of life have much to offer to the world. We have to promote IKS with a modern context.

Shri Pradhan asserted that world is looking towards India with great hope. The next 25 years are important for all of us. As we enter the AmritKaal, NEP 2020 remains a guiding philosophy for the welfare of humanity.  India’s responsibility is to take care of the planet.

He further said that India is going to be the benchmark for the world in fighting climate change, food scarcity, in paving the way for peace and harmony and in providing healthcare and economic models. India will emerge as a leading light of humanity based on the philosophy of NEP 2020, he added.

Later, Shri Pradhan added that when India will be celebrating 100 years of independence, Hyderabad University will be one of the major epicentre of our knowledge-based society. He urged students to give back to society to make their education more meaningful and purposeful.

The University of Hyderabad gave away the coveted degrees to 4800 students enrolled in various programs, with 1631 receiving their degrees in person and remaining in absentia; 573 are Ph.D. Scholars and multiple students were felicitated with awards and medals for their extraordinary performances.

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India-Norway Joint Working Group on Higher Education

 India hosted the 6th meeting of the India-Norway Joint Working Group on Higher Education on 11th October 2022 in New Delhi.

2022-10-11 17:04:55.1930002022-10-11 17:04:55.274000

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Neeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, International Cooperation, Ministry of Education from Indian side and by Ms. Anne Line Wold, Director General, Ministry of Education and Research from Norwegian side. The Ambassador of Norway to India also participated in the meeting.

The Joint Working Group was established to monitor and oversee the implementation of the MoU on Cooperation in the field of Higher Education signed between India and Norway on 25th April 2022.

The two sides reviewed the progress made under the Indo-Norwegian Cooperation Programme developed under the ambit of the previous India-Norway MoU signed in 2014 and deliberated upon overall higher education policy and priorities, student/faculty mobility and cooperation in the field of skill development.

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India participates at the 6th East Asia Summit Education Minister’s Meeting

India participates at the 6th East Asia Summit Education Minister’s Meeting held today in Hanoi, Vietnam. Ms. Neeta Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Ministry of Education virtually addressed the gathering and informed about the key initiatives of National Education Policy 2020 and India’s collaborative efforts in education and research with partner EAS countries.

 

 

While addressing, she said that NEP 2020 encourages a holistic, flexible & multidisciplinary approach to education as envisioned by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and it is based on foundational pillars of access, equality, quality, affordability & accountability & is aligned with SDG 2030 goals.

She also mentioned the recently-launched PM SHRI scheme under which more than 14,500 schools will be developed across India with all components of NEP 2020 as exemplar schools. These schools will offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity. She said that online, open & multi-modal learning has been promoted vigorously under our PM- eVidya and also mentioned various e-learning platforms like DIKSHA, SWAYAM MOOCS platform, Virtual Labs, e-PG Pathshala and National Digital Library, and many others.

Smt Neeta Prasad underlined that NEP 2020 focuses on the internationalization of education and building collaborations with other countries.  She added that India greatly values educational cooperation with EAS countries. She also emphasised India’s commitment to working with EAS member countries.

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new terminal building of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Gwalior Airport

 Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of the new terminal building of Gwalior Airport in the presence of Chief Minster of Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Minister for Civil Aviation & Steel Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar.

 

The design of the new terminal is based on the needs of the future. The current airport has a capacity to handle 200 passengers during peak hours, and the runway can accommodate A-320 and ATR-72 types of aircraft. The new terminal building will be developed on a land of 172 acres, at the cost of Rs 450+ crore, which is 6 times more than the present 29 acres of land. It will be able to handle 1400 passengers during peak hours which is 7 times more than the present capacity. The apron will have a parking capacity of 13 aircraft, which is 4 times higher than the current capacity. Apart from this, a cargo terminal will also be established to promote regional industries, which will help local production of the region reach every corner of the country and abroad.

In his inaugural address Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah appreciated the work of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and said that the way this airport has been planned it will be one of the best airports of the country.

Minister for Civil Aviation & Steel Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that under the leadership of Prime Minster Modi, a New India is being developed which leads to the development of a new Madhya Pradesh and a new Gwalior. This terminal of Gwalior Airport will strengthen this development. In the last one year, the air activities of Madhya Pradesh have increased by 48%, where earlier there were 554 arrivals and departures every week in the entire state, today 821 aircraft are operating every week. Minister announced that Gwalior will be connected with Bangalore six days a week by SpiceJet aircraft and one day a week by Boeing 737. Moreover, Gwalior will be connected with Mumbai by Airbus 321 four days a week.

In the development of the new terminal building, technologies like rainwater harvesting and solar energy will be used to protect the environment. A 2.5 MW solar power plant will also be commissioned. The terminal has been designed in such a way that every traveller who comes here gets to see a grand amalgamation of Gwalior’s cultural heritage and modernity.

 

The occasion was graced by Dr. Narottam Mishra, Home Minister, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar, MP (LS), Shri Pradyuman Singh Tomar, Minister Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Tulsi Silawat, Minister Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, Bharat Singh Kushwah, MoS, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation Shri Rajiv Bansal, and other officials from MoCA, AAI, and Govt. of Madhya Pradesh were also present.

 

On the side-lines of this event,  Home Minister inaugurated a permanent exhibition named “Gatha Swaraj Ki” in Jai Vilas Palace. This exhibition gallery is dedicated to the glorious history of Marathas.

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WORLD FOOD DAY

 WORLD FOOD DAY

World Food Day is celebrated on 16th October 2022 every year worldwide. The day was first established on November 1979. The idea was suggested by former Hungarian Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr Pal Romany. The day is a reminder to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger, and to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) designated 16 October as World Food Day in 1979.Since then the day has been celebrated by more than 150 countries around the world. Every year, a large number of events – from marathons and hunger marches, to exhibitions, cultural performances, contests and concerts – are organised in around countries across the world to celebrate World Food Day. It is an important reminder to re-commit to plans and actions driving better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life, leaving no one behind . It is estimated that between 702 and 828 million people were affected by hunger in 2021. The main causes of increase in global world hunger rates are climate change and natural disasters, conflict in several territories and the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemicAs many as 828 million people go to bed hungry every night, the number of those facing acute food insecurity has soared – from 135 million to 345 million – since 2019. A total of 50 million people in 45 countries are teetering on the edge of famine. Leave NO ONE behind is the theme of 2022 World Food day. We need to build a sustainable world where everyone, everywhere has regular access to enough nutritious food. World Food Day 2022 is being marked in a year with multiple global challenges including the ongoing pandemic, conflict, climate change, rising prices and international tensions. All of this is affecting global food security. It’s time to work together and create a better, more sustainable future for all. 

 

 

ICT(Information and Communication technology)

 ICT : 

Every language speaks about the diversity and personality of different people. English language has become a global language it has different functions and preferences as compared to various languages on the globe. English is used as the primary and secondary language by different people in various parts of world like USA, Canada, New Zealand etc. English language has also been used for business communications and conferences. English language is playing very significant role in every disciplines of the world. There has been a significant change happening in the world and English language has been transformed due to information and communication technology and impact of globalization. 

It has expanded the English language spreading its way to new teaching and learning techniques and technologies. In education field ICT have great impact on the young and teaching language. New transformed technologies and methods have taken the place of traditional systems. Technology act as tool for motivation among minds of students making them innovative and creating new age renovation in their learning methods. ICT has created new development and possibilities in classrooms. The role of teacher, its nature and context of learning have been modified and redefined to meet the new Era of learning. The key issues and challenges, impact, adaptation to new technologies and their transition through using ICT in their education.  

Keywords : ICT, Teaching and learning methods, Problems faced by students, Impact of ICT on students health.

The new era ICT consist of computer, satellite, wireless technologies and the internet. They combined and form networked world. The affordability of digital technologies offer opportunities for collaborative learning environment.

 ICT contribute to development of creative activities. teachers understand the deep pedagogy of their subject, students can use ICT using their impact and they should have good knowledge and know the usage of new ICT developments. By using information and communication technology students have developed awareness and capability in using language. Many teachers and online platforms are guiding students have to communicate language effectively. Technology can be used in meaningful and communicative activities as it help to stimulate skills in students in oral and writing language. Increased use of technology in education increase the gap between teachers and students interactivity. Computer based activities are motivating and provide strong focus for group activity. Group of students do face to face and online discussions on specific writing task or topic based on their subject or course of study. Through talking or online communication, the ability of the learners to interact effectively will improve and their understanding critical aspect of the activity. New technologies organize learning activities and it organize, stimulate joint intellectual activities. 

ICT motivate students and hold their attention. It help to develop speaking and listening skills among students. The visualization process of technology has greater effect on the independent thinking and imaginative capacity of students. ICT tools are used for educational support and promote innovation. Digital educational games act as tool in the learning process. The factors that impact of information communication technology on students are the availability of the learning resources and materials. Online telecommunications for teaching and learning through computer across the world. ICT have positive effects on student attitude towards teaching and learning. It will increase self confidence and self esteem using computer instruction. Learner can interact with other people across different places. Technology help students to create and edit the works assigned to them, they can publish new works. They are exposed to different languages and they can improve their progress. Through the online meetings they can communicate to the outside world beyond their reach. ICT help teachers to produce, prepare, store and retrieve their materials easily without wasting time. 

Neighbourhood Planning Concepts

Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. They are able to choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built, have their say on what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided, and grant planning permission for the new buildings they want to see go ahead. Neighbourhood planning provides a powerful set of tools for local people to plan for the types of development to meet their community’s needs and where the ambition of the neighbourhood is aligned with the strategic needs and priorities of the wider local area.


What can communities use neighbourhood planning for?

Local communities can choose to:

Neighbourhood planning is not a legal requirement but a right which communities in England can choose to use. Communities may decide that they could achieve the outcomes they want to see through other planning routes, such as incorporating their proposals for the neighbourhood into the local plan, or through other planning mechanisms such as Local Development Orders and supplementary planning documents or through pre-application consultation on development proposals. Communities and local planning authorities should discuss the different choices communities have to achieving their ambitions for their neighbourhood.

What are the benefits to a community of developing a neighbourhood plan or Order?

Neighbourhood planning enables communities to play a much stronger role in shaping the areas in which they live and work and in supporting new development proposals. This is because unlike the parish, village or town plans that communities may have prepared, a neighbourhood plan forms part of the development plan and sits alongside the local plan prepared by the local planning authority. Decisions on planning applications will be made using both the local plan and the neighbourhood plan, and any other material considerations.

Neighbourhood planning provides the opportunity for communities to set out a positive vision for how they want their community to develop over the next 10, 15, 20 years in ways that meet identified local need and make sense for local people. They can put in place planning policies that will help deliver that vision or grant planning permission for the development they want to see.

To help deliver their vision communities that take a proactive approach by drawing up a neighbourhood plan or Order and secure the consent of local people in a referendum, will benefit from 25% of the revenues from the Community Infrastructure Levy arising from the development that takes place in their area, where their authority collects contributions using this method.

Communities without a parish or town council can still benefit from this incentive. If there is no parish or town council the charging authority will retain the Levy receipts (where it is charged) but should engage with the communities where development has taken place and agree with them how best to spend the neighbourhood funding. Charging authorities should set out clearly and transparently their approach to engaging with neighbourhoods using their regular communication tools eg website, newsletters, etc. The use of neighbourhood funds should therefore match priorities expressed by local communities, including priorities set out formally in neighbourhood plans.

What should a neighbourhood plan address?

A neighbourhood plan should support the delivery of strategic policies set out in the local plan or spatial development strategy and should shape and direct development that is outside of those strategic policies (as outlined in paragraph 13 of the revised National Planning Policy Framework). Within this broad context, the specific planning topics that a neighbourhood plan covers is for the local community to determine.

A neighbourhood plan should, however, contain policies for the development and use of land. This is because, if successful at examination and referendum (or where the neighbourhood plan is updated by way of making a material modification to the plan and completes the relevant process), the neighbourhood plan becomes part of the statutory development plan. Applications for planning permission must be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise (see section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004).

Wider community aspirations than those relating to the development and use of land, if set out as part of the plan, would need to be clearly identifiable (for example, set out in a companion document or annex), and it should be made clear in the document that they will not form part of the statutory development plan.

How can neighbourhood plans support the provision of affordable homes for sale?

Neighbourhood plans can support the provision of affordable homes for sale that meet the needs of local people by including relevant policies and site allocations. Depending on the content of relevant strategic policies in the local plan or spatial development strategy, neighbourhood plans may be able to vary the types of affordable housing that will be expected, or to allocate additional sites that will provide affordable housing, where this will better meet the needs of the neighbourhood area.

Does a neighbourhood plan have the same legal status as the local plan?

A neighbourhood plan attains the same legal status as a local plan (and other documents that form part of the statutory development plan) once it has been approved at a referendum. At this point it comes into force as part of the statutory development plan. Applications for planning permission must be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise (see section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004).

Can a neighbourhood plan come forward before an up-to-date local plan or spatial development strategy is in place?

Neighbourhood plans, when brought into force, become part of the development plan for the neighbourhood area. They can be developed before or at the same time as the local planning authority is producing its local plan (or, where applicable, a spatial development strategy is being prepared by an elected Mayor or combined authority).

A draft neighbourhood plan or Order must be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan in force if it is to meet the basic condition. Although a draft neighbourhood plan or Order is not tested against the policies in an emerging local plan the reasoning and evidence informing the local plan process is likely to be relevant to the consideration of the basic conditions against which a neighbourhood plan is tested. For example, up-to-date housing need evidence is relevant to the question of whether a housing supply policy in a neighbourhood plan or Order contributes to the achievement of sustainable development.

Where a neighbourhood plan is brought forward before an up-to-date local plan is in place the qualifying body and the local planning authority should discuss and aim to agree the relationship between policies in:

  • the emerging neighbourhood plan
  • the emerging local plan (or spatial development strategy)
  • the adopted development plan

with appropriate regard to national policy and guidance.

The local planning authority should take a proactive and positive approach, working collaboratively with a qualifying body particularly sharing evidence and seeking to resolve any issues to ensure the draft neighbourhood plan has the greatest chance of success at independent examination.

The local planning authority should work with the qualifying body so that complementary neighbourhood and local plan policies are produced. It is important to minimise any conflicts between policies in the neighbourhood plan and those in the emerging local plan, including housing supply policies. This is because section 38(5) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires that the conflict must be resolved in favour of the policy which is contained in the last document to become part of the development plan.

Strategic policies should set out a housing requirement figure for designated neighbourhood areas from their overall housing requirement (paragraph 65 of the revised National Planning Policy Framework). Where this is not possible the local planning authority should provide an indicative figure, if requested to do so by the neighbourhood planning body, which will need to be tested at the neighbourhood plan examination. Neighbourhood plans should consider providing indicative delivery timetables, and allocating reserve sites to ensure that emerging evidence of housing need is addressed. This can help minimise potential conflicts and ensure that policies in the neighbourhood plan are not overridden by a new local plan.

Essay on My Best Friend

 Friends should be fewer but they should be very sincere. But, it is very difficult to find sincere friends. Such people cannot be found everywhere. If you have got enough money to spend on your friends, you may have plenty of friends. If you are a poor man, very few people care for you.

There are many well-wishers of mine in the world. But I do not find them suitable to befriend. Most of them are selfish people. If I ask them of making a favour to me, they do not stand by me.

A sincere friend can be tested in times of adversity. In times of prosperity there are many friends, but in times of adversity, only a few people are left who stand by us. Such people are fit to be called as friends. Most of the people are very selfish and they know to grind their own axe. They have no sympathy with you. They simply want to exploit you. Therefore, we have to search for good friends.

I have got only four friends who have proved themselves as worthy of my friendship while tested well in times of adversity. But Shri Govind Lal is the sincerest person. Once I was travelling in the bus and unfortunately my pocket was picked. He was with me. He caught the pick-pocket and snatched the purse from him and handed it over to me. He took him to the Police Station and thus saved my life and money. Since that day we have been close friends. He is a rich man’s son. His father has got a big factory. But he is a bold, plain-speaking and truthful person.

I do not like lying or liars. Shri Govind Lal is truth-loving fellow. He does not like lying. He is my class-mate.

He is weak in studies and I help him every day in the evening. He goes out for a walk with me and tells me strange stories.

The Life of an MBA student !

 

The Life of an MBA student !

 Hello Readers!

Well, Why did I choose this topic? 

simply yes! because I am a student of MBA. Giving 2 years of my life to doing MBA is not that much easy as it looks but still, I choose it why? because I did not have any choice I know you all are wondering there are endless choices available nowadays so why MBA?

What were the reasons for choosing an MBA?

  • there was no liberty for abroad studies.
  • Government jobs have become tough day-to-day to get.
  • there were only a few options available exes, CA, CS, MBA, or gov jobs preps.
why only MBA?
 
I was always an average student in class so I never had an interest in doing CA or CS but when it about government jobs then everyone knows how much people get gov jobs every year as compared to applicants so I don’t want to spend or waste my time over that so that’s why I chose MBA but literally I did not have any idea about how it is going to be? so it was quite tough for me in many ways but then somehow I manage it.
we are been taught from our schooling days to do a study! get good marks otherwise you won’t get a good career in the future we used to follow that but when I took admitted to an MBA then I realized there is no value in getting good marks if you get 50% or 95% you would be treated as equal for the company as good marks is not something that company demands as they are not coming for hiring a professor so what kinds of qualities they look for in an MBA student are-
Skills To Have In MBA Student?
  • Good communication skills
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Teamwork
  • Positive attitude 
  • Good listener 
  • Be active
  • Be patient
  • Be empathic
  • Some basic conceptual knowledge of academics
Among them what is the utmost skill for an MBA is to have good communication skills most students got failed in this but companies do not compromise on it as it is the basic skill every MBA degree holder should have otherwise be genuine sorry! there is no way of getting a good package placement offer for an MBA.

How to improve communication skills?

As we all have this doubt about how to improve our vocabulary or get fluent in speaking frankly speaking HR doesn’t expect you to speak like a foreigner as they only demand a conversational level of speaking skills which is not tough as I do think as might be it could be difficult for you but trust me if you do practice then nothing is impossible.
ways to improve communication!

  • Start Reading English newspapers as it will double benefit you first by getting insights about current affairs & finding good vocabulary words.
  • Browse Youtube podcast videos and start listening to them & understand how they talk and get knowledge from there.
  • last option is nothing just start reading books as many people prefer to read books but some do not so if could start reading them then definitely it will benefit you!
What are the stages in MBA placement drives?

Usually, there are 3 stages that most renowned companies prefer to have for hiring any MBA holder.
  1. Aptitude test
  2. Group discussion 
  3. Personal Interview (PI)
1 Aptitude test:

This is the first stage in which the company holds an exam which generally contains some aptitude & verbal questions which you need to clear as the company already have criteria like how much marks a student should have to reach to next level so it is very important to clear it otherwise you won’t able to sit in the next round. in my college, my faculty teachers taught us about it but might be in every college this facility don’t have .
2 Group discussion

After clearing the first round of aptitude you will be able to sit in the GD round.GD basically means group discussion where you will have a team of around 12 members and as a team, you will be given a topic on which you all have to give your viewpoint in just 5 minutes yes! here the important thing is that the students think a person who initiates the GD will score high marks as it could be possible but not in every case if you speak your point wisely with good content then there is a high chance of yours to reach the next round.
3: Personal interview
the final stage is the PI or personal interview round as it is the final chance to impress HR you have already cleared two stages so your 80% work is done if HR selects you for this round then it means he has observed you in the GD round and he has made up his mind for hiring you and it is just an interaction between his/her with you to know more about you so just be patient! be cool! in front of HR and always be honest and I assure you! you will definitely grab the opportunity.
I wish you will enjoy reading it!
thank you!

Bureau of Indian Standards celebrates World Standards Day

 Standards are the new patents and those who control standards, control markets, prices, processes, manufacturing and innovations, said Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Textiles and Commerce & Industry, said in his message on World Standards Day celebration organized at Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) headquarters here today.

The Union Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, standards are considered as a key pillar of growth. He mentioned that Hon’ble Prime Minister gave the world the mantra of LIFE i.e ‘Lifestyle for Environment’. When a nation sets benchmark for standards, it’s a reflection upon its strong foundation and potential he added.

He said that BIS should become a benchmark for quality control, quality assessment and quality assurance.  He further said that BIS, as the National Standards Body should act as a facilitator for the industry by formulating Standards that support Zero defect, Zero effect and should emerge as a global player and pioneer in the field of standardization. He encouraged all concerned to pledge to make India a quality conscious nation and make Indian quality a matter of pride for every Indian.

He mentioned that the theme of the World Standards Day shares India’s vision for a better world with focus on standards and sustainable development, as the country is also striving to become a quality conscious nation with an emphasis on sustainability.

Shri Goyal said that with the mantra of quality and sustainability, India can create brand value for Indian products across the world. He opined that BIS must revise and add sustainability in the existing standards for the new standards they create as a part of National Action Plan.

He asked BIS to facilitate businesses and industries by ensuring safety, quality and cost competitiveness and liability of products. BIS should aim to be pioneer in the global world and beat out foreign and non-standard products, Shri Goyal added. In his message on further improvement in the functioning of BIS, the Minister said that BIS must look at the analysis and setup additional labs across the country and modernize the existing labs. He said that such mapping of labs has been done in past and he is confident that in next few months, BIS will ensure high quality modern labs for both the industry and consumers.

The inaugural function was presided over by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution & Environment, Forest & Climate Change wherein he appreciated  the efforts made by BIS to involve stakeholders from government, industry, standard developers, academia, consumer groups etc in framing the comprehensive strategy document on national standardization i.e. Standards National Action Plan (SNAP) 2022-27 which is an action plan identifying emerging areas of standardization that support Government’s initiatives in the fields of  Digital India, Smart Agriculture, Smart cities etc. He expressed hope that SNAP 2022-27 would have a forced multiplier effect on the national growth.

World Standards Day was celebrated in the Headquarters as well as in the 5 regional and 41 branch offices by organizing various activities such as Manak Manthan, Quality Walk and Quality Connect programmes, targeted to reach out to more than one lakh households with the message of quality consciousness. To commemorate the special occasion, BIS offices across the country were lit up in vibrant colours of the National Flag.

During the programme, insights on SNAP 2022-27 were shared by some eminent industry representatives. Further, representatives of eminent Educational Institutions such deliberated on the importance of standards in technical education. Technical Experts were also felicitated for their contribution in the field of standardization.

The theme for this year’s World Standards Day is ‘Shared Vision for a Better World’ with reference to the Sustainable Development Goals.  Technical sessions on Standards for Sustainable Communities were held in the afternoon wherein presentations were made by experts and eminent personalities on topics of Circular Economy, Recycling of Plastics and Bio-degradable Plastic, Green Mobility, AYUSH Systems for good Health and Well-Being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Sustainable Agricultural Practices, Sustainable Cooling and Affordable and Clean Energy.

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Coconut Community Farmers' Conference at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore

 The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar has said that the Centre will continue to provide all possible assistance to the farmers in the coastal states to promote coconut cultivation in the country. The efforts made in the field of research and development in the last few years have resulted in the development of new technologies in the field of farming and processing and further improved the available technologies. With the increase in the number of coconut based industries in the country, new products and many employment opportunities are also increasing in the market. Shri Tomar was addressing the Coconut Community Farmers’ Conference in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu.

Shri Tomar further said that he is happy to be among the coconut farmers, he congratulated the Coconut Development Board and Sugarcane Breeding Institute for their initiatives towards the prosperity of the coconut growers community. He said that the agriculture sector is the backbone of the country’s economy, so it is the responsibility of the Central and State governments to strengthen it, promote it and ensure profitable farming for the farmers. The contribution of coconut cultivation in the agricultural economy is very important. India is a leader in coconut cultivation and amongst the world’s three largest producers. Tamil Nadu contributes 21 percent of the area under coconut in the country and 26 percent of the production. Tamil Nadu ranks first in coconut processing activities and Coimbatore is first in terms of area under coconut cultivation, with an area of ​​88,467 hectares under coconut cultivation. Shri Tomar said that the farmers are making significant contribution in the development of coconut sector and increasing the agricultural economy. Coconut Development Board is forming a three-tier farmer group by integrating small and marginal farmers. Presently there are 697 Coconut Growers Societies, 73 Coconut Growers Federations and 19 Coconut Producing Companies in the State. Support has been given to set up 537 new processing units in India with a processing capacity of 3,638 million coconuts per year. This success has been achieved through the Mission Programme implemented by the Coconut Development Board in the country. Out of these, 136 units are from Tamil Nadu, which are creating employment opportunities and also helping improve the financial condition of the farmers.

Shri Tomar said that even after everything is favourable in the field of agriculture, farmers have to face natural disasters, which causes them losses. It is compensated through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Tamil Nadu State Scheme. Agriculture contributes significantly to strengthen the economy, he said.  Agriculture is so fundamental that it has helped tide over adverse conditions like Covid-19.

Shri Tomar said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has taken many steps for the betterment of agriculture sector in the last 8 years. Through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan), more than Rs 2 lakh crore has been deposited in the accounts of about 11.50 crore farmers. In lieu of damage to crops due to natural calamity in last 6 years, claim amount of more than Rs.1.22 lakh crore has been deposited in the accounts of the farmers through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Earlier, there was a provision of Rs 5,000 crore under the micro irrigation scheme, which has been increased to Rs 10,000 crores. 70 lakh hectare farming area has been brought under micro-irrigation. Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, earlier crop loans were given to farmers only up to five to six lakh crore rupees only, which has been increased by the Prime Minister to about Rs. 18-and-a-half lakh crores. To improve the infrastructure in each and every village, a provision of Rs. one lakh crore Agri Infra Fund has been made. Farmers, group of farmers, FPOs, PACS, Krishi Upaj Mandis all can use this to develop warehouse, cold storage or infrastructure as per requirement in villages. The government is trying to make farmers grow remunerative crops, setting up processing units through FPOs, for which arrangements for loans and subsidies have also been made.

Shri Tomar said that the schemes of the Central Government are for the prosperity of the farmers and to bring happiness in their lives. He assured that the farmers should submit the projects in collaboration with the State Government, the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi is standing with farmers and matching step by step for the development of the farmers.

During the programme, the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of Tamil Nadu, Shri M.R.K. Paneer Selvam, Vice Chairman, Coconut Development Board, Shri K.R. Narayan, CEO and Joint Secretary of Union Agriculture Ministry Dr. Vijay Lakshmi, Central Horticulture Commissioner Shri Prabhat Kumar, Vice Chancellor Geeta Lakshmi, Director of Sugarcane Breeding Institute and local public representatives and Central-State Government officials and farmer were present.

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