High Commissioners of Lesotho and Bangladesh and Ambassador of Panama presented credentials to the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 21, 2020).
The envoys who presented their credentials were: –
1. Mrs Lineo Irene Molise-Mabusela, High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho
2. Mr Arturo Luis Fabrega Alvarez, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama
3. Mr Muhammad Imran, High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
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Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) NITI Aayog and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sunday hosted a three day long Youth Co:Lab -national innovation challenge here in Delhi after a series of successful challenges held in past two phases across the country.
With efforts of AIM and UNDP to support young people by catalysing youth-led innovation, empowering them through Youth Co:Lab, four winning teams made it the list to represent India at the Youth Co:Lab Regional Innovation Challenge in Malaysia slated to be held in April this year.
Youth Co: Lab launched in collaboration by AIM and UNDP earlier, aims at fostering technology, promoting youth leadership and social entrepreneurship in India.
As a part of the first phase of Youth Co: Lab’s national innovation challenge, a series of innovation challenges were held in four cities– Jyothy Foundation (Bengaluru), AIC – Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini Foundation (Mumbai), AIC – Prestige Inspire Foundation (Indore) and AIC – Mahamana Foundation For Innovation and Entrepreneurship – IM-BHU (Varanasi).
The event saw the participation of more than 60 teams from which top 15 winning teams contested in the National Innovation Challenge in Delhi. Another 15 teams had been chosen via the nomination method from the pool of start-ups incubated at the Atal Incubation Centres.
Following this, UNDP and Atal Innovation Mission hosted a three day Youth Co: Lab National Innovation Challenge, 17-19 January 2020 in Delhi in which 30 selected teams participated.
While the first two days focussed on equipping these young change makers with entrepreneurial and 21st century skills to refine their solutions, the final day, saw them present their innovative ideas in front of a jury comprising of key ecosystem enablers.
Sharing his views about the national innovation challenge, Mission Director AIM R Ramanan, said, “We are proud to have partnered with UNDP for this important initiative and are proud to announce that around 300 teams have participated in Youth Co: Lab and over 30 teams in finalists have presented their solutions. Many of them will have the opportunity to avail themselves of world class incubators set up by the AIM as well as the UNDP accelerator program for them to realise their potential and convert their innovation into product that could be used by the millions.”
He added that it will enable young students from all over the country and all over the world to participate in ideation and coming up with innovative solutions to many of the problems faced by the word aligned with the SDGs.
The top two teams will be fully funded, while the next two teams will be partially funded for the final summit. The four teams will also participate in the Regional Springboard Programme. Further, Top eight teams will get incubated at the Atal Incubation Centres and receive support from UNDP to enhance their impact management for a year.
While speaking on the occasion Ms Shoko Noda, Resident Representative, UNDP India said that ‘‘We at UNDP believe in the power of young people to be change makers in our society. Young people are a central part of the endeavour in achieving the SDGs. Youth Co:Lab is unleashing youth’s creativity, potential and innovation. Through this engagement, we are seeing real impact on their lives, on the issues that matter to them and the future of our planet.
Co-created in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab aims to establish a common agenda for Asia-Pacific countries to invest in and empower youth to accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation and entrepreneurship.
By developing 21st century skills, catalysing and sustaining youth-led start-ups and social enterprises across the region, Youth Co:Lab is positioning young people front and centre in order to solve the region’s most pressing challenges.
With presence in over 20 countries in Asia and the Pacific, Youth Co:Lab was launched in India last year in October, in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog.
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The Minister of State for Woman and Child Development, Debasree Chaudhuri today said that the Central Government aims to promote good governance, generate employment and ensure all the beneficiary oriented schemes reach the citizens in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). Addressing a public meeting, during the third day of the Central Government’s special public outreach programme to disseminate information about the implementation of its policies and programmes for the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir and its people at Marh, Jammu, Debasree Chaudhuri said that it is a great opportunity given by the Prime Minister to elected representatives to meet people and understand their needs.
The Minister further stated that all the pending approvals for the developmental work in J&K have been cleared, farmers have been compensated for their crop losses and many thousand kilometres of roads have been constructed under PMGSY. She further said that all the centrally sponsored schemes and programmes will be given top priority in J&K.
Debasree Chaudhuri said that Integrated Child Development Services is an ambitious initiative of Central Government which provides food, pre-school education, primary healthcare, immunization, health check-up and referral services to the children and their mothers. She also said that other centrally sponsored schemes including Mid-Day Meals, Pulse Polio, Child Protection and Development, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao can be game changers for the people of J&K if implemented properly in UT.
Giving details of some centrally sponsored schemes, the Minister said that 2.5 lakh toilets have been constructed under Swach Bharat, Ujjwala scheme has reached hundred percent targets 3.5 lakh golden cards have been distributed under Ayushman Bharat scheme in less than 6 months and rate of disbursal of pensions for Divyangjan and widows has increased from 62% in 2018 to 80% till date.
Stating that democracy at the grass root level is the need of the hour for the development of J&K, the Minister reiterated that the conduct of Block Development Council Elections in J&K was a historical step which has empowered people and given them a say in the decision making in the local Government. She further said that the Panchayat elections that were held in 2018, despite various challenges, proves that J&K desires development in every sphere and believes in the policies and programmes of the Government.
During her visit, the Minister also laid the foundation stone of two road projects from Machaini- Domana to Chibba Chowk and from Gajansoo to Lohrichak Rathana.
Various delegations called on the Minister of State for Women and Child Development and submitted memorandum of their demands and problems, which include issues like 4 percent reservation quota and separate schools for physically challenged community and all other facilities which are applicable in different States and UTs for welfare of Divyangjan persons.
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Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Students from India and abroad in this year’s edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020 held at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi today. Students were thrilled after receiving valuable tips from the Prime Minister regarding beating stress in every walk of life. 50 Divyang students also took part in the interaction programme. The interaction, which lasted for over ninety minutes, saw students seeking guidance on various issues of importance to them from the Prime Minister. The Ministry of Human Resource Development of Government of India organized the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020 programme. Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Minister of State for HRD Shri Sanjay Dhotre, Smt. Amit Khare, Secretary, MHRD and senior officials of the ministry were also present on the occasion.
A painting and poster making competition was held on exam related issues for CBSE & KVS school students and around 725 posters and paintings were received. Around 50 paintings were selected and exhibited before the Prime Minister during the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020.
At the outset, the Prime Minister wished all the students a prosperous new year and a new decade. Explaining the importance of the decade, the Prime Minister said that the hopes and aspirations of the current decade rest on those students who are in their final years of schooling in the country.
He said, “In whatever the country does in this decade, those children who are in 10th, 11th and 12th standards now have a very great role to play. To make the country reach new heights, to achieve new hopes, all this is dependent on this new generation”.
Before beginning the interaction, the Prime Minister said notwithstanding that he attends various events and programmes, the one event which is dear to his heart is Pariksha Pe Charcha.
“As Prime Minister one gets to attend numerous types of programmes. You get to learn a lot in such interactions. Each of them provides a new set of experiences. But, if someone asks me about the one programme that touches my heart the most, I would say it is this Pariksha Pe Charcha. I also love attending Hackathons. They showcase the power and talent of India’s youth”, he said.
Dealing with demotivation and mood swings:
Replying to a question from a student about losing interest while studying, the Prime Minister said most often students get demotivated due to factors that are external to them and also as they try to attach too much significance to their own expectations.
Prime Minister asked the students to find out the reason for the demotivation and ponder over how to deal with it. He gave the example of the recent issue of Chandrayaan and his visit to ISRO.
“Motivation, demotivation are very common. Everyone goes through these feelings. In this regard, I can never forget my visit to ISRO during Chandrayaan and the time spent with our hardworking scientists.
He said, “We should not look at failures as setbacks or stumbling blocks. We can add enthusiasm to every aspect of life. A temporary setback doesn’t mean that we cannot succeed in life. In fact a setback may mean that the best is yet to come. We should try to convert our distresssituations as stepping stones for a bright future”
The Prime Minister also gave examples of how cricketers Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman batted in difficult situations during India – Australia match in 2001 and extracted India out of claws of defeat to clinch victory for the country.
He also talked about how India bowler Anil Kumble bowled to India’s glory notwithstanding his injury.
“This is the power of positive motivation”, he said.
Balancing Extra- Curricular Activities and Studies:
To a question on how to balance studies and extracurricular activities, the Prime Minister said the importance of co-curricular activities in a student’s life cannot be understated.
He said, “Not pursuing extra-curricular activities can make a student like a robot”.
But he also said that balancing studies and extracurricular activities would require a better and optimal time management by the students.
“Today there are plenty of opportunities and I hope youngsters make use of them and pursue a hobby or an activity of their interest with proper zeal”, he said.
However he also cautioned the parents not to make the extra-curricular interests of their children a fashion statement or a calling card.
“What is not good is when the passion of the children become fashion statements for parents. Extra-curricular activities needn’t be glamour driven. Let each child pursue what he or she likes”, he said.
Whether scores are all that matter:
On a question on how to score marks in examinations and whether they are the determining factor, the Prime Minister said, “Our education system determines our success based on our performance in various exams. Even though we focus our attention on scoring good marks and our parents too, exhort us towards it. “
Saying that there are several opportunities today, he asked the students to come out of the feeling that success or failure at exams determines everything.
“Marks are not life. Similarly examination is not the determining factor for our whole life. It is a stepping stone, an important stepping stone in life. I pray to parents not to tell them that this is everything. If it does not happen, don’t behave as if you lost everything. You can go to any field. There are umpteen opportunities”, he said.
Exams are important, but exams are not life. You should come out of this mind-set, he said.
Importance of Technology in Education
To a question on the importance of technology and its use in education, the Prime Minister said, that while the students should keep themselves updated with the latest in technology, the Prime Minister also urged them to be careful of the perils of its misuse.
“Fear of technology is not good. Technology is a friend. Merely knowledge of technology isn’t enough. It’s application is as important. Technology is a part of our daily lives, but if we misuse it, it robs our valuable time and resources”, he said.
Rights Vs Duties
To a question on what are the rights of the students and on how to make the citizens aware of their duties, the Prime Minister said that an individual’s rights are embedded in his duties.
Giving an example of a teacher, he said, if a teacher performs his duties then he is fulfilling the rights of the students.
Referring to what the Father of the Nation opined on the issue, the Prime Minister said, “Mahatma Gandhi said that there are no fundamental rights but fundamental duties”.
“Today, I am talking to students who would be playing a key role in India’s development in 2047, when we mark a hundred years since independence. I hope this generation takes it upon themselves to act on some of the Fundamental Duties enshrined in our Constitution”, he said.
How to deal with pressure and expectations from parents and teachers?
On how to deal with the pressure and expectations from parents and teachers, the Prime Minister urged the parents not pressurize the students but to pursue with them.
“The way ahead lies in pursuing, not pressuring children. Inspire children to do things that bring out their inner potential”
Best time to study and blanking out during the exam and Fear of Board Exams
On a question on what is the best time to study, the Prime Minister advised that ample rest is as important as the study itself.
He said, “While mind is as fresh early in the morning as the sky after rain, one should only follow that routine in which one is comfortable”
On the issue of sudden blanking out during exams, the Prime Minister asked the students to be thorough in their preparation.
“I would urge students to be confident about their own preparation. Do not enter the exam hall with any sort of pressure. Do not worry about what others are doing. Have faith in yourself and focus on what you’ve prepared”, he said.
Future Career Options
On the subject of future career options, the Prime Minister asked the students pursue their heart and work with zeal to deliver for the nation and its development
“Careers are very important, everyone has to take some responsibility. We can always contribute to the nation while delivering our responsibilities”, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said thatIndia has one of the largest educational systems in the worldwith around 1000 universities, 40000 plus degree colleges, 16 lakh schools, 1 crore teachers, 33 crore students and the Ministry of HRD has taken a number of initiatives to provide holistic and quality education to all the students across the country. He expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for taking out time for the students with the view to imbibe self-confidence in the tough days of the examinations and relieve stress in challenging environment.He said that it is a matter of pride that under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s image has enhanced in a big way and now India isproviding leadership to the entire world, whether it is in the field of climate change or solar energy or strengthening of democratic values. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India is playinga decisive role in raising the voice against terrorism; propagating yoga and establishing peace in the world.
In his welcome address, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’said that the exam time is stressful and difficult for everyone but with determined strength and mental stability, we can face the challenge of examination. The Minister informed that more than 15 crore students from all the States and Union Territories of India;and students, parents, teachers from 25 countries from all over the world are watching this programlive.
Online competition in ‘short essays’ was launched for students of classes 9 to 12 for the third edition of Prime Minister’s Interaction Programme “ParikshaPeCharcha 2020”. The entries for the competition were invited online through www.mygov.in. More than 3 lakh children registered themselves out of which over 2.6 lakh students participated in the competition. 1.03 lakhs students had participated in the competition in 2019. Selected winners attended Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020 and interacted with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
For the above mentioned online competitions, students participated through
www.mygov.in website on the following themes:
Gratitude is great: A short write-up on the people who a student thinks has played an important role in his/her academic journey so far mentioning why he/she is grateful to them.
Your future depends on your Aspirations: A short write-up on the goals and career aspirationsa student sets for himself/herself.
Examining Exams: Opinion of students on prevailing examination system and suggestions on ideal examination system.
Our Duties, Your Take: Write-up on duties of citizens and how one can inspire everyone to become more dutiful citizens.
Balance is Beneficial: Write-up on balanced activities of students apart from studies.
The First edition of Prime Minister’s Interaction Programme with school and college students “ParikshaPeCharcha 1.0” was held at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi on 16th February, 2018. The second edition of the said Interaction Programme with school and college students “ParikshaPeCharcha 2.0” was also held at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi on 29th January, 2019. Last year more than 8.5 Crore students from across the country viewed or heard the programme on DD/TV Channels/ Radio Channels. It was widely covered by print and electronic media. As per media reports, the interaction programme, became a raging hit on social media, and was the No. 1 trend conversation on “Pariksha Pe Charcha” which got more than 2.5 million impressions on twitter. It was widely viewed on youtube, Facebook Live, through webcasting, among others. Participation of Indian community abroad will also be encouraged, as done last year.
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As per WHO update (as of 11th January, 2020) in all, 41 cases of Novel Coronavirus have been reported so far from China [including one death (further update is awaited)]. As per WHO risk assessment, the risk for global spread, as of now, remains low.
Various measures have been initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as a matter of abundant precaution.
As of today, there are no cases detected on community surveillance or contact tracing.
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The Halwa ceremony, marking the commencement of Budget printing process for Union General Budget 2020-21, was held here in North Block today morning in the presence of the Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.
Union General Budget 2020-21 is to be presented on 1st February, 2020. To maintain the secrecy of Budget, there is a “lock-in” of the officials involved in making the Budget. Budget Press, situated inside North Block, houses all officials in the period leading up to the presentation of the Union Budget. These officers and staff will come in contact with their near and dear ones only after the Budget is presented by the Union Finance Minister in Parliament.
At the Halwa Ceremony, Smt. Sitharaman was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs Shri Anurag Singh Thakur; Shri Rajeev Kumar, Finance Secretary; Shri Atanu Chakraborty, Secretary, DEA; Dr A.B. Pandey, Revenue Secretary; Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary, DIPAM; Shri T.V. Somanathan, Secretary, Expenditure among other officers of the Ministry of Finance.
Shri P.C. Mody, Chairman, CBDT; Shri John Joseph, Chairman, CBIC; Members of CBDT & CBIC; Shri Rajat Mishra, Joint Secretary (Budget), besides others officers and staff of the Ministry of Finance, involved in the Budget preparation and printing process were also present on the occasion. Later, the Finance Minister took a round of the Press and acquainted herself about the Budget printing process.
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The Government of India has announced the Sale (Re-issue) of (i) ‘6.18 per cent Government Stock, 2024’ for a notified amount of Rs 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (ii) ‘GoI Floating Rate Bonds, 2031’ for a notified amount of Rs 6,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, (iii) ‘7.69 per cent Government Stock, 2043’ for a notified amount of Rs 2,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction, and (iv) ‘7.72 per cent Government Stock, 2049’ for a notified amount of Rs 4,000 crore (nominal) through price based auction. Subject to the limit of Rs 14,000 crore, being total notified amount, GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs 1,000 crore each against any one or more of the above securities. The auctions will be conducted using multiple price method. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on
January 24, 2020 (Friday).
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the stocks will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on January 24, 2020. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 noon and the competitive bids should be submitted between 11.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on January 24, 2020 (Friday) and payment by successful bidders will be on January 27, 2020 (Monday).
The Stocks will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
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An International Arbitration Tribunal has dismissed all claims brought against Republic of India in entirety.
The arbitration arose out of the cancellation of Letters of Intent for the issuance of telecommunications licences to provide 2G services in five telecommunications circles in India by reason, inter alia, of India’s essential security interests.
On July 19, 2019, the Tribunal constituted in accordance with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Arbitration Rules 1976, seated at the Hague, Netherlands, and proceedings administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague, Netherlands, rendered its Award in the arbitration brought by Tenoch Holdings Limited (Cyprus), Mr Maxim Naumchenko (Russian Federation) and Mr Andrey Poluektov (Russian Federation) against the Republic of India under the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of India for the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Investments, and the Agreement between the Government of Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus for the Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments.
All claims were dismissed in their entirety.
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RM/KMN
The Union Minister for Law & Justice, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad to inaugurate the 2nd edition of ‘NIC TechConclave 2020’, a two-day event being organized by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi tomorrow. The Secretary – MeitY, Shri Ajay Sawhney and the President, CISCO (India and SAARC), Shri Sameer Garde will also grace the occasion.
This year’s theme is ‘Technologies for NextGen Governance’.
The NIC has been instrumental in steering application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at various levels in the Government. This application is an important component of Digital India, a flagship program of the Government to transform India into a digital nation. Besides setting up National ICT Infrastructure for the Government, NIC has also designed and developed solutions/platforms for various sectors of the Government at the Centre and State. This facilitates wider transparency, data driven planning & management and enhancement in the quality of Services.
The ICT landscape in the country has changed tremendously due to the emergence of new technologies and path-breaking innovations, facilitating efficient service delivery to citizens and transparent dissemination of information. The adoption of these technologies will be instrumental in the digital transformation of the country.
This Conclave will contribute immensely to the capacity building of Government officers across the country and help in delivering high-quality citizen-centric services.
The speakers in the Conclave are experts from the IT industry who will share their expertise on various areas like Cyber Security, Hyperscale Architecture, Design Thinking etc.
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Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh visited the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp 2020 at Cariappa Parade Ground here today. He was received by DG NCC Lt Gen Rajeev Chopra. The Chief of Naval Staff inspected the ‘Guard of Honour’ presented by the NCC cadets from all the three wings i.e. Army, Navy and Air Force. This was followed by a band display. Admiral Karambir Singh also inspected the flag area prepared by cadets from all the 17 NCC Directorates depicting various social awareness themes. Various Naval Ship models were also displayed.
Later, the Chief of the Naval Staff visited the ‘Hall of Fame’, a proud possession of the NCC, with a display of rich archival collection of alumni photographs, models, motivational and other visual delight of the three wings of the NCC. He also witnessed a cultural performance by the cadets depicting the rich Indian culture.
Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Karambir Singh complimented the cadets for presenting an impressive ‘Guard of Honour’. He said, NCC is a premier youth which is engaged in grooming the youth and empowering them. The Chief of the Naval Staff appreciated the contribution of NCC towards nation building and its spirit & support during calamities. He also lauded the efforts of NCC cadets in naval activities including long duration and high-risk sailing.
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No 222 Squadron, the Tigersharks were inducted at Air Force Station Thanjavur in a ceremony attended by General Bipin Rawat PVSM UYSM AVSM YSM SM VSM ADC, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC , Chief of the Air Staff, Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Air Marshal Amit Tiwari AVSM VM, Air Officer Commanding – in – Chief (AOC-in-C), Southern Air Command (SAC), Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain AVSM VSM, Flag Officer Commanding – in – Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Mr R Madhavan, Chairman cum Managing Director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and other Dignitaries on Monday, 20 Jan 2020.
On arrival, General Bipin Rawat, the CDS was received by Group Captain Prajual Singh VM, Station Commander, Air Force Station Thanjavur..
General Bipin Rawat in his address said that the resurrection of the ‘Tigersharks’ highlighted the Integration and Jointness which is the future of the Indian Armed Forces. He brought out that Su 30 MKI aircraft along with the BrahMos will be the game-changer which will extensively enhance the security of the Maritime domain. The Squadron will be operating closely with the Indian Army and Navy to get the ball rolling in jointness of the Indian Armed Forces.
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of Air Staff, in his address thanked the CDS for being at the ceremony. He said that it was a historic day for the Indian Air Force, Southern Air Command, Air Force Station Thanjavur and 222 Squadron. He spoke of the decision to choose Thanjavur as the base for induction of the SU 30 MKI squadron because of its strategic location and complimented Southern Air Command and all personnel of AFS Thanjavur for their efforts towards advancing the induction of the squadron by almost a year.
The induction ceremony culminated with a flying display by Light Combat Aircraft, Sarang Helicopter Display Team and Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team.
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The progress of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-P71) project was reviewed by the Empowered Apex Committee (EAC) headed by Shri Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary, on 20 Jan 20 at Cochin Shipyard Limited. The review critically examined the current status of the project as the IAC is in a very advanced stage of construction and is scheduled to commence Basin Trials in early 2020 followed by the Sea Trials by mid 2020. This is the 13th EAC Review Meeting of the Project and the first to be held after the signing of the Phase-III of the IAC Contract on 31 Oct 2019 between Government of India, Ministry of Defence & Cochin Shipyard Limited.
The Defence Secretary was accompanied by Vice Admiral Ashok Kumar, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral GS Pabby, Chief of Materiel, Vice Admiral SR Sarma, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition from IHQ MoD(Navy) and other senior officers from IHQ MoD(Navy), Warship Overseeing Team and Carrier Acceptance & Trials Team.
IAC construction is in an advanced state with all four Gas Turbines, main engines having been started, Power Generation Systems comprising of eight Diesel Alternators ready and trials of ship’s major systems and auxiliary equipment in progress. IAC had successfully completed the Pre-Contractors Sea Trials dry dock work package in Dec 2019. Basin trials are conducted for proving of the propulsion, transmission and shafting systems and is scheduled in early half of 2020. The Aircraft Carrier would be ready to commence the Sea Trials once the Basin trials are successfully completed.
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SW/VM/MS
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves subscription of units of Tower Infrastructure Trust (“InvIT”) by BIF IV Jarvis India Pte. Ltd. (“Jarvis”), British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (“BCI”), Anahera Investment Pte. Ltd. (“Anahera”) and Valkyrie Investment Pte. Ltd. (“Valkyrie”), under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002, today.
The proposed combination entails subscription of units of InvIT by Jarvis, BCI, Anahera and Valkyrie.
Jarvis, part of the Brookfield Group i.e., entities directly and indirectly controlled by Brookfield Asset Management Inc., is currently not engaged in any activities in India. BCI has no direct physical presence in India and it currently does not offer any products or services in India. BCI holds controlling interest in certain portfolio companies which have direct, or indirect operations, or sales presence in India. Anahera is a foreign portfolio investor registered under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Foreign Portfolio Investors) Regulations, 2014, while Valkyrie is a foreign venture capital investor registered with the SEBI under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Foreign Venture Capital Investors) Regulations, 2000. Both Anahera and Valkyrie are wholly-owned subsidiaries of GIC Infra Holdings Pte. Ltd.
The InvIT was set up with the objective of making investments (directly or indirectly) in the infrastructure sector. Currently, the InvIT holds 51% of the equity share capital of Reliance Jio Infratel Private Limited (“RJIPL”), which is engaged in the business of providing passive tower infrastructure services.
Detailed order of the Commission will follow.
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The seventh annual meeting of the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure took place on 16th and 17th January 2020 in New Delhi with around 80 participants. Germany and India established the Working Group in 2013 to strengthen their economic and technical cooperation, reduce technical barriers to trade, and increase product safety. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs & Energy (BMWi) and the Indian Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in collaboration with other Ministries are working closely together on standardisation, accreditation and conformity assessment, metrology, product safety and market surveillance.
Director General Stefan Schnorr of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy: “Quality infrastructure is the language of international trade. With a growing relevance of technical regulations – such as mandatory standards – our exchange on regulatory approaches and compliance procedures eases doing business and boosts trade. I welcome the signing of our Work Plan 2020. We have agreed to intensify the cooperation on standards, technical regulation, certification, and market surveillance in key economic areas such as machinery safety, automotive, electric mobility and cybersecurity. A mutual understanding of requirements for safe and secure products helps to protect the citizens in both countries. Our Indo-German discussion paper on the cybersecurity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices which we just launched is a good example for our successful cooperation.”
Secretary, Consumer Affairs, ShriAvinash K. Srivastava said that “Germany is a trusted and important partner for India. It is encouraging to see the intense technical cooperation that happens in our bilateral Working Group. I am happy to see that we have deepened our cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, market surveillance, Industry 4.0, and legal metrology. This year we will also put a focus on strengthening the dialogue on technical regulation, exchange on regulations of medical devices, and exploring twinning arrangements at ISO and IEC level.”
This year’s annual meeting was attended by a German delegation of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) headed by Director General Stefan Schnorr, representatives from the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), the German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (DKE), the National Metrology Institute of Germany (PTB), and representatives from German companies and industry associations such as VDMA and VDA. The Indian delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as well as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The dialogues on Quality Infrastructure take place within the framework of the Global Project Quality Infrastructure (GPQI), within which BMWi engages in political and technical dialogues with strategic trading partners. GIZ – the German Agency for International Cooperation – supports the implementation of the project on behalf of BMWi.
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Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has added 135 laboratories to existing 51 recognized laboratories. With this initiative APEDA recognition of laboratories has reached 186 laboratories across the country. The number of laboratories have increased in states with exporting potential like Maharashtra (35), Gujarat (23), Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (10), Tamil Nadu (23) and Karnataka (17). Laboratory testing requirements are crucial in agri export supply chain.
For increasing the laboratory network further, APEDA has taken a policy decision for simplification of APEDA recognition of laboratories. It has been decided that the laboratories which are NABL accredited will be recognized by APEDA and same will be added in the network of APEDA recognition laboratories. This will enable APEDA to continuously expand its recognition network of laboratories across the country and will enable the exporters to have an easy access to the laboratories for testing of APEDA scheduled products for exports.
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Eduindex 
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