Australia-India Strategic Research Fund

 The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled the results of the 15th round of the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF).

The successful projects that have been awarded funding under the prestigious program were announced today through a press note.

The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) is a bilateral program that supports collaborative research projects between Australia and India. It aims to strengthen the scientific relationship between the two countries and address common challenges through joint research efforts.

This year, the AISRF has awarded funding to five projects across various disciplines, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, biotechnology, urban mining and electronic waste recycling, ultralow-cost solar and clean hydrogen technologies. These projects were selected through a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring they meet the highest standards of scientific excellence and have the potential for significant impact.

The selected projects reflect the diverse and cutting-edge research being conducted by Australian and Indian scientists. These initiatives are expected to yield valuable insights and solutions that will benefit both countries and the wider global community.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised the importance of international collaboration in research and innovation. He said, “I feel collaboration is crucial in this modern era to address critical global challenges and in fostering sustainable development. The AISRF is a testament to the enduring partnership between India and Australia. I am sure the projects which emerged out of collaboration would result in significant scientific discoveries and technological advancements in areas of mutual interest. While reinforcing our commitment to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem with Australia, I congratulate all the researchers involved with these projects for a prosperous and sustainable future.”

Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science, Australia added, “The world isn’t short of complex issues, with collaboration between nations playing an essential role in delivering scientific breakthroughs that will make a difference. From tougher strains of bacteria to e-waste and AI, our bilateral research partnership puts Australia’s brightest minds to creating better solutions for the world’s ongoing and emerging challenges. The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund has delivered more than 360 collaborative research projects in the past 18 years, ensuring our nation’s universities and research institutions have remained at the forefront of global research.”

Funding for this year focused on:

  1. Creating an AI-driven platform for monitoring soil carbon sequestration.
  2. Eco-friendly recovery of essential metals from obsolete mobile devices.
  3. Cost-effective solar thermal desalination by systems design with nanomaterials.
  4. Harnessing the immune system’s power to combat antimicrobial resistance.
  5. Advanced diagnostics and innovative therapeutics to detect and combat microbial infections.

 

The Indian recipients are the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, Ludhiana; IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IISc Bangalore and AbGenics Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. Pune.

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World to witness 1st Indian in Space and other Indian in Deep Sea by 2025

 World to witness 1st Indian in Space and other Indian in Deep Sea by 2025, says Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on the stage of Bharat 24 News network during his address here today.

Speaking on India’ s progress in Space and Marine sector, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared that four astronauts-three Group Captains and one Wing Commander have been selected for India’s 1st Human Space Mission- Gaganyaan. Similarly, he also shared that India’s Deep-Sea mission will send three Indians to deep sea in 2025.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh at the programme hosted by Bharat 24 News network

During his address highlighting the Development in the Northeast India, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh said Infrastructure overhaul in Northeast India in the last decade is the role model of PM Modi’s development.” Going further he recalled the new airports made operational in Northeast. Increase in network of all-weather roads and highways along with remote connectivity. The railways operating trains from Itanagar and new waterways that have been opened. He categorically mentioned that not only in terms of Infrastructure but also in human resources development is commendable as recruiters in the hospitality and aviation industry are now visiting these states for talent acquisition. Going further he stated that Prime Minister is fond of the region and preferred Mizoram to establish a ‘Citrus Fruit Park- A Centre of excellence’ in Mizoram due its favorable conditions.

Dr. Jitendra Singh when asked about the progress of Jammu Kashmir in the last decade said “Record number of tourists visiting Kashmir nearly 2.5 crore in the last season is the testimony of development and peace in the region.” He also added that 1 lakh people have already arrived for Amarnath Yatra which also highlights boom in domestic tourism. He also mentioned that terrorism is in its last phase.

The media group congratulated Dr. Jitendra Singh for making a hattrick by winning from Udhampur constituency and also being the Minister for the 3rd time. The Science and Technology Minister recalled the recent progress and shared the path of India’s vision. He said “Space sector is limited to launch rockets and satellites but it will also propel growth and positively impact agriculture, infrastructure, communication, healthcare etc. Land Record management, new geospatial policy, new space policy, and initiatives such as soil health card, DBT, land mapping etc. will boost farmer productivity,”

He said, “In 2022 we had just one space Startup and in 2024 after opening the space sector for private participation we have nearly 200 startups and many among them have global capacity. He also shared that in just few months 1000 crore of Private sector investment has come into Space sector.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “India is among the frontline nations in terms quantum technologies as we have National Quantum Mission”. He also highlighted India’s Vast resources which are untapped such as Himalayan resources, Marine Resources of 7500km long coastline. The minister also shared that the government is successful in bringing agriculture and entrepreneurship together by Aroma Mission which promotes lavender cultivation and empowers farmers economically with the help of technology.

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1stCentury would be of Asia with India leading

 The Central Bureau of Investigation today organised an Investiture Ceremony at CBI Academy, Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh). On this occasion, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Law & Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairspresented the President’s Police Medal (PPM) for Distinguished Service and Indian Police Medal (IPM) for Meritorious Service to 39 CBI officers/officials. Congratulating the medal winners and their familiesShri Meghwal said that it is a proud moment for all of us to have recognized their service rendered to the nation. He added that this also acts as a source of inspiration for all service officials to excel in their job. Appreciating CBI in its role, he observed that not only CBI’s importance is being recognized in the society but also its investigation is the best, which is reflected in high conviction rate in cases investigated by CBI. Shri Meghwal emphasised CBI is rightly regarded as the best investigating agency which is reflected in demand for CBI probe every now and then in complex and sensitive cases by various stakeholders.

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Delving on the new Criminal Laws which has been implemented with effect from 1st July, 2024, Shri Meghwal asserted that these laws will bring in ease of living in a big way for citizenry. These laws will expedite delivery of justice and save crucial time of all the stakeholders spent during litigation. The Minister stressed that this will prove highly productive for the nation as the energies would be channelised towards the process of development of the society and eventually lead to higher progress. Referring to India recently galloping to fifth largest economy in the world from the 11th position few years ago, he underlined that reforms/ improvements in judicial process will also contribute to the endeavour and goal of taking India to 3rd position in the coming few years.

Shri Meghwal underscored the significance of India’s progress as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that India would play pivotal role in the 21stcentury on a global scale.Tracing the 19th century with regards to progress as that of Europe, led by England; 20th century that of America led by United States of America (USA), he expressed confidence that 21st century would be of Asia led by India. Reminiscing Swami Vivekananda’s forecast, he said that India is set for the landmark by its varied parameters inter alia democratic setup of the society, progressive growth in the sphere of economy and technology, family value system and family setup, India’s helpful gestures in world arena and roles taken up on international platforms,  growing role of citizenry, environmental initiatives, strategic lead in the sphere of Yoga, Ayurveda, Space etc. have placed India in a leadership position world over.

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In his welcome address, Shri Praveen Sood, Director, CBI complimented the medal recipients and stated that they have achieved the laurels due to their professional hard work, resilience and fortitude which have earned CBI great esteem. He further congratulated the recipient’s family members. On this occasion, Shri Sood emphasised that CBI and Law Ministry are working in synergetic and collaborative environment to prioritise more efficient prosecution along with investigation. Director CBI stressed that CBI’s role has been evolving with the passage of time, from handling primarily anti-corruption cases in the beginning to special/ economic crimes, cybercrimes, bank frauds, etc. Shri Praveen Sood also said that CBI is working with Ministry of Law & Justice with regards to successful implementation of three new Criminal Laws informing that CBI has started implementing these laws. He offered that CBI is geared to handhold States and other stakeholders in helping them in implementation of these laws.

Swami Vivekananda: A Detailed Biography

 Early Life and Education

Birth and Family
Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Datta on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata (then Calcutta), British India. His father, Vishwanath Datta, was an attorney at the Calcutta High Court and his mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, was a devout housewife with strong spiritual inclinations. The family was well-off and deeply respected in the community.

Education and Youth
Narendranath was a bright student with a keen intellect and an insatiable curiosity. He attended the Metropolitan Institution, where he excelled in his studies, particularly in philosophy and literature. Later, he enrolled at the Scottish Church College in Calcutta, where he studied Western logic, philosophy, history, and social sciences. His interest in spirituality and religion was nurtured during this time, influenced by a variety of philosophical texts, including the Vedas and Upanishads.

Spiritual Quest

Meeting Ramakrishna
Narendranath’s spiritual journey took a decisive turn when he met Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a revered mystic and saint, in 1881. Initially skeptical of Ramakrishna’s teachings, Narendranath was deeply influenced by his profound spirituality and intense devotion. Ramakrishna’s simple yet profound teachings on the unity of all religions and the direct experience of God greatly impacted Narendranath.

Becoming a Disciple
Under Ramakrishna’s guidance, Narendranath underwent a transformative spiritual journey, embracing the ideals of renunciation and service to humanity. He became one of Ramakrishna’s most dedicated disciples, adopting the name Vivekananda, meaning “the bliss of discernment.”

Monastic Life and Wanderings

Ramakrishna’s Death and Formation of the Ramakrishna Order
After Ramakrishna’s death in 1886, Vivekananda and other disciples took monastic vows, forming the Ramakrishna Order. Vivekananda embarked on a life of renunciation, traveling extensively across India to understand the plight of the common people and the diverse spiritual practices of the land.

Wandering Monk
From 1888 to 1893, Vivekananda traveled across India as a wandering monk. He visited historical and spiritual sites, engaged with scholars and laypeople, and observed the conditions of the masses. His travels deepened his understanding of India’s strengths and weaknesses, and he developed a vision of upliftment through spiritual awakening and social reform.

World Parliament of Religions

Journey to the West
In 1893, with the encouragement of his followers, Vivekananda traveled to the United States to represent Hinduism at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. He faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and cultural barriers, but his determination and faith sustained him.

Chicago Address
On September 11, 1893, Vivekananda delivered his historic address at the Parliament, beginning with the words, “Sisters and brothers of America.” His speech, which emphasized the universality of all religions and the need for mutual respect and understanding, received a standing ovation and established him as a prominent spiritual leader in the West.

Contribution to the West

Lectures and Establishment of Vedanta Societies
Following the Parliament, Vivekananda spent several years lecturing across the United States and Europe. He established Vedanta Societies in New York and London, where he introduced Western audiences to the principles of Vedanta and the practical aspects of spirituality.

Influence on Western Thought
Vivekananda’s teachings had a profound impact on Western thinkers and intellectuals. He emphasized the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life and promoted the idea of religious harmony. His interactions with leading figures of the time, including Nikola Tesla and William James, influenced the development of Western spiritual and philosophical thought.

Return to India and Later Life

Return to India
Vivekananda returned to India in 1897, where he received a hero’s welcome. He embarked on a mission to revitalize Indian society through education, social service, and spiritual upliftment. He established the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897, dedicated to social service and the promotion of Vedanta.

Educational and Social Initiatives
Vivekananda emphasized the importance of education in empowering the masses. He founded schools and colleges, promoted scientific and technical education, and worked towards the upliftment of the poor and marginalized. His efforts in promoting women’s education and social equality were particularly noteworthy.

Final Years and Legacy
Vivekananda spent his final years focusing on the consolidation of the Ramakrishna Mission and its activities. He continued to inspire people through his teachings, writings, and personal example. Swami Vivekananda passed away on July 4, 1902, at the age of 39, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual and social transformation.

Philosophical and Spiritual Contributions

Vedanta and Universal Religion
Vivekananda’s teachings emphasized the universal nature of spiritual truth and the essential unity of all religions. He advocated for the Vedantic philosophy, which holds that the soul is divine and the ultimate goal of life is to realize this divinity through self-discipline, service, and devotion.

Practical Vedanta
He introduced the concept of “Practical Vedanta,” which advocates applying spiritual principles to solve real-world problems. He encouraged individuals to see God in every person and to work for the welfare of humanity as a form of worship.

Empowerment and Social Reform
Vivekananda believed in the potential of every individual to achieve greatness. He championed the cause of social reform, advocating for the upliftment of the poor, the education of women, and the eradication of social evils like caste discrimination. His teachings inspired a generation of social and political leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose.

Legacy

Global Impact
Swami Vivekananda’s legacy extends far beyond India. His teachings continue to inspire individuals and organizations worldwide. The Ramakrishna Mission and Vedanta Societies established by him remain active in promoting education, healthcare, and spiritual growth.

Cultural Renaissance
In India, Vivekananda is revered as a key figure in the country’s cultural and spiritual renaissance. His message of self-confidence, national pride, and social responsibility resonates with people across generations. National Youth Day is celebrated in India on his birthday to honor his contributions and inspire the youth.

Philosophical Contributions
Vivekananda’s philosophical writings, including his works on Vedanta, Raja Yoga, and Karma Yoga, remain influential texts in the study of Indian philosophy and spirituality. His teachings continue to be a source of inspiration for seekers of truth and practitioners of various religious traditions.

Swami Vivekananda’s life and teachings continue to inspire millions across the globe, promoting a message of unity, peace, and selfless service. His vision of a spiritually awakened and socially responsible humanity remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime.

Further Reading and Resources

  1. Books

    • “The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda” – A collection of his lectures, writings, and letters.
    • “Swami Vivekananda: A Biography” by Swami Nikhilananda.

  2. Online Resources

    • The Ramakrishna Mission official website: www.ramakrishna.org
    • The Vedanta Society websites in various countries provide information and resources on Vivekananda’s teachings.

DMF Gallery in Shastri Bhawan

 Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated DMF gallery in Shastri Bhawan today. Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey was also present. The DMF gallery will showcase products of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed under District Mineral Foundation/Pradan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojna & SHGs supported by Mining companies under their Corporate Social Responsibility, in the premises of Shastri Bhawan.

The Ministers interacted with SHGs and appreciated their products prepared by SHGs of DMF Keonjhar and Koraput from Odisha and applauded the commendable efforts of Hindustan Copper Limited & HINDALCO for supporting SHGs in different districts of the country.

Krishna Self Help Group funded by DMF Keonjhar is showcasing Millet food items, seeds & Tasar Silk products and Mahima Self Help Group funded by DMF Koraput is showcasing Lemongrass, Japanese Mint Oil products, this week. 25 SHGs supported by Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) will showcase their products in the DMF gallery on rotation basis.

 

In accordance to Sustainable Mining Charter Mandate, HINDALCO is supporting several SHGs in which more than 3000 artisans are directly benefited where Kosala –  rejuvenating Chhattisgarh Kosa weaves, Trina an initiative for kashi grass woven art, Jirhul – novel gel sanitary napkin, Vamshala – bamboo and kashi grass craft, Kathautia and Vivartana – Lantana weed to bio-composite artefacts among other products are produced.

Ministry of Mines, through the amendment in Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) (MMDR) Act, in 2015, has made a provision for the establishment of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in all the districts affected by mining. The objective of DMF is to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining related operations. Through DMF, various districts have set up self-help groups producing various local products.

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Global IndiaAI Summit 2024

 Global IndiaAI Summit 2024 is scheduled to be held on July 3rd and 4th, 2024 as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is all set to host an esteemed gathering of international delegates, AI experts, and policymakers at the summit. This summit marks a pivotal moment for India as it underscores its commitment to fostering responsible artificial intelligence (AI) development on a global scale.

The Global IndiaAI Summit will be inaugurated by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology , Railways, and Information & Broadcasting and Shri Jitin Prasad, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Commerce and Industry will also be speaking at the inauguration.

A commitment to responsible AI development

Organized against the backdrop of India’s leadership role in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), the summit aims to set new benchmarks in addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by AI. With a thematic focus on Compute Capacity, Foundational Models, Datasets, Application Development, Future Skills, Startup Financing, and Safe and Trusted AI, the event promises comprehensive discussions that span the entire AI spectrum.

Day 1: Setting the Stage

The Day 1 of the summit will feature a diverse array of sessions designed to delve deep into critical aspects of AI application and governance. Notable sessions include “IndiaAI: Large Language Models” exploring how advanced AI models can navigate India’s linguistic diversity while upholding ethical standards. Concurrently, the GPAI Convening on Global Health and AI will gather insights into leveraging AI for healthcare in underserved regions, positioning India as a catalyst for inclusive healthcare innovation.

“Real World AI Solutions” and “India’s Infrastructure Readiness for AI” will spotlight practical AI implementations and the foundational infrastructure needed to support AI-driven initiatives across sectors. Meanwhile, discussions on “Ensuring Safety, Trust, and Governance in the AI Age” will underscore India’s commitment to ethical AI deployment, emphasizing global cooperation and regulatory frameworks.

Day 2: Empowering the Future

The second day will pivot towards nurturing talent and scaling AI innovations. “Empowering Talent through AI Education & Skilling” aims to bridge the AI skills gap by spotlighting educational strategies and career pathways. Simultaneously, “AI for Global Good: Empowering the Global South” will facilitate dialogues on inclusive AI development, echoing India’s advocacy for equitable global AI access.

“From Seed to Scale—Empowering India’s Startup Ecosystem” will highlight initiatives that foster AI entrepreneurship, crucial for propelling India’s startup ecosystem onto the global stage. Discussions on “Data Ecosystem” and “AI Competency Framework for Public Sector” will explore robust data governance and AI readiness in public administration, which are essential for effective policy formulation and implementation.

Detailed agenda for Global IndiaAI Summit 2024 can be accessed here.

Charting the course for responsible AI

The Global IndiaAI Summit 2024 serves as a pivotal platform for global stakeholders to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of AI. India reiterates its commitment to harnessing AI’s transformative potential by prioritizing responsible AI development while safeguarding ethical standards and inclusivity. As the summit unfolds, it is poised to reinforce India’s leadership in the global AI landscape, paving the way for a future where AI benefits are accessible to all and contribute significantly to socio-economic advancement worldwide.

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Self-nominations open for National Teachers’ Award 2024 till 15th July 2024

 Online self-nominations from eligible teachers for National Teachers’ Awards 2024 are being invited with effect from 27 June 2024 on the Ministry of Education’s portal http://nationalawardstoteachers.education.gov.in. The last date for receiving online nominations is 15 July 2024. This year, 50 teachers will be selected through the three-stage selection process, i.e., at the District, State and National level. The award will be conferred by the President of India on 5th September 2024 at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, organizes a national level function on Teachers Day, i.e., 5th September every year to confer the National Awards to the best teachers of the country selected through a rigorous, transparent, and online selection process. The purpose of the National Teachers’ Award is to celebrate the unique contribution of some of the finest teachers in the country and to honour those teachers who, through their commitment and industry, have not only improved the quality of school education but also enriched the lives of their students.

Eligibility conditions:

School teachers and Heads of Schools working in recognized primary/middle/high/higher secondary schools run by State Govt./UT Administrations, local bodies, and Private schools affiliated with the State/UTs Board are eligible for the Award.

  • Central Govt. Schools, i.e., Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Sainik Schools run by Ministry of Defence (MoD), schools run by Atomic Energy Education Society (AEES), and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) run by Ministry of Tribal Affairs; and
  • Schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Council for Indian Schools Certificate Examination (CISCE).

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Opening of National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to submit applications (Fresh/Renewal) under NMMSS for AY 2024-25 (w.e.f. 30th June 2024 onwards)

 The One-Time Registration (OTR) application, featuring a redesigned home page, a new mobile app, and an updated web version has been launched and is now live and accessible to the public, allowing students to conveniently register online for OTR on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The NSP application, including OTR, leverages cutting-edge technologies and boasts of an enhanced user interface. The NSP portal is now open for one-time registration as well as application for fresh and renewal scholarships.

OTR is required on NSP for submission of fresh and renewal applications. The OTR Module will be available to students across the year. OTR is a unique 14-digit number issued based on the Aadhaar/Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID). OTR is required to apply for the scholarship on NSP. On successful completion of OTR, an OTR_ID will be issued which will remain valid for the entire academic lifecycle of the student. On submission of an application, the System will generate an Application ID against the OTR_ID. The system will ensure that not more than one Application_ID remains active against an OTR_ID at any point in time. The last date for submission of fresh/renewal applications for NMMSS by students for 2024-25 on NSP is 31st August 2024.

The students, who have applied on the NSP in AY 2023-24 have been allotted the OTR/Reference number through the portal and intimated through SMS. OTR-related instruction to the students who have applied on the NSP in AY 2023-24 is as follows:

A.        Instructions to the students who have received the OTR No.

I.          NSP earlier launched the face-authentication service in AY 2023-24 and it was optional for the students to perform their face authentication.

II.         NSP has generated the OTR No. for the students who have performed the face-authentication in AY 2023-24 and the same has been sent to the applicant through SMS on their registered Mobile No.

III.       Students who have received the OTR No. can directly apply for the scholarship on the NSP portal.

IV.        In case, the student has not received the OTR No. through SMS, it can be retrieved using “Know your OTR” available on the NSP.

 

B.        Instructions to the students who have received Reference No.

 

I.          The NSP has allotted reference No. to the students who have completed the OTP-based eKYC and have not completed their face-authentication in AY 2023-24.

II.         The OTR No. can now be obtained by completing face-authentication on the NSP.

III.       Following steps are required to generate the OTR No.:

a.         Download and install Aadhaar Face RD services on the Android device. (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.gov.uidai.facerd)

 

b.         Download and install the NSP OTR App from the Google Play Store. (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.gov.scholarships.nspotr&pli=1)

 

c.         After opening the mobile app. Select the option “eKYC with FaceAuth” highlighted in red.

 

There are two levels of verification for NMMSS on the NSP portal: Level-1 verification is by the Institute Nodal Officer (INO) and Level-2 verification is by the District level Nodal Officer (DNO). The last date for INO level (L1) verification is 15th September 2024 and for the DNO level (L2) verification is 30th September 2024.

The Central Sector ‘National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme’ (NMMSS) was launched, with the objective to award scholarships to meritorious students of economically weaker sections to arrest their dropout at class VIII and encourage them to continue their education at the secondary stage. One lakh fresh scholarships are awarded to selected students of class IX every year and their continuation/renewal in classes X to XII for study in State Government, Government-aided, and Local body schools under the scheme. The NMMSS scheme is onboarded on the National Scholarship Portal.

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WEAPON SYSTEMS SCHOOL INAUGURATED BY THE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF AT BEGUMPET, HYDERABAD

 A new chapter has been introduced in the history of the Indian Air Force (IAF) with the inauguration of the Weapon Systems School (WSS) by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), at Air Force Station Begumpet, Hyderabad on 01 July 24. This follows the approval of a new branch of officers in the IAF, the Weapon System (WS) branch in 2022. Aimed at recalibrating and transforming the Indian Air Force as a future-oriented force, the formation of this new training establishment is a gigantic leap for the Armed Forces in general, and Indian Air Force in particular.

The CAS was welcomed by Air Vice Marshal Premkumar Krishnaswamy. Commandant, Weapon Systems School. The inauguration ceremony was also graced by the presence of Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and other senior officers of the IAF including Commandant, Air Force Academy, Commandant, College of Air Warfare, Air Office Commanding, Air Force Station Hakimpet, and Station Commander, Air Force Station Begumpet.

The WSS will impart effect based training that is contemporary in nature and prepare officers of the newly formed branch in line with the requirements of the IAF. With inauguration of the WSS, Flight Cadets of WS Branch will undergo their second semester of training at this institute. The new branch will have four streams; Flying stream to operate the weapons and systems in airborne platforms like the Sukhoi-30 MKI and C-130J; Remote stream to operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft; Mission Commanders and operators for Surface to Air and Surface-to-Surface weapon systems, and Intelligence stream for handling space-based intelligence and imagery.

During the interaction, the CAS highlighted that with the creation of WS Branch, operators of ground based and specialist weapon systems will come under one umbrella, enhancing war fighting capabilities of the IAF significantly. He exhorted the instructors that being pioneers in a newly formed branch, they were the pillars on which the entire edifice of the envisioned training regime would stand firmly and deliver decisive air power. While complimenting the founding members of the School, the CAS urged all personnel to establish the School as a nodal centre for weapon systems training in the country.

The creation of the WS branch was announced by the CAS during the Air Force Day Parade celebrations on 08 October 2022.

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Stakeholders’ Consultation on Draft Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite Mines- 2024

 Coal Ministry held Stakeholders’ Consultation on Draft Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite Blocks, 2024 on 1st July 2024 under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority Shri M. Nagaraju. The event witnessed the participation of 25 coal and lignite mining companies including PSUs, captive/commercial miners, and representatives from the State Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya and Uttar Pradesh.

In his address, Shri M. Nagaraju highlighted the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing the regulatory framework governing coal and lignite mining. He emphasized the importance of balancing flexibility for coal mine owners with heightened responsibility and accountability. The revised Mining Plan Guidelines aim to introduce stringent measures designed to optimize coal extraction while ensuring comprehensive applicability for all stakeholders.

Advisor (Project), Ministry of Coal presented the detailed presentation on draft guidelines. New guidelines represent a significant stride towards fostering a sustainable approach to coal mining. The new guidelines emphasize responsible mining practices that support industry growth while prioritizing ecosystem preservation. The Key elements include the mandatory inclusion of restoration, remediation, and regeneration measures in mining plans to ensure sustainable natural resource management. These measures aim to minimize environmental impacts, address community concerns, and promote continuous improvement in water quality monitoring.

By raising accountability standards and optimizing extraction techniques, the Ministry of Coal seeks to align the interests of all parties, advancing sustainable development within the sector. The stakeholders’ consultation provided a platform for in-depth discussions and feedback from industry leaders and experts, setting the stage for a comprehensive regulatory framework that addresses contemporary challenges and aligns with global best practices in mining governance.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Coal is committed to driving these initiatives forward in close collaboration with stakeholders. The forthcoming Mining Plan Guidelines will uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and ethical mining practices, ensuring a sustainable future for the sector.

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Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports unveils new AFI logo and meets Olympics-bound athletes in Panchkula

 Hon’ble Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour & Employment Dr.Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the Athletics Federation of India’s new logo and interacted with Paris 2024 Olympic Games-bound track and field athletes competing in the National Inter-State Athletics Championships at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium here on Saturday.

 

Addressing the athletes heading to the Olympic Games and encouraging them, he said that all necessary help have been provided to all athletes for Paris Olympics.

“Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s leadership, Government is working to strengthen the sports infrastructure. The progress made in the field of sports in the last 10 years has been very encouraging,” he said. “I am confident that our athletes will perform their best in the Paris Olympic Games,” he said.

The Union Sports Minister also presented medals to the winners of the National Interstate Athletics Championships.

 

 

Earlier in the day, Dr. Mandaviya visited the Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports in Patiala and interacted with weightlifter MirabaiChanu, Javelin Thrower Annu Rani and Shot Putter AbhaKhatua as well as a number of other athletes and coaches in the National Centre of Excellence.

 

 

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Pragya Paliwal Gaur/ Himanshu Pathak

"Times Now" Doctor Awards to eminent medical professionals in different specialties from across the country

 Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, as chief guest, today presented “Times Now” Doctor Awards to eminent medical professionals in different specialties from across the country. The programme was organized by “Times Now” media group on the eve of Doctor’s Day.

Speaking on the occasion and later in an exclusive media interaction with “Times Now”, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized preventive healthcare in young. He said, increasing prevalence of morbidities of later age happening in younger age like, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, young Heart attacks, malignancies etc are not only a health challenge but also threaten to drain away the vital youth energy and youth potential which would otherwise be contributing to the task of nation building and realizing the vision of India 2047.

Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded “Times Now” for having started the practice of honoring the medical professionals and offering them a media slot which is otherwise not commonly available to doctors.

“Doctors are prime movers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’ vision of Universal Healthcare for all,” said Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.The Minister expressed his happiness and fortune to be a part of the medical fraternity on doctors’ day. Dr. Jitendra Singh said “It’s a rare occasion to have some of the best brains in medicine coming together under one roof.”

 

Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is himself a professor of medicine & endocrinology, expressed gratitude on meeting his teacher B.C. Roy award winner Prof Dr V. Seshiah, founder-head of India’s first-ever Department of Diabetology that was started at Madras Medical College, Chennai. who was felicitated at the event. He also appreciated the organizers for bringing three generations of doctors together under the same room. The Union minister also felicitated the doctors in ‘Legends of Medicine’ Category.

The Science and Technology Minister said “India acknowledges the sacrifices made by doctors, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic” and Doctors’ Day is a special occasion to honor the tireless dedication and invaluable contributions of our doctors and medical professionals, he added. He also highlighted the critical role that doctors play in ensuring the health and well-being of our society.

Highlighting India’s progress in the last decade in the health sector, Dr. Jitendra Singh said “India became a global leader not just in curative healthcare but also in preventive healthcare.” He categorically mentioned the role of digital healthcare and its impact on reaching the remotest location by telemedicine. He also shared that India played a pivotal role in ensuring availability of vaccines and other healthcare services to our neighboring countries.

 

Emphasizing the cooperation and collaboration of both the Government and Private sector to provide best services to citizens and promote ease of healthy living . He also highlighted the government’s initiatives and policies aimed at supporting and improving the healthcare system.

Speaking on development of medical infrastructure the minister recalled the number of AIIMS before 2014 compared to the number in 2024.He shared that health care should not limit itself to allopathic medicine but it should be seen holistically with integration of AYUSH and other systems. He also mentioned that the government is committed to providing better working conditions, continuous education and research opportunities for medical professionals.

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18th “Statistics Day” celebrated today with the theme "Use of Data for Decision-Making"

 In recognition of the notable contributions made by Professor (late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics and economic planning, Government of India has designated June 29 every year, coinciding with his birth anniversary, as “Statistics Day” in the category of Special Days to be celebrated at the national level. The main objective of celebrating Statistics Day is creation of public awareness, especially among the younger generation, on the role and importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation for development of the country.

Since 2007, Statistics Day is celebrated every year with a theme of contemporary national importance. The theme for Statistics Day, 2024 is “Use of data for decision-making”. The concept of data driven decision making is important for making informed decisions in any field, and it is one of the pre-requisites for better understanding of statistical information, emanating from official statistics and for facilitating evidence-based decision making.

The main event of Statistics Day, 2024 was organized at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt., New Delhi. The Chief Guest, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman, 16th Finance Commission addressed the gathering. He narrated the role played by Prof. P.C.Mahalanobis in shaping the Indian Statistical System. He also urged that India should continue its data driven policy making in order to move along its development trajectory.  

Prof. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, Chairman, National Statistical Commission and Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI also addressed the participants on this occasion. Chairman, NSC, emphasized the need to make the data more accessible and usable, and suggested that Ministry’s efforts on leveraging Information Technology for producing data needs to continue. He also stressed upon the need of the interoperability and linking of databases generated by various agencies through coordination among stakeholders. Secretary, MoSPI while addressing the audience highlighted the recent initiatives of the Ministry for reducing time-lag in survey data like Computer-Aided Personal Interview (CAPI), new surveys, user engagement exercise and the newly launched eSankhyiki portal. He hoped the spirit of Statistics Day will continue to inspire the statistical personnel and planners for data driven decision making.

Senior officers of Central Ministries/Departments, State/UT Governments, representatives of international organizations viz. UN agencies, World Bank, etc. and other stakeholders also participated in the event. The event was also web-cast/live streamed through the social media handles of the Ministry. On this occasion, the winners of ‘On the Spot Essay Writing Competition, 2024’ for Post- Graduate Students were also felicitated.

During the technical session, Dr. Ajay Kumar, ex-Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, addressed the gathering on the importance of data in governance. He highlighted the importance of data in the dynamically changing digital age and the increasing role and scope of MoSPI. This was followed by a presentation on global experience of using data for decision making by Mr. Luis Felipe Lopez-Calva, Global Director for the World Bank Group’s poverty and equity global practice.  He emphasized that data is an essential infrastructure for effective policy making, while sharing prevalent global practices.

Based on the updated Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework (SDGs- NIF), every year MoSPI releases the Progress Report on SDGs with time series data on Statistics Day (i.e., on 29th June) along with two handbooks which are derived from the progress report. Accordingly, following three reports were released during the event:

  1. Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2024’
  2. ‘Data Snapshot on Sustainable Development Goals- National Indicator Framework, 2024’
  3. ‘Sustainable Development Goals- National Indicator Framework, 2024’

These reports can be accessed at the MoSPI’s website (www.mospi.gov.in). The time series data on the SDG indicators are downloadable in MS excel format from the report.

The Ministry launched an eSankhyiki portal (https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in) with the objective to establish a comprehensive data management and sharing system for ease of dissemination of official statistics in the country. The portal can also be accessed through the website of MoSPI (https://mospi.gov.in/). It is to provide timely inputs for planners, policy-makers, researchers and the public at large. The eSankhyiki Portal has two sections facilitating easy access and re-use of data, namely:

  1. Data Catalogue: The catalogue lists the major data assets of the Ministry such as National Accounts Statistics, Consumer Price Index, Index of Industrial Production, Annual Survey of Industries, Periodic Labour Force Survey and Household Consumption Expenditure Survey at one place.
  2. Macro Indicators: It offers time series data of key macro indicators with features for filtering and visualization. It also allows users to download custom datasets, visualizations and accessing them through APIs, thereby increasing the re-usability of data. At present, this section includes four major products of MoSPI: National Accounts Statistics, Consumer Price Index, Index of Industrial Production, and Annual Survey of Industries, encompassing the data of last ten years.

 

   

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Delhi Dehradun Expressway

 Union Minister of State of Corporate Affairs; Road, Transport and Highways Shri Harsh Malhotra made a site visit to review the progress of the Delhi Dehradun Expressway with Member of Parliament, Shri Manoj Tiwari, Member of Legislative Assembly, Shri Mohan Singh Bisht & Area Councilors of Municipal Corporation of Delhi and National Highways Authority of India officials on 29.06.2024. He also inspected National Highway 709B to address the water logging issue and other issues related to stretches on this National Highway.

The site visit started from Geeta Colony near shamshan ghat(chainage km 5+100) of the NH-709B and continued to Sonia vihar (chainage km 14+ 350) and Sabhapur village(chainage km 15+300).

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Delhi Dehradun Expressway and stated that the expressway would be instrumental in decongesting East Delhi’s Gandhi Nagar area and would also reduce the load on Delhi Meerut Expressway. He directed for timely completion of the Expressway so that it would be opened for the general public as per the schedule.

Regarding water logging on National Highway-9, NHAI officials informed that there is a parallel master drain of MCD/PWD alongwith the NH which is stagnated and over flooded for many years. Further, surface drain of NH is also connected to the parallel master drain for disposal of surface water of highway portion. Since the parallel master drain of MCD/PWD is stagnated, the surface water of NH instead of going into master drain (which is already flooded because of stagnation and limited capacity) hits back and floods the service road of NHAI. The Minister directed the NHAI officials to take up this issue with MCD/PWD for taking necessary action by them.

The Minister took cognizance of the issues raised by the residents at the spot and directed the NHAI officials to ensure speedy progress of  the developments while ensuring  that the works do not cause any sort of problems to the local residents. He directed to provide two additional U turn to provided necessary access on both sides to LMVs in the proximity of two U turns which have already been proposed near shamshan ghat Geeta colony, Delhi (one near elevated flyover and one  near existing flyover). The Minister also assured the public that green belt area would be developed underneath the flyover which would in turn be a boon for environment.

In response to the request of Sonia Vihar residents for shifting of toll plaza, the Minister assured that the toll plaza will be shifted 300 meters towards Uttar Pradesh to ensure that local residents of Sonia Vihar, Delhi do not pay any toll tax. The Minister also assured that the drain from Uttar Pradesh side would be rechanelised.

In Sabhapur village, the Minister directed the NHAI officials for quick resolution of the water logging issues and to ensure that the work starts from today itself. Directions were also given to the officials for reviewing the pipelines there and resolve the issues as soon as possible. He further assured that the service road would be constructed so that the local residents do not face any hardship in commuting to nearby villages.

Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi reviews performance of the schemes/programmes run by Khadi and Village Industries Commission(KVIC)

 Union Minister for MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi and Minister of State for MSME Ms. Shobha Karandlaje reviewed the performance of the Schemes/programmes run by Khadi and Village Industries Commission(KVIC) for the development of Khadi and Village Industries(KVI) Sector in the Country with Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman, KVIC. Senior Officials of the Ministry of MSME and KVIC were also present.

 

Union Minister emphasized the need to deepen and broaden the efforts through focused approach on implementation of schemes for promotion of KVI Sector and supporting Khadi artisans.