Tag: Conference

Conference on enhancing financial cohesion and synergy in Armed Forces held in New Delhi

 Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has stressed the need to embrace changes in financial processes due to the rapidly changing nature and character of war driven by geopolitical dynamics and technological advancements. He was delivering a keynote address at the apex level conference on Aug 5, 2024, in New Delhi on enhancing cohesion and synergy in financial matters pertaining to Armed Forces. CDS said such changes have brought about a non-linear and non-predictable evolution.

Gen Anil Chauhan exhorted all stakeholders to act in cohesion and synergy to safeguard India’s strategic interests while working jointly towards ensuring National Security, which is an important pillar of Viksit Bharat.

Vice Chiefs of Service HQs attended the conference, along with senior functionaries from Service HQs, Coast Guard HQ, MoD Acquisition, MoD Finance, CGDA, and all Principal Integrated Financial Advisors. The conference was steered by HQ IDS and focused on improving the efficiency in defence procurements while adhering to all financial canons.

In his opening address, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (PP&FD) Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan set the pace for discussions by bringing out the intricacies of defence procurements. Financial Adviser (Defence Services) Shri Sugata Ghosh Dastidar stressed on reducing foreign dependence and moving towards Aatmanirbharta while ensuring greater collaboration with Academia towards research and development in defence.

The conference saw all stakeholders putting forth their perspectives and deliberating ways to enhance cohesion and synergy. Service HQs gave insights into their respective challenges in public procurement and methodologies to overcome the same were discussed. The PIFAs participated actively on critical issues of Capital & Revenue procurements. Positive suggestions and recommendations were elucidated by MoD Finance.

Some of the key deliverables of the conference included the importance of Outcome Oriented Budget, Expeditious Procurements, and Financial Propriety. These key takeaways would be forwarded to the MoD for ratification.

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Two-day conference on jointness & integration of Armed Forces on 9-10 May

 In light of the imminent Theaterization, the Indian Armed Forces are intent on giving momentum to the ongoing Jointness and Integration initiatives amongst the three services.

“Parivartan Chintan”, a pioneering conference for the heads of all Tri-services Institutes, aimed at generating novel reformative ideas & initiatives, was conducted on 08 Apr 2024. Parivartan Chintan – Il, chaired by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, is planned over a period of two days on 09-10 May 2024 in New Delhi.

Members from all the sub-committees of the apex Chiefs of Staff Committee; the CDS as its permanent Chairman and the three Service Chiefs, shall review the progress made in multiple domains, and ideate on the necessary reforms to achieve the desired end state towards transformation through jointness and integration.

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The Power of Conferences: Unlocking Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration
In today’s fast-paced and rapidly changing world, staying informed and up-to-date is crucial for success. Conferences offer a unique opportunity for individuals to come together, share knowledge, and learn from each other’s experiences. These events provide a platform for experts and professionals to exchange ideas, discuss best practices, and explore new perspectives.
Benefits of Conferences:
1. *Knowledge Sharing*: Conferences facilitate the exchange of information and ideas among attendees, allowing them to learn from each other’s experiences and expertise.
2. *Networking Opportunities*: Conferences provide a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, build relationships, and establish valuable professional networks.
3. *Professional Development*: Attendees can gain insights into the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in their field, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
4. *Collaboration and Partnerships*: Conferences foster collaboration and partnerships among attendees, leading to new projects, business opportunities, and joint ventures.
5. *Inspiration and Motivation*: Conferences offer a stimulating environment that inspires and motivates attendees to tackle challenges and pursue new goals.
Types of Conferences:
1. *Industry Conferences*: Focus on specific industries, such as technology, healthcare, or finance.
2. *Academic Conferences*: Centered on research and academic topics, often featuring presentations and paper submissions.
3. *Professional Development Conferences*: Emphasize skill-building and training for professionals.
4. *Networking Conferences*: Prioritize building connections and relationships among attendees.
Best Practices for Effective Conferences:
1. *Clear Objectives*: Define the conference’s purpose and goals.
2. *Engaging Speakers*: Select speakers who are experts in their field and can deliver informative and engaging presentations.
3. *Interactive Sessions*: Incorporate workshops, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions to encourage audience participation.
4. *Networking Opportunities*: Provide dedicated time for attendees to connect and build relationships.
5. *Follow-up*: Encourage post-conference collaboration and knowledge sharing through online platforms and social media.
In conclusion, conferences offer a powerful platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and professional growth. By understanding the benefits, types, and best practices of conferences, individuals and organizations can harness their full potential and drive success in their respective fields.

Elevate Your Conference Experience: Unlock the Power of Publication Support with Pen2Print

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Top Ten Conferences in the World

 Identifying the absolute top ten conferences in the world is subjective and can vary depending on the field, relevance, impact, and attendee experience. However, here’s a diverse list that often garners significant attention and participation:

  1. CES (Consumer Electronics Show): Held annually in Las Vegas, CES is a premier global event for showcasing cutting-edge consumer technologies, innovations, and trends across various industries.

  2. World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (WEF Davos): An influential gathering of global leaders, business tycoons, policymakers, and intellectuals in Davos, Switzerland, discussing key economic, political, and societal issues.

  3. TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Conference: Known for its powerful talks on diverse topics, the TED Conference brings together thought leaders, innovators, and influencers sharing inspiring ideas and stories.

  4. SXSW (South by Southwest): Held in Austin, Texas, SXSW is a multifaceted event encompassing technology, music, film, and culture, attracting a diverse global audience.

  5. Mobile World Congress (MWC): A leading event in the mobile technology industry held in Barcelona, MWC showcases the latest advancements in mobile devices, networks, and technology trends.

  6. Web Summit: Europe’s largest tech conference gathering global tech leaders, startups, and innovators discussing emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.

  7. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA): A prestigious conference in the field of robotics and automation, attracting researchers, engineers, and industry professionals worldwide.

  8. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting: A significant conference in oncology and cancer research, featuring cutting-edge research and discussions on cancer prevention and treatment.

  9. International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML): One of the prominent conferences in machine learning and artificial intelligence, gathering researchers and experts to discuss the latest advancements.

  10. United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP): These annual global events bring together countries, organizations, and stakeholders to address climate change and environmental sustainability.

Each of these conferences has its unique focus, audience, and impact within its respective field, attracting a diverse range of attendees and speakers from around the world. The significance of these conferences often lies in their contribution to knowledge exchange, networking opportunities, and shaping global discussions and innovations.

Global Fisheries Conference India 2023

 On the occasion of World Fisheries Day, Dept. of Fisheries, GoI is organising two day Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 which began at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat today.  Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the Special Pavilion and main Exhibition of Global Fisheries Conference India 2023. Minister of States for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Dr. Sanjeev K. Balyan, and Dr. L Murugan, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Ministers of various states, Ambassador of various countries, other dignitaries and heads of various organisations and fisheries research institutes were present in the event.

Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala released the “State Fishes of India Booklet” to encourage each state in India to adopt a fish and conserve its biodiversity. The booklet contains details of 21 fish species adopted as State Fish and declared as State Aquatic Animal. The other key publication released was “Handbook on Fisheries Statistics year 2022” that aims at providing key data points and performance indicators for the Fisheries sector making accurate and reliable fisheries data available to all.

Further, Union Minister Shri Rupala distributed Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) claim cheques (Rs 5 lakhs each) to beneficiaries /legal heirs from states of Odisha and Puducherry, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) to eligible beneficiaries with the loan amount of Rs 35 thousand to Rs 3 lakhs for beneficiaries from Gujarat, Green Fuel conversion kit for sustainable development of fisheries sector that included beneficiaries from Kerala and transponders for beneficiaries from Gujarat.

In his address, Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala welcomed all the guests and lauded the efforts for getting together diversified national and global experts and stakeholders on one platform on important matters of deliberation terming the event to be historic. He encouraged that the series of state fish declaration by major states of UP, Maharashtra and Gujarat make fish rearing an interesting subject for the general public. He further hoped that new products and innovation for sustainable development continues to enhance.

At the event,  the Inland Reservoir Lease Portal of Government of Gujarat was launched by Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel. The reservoir leasing will now be done on online using the portal through e-tender/ e-auction for transparency in lease allocation procedure with priority given to Fisheries cooperatives, FFPO, SHGs etc. Chief Minister of Gujarat also digitaly launched Black spotted Crocker (commonly known as Ghol) as the State Fish of Gujarat.

Chief Minister of Gujarat in his keynote address welcomed all guests and highlighted that as a leading fish production and exporting state in India, it is a great opportunity for Gujarat to host this mega event. Gujarat is a policy-vision state hence along with the existing progressive programs and initiatives, Blue economy is being prioritised as a key focus area.

MoS Dr. Sanjeev K. Balyan welcomed all the dignitaries and highlighted that the Indian Fisheries sector has expanded from the coastal states to the Northern states and inland fisheries and aquaculture particularly shrimp aquaculture is getting popular in the Northern states of India. Provisions should thus be made to continue with the momentum through infrastructure support.

MoS Dr. L Murugan congratulated all on occasion of World Fisheries day. He informed that a unique outreach program undertaken by Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala covering the 8000 kms coastline of India is progressing towards completion. He highlighted that the achievements of the Fisheries sector are in line with the vision of Prime Minister of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India as Indian products and services are being popularised to achieve self-sufficiency and of best quality.

Mr. Takayuki Hagiwara, Head of Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in India congratulated all on occasion of World Fisheries Day prioritising healthy ecosystem and healthy stocks as a key FAO strategy. He exhibited confidence that India can champion the Blue Transformation initiatives as it has the potential to expand sustainably and FAO gladly extends its support to India in its initiatives for innovative value chain development, reduction of illegal and unregulated fishing etc.

Minister for Agri, AH, Cow-Breeding, Fisheries, RH & RD, Govt. of Gujarat, Shri Raghavjibhai Patel in his special address thanked all the participants for coming and highlighted that the state of Gujarat has been progressive and under Digital India has launched online systems that create transparency and make immediate transfers possible to beneficiaries directly. He envisioned an aqua park in Gujarat in time to come.

Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi welcomed all the guests and informed that the Department of Fisheries, GoI has four focus areas namely improvement of production and productivity, infrastructure development and strengthening market linkages, technology infusion and ease of Doing business as done under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) Act amendment.

Towards the end, a message by Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat was shared with the audience where he expressed his best wishes on occasion of World Fisheries day and hoped that the conference achieves its objectives of bringing in diverse perspectives.

Joint Secretary for DoF, Shri Sagar Mehra highlighted that the Department of Fisheries organized the event of this scale and magnitude for the first time. He said it is moment of pride for DoF (MoFAH&D, GoI) to host 10 foreign missions from the countries of France, New Zealand, Norway, Australia, Russia, Spain, Zimbabwe, Angola, Brazil and Greece along with International organisations namely Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN-FAO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Bay of Bengal Program (BoBP), Marine Stewardship Council India (MSC), Ministers from the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himanchal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Goa and Andhra Pradesh.

The delegation interacted with the exhibitors in the special pavilion that included demonstration of aquariums, Artificial reefs, Seaweed Cultivation, capture fisheries, marine cage culture, biofloc, RAS, fish feed, LPG converter kits, pearl extraction and nucleus implantation, model of Setcom satellite terminals communication system, eco-friendly movable kiosks, mutli-species hatchery etc.

In line with the past years, on occasion of the World Fisheries Day, awards were distributed by the dignitaries. Andhra Pradesh was awarded as the Best Marine State, Uttar Pradesh awarded as the Best Inland State award, Assam as the Best Himalayan region and North Easter State award. Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu) was awarded as the Best Marine District, Seoni (Madhya Pradesh), Kamrup (Assam) won the Best Inland District and the Best Himalayan and North Eastern District respectively and Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) won the Best District in the Union Territories category. Awards for Best Fish Farmers, Best Fisheries Cooperatives and the Best Fisheries Enterprises were also distributed during the function.

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36th Annual Conference and Literary Festival of All India Santali Writers’ Association at Baripada, Odisha

 The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the inaugural session of the 36th Annual Conference and Literary Festival of All India Santali Writers’ Association at Baripada, Odisha today (November 20, 2023). 

Speaking on the occasion, the President appreciated writers and researchers who are contributing to the Santhali language and literature. She appreciated that All India Santali Writers’ Association has been promoting Santhali language since its establishment in 1988. She noted that use of Santhali language has been increased in government and non-government sectors, after its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution on 22 December, 2003. She remembered former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on the occasion, during whose tenure Santhali language was included in the Eighth Schedule.  

The President said that most of the Santhali literature was available in the oral tradition. Pandit Raghunath Murmu has not only invented the Ol Chiki script, but he has also further enriched the Santhali language by composing plays like ‘Bidu Chandan’, ‘Kherwal Bir’, ‘Darege Dhan’, ‘Sido- Kanhu – Santhal Hool’. She highlighted that many Santhali writers are enriching Santhali literature with their works. She said that it is a matter of pride that Damayanti Besra and Kali Pada Saren – popularly known as Kherwal Saren – have been honoured with Padma Shri in 2020 and 2022 respectively for education and literature. 

The President said that authors are vigilant watchdogs of society. They make society aware and guide it through their work. Many litterateurs showed path to our national movement during the freedom struggle. She urged writers to continuously create awareness in the society through their writings. She stressed that creating awareness among the people of tribal communities is an important task. She said that building a strong and vigilant society is possible only through continuous awareness. 

The President said that literature is a mirror of the culture of a community. She said that natural co-existence of humans with nature is seen in the tribal lifestyle. She added that the tribal communities believe that the forest does not belong to them but they belong to the forest. She highlighted that today climate change is a huge problem and nature-friendly living is very important to tackle this issue. She urged writers to write about the lifestyles of tribal communities so that other people could know about the life values of tribal society. 

The President said that India is a beautiful garden of different languages and literatures. She added that language and literature are the subtle threads that bind the nation together and literature is enriched by extensive exchange between different languages which is possible through translations. She said that readers of Santhali language should also be introduced to the literature of other languages through translation. She underlined the need for similar efforts to make Santhali literature reach the readers of other languages. 

The President said that there is a need to keep children engaged in self-study right from the beginning. She added that that anyone can become a good reader by doing self-study since childhood. She highlighted the need to create entertaining and comprehensible children’s literature. She stated that emphasis should be laid on creating interesting children’s literature not only in Santhali literature but in all Indian languages.

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Global Fisheries Conference India 2023

 Union Fisheries Minister Shri. ParshottamRupala will inaugurate the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 in Ahmedabadon Tuesday. Many dignitaries including Chief Minister of Gujarat  Shri. Bhupendrabhai Patel, Ministers of State Dr L Murugan and Dr Sanjeev K Balyan, State Fisheries Ministers, Union Fisheries Secretary will also be present there.

Ahmedabad is set to host the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023, a two-day mega event bringing together a diverse array of dignitaries and stakeholders including state fisheries ministers, ambassadors of different nations, global fisheries scientists, policy makers, fisheries communities and investment bankers on November 21 and 22 on the occasion of World Fisheries Day.  The conference is organised by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. It will serve as a platform to forge partnerships with national and international stakeholders and chalk out a roadmap for sustainable growth of India’s fisheries sector. Under the theme ‘Celebrating Fisheries and Aquaculture Wealth’, the conference aims to bring together key stakeholders on one platform for fruitful discussions, market insights and networking.

International Collaboration

The Central Government intends to capitalise on this global event as a strategic platform to harness international collaboration aiming to boost export, enhance the socio-economic well-being of fishers and aquafarmers, and promote start-up and entrepreneurial initiatives across the value chain in the sector.  

International Round Table led by Union Minister

Major highlights of the conferenceincludeInternational Round Table Meet led by Union Fisheries Minister Shri. ParshottamRupala. This high-level dialogue, attended by ambassadors of different nations and representatives of various international agencies, will focus on international collaborative efforts to sustain the sector amid a range of critical challenges, including climate crisis. 

High-level delegations from more than10 countries have confirmed their participation and will attend the Conferencephysically. France will be represented by Ms. Monique Tran representing Counsellor for Agricultural Affairs, Cristian Rodrigo Valdes Carter and Ms. Arti Bhatia Kumar will represent Norway; Dr Richard Niall, First Secretary (Agriculture) from Australian High Commission; Muratov Sergey,  AdiatulinIlias and Shagushina Anna from Russia; Wagner Antunes, Head of the Trade Promotion Department of the Embassy of Brazil; Mr.DimitriosIoannou, Minister and Ambassador, Greece; Borja Velasco Tuduri, Counsellor, Spain; Melanie Phillips, Counsellor (Agriculture), New Zealand; and Peter Hobwani, Deputy Ambassador, Zimbabwe have already confirmed their participation. In addition, more than 50 other foreign diplomats are anticipated to join the meet virtually.

Similarly, around 10 renowned international organizations will also attend the global meet. Mr. Changnam Jung, Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist of Asian Development Bank (ADB); Takayuki Hagiwara, India Head of Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO); Pratap Sinha, Sandeep Nayak, Rajadyuti Mahapatra and Dharmendra Bhoi from GiZ; Dr P Krishnan, Director of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Programme (BOBP-IGO) and Ranjit Suseelan, India Consultant of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) will attend the conference.

The Conference will also be attended byMr. Changnam Jung, Natural Resources and Agriculture Specialist of Asian Development Bank (ADB); Takayuki Hagiwara, India Head of Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO); Pratap Sinha, Sandeep Nayak, Rajadyuti Mahapatra and Dharmendra Bhoi from GiZ; Dr P Krishnan, Director, Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Programme (BOBP-IGO) and Ranjit Suseelan, India Consultant of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) will attend the conference.

Unique Opportunity for Stakeholders

The conference covers over 210 national and international exhibitors, including start-ups, exporters, fisheries associations, and processing industries. It will showcase their products, success stories, and innovative solutions. This will offer a unique opportunity to the enterprises, startups, associations, co-operatives, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and small-medium fisheries enterprises to come together on one platform and showcase their range of products and services in the fisheries. 

The event will encompass a range of engaging sessions, including Matsya Manthan, featuring technical discussions with national and international experts; industry connect for interactions between industry stakeholders and policy makers; Government to Government (G2G), Business to Government (B2G) and Business to Business (B2B) Bilateral meets; exhibition showcasing cutting-edge fisheries and aquaculture technologies. A special pavilion will be set up to exclusively demonstrate 10 transformative initiatives in the fisheries sector.

Industry Connect & Business pitches

During the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023, Industry connect will be organised to engage the industry stakeholders with others including policy makers for deliberations upon issues such as start-up ecosystem, co-operation & collaboration in the fisheries sector, technology and knowledge transfer, R&D, capacity building, extension, best practices, involvement of women in fisheries value chain, safety standards, market linkages, and business opportunities etc. This session will feature prominent representatives from organizations like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and other prominent fisheries industry associations.

The event is anticipated to attract a total of 5,000 visitors, including fishers, fish farmers, fish vendors, representatives of fisheries cooperatives, local communities, foreign delegates and investors, and fisheries start-ups. International leaders, technology investors, research and development institutions, equipment manufacturers, export councils, fisheries’ associations, financial institutions, international fishing industry organizations, and aquaculture pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals will also participate in the two-day mega event.

 

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33rd Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific at New Delhi today

 Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan chaired the inaugural session of the 33rd Conference of the WOAH (World Organization for Animal Health) Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific at New Delhi today. Many dignitories including MoS(FAHD),Dr. L. Murugan were present at the occasion.  This 4-day event is scheduled from November 13 to 16, 2023.

Secretary, Dept of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Smt. Alka Upadhyaya and the Indian delegate in WOAH, was appointed as the chairperson. In her address, she highlighted the significance of One Health under the National Digital Livestock Mission, transforming the livestock health landscape in India and globally.

Delegates and experts from 24 member countries are participating physically, with others joining virtually. The event was graced by dignitaries including Dr. Monique Eloit, WOAH Director General; Dr. Baoxu Huang, President, WOAH Regional Commission of Asia and the Pacific; Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, GoI and Dr. Hirofumi Kugita, WOAH Regional Representative for Asia and Pacific, Japan.

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ANNUAL NAVY EDUCATION SOCIETY CONFERENCE – 2023

 The Annual Navy Education Society (NES) Conference 2023 was held at Headquarters Gujarat, Daman & Diu Naval Area, Porbandar on 09 – 10 November 2023, chaired by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of Personnel & Chairman NES. The conference was also attended by Commodore G Rambabu, Commodore (Naval Education) & Vice Chairman NES and academic as well as administrative leadership of Navy Children Schools across the country. The Executive Committee, Management Advisory Committee and Academic Advisory Committee meetings held as part of the conference deliberated policy framework for Naval Schools with specific impetus to implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. For the first time ever, representatives of Naval Kindergartens from various Naval Stations also took part in the conference.

On this occasion, Chairman NES presented Rolling Trophies to schools that excelled in academics during the last academic year. Addressing the delegates, Chairman NES appreciated the role played by NCSs in imparting quality education to children of naval personnel. He exhorted all stakeholders to continue investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and faculty development, to facilitate a conducive learning environment that motivates children to imbibe life skills and excel in academics and co-curricular activities. A guided tour of Navy Children School Porbandar was also organised for the delegates.

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‘Green Hydrogen Pilots in India’ Conference

 In the run-up to the 18th G20 Summit, a day-long conference on “Green Hydrogen Pilots in India” is being held in New Delhi, on 5th September, 2023. The conference will showcase various Green Hydrogen Pilots being implemented by both public and private sector companies of India. The conference will also present pioneering innovative pilots and progress in green hydrogen technology.

The conference is being hosted by NTPC Ltd., India’s leading integrated power producer.

Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh will attend the opening session of the conference and deliver the keynote address.

Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Shri Bhupinder S. Bhalla; CMD, NTPC, Shri Gurdeep Singh; and CEO, NTPC Green Energy Ltd., Shri Mohit Bhargava will also address the opening session.

Conference participants will get the opportunity to see pilot innovations and gain valuable insights into the future of clean energy. Green hydrogen pilots being showcased include presentations on Green Hydrogen Blending in Petroleum and Natural Gas (NTPC); Green Hydrogen Mobility (NTPC); FCEV and H2ICE Vehicles (Ashok Leyland); Green Shipping Initiatives (Cochin Shipyard); Microgrid and Mobility (NHPC); Mobility, Blending using AEM Electrolysers (Oil India); Green Hydrogen based Microgrid and other initiatives (H2E); Green Ammonia Plant in Bikaner (ACME); Green Methanol, Green Ethanol  (NTPC); Making of DRI Steel with Green Hydrogen (Ministry of Steel); Hydrogen based Microgrid Initiatives (THDC); Green Hydrogen for use in Welding Procedures at Hazira (L&T); Green Hydrogen using off-grid solar (Hygenco); and Solar to Direct Hydrogen – (SoHHytec).

The discussions during the event will help in assimilation of information and encourage sharing of achievements and challenges faced by the early movers. In addition, the pilot projects will help address technological challenges, develop local supply chains, and optimise techno-economic feasibility in the future.

The conference will not only illuminate the path forward but also inspire concerted efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

The agenda of the conference can be found here.

Related:

 

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National KCC Conference for Fisheries,Animal Husbandry & Dairying’ in Maharashtra

 Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala chaired National KCC Conference for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying’ in Maharashtra today. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying organised the National KCC Conference in coordination with Department of Fisheries. Minister of State, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, Minister for Fisheries, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Revenue, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Radhakrishna Eknathrao Vikhe Patil, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, Additional Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ms. Varsha Joshi, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), Department of Fishries, Shri Sagar Mehra and Chief Executive, NFDB, Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, ARS were present in the event. Special guests, Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Shri Neeraj Nigam and CGM, Dept. of Refinance, NABARD, Shri Vivek Sinha too graced the occasion.

Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala congratulated all officials from Department of Fisheries(DoF), Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying(DAHD), Govt. of Maharashtra. He emphasized that KCC should be issued to both AHD and fisheries’ farmers and as a first step they should be acknowledged. This is expected to develop the rural economy. He appreciated the work undertaken by the department officials along with district officers for promotion of KCC during Sagar Parikrama. He said that reviews at district levels should be done to address on ground issue.

Short videos on PMMSY and KCC by DoF /DAHD and KCC with benefits and eligibility of KCC along with testimonials from beneficiaries were shared. Shri Parshottam Rupala distributed KCC cards to eligible fishers and fishermen. Followed by virtual interactions the beneficiaries shared their experiences in availing KCC.

MoS, MoFAH&D, Dr. L Murugan, welcomed everyone for the first National KCC Conference and emphasised that a component of Garib Kalyan includes financial inclusion hence it should be endured that high interest loan imposed by local creditor need to be eliminated through promotion of KCC all over the country. Hence he urged all Banks to come forward, train and build capacity. Minister for Revenue, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Radhakrishna Eknathrao Vikhe Patil advised all bankers present to relax the norms as both the sectors of DAHD and DoF are undergoing transformation and requires credit at the ground level.

Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad highlighted that as India moves towards achieving our goal of becoming the 3rd largest economy, changes need to take place at the grass root level. He urged that KCC should be given to all fisheries’ applicants, pending applications should be dealt with at the earliest and return applications either from bank or applicant should be taken up. Like the state scheme of Gujarat that finances loan at 0%, such a provision should also be proposed to the cabinet. He also urged that small scale vendors and women vendors should be treated as vendors to make implementation easy. He suggested that Banks should participate proactively in promoting the scheme and door to door mobilisation for KCC should take place. Minister for Fisheries, Forest and Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, appreciated the Sagar Parikarama programme and congratulation the Union Minister for leading the initiative. He emphasised that KCC applicants should be handheld with care and vendors too should be granted loans such that problems of market linkages, technology adoption etc may be resolved. He also suggested that provisions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) should be explored for livelihood generation.

Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Dr Abhilakh Likhi mentioned that with Fisheries has a credit target of Rs 25,000 crore hence ease of business is critical. Prioritisation for examining reasons for rejection of applications, review of Scale of finance for shrimp culture and other intensive activities, credit for women vendors, inclusion of FAHD in Ghar Ghar KCC abhiyan, fund requirements for capacity building, outreach, communication by States/UTs etc were highlighted during the address.  Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ms Alka Upadhyaya highlighted that India is known as the ‘Dairy of the world’ and now India needs to move ahead from self-sufficiency towards entrepreneurship and value addition. Need for KCC outreach at district and block levels for coverage of larger beneficiary base and need for monitoring in collaboration with DFS was emphasised upon.

The event kick started with Welcome address by Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), Department of Fishries, Shri Sagar Mehra and requested all stakeholders present to share their views, issues, challenges, suggestions, feedbacks to identify specific causes and gaps in implementation of KCC scheme. He emphasised that certain norms need to be relaxed and some corrective actions need to be taken so that KCC reaches all eligible farmers across the country. Additional Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ms. Varsha Joshi highlighted the achievements on KCC in DAHD and challenges faced by the sector. She urged that stakeholders should relax few norms and educate farmers as needed.

Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Shri Neeraj Nigam highlighted that enhancement in uptake of small loans is essential to achieve financial inclusion. He deliberated that banks need to comply with RBI KCC guidelines, further, bank staff may be trained in financial literacy and campaigning should be done across the year, processing timelines should be followed while status should be relevantly communicated by the banks. He mentioned that monitoring should be taken seriously and should be done at the lower levels i.e. block and district levels for issues to be further highlighted at the state level. CGM, Dept. of Refinance, NABARD, Shri V.K Sinha highlighted that allied sectors of agriculture have become equally important as the core sector itself and for realising the actual potential each value chain node needs to be focused upon. He highlighted that NABARD is reviewing RRBs regularly and will continue to do so to get on-ground information. He suggested that uniform guidelines should be made available for bankers to follow on issues related to the documentation.

Chief General Manager, ABU & GSS, SBI, Shri Shantanu Pendsey briefly spoke about the products offered by SBI to farmers which includes the newly developed product for supporting value addition/ processing in the value chain. He informed that challenges highlighted during the discussion have been duly noted and as an immediate step an advisory will be issued and circulated to ground zero for reiterating on compliance to the KCC guidelines and relaxation of insistence of ownership papers, cibil score while norms such as no collateral till 1.6 lakh, guarantor be followed. Former Governor Uttar Pradesh, Shri Ram Naik appreciated the Sagar Parikrama programme led by the Union Minister, MoFAH&D and urged inclusion of CSR for activities such as small landing centers etc should be promoted.

A total of 80,000 participants joined through physical and virtual modes; 35 states/UTs joined from 370 locations with 21,000 fishers and fish farmers, 9000 joined physically and through virtual mode while 50,000 AHD farmers connected through 1000 Common Service Centers (CSCs). Around 22 lakh public were reached out through digital, electronic, print media as part of outdoor campaign and publicity material in 7 vernacular languages on Guidelines/SOP were distributed and video on KCC facility for Fisheries was released. The programme concluded with Vote of Thanks by CE, NFDB, Shri L N Murthy.

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National Conference on KCC for Fisheries

 Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala will chair a one day “National Conference on KCC for Fisheries” on 4th September 2023 at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The Conference is being jointly organized by Department of Fisheries (DoF) and Department of Animal Husbandry Dairying (DAHD) to resolve pressing on-ground issues. The other dignitaries present during the event will be Minister of State, MoFAH&D – Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, -Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, Minister for Fisheries, Govt. of Maharashtra – Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister for Revenue, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Govt. of Maharashtra –Shri Radhakrishna Eknathrao Vikhepatil, Secretary,DAHD- Ms Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DoF – Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), Additional Secretary, DAHD – Ms Varsha Joshi, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), DoF- Shri Sagar Mehra and Chief Executive, NFDB – Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, ARS along with key representatives from financial and banking institutions namely Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Dept of Financial Services (DFS) and NABARD.

Representatives from Fisheries Department of States/UTs, NFDB and other relevant Departments/Ministries, KCC beneficiaries, fishermen, fish farmers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders from across the nation are expected to participate. The program is being organised in hybrid mode and is expected to have around 500 participants.

During the event, Minister of FAH&D will distribute KCC cards to eligible fishers and fishermen. He will interact with them and address the gathering in accordance with the discussion during the conference and the way forward from welfare and policy perspectives. Special address will be shared by representatives from RBI, DFS and NABARD. During the program, guidelines/SOPs on KCC in vernacular language will be distributed. The interaction between all the stakeholders is expected to pave way for addressing issues and give long term and practical solutions for seamless flow of available credit with simplified process, checks and balances.

Fisheries and aquaculture activities are an important source of food, nutrition and employment generation and is an important source of livelihood for 2.8 crore fishers and fishermen. In the last decade the sector has exhibited growth in a constituent manner and one of the key aspects that have been gained attention is availability of institutional finance to small scale fisheries’ stakeholders. 

Kisan Credit Card scheme was extended by the Government of India in the 2018-19 to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers to help them meet their working capital requirements. Reserve Bank of India issued the guidelines on KCC to fishers and fish farmers on 4th February 2019. Subsequently, to streamline the process of credit delivery through KCC to the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries farmers, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/Guidelines was issued in consultation with the stakeholders including Ministry of AHDF, RBI, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural development (NABARD) and Indian Bank’s Association (IBA).

In order to mobilise beneficiaries and boost uptake of KCC, Department of Fisheries has been pursuing all States/UTs and State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) to sensitize and disseminate information amongst the fishers and fish farmers. In spite of various challenges, all the States/UTs and SLBC are being pursued to enhance awareness and visibility about the usefulness of KCC facility amongst the potential beneficiaries through different mode of campaigns and outreach and promotional activities. Through these continued efforts, 1.49 lakh KCC have been issued till date to fishers and fish farmers across the country.

A special drive for mobilization of KCC applications was organized from 1st June to 31st December 2020 by DoF. Followed by a Nationwide campaign launched on 15th November 2021 to 31st July 2022 under the leadership of Minister of FAH&D. “Nationwide AHDF KCC Campaign” was resumed 15th September 2022 till 15th March 2023 and is now continuing from 1st May 2023 till 31st March 2024. Special KCC campaigns were also organized during Sagar Parikrama program in coastal districts. Through these campaigns, DoF endeavours to understand the bottlenecks and challenges in extending KCC facility by the financial and banking institutions while also attempting to understand the beneficiary perspective regarding their problems and constraints faced.

The Kisan Credit Card is a powerful tool for financial inclusion and collaboration where activity like agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying are treated as vital components for livelihood and income generation for large numbers of poor and marginal farmers and fishers. It represents the determination of the centre and the state entities to support its farmers and promote equitable growth.

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International Lesson Learning Workshop of Infrastructure for Climate Resilient Growth program

 Minister of State for Rural Development and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti inaugurated International Lesson Learning Workshop of the Infrastructure for Climate Resilient Growth program yesterday. Secretary (Rural Development), Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, the British High Commissioner to India, Shri Alex Ellis, the Resident Representative of UNDP, Shri Isabelle Tschan, Joint Secretary (Mahatma Gandhi NREGA), Shri Amit Kataria and Director (Mahatma Gandhi NREGA), Shri Dharmvir Jha were also present on the occasion. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, along with all notable guests jointly unveiled a book showcasing 75 success stories of climate resilience. This compendium, compiled by UNDP, highlights the significant role of the Mahatma Gandhi NREGScheme program in strengthening the climate resilience of vulnerable communities.

In her address, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti highlighted the nation’s unwavering commitment to building climate-resilient infrastructure for sustainable development. A shining example of this is the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA scheme, which is leading the way in conserving water and bridging vital gaps. Secretary, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh praised the efforts of State Governments, acknowledging that without their support, the program would not succeed in integrating climate resilience into the planning and implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi NREGScheme. During the event, a recorded message of the Minister of State for Indo-Pacific, Government of United Kingdom, Ms. Anne-Marie Trevelyan was relayed. In her message, she underscored the deepening trust and partnership between the two Nations in the realm of climate resilience, emphasizing their commitment to working together.

The British High Commissioner to India, Shri Alex Ellis conveyed that India’s climate action plans and development agenda place great importance on Adaptation and Resilience, making them a key focus area of the India-UK partnership. The technical assistance programme ‘Infrastructure for Climate Resilient Growth’ (ICRG), which was jointly conceived by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Government of United Kingdom, added value to the Mahatma Gandhi NREGScheme by way of integrating climate change considerations into the planning and implementation of the Scheme. The Resident Representative of UNDP, Shri Isabelle Tschan underlined that during the implementation of ICRG programme, UNDP used approach of building capacities of the key stakeholders including the rural communities and engaged them in planning and implementing Mahatma Gandhi NREGS. The efforts have showcased the success of this concept and approach to building resilience of the rural poor.

During his welcome note, Joint Secretary, Shri Amit Kataria highlighted the ICRG program as a demonstration of how climate-informed planning of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA infrastructure can contribute to resilient livelihoods through initiatives such as groundwater recharge, micro-irrigation, soil and water conservation, and plantations. During the workshop, the states of Bihar and Odisha, where the ICRG program was implemented, shared valuable insights on how MGNREGS has facilitated more effective investment in natural resource management (NRM) infrastructure. These insights focused on supporting resilient livelihoods, particularly in the agricultural sector.

The workshop saw participation from various national and international experts who covered a range of topics related to climate resilient growth. Lessons from Climate Resilience and Information and Systems Planning (CRISP-M tool) implementation were also shared by from International Institute of Environment and Development (IIED), United Kingdom. IIED discussed the innovative use of GIS and climate information for planning water conservation and harvesting. This approach aims to achieve long-term drought proofing and enhance flood resilience, showcasing the potential of technology in addressing water-related challenges in the context of climate change. Riya Rahiman from the Coalition for Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) presented on the importance of early action and early warning systems in building climate and disaster resilience. She also shared case studies from Small Island Developing States (IRIS), highlighting practical examples of resilience-building efforts in vulnerable island communities.

Chief of Social Policy at UNICEF India, Shri Hyun Hee Ban discussed the opportunities for MGNREGS to contribute to child, gender, and shock-responsive social protection. During the presentation, Shri Hyun Hee Ban highlighted how MGNREGS can be utilized to address the unique requirements of children, advance gender equality, and offer assistance during periods of shocks and crises. The focus was on maximizing the program’s potential to provide targeted support and social protection for vulnerable groups in such circumstances. Dr. Luigi Di Sarno from the University of Liverpool provided insights on low carbon and sustainable engineering solutions for durable and resilient constructions. The briefing covered innovative approaches and technologies that can contribute to the development of environmentally friendly and resilient infrastructure.

An advisor from FCDO Nairobi, Shri David Kinyua shared insights and learnings from the Hunger Safety Net Programme in Kenya. This involved discussing strategies and approaches implemented in the program to address food insecurity and build resilience among vulnerable populations in Kenya. Shri Vivek Coelho Programme Policy Officer (DRR/DRM) from the UN World Food Programme – India, presented on international experiences from the World Food Programme by sharing insights and lessons learned from the organization’s work in various countries, highlighting effective approaches to disaster risk reduction and management in the context of food security.

 

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Global IndiaAI 2023

 Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will be organizing the Global IndiaAI 2023, scheduled for October this year. There will be participation from leading AI players, researchers, startups, and investors in India and worldwide.

The conference is poised to cover a wide spectrum of topics, including Next Generation Learning and Foundational AI models, AI’s applications in healthcare, governance, and next-gen electric vehicles, future AI research trends, AI computing systems, investment opportunities, and nurturing AI talent.

Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar chairs the conference’s steering committee which is entrusted with the task of shaping the contours of the Global IndiaAI 2023. It draws members from MeitY’s Digital Economy Advisory group and other prominent leaders in the field of AI.

Speaking about the conference, MoS Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized that the Government’s vision is to gather the world’s best and brightest minds under one roof to deliberate the future of AI and its impact in several sectors.

“The Global IndiaAI 2023 conference is tentatively planned for October 14/15 and it will bring together the best and brightest in AI from India and around the world. This summit is expected to evolve and become a must attend event on the annual calendar of the Global AI industry, startups, practitioners, researchers and students. The huge success of the past two editions of the SemiconIndia conference by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji firmly put India on the global semicon map. This enabled India to become a catalyst for investments and growth within the sector. The Global IndiaAI summit will also catalyze India’s AI landscape and innovation ecosystem,” the Minister said.

The conference will also serve as a showcase for the vibrant IndiaAI ecosystem that comprises key initiatives such as DI Bhashini, India Datasets Program, IndiaAI Futuredesign program for startups, and IndiaAI FutureSkills program dedicated to nurturing world-class AI talent.

Highlighting the comprehensive groundwork behind IndiaAI, MoS Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar pointed out the pivotal role of the working groups that collaborated closely with industry, Startups & academia partners. These groups have presented a holistic framework for the IndiaAI initiative, which revolves around  pillars: AI in Governance, AI Computing & Systems, Data for AI, AI IP & Innovation and Skilling in AI. These pillars will form an integral part of the upcoming conference’s agenda.

“What makes India so attractive for AI is the diversity of it. Our diversity will be an addition to the quality of data sets for any large language model or any AI learning model. What we want is that AI should be responsible so that user harm is curbed and innovation is encouraged. Our primary aim is to ensure a collaborative and participatory approach, steering AI to enhance governance and transforming lives while building global partnerships and actively shaping the world’s technology landscape,” the Minister added.

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