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EU launches new action plan to promote gender equality, women empowerment

EU launches new action plan to promote gender equality, women empowerment

New Delhi (NVI): Putting women and girls’ rights at the heart of the global recovery for a gender-equal world, the European Union today launched a new plan to promote gender equality and women empowerment.

In a statement, the EU said that while there has been some significant but uneven progress achieved in advancing women’s and girls’ rights, no country in the world is on track to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.

Moreover, the health and socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis are disproportionately affecting women and girls, it said.

Citing an example, the Commission said that because a higher proportion of women work informally and in vulnerable sectors, their job loss rate is 1.8 times greater than that of men. The poverty rate among women could go up by 9.1%, it said.

“To address this, the EU’s new Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in External Action 2021–2025 (GAP III) aims to accelerate progress on empowering women and girls, and safeguard gains made on gender equality during the 25 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and its Platform for Action,” it said.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell said that unfortunately, not a single country in Europe or anywhere in the world will be on track to achieve gender equality by 2030 in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Ensuring the same rights to all empowers our societies. It makes them richer and more secure. It is a fact that goes beyond principles or moral duties. The participation and leadership of women and girls is essential for democracy, justice, peace, security, prosperity and a greener planet. With this new Gender Action Plan, we are pushing for more and faster progress towards gender equality,” he said.

Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, said: “Stronger engagement on gender equality is key to a sustainable global recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and building fairer, more inclusive, more prosperous societies. Women and girls are in the frontline of the pandemic and must be put in the driving seat of the recovery. As a gender-sensitive and responsive geopolitical Commission, we want to work more closely with our Member States, as well as all partners, in building a truly gender-equal world.”

The ‘Gender Action Plan III’ provides the EU with a policy framework with five pillars of action for accelerating progress towards meeting international commitments and a world in which everyone has space to thrive.

It makes the promotion of gender equality a priority of all external policies and actions; offers a roadmap for working together with stakeholders at national, regional and multilateral levels; steps up action in strategic thematic areas; calls for the institutions to lead by example, and; ensures the transparency of the results.

The five pillars of the action plan are:

1) 85% of all new actions throughout external relations will contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment by 2025.

2) Shared strategic vision and close cooperation with Member States and partners at multilateral, regional and country level.

3) GAP III calls for accelerating progress, focusing on the key thematic areas of engagement.

4) Leading by example: The action plan calls for the European Union to lead by example, including by establishing gender-responsive and gender-balanced leadership at top political and management levels.

5) Measuring results: GAP III adopts a new approach to monitoring, evaluation and learning, with a stronger focus on measuring results.

According to EU, GAP III will promote a transformative and intersectional approach, and will mainstream gender in all policies and actions. It aims to address structural causes of gender inequality and gender-based discrimination, including by actively engaging men and boys in challenging gender norms and stereotypes.

-ARK

Jaishankar concludes his two-day maiden visit to Bahrain as EAM

Jaishankar concludes his two-day maiden visit to Bahrain as EAM

New Delhi (NVI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today concluded his maiden visit to Bahrain as Foreign Minister where he hailed the Indian diaspora in the country for their valuable contributions to the strengthening of bilateral ties.

This was Jaishankar’s first leg of three-nation tour that started Tuesday. During the visit, the EAM called on Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and deputy prime minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

He also conveyed the Indian government’s condolences on the death of Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the former prime minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain and recalled his contributions in strengthening bilateral relations and for the welfare of the Indian community in Bahrain.

The Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement said the EAM thanked the leadership of Bahrain for hosting more than 3,00,000 strong Indian community in Bahrain and for taking exceptional care of the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bahrain’s leadership also appreciated the contribution of the Indian community to the development of Bahrain and the assistance provided by India during the Covid pandemic through supply of medicines, medical equipment and medical professionals, MEA said.

“Both sides affirmed to further strengthen their Covid-related cooperation. They also expressed satisfaction on operationalisation of Air Bubble arrangement between the two countries,” it added.

Jaishankar also held delegation level talks with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and the two ministers discussed the entire gamut of bilateral issues as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest including cooperation and coordination in dealing with post-Covid challenges.

They agreed to further strengthen the historic India-Bahrain ties including in areas of defence and maritime security, space technology, trade and investment, infrastructure, IT, FinTech, health, hydrocarbon and renewable energy.

On the occasion, EAM Jaishankar renewed invitation to Bahrain’s FM for visiting India for the 3rd India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting in the next few months.

During the visit, EAM also interacted with the leaders of the Indian community in Bahrain in virtual mode.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar paid a visit to 200 years old Shreenathji (Shree Krishna) temple in Bahrain’s capital Manama. He also visited National Museum of Bahrain.

The EAM is currently on a three-nation and will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Seychelles this week.

-ARK

NDRF gears up to deal with cyclone Nivar likely to make landfall tonight

New Delhi (NVI): The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilized adequate resources and self-contained rescue and relief teams in the likely affected areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry, as cyclone ‘Nivar’ is expected to make landfall tonight.

Nivar, which has intensified into ‘very severe cyclonic storm’ is likely to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph, gusting upto 145 kmph.

The NDRF in a statement today said that its teams are equipped with wireless sets, satellite phone, cutters and various other advance equipment and tools needed for post cyclone operation.

The teams are keeping close watch over the development of the situation and are in close coordination with the local administration. Deployed Teams are conducting awareness programs on Cyclonic effects, do’s & don’ts during cyclone and COVID-19 safety measures and assisting the local administration in evacuation of the local people from cyclone affected places.

As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression over southwest and adjoining the southeast Bay of Bengal has moved west-north westwards and is very much likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm ‘Nivar’ during the next 6 hours. “It is very likely to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around Puducherry during mid-night of 25th Nov and early hours of 26th Nov 2020 with wind speed of approx. 120 -130 Km/hrs,” the force said in a release.

A total of 25 NDRF teams are deployed on the likely affected coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Andhra Pradesh after consultation with state authorities. Out of these 15 teams have been deployed at coastal districts of Tamil Nadu including 06 teams at district Cuddalore, 3 teams at Viluppuram, 2 teams each at Chennai and Chengalpattu while 1 team each at Mayiladuthrai and Nagapattinam districts.

Besides, 3 teams are deployed at Puducherry (Pondicherry) and 1 team at Karaikal of the UT. Moreover, to tackle the situation 3 NDRF teams also have been deployed at Nellore district and 1 team at Chittoor of Andhra Pradesh.

“Seeing the severity of the situation, additional 5 NDRF teams are also kept on alert at Vijayawada (AP) NDRF Base and 02 teams at Vishakhapatnam for any immediate backup as per requirement. In view of the current COVID-19 scenario, NDRF teams are equipped with appropriate PPE/special kits and strictly following COVID-19 guidelines,” the NDRF said.

NDRF Director General Satya Narayan Pradhan is personally monitoring the situation and all efforts are being made in close collaboration with state authorities to ensure zero casualty and minimum damage to life and property.

In addition to that, NDRF headquarter is in close touch with various authorities/stakeholders. A 24×7, NDRF control room is monitoring the situation round the clock.

-ARK

Nagrota Encounter: BSF scanning border for tunnels like one found in Samba

Narco smuggling
Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir (File Pic)

NVI Exclusive

New Delhi (NVI): After detection of a tunnel in Samba used by four Pakistani terrorists to sneak into India, the Border Security Force (BSF) is scanning the entire stretch of  International Border to see if there are any more such underground infiltration routes.

The tunnel, whose outlet was found about 150 meters inside the Indian territory in Samba in Jammu and Kashmir, is about 5 ft x 5ft in size.

Construction of the tunnel, particularly its mouth, was such that it could have been easily dismissed as some pit hole in an area having wild growth.  That is why the four heavily-armed terrorists could sneak in undetected before they were intercepted by security forces and killed in an encounter in Nagrota, on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway on November 19.

BSF, which is responsible for manning the International Border, has carried out a thorough examination of the tunnel, with Commandant Surendra Rathore doing the deep dive.

The examination threw light to certain details like the tunnel has been professionally, which points to the role of the Pakistani establishment which would have roped in some persons knowing the craft, sources told NVI.

Also, the terrorists were possibly helped physically on the Pakistani side of the tunnel, particularly in ensuring fresh air for the infiltrators to breathe while inside, and this too could not be possible without the connivance or direct involvement of the Pakistani Rangers, which has the responsibility of manning the border on the other side.

It is likely that the terrorists received help on this side too in ensuring their easy exit from the tunnel, particularly by removing the camouflage used to cover the outlet in Samba.

All these aspects are being investigated, along with the hunt to find out if there are any more such tunnels anywhere along the International Border.

Since the tunnel has been examined properly, it will be easier to locate any such infiltration route, the sources said.

The terrorists, after exiting from the tunnel, were picked up in a truck some kilometres away from the border and were on their way to Kashmir when they were intercepted.

The truck driver managed to escape during the encounter and the security forces are on a hunt to track him down, along with other possible persons who were to receive the Pakistani terrorists in Kashmir.

Centre’s stable policies behind record low in India’s solar power tariff: SPDA

solar energy
Representational image of solar plant

New Delhi (NVI): Industry body Solar Power Developers Association (SPDA) today attributed the achievement of solar tariff in the country to a record low of Rs 2 per unit, to the Central government’s stable policies and proactive role of implementation agencies.

In a statement issued today, SDPA, a national association representing India’s upcoming solar power generators and developers said that the record low tarrif, discovered in an auction held by Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for 1,070-Mw solar power projects, “is indeed a historic milestone as Indian renewable energy sector added another feather to its cap.”

Pertinent to mention here that in an auction held on Monday, Saudi Arabia-based Al Jomaih Energy and Water, and Green Infra Wind Energy, a unit of Singapore-based Sembcorp Industries, quoted the lowest rate for 200-Mw and 400-Mw capacity projects, respectively.

SDPA further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the ground with a grand vision of adding 175 GW of renewables by 2022 and further revising the target to 450 GW by 2030.

“The program has enabled developers to achieve the necessary scale and has been one reason for the rapid decline in Tariffs. It also reinforces the confidence shown by national and international investors in India’s renewable growth story,” the industry body said.

It further said that the role played by Union Power Minister RK Singh and the Central Implementation Agencies like SECI, NTPC, and FIs/Banks needs a special mention for playing a pivotal role in shaping policies, maintaining a regular dialogue with developers and proactive real-time resolution of bottlenecks.

SPDA is an independent industry association, committed to promoting the solar sector in India. It represents around 50-member companies from the solar sector, assisting in policy evolution and a healthier investment climate for renewable energy projects and services.

The member companies of SPDA includes all the large players who have actively contributed with more than 75% of total capacity operation in India.

ARK

Gadkari to inaugurate 16 projects in UP

Gadkari
Nitin Gadkari

New Delhi (NVI): Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs, Nitin Gadkari, will inaugurate and lay foundation stone of 16 highway projects in Uttar Pradesh tomorrow via video conference.

The projects to be inaugurated carry a road length of 505 kilometers, involving construction value of nearly Rs 7,500 crore.

Paving the way for development of Uttar Pradesh, these roads will enhance better connectivity, convenience and economic growth in the state.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will preside over the virtual function, which will also be attended by MoS-RTH Gen (Retd) V K Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and other ministers from the state.

-CHK

Scotland becomes first country to offer free menstrual hygiene products

New Delhi (NVI): In a historic step to ensure personal hygiene for women, Scotland has become the first country to allow free and universal access to menstrual products, including sanitary napkins and tampons, for everyone.

The Scottish Parliament has unanimously passed The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act, which makes it legally mandatory for all public institutions to provide period products to all those who need them.

The bill was brought forward by Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), Monica Lennon, and was approved by 121 votes to zero after it earned the support of the Scottish government and the other opposition parties.

Period poverty is a term that defines the struggle to pay for basic sanitary products every month. Charities claimed there has been a rise in such cases due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The scheme is likely to cost around £8.7 million (around Rs 86 crore) every year till 2022. Lennon cited official inequality statistics that showed nearly 20 per cent women in Scotland were living in relative poverty.

“On the issue of period dignity, I am beyond proud that Scotland is leading the way and we have moved at a fast pace in a short space of time,” the MSP Monica Lennon said.

Lennon further said that Scotland will not be the last country to make period poverty history. She said the new rule was a signal to the world that free universal access to period products can be achieved.

After the passing of the bill, the sanitary products will be made available in public buildings including schools and universities across Scotland. The new rules stipulate that the local authorities are required to ensure the free availability of the products.

-CHK

Centre issues new Covid-19 guidelines, to be effective from Dec 1

Centre issues new Covid-19 guidelines, to be effective from Dec 1
(Representational/file image)

New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today issued fresh guidelines for surveillance, containment and caution in States and Union Territories, in the wake of the rising COVID-19 cases in the country.

The new guidelines will be effective from December 1 and to remain in force till the end of the year.

As per the guidelines, only essential activities shall be allowed in containment zones. The local district, police and municipal authorities shall be responsible to ensure that the prescribed measures are strictly followed everywhere.

The main focus of the guidelines is to consolidate the substantial gains that have been achieved against the spread of COVID-19 which is visible in the steady decline in the number of active cases in the country, the MHA order said.

Further, keeping in view the recent spike in new cases in few States and Union Territories, it is emphasized that there is need to maintain caution, the guidelines said.

Under the guidelines, the governments in states and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may also impose local restrictions, with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19 such as night curfew.

However, state and UT governments shall not impose any local lockdown (State/ District/ sub-division/City level), outside the containment zones, without prior consultation with the Central government, the guidelines said.

The MHA in order said that, “States and UTs also need to enforce social distancing in offices. In cities, where weekly positivity rate is over 10 per cent, states/UTs concerned shall consider implementing staggered office timings and other measures, to ensure social distancing.”

The guidelines also said that there shall be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movements and no additional passes or registration will be required for that.

“States and UTs should ensure strict enforcement of wearing of face masks, hand hygiene and social distancing must be followed and state authorities can impose appropriate fines on people for not wearing masks,” the MHA said.

Furthermore, the social distancing guidelines should also be strictly followed in crowded places, especially in markets, weekly bazaars and public transport.

All activities have been permitted outside containment zones, except for the following, which have been permitted with certain restrictions:

— International air travel of passengers, as permitted by MHA.

— Cinema halls and theatres, with upto 50 percent capacity.

— Swimming pools, only for training of sportspersons.

— Exhibition halls, only for business to business (B2B) purposes.

— Social/religious/sports/ entertainment/educational/cultural/religious gatherings, with upto a maximum of 50 percent of the hall capacity, with a ceiling of 200 persons in closed spaces; and keeping of the size of the ground/ space in view, in open spaces.

However, there shall be strict perimeter control to ensure that there is no movement of people in or out of containment zones, except for medical emergencies and for maintaining supply of essential goods and services, as per the guidelines.

-RJV

BJP ‘unnerved’ by PAGD’s decision to contest DDC polls: Mehbooba

‘Total lawlessness in J&K’: Mehbooba after 2 PDP leaders held day before DDC poll results

Shopian (NVI): People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti today said that BJP is “unnerved” over the PAGD’s decision to contests DDC polls and alleged that the Gupkar alliance candidates are barred from going out for campaigning in southern districts and other parts of Kashmir.

The former J&K chief was visiting Zainapora area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district today to meet a PAGD candidate who is reportedly not allowed to move out of his home for campaigning.

She claimed that this candidate isn’t allowed to campaign and alleged that LG Manoj Sinha and SEC KK Sharma are making false claims that every candidate is allowed to campaign for the DDC polls.

When asked about the purpose of her visit to Zainapora, she said that she wanted to tell people to vote for PAGD and keep BJP away. “PAGD candidates will work hard for the J&K’s identity that was stolen on August 5, 2019,” she said while talking to reporters here.

She further said that BJP will use ammunition to bag seats but people should not allow that and make PAGD candidates win.

“Centre believed that parties like National Conference, PDP, Peoples Conference and CPI(M) won’t participate in DDC polls so that they can ensure the victory of their candidates through backdoor channels,” she remarked.

-ARK

Cabinet approves merger of Lakshmi Vilas Bank with DBS Bank India

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved the scheme of amalgamation of the Chennai-based Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) with DBS Bank India Limited (DBIL).

With this there will be no further restrictions on the depositors regarding the withdrawal of their deposits, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar informed while addressing a media briefing.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on November 17 proposed the merger of the 94-year-old lender with the Indian arm of Singapore’s DBS Bank.

RBI had placed Lakshmi Vilas Bank under one-month moratorium on November 17, superseded its board and capped withdrawals at Rs 25,000 per depositor.

As part of the amalgamation, DBIL will infuse fresh capital of Rs 2,500 crore into LVB.

With the approval of the scheme, LVB will be amalgamated with DBIL from the appointed date, and with this there will no further restrictions on the depositors regarding withdrawal of their deposits.

DBIL is a banking company licensed by RBI and operating in India through wholly owned subsidiary model, DBIL has a strong balance-sheet, with strong capital support and it has the advantage of a strong parentage of DBS, a leading financial services group in Asia, with presence in 18 markets and headquartered and listed in Singapore.

The combined balance-sheet of DBIL would remain healthy even after amalgamation and its branches would increase to 600.

The speedy amalgamation and resolution of the stress in LVB is in line with Government’s commitment to a clean banking system while protecting the interests of depositors and the public as well as the financial system.

-CHK

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