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J&K offical languages bill gets Cabinet approval

(Source: @twitter)

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved the Jammu and Kashmir Languages Bill 2020 in which five languages—Urdu, Hindi, Kashmiri, Dogri and English—will be the official languages of the region.

The decision was announced at a media briefing by Union Minister Prakash Javadekar. He said that the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill was approved based on the public demand.

The language bill will be introduced in Parliament soon, he added.

“Union Cabinet has approved in Parliament the Jammu & Kashmir Official Languages Bill 2020 in which five languages Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi & English will be official languages. This has been done based on public demand,” Javadekar said.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh also stated that the inclusion of Dogri, Hindi & Kashmiri as official languages in Jammu & Kashmir is not only a fulfilment of a long-pending public demand but also in keeping up with the spirit of equality ushered after August 5, 2019.

The move, however, comes ahead of the monsoon session of the Parliament, which is slated to begin on September 14.

-RJV

Centre bans 118 more mobile apps, including PUBG

Govt issues fake CoWIN App alert, warns citizens to not download
File photo

New Delhi (NVI): Amid growing tensions with China over the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Centre today banned 118 more mobile applications, including the hugely popular mobile game PUBG, after banning 59 Chinese apps in the first round earlier this year.

The apps were banned citing concerns of data security after fresh tensions between India and China in the border area in eastern Ladakh.

PUBG MOBILE Nordic Map: Livik, PUBG MOBILE LITE, WeChat Work and WeChat reading are among the banned mobile apps.

A total of 118 apps have been banned by the ministry of information and technology, according to an official statement. The banned mobile applications are prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity, defence of India and public order, the ministry said.

The ministry of electronics and information technology received several complaints from various sources, including reports about misuse of some mobile apps available on the Android and iOS platforms. The complaints alleged stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers which possibly had locations outside India.

“The compilation of these data, its mining and profiling by elements hostile to national security and defence of India, which ultimately impinges upon the sovereignty and integrity of India, is a matter of very deep and immediate concern which requires emergency measures,” the statement said.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, under the Ministry of Home Affairs also sent a recommendation for blocking these controversial apps.

In the public domain too,there has been a strong demand for some time to take strict action against mobile applications that harm India’s sovereignty as well as the privacy of citizens.

-CHK

No decision by China yet on return of foreign students: Indian Embassy in Beijing              

US remains top choice for Indian students pursuing higher education: Report

New Delhi (NVI): The Chinese authorities have not yet taken any decision regarding the return of foreign students to the colleges and universities in the country, the Indian Embassy in Beijing has said in a statement.

The statement addressed the concerns of Indian students studying in China, essentially regarding their return to their Colleges/Universities.

The Indian Embassy said that the Chinese government had restricted the entry of foreigners into China, permitting such entry only in specific circumstances.

“While some exceptions have since been made with regard to some categories of foreigners who can enter China with fresh visa, foreign students have not been included in any of these categories,” read the statement.

“The Ministry of Education of China has published on its website that all overseas students and teachers who have not received notice from their respective educational institutions will not return to their Colleges/Universities until further instructions’,” it said.

The Embassy further said that it has been taking up Indian students’ concerns with Chinese authorities including the Ministry of Education.

“The response of the Chinese authorities regarding their stand on the return of foreign students to China is awaited. The same will be updated through a press release as soon as it is received,” it said.

Apart from that, the Embassy has advised Indian students to monitor the website of the Indian Embassy/Consulates in China and their social media channels to remain updated about the evolving situation in respect of the return of foreign students to China.

“Indian students are also advised to remain in touch with their respective universities/colleges in this regard,” it concluded,” the Embassy statement read.

Interestingly, the first Covid-19 case in India was a 20-year-old Indian medical student who flew down from Wuhan to Kerala and was diagnosed with the virus.

It is pertinent to mention here that the deadly coronavirus first emerged in Wuhan city of central China last year and then spread all over the world. According to reports in foreign media, the situation is getting back to normal in the city and in other parts of China as well.

Students in face masks returned to their classes yesterday in Wuhan, as the city opened schools and kindergartens for the first time in seven months.

The relations between India and China have soured over the past four months due to escalating border tensions.

-ARK

Cabinet approves ‘Mission Karmayogi’ for civil services capacity building

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved Mission Karmayogi, a national programme for civil services capacity building, for the civil servants, which it said will help them in the future.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that officers and employees in government will get the opportunity to improve their performance with Mission Karmayogi.

“This is the biggest Human Resources Development reform in the government,” Javadekar said at a press briefing on the Cabinet’s decisions.

At the top will be an HR council, chaired by the prime minister, and consisting of select Union ministers and chief ministers. It will also have eminent thought leaders (noted academics, and global leaders) and civil services leadership.

“This scheme is based on the government’s vision on how a civil servant should be. A civil servant of today, in order to meet the challenges of the world, will have to be imaginative and innovative, proactive and polite, professional and progressive, energetic and enabling, transparent and tech enabled, and constructive and creative,” said C Chandramouli, Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). He was also addressing the press conference along with Javadekar.

He added that Mission Karmayogi focuses on individual (civil servants) and institutional capacity building.

The schemes will be accessible for all, from section officers to secretaries.

“A civil servant should be imaginative & innovative, proactive & polite, professional & progressive, energetic & enabling, transparent & tech-enabled, constructive & creative in order to meet the challenges of the society,” further added Chandramouli.

In addition to this, the Cabinet also approved three memorandums of understanding (MoU), Javadekar said. These include MoUs between textile ministry and Japan for quality evaluation method, between mining ministry and Finland, and between ministry of new and renewable energy and Denmark

-CHK

Cabinet approves MoU with Japan for cooperation in technical textiles

Specified Skilled Workers
Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Cabinet today approved for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India’s Textiles Committee, and Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre, Japan to improve quality and testing of Indian textiles and clothing for the Japanese market.

Speaking after cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said, the MoU would enable Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre, Japan in assigning Textile Committee as their cooperative Testing and Inspection service providers in the Republic of India for Textiles & Apparel products.

The products include technical textiles and any other products mutually agreed upon at a later date for both domestic and overseas clients or buyers, he added.

The MoU will also facilitate Indian exporters to meet the requirements of Japanese importers as per their technical regulations. It will also boost Indian textiles and apparel exports including technical textiles to Japan.

However, the technical textiles are meant for non-aesthetic purposes, where function is the primary criterion.

-RJV

UN Security Council to meet on post COVID-19 global security threats

New Delhi (NVI): The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold a high-level summit during the annual meeting of world leaders at the General Assembly later this month to discuss security threats in the world after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

The announcement of the meet was made by Niger’s UN Ambassador Abdou Abarry, who took over the rotating council presidency on Tuesday, and told the virtual press conference that the meeting of the UN’s most powerful body will take place online on September 24.

The meeting on ‘post-COVID-19 global governance in relation to the maintenance of international peace and security’ will address traditional security threats such as conflicts but also crime and pandemics as well as adjustments to the current international system.

Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou, who will chair the meeting, is sending invitation to the leaders of the 14 other countries on the Security Council.

A key issue to be addressed post the coronavirus pandemic is – Are we going to be able to structure a more resilient, a more just, a more fair world with less destruction of the environment among others, and that can enable and facilitate humanity to live in harmony, and with nature?”

In recent years, the Security Council has held a meeting on a theme chosen by its rotating president for September during the General Assembly high-level meeting which usually brings thousands of people to UN headquarters in New York.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the high-level meeting will be almost entirely online.

Last year, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov presided over a ministerial meeting of the council on the contribution of three regional organisations that Moscow belongs to in countering terrorist threats.

-CHK

Tamil Nadu: Inter-district bus transport, train services to resume from Sept 7

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami (File photo)

New Delhi (NVI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today announced that inter-district bus transport and passenger train services will resume operation from September 7

The Chief Minister said the bus transport is allowed only within districts as of now, there were representations from the public to the government seeking facilitation of services to go from one district to another.

“Considering public welfare, following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), from September 7, inter-district government and private bus transport will be allowed across Tamil Nadu,” Palaniswami said in a statement.

Likewise, from the same day, passenger train services within Tamil Nadu would be permitted. Inter-state train services are already operational in permitted routes, he said.

Palaniswami further stated, despite the state government extended relaxations, the public would have to follow the safety precautions, including wearing masks, washing hands and maintaining social distancing norms, to prevent the virus spread.

“I urge the public to extend full cooperation to the government’s efforts,” the chief minister added.

This development comes after Tamil Nadu reported 5,928 new COVID-19 cases taking the tally to 4,33,969. However, the state recorded 96 deaths in 24 hours, taking total toll to 7,418.

-RJV

PM pays tribute to Sree Narayana Guru

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tributes to social reformer Sree Narayana Guru on his 164th birth anniversary.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, “I bow to the venerable Sree Narayana Guru on his Jayanti. His life and works epitomised the perfect blend of spirituality and social reform. He emphasised on education and empowerment of women. He was a farsighted visionary whose ideals give strength to many across India.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage to Sree Narayana Guru and said, “Tributes to venerable Swami Sree Narayana Guru ji on his Jayanti. As a social reformer, spiritual leader and strong advocate of equality & brotherhood.

“He played an instrumental role in setting up the foundations for social reform in Kerala against discrimination and injustice,” he tweeted.

In another tweet, Shah said, “Swami Sree Narayana Guru ji’s relentless effort and contribution towards the empowerment & education of the downtrodden can never be forgotten. His philosophy, teachings and thoughts will continue to enrich the lives of millions across the length & breadth of the country.”

Sree Narayana Guru was born in 1864 in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram. He was a social reformer and spiritual leader who led a reform movement against casteism and promoted new values of spiritual freedom and social equality.

-RJV

India’s case fatality rate at 1.76%, one of the lowest globally

New Delhi (NVI): India continues to report one of the lowest COVID Case Fatality Rates (CFR) when compared to several other countries. While the global CFR stands at 3.3 per cent as on date, the comparative figure for India is 1.76 per cent, according to Health Ministry data.

Furthermore, the deaths per million population in India is one of the lowest in the world. While the global average is 110 deaths/million population, India is reporting 48 deaths/million population. The comparative figure for Brazil and the UK is 12 and 13 times higher, respectively.

As part of the COVID management and response policy, there has been a sharp focus of the Central Government on not only containing the COVID related fatality, but to reduce deaths and to save lives by providing quality clinical care to the critical and severe patients of COVID.

Collaborative efforts of the Union and State and UT governments have resulted in strengthening of the health facilities across the country.

Currently, 1,578 dedicated COVID hospitals are providing quality medical care. The Central Government has also issued the Standard of Care guidelines incorporated in the Clinical Treatment Protocol.

A unique initiative to build the capacities of the ICU doctors in clinical management of critical patients towards reducing the fatality, e-ICU has been started by AIIMS, New Delhi. Twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, tele/video -consultation sessions are held by knowledge and domain experts for the doctors manning ICUs in the State hospitals. These sessions started from 8th July 2020.

Till date, 17 tele-sessions have been held, and 204 institutions have participated in them.

-CHK

Huge enthusiasm in UAE to invest in India: UAE envoy to India

New Delhi (NVI): There is vast untapped potential and huge appetite in UAE to invest in India which remains unexplored, United Arab Emirates envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna said today.

In his keynote address at ASSOCHAM’s webinar “Rediscovering India – UAE Economic Relations in the COVID era”, the UAE envoy highlighted key points to focus towards enhancing India-UAE economic cooperation.

He said that UAE – India strategic partnership has been manifest during the regular close and multi-level interactions between the leadership and officials on both sides. “India is a strong and key partner with whom we wish to further bolster our strategic partnership,” he was quoted as saying in an ASSOCHAM release.

Albanna further said that cooperation in food security, agriculture products, health and pharmaceutical products, services and technologies, IT, education technologies, energy, defence manufacturing, aerospace and tourism sectors form the pillars of the economic relations between the two countries.

“We need to focus on facilitation of movement of cargo, investment, people and decision makers,” he added.

The UAE envoy further stressed that ASSOCHAM must play an active role in expanding Indian business presence in UAE, Gulf and MENA region. “Mobilising Indian participation for the EXPO 21 will be a definitive step in this direction,” he said.

He also assured full support of the commercial office of UAE Embassy for facilitating market entry for business interests on both sides.

Dr Arpita Mukherjee, noted economist from Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, moderated the webinar which included eminent speakers like Former Indian Ambassador to UAE Navdeep Suri; Vipul, Joint Secretary (Gulf), Ministry of External Affairs, and Deepak Sood, Secretary-General, ASSOCHAM.

The exclusive panel of speakers shared insights and updates on current economic situation in both countries and how both countries can tap emerging business opportunities.

Prof. Arpita Mukherjee emphasised that there are lot of synergies between the two countries to cooperate but currently both economies are going through a significant slowdown. “Once the pandemic is over, we expect lot of Investment from UAE in Indian Industrial park and SEZ’s,” she said.

Opening the webinar, Deepak Sood, said that India and UAE share a common vision of development and welfare of people at the core of their policies and Growing India-UAE economic and commercial relations contribute to the stability and strength of a rapidly diversifying and deepening bilateral relationship between the two countries.

He also said that growing engagements between India and the UAE has to be seen within the broader contexts of UAE’s policy of engaging with Asia to improve economic prospects and India’s search for foreign investments to expedite economic growth and address the threat of extremism and terrorism.

“Good strategic partnership at all levels will yield benefits not only for India and UAE but also for peace and development in the region,” he added.

Ambassador Navdeep Suri, in his special remarks, recommended Indian companies to participate in Dubai Expo 2021 and take advantage and showcase their capacities and strengths in a place that promises to be the meeting ground for the world.

The UAE envoy to India also informed the audience that embassy of UAE has different platforms for attracting investments into UAE whether it is at a federal level, ministerial level or on the local level.

“The Embassy is ready to provide facilitation and other required services. UAE Embassy in India is one of the few Embassies which has a Commercial Attaché. We are now trying to setup a platform like UAE investment lounge which will attract investors to get all the information and services under one umbrella,” he added.

Albanna said that the share of oil in UAE GDP is reducing and have come in the range of 25-30%. “Due to the falling prices of oil, we are affected in terms of economy, however, we are a healthy economy. UAE is paying attention to different sectors such as Services, Tourism, Manufacturing and trying to widen and finding out other strengths,” he said.

-ARK

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