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Goyal to lead Indian delegation at WEF 2020

New Delhi (NVI): Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will lead the Indian delegation to the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos from January 20 to 24.

During the WEF, Goyal will hold bilateral meetings with Ministers of Australia, South Africa, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Korea and Singapore.

He will also meet the Director General of World Trade Organization and Secretary General of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Apart from this union minister will hold bilateral meetings with CEOs of companies, attend WEF sessions and round tables on Accelerating Investments in Indian Railways and attracting Global Institutional Investments in India.

He will also participate in an informal WTO Ministerial gathering being held in Davos during this period.

The WEF annual meeting in Davos engages the world’s top leaders to shape global, regional and industry agendas at the beginning of the year.

The theme of the 2020 meeting is stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World.

Others to participate in the WEF are Union Minister of State for Shipping and Chemical and Fertilizers Mansukh L. Mandaviya and Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, Finance Minister of Punjab and the IT Minister of Telangana.

Voice calling, SMS facilities restored for prepaid phones in J&K

Mubashir Bukhari

Sringar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday restored voice calling and short messaging service (SMS) facilities for all prepaid users across Jammu and Kashmir.

Besides,  2G mobile data services were restored on postpaid mobiles in all 10 districts of Jammu. In Kashmir division, 2G data was restored in Kupwara and Bandipora districts only. However, mobile internet shall remain suspended in Budgam, Ganderbal,Baramulla,Srinagar,Kulgam,Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama.

J&K Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal while addersing a press conference said that after a careful review, the competent authority has ordered today that voice and  SMS facilities shall be restored on all local prepaid SIM cards across J&K.

He said that after the assessment of the overall security scenario in the UT of J&K pursuant to directions dated 14.01.2020 relating to the regulation of telecom services does not indicate any immediate adverse impact in the areas where internet access was provided.

“However, there have been number of reports of the use of internet in cross border terrorism/terror activities, incitement, rumour-mongering, etc. as also misuse of pre-paid mobile connections by anti-national elements. Considering all the relevant factors, we are satisfied that it is absolutely necessary so to do, in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the Security of the State and for maintaining public order, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, hereby issue the followings directions, in addition to & in partial modification of Government Order No. Home -03 (TSTS) of 2020 Dated: 14.01.2020: a) ,” he said.

According to the order issued by J&K Home department, users can access only 153 whitelisted websites. ” 2G mobile data services on the post-paid moblies for accessing whitelisted websites shall be allowed in all 10 districts of Jammu divison and to begin with, the revenue distrits of Kupwara and Bandipora. The mobile internet connectivity shall, however, remain suspended in the districts of Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kulgarn, Shopian and Pulwama,” the official order reads.

Besides the order said that Voice and SMS facility only shall be restored on all local pre-paid sim cards across the UT of J&K. “Further, in order to consider provision of mobile Internet connectivity on such sim cards, the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) shall initiate the process for verification of credentials of these subscribers as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections,” the order reads.

The Internet Service Providers (ISPs BSNL/Private Service Providers) has been directed  to provide fixed line Internet connectivity, with precautions as already directed, to those companies that are engaged in Software (IT/ITES) Services.

UN report forecasts 5.7 per cent growth for India in 2019-20

New Delhi (NVI): The Indian economy is expected to register a GDP growth of 5.7 per cent in the current financial year (2019-20) and may grow to 6.6 per cent in the next fiscal, a UN report says while observing that continued structural reforms would be required to bring the growth back to previous levels.

“After experiencing a sharp economic slowdown from 6.8 per cent in 2018 to 5.7 per cent in 2019, India has committed to an ambitious fiscal expansion to complement the country’s already loose monetary policy,” said the UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) 2020 report.

“The combination of the fiscal stimulus and financial sector reforms, boosting investment and consumption, is expected to support a recovery in growth to 5.8 to 5.9 per cent, but it will take continued structural reforms to bring India’s growth back to its previous levels,” it added.

It states that the GDP growth in India and few other large emerging countries may gain some momentum this year after the global economy recorded its lowest growth of 2.3 per cent in 2019 due to prolonged trade disputes.

However, the report has pegged the India GDP growth estimate for 2020-21 at 6.6 per cent, lower than 7.4 per cent estimated earlier by the WESP.

The report has also forecast a 6.3 per cent GDP growth for India for fiscal year 2021-22.

“Growth in South Asia is projected to rebound in 2020, but the region will continue to face daunting challenges to sustainable development,” says the report.

While global growth of 2.5 per cent in 2020 is possible, the report cautions that a flareup of trade tensions, financial turmoil or an escalation of geopolitical tensions could derail a recovery. In a downside scenario, global growth would slow to just 1.8 per cent this year, it says.

A prolonged weakness in global economic activity may cause significant setbacks for sustainable development, including the goals to eradicate poverty and create decent jobs for all. At the same time, pervasive inequalities and the deepening climate crisis are fueling growing discontent in many parts of the world, according to the report.

With regard to South Asia, the report says the economic growth in the region is forecast to recover to 5.1 per cent in 2020, after falling to a decade-low of 3.3 per cent in 2019, but it will remain well below the rates seen in the recent past. The region struggled in 2019 with a combination of external headwinds, notably the global economic slowdown and falling trade, and country-specific domestic challenges. As the effects of one-off shocks wane and governments respond with vigorous fiscal expansion, economic activity will rebound in most of the countries, the UN study says.

Kiran Shaw conferred with Australia’s highest civilian honour

Australia’s High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu with Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw.

New Delhi (NVI): Biocon company founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has been conferred with Australia’s highest civilian honour Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division.

Shaw was invested as an Honorary Member within the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division by Australia’s High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu at a ceremony in Bengaluru.

“The Australian government has chosen to bestow this honour on Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw for her immense contribution in advancing Australia’s bilateral relationship with India,” Sidhu said.

“Mazumdar-Shaw is a tireless champion of the commercial, educational, and people-to-people links between the two countries and this award recognises her commitment to progressing the Australia-India partnership,” the High Commissioner added.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is the founder of Biocon – one of India’s largest bio-pharmaceutical companies. She contributes immensely to promoting women in STEM through the joint research programs developed between Biocon and Deakin University, Australia, as part of her deep and long-standing commitment to gender equality.

Shaw is also recognised for her sustained and significant contribution to industry academia collaboration between Australia and India.

Honorary appointments in the Order of Australia are made to foreign nationals who have made an outstanding contribution to Australia or humanitarian contribution at large.

Mazumdar-Shaw is the fourth Indian citizen to be awarded with this honour. This follows the conferment of batsman Sachin Tendulkar in 2012, Former Attorney General of India, Soli Jehangir Sorabjee in 2006 and Mother Teresa of Kolkata (Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu) in 1982.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from Indian and Australian businesses, the diplomatic corps, and family, friends and peers of Mazumdar-Shaw.

Ola launches ‘Heroes of Ola’ program 

New Delhi (NVI): Ola, India’s largest ride-hailing companies, has announced the launch of its ‘Heroes of Ola’ programme which recognises the efforts of driver-partners who continue to go above and beyond their call of duty.

The company is reaching out to its 200 million+ consumers through various platforms, to enable sharing their experiences with Ola driver partners, who through big or small gestures, have gone above and beyond to serve customers, or have displayed  exemplary character in service of the public, a company statement said.

This programme brings forth the fact that a driver partner’s heroism can come in many forms – from taking that extra turn to returning a phone or a bag that a customer may have left behind in the cab to even the many instances of showing compassion to injured animals on the roadside or extending support to a pedestrian who may need help!.

Speaking on the initiative, Ola Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Arun Srinivas said the company is focused on providing a platform that is equally convenient for its driver-partners as well as its customers. More often than not, the contributions of driver-partners go unnoticed.

“We find thousands of instances around us of courage, compassion and empathy from our service providers. Heroes of Ola is one such platform to bring these inspiring experiences to the forefront,” he said.

“The ‘Heroes of Ola’ platform aims to showcase and appreciate the efforts of Ola’s driver-partners who ensure that customers have a delightful experience, even if it means going beyond their call of duty,” he added.

“These experiences can serve as inspiration to fellow driver-partners as well as every one of us in whatever we do,” he further added.

As part of the launch campaign, Ola has also unveiled a digital film that highlights how driver-partners are real-life heroes in spite of the trials and travails that they may face in their everyday lives.

The film highlights the sense of responsibility and patience that these driver-partners display by prioritising their customers at all times and serving as an inspiration for their families and fellow driver-partners.

Even the Ola’s customers can also share their stories with ‘Heroes of Ola’ on the company’s social media channels including Instagram and Twitter as well as through their in-app feedback section.

Delhi witnessed foggy morning 

New Delhi (NVI): Delhi woke up to a chilly morning as thick fog blanketed the city with the minimum temperature dropping to 8.4 degrees Celsius from 11.3 degree Celsius recorded yesterday.
The maximum temperature today is expected to be around 18.0 degree Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The weatherman forecast that the temperature will increase in the next two to three days.
Meanwhile,  the overall air quality in the national capital today remained in the “poor” category.
According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR),the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at  218 which falls in the “poor” category.
The worst affected areas are Dhirpur, Delhi University, Chandni Chowk, Pusa, Lodhi Road, Mathura Road, IGI Terminal 3 and the neighbouring Noida.

Union Ministers’ seven-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir begins today

J&K Bar Association issued 3 notices over its constitution
Kashmir (Representative Pic)

New Delhi (NVI): A group of Union Ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir today as part of the Modi Government’s outreach programme and will spread awareness about the positive impact of the abrogation of Article 370 provisions.

Starting today, the delegation of 36 ministers will visit the Union Territory including sensitive areas in the Valley to disseminate information on the development measures taken by the government for the region.

The ministers will visit different districts in both the divisions of Union Territory — Jammu and Kashmir — from January 18 to 24. The visit is being coordinated by the Home Ministry. The initiative in regard was taken by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

On Wednesday, Minister of State for Home G Kishen Reddy had written a letter to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, informing about the visit of the ministers.

Yesterday, the Chief Secretary chaired a meeting with the Administrative Secretaries, Divisional and District Administrations to review the preparations for the visit of ministers.

The Chief Secretary briefed all the concerned officials about the visit of ministers to undertake an extensive tour of the districts across 60 different locations.

The outreach programme will cover five themes viz rapid development after President’s Rule from June 2018 and after reorganization in August 2019, 100% coverage of 55 beneficiary oriented schemes to all residents of J&K, rapid infrastructure development including implementation of PMDP, flagship schemes and iconic projects, good governance and rule of law with equality of opportunity to all and rapid industrial and economic growth in all sectors with focus on incomes and employment.

Earlier on Friday, Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam visited Poonch and Rajouri Districts to take stock of the preparations made by the respective districts for the visit of the Union Ministers.

EESL’s smart meter programme reaches Andaman

New Delhi (NVI): The smart meter programme of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the Power Ministry, reached Andaman and Nicobar Islands today, with

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu launching it in the union territory .

The programme entails installation of 76,000 smart meters under the
government’s Deen Dayal
Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and Integrated Power Development Scheme.

EESL has signed an agreement with electricity department of Andaman and Nicobar administration to enable the multiple benefits to the consumers and DISCOMs

Speaking during the launch of the programme, Naidu said, “I am happy to have launched the project for the replacement of traditional electricit meters with smart meters.

Smart meters will increase the ease of bill payment & eliminate the possibility of incorrect billing.”

He added that paperless billing would also help the environment by saving trees.

EESL has already commissioned first 10 Smart Meters in the union territory and hopes to enable more billing efficiency and consumer satisfaction.

Introduction of energy-efficient technologies, including smart meters, is aimed at reducing electricity network losses and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

We’re still a player in search of identity: EU representative

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

New Delhi (NVI): The European Union (EU), often seen as a unifying body for Europe, has a fair share of challenges, according to its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

“We are still a player in search for identity,” Borrell said while addressing the Raisina Dialogue here.

He said a nation’s foreign policy is often a means to project itself as a unified entity on the international stage but “The diverse backgrounds and contexts of EU states makes this positioning increasingly difficult.”

Commonality does not imply uniqueness. This was the overarching message from the EU Representative on the final day of Raisina Dialogue held in the national capital.

He acknowledged the differing narratives of the history of the EU member states that shape its diverse conceptions of an ideal future. In order to deal with these inherent differences, he advocated for economic cooperation as reflected in the common Euro currency and social cohesion through porous borders.

Borrell also admitted the fact that the EU is “facing a nationalist and populist comeback” that is threatening the foundations of a “multilateral rules based order” espoused by the EU. To address the rise of such authoritarian regimes, Borrell made a call towards taking onus for shaping the future world order.

Since its inception, the EU had built its image on not using brute power, he said. However, this trend must change and enhancement rather than curtailment of power is necessary: “If we want to take destiny in our hands, we need to talk the language of power. Soft power is not enough.”

He also criticised the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and said that it jeopardised the progress made towards a stable and peaceful global regime.

Speaking on climate change, he urged for a will to fight the menace. “Let’s call it a green will,” he said while reiterating the EU’s commitment to be a carbon-neutral economy. While claiming that the EU is contributing “only 9 % of global emissions”, Borrell urged other developed countries also to join the journey towards zero-emission goal.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also held bilateral talks with the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs on Friday. In his meeting with Borrell, Jaishankar discussed global and regional issues, multilateralism, connectivity, and counter-terrorism.

Health Ministry reviews preparedness for Coronavirus 

cooling proize
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.

New Delhi (NVI): The Union Health Ministry today reviewed the preparedness for dealing with Novel Coronavirus after 41 confirmed cases of people affected by the virus were reported.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has been monitoring the situation.

Health and Family Welfare Secretary Preeti Sudan is regularly reviewing the public health preparedness in the country since the news broke out.

As directed by the Health Ministry, meetings of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) were convened under the Chairmanship of Director General of Health Services (DGHS) on January 8 and 15 with representations from various stakeholders (health and non-health sectors) and WHO.

While speaking in New Delhi today, Preeti Sudan said that the public health preparedness is being reviewed on a day-to-day basis and the core capacities to timely detect and manage the importation of the nCoV into the country are being strengthened further.

She also mentioned that the situation is being monitored in consultation with WHO and keeping in view the limited human to human transmission the risk at global level is perceived to be low.

The first case was confirmed in a person who travelled to Wuhan, China. Japan and Thailand have also informed the (World Health Organisation) about the new cases of Chinese Coronavirus.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, which cause illnesses to people and also circulate in animals including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can also evolve and infect people.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the situation is still evolving and preliminary investigations suggest a link to the seafood market.

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