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LS Speaker to head Indian Parliamentary delegation to Serbia

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
Lok Sabha speaker along with ambassador of Serbia to India, H.E. Mr. Vladimir Maric

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will head Indian delegation of the Members of Parliament for 141st assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which is going to be organised from October 13 to 17 in Belgrade, Serbia.

Indian Parliamentary Delegation will also include Shashi Tharoor, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Wansuk Syiem, Shobha Karandlaje, Desh Deepak Verma, P.C. Koul and other senior members.

“At the Assembly, Speaker Birla will address the gathering of presiding officers and parliamentarians from  179 Member countries on theme of assembly, ‘Strengthening international law: Parliamentary roles and mechanisms, and the contribution of regional cooperation’,” said an official statement.

It further added, “After the conclusion of the general debate, a declaration will be adopted by the Assembly. The speaker will also address the dignitaries gathering on development and economy at the speakers’ dialogue on governance during the Assembly.”

Meanwhile, Speaker will also hold various bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other parliaments to discuss matters of mutual interest and increased parliamentary cooperation.

On the sidelines, the members of the delegation will be participating in various meetings of the standing committees of  IPU, governing council, forum of women parliamentarians, forum of young parliamentarians and panel discussions on important subjects.

The delegation will also attend the meetings of the parliamentary forum on BRICS and coordination meeting of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) and the Association of the Secretary-General of Parliaments (ASGP).

India showcases its economic prospects at global fair, seeks investment from Central Europe

BRNO CZECH
International Engineering Fair (MSV) at Brno, in Czech Republic

New Delhi/Brno: A high level Government – industry delegation to Czech Republic is reaching out to top Czech companies, including Skoda Transporation, to scale up their investment in India and leverage the country as their global supply chain hub. The delegation is led by Secretary in the Department of Heavy Industry, Dr. Asha Ram Sihag.

Department of Heavy Industry in association with India’s Embassy in Czech Republic and the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC) organised ‘India Investment Meet’ at the International Engineering Fair (MSV) at Brno, in Czech Republic, on October 8, 2019.

Dr. Asha Ram Sihag and Aambassador Narinder Chauhan inaugurated the India Pavilion at MSV Brno International Engineering Fair. An Indian pavilion with a strong presence of engineering and technology firms, is showcasing India’s capability to the global businesses at the prestigious fair being held from 7 to 11 October, 2019.

While Addressing the meet, Dr. Sihag gave an account of how India figures prominently on the investment radar of the top Czech companies. He said that Volkswagen Group is investing one billion Euros in the implementation of its project in India for developing new models, including a mid-size SUV to be showcased in 2020. Importantly, the technical development of new products will take place in India.

The Skoda group transportation has also developed hybrid vehicles and electric buses with the announcement of e-vehicles policy of Department of Heavy Industry. It holds specific interest for India in technology transfer and product development in the e-vehicle market, Dr. Sihag said, underscoring how the country is focusing on green fuel-driven automobile.

Along with EEPC India senior leadership, the DHI Secretary will be visiting plants and facilities of several Czech companies and universities for apprising on R&D and technology development.

“India has set a target of raising the size of the capital goods sector from Rs. 2.30 lakh crores in 2014-15 to Rs.7.5 lakh crore in 2025, raising direct and indirect employment to 30 million from 8.4 million at present. Exports must also account for 40 per cent of engineering goods production from 27 per cent at present,” the Secretary said in his presentation at the Meet. 

“India is seeking foreign investment particularly in the high tech areas and further strengthening its manufacturing under the flagship ‘Make in India ‘ programme,” India’s Ambassador to Czech Republic, Mrs. Narinder Chauhan said.

EEPC India Chairman, Ravi Sehgal said that with the Indian Government making the corporate tax rates competitive, foreign investors should invest in Indian manufacturing, especially when the two major economies of the world are locked in a trade war. The Government of India has slashed corporate tax to 22 per cent and even after surcharges and cesses, the effective rate is about 25 per cent. For new investment for plants going into stream before March 2023, the effective corporate tax rate is a shade above 17 per cent, which is very competitive for attractive investment into the ‘Make in India’ programmme.

The International Engineering Fair (MSV) is the leading and prestigious industrial trade fair in Central Europe. More than 1600 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors participate in this fair each year. Over 50 per cent of exhibitors and 10 per cent of visitors come from abroad. There are several Indian companies operating in the Czech Republic Ltd.

Secretary Heavy Industry also met Karl Havlicek, Deputy Prime Minister, Czech Republic at MSV Brno and discussed initiatives to deepen engagement in R&D, mutual trade and cooperation.

Opportunity for High School students to learn at prestigious Yale campus

Yale University
Yale begins application process for Young Global Scholars 2020

New Delhi: If you are a high school student and looking for academic uplift at Yale’s historic campus, here is a chance. The Yale University has recently started the application process for Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) 2020, an academic summer enrichment program for outstanding high school students from around the world.

The young scholars session is offering various sessions in different streams such as humanities, social sciences, STEM, and a new cross-disciplinary track that incorporates all the above. The program is divided into three sessions starting from June 21 to July 31.

 

Every year in summer, students from over 125 countries participate in one of five interdisciplinary, two-week sessions at Yale’s historic campus.

Yale also provides over $3.4 Million USD in need based financial aid equally to both domestic and international students, offered as discounts covering up to 100% of tuition costs. With no grades or course credit, YYGS encourages students to approach all aspects of the program creatively with the understanding that they set their own limits. Students receive an electronic certificate of completion at the end of the session.

The diverse and inclusive community at YYGS enhances learning by inviting students to analyze issues from multiple perspectives. Living and learning alongside peers from around the world allows students to broaden their own worldviews by learning about countries and cultures they have never encountered before.

For early applications, students can apply by November 12th 2019 and the regular date for applications is January 15th 2020. Students can apply by visiting the following link: https://globalscholars.yale.edu/how-to-apply

500 rural craftswomen showcase skills and products at Saras Aajeevika Mela

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MoRD organise 'Saras Aajeevika Mela' at India Gate in New Delhi

New Delhi: Nearly 500 rural craftswomen from 29 States and UTs are show-casing varied range of products as part of Saras Aajeevika Mela, being organised by Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) at India Gate here. The Mela that opened on October 10 will continue till October 23.

Although the event has begun officially, it will be formally inaugurated by Union Minister for Rural Development Narendra Singh Tomar on October 12. 

The Aajeevika Mela brings rural women Self Help Groups (SHGs) formed with support of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) on a common platform to show-case their skills, sell their products and help them build linkages with bulk buyers. 

In this Mela, over 200 stalls have been set-up at the venue which offer products like handicrafts, handlooms, natural food products and a food court with regional cuisines. 

Each stall, each product and each of the rural SHG women has a story to share, a story of victory over heavy odds. Workshops for the rural SHG women will also be conducted during the Mela, which will help them to enhance their knowledge and sharpen their skills in book-keeping and GST, product design, packaging, marketing/e-marketing and communication skills.

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Through participation in SARAS Aajeevika Mela, these rural SHG women get national level exposure to understand the demand and taste of urban customers. 

The Mela is organised by the marketing arm of the Ministry, Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART). 

The SARAS Aajeevika Mela at India Gate Lawn features curated collection of handlooms, handicrafts, natural food products and food court with traditional cuisines, for the esteemed residents of Delhi NCR.

Showstopper at the Mela would be the mouth-watering authentic delicacies from nearly 20 States, with a first of its kind food fest show-casing the diversity of India’s ethnic cuisine, at the India Food Court, prepared and served by SHG members.

 

PoJK displaced persons’ delegation thanks govt for rehabilitation package 

Jitendra Singh met PoJK delegation
Union Minister Jitendra Singh met the delegation of PoJK displaced persons

New Delhi: A delegation of PoJK displaced persons on October 10 called on Union Minister Jitendra Singh and thanked the government for decision of including 5300 families of Displaced Persons in the Rehabilitation Package.

The meeting was held just a day after Centre’s landmark decision of approving Rs 5.5 lakh as compensation for each of around 5300 families of Pak occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) Displaced Persons and to include them in the rehabilitation package.

“The delegation wanted to seek certain clarifications about the implementation part of the Cabinet decision and requested the benefits of the rehabilitation package should be uniformly available to 5300 Displaced families which had been left out of the package earlier. The procedure for this should be simple,” an official statement said.

It further added, “The delegation inputs and suggestions were received with patience which, the Home Ministry would examine in course of time and try to make the procedure as simple and convenient as possible.”

Singh described Cabinet’s decision as a major breakthrough for Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of PM Modi, stating, “The government has the capacity and courage to take decisions and therefore, it is this government which can take the decisions to resolve these issues.”

Singh appealed, “To guard against false rumours or misinformation sought to be spread by certain vested interests, who are uncomfortable with the government’s decisive approach to resolve all the J&K related matters, whether that be Article 370, 35-A or West Pak Refugees or PoJK Displaced Persons or Kashmiri Pandits.”

On the request of delegation, Singh arranged a meeting of the delegations with senior officials of the Ministry. The delegation included Mahendra Mehta, Shyam Gupta, Madan Mohan, Bodh Raj and Manoj Khandelwal.

International Girl Child Day: Irani calls for gender parity

Girl Child Day

New Delhi: On the occasion of International Girl Child Day on October 11, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani appealed for ensuring gender parity in the society.

The minister took to twitter,  “On International Girl Child Day, let us reaffirm our commitment towards ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ and work towards ensuring gender parity in our society”.

Chairperson of National Commission for Women Rekha Sharma said, “Empower the girl, change the world. International Day of Girl Child”.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres in his message said, “We need to uphold the equal rights, voices and influence of girls in our families, communities and nations. Girls can be powerful agents of change, and nothing should keep them from participating fully in all areas of life”.

Since 2012, the International Girl Child Day is being observed on October 11 every year with an aim to empower women and spreading awareness about eliminating gender abnormalities against girls around the world.

This year the theme is “Girl Force: Unscripted and Unstoppable” and celebrates achievements by, with and for girls since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

The day focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote their empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

Menace of Malnutrition needs humane solution:  Irani

Smriti Irani on Poshan Abhiyaan
WCD Minister Smriti Irani chairs 5th National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges

New Delhi: Citing the World Bank Global Nutrition Report – 2018 which says that malnutrition costs India at least USD 10 billion annually in terms of lost productivity, illness and death and is seriously retarding human development, the Women and Child Development (WCD) minister, Zubin Irani said, “Humane solution has to be developed to tackle the menace of malnutrition in India.”

While chairing 5th National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges here, Smriti Irani discussed several challenges faced and the measures taken to develop POSHAN Abhiyaan, India’s flagship programme to improve nutritional outcomes for children, adolescents, pregnant women and lactating mothers by leveraging technology, targeted approach and convergence.

At the council, Irani said, “Humane solution has to be developed to tackle the menace of malnutrition in India and for this, the economic benefits of investing in nutrition have to be highlighted and propagated.”

“POSHAN is an exercise for life for all citizens and should not be limited to women and children,” she added.

She further added, “Ministry along with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Deendayal Research Institute is developing a POSHAN atlas to map the crops and food grains grown in different regions of the country because the solution to tackling malnutrition lies in promoting regional cropping patterns and embracing local foods that are rich in protein.”

During the meeting, presentations were also made by the Ministry of WCD, NITI Aayog and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding the implementation of the POSHAN Abhiyaan by the states.

In the meeting, “Ministry placed before the Council the report of the POSHAN Maah observed in September 2019. During the month-long POSHAN Abhiyaan, 22 lakh programmes were held and 3.66 crore activities were organised in different parts of the country. Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND) programmes were also organised in 7.86 lakh places,” said in a statement.

“Irani thanked Prime Minister for taking up the subject of POSHAN during Maan ki Baat on 25th August 2019 which had a countrywide impact. She also thanked all State Governments and District Administration for making the POSHAN Maah a success,” the statement added.

The fifth National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges was attended by Secretary WCD, Rabindra Panwar, Dr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Swati Singh, WCD Minister, Uttar Pradesh, Mamta Bhupesh, Minister of WCD, Rajasthan and other senior officials of various ministries and the organisations.

The National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges is mandated to provide policy directions to address India’s nutritional challenges through coordinated intersectoral action and to review convergence between Ministries and programmes for nutrition on a quarterly basis.

GeM signs MoU with Union Bank of India for digital services

gem ubi
GeM signs MoU with Union Bank of India

New Delhi: Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Union Bank of India (UBI) for an array of services on October 11. 

The services include transfer of funds through GeM Pool Accounts (GPA), advising of Performance Bank Guarantees (e-PBG) and Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) to the registered users on the GeM portal.

The MoU will facilitate a cashless, paperless and transparent payment system on the portal and will create an efficient procurement system for government entities. It was signed by S. Suresh Kumar, Additional CEO, GeM and S. K. Mohapatra, Field General Manager, Delhi, UBI in the presence of Talleen Kumar, CEO, GeM and Ram Kumar Jaglan, Head, Government Business Department, UBI.

Online integration for payments and various banking services is one of the priorities for GeM. GeM has already signed MoUs with 14 Public Sector and private banks to enable this.

GeM is also working with others banks, TReDs, and SIDBI to provide invoice financing and Bill Discounting to the MSMEs registered on GeM. This will help MSMEs access easy credit and do better business with Government Departments.

GeM is an initiative of the Government of India offering one stop platform facilitating online procurement of common-use goods and services required by various government departments, organisations, Public Sector Units. GeM provides tools for Direct Purchase, bidding and reverse auction in a transparent manner for government departments.

Census 2021 to adopt digital methodology

census
All India conference of State coordinators & Directors of Census Operations & updation of National Population Register (NPR)

New Delhi: The mammoth Census 2021 exercise in India will also employ digital methodology involving mobile app and dedicated portal, highlighted an all-India meeting of census officials called for discussing the related preparations here on October 10.

To elaborate on the digital methodology to be used in the upcoming Census, presentations were made on Mobile App for Census (HLO, NPR & PE), Census management and monitoring portal. The meeting also discussed updation of National Population Register (NPR) in the country.

All India conference of State coordinators & Directors of Census Operations & updation of National Population Register (NPR) in the country was held  in the chairmanship of Dr. Vivek Joshi, Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. The event was attended by senior State Government officers & DCO officers.

During the event top officials discussed the role of different States for Census 2021, support being provided to the States by the central government and the support expected by the States to run the Census process seamlessly. Senior officials were also explained about logistics involved for carrying out the Census and how dissemination of information will be done to raise awareness on Census.

The major aim of the event was to interact with the attending officers to help them understand the preparation for Census 2021 (for both the phases- house listing and population enumeration), eliminate any doubts regarding the same and have an interactive session on suggestions for improvement. To disseminate information on different aspects of Census, presentations were given to the State coordinators & Directors of Census Operations.

Training of National trainers is to start from 14th October, 2019 and the senior State officials were informed about the schedule of the training. Also, it was informed that as the training is to be scaled up from the national level till the enumerators level, the State officials should ensure everyone’s participation. This will help in avoiding gaps in the Census operation.

Govt takes stock of short supply and rise in prices of tomatoes 

Tomatoes Price hike
Govt held an inter-ministerial meeting to normalise the supply and rising prices of tomatoes

New Delhi: Government took stock of the situation arising out of rising tomato price in some parts of the country in the wake of short supply at an inter-ministerial meeting on October 10.

The supply of tomatoes has been hit due to incessant rains in Maharashtra and Karnataka and, normalize in the next 10 days as monsoon rains are already receding” the meeting was informed.

The meeting was chaired by the Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs to take stock of the rise in prices of Tomatoes in some parts of the country, including Delhi-NCR and to discuss key measures to ensure that price rise is contained.

“To mitigate the shortfall in the availability of Tomatoes in Delhi, Safal has agreed to provide Tomato puree from all of its outlets in Delhi at Rs. 25 per 200-gram pack, which is equivalent to about 800 grams of Tomatoes. Another larger pack of 825 grams worth Rs. 85 will also be available, which is equivalent to about 2.5 Kgs of Tomatoes. The stocks have already been moved to all the outlets and the sales will begin from October 11 at all booths,” an official statement said.

“Tomato producing States have been requested to augmenting the supply from their respective States to regions which are in short supply including Delhi to improve availability and moderate prices,” the statement added.

It further added, “the states have been advised to interact with APMCs, Traders and Transporters to ensure regular supply. The same is being reiterated to four major Tomato producing states namely, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh so that prices normalize and supply is augmented immediately.”

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