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India refutes Crisil, says will achieve renewable energy target by 2022

Renewable energy
India to achieve renewable energy target of 1,75,000 MW by 2022

New Delhi: Refuting all the claims cited in a CRISIL report, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has exuded confidence that India will achieve renewable energy target of 1,75,000 MW by 2022, stating, “Ministry is not only confident of meeting 1,75,000 MW target but exceeding it by 2022.”

“By the end of September 2019, India has installed more than 82,580 MW of renewable energy capacity with around 31,150 MW of capacity under various stages of installation. Thus, by the first quarter of 2021, India would have installed more than 1,13,000 MW of renewable power capacity, the statement added.

“Renewable energy has emerged as a true multi-benefit system, combining ecological necessities with domestic priorities, economic and job creation opportunities. If large hydro included, India stands third in renewable power capacity globally,” said MNRE in a statement.

It further added, “This would constitute nearly 65 per cent of the targeted capacity. Besides this, around 39,000 MW of renewable power capacity is at various stages of bidding which would be installed by September 2021, taking the percentage of installed capacity to over 87 per cent of the targeted capacity. With only 23,000 MW of renewable power capacity left to bid, India is confident that the target of installing 1,75,000 MW of renewable power capacity will not only be met but exceeded.”

Since March 2014, India’s renewable power capacity has increased from 34000 MW to 82,580 MW recording 138 per cent growth. Globally, India stands 5th in solar power, 4th in wind power, and 4th in total renewable power installed capacity.

MNRE slams CRISIL report which says, “India may fall short of its declared renewable energy target of 1,75,000 MW by the year 2022.”

The statement said, “The CRISIL report being referred to by the media is neither factually correct nor takes into account initiatives taken by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to facilitate accelerated development and deployment of renewable energy in the country. This lacks in all respects as CRISIL did not even bother to consult this Ministry for its views.”

Govt lifts advisory on J&K bound tourists; assures them assistance, logistical support

KASHMIR

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on October 10 lifted the security advisory that asked tourists to leave the Valley in the run-up to abolition of the special status granted to the state under Article 370.

While withdrawing the advisory, the Government hs also assured the tourists desirous of visiting the Valley of “providing all necessary assistance and logistical support”,

The J&K Home Department circular dated 9th October 2019 to this effect said, “The Security Advisory requesting tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir to curtail their stay in the Kashmir Valley, issued vide Government order No. 881-Hom of 2019 dated. 02.08.2019, is hereby withdrawn. The tourists desirous of undertaking visit to the State shall be provided all necessary assistance and logistical support”.

The decision to lift the advisory came at a Situation cum Security Review Meeting chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on 7th October 2019.  Besides the Advisors and the Chief Secretary, the meeting was also attended by the Principal Secretaries of Planning and Housing & Urban Development Department.

For the past six weeks, all the security restrictions were removed in most parts of J&K and the Governor has been focussing on bringing life back to normal.

Some of the major decisions taken in the past in the Situation cum Security Review Meetings include reopening of Higher Secondary Schools; Colleges and Universities; restarting public transport; opening additional travel counters at TRC Srinagar; opening 25 internet kiosks in each district to facilitate the public and Government departments; monitoring attendance in Government offices, etc.

The Governor has been holding Situation cum Security Review Meetings on a daily basis for 2 hours generally from 6 to 8 pm each day since 5th August, 2019. Initially, the meetings focussed on reviewing the security scenario following the imposition of restrictions after constitutional changes that were made.

In October 7 meeting the Governor was briefed about the BDC elections. He was informed that there is active interest in the BDC elections and most of the seats of Chairpersons of BDCs would be filled. All AROs and AEROs have been provided mobile phone facility to ensure smooth conduct of elections. Nomination papers were accepted even on 7th October 2019.

The Governor was informed that as BDC elections were party based, the delegations of parties whose leaders are in jail are being allowed to meet party presidents once, so that they can take a decision on elections and authorise someone to approve candidates.

The Governor was also briefed about the progress in apple procurement which has crossed 850 tonnes and worth Rs. 3.25 crores. Some changes in the rates of apple are being made which will be announced shortly.

Govt to work with WHO to improve India’s health parameters, releases strategy document

Dr Harshwadhan-2
Harsh Vardhan releases strategy document to work with WHO

New Delhi: Government launched a key health strategy document that entails proactive cooperation with World Health Organisation in improving India’s health parameters over a period till 2023. The WHO India Country Cooperation Strategy 2019–2023: A Time of Transition’ was launched by Union Health Minister Dr Harshvardhan on October 9.

The Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) provides a strategic roadmap for WHO to work with the Government of India towards achieving its health sector goals, in improving the health of its population and bringing in transformative changes in the health sector.

The implementation of this CCS will build on the remarkable successes in public health that India has demonstrated to the world. The India CCS is one of the first that fully aligns itself with the newly adopted WHO 13th General Programme of Work and its ‘triple billion’ targets, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and WHO South-East Asia Region’s eight Flagship Priorities. It captures the work +of the United Nations Sustainable Development Framework for 2018–2022.

Dr HarshVardhan

“The four areas identified for strategic cooperation of WHO with the country encompass: to accelerate progress on UHC, to promote health and wellness by addressing determinants of health, to protect the population better against health emergencies, and to enhance India’s global leadership in health”, Harsh Vardhan said.

He added that under the vision and leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has seen phenomenal advances made in various aspects of the health sector. He stressed on the need for health to be made a people’s movement where the positive health attitude is inculcated in everyone, and everyone takes responsibility of their own health through preventive and promotive health approach.

He mentioned about various social initiatives taken up such as Eat Right India movement, Fit India movement and Poshan Abhiyaan that have collectively engaged with the people and enhanced the awareness around these crucial health areas through people’s participation.

“Besides the health priorities detailed in the strategy, focus needs to be given on other equally pertinent health areas of environmental and occupational health, accidents and road injuries, and good nutrition and food safety’’, He added.

Dr Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India said “The implementation of this CCS will build on the remarkable successes in public health that India has demonstrated to the world. It’s a great opportunity to showcase India as a model to the world in initiatives such as digital health, access to quality medicines and medical products, comprehensive hepatitis control program and Ayushman Bharat. We are geared to step-up to leverage opportunities and address challenges to ensure maximum public health impact.”

The CCS outlines how WHO can support the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and other allied Ministries to drive impact at the country level. The strategy document builds on other key strategic policy documents including India’s National Health Policy 2017, the many pathbreaking initiatives India has introduced — from Ayushman Bharat to its National Viral Hepatitis programme and promotion of digital health amongst others.

Low-cost ‘Gemini’ device to warn fishermen of disasters launched

Low-cost ‘Gemini’ device
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan launched Low-cost ‘Gemini’ device to aid fishermen

New Delhi: In a major technological breakthrough that will fill the gap in emergency communication and information to fishermen, the government on October 9 launched a low-cost indigenous satellite-based communication device ‘Gagan Enabled Mariner’s Instrument for Navigation and Information’ (GEMINI). 

“The communication gap was severely felt during the Ockhi cyclone in 2017, when fishermen went out, for deep-sea fishing before the onset of the cyclone and could not be informed about the developing cyclone. This communication gap resulted in loss of life, serious injuries to those rescued and severe damages to fishing boats and fishing gear,” said Health Minister Harsh Vardhan while inaugurating GEMINI.

This will enable seamless and effective dissemination of emergency information and communication on disaster warnings, Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) and Ocean States Forecasts (OSF) to fishermen.

“The satellite-based communication is the only suitable solution for the dissemination of such emergency information and affordable satellite-based communication system should be made part of the dissemination chain to deal with cyclones, high waves and tsunamis,” the minister added. Pradeep Singh Kharola (Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation) and Madhavan Nair Rajeevan (Secretary, MoES) were also present on the occasion. 

The new device works using communication system GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) to transmit the PFZ, OSF and disaster warnings to fishermen with system consisting of three geosynchronous satellites (GSAT-8, GSAT-10 and GSAT-15).  

This device receives and transfers the data received from GAGAN satellite to the mobile through Bluetooth communication. A mobile application developed by INCOIS decodes and displays the information in nine regional languages.  

Presently, the advisories are not able to disseminate information through multiple communication modes including the disaster warnings, when the fishermen move away from the coast beyond 10-12 km (typical ranges of mobile phones and VHF). That remained as a major limitation in disseminating the information to fishermen who go in the sea beyond 50 nautical miles; sometimes up to 300 nautical miles and beyond to conduct multi-day fishing.

He also launched the improvised version of Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) forecasts developed by INCOIS, which will provide advisories on PFZ to fishermen 3 days in advance. The forecasts are generated using numerical models operationalized by INCOIS and helps overcome the operational difficulties in providing the PFZ advisories during overcast skies based on satellite data.

PM releases stamp on 1965 Indo-Pak hero Marshal Arjan Singh

Marshal Arjan Singh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi releasing commemorative stamp on Marshal Arjan Singh

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative stamp on Marshal Arjan Singh, who commanded Indian Air Force during 1965 Indo-Pak war, to mark his birth centenary on October 10.

Attending an ‘At Home’ reception by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria at Air House here, the Prime Minister also went around an exhibition ‘IAF Innovation Display’ with the theme Self-Reliance Through Innovation and Indigenisation.

The PM in a series of tweets said, “Attended the At-Home programme of the Indian Air Force. Also witnessed an exhibition on the theme of ‘Self Reliance Through Innovation and Indigenisation”.

“This year we mark the birth centenary of Marshal of the Indian air force Arjan Singh DFC. As a tribute to his exemplary service to our nation, a stamp was released. May his courage keep motivating the people of our nation for years to come”.

Founded on October 8, 1932, the IAF celebrated its 87th anniversary this year. The air power of the country also showcased its might at the Hindon Air Base in Uttar Pradesh.

On the same day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially received the first of the 36 Rafale aircraft at Bordeaux in France. .

Govt partners with IIM Bangalore to create youth reserve for programme implementation

mgrf
Government and IIM Bangalore signed a contract for introducing MGNF

New Delhi: The government has partnered with IIM Bangalore to launch an innovative two-year fellowship programme ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF)’, which is aimed at addressing the challenge of non-availability of personnel for implementation of various programmes at national, state and district levels.

An agreement was recently signed to this effect between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore.

Designed under Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP), the fellowship has been launched on a pilot basis in 75 districts across Gujarat, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Eligible fellows for the programme have to be in 21-30 years age-group, have a graduation degree from a recognized university and be citizens of India. Proficiency in official language of state of fieldwork will be mandatory.

In the course of their training, fellows will work under the close supervision of state skill development missions (SSDM) and will spend time and effort in understanding skilling challenges and gaps in the district.They are expected to enrich skilling programmes by bringing in fresh thinking to local planning, execution, community interaction and outcome management.

Fellows will receive a stipend of Rs. 50,000 in the first year and Rs. 60,000 in the second year. On completion of their engagement, they will be awarded a Certificate in Public Policy and Management from IIM Bangalore.

“Today, our nation’s youth is willing and is anxious to contribute to our nation building exercise and to the society at large. It has to be our effort to ensure that they are given the right opportunities to extend their support. This is a great initiative by MSDE and I am sure that it will see through all the challenges at the district level and come out to be a great outcome based program.”R. Subrahmanyam, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, said.

“MGNF seeks to create a cadre of young individuals and train them in a blended academic programme that provides both academic inputs and a component of field immersion at the district level. Besides this will also be an attractive proposition for those who wish to eke a career in public policy. It is only fitting that we have launched this programme on the 150th birth centenary of Gandhi ji who was strong believer in decentralized planning.” Secretary, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr. KP Krishnan said.

“The MGNF is aimed to identify and train a group of young, committed and dynamic individuals, who will leverage the IIMB ecosystem in management, entrepreneurship and public policy and work with the district administration in strengthening the process of skilling to create a vibrant local district economy. Its unique design will allow the Fellows to take academic learning at IIM Bangalore and use it in the field under faculty mentorship with the goal of understanding challenges and barriers that the district ecosystem faces in fostering growth and development.” G Raghuram, Director, IIM, Bangalore, said.

Govt to foster 60 students under PM Innovative Learning Programme ‘DHRUV’

Dhruv
Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme- ‘DHRUV’ launched by HRD ministry

New Delhi: The government has selected sixty students under Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme- ‘DHRUV’, a 14-day long programme launched by HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Headquarters in Bengaluru on October 10.

The objective of this unique learning programme would be to mentor and nurture talented students. Also, allow them to realise their potential and contribute to society.

Nishank said, “Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme has been started to identify and encourage talented children to enrich their skills and knowledge.”

“The first phase of the programme will be expanded gradually to other fields like creative writing etc. The selected students from grade 9th to 12th grade of different streams under the programme will be called as ‘DHRUV TARA’. They will also be the part of Valedictory function on October 23,” said Nishank.

He further said, “Centres of excellence across the country, gifted children will be mentored and nurtured by renowned experts in different areas, so that they can reach their full potential.”

“It is expected that many of the students selected will reach the highest levels in their chosen fields and bring laurels to their community, State and Nation. This kind of programmes will make India a better place for innovation. The new innovators will be helpful for the Nation to achieve the target of 5 Trillion Dollar economy in the stipulated time,” he added.

Chairman of ISRO, K Sivan, first Indian citizen to enter into space, Wing Cdr. Rakesh Sharma, AC (Retd.) and  Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India, Professor K Vijay Raghavan were the guests of Honour on the occasion. Other senior officials of the ministry, education, science, culture and Niti Aayog department were also present on the occasion.

PM asks police force to become instrument of social change

IPS Probationers
PM Modi asks Indian Police to be citizen-friendly and approachable

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked Indian Police to be citizen-friendly and approachable while making them understand the perspective about the force.

The PM while interacting with 126 IPS probationers of 2018 batch here, also highlighted the role of police in transforming aspirational districts and as instruments of social change.

Exhorting the young officers to work tirelessly with dedication for the betterment of the nation, Modi asked the officers, also comprising large number of women officers, to imbibe service orientation and dedication in their day to day work.

while stressing on the importance for the police force to be connected with ordinary citizens, the PM said that each officer should understand citizen’s perspective about the police force and work towards making the police force citizen-friendly and approachable.

During the interactive session with the IPS Probationers, he said that the role of police should be focussed on crime prevention. He highlighted the importance of technology in creating a modern police force.

The PM also lauded large number of women probationers in the batch and hoped that more women in police force will have a huge positive impact in policing as well as nation-building,

Wishing the officers a bright future, the Prime Minister asked the officers to believe in themselves. Adding that self-confidence and inherent strength along with the official training will equip them to deal with day to day challenges.

Stage set for first-ever global cooperatives trade fair to boost Indian farmers income

India International Cooperatives Trade Fair
India International Cooperatives Trade Fair to kick-start from October 11 at Pragati Maidan, Delhi

New Delhi: As part of its concerted efforts to fulfil the promise to double farmers income by 2022, Government is organising first-ever ‘India International Cooperatives Trade Fair’(IICTF) at Pragati Maidan in Delhi from October 11 to 13. The fair will also promote the government’s flagship programmes like Start-up India and Stand-up India for young entrepreneurs.

More than 120 cooperatives and 35 countries including US, Russia, China, and Bangladesh would be the part of fair, organised by NCDC in association with NEDAC, NAFED, APEDA, ITPO etc. with the support of agricultural and commerce and external affairs ministries.

In India, around 94% of total farmers are members of at least one cooperative institution. IICTF aims at furthering government’s vision and goal of doubling farmers’ income by promoting cooperative-to-cooperative trade within India and abroad, and promoting exports of key agriculture commodities and products leading to enhanced rural and farm prosperity.

IICTF also offers a huge opportunity for the industry and business houses from India and abroad to build alliances, business networking, product sourcing and above all, interacting with the primary producers of a wide range of products and service providers.

Aiming at promoting initiatives like Start-up India and Stand-up India for young entrepreneurs with new and innovative ideas, National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has formulated Yuva Sahakar ­Cooperative Enterprise Support and Innovation Scheme 2019 with outlay of 100 crores, which will be launched by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare minister Narendra Singh Tomar at the opening ceremony of the fair.

The Fair is expected to evolve a conducive environment for cooperative trade in the global arena, help in expansion and diversification of business, technology transfer, help lay international quality benchmark for cooperative products etc. and likely to result in sharing of best practices, collaborations and partnerships.

Indo-France defence ties: Rajnath makes a pitch for ‘Make in India’

rajnath france
Rajnath Singh makes a pitch for ‘Make in India’ in France

Paris: Making a pitch for ‘Make in India’ in France, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has asked the French companies for collaboration to modernise India’s shipyards and defence platforms by infusion of technology. He has also asked them to make India its base for production of defence equipment not only for India’s large market but also for export to other countries. 

India and France intend to explore ways to strengthen their defence industrial partnership, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said while addressing the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of French Defence Industries in Paris.

“We have undertaken significant economic reforms to improve the ease of doing business and opening up the economy for investments. Our Government under the leadership of our Prime Minister Modi has opened up defence sector manufacturing to a large extent under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, ” he said. 

Rajnath Singh underlined the significance of implementation of a single Goods and Services Tax across India, the biggest tax reform since its independence. “We have recently reduced our corporate tax significantly. For ‘Make in India’ in Defence if there is need for further tax rationalisation, it may be considered suitably”, Singh said. 

rajnath france 2He applauded the French companies for regularly participating in DefExpos organised in India with great energy and enthusiasm. He extended a special invitation to French firms to participate in DefExpo, which will be held in Lucknow from 05 to 08 February 2020. “Lucknow happens to be a city of rich culture and heritage and the French people are known to be highly appreciative of great cultures. Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh which is also a land of new opportunities”, he added.

He highlighted India’s substantial requirement of Aero engines both in civil and military domains. He requested French OEMs to consider exploring development of an Aero engine complex on government -to- government basis saying French companies could leverage from advantages in India such as low wages and availability of technical manpower.

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