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India joins world in observing Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day

New Delhi: India today joined the International community in observing the World Mental Health Day with Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launching a series of week-long programmes to mark the occasion.

The mental health trauma has emerged as one of the most prevalent lifestyle disorders that include depression, Anger, personality disorders, Panic attacks, Phobias, psychosis, stress, suicidal feelings etc. According to WHO one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide.

Treatments are available, but nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental disorder never seek help from a health professional. Stigma, discrimination and neglect prevent care and treatment from reaching people with mental disorders.

To protect and to aware those people 10th October is observed as World Mental Health Day. It is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.

It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. This day, each October, thousands of supporters come to celebrate this annual awareness program to bring attention to mental illness and its major effects on peoples’ life worldwide. In some countries this day is part of an awareness week, such as Mental Health Week.

In India, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has prepared a series of activities to be undertaken during the week by its various National Institutes to raise awareness about Mental Health issues including identification of early signs to prevent aggravation and rehabilitation/mainstreaming of successfully cured mentally ill persons.

The programmes will include Nukkad Natak, Brain Storming sessions amongst students, Run for Happiness, Talk Shows and Human Chain Smiley. Various posters relevant to the subject will be displayed in prominent places in institutes. Other programmes will involve CRCs & other areas of activities, holding of seminars involving various faculty members, awareness activities including stage play, theatre, essays, debate competition, publicizing success stories where people have overcome depression, suicidal tendencies, and who are now well integrated with societies.

The ministry will also sensitize various NGOs in the vicinity of Institutes and will also hold meetings in residential areas to make parents and youth about the problem.

 

Input Tax Credit racket worth Rs 931 crore unearthed, two arrested

Terrorist arrested
Representational image

New Delhi: Two people have been arrested in a racket of taxable value of Rs. 931 crore that involved fraudulently availing Input Tax Credit (ITC) amounting to Rs. 127 crore through a complex web chain of various entities. The duo has been remanded to judicial custody till 19th October 2019.

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) along with Gurugram Zonal Unit (GZU), Haryana arrested Gulshan Dhingra, a resident of Ramesh Nagar and Sanjay Dhingra of Punjabi Bagh. 

Police said, “Many of these entities were under their control and they also formed separate entities in the name of their employees and generated fake invoices without actual movement of goods, namely non-ferrous scrap, ingots, nickel cathode etc. thereby causing loss to exchequer by evasion of GST. They availed this fraudulent ITC to offset their GST liability and also passed on such fraudulent ITC to further buyers who availed the same to discharge their GST liability against their outward supplies with an ulterior motive to defraud the Government exchequer.” 

“The case has been registered under the IPC section 132(1)(b) & (c) of the Central Goods & Services Tax Act (CGST), 2017, which are cognizable and non-bailable offences and punishable under Section 132 of the CGST Act, 2017.”

“Court has sent them to judicial custody till 19th October, 2019. Further investigation is in progress,” said Police.

Environment Ministry joins fight against air pollution in Delhi-NCR, to keep a close watch this Diwali

Diwali firecracker
Environment Ministry is all set to fight air pollution this Diwali

New Delhi: Lending its regulatory powers to the fight against air pollution in National Capital Region, which has a history of touching new lows in the wake of Diwali, the Environment Ministry will this time keep a close watch on the situation through Central Pollution Control Board.

“46 teams of the central pollution control board (CPCB) will take stock of pollution levels in Delhi-NCR and appropriate action will be taken thereafter wherever needed,” Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said at a press conference held in Delhi on October 9.

He added, “I will advise not to burst crackers and I am confident that children themselves will ask parents to not to buy firecrackers, but if someone wants to buy then go with green firecrackers.”

Listing out the measures taken by the government to curb pollution, Javadekar said, “The efforts of the Central Pollution Control Board are resulting in more ‘good days’ in terms of the environment in Delhi-NCR.”

Javadekar added, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government recognised the problem and launched an air quality index, which led to greater public awareness and actions to control air pollution.”

He also informed that a high-level meeting of the five States addressing the problem of air pollution in Delhi-NCR due to stubble burning to be held soon. 

In Diwali bonanza for babus, Govt approves highest DA in recent years 

prakash
Prakash Javadekar during Cabinet Press Briefing at Shastri Bhawan.

New Delhi: Union Cabinet has decided to give 5 per cent  Dearness Allowance, the highest ever increase in recent years, to the  government employees and pensioners ahead of diwali.

 ‘’The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved to release a 5 per cent additional installment in Dearness Allowance (DA) to the central government employee and (DR) Dearness Relief to the pensioners over the existing rate which is 12 per cent of the basic pay/pension due in July, 2019. The new rate of DA will be 17 per cent,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar informed in a press conference on October 9.

da

‘’This decision will bring cheers to 50 lakh central employees and 65 lakh pensioners ahead of Diwali. This is the highest ever 5 percentage points increase in DA in one go by the central government, ’’ he added.

The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be Rs. 15909.35 crore per annum and Rs 10606.20 crore in the Financial Year (for a period of 08 months from July, 2019 to February, 2020). The additional financial implication on account of this increase in Dearness Allowance is estimated at Rs 8590.20 Crore per year; and Rs 5726.80 Crore in the current Financial Year of 2019-20 (for 8 months from July 2019 to February 2020).

J&K displaced list: Cabinet approves Rs 5.5 lakh compensation each for 5,300 families 

Prakash Javadekar
Cabinet approves Rs 5.5 lakh compensation for 5,300 families added to J&K displaced list

New Delhi: Approximately 5,300 families of Jammu and Kashmir that are recorded in the displaced persons list of the state are now entitled to get around Rs 5.5 lakh as compensation that was approved by the Union Cabinet under the Prime Minister’s Development Package on October 9. 

“DP families of Jammu & Kashmir-1947 who initially opted to move outside the State of Jammu & Kashmir but later on returned and settled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir, in the Rehabilitation Package approved by the Cabinet on 30.11.2016 for Displaced Families PoJK and Chhamb under the PM’s Development Package 2015 for Jammu & Kashmir,” Javadekar said here at the Cabinet briefing.

“Since the families had settled in states other than Jammu and Kashmir their names were not on the List of Displaced Persons, Javadekar said, before adding that the government was correcting a historical wrong and ensuring that these families receive benefits. The families number around 5,300.”

The approval will enable such DP families to become eligible to get one-time financial assistance of Rs 5.5 Lakhs under the existing scheme, and in turn, be able to get some sustained income which the existing scheme is aimed at.

Inclusion of those DP families out of 5,300 DP families of PoJK 1947 who have returned and settled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir in the existing scheme, who have suffered on account of wars and hostilities, will enable them to earn a reasonable monthly income and be part of mainstream economic activities. This will also upgrade the Government’s capacity to respond effectively to such DP families need financial assistance. The requirement of funds will be met out of the already sanctioned funds for the existing scheme.

Aadhaar-seeded data no longer needed for release of funds to PM-Kisan beneficiaries 

kisan
Aadhaar data is not required for PM-Kisan Scheme

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided that Aadhaar Seeded data is not required till 30th November 2019 for release of funds to the beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme.

This means that Aadhaar is now not mandatory for receipt of the third installment of benefits under the scheme. PM-Kisan scheme, which started earlier this year, had a pre-condition of mandatory requirement of Aadhaar Seeded data for release of funds.

The scheme provides income support of Rs 6,000 per year to landholding families, subject to certain exclusions. The amount is released in three 4-monthly instalments of Rs 2,000 each directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through DBT mode.

Under this scheme, after 1st August, 2019, release of 3rd Instalment onwards to those beneficiaries who got first instalment during December, 2018 to March, 2019 and 2nd instalment during April-July, 2019 is to be made only on the basis of Aadhaar seeded database. Similarly, after 1st August, 2019, release of 2nd instalment onwards to those who got 1st instalment during April-July, 2019 is to be made only on the basis of Aadhaar seeded database. Again, after 1st August, 2019, release of 1st installment onwards to the rest of the beneficiaries after 1st August, 2019 is to be made only on the basis of Aadhaar seeded database. Farmers in the States of Assam, Meghalaya and J&K, where there has not been enough Aadhaar penetration, have been exempted from this requirement till 31 march 2020.

However, it has not been possible to get 100% Aadhaar seeding for release of funds as per the prescribed time schedule before release of instalments after 1st August, 2019. Since the farmers are still gearing up for Rabi season, they are in dire need of money to take care of various farming activities like procurement of seeds, preparation of soil and other associated activities like irrigation, maintenance and mobilization of machinery and tools. Over and above these pressing needs, the just started festive season will put further stress on the financial condition of the poor farmers’ households in the country.

Non-seeding of beneficiaries’ details with Aadhaar number will delay the release of further instalments and will cause discontentment among the farmers. Therefore, the mandatory requirement of Aadhaar seeding for release of benefits after 1st August, 2019 has been relaxed till 30th November, 2019. This will enable immediate release of benefits to a large number of farmers who are not able to avail the same due this requirement. This mandatory requirement will remain applicable for release of benefits w.e.f. 1st December, 2019 onwards. The Government will take adequate measures to validate the data before payment is made.

 

India, France agree to expand scope of joint military exercises

Shakti
File photo of Indo-French Shakti military exercise

New Delhi: In another boost to the strategic defence ties between India and France, the two countries have agreed to expand the scope and complexity of the existing regular bilateral joint military exercises namely Shakti, Varuna and Garuda.

The agreement came during the second India-France Ministerial level Annual Defence Dialogue between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart, the Minister for the Armed Forces Ms. Florence Parly on October 8 in Paris.

The two sides comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral defence cooperation, which is a key pillar of India-France Strategic Partnership. They also exchanged views on contemporary regional and international developments of mutual interest. Both sides discussed ways to further deepen defence-related official as well as operational level interactions.

Recognising that India-France partnership in the Indian Ocean Region is crucial for preserving and promoting the common strategic and security interests, the two Ministers noted the continuing implementation of actions outlined in the “Joint Strategic Vision of India-France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region” (March 2018). The Ministers also reaffirmed the strong intention of the two sides to further deepen bilateral cooperation on counter terrorism.

India well set to achieve Maternal and Child Mortality goal much before target year 2030

women and child development
India well set on path of success in women and child mortality goals

New Delhi: India is well set to achieve its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Under Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) much before the target year of 2030. The country has also emerged as the biggest success story amongst Malaria endemic countries in the World by significantly bringing down the Malaria cases and deaths, under the National Health Mission (NHM).

These were among many other achievements which were conveyed to the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently.

There has been acceleration in decline of and the IMR since the launch of the NRHM/NHM. At the current rate of decline, India should able to reach its SDG target (MMR-70, U5MR-25) much before the due year i.e. 2030, the Cabinet was informed.

The Cabinet was informed that Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) has been significantly strengthened and intensified with installation of a total of 1,180 CBNAAT machines across all districts to provide rapid and accurate diagnosis for TB including drug resistant TB. This has resulted in three-fold increased use of CBNAAT over the past year. Due to the intensified efforts, there is 16% jump in identification of new cases in one year. Universal drug sensitive cases also increased by 54%. Newer drug regimen of Bedaquiline and Delaminide and nutrition support to all the TB patients for the duration of the treatment has been rolled throughout the country.

 

  1990-2013 2013-2016
MMR Decline rate per 1 Lakh live births 5.3% 8%
IMR Decline Rate per 1 Lakh births 2.8% 4.7%
Under 5 Mortality Decline Rate 3.9% 6.6%

 

Malaria Annual Parasite incidence (API) per 1,000 population 0.64 in 2017 0.30 in 2018

 

 

India backs Mongolia’s mega oil refinery project with $ 236 mn additional Line of Credit

Dharmendra Pradhan in Mongolia
Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan support Mongolia's mega refinery project

New Delhi: Expanding bilateral trade and investment relations between India and Mongolia, Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan has commissioned the India-assisted infrastructure facilities for Mongolia’s proposed 1.5 MMT Oil Refinery Project with an additional US $ 236 million Line of Credit. Prime of Mongolia H.E. Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, along with his six Cabinet ministers, was also present on the occasion.

“This important event will pave the way to open a new chapter in our bilateral trade and investment relations. Shared Buddhist heritage and common belief in ideals of democracy sustain both our countries’ cordial relations and engagement,” said Pradhan in the ceremony.

India's Petroleum Minister

He added, “The construction of the 1.5 MMT Oil Refinery Project with Indian assistance is a shining example of our friendship.” “Happy to share that on Mongolian request, India has announced an additional US $ 236 million Line of Credit from India to Mongolia beyond the committed US$ 1 billion,” said Pradhan.

“I am glad that the Engineers India Ltd, Public Sector Undertaking of the Ministry of Petroleum and natural gas is providing project management consultancy services for this prestigious refinery project in Mongolia,” he added.

Dharmendra Pradhan in Mongolia

Meanwhile, he added, “On completion of the project, it will meet about three-fourth of Mongolian requirement of oil. India would be happy to partner with Mongolia to develop its infrastructure as per the priorities decided by the people and Govt. of Mongolia. India remains committed to working with the Govt. and people of Mongolia to further strengthen our Strategic Partnership for mutual prosperity.”

Accompanied by an official and business delegation, Pradhan has been on a three-day visit to Mongolia as a follow up of the State visit of the President of Mongolia to India in September 2019.

Cabinet approves MoUs between India and Foreign Broadcasters

Prasar Bharti
Indian public broadcaster all set to gain from MoUs with foreign broadcasters

New Delhi: In a move that will go a long way in broadening the vision and enhancing the capabilities and reach of Public broadcasters Doordarshan and All India Radio, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval for the MoUs between India and Foreign Broadcasters in the field of Radio and Television.

The MoUs with the Foreign Broadcasters will help Public broadcaster in exploring new visions and New Strategies to address the demands of new technologies and stiff competition. These are also likely to pave way for media liberalisation and Globalisation.

Broadcasting of programmes to be obtained through mutual exchange, co-production will lead to equity and inclusiveness among viewer/listeners of DD and AIR. Exchanges of technical Know-how, expertise and training of manpower would help the public broadcaster to meet the emerging challenges in the field of broadcasting.

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