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Technology transformed ‘Dakiya into Bank Babu’: Modi

brigital india
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Releasing a book ‘Bridgital Nation’

New Delhi (NVI): Seeking to add a technological dimension to his government’s motto of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that technology builds bridge between aspirations and achievement, demand and delivery, government and governance and that it was the technology that has transformed ‘dakiya (postman) into Bank Babu’.

Talking about the need to convert challenges posed by technology into opportunities, PM cited the example of the creation of India Post Payment Bank. He added that the disruption caused by technology to the entire postal organization was converted into a technology intensive banking system, benefitting millions through postal bank which transformed ‘dakiya into a Bank Babu’, an official statement said.

Releasing a book ‘Bridgital Nation’ here on October 20, Modi stated technology is a bridge and not a divider. He said that positivity, creativity and constructive mind-set is essential for fast growing aspirational India. He emphasized on the need to build bridge between artificial intelligence and human intentions.

The book has been written by N Chandrasekaran and Ms. Roopa Purushottam. Modi presented its first copy to noted industrialist Ratan Tata.

Prime Minister narrated how technology has been a key component of government schemes in order to reform, transform and perform. He mentioned about the use of data intelligence, digital mapping and real time monitoring in Ujjwala Yojana which has transformed the lives of millions of women.

He talked about how technology has helped in empowering people through schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana and Ayushman Bharat.

He also outlined that his government has used technology to remove silos amongst government departments and build a bridge between supply systems and demand, through innovative ideas like Government e-market Place (GeM).

He explained how technology was used to create a robust Start-Up system in the country, especially in tier-2 and tier 3 cities – which has helped in the development of an entirely new ecosystem of startups.

-sb

 

Stubble burning results in 30 billion dollar loss annually: IFPRI

Farmers burning farm wastes. File photo

New Delhi (NVI): Pollution caused by rice straw residue burning in India results in a loss of 30 billion dollar annually, according to an estimate by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), .

According to a blog of the World Economic Forum, “Every year, farmers in Northwest India burn 39 million tonnes of rice straw residue on their farms in order to clear the field for the next harvest. This open burning, is one of the root causes of the air pollution in Delhi, and across India, which is home to 9 out of 10 of the worlds most polluted cities. This pollution is estimated by the IFPRI to result in a loss of 30 billion dollar annually.”.

Meanwhile, an international company IKEA’s new FÖRÄNDRING collection, has come forward to  help raise awareness on air pollution and crop burning.

Mats made of rice straw by IKEA.

FÖRÄNDRING collection, to be launched soon, uses rice straw residue as raw material for manufacturing products.

This provides a viable alternative to open burning for farmers and turns a waste product into a valuable resource, while simultaneously reducing air pollution.

IKEA hopes that the FÖRÄNDRING collection will help raise awareness on air pollution and crop burning.

The blog said that poor air quality can have a very negative effect on economies, leading to trillions in costs, particularly in healthcare and reduced labour productivity.

Moreover, pollution also leads to reduced crop yields, reduced electricity generation from solar panels and the stifling of international tourism.

Polluted cities like Delhi are experiencing new levels of brain drain, with people who have the capacity and means are migrating to cities with better air quality.

Due to poor air quality employees are more likely to get affected from coughs and sore throats to lung cancer and heart disease leading to drop in cognitive performance and productivity.

The blog also said, “WHO has analysed that air pollution affects more than 90 percent of the world’s population – making this a global health priority that requires action at comparable levels by both the public and private sectors”.

It is predicted that by 2060, there will be 3.8 billion lost working days annually due to effects of air pollution.

— RB

 

Culture Minister inaugurates CCRT e-portal and YouTube Channel

Prahlad Singh
Prahlad Singh Patel

New Delhi (NVI): With an aim to take India to a newer digital pinnacle and to promote Indian culture, MoS Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel has inaugurated e-portal of Centre for Cultural Resources and Training and YouTube Channel here on October 21. 

Prahlad Singh attended the “Digital Bharat – Digital Sanskriti” program organised by Rashtriya Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, CCRT of the Ministry of Culture.

The cultural resources and training centre has started publishing books from the series “Untold Tales of India’s Cities” in order to explore and understand the unknown aspects of India’s lesser-known places and their rural and semi-urban culture.

The centre has also produced a documentary film “Rahas” with the objective of understanding of Indian traditions by having knowledge about different regional cultures.

PrahladMeanwhile, Singh will be attending the 76th anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind Government today here at the Red Fort in the presence of Secretary-General Sanjay Chaudhary, Netaji Subhas INA Trust and other Veterans of Azad Hind Fauj along with Secretary Culture, Arun Goyal and Director-General Usha Sharma. 

–PS

Phillippines to explore ancient links with India

Laguna Copperplate with inscriptions in Pallava script

New Delhi (NVI): Philippines is all set to launch an innovative initiative to explore its pre-colonial linkages with India with both the countries deciding to set up a group of experts to research and document their ancient ties.

A decision to this effect was taken during the recent visit of President of India Ram Nath Kovind to Phillippines, who has welcomed the initiative saying it will further strengthen the people-to-people contact between the two countries.

It is to noted that the discovery Laguna copper plate inscription in the Philippines bears the influence of Pallava script. Beginning in the first millennium AD, indigenous chiefdoms emerged on the islands and had regular trade contact with Southeast Asia and China. Writing was also prevalent in the Philippines during this time. The scripts used on the islands were influenced by writing systems from India and Indonesia. Unfortunately, very few texts survive from that period, although there is one known precolonial Philippines artifact that contains writing, the Laguna Copperplate, from about 900 AD.

This plate bears what appears to be an official inscription written in an Indian Pallava script used across Maritime Southeast Asia at the time. It also references a date using a lunar calendar that was common across Southeast Asia. The Laguna Copperplate demonstrates that the islands were not isolated and suggests that they had significant contact with the rest of Southeast Asia as early as the 10th century AD, if not earlier.

It is said the first foreign religions to make a mark on the archipelago may have been Buddhism and Hinduism. Around 900 AD, several of the island polities were vassal states of the Empire of Srivijaya. Srivijaya was a city-state on the island of Sumatra and a center of Buddhist learning that flourished roughly from 700 to 1100 AD.

Decision to Boost Tourism through direct air connectivity

While discussing tourism during his Phillippines visit Ram Nath Kovind had emphasized how India is one of the fastest-growing source countries for tourists to the Philippines. Commenting on the growth of tourism he had added that both sides are soon planning to start direct flights, which will give a boost to the connectivity.

But of Mahatma Gandhi unveiled

Earlier, Kovind also unveiled a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi at the Centre of Peace Education at Miriam College in Manila, Philippines on Sunday, October 20. “This bust of Mahatma Gandhi is a gift from the people of India to you”, Kovind said during his address on the occasion. “But the Mahatma belongs to all peoples, all cultures and all societies. May he continue to guide us in our shared journey of peace, harmony and sustainable development for all.”

In a tweet, the President Kovind stated he hopes the generation of students who pass through the gates of the Centre of Peace Education will continue to be inspired by Gandhi’s legacy “of being just and ethical in conduct; compassionate and humble in treating fellow human beings; and standing up and championing truth and truth alone, even in most trying times”. The President said that he feels honoured to unveil Gandhi’s bust in the Philippines, which is the land of Jose Rizal. “Both Mahatma Gandhi and Jose Rizal believed in the power of peace and non-violence. The avenue in New Delhi named after your national hero continues to inspire and motivate us.”

-nad

Revocation of special status of J&K to spur peace, prosperity: Reddy 

Kishan reddy
MoS G. Kishan Reddy while attending the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) meeting at the Baksa District, Assam

New Delhi (NVI): Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy on October 20 said the government’s decision of revocation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir granted under article 370 will spur ‘peace and prosperity ’ in the region.

Addressing the gathering at IIT, Guwahati Campus, Reddy said, “Revocation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir is necessary to end terrorism and bring prosperity in the valley.”

The government has taken several measures to protect the people of the state from any incidents of violence in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 and besides speeding up the process of peace and prosperity in the region, he added. 

As a part of the North East Development initiative introduced by the centre in 2015, the MoS for Home Affairs Reddy has begun his three-day visit to Assam and Manipur from October 20. He began his trip by offering prayers at the Kamakhya temple for the peace and prosperity of the region. 

“The MHA is aware of the invaluable services rendered by the SSB personnel to the nation and is trying to extend all possible support to the Force to make it stronger, “ Reddy said, while visiting the Border OutPost (BOP) Darranga of the Sashastra Seema Bal at Baksa District, Assam to review the security preparedness and boost the confidence of Jawans serving in difficult terrain.

Kishan Reddy

Meanwhile, he also met the Chief Minister of Assam Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and reviewed the progress of development projects supported by the Union Government. He also discussed the security situation in the state with the Chief Minister.

He ended his day with pre-Diwali celebrations along with officials and jawans of the Border Security Force (BSF) at the BSF Frontier HeadQuarters at Patgaon, Assam. 

Lauding paramilitary forces for their indomitable spirit and dedication to the service of the Nation, Reddy said, “The entire country stood firmly with the jawans and honours the sufferings and sacrifices they make.”

–PS

Delhi to mount massive fight against air pollution, CII pitches in

New Delhi (NVI): The Delhi Government and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) are going to mount a massive fight against air pollution with the former recently approving Rs 36 crore for related mass awareness campaigns and the latter adopting over 100 villages and 100,000 acres of farm area in Punjab and Haryana to enable zero crop residue burning.

 

The data show that air pollution reaches alarming levels in north India during winter months as farmers burn the farm residue.

“The Delhi government is committed to not just reducing pollution further in the months to come, but also to protect citizens from the health hazards posed by the sudden spike in air pollution. The Cabinet has approved an expenditure of ₹36 crore from the budget of the Directorate of Information and Publicity towards the mass awareness campaigns,” an official statement said.

 

The money will be spent on outdoor awareness campaigns, and also for spreading awareness through electronic media, TV, and newspapers.

Research by Energy Policy Institute of the University of Chicago (EPIC) in slums of Delhi has shown that the usage of masks goes up substantially if masks are distributed free of cost. However, their usage is often low, despite free distribution, because of lack of awareness about masks, according to the Delhi government.

 

“The EPIC study showed that mask usage went up substantially when accompanied by an awareness campaign that de-stigmatised the use of masks. So, even when it comes to taking measures for health and safety of citizens, it is essential to build an active public awareness campaign,” the statement said.

 

Meanwhile the CII has adopted Ludhiana, Barnala and Patiala districts in Punjab, and Rohtak, Sirsa and Fatehabad in Haryana to facilitate zero stubble burning.

 

The CII has created an ecosystem to engage stakeholders, including experts, corporates, State governments, village community and farmer groups, to implement possible solutions to the issue of stubble burning, the industry body said in a statement.

 

Earlier in July this this year, the Delhi Cabinet had approved a proposal to make rainwater harvesting mandatory at all city government buildings. Meanwhile the much-debated Odd-Even formula for allowing vehicles on Delhi roads is also going to kick in from November 4 and will continue till November 15.

 

-nad

Naval Commanders’ meet to focus on functional reorganisation of Indian Navy

File photo.

New Delhi (NVI) The three-day Naval Commanders’ Conference to begin in New Delhi on October 22, will focus on functional reorganisation of the Indian Navy towards improving operational efficiency and optimal manning.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the Naval Commanders on the opening day and also interact with them, an official statement said.

The conference also provides an opportunity for institutionalised interaction of Naval Commanders with senior Government officials to take ahead a number of inter-Ministerial initiatives towards development of a safe and secure maritime environment essential for holistic economic growth of the country.

During the course of three days, from October 22 to 24, the Chief of the Naval Staff, with the Commanders-in-Chief, will review major operational, materiel, logistics, HR, training and administrative activities undertaken during the previous six months and deliberate upon the course to be steered in the ensuing months.

The deliberations during the Conference will focus on addressing the contemporary security paradigms whilst seeking ways to enhance the combat potential of the Navy and to make the operations more efficient.

Accordingly, the theme of discussions will focus on the ‘Functional Reorganisation of Indian Navy towards improving Operational Efficiency’ and ‘Optimal Manning’ wherein contemporary issues pertaining to ‘operations’, maintenance’, ‘op-logistics’, ‘data management’ and ‘improvement of organisational practices’ are listed for deliberations.

The event also provides an opportunity for the Commanders to undertake detailed review of the performance of weapon and sensors, readiness of IN platforms.

All future operations would be planned and executed jointly by the three Services and therefore the ways to optimise joint planning structures, Tri-Service Synergy and operational readiness will be deliberated during the interaction with NSA, Chiefs of Indian Army and IAF.

Commanders will also review the ongoing naval projects with a focus to enhance indigenisation through ‘Make in India’.

The half yearly conference also reviews the developments in the region with a view to assess the way ahead for implementation of initiatives towards the concept of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

6 to 10 Pak soldiers killed, three terror camps destroyed: Gen Rawat

General Bipin Rawat. (File photo)

New Delhi (NVI): The Indian Army has inflicted heavy casualties on Pakistani army, killing six to 10 of its soldiers and same number of terrorists in retaliation to the unprovoked firing by Pakistan army to push terrorists into Indian side, in the Tangdhar Sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to reporters on the sideline of an event here on October 20, Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat said that the Indian Army had also destroyed three terrorist camps.

“The report we have is that six to ten Pakistani soldiers have been killed and same number of terrorists have also been killed. We can say with confidence that three terrorist camps have been destroyed while causing damage to the fourth one,” the General said.

The General warned that if Pakistan continues with such misadventure then “we will not hesitate to take action”.

“The casualties to the terrorists are far more than the information we have received,” he added

Gen Rawat said, “As of now there is a kind of radio silence on the other side and we are not even able to pick up any mobile communication from across, which implies that there has been damage, there has been casualties. But the Pakistani army does not want to highlight this damage or project this damage because the world will know that no action has been taken to curtail the acts of terrorism from across the border”.

The Pakistani army on the night of October 20, initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation to assist infiltration by terrorists into Indian territories.

Official said, “As a result, calibrated escalation of area weapons was undertaken by the Indian side in which terrorist launch pads, Pakistani army posts giving incidental protection to these launch pads and certain (Pakistani) gun positions were hit”.

During the ceasefire violation by Pakistan, two Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed while three civilians were injured.

The Indian army warned that it retains the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing in case Pakistani army continues to assist terrorist activities across Indian borders.

 

Indian Navy plans exercise off West Coast

The Indian Navy conducted Offshore Security & Contingency exercise ‘Prasthan' in ODA off Mumbai on October 17.
New Delhi (NVI) The Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy, is planning  to exercise its assets of the Western Fleet in the Arabian Sea over the next fortnight.
“With the withdrawal of the monsoon and improved sea conditions, this is the right time to test our operational preparedness, validate procedures and try out new strategies and concepts of naval operations”, a naval spokesperson said.
“It is customary for the Navy to gear up for exercises and deployments immediately following the monsoon season, taking advantage of improved conditions at sea. This is the ideal time to fine tune our deployment concepts, test communication plans, exercise contingencies at sea and validate our inputs towards better maritime domain awareness”, the spokesperson added.
Live firing drills, helicopter operations from ships, operational logistics and communication SOPs are some of the areas that will form the core of these planned exercises in order to hone operational skills, testing of training efficacy and validate existing seamanship practices and procedures.
The Indian Navy has been a key presence in the Arabian Sea following its prolonged anti-piracy deployments in the Gulf of Aden and Op Sankalp off the Gulf of Oman.
The Western Naval Command just concluded an offshore security and contingency exercise code named “Prasthan” on 17 October.
Notably, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had embarked the Western Fleet in September end and the Navy had used the opportunity to exercise carrier-based evolution and fighter operations during the event.

Pak army firing kills civilian, 2 Indian soldiers; terror launch pads destroyed in retaliation

File photo
Srinagar/New Delhi (NVI): Unprovoked firing by Pakistan army to push terrorists into Kashmir killed two Indian soldiers and a civilian and injured 3 civilians in Tangdhar area, prompting Indian retaliation in which several terror launch pads and Pakistan military infrastructure were destroyed today.
The Indian army warned that it retains the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing in case Pakistani army continues to assist terrorist activities across Indian borders.
The Pakistani firing began last night on civilian areas of Ghundhishat village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, an Indian Defence official said.
A civilian, identified as 55-year-old Mohd Sadiq, was killed while Mohd Maqbool (70), Mohd Shafi (50) and Yusuf Hamid (22) we’re injured in the Pakistani action, the official said.
Two Indian army men were also killed in Pakistani firing and shelling in Tangdhar.
The official said the Pakistani army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation to assist infiltration by terrorists into Indian territories.
“As a result, calibrated escalation of area weapons was undertaken by the Indian side in which terrorist launch pads, Pakistani army posts giving incidental protection to these launch pads and certain (Pakistani) gun positions were hit, ” the official said.
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