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Indian Railways launches 10 ‘Sewa Service’ trains

Piyush Goyal
Indian Railways Minister Piyush Goyal launched 10 ‘Sewa Service’ trains

New Delhi (NVI): In an effort to improve the connectivity for commuters and faster ease of movement between small towns and major cities, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on October 15 launched 09 ‘Sewa Service’ Trains along with Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan by inaugurating Delhi-Shamli passenger train. 

The other trains were flagged off through video-conferencing connected to the terminal stations. 

Speaking on the occasion, Goyal said, “These Sewa trains will provide connectivity to the far-flung areas where stoppages of premiere trains were not possible. These trains will act as link trains to serve the common man of the country.”

Goyal pointed out that inauguration of nine Sewa passenger service trains is a unique concept, stating, “With layover rakes as a part of ‘sweating of assets’ initiative by the Indian Railways.”

The Railways has introduced five daily sewa express trains between ‘Delhi and Shamli’, ‘Bhubaneswar and Nayagarh town’, ‘Murkongselex and Dibrugarh’, ‘Kota and Jhalawar City’ and ‘Coimbatore and Palani’.

The other passenger “Sewa Service” trains between Vadnagar to Mahesana, Asarya to Himmatnagar, Karur to Salem, Yesvantpur to Tumkur and Coimbatore to Pollachi, to be run for six days a week. 

“This was part of strategies of Indian Railways to have better utilization of the rolling stock without any requisition for new rolling stock,” Goyal said and thanked Prime Minister Modi for his vision to transform Railways as the engine of growth in the economic and social development of the country.”

Remembering Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, on the occasion of his birth anniversary, Goyal said, “Former President had memorable experience with Indian Railways during his childhood in Rameswaram.”

He further added, “Railways has taken transformational steps like Cleanliness campaign in Railway premises across the country, Wi-Fi facility at 5000 Railway stations, Installation of Bio toilets in coaches to clean the tracks, Ayushmann Bharat facility in Railway hospitals across the country.”

Railway Minister launched 10 Sewa services in the presence of Minister of State of Railways, Suresh Angadi, Health minister Harsh Vardhan, Lok Sabha MP Meenakshi Lekhi and other dignitaries.

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his gratitude to Railways Minister for starting a new Sewa Train from Bhubaneswar to Nayagarh. He also appreciated the significant steps taken by the Railways for the development in Odisha.

Meanwhile, at the ceremony, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan congratulated Indian railways for taking an important step in the betterment of life of common citizens of the country, stating, “the new Sewa Trains will connect small stations en route. These trains will be highly beneficial to the common people, especially those who come to metro cities for jobs and education.” 

“Indian Railways has always endeavoured for providing comfortable services to its passengers. The short distance Sewa trains will be a boon to common citizens of the country,” said Suresh Angadi. 

These trains will run on the “Hub and Spoke” model, thereby facilitating passengers to use these trains to reach the “Hub” for availing onward journey to other major stations. Indian Railways plans to run more trains on a similar model to serve the passengers of smaller towns and cities. These measures are also expected to boost the earnings of the Indian Railways to help in strengthening the economy.

–PS

Defence Minister asks scientists to make India global leader in cutting-edge defence technology

rajnath DRDO
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the inaugural session of the 41st Directors’ Conference of DRDO at New Delhi on October 15.

New Delhi (NVI) Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh called upon defence scientists to strive for developing cutting-edge technologies indigenously to make India not only self-reliant in defence manufacturing but also global leader in the field.

Emphasising that research and maintaining operational superiority is the need of the hour, The Minister said, the world is changing and advanced and disruptive technologies are emerging at a rapid pace.

He called for developing ‘indigenous innovation ecosystem’ with less dependence on imported systems to achieve self-reliance in critical technologies. “Development of technology should be cost effective and time efficient,” he added.

The Minister was Speaking at the inaugural session of the 41st Directors’ Conference of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with the theme ‘Technology Leadership for Empowering India’, on the occasion of 88th birth anniversary of former President Bharat Ratna Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, here on October 15.

Stressing the need to bridge the technology gap for India to become a global leader in research and development, Rajnath Singh urged the scientists to focus on technologies that provide cutting edge capability and remain relevant for the next 15-20 years.

“There are certain limitations in technology and there is a gestation period for development of products. It is possible that during the gestation period of complex systems, new technical requirements emerge. Spiral development should be given priority for such systems,” he further said.

Suggesting an intense interaction between DRDO and all stakeholders, the Minister urged scientists to devise an action plan for excellence in Defence R&D that can take India to renewed heights in defence capability.

He said, with concerted efforts, India can become a ‘technology exporter’, which will have multi-dimensional benefits.

He termed scientific knowledge, innovation, advanced technology, industrial infrastructure and workforce as ‘currency’ of modern times, adding that basic R&D in science and technology identifies new knowledge that can prove to be useful in both civil and military sectors. “Innovation brings investment and at the same time provides better value to investors. It contributes in establishing a win-win situation,” he added.

He added that through initiatives such as ‘Make in India’, investment facilitation, skills enhancement, intellectual property protection and manufacturing infrastructure, the Government is leaving no stone unturned to make India a global manufacturing hub in near future.

Describing DRDO as the main centre for indigenous R&D, the Minister said, the organisation is committed to progressive enhancement of self sufficiency in strategic defence systems and infrastructure.

He expressed confidence that the world-class weapon platforms and systems like combat vehicles, missiles, multi-barrel rocket launcher, unmanned aerial vehicle, radar, electronic warfare systems, combat aircraft, propellants and explosives, will help in making India self-reliant in defence sector.

He congratulated DRDO for achieving all targets earmarked for 100 days and lauded the organisation for setting a target to become fully self-reliant in the next five years.

He commended DRDO for its vast contribution in providing direct and indirect employment and helping the people as well as Armed Forces personnel in far flung areas such as Ladakh.

Remembering Dr Kalam, the ‘Missile Man of India’, the Defence Minister said, the former President’s contribution in the space research & missile development programme helped India find a place in top countries known for their indigenous capabilities.

Echoing the words of Dr Kalam, “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun”, the Minister exhorted the scientists of DRDO to strive for excellence in all their endeavours.

Earlier, Rajnath Singh paid homage to Dr Kalam at his statue in the DRDO premises along with other dignitaries.

He gave away awards to winners of ‘Dare to Dream’ contest organised by DRDO and also launched new and improved website of DRDO.

Present were National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria, Secretary Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy addressed the gathering. Secretary (Defence Production) Subhash Chandra and scientists and senior officials of Ministry of Defence.

–rb

Indo-Kazakhstan joint military exercise concludes

Indo-Kazakhstan joint military 3

Pithoragarh (NVI): The fourth edition of joint Indo-Kazakhstan military exercise KAZIND-2019 concluded with both armies carrying out specialized joint counter terrorist operations including cordon and search operations on 15th October at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

The exercise included joint training in mountainous as well as jungle terrain. Important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations were rehearsed and executed jointly.

The validation exercise was reviewed by General Officer Commanding (GOC) Uttar Bharat Area Major General Kabindra Singh, in presence of senior Army officers of both the participating countries.

The Kazakhstan side was represented by Major General Daulat Ospanav, Chief of Staff of armed forces of Kazakhstan.

The exercise concluded with a grand cultural show presented by both the countries.

Exercise KAZIND-2019 increased the bonhomie and camaraderie amongst both the participating nations. The troops shared best practices being followed by both nations in counter terrorism operations in mountainous and jungle terrain and the exercise provided an opportunity to both the armies for greater understanding and strengthening mutual trust and cooperation.

(sb)

Dilli Series Sea Power Seminar on Shaping Nations to be held on Oct 17

Dilli series seminar
Indian Naval Academy to hold Dilli Series’ Sea Power Seminar between October 17-18

New Delhi (NVI): The sixth edition of ‘Dilli Series’ Sea Power Seminar on “Role of Sea Power in Shaping of Nations” to be held by Indian Naval Academy (INA) from October 17 to 18. 

Based on themes of Sea Power Vs Land Power, A Historical Perspective, Sea Power and Geo Economics and Centrality of Sea Power to Global Politics, the two-day event promises to be equally informative.

The event will be attended by former Chief of Naval Staff Madhvendra Singh as the chief guest along with Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Senior Naval Officers, Western Naval Command, Nitin Pai, Commodore Uday Bhaskar, Captain Alok Bansal and other luminaries and academicians. 

The Dilli Series Seminar has named after the historic Mount Dilli located near INA. With considerable historical importance, it helps young officers and cadets to keep an eye on developments in the maritime domain whilst simultaneously laying a strong foundation of history.  

It has always been intellectually stimulating experience for all the participants, especially young cadets and college students. 

–PS

Public sector banks disbursed Rs 81,781 crore: Finance Minister 

Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reviewed customer outreach initiatives

New Delhi (NVI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on October 14 said during the first phase of the Customer Outreach Initiative, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) disbursed Rs 81,781 crore from October 1 to 9, including new term loans of worth Rs 34,342 crore. 

In meeting with bank chief executives, Sitharaman reviewed the performance of Public Sector Banks (PSBs)  and announced credit and implementation of measures to support economic growth were reviewed in-depth.

The second phase of the customer outreach Initiative is likely to be held between October 21-25 in about 150 districts. 

“Approximately Rs 40,000 crores will be shared by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs with banks for reaching out to MSMEs during the customer outreach initiative for bill discounting and enabling MSMEs to access working capital,” said in a statement. 

“In addition, home loans, vehicle loans, agriculture loans, education loans, and other MSME and personal loans would be focused upon. It was noted that the PSBs are well equipped to support credit needs with the recent recapitalisation of over Rs 55,000 crore,” the statement added. 

In the review meeting, it was noted that PSBs have continued to support the NBFC/HFC sector. Since the IL&FS default in September 2018 till 10th October 2019, PSBs have sanctioned total support of Rs 3,97,557 crore in the form of credit as well as pool-buyouts of Rs 1,07,792 crore, including Rs 15,455 crore under the newly launched Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme. 

Since the last review on September 19 2019 till 10th October 2019, disbursement by PSBs to NBFCs was Rs 39,068 crore.

The PSB’s chief executives informed that they will continue expeditious disbursement of pool buy-outs including those sanctioned under the Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme. 

“The government would also issue suitable clarifications to banks with a view to expedite processing of proposals under the scheme,” said in a statement.

–PS

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Poonch district

ceasfire violation
File Photo

Poonch (NVI): Pakistan resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army meanwhile is retaliating befittingly.

According to a statement, Pakistan at around 0930 hours initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation in Qasba and Kirni Sectors of Poonch district on October 15 by firing small arms and mortars shelling.

There is no report on any casualty.

Notably, one soldier lost his life on October 13 in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

(rb)

Prasad asks Dept of post to work on special stamps on Mahabalipuram

national week summit
Ravi Shankar Prasad on the concluding day of National Postal Week Celebrations

New Delhi (NVI): In the wake of successful informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Union Minister of Communications Ravi Shankar Prasad on 15th October 2019 asked officials of postal departments to work on a set of special stamps on Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) due to its historic significance.

The chinese premiere visited India on 11t October for an informal summit.The two days summit was held at the seaside temple town of Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu.

Speaking at the concluding day of National Postal Week Celebrations Prasad said, Department of Posts should strive for 25 crore postal savings accounts from the current 17 crore , and should make efforts to link the same with accounts of India Post Payments Bank for achieving the goal of financial inclusion.

On the concluding day of National Postal Week Celebrations, Prasad launched a Mobile Banking App for POSB customers.

He also released a commemorative postage stamps on India Perfumes Agarwood and Orange Blossom besides launching a Performance Dashboard of the Department of Posts.

Addresing the event, he urged the department to enhance considerably postal insurance accounts.

He said that 3.5 crore insurance accounts in a population of 130 crore is unacceptable. Adding that Postal Department should come forward to forge partnership with global companies and the administrative issues, if any, would be resolved amicably.

He also directed the department of posts to organize a special letter writing competition on Bapu as a tribute to 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, besides coming out with a set of stamps on unsung heroes of freedom movement and particularly of those imprisoned in Cellular Jail in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

“Over the years India Post has been providing services through its network of 1,55,000 post offices. As a part of its savings bank schemes, the department has opened 1.47 lakh Sukanya Samridhi Yojna accounts for benefitting the girl child. With the setting up of 13,352 Aadhaar centres, 420 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras and a robust digital platform through its Digital Advancement of Rural Post Offices (DARPAN) for A New India , the Department of Posts is trying to provide quality citizen centric services to the customers,” A.N.Nanda, Secretary, Department of Posts said.

(sb/rb)

 

Nine hospital admissions every min under Ayushman Bharat scheme

ayushman bharat
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

New Delhi (NVI): With nine hospital admissions every minute across the country, in the first year, the government’s flagship health assurance scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana speaks its own success story.

Lauding the progress of the scheme, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “The Ayushman Bharat family is growing by leaps and bounds. In just over one year, under PM-JAY more than 50 lakh treatments have been availed by beneficiaries across the country. But, this is just the beginning for this path-breaking scheme. We are grateful to our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji for his visionary leadership. The successful implementation of this scheme will help us take forward Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s vision of “Antyodaya” – the upliftment of the last man, such that this deprived man gets the benefits of development. The aim of our government is to make Bharat “Rog mukt and Ayushmaan!”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Indu Bhushan, CEO,  National Health Authority (NHA) said “Fifty lakh hospital treatments is a significant milestone for PM-JAY, but there is a long journey ahead. The scheme will continue to focus on reducing catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure, improving access to quality health care and meeting the unmet need of the population for hospitalisation care, so that we move towards the vision of universal health coverage. Empowering the poorest people in the country with the assurance of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a major area of focus for us.”

The states of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have emerge as the top performing states.

As on October 14, more than 10.9 crore E-Cards have been issued while 50 lakh hospital treatments have been provided. As many as Rs 7,901 cr have been authorized for admissions and 18,486 hospitals empanelled.

In just one year, half crore hospital treatments have been provided under this scheme, which is the world’s largest fully government funded health assurance scheme.

This ambitious programme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, last year.

Today the scheme crossed 50 lakh treatments mark. These secondary and tertiary level treatments worth Rs 7,901 crores have been carried out in the 32 States and Union Territories implementing the scheme.

More than 60 percent of the amount spent has been on tertiary care with cardiology, orthopaedics, radiation oncology, cardio-thoracic and vascular surgery, and urology emerging as the top tertiary specialities.

PM-JAY is a partnership of public and private sector health systems. The 50 lakh hospital admissions have taken place in the public and empanelled private hospitals that provide care to the beneficiaries under the scheme.

To date, 18,486 hospitals have been empanelled across India. In the first year, 53 percent of the empanelled hospitals are private, especially multi-specialty hospitals.

So far, the scheme has been implemented in 32 States and Union Territories, and there are more than 50,000 portability cases, wherein migrant and travelling eligible Indians have availed their treatment outside their home states.

The aim of PM-JAY is to bring quality healthcare to more than 50 crore poor and vulnerable Indians across the country. The scheme gives annual healthcare benefits of up to Rs five lakh for every entitled family, and provides cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary at the point of service.

The NHA is responsible for providing the overall stewardship for design, roll-out, implementation and management of Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY at the national level.

The Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY provides a cover of up to Rs 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to over 10.74 crore vulnerable entitled families. It provides cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary at the point of service.

(rb)

India will lead global energy transition: Dharmendra Pradhan

Dharmendra Pradhan
Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

New Delhi (NVI): With its huge energy appetite and growth potential, India will be the key driver of global energy demand in the coming decades and it will chart its own course of energy transition in a responsible manner said Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on October 15.

Speaking at the ministerial dialogue at third energy forum by CERAWeek, Pradhan said, “To meet this huge demand, India would need a healthy mix of all commercially viable energy sources.”

He further said, “Prime Minister has given us a target to transform the Indian economy to a 5 trillion dollar in the next five years. We are making concerted efforts and taking all necessary steps to make this a reality. The energy sector will be fueling India’s journey towards this stated goal of a 5 trillion dollar economy.”

Dharmendra Pradhan

“The presence of ministers at the Forum is a testimony to the high importance that the government accords to India’s energy sector in a dynamic global energy landscape,” Pradhan added.

The event was also attended by Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Coal and R.K. Singh, Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy. 

During the event, Railway minister Goyal gave a glimpse of India’s path of the energy transition, stating, “The share of renewables in electricity capacity has significantly gone up now to 22% from around 10% in 2014-15. Secondly, the ethanol blending percentage has risen from 0.67% in 2012-13 to now close to 6%. Finally, more than 95% of households now have access to LPG, making their kitchens smoke-free.” 

“We are on the cusp of energy revolution and energy has become an essential commodity in our bilateral trade engagements with several key trading partners, we are improving domestic coal production, reducing import dependency, and Gas is playing an important role in the energy basket,” Goyal added.

He further added, “Indian Railways is on the path to be 100% electrified by 2023. PM Modi has shown the world, the path to climate justice and a sustainable future. Modern technologies, efficiency in production are transforming the landscape. Mr Pradhan has been on the right track in taking forward India on the path to becoming a gas-based economy.”

“There are proven technologies to use coal in a cleaner and more sustainable way, and washeries are being set up and for the next 20-30 years, coal will continue to play an important role in Indian energy scenario,” said Prahlad Joshi. 

Mentioning about the setting up of a fertilizer plant in Odisha which would be first of its kind in terms of using coal gasification technology, Joshi said, “My mandate is to ensure availability of coal, we are equally sensitive about environment issues. Our per capita consumption of coal is about 1/10th of that of the United States. So, with the help of technologies we are going to use coal in a much cleaner way.”

Dharmendra Pradhan

Power Minister R.K. Singh said, “Energy affordability is key to improving energy access. We are preparing for a low- carbon energy future as our government aims to set up a 450GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.”

Enunciating India as an attractive destination for global investors, Singh said, “Power sector has seen a tremendous change in the last five years. We have travelled from being a power deficit nation to a power surplus nation. We have made a quantum leap in our renewable energy capacity. We are one of the fastest-growing producers and consumers of renewable energy.”

“We have laid down stringent emission standards for our power plants. In the last five years we have carried out an unparalleled and fastest and largest increase in access to energy the world has witnessed,” he further said. 

Speaking about investment potential India holds, he said, “If you are in energy, you must be in India.”

–PS

Make India destination for coffee and Indian coffee a brand: Goyal to ICO

wcc 2
Piyush Goyal at the Curtain Raiser for the 5th World Coffee Conference

New Delhi (NVI): Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged International Coffee Organization (ICO) and Coffee Board of India to explore ways to make Indian coffee a brand and make India a sustainable destination for coffee.

Addressing the curtain raiser event for 5th World Coffee Conference and Expo here on October 15, Goyal urged the Coffee Board of India and the ICO to bring in innovation to the conference and expo by crowd sourcing ideas from citizens.

India will be hosting the 5th World Coffee Conference and Expo in Bengaluru from September 7th to 12th, 2020. For the first time this expo will he held in Asia. India is the fifth largest exporter and producer of coffee in the world and is fast emerging as major coffee consuming country.

“Government of India and the Government of Karnataka will extend full co-operation for the success of the 5th WCC & Expo.This is a great opportunity that India has got and the Coffee Board of India will welcome to India participants from more than 70 countries for the Expo and Conference,” Goyal said.

The Government of India has also a strong focus on increasing coffee plantation. The global community also desires to connect with coffee growers in India and Asia and WCC 2020 offers an opportunity to explore India and Asia to the global coffee community. Bengaluru is the coffee capital of India and produces nearly 70 percent of country’s coffee

wcc

“Methods may be explored to make coffee farmers stakeholders in the value chain as this will have a positive impact on the 25 million families who depend on coffee cultivation the world over. And suggested that a rupee may be added to every cup of coffee that is bought all over the world by coffee lovers and this can be given to the coffee growers,to make a positive impact on the lives of coffee growers and their families,” Goyal said.

During this year long period of preparation, he also urged the ICO to commission studies that will assuage concerns regarding the harmful effects of caffeine.

WCC is expected to be attended by delegates of all 76 member countries of the ICO and over 1000 attendees, including coffee growers, exporters, representatives from government, private sectors and international agencies.

The proposed theme of WCC 2020 is sustainably through consumption because the world coffee production is increasing and having a negative impact on coffee prices, this can be offset by increasing consumption, therefore consumption is the key to sustainability. The focus will be on economic, agriculture, commercial, environmental, social and cultural impact.

(sb/rb)

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