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GeM signs MoU with Union Bank of India for digital services

gem ubi
GeM signs MoU with Union Bank of India

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

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

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

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

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

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

Census 2021 to adopt digital methodology

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VP begins visit to Comoros, Sierra Leone; asserts Africa is priority

Africa visit
Indian Vice President begins visit to Africa

New Delhi: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on October 11embarked on a visit to Comoros and Sierra Leone by declaring that India accorded highest priority to deepening its engagements with African nations.

Africa VisitOn his visit, the VP said that India considers Africa as a ‘focus continent’, and is evident by 32 visits at various high levels in the last five years to the continent. Adding that India has also decided to open 18 new embassies in Africa.

Upon landing in Comoros, Naidu was received by the country’s President Azali Assoumani and accorded military honours.

During his first leg of his visit to Comoros, the Vice President addressed the Indian diaspora and urged them to join in scripting new India’s growth story, along with three other D`s–Democracy, Demand and Demographic Dividend.

While lauding the Indians for sharing their prosperity with Comorian brothers and sisters, he asked them to make Comoros more prosperous and also contribute to India’s growth.

“Help create a more prosperous, harmonious, sustainable planet”, he added.

Naidu said he was happy that despite being only about 250 in number, the Indian diaspora has made significant contribution in various fields, including social and economic.

He also lauded the Indians for keeping alive India’s cultural heritage and for enjoying a reputation of being a peace-loving community

Outlining the economic development and social transformation taking place in the new India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naidu told the diaspora that despite the global slow-down, India continues to be one of the fastest growing major economies and is poised to be a 5 trillion Dollar economy by 2024-25.

Referring to measures taken by the government to boost economy, he said that the recent steep slashing of corporate tax was expected to spur investments.

Calling upon the investor to invest in India, Naidu said, “Doing business in India is not only lucrative to investors but is also becoming simpler. Our policy is now that of ‘Red Carpet’ and not ‘Red Tape’. Many archaic regulations are being dismantled and seamless processes are being introduced”.

The Vice President said that a host of path breaking reforms were initiated, including the transformational GST, that complies with ‘One Nation-One Tax, One Nation-One Market’ approach.

He also said that India has become one of the most open economies of the world for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the wake of the reforms initiated by the government.

He also mentioned that the Start-up India flagship initiative was nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in the country and the youth were driving the digital revolution and powering the start-up ecosystem.

The Vice President also highlighted that India’s trade with African nations registered a 12% increase from the previous year.

“India is now the 5th largest investor in Africa with a cumulative investment of 54 Billion Dollar”, he added.

Naidu also said that he was looking forward to a fruitful meeting with Comorian President, Assoumani.

India and Comoros are expected to sign several agreements in the presence of both the dignitaries tomorrow.

Naidu also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th anniversary, and recalled that Mahatma Gandhi drew sustenance for his fight against discrimination and colonial domination, in Africa.

“It was this soil of Africa which gave the nourishment and inspiration and made Mahatma Gandhi what he was. It was Africa that transformed his vision and gave greater clarity to his life’s mission”, he added.

he invited the Indian diaspora of Comoros to attend the next Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas of 2021.

The high-level delegation included Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Rajya Sabha MP Ramvichar Netam and senior officials.

New ‘Fire & Fury Corps’ commander asks troops to keep ‘Nation First’

Lt Gen Harinder Singh
Lt Gen Harinder Singh takes over command of Fire & Fury Corps

​Srinagar: Lt Gen Harinder Singh assumed command of ‘Fire & Fury Corps’ from Lt Gen YK Joshi on October 10 and asked the troops to be always prepared to deal with any threat to national security.

​Lt Gen Harinder Singh has had a distinguished career in the Indian Army, including a number of important command and staff appointments. Commissioned into the Maratha Light Infantry, Lt Gen Harinder Singh has served extensively along the Western and Northern borders.

His command tenures include command of a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in North Kashmir, an Infantry Brigade Group in United Nations Peace Keeping Mission in Congo and an Infantry Division in North Kashmir. Lt Gen Harinder Singh has also served in several important staff and instructional appointments including tenures in the Directorate General of Military Operations (DGMO) and the Directorate General of Operational Logistics & Strategic Movement (DGOL&SM) at the Integrated HQ of MoD (Army). Prior to assuming command of ‘Fire & Fury Corps’, he was tenating the appointment of Director General Military Intelligence at the Integrated HQ of MoD (Army).

​In his farewell message, Lt Gen YK Joshi conveyed his gratitude and deep appreciation to all ranks of the ‘Fire & Fury Corps’, for their professionalism and steadfast dedication in the service of the nation, even in the most hostile terrain, weather and altitude challenges faced by any Army in the world.

​On taking over, Lt Gen Harinder Singh exhorted all ranks of ‘Fire & Fury Corps’ to continue to discharge their duties with the same commitment and zeal, and always be prepared to deal with any threat to national security. He urged them to continue to keep ‘Nation First’ in all their endeavours.

Northern Army commander hails troops’ efforts to reach out to people in Valley

Lt Gen Ranbir Singh
Lt Gen Ranbir Singh takes stock of the security situation in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar: Norther Army commander has hailed sincere efforts of the troops to reach out to the local population in Kashmir Valley through Sadhbhavna initiatives, especially in far flung areas.

The Sadbhavana initiatives of Army include education, special coaching programmes, health, sports and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief situations.

Lt Gen Ranbir SinghThe General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command (GOC-in-C) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh visited the Valley on October 10 to review the security situation. He was accompanied by the Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen KJS Dhillon. The duo visited formations in the frontier districts along the Line of Control and also hinterland.

The GOC-in-C was briefed by the commanders on ground about the current situation as also the recent counter infiltration and counter terrorist operations.

The GOC-in-C extolled the troops for their relentless efforts in thwarting the adversary’s designs and maintaining constant vigil in the harshest of terrain and weather conditions. The Army Commander reinforced the need to be fully prepared for the emerging security challenges and lauded the exemplary synergy amongst all security forces.

 

38th India Carpet Expo to open in Varanasi from Oct 11

India carpet expo
CEPC to organise 38th India Carpet Expo in Varanasi at Sampurnan and Sanskrit University Ground

New Delhi: The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) is all set to organise 38th India Carpet Expo, one of the largest handmade carpet fairs of Asia, at Sampurnan and Sanskrit University Ground in Varanasi from October 11 to 14, to promote the cultural heritage and weaving skills of Indian hand-made carpets and other floor coverings for the overseas carpet buyers.

Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Ravi Capoor will inaugurate India Carpet Expo, a platform for international carpet buyers, buying houses, buying agents, architects and Indian carpet manufacturers and exporters to meet and establish business relationships. It is held twice a year in Varanasi and Delhi.

India’s unique capability in adapting any type of design, colour, quality and size as per the specifications of the carpet buyers has made it a household name in the international market. Industry uses diverse raw-materials from various parts of India like wool, silk, man-made fibre, jute, cotton and various blends of different yarns. The carpet industry has immense potential for growth both in production and exports. The industry is environment-friendly and does not use scarce and perishable energy resources.

Indian handmade carpet industry is number one in the international handmade carpet market both in terms of value and volume. India exports 85-90% of its total carpet production.

India is exporting its handmade carpets to more than 70 countries in the world, mainly to the USA, Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, France, Italy and Brazil. Recently, exports have also started in China.

The Carpet Export Promotion Council has 2700 members from all over the country and around 200 members from all over India are participating in this Expo. Approximately 450 reputed overseas carpet buyers are expected to attend the Expo.

There is a huge scope of investment in this sector to set up units to produce carpets and other floor coverings in order to discourage imports and also fulfil domestic requirements.

High-level meeting discusses development roadmap for J&K and Ladakh

Meeting
File Photo: Meeting

New Delhi: A high-level meeting of Central agencies was held in Srinagar on October 10 to discuss the projects taken under State Collaboration Initiative programme of DARPG as part of development roadmap of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions. The discussions focused on various issues identified by DARPG as part of initiatives for the Union territories including digitisation of files, implementation of e-office in the Secretariat etc.

“It was the second high level delegation meeting held by  DARPG, in which discussions were also held with various officials including Secretary Rural Development & Panchayati Raj regarding training for Self Help Groups (SHGs), Secretary Art & Culture and Department of J&K regarding various projects which can be taken up to increase awareness within and outside J&K about its rich culture and heritage,” an official statement said.

“The team also met Advisor to Governor, Vijay Kumar and discussed various aspects including strengthening disaster relief measures,” the statement added.

DARPG is further following up these matters in coordination with the Government of J&K.

Union Health Minister urges states to up healthcare spending

CCWHF
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Inaugurated the 13th CCHFW meeting.

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has urged Health Ministers from States/UTs to increase healthcare spending to a minimum 8% of their State budget to meet the goals of healthcare spending of National Health Policy 2017- 2.5% of GDP by 2025. 

Inaugurating the 13th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) on October 10, the minister added: “From the first CCHFW meeting to today, we together have achieved several health milestones, especially India being certified Polio-free. This has been possible because of our collaborative efforts. If all Health Ministers come together for a cause, no task can be impossible.” .

Ashwini Kumar Choubey, MoS (HFW), Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), Niti Aayog, Ms. Preeti Sudan, Secretary (HFW), and Health Ministers from 13 states were among those present on the occasion. .

Harsh Vardhan stated that the purpose of the CCHFW meeting is to build a consensus on the national health priorities that is Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through Ayushman Bharat, eliminating TB and other priority agenda such as strengthen medical infrastructure. This can be achieved by collective increase in healthcare spending by the States/UTs to meet the goals of healthcare spending of National Health Policy 2017- 2.5% of GDP by 2025. “This is the first time that a government is so committed to healthcare and health care is on the top agenda.

This is clearly visible from the passionate address of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recently concluded UN General Assembly where he stressed upon four pillars of healthcare, which included universal health coverage; mission mode interventions; quality and accessible affordable healthcare services; and also adequate infrastructure. “Health needs to become a social movement in every State & UT and the Eat Right and Fit India movements need to be taken up by States & UTs in a synergized manner, to ensure a healthy & robust India” Vardhan added .

The Minister also urged the Health Minister of Uttar Pradesh, who is also the Finance Minister of the State, to increase the health budget of the State and set an example for the rest to emulate.

Speaking at the occasion, Ms. Preeti Sudan, Secretary (HFW) said that the health Ministry is dedicated to the cause of effective, affordable, quality and accessible healthcare. She added that the CCHFW is integral to achievement of health goals of the country, “Without the political leadership and commitment of the States & UTs, healthcare cannot be effective”, she added.

Dr Vinod K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog said two priority areas for the public health sector. “First is increasing the health budgets by the Centre and the States/UTs, and second in enhancing the health infrastructure. The NHP 2017 commitment to increasing the health budget cannot be achieved without States contribution”, he stated. He added that there is a need to engage more with the private sector for augmenting the efforts of the public sector to bring in equity to increase the number of beds and hospitals to meet the global standards of health infrastructure.

New Delhi to promote ‘India Story’, raise economic sensitivities in Bangkok RCEP Ministerial meeting

piyush goyal
File Photo: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal

New Delhi: India is geared for the crucial two-day multilateral Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations in Bangkok from  October 11 where it will not only promote India Story but will also raise its economic concerns and sensitivities. Commerce and Industry Minister on October 10 held several consultations with Indian industry for firming up India’s position and for taking into consideration industry concerns.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal chaired several inter-ministerial meetings at the official level and also with Ministers of the key line Ministries. He will also be holding a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Japan, Singapore, China, Australia and New Zealand during the Bangkok RCEP meeting.

Initially, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to attend the meeting but now Piyush Goyal will attend the meeting, which will be the last before the 3rd Leaders Summit to be held on November 4, 2019 in Bangkok. 

The 28thround of negotiations for RCEP at the expert level had concluded at Da Nang, Vietnam, which was held from September 19 – 27, 2019. In this round of negotiations, meeting of the Trade Negotiating Committee was held in which senior officials participated and discussed market access on Trade in Goods, Trade in Services and Investment as well as on other areas like Rules of Origin, Intellectual Property and Electronic Commerce. Out of 25 chapters, 21 have been concluded. Crucial chapters of Investment, Electronic Commerce, Rules of Origin and Trade Remedies are yet to be settled.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with six partners namely People’s Republic of China (ACFTA), Republic of Korea (AKFTA), Japan (AJCEP), India (AIFTA) and Australia and New Zealand (AANZFTA).

In order to broaden and deepen the engagement among parties and to enhance their participation in economic linkages and to enhance trade and investment related activities as well as to contribute to minimising development gap among the partie,s the 16 Economic Ministers of countries in this region endorsed the Guiding Principles and Objective for Negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in August 2012.

The objective of launching RCEP negotiation is to achieve a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership agreement among the ASEAN member states and ASEAN’s FTA partners. The RCEP negotiations commenced in early 2013.

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