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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Drawing strength from the rich Dogra legacy, it is time now to make a mark in the global world of which India has already become an essential part after 2014 when Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi took over, says Dr Jitendra Singh;

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Drawing strength from the rich Dogra legacy, it is time now to make a mark in the global world of which India has already become an essential part after 2014 when Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi took over, says Dr Jitendra Singh;

    In the last 10 years during the Modi regime, there has been a resurgence of Dogra pride and it is mainly attributable to some of the long awaited decisions taken by this government including declaring of holiday on the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh, observing the Accession Day of Jammu & Kashmir and inclusion of Dogri as an official language

    India of today is no longer what it was about two decades ago

    There is no dearth of talent or potential in youth but what is required is the change of mindset and liberation from the obsession for “SarkariNaukri”: DrJitendra Singh

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh said,  drawing strength from the rich Dogra legacy, it is time now to make a mark  in the global world of which India has already become an essential part after 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over.

    Addressing a programme organised to observe “Dogra Diwas” commemorating the inclusion of Dogri language in the Indian  Constitution and the  “International Dogra Legacy Excellence Awards 2024” , Dr. Jitendra Singh said, there was a rich Dogra legacy from the earlier times which has even, after partition, produced some internationally acclaimed icons like the famous Space Scientist and Founder ISRO Prof Satish Dhawan and renowned singer of the Indian subcontinent MalikaPokhraj or musicians like Shiv Kumar Sharma and Ustad Allah Rakha, though this may not be a very widely known fact in some sections. He said, while celebrating the legacy gives us inspiration and confidence, nevertheless to keep the legacy alive for prosperity, it is equally important to carry it forward to the next destination which, in today’s context, would imply Dogra contribution in the making of Viksit Bharat of 2047.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh observed that in the last 10 years during the Modi regime, there has been a resurgence of Dogra pride and it is mainly attributable to some of the long awaited decisions taken by this government including declaring of holiday on the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh, observing the Accession Day of Jammu & Kashmir and inclusion of Dogri as an official language. He recalled that in his parliamentary constituency also, at the entry point of Jammu & Kashmir, Lakhanpur, for the first time a majestic statue of Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of Jammu & Kashmir State, was established in recent years.

    Exhorting the Dogra community, particularly the youth, to be part of the mainstream growth story of India, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, India of today is no longer what it was about two decades ago. He said, unlike in the past, we do not wait to adopt the successful practices from other countries but today we are developing our own best practices including technologies for other countries to follow. The success stories of Chandrayaan 3 and COVID Vaccine are the most illustrious examples of this, he added.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh said, at a time when we have risen to global rank 3 in the world StartUp ecosystem and when we are ahead of many others in Quantum Technology and Biotechnology, would we be doing justice to our Dogra legacy if we keep ourselves isolated and not be a part of the global journey of India as is seen in several other States. He said, there is no dearth of talent or potential in Dogra youth but what is required is the change of mindset and liberation from the obsession for “Sarkari Naukri”. He said, he sometimes feels pained to see youth on indefinite protest for a Rs.6,000 “Sarkari Naukri” when the Modi government has rolled out a series of attractive schemes, which promises a more lucrative source of livelihood. One  of the examples is the Purple Revolution or the Lavender Entrepreneurship right in our immediate neighbourhood.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh said that as India today stands among the league of frontline nations in the world, it offers an opportunity to the Dogra youth to draw strength from their rich legacy and seek recognition for themselves across the country and beyond. He said taking inspiration from the Dogra legacy, it is time for them to leave their own mark on the world. He said, this legacy should lay the foundation of giving further impetus to the journey for perfection, and enable the youth to play a visibly meaningful role in the making of a Vikisit Bharat.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 22nd Divya Kala Mela concludes at India Gate, New Delhi, with Record Sales of over Rs. 3.5 crores

    Source: Government of India (2)

    22nd Divya Kala Mela concludes at India Gate, New Delhi, with Record Sales of over Rs. 3.5 crores

    ‘Divya Kala Shakti’ enthrals visitors at Kartavya Path

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 7:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) hosted the spectacular cultural programme ‘Divya Kala Shakti’ at the historic Kartavya Path, in New Delhi today. The event served as a vital platform to showcase the extraordinary talents and cultural contributions of Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) on a national scale.

     

    The event also marked the conclusion of the ‘Divya Kala Mela’, held from 12th – 22nd December, 2024, which achieved record sales of Rs. 3.5 crores. Outstanding stalls and Divyang entrepreneurs were honored with awards for their exemplary craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. The event was graced by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, and Smt. Richa Shankar, Deputy Director General, along with senior officials from the Department.

     

     

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal commended the artists and stated, “Divyangjan are setting milestones in every field, including entrepreneurship. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to the economic, social, and educational empowerment of Divyangjan.”

    During the event, the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) launched its new mobile app, a significant step towards providing seamless access to loans for Divyang entrepreneurs and individuals.

    A Mesmerizing Showcase of Talent

    During the 11-day extravaganza, Divyang artists from across the country captivated the audience with a variety of artistic performances, including dance, music, painting, and theatrical presentations. The audience and dignitaries present applauded the remarkable efforts and unparalleled talents of these artists.

    The ‘Divya Kala Mela’ and ‘Divya Kala Shakti’ events not only showcased the abilities of Divyangjan but also emphasized the need for a more sensitive and inclusive society. This celebration of talent, empowerment, and innovation leaves a lasting impression, inspiring both individuals and communities to embrace diversity and inclusivity.

    Video link of Closing Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/live/UxEQ_PPMGzg?si=LerVXxZGK3-1Nyjx

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, launches various initiatives to strengthen the cooperative sector in Tripura

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, launches various initiatives to strengthen the cooperative sector in Tripura

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, emphasis is being laid on cooperatives for the welfare of every farmer and poor of Tripura

    Farmers of Tripura should join hands with National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) to get their land and products certified

    Today, 8 initiatives, including a MoU between NCOL and Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency will give impetus to cooperatives in the state and it will open many dimensions for farmers

    Organic farming offers solutions to many problems; it enhances the prosperity of farmers and also helps in maintaining a higher groundwater level

    In the previous governments, cooperatives in Tripura were running at a loss, but since 2018, Tripura’s cooperatives have been earning profits

    Modi ji has launched the world’s largest food storage scheme, and now, there will not be a single tehsil in Tripura without a storage facility

    Out of the 57 initiatives taken by the Ministry of Cooperation, Tripura has made significant progress in implementing 41 initiatives, which is a major achievement

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 7:06PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today launched various initiatives to strengthen the cooperative sector in Tripura. On this occasion, the Chief Minister of Tripura, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, and the Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, along with several other dignitaries, were present.

    In his address, Shri Amit Shah said under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, emphasis is being laid on cooperatives for the welfare of every farmer and poor of Tripura. He mentioned that the objective of the Ministry of Cooperation, established by Prime Minister Modi, is ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’. Shri Shah highlighted that Prime Minister Modi has elevated India’s economy from 11thto 5thposition, and by 2027, the country will attain the 3rdposition. He added that our goal is not only to achieve the 3rdposition but also to ensure the participation of 140 crore Indians in this process. Prosperity, happiness, education, and healthcare should reach every family and individual. He emphasized that the only path to achieve this is through cooperation.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that there are more than 8 lakh cooperatives in the country through which more than 350 million people are associated with cooperatives. Cooperatives like Amul, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, and NAFED have worked to connect people with cooperatives. He said, today, cooperatives exist in almost all sectors, including banking, agricultural financing, medical support, and fertilizer distribution.

    Shri Amit Shah said that we have launched Mobile Rural Marts through NABARD, and these marts will aim to provide pulses, rice, and wheat flour at affordable prices to people in five districts under the India brand, through NABARD. He mentioned that 50 primary cooperative societies of Tripura State Cooperative Bank have been provided with micro ATMs. Today, cooperative petrol pumps and a consumer store in Dhalai district have also been inaugurated in Tripura. Shri Shah further noted that eight initiatives have been taken today to boost cooperation, including the Smart Training Center of Tripura State Cooperative Union, the distribution of mini seed kits to 500 farmers through NCCF, and the MoU between National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency.

    Union Minister of Cooperation said that Tripura is traditionally a state that produces more than 70% organic products, but these products are not certified. He mentioned that Tripura’s farmers should connect with the NCOL through cooperative institutions, so that their land and products can be certified. Shri Shah stated that within two to three years, NCOL will help farmers secure at least 30% higher prices for their products. He further emphasized that organic farming not only enriches and preserves our land but also keeps the environment healthy and protects our bodies from various diseases. He added that organic farming solves many problems, increases the prosperity of farmers, and helps in maintaining a higher groundwater level.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the central government has established three national-level multipurpose cooperative societies to provide quality seeds, market organic products, and connect farmers’ produce to the global market. He mentioned that over 35 cooperative institutions from Tripura have applied for membership in these three societies. Shri Shah further stated that currently, there are 3,138 different types of cooperatives in Tripura, including dairy, fisheries, consumer cooperatives, livestock, and poultry cooperatives. He noted that previous governments established cooperatives but used them as a means to recruit their cadres, causing them to incur losses. He said in 2018 when his party formed government in the state, Tripura’s cooperatives started earning profits, and now, with the efforts of the Narendra Modi government, their profits are increasing.

      

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that farmers in Tripura can work through cooperatives for the prosperity of themselves and their families. He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi has launched the world’s largest food storage scheme, under which 2,000 metric ton capacity warehouses will be built on a cooperative basis in Tripura. He assured that there will not be a single tehsil in the state without a storage facility. Shri Shah added that out of the 57 initiatives taken by the Ministry of Cooperation, Tripura has made significant progress in implementing 41 of them, which is a major achievement.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Building a Healthier Nation

    Source: Government of India

    Building a Healthier Nation

    Key Health Indicators reflect India’s Progress

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 6:41PM by PIB Delhi

    India’s journey toward building a healthier nation is marked by substantial progress in healthcare access, equity, and outcomes. Over the past decade, India has implemented transformative policies and initiatives that reflect a steadfast commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage.A key milestone in this journey was the launch of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

    AB-PMJAY provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per eligible beneficiary family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations corresponding to 1,961 treatment procedures across 27 specialties. As of December 17, 2024, AB PM-JAY has made significant strides with over 36.28 crore Ayushman Cards issued, empowering millions with health coverage.Gender-wise utilization shows that Women account for 49% of the issued Ayushman cards and almost 50% of total hospital admissions, showcasing the scheme’s role in promoting gender equity in healthcare.Additionally,AB PM-JAY has successfully empaneled 30,932 hospitals across the country.

    Parallelly, India’s digital health infrastructure has seen remarkable advancements through the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) initiative.  ABHA Number is a hassle-free method of accessing and sharing your health records digitally. It will bridge the existing gap amongst different stakeholders of healthcare ecosystem through digital highways.The digital infrastructure supporting healthcare has also seen remarkable progress. As on 22 December 2024, over71.81 crore ABHA numbers have been generated and 46.53 crore health recordshave been linked with ABHA. In addition to this, over 3.55 Lakh health facilities have been registered on HFR and more than 5.38 lakh healthcare professionals have been registered on HPR

    Another cornerstone of India’s healthcare achievements is Mission Indradhanush, which has expanded immunization coverage under the Universal Immunization Programme. The campaign targets areas with low immunization rates to vaccinate left-out and dropped-out children and pregnant women.Mission Indradhanush includes a provision of 11 types of vaccines enhancing protection against preventable diseases.A total of 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women have been vaccinated in all phases of Mission Indradhanush conducted so far in the country.

    These efforts are underscored by a remarkable improvement in key health indicators, which highlight the effectiveness of targeted healthcare strategies and interventions.Maternal Mortality Ratio reduced from 103 per 100,000 live births in 2017-2019 to 97 per 100,000 live births in 2018-20. Infant Mortality Rate reduced from 32 per 1000 live births in 2018 to 28 per 1000 live births in 2020 and Total Fertility Rate is reduced from 2.2 in 2015-16 to 2.0 in 2019-21. This progress is a testament to consumer-centric policies and initiatives supported by regular monitoring to ensure efficiency and impact.

    India’s health infrastructure has witnessed transformative changes guided by visionary policies and robust implementation of initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Mission Indradhanush. These milestones are a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage and building a healthier future for all citizens. As the country continues to strengthen its health infrastructure, the foundation is being laid for a robust, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of every individual.

    References

    RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2514:https://sansad.in/rs/questions/questions-and-answers

    LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4343: https://sansad.in/ls/questions/questions-and-answers

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2085208

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2085204

    https://abdm.gov.in/

    https://dashboard.pmjay.gov.in/pmj/#/

    Click here to see in PDF:

    Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena/ Madiha Iqbal

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister meets Prime Minister of Kuwait

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 6:38PM by PIB Delhi

    ​Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held talks today with His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait.

    The two leaders discussed a roadmap to strengthen the strategic partnership in areas including political, trade, investment, energy, defence, security, health, education, technology, cultural, and people-to-people ties. They emphasized on deepening economic cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister invited a delegation comprising the Kuwaiti Investment Authority and other stakeholders to visit India to look at new opportunities in the fields of energy, defence, medical devices, pharma, food parks, among others. The leaders also discussed cooperation in traditional medicine and agricultural research. They welcomed the recent signing of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) under which new Joint Working Groups in the areas of trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture, security and culture have been set up in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons.

    The leaders witnessed the signing and exchange of bilateral agreements and MoUs after the talks. These included an MoU on Defence Cooperation, a Cultural Exchange Programme, an Executive Program on Cooperation in the Field of Sports and the Framework Agreement on Kuwait joining the International Solar Alliance.

    Prime Minister invited His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait to visit India.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri Manohar Lal reviews of Power and Urban Development Sector of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram today

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 6:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal reviewed the power sector scenario for State of Kerala at Hotel Leela Ravis in Thiruvananthapuram today.

    Shri Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for MoPNG & Tourism, Government of India and Shri K Krishnankutty, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry for Electricity, Government of Kerala were present in the meeting. The meeting was also attended by senior officials from the State Government, officials from Govt. of India (GoI) and officials from Power Finance Corporation (PFC).

    During the meeting, matters related to overall Power Sector scenario in the State of Kerala were deliberated. The issues related to demand and supply of power, capacity addition including possibilities in the Renewable, Hydro & Nuclear sector and power distribution sector were discussed. Further, the current status of works under execution under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and possible action plans were discussed.

    The State highlighted concerns related to power sector and the possible solutions so as to meet future demand.

    Minister for Electricity, Govt. of Kerala, in his address, thanked Hon’ble Union Minister for his visit to Thiruvananthapuram for review of State of Kerala in respect of issues related to the Power sector and also highlighted concerns of the State. He also thanked Government of India for allocation of coal linkage for 500MW, Viability Gap Funding support for Battery Energy Storage System for Rs. 135 Cr. and for allocation of Power from NTPC Barh up to March 2025.

    The Minister requested for additional allocation of power from NTPC Barh (Central Generating Plants) and for extension in time for allocation of power from the plant for up to June 2025. He also highlighted that the State has continuously worked in reducing the AT&C losses. He mentioned that the State is also working on large scale integration of Renewable power. He also mentioned that the State is suitable to coming up of data centers and is expecting substantial increase in demand in the coming years. It was remarked that the State would make all out efforts for over all improvement in the power sector.

    In his address, Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs welcomed all the dignitaries to the meeting. He mentioned that his visit to the State would help in resolution of issues and in identification of new initiatives that may be taken up to further improve services to the citizens of the State.

    Hon’ble Minister congratulated the State for the initiatives taken which has helped the distribution utility in improving their AT&C loss which would ultimately help in improving the services to the consumers. He advised the State to work on reducing accumulated losses of the distribution utility.

    Hon’ble Minister highlighted the role of RDSS in bringing improvement in the electricity distribution sector and in strengthening electricity distribution infrastructure and advised the State to expeditiously implement the works sanctioned under RDSS. He advised State to take up smart metering works in a phased manner, starting with Government establishments and subsequently for the commercial & industrial consumers. Based on experience and demonstration of benefits, the smart meters may be rolled out to other category of consumers.

    Hon’ble Minister further advised the State to resolve issues related to cancellation of DBFOO contracts for projects currently pending before APTEL. He asked State to support in identifying site and for allocation of land for Nuclear Power Project. Hon’ble Minister directed MoP to examine the issues related to Way leave charges and to take up the matter with the Ministry of Railways. He mentioned that the Central Government is working on the mechanism for single window clearance for new Power Projects.

    Union Minister of Power assured for continued support and cooperation of the Government of India in the overall development of the State and wished for the well being of the people of the State.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: List of Outcomes: Visit of Prime Minister to Kuwait (December 21-22, 2024)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 6:03PM by PIB Delhi

    Sr. No. MoU/Agreement Objective

    1

    MoU between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Defence.

    This MoU will institutionalize bilateral cooperation in the area of defence. Key areas of cooperation include training, exchange of personnel and experts, joint exercises, cooperation in defence industry, supply of defence equipment, and collaboration in research and development, among others.

    2.

    Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029.

    The CEP will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in art, music, dance, literature and theatre, cooperation in preservation of cultural heritage, research and development in the area of culture and organizing of festivals.

    3.

    Executive Programme (EP) for Cooperation in the Field of Sports
    (2025-2028)

    The Executive Programme will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of sports between India and Kuwait by promoting exchange of visits of sports leaders for experience sharing, participation in programs and projects in the field of sports, exchange of expertise in sports medicine, sports management, sports media, sports science, among others.

    4.

    Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA).

     

    The International Solar Alliance collectively covers the deployment of solar energy and addresses key common challenges to the scaling up of use of solar energy to help member countries develop low-carbon growth trajectories.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to inaugurate National Workshop on Good Governance Practices on 23rd December, 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to inaugurate National Workshop on Good Governance Practices on 23rd December, 2024

    Dr. Jitendra Singh will release the Assessment Report of Special Campaign 4.0 for institutionalizing swachhata and reducing pendency in Government and inaugurate the exhibition on best practices by Ministries/ Departments during the Special Campaign 4.0

    750 officials from Ministries/ Departments will participate in the workshop for dissemination of best practices during the Special campaign 4.0

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of State of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Government of India will inaugurate the National Workshop on Good Governance Practices to be held on 23rd December, 2024 at Bhim Auditorium, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. He will also inaugurate the exhibition on best practices of Swachhata Campaign 4.0 curated by Ministries/ Departments and release the assessment report. The technical sessions will be addressed by Secretary MORTH, Secretary Posts, Secretary MEA, Secretary Railway Board, Director General NIC, and Director General NAI. 750 officials from all Ministries/ Departments will be participating in the workshop deliberations. This is the fourth National Workshop on Good Governance Practices convened by DARPG from 2021-2024. It has become an integral part of Sushasan Saptah (Good Governance Week) events celebrated every year from 19th December to 25th December. 

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended his greetings and best wishes for the success of the fourth Sushasan Saptah. The Prime Minister in his message said “Good governance holds the key to the Nation’s progress. A vital aspect is to provide a transparent, efficient and accountable administration that works for the overall welfare and betterment of people”.  

    The Special Campaign 4.0 for institutionalizing swachhata and reducing pendency in Government offices was conducted from October 2 – 31, 2024 in 5.97 lac offices, in which 25.19 lac files were weeded out, revenue earned from scrap disposal was Rs. 650.10 crores and 190 lac sq ft of space was freed. Cumulatively the 4 Special Campaigns earned Rs. 2364 crores of revenue from scrap disposal in the period 2021-2024. The Prime Minister in his post on X on November 10, 2024 said,

    “Commendable!

    By focusing on efficient management and proactive action, this effort has attained great results. It shows how collective efforts can lead to sustainable results, promoting both cleanliness and economic prudence.”

    Waste to Wealth

    12.5 feet tall idol of Lord Ganesh crafted with scrap material Raipur, Ministry of Railways

    NSG Helicopter Model created from Waste; M/o Home Affairs

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurates and lays the foundation stone for various development projects worth over ₹668 crore in Dhalai, Tripura

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurates and lays the foundation stone for various development projects worth over ₹668 crore in Dhalai, Tripura

    Shri Amit Shah interacts with people from Bru Reang community in the Haduklau Para Bru Settlement Colony (BRUHA PARA) in Dhalai and also visited their homes to meet them

    Those who ruled in Tripura for a long time never saw the pain of the Bru Reang people, Modi Ji saw, understood, and addressed their suffering

    Modi government resettled 38,000 Bru Reang people, who had been living in extremely difficult conditions for 25 years, and provided them a better life

    Modi government restored peace in the state by making three agreements with the rebel groups of Tripura and one with the Bru Reang community

    Modi government and the Tripura government have shown that when those who believe in democracy come to power, it leads to the development of the country and the state

    For the BruReang brothers and sisters who were living a worse life, Modi Ji not only made plans worth ₹900 crore but also implemented them on the ground

    Modi Ji took the step of granting all BruReang people the same rights as other citizens of India

    In the previous government, only 2.5% of people in Tripura had access to drinking water, but today, 85% of households have tap water

    Dropout ratio in Tripura has decreased to below 3%, and the enrollment rate has increased from 67% to 99.5%

    Construction of the grand temple of Maa Tripura Sundari is underway, which will make it easier for devotees from all over the world to have darshan of the goddess

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth over ₹668 crore in Dhalai, Tripura. Shri Amit Shah interacted with the Bru Reang community at the Haduklau Para Bru Settlement Colony (BRUHA PARA) in Dhalai and also visited their homes and met them. On this occasion, the Chief Minister of Tripura, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, the Union Home Secretary, the Director, Intelligence Bureau and Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) were also present.

    In his address, Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the central government has facilitated the settlement of 38,000 people from Bru Reang community. He said that for nearly 25 years, the Bru Reang brothers and sisters, who have been living in extremely difficult conditions, did not have access to basic facilities like water, toilets, electricity, education, employment, and healthcare. He said that those who had ruled here for a long time never saw the pain of the Bru Reang people, but Modi Ji saw, understood, and addressed their suffering. Shri Shah mentioned that when change occurred in Tripura and their party formed the government, at that time there was also a government of Narendra Modi Ji at the center. He said that due to the agreement made at that time, 40,000 people were resettled, and provisions were made for employment, healthcare, education, clean drinking water, toilets, and cooperatives for women. He added that during the tenure of the previous government, many schemes were made, but they never materialized on the ground.

    Shri Amit Shah said that not only did Prime Minister Modi make a plan for the Bru Reang brothers and sisters, who have been living a worse life since 1998, but also resettled 11 villages at a cost of ₹900 crore. He mentioned that these villages now have electricity, roads, drinking water, connectivity, solar street lights, subsidized grain shops, anganwadi schools, and health centers. Prime Minister Modi Ji has ensured that the people living in these 11 colonies are provided with all the rights, just like any other citizens of the country. Shri Shah added that these people have been included in the voter list, and the Modi government has also provided them with ration cards, health cards, and cooperatives to ensure their employment. He further added that these people now own plots of 1200 square feet, and with the help of the Government of India, their homes have been built. Additionally, the Modi government is providing them with a monthly assistance of ₹5000 for 24 months.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that during the tenure of the previous government, only 2.5% of people had access to drinking water, whereas today 85% of households have tap water. Earlier, no poor person received free ration, but today, under Modi Ji’s leadership, 82% of the people in Tripura receive 5 kg of rice for free. Shri Shah mentioned that the Modi government is covering the entire healthcare expenses for 80% of the people in Tripura, up to ₹5 lakh. He further added that investments are coming into Tripura, roads have been built, and electricity and toilets have reached every household. The dropout ratio in Tripura has decreased to below 3%, and enrollment has increased from 67% to 99.5%.Shri Shah said, the Modi government and the Tripura government have shown that when those who believe in democracy come to power, it leads to the development of the country and the state. He emphasized that the government of Narendra Modi Ji at the center, and the governments of Shri Biplab Deb Ji and now Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha Ji in Tripura, are driving forward the work of development. The construction of the grand temple of Maa Tripura Sundari is underway, which will make it easier for devotees from all over the world to have darshan of the goddess.

    Shri Amit Shah said that today Tripura is peaceful and violence has ended. He said, the Modi government restored peace in the state by making three agreements with the rebel groups of Tripura and one with the Bru Reang community. He further stated that today, Tripura is moving forward on the path of development shown by Modi Ji, with peace.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation today laid the foundation stone for several development projects, including the Central Detective Training Institute (CDTI) in Agartala. The objective of this important initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs is to strengthen security in the northeastern region and neighboring countries, and to establish high standards in policing. It is noteworthy that during the 69th plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in Shillong, a recommendation was made to establish an academic research center in collaboration with educational institutions to study the unique security challenges of the northeastern region.

    The Government of Tripura has allocated 9.57 acres of land in the Jirania sub-division of West Tripura district, for this institute. The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved ₹120 crore for the construction of infrastructure. The digital survey of the allocated land has already been completed. The CDTI in Agartala will train over 6,000 personnel annually from the northeastern states and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The institute will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as advanced classrooms, simulation labs, IT data centers, and practical training areas, which will provide police personnel with modern skills.

    This institute will provide high-level training and research facilities on internal and national security issues in the Northeast. The institute will also have a dedicated academic research center, which, in collaboration with academic institutions, will study key security challenges such as counter-terrorism measures, border management, human trafficking, drug trafficking, illegal migration, and arms smuggling.

    The CDTI being established in Agartala will not only enhance the capacity of police forces but also promote international cooperation to effectively address cross-border security challenges.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister meets the Amir of Kuwait

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This was the first meeting between the two leaders. On arrival at the Bayan Palace, he was given a ceremonial welcome and received by His Highness Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait.

    The leaders recalled the strong historical and friendly ties between the two countries and re-affirmed their full commitment to further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation. In this context, they agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a ‘Strategic Partnership’.

    Prime Minister thanked His Highness the Amir for ensuring the well-being of over one million strong Indian community in Kuwait. His Highness the Amir expressed appreciation for the contribution of the large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait’s development.
     Prime Minister appreciated the new initiatives being undertaken by Kuwait to fulfill its Vision 2035 and congratulated His Highness the Amir for successful holding of the GCC Summit earlier this month. Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude for inviting him yesterday as a ‘Guest of Honour’ at the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup. His Highness the Amir reciprocated Prime Minister’s sentiments and expressed appreciation for India’s role as a valued partner in Kuwait and the Gulf region. His Highness the Amir looked forward to greater role and contribution of India towards realisation of Kuwait Vision 2035.

     ⁠Prime Minister invited His Highness the Amir to visit India

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Farmers’ Day

    Source: Government of India (2)

    National Farmers’ Day

    Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 4:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    Farmers, the lifeblood of the nation and revered as ‘Annadatas’, are the foundation of India’s prosperity. Their relentless toil feeds the nation, sustains the rural economy, and ensures the strength of every household. National Farmers’ Day, observed on 23rd December, celebrates their invaluable contribution. This day marks the birth anniversary of Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, renowned for his deep understanding of rural issues and unwavering advocacy for farmers’ welfare. It is a moment to honour our farmers’ unwavering dedication and recognise their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s progress.

    Recognising the vital role of farmers, the Government of India has introduced a suite of initiatives designed to support their socio-economic upliftment and ensure sustainable agricultural growth. These programmes, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), are aimed at providing financial security, risk mitigation, and long-term social security for farmers. By addressing both immediate challenges and long-term needs, these schemes underscore the government’s commitment to nurturing the backbone of the nation and fostering a sustainable agricultural future. 

     

    Role of Farmers in Nation-Building

    India’s agricultural sector, employing nearly half of the nation’s population, remains a cornerstone of the country’s economy and a key driver of nation-building. It contributes 17.7% to the Gross Value Added (GVA) at current prices in FY 2023-24. With approximately 54.8% of the country’s 328.7 million hectares classified as agricultural land and a cropping intensity of 155.4% (as per the Land Use Statistics for 2021-22), farmers are the bedrock of this essential sector. Their role extends far beyond mere cultivation; they are the architects of rural development and nation-building, providing food security and sustaining the livelihoods of millions. Through their hard work and innovation, they play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and prosperous India.

    In 2023-24, the country achieved a record total foodgrain production of 332.2 million tonnes, surpassing the previous year’s output of 329.7 million tonnes. This remarkable growth is a testament to the resilience and unwavering dedication of Indian farmers, who have continuously strived to ensure food security for the nation. Their efforts go beyond mere crop cultivation; they are the bedrock of rural livelihoods, shaping the economic landscape of countless communities. The success of Indian agriculture is deeply intertwined with the wellbeing of these ‘Annadatas’, who embody the spirit of hard work, innovation, and sacrifice.

    Key Schemes for Farmers in India

    Launched over the years, these key agricultural schemes reflect the Government of India’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing their livelihoods. PM-KISAN, PMFBY, PM-KMY, and other initiatives like the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) demonstrate a holistic approach to addressing the diverse needs of the agricultural sector. These schemes aim to provide financial assistance, insurance, affordable credit, and infrastructure development, empowering farmers with the resources needed for sustainable agricultural practices and economic security.

     

    Here are the key schemes for farmers’ welfare in India:

     

     

    Unprecedented Budget Allocation

    Since 2014, the government has significantly bolstered its commitment to agriculture by substantially increasing the budget allocation. In the 2013-14 fiscal year, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare had a budget of Rs. 21,933.50 crore. Over the years, this allocation has been raised more than five and a half times, reaching a remarkable Rs. 1,22,528.77 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.

    This unprecedented increase reflects a strategic shift towards prioritizing the agricultural sector, addressing challenges faced by farmers, and ensuring sustainable development. The enhanced budget aims to improve rural infrastructure, promote modern farming techniques, facilitate access to credit, and provide financial support for various agricultural schemes and initiatives. Such a substantial allocation not only fosters farmer welfare but also aims to bolster agricultural productivity and rural prosperity, highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the agricultural sector.

     

    Other Notable Initiatives

     

    Namo Drone Didi: The Namo Drone Didi Scheme, approved for 2024-25 to 2025-26 with an outlay of ₹1,261 crore, aims to empower 15,000 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing drones for agricultural rental services, including fertiliser and pesticide application. The scheme offers 80% Central Financial Assistance of the cost of drones, accessories, and ancillary charges, up to a maximum of ₹8 lakh. As of December 3, 2024, ₹141.41 crore has been released for Kisan drone promotion.

     

    Soil Health Card Scheme: Launched in 2015, the Soil Health Card Scheme aims to improve soil health and promote efficient fertiliser use. Over 24.60 crore cards have been issued since launch, with 36.61 lakh generated in 2023-24. A strong laboratory network supports the scheme. In order to develop the soil fertility map, government plans to test 5 crore soil samples by 2025-26.

     

    Formation & Promotion of 10,000 FPOs: In 2020, the government launched a scheme with a Rs. 6,865 crore budget to form and promote 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). So far, 9,411 FPOs have been formed involving 26.17 lakh beneficiary farmers, aiming to enhance collective farming and improve market access.

     

    Kisan Kavach: On 17th December, 2024, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled Kisan Kavach, Bharat’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit, designed to protect farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure. This groundbreaking innovation is a major step forward in ensuring farmer safety and empowers the agricultural community through science and technology. The event also marked the distribution of the first batch of Kisan Kavach suits to farmers, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding farmers.

     

     

    Clean Plant Programme: The Union Cabinet approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) on 09.08.2024 with an outlay of Rs. 1,765.67 crore. The CPP aims to enhance the quality and productivity of horticulture crops by providing disease-free planting material, benefiting the dissemination and adoption of climate-resilient varieties with yield enhancement.

     

    Digital Agriculture Mission: The Union Cabinet approved the Digital Agriculture Mission on 2.9.2024 with an outlay of Rs. 2,817 crore, including the central share of Rs. 1,940 crore. This mission is conceived as an umbrella scheme to support digital agriculture initiatives, including creating Digital Public Infrastructure, implementing the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and other IT initiatives by the Central Government, State Governments, and academic and research institutions.

     

    Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF): The Government of India launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF) on 16 December 2024, providing a ₹1,000-crore corpus to support post-harvest financing for farmers. Under this scheme, farmers can access credit by pledging their produce stored in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) accredited warehouses, backed by electronic negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWRs).

     

     

    National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds): The Union Cabinet approved the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) on 3.10.2024 with a total outlay of Rs. 10,103 crore. The mission aims to boost domestic oilseed production and achieve self-reliance in edible oils, to be implemented over a seven-year period from 2024-25 to 2030-31.

     

    National Mission on Natural Farming: The Union Cabinet approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) on 25.11.2024 as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 2,481 crore (Government of India share – Rs. 1,584 crore; State share – Rs. 897 crore), focusing on promoting chemical-free, natural farming practices across the country.

     

    Conclusion

    The initiatives and schemes introduced by the Government of India are a testament to the unwavering commitment to farmers’ welfare and the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector. Through schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and the Namo Drone Didi, the government not only ensures financial security but also enhances productivity and market access for farmers. The remarkable achievements in foodgrain production, coupled with the expansion of infrastructure and digital initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission and the Clean Plant Programme, are setting a strong foundation for a resilient and prosperous agricultural ecosystem. As we celebrate National , it is crucial to continue these efforts, ensuring that the ‘Annadatas’ remain empowered, secure, and integral to India’s development journey.

     

    References:

    National Farmers’ Day

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    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister conferred with the highest national award of Kuwait

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 4:48PM by PIB Delhi

    His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait conferred upon Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi The Order of Mubarak Al- Kabeer, the highest national award of Kuwait. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of Kuwait also graced the occasion.

    Prime Minister dedicated the award to the long-standing friendship between India and Kuwait, to the Indian community in Kuwait and to the 1.4 billion people of India.

    The conferment of the award on this historic visit of a Prime Minister of India to Kuwait after 43 years added a special meaning to the occasion.

    The award was instituted in 1974 and has since been conferred on select global leaders.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CURTAIN RAISER : CELEBRATION OF ‘YEAR OF NAVAL CIVILIANS – 2024’

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 4:05PM by PIB Delhi

    To honour and recognise the invaluable contributions of Naval Civilians in the operational preparedness of the Indian Navy, a grand Commemoration Ceremony is scheduled to be held on 30 December 2024 at Dr. DS Kothari Auditorium, DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

    Indian Navy declared 2024 as the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2001395) to enhance the efficiency in administration and well-being of its Civilian Personnel. This dedicated year witnessed a series of focused measures aimed at improving Civilian HR Management and addressing various facets of professional and personal growth of Civilian personnel in a time-bound manner. Throughout the year, several initiatives were implemented to maximise administrative efficiency, embrace digital transformation, introduce innovative training programs and promote welfare activities.

    The major milestones achieved in the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ include promulgation of key policies and documents such as Citizen’s Charter for the Directorate of Civilian Personnel, revised HR Handbook on Civilian Personnel Management and Vision Document for Naval Civilian HR Management. Various measures were undertaken for enhancing welfare and safety including provision of insurance cover for Civilian Personnel working onboard ships at anchorage/ sea and extension of CGHS facilities to 21 industrial units in Mumbai.

    Digital and Administrative Modernisation was also a priority area and major initiatives in this include revamping of the Naval Civilian Management Information System (NCMIS) website including a Chatbot and online modules for NOCs and DV clearances. e-HRMS Version 2.0 has also been rolled out for Gazetted Officers of the Navy.

    Training and Development was emphasised for Civilian Personnel by conducting specialised workshops and training programs. Training modules for Naval Civilians on the iGOT platform have been introduced. Towards strengthening financial benefits; MoU with Bajaj Life Insurance has been signed for life insurance of Civilian Personnel and Defence Salary Package has been extended for all Naval Civilians.

    The ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to recognising the vital role of its Civilian Personnel in ensuring the Nation’s maritime security and operational excellence. This initiative serves as a testament to fostering a robust and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Consumer Affair’s to launch ‘Jago Grahak Jago App,’ ‘Jagriti App,’ and ‘Jagriti Dashboard” on 24th December 2024 on National Consumer Day 2024 to protect Consumers from the Dark Patterns

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Department of Consumer Affair’s to launch ‘Jago Grahak Jago App,’ ‘Jagriti App,’ and ‘Jagriti Dashboard” on 24th December 2024 on National Consumer Day 2024 to protect Consumers from the Dark Patterns

    The Apps would considerably enhance the capability of the CCPA in taking suo moto action against dark patterns.

    CCPA had earlier taken  suo moto cognizance of Dark Pattern adopted by e-Commerce platforms. E- Commerce platforms take  corrective action after CCPA Intervention

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 3:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Consumer Affairs will  launch ‘Jago Grahak Jago App,’ ‘Jagriti App,’ and ‘Jagriti Dashboard” for public use on National Consumers Day 2024 i.e. 24th December, 2024.

    As part of the government’s broader strategy and ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer protection in the digital era and curb unfair practices in e-commerce and online services, the Central Consumer Protection Authority notified the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns in 2023 and specified 13 dark patterns, namely: False urgency, Basket Sneaking, Confirm shaming, forced action, Subscription trap, Interface Interference, Bait and switch, Drip Pricing, Disguised Advertisements and Nagging, Trick Wording, Saas Billing and Rogue Malwares.

    CCPA had earlier issued notices to IndiGo Airlines and BookMyShow under Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for alleged Misleading Advertisement/Unfair Trade Practices in the form of deceptive design patterns/dark patterns. 

    It came to the notice of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) that BookMyShow had allegedly imposed an extra charge on customers after the booking of confirmed tickets. Re. 1 per ticket was automatically added as contribution towards ‘BookASmile’ in the form of pre-tick without consent of the consumer. This amounted to ‘Basket Sneaking’ as defined under the clause (2) of Annexure 1 of Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023. After CCPA’s intervention  BookMyShow addressed the issue of ‘Basket Sneaking’ by giving customers are an option to choose whether or not they wish to contribute towards BookASmile.

    Based on the grievances lodged at National Consumer Helpline, the Central Consumer Protection Authority issued notice to InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo Airline) for alleged unfair trade practices / dark pattern pertaining to ‘Confirm Shaming’ on Indigo Airlines App and Lack of Transparent Communication on Seat Assignment.

    After the CCPA intervention, IndiGo Airline has resolved the issue by changing the wording to “No, I will not add to the trip”, which ensures clarity and neutrality. The wordings used earlier were  “No I will take risk”, which amounted to ‘confirm shaming’ which is a Dark Pattern. In another issue, the Airline was directed to address the issue with the “Skip” button on the “Selection of Seat” page and to undertake a comprehensive re-examination and redesign of their web check-in page. Accordingly, the airline addressed the issue of ‘Preferential Seating’ by modification of their website/app by providing a disclaimer on the left side of “skip button” where it is written that “You can skip preferred seat selection and complete your booking. IndiGO will auto-assign a seat prior to your travel”.

    As part of its legislative intent, CCPA held several meetings with industry stakeholders and requested  them to refrain from using Dark Patterns which amount to Unfair Trade Practice under the Consumer Protection Act 2019. CCPA has also focused on expanding its consumer outreach by utilizing its social media platforms through informative posts, videos and stories on dark patterns. CCPA has also trained it’s team at National Consumer Helpline to effectively address the grievances pertaining to Dark Patterns.

    Department of Consumer Affairs is now also equipped with means and resources to identify dark patterns on e-commerce platforms and is soon going to empower consumers with these tools. As part of the intensive research done by students, Prince Aman and Nameet Mishra, NCC LAB, Department of Electronics Engineering, IIT(BHU), three apps have been coded, namely; ‘Jago Grahak Jago App,’ ‘Jagriti App,’ and ‘Jagriti Dashboard’.   These are part of an intelligent cyber-physical system, which operates in real-time and runs on the Airawat AI Supercomputer under the National Supercomputing Mission for AI and Data Analytics. This innovative system analyses existing text and design elements on e-commerce platforms to determine whether they are being used to influence consumer psychology.

    The ‘Jago Grahak Jago App,’ provides essential e-commerce information about all URLs during a consumer’s online activities, alerting them if any URL may be unsafe and requires caution. Meanwhile, the ‘Jagriti App,’ allows users to report URLs where they suspect the presence of one or more dark patterns declared illegal. These reports are then registered as complaints to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for possible redressal and subsequent action. Additionally, the CCPA is being strengthened with the ‘Jagriti Dashboard’ which is used to generate real-time reports on e-commerce URLs for the presence of the aforementioned dark patterns, enhancing the capability to monitor and regulate online consumer interactions effectively. This solution will aid the CCPA in identifying dark patterns, speeding up the resolution of consumer disputes and will go a long way in curbing practices that are detrimental to consumer interests.

    Through above initiatives, Department endeavours to:

    • create a transparent and fair digital marketplace where consumers can make informed decisions without being tricked or coerced;
    • educate consumers about their rights;
    • regulate e-commerce platforms to prevent practices such as subscription traps, where consumers are unknowingly signed up for recurring payments, or misleading product offers and
    • Encourage companies to adopt ethical design practices that prioritize consumer rights and transparency

     

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    AD/CNAN

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to attend Christmas Celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India at CBCI Centre, New Delhi on 23rd December

    Source: Government of India

    PM to attend Christmas Celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India at CBCI Centre, New Delhi on 23rd December

    PM to interact with prominent leaders from the Christian community including Cardinals and Bishops

    First such instance that a Prime Minister will attend such a programme at the Headquarters of the Catholic Church in India

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 2:39PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will attend the Christmas Celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) at the CBCI Centre premises, New Delhi at 6:30 PM on 23rd December.

    Prime Minister will interact with key leaders from the Christian community, including Cardinals, Bishops and prominent lay leaders of the Church.

    This is the first time a Prime Minister will attend such a programme at the Headquarters of the Catholic Church in India. 

    Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) was established in 1944 and is the body which works closest with all the Catholics across India.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chaudhary Charan Singh Exemplified Transparency, Accountability, Integrity, And Fearless Statesmanship, Says Vice-President.

    Source: Government of India

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today conferred the Chaudhary Charan Singh Awards 2024, honouring outstanding achievements in agriculture, rural development, and journalism. Speaking at the event, Shri Dhankhar lauded the extraordinary legacy of Chaudhary Charan Singh, emphasizing his relentless dedication to rural development, farmers’ welfare, and inclusive growth.

    “Chaudhary Charan Singh was one of the finest persons in the country. A person who encapsulates transparency, accountability, integrity, commitment to rural development, commitment to farmer, and was all throughout fearless in expression of his views,” stated the Vice-President.

    Reflecting on his leadership, Shri Dhankhar said, “Chaudhary Charan Singh is defined by sublimity, statesmanship, farsightedness, and growth that is inclusive. No wonder he became the first Chief Minister of the largest state of the Republic of India, and then Prime Minister.”

    Expressing concern over the lack of recognition of his contributions, he remarked, “It pains the heart when people are short-sighted in assessing the great contributions of this man. His astounding qualities, his deep dedication, and his knowledge of rural India are subjects of reflection for enlightened individuals worldwide. A son of the soil, he was mindful not just of rural India but urban India as well, with a vision aligned with our civilisational ethos.”

    Addressing the awardees of the Chaudhary Charan Singh Awards 2024 in New Delhi today, the Vice-President said, “Agriculture is the spine of rural development. Unless agriculture develops, the rural landscape cannot be changed. And unless the rural landscape changes, we cannot aspire to have a developed nation.”

    Discussing India’s economic trajectory, he added, “Undoubtedly, at the moment, India is on the rise as never before. Indisputably, our economy is blossoming. We are the fifth largest globally and on track to becoming the third largest, ahead of Japan and Germany. But to be a developed nation by 2047, our income must increase eightfold—a daunting challenge.”

    Addressing this challenge, Shri Dhankhar stressed the need for strengthening the village economy: “Village economy can look up only when the farmer and their family are involved in marketing, value addition, and generating clusters all around, leading to self-sufficiency. The greatest market we have is agricultural produce, yet farming communities are hardly involved with it. The farming sector must be prioritized by governments for it to become an engine of economic development.”

    The Vice-President also underscored the essence of democracy: “Expression and dialogue define democracy. How democratic a nation is defined by the state of expression of its individuals and organizations. For any democracy to succeed, expression and dialogue must go hand in hand with great responsibility on both sides.”

    Calling for accountability among parliamentarians, he said, “It is time for every thinking Indian to scratch his brains and to generate a deep sense of accountability with all those who are enjoined with obligations. Make no mistake, I am referring to parliamentarians. People have learned to take disorder as order. There is no sense of revulsion. मैंउम्मीदकरताहूंलोगोंकीकलमचलेगी, लोगोंकेविचारचलेंगे, लोगमजबूरकरेंगेकिआपसोचिएआपक्योंगएथेवहां? I leave it with this thought.”

    Reflecting on the Chaudhary Charan Singh Awards, the Vice-President emphasized their sustainability: “These awards, over a period of time, must be structured for posterity to be self-sustaining. Fiscal strength is fundamental for flexibility of functioning. Anyone who has at heart the welfare of rural India, the welfare of the farmer—be it from the corporate sector, intelligentsia, or other walks of life—must come forward to nurture a trust like this, as we will not have for a long time to come another Chaudhary Charan Singh.”

    The Chaudhary Charan Singh Awards 2024 celebrated remarkable contributions to agriculture, rural development, and journalism. The Kalam Ratna Award was presented to Ms. Neerja Chowdhury for her dedication to insightful journalism. The Sewa Ratna Award was conferred upon Dr. Rajendra Singh, the “Waterman of India,” for his pioneering efforts in water conservation. The Krishak Utthan Award went to Dr. Firoz Hossain for advancing agricultural research and innovation. Lastly, the Kisan Award was bestowed upon Mr. Pritam Singh for his contributions to agricultural excellence.

    Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr Mansukh Mandaviya flags off ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ Initiative; CRPF, ITBP, former WWE star Shanky Singh Joins Event

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 1:18PM by PIB Delhi

     Keeping continuity with the Fit India Cycling Drive launched earlier this week by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative was flagged off this morning at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium  here.

    Besides the Hon’ble Minister, the event saw presence of over 500 riders, ranging from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sports Authority of India campers and young gymnasts from the IG Stadium, senior officials and various cycling clubs in the national capital.

    Sunday’s flag off ceremony also saw the presence of former WWE star Shanky Singh, revered for being a part of the tag team stable featuring former WWE champion Jinder Mahal. Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Table Tennis player Mouma Das, meanwhile, flagged off the Sundays on Cycle event in Sports Authority of India National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) Kolkata.

    Mentioning the wide impact of the Cycling Drive, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, “The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative is being held simultaneously at over 1100+ locations in India. The launch of the cycling drive earlier this week has spread the awareness of cycling exponentially.

    “Cycling is the need today. The vision of Viksit Bharat needs a healthy individual, who in turn makes a healthy society and that ultimately results in a healthy nation. The benefits of cycling also uphold the message of the Fit India movement, launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2019,” the Hon’ble Sports Minister added.

    The event in the national capital saw a lot of cyclists from the CRPF and ITBP, and they expressed happiness on being a part of the initiative that promotes fitness and environment protection both.

    Sh. Anish Dayal Singh, IPS, DG CRPF, mentioned, “CRPF remains committed to maintaining peak physical fitness, as a fit Force only can serve our great nation best. Cycling is good for an individual’s health and the environment. We are excited to be a part of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign, spreading the message of fitness and sustainability nationwide through today’s event.”

    Former WWE pro wrestler Shanky Singh, who is currently trying out in Indie wrestling circuits across the globe, said, “Wherever I will go internationally from now on, I shall promote cycling, offline as well as on social media. I got a different type of energy being at the Fit India Sundays on Cycle event. I want more people to come forward to join this unique initiative started by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Sports Minister.”

    BYCS India Foundation, a Non-profit Organizations dedicated towards making India a cycling nation, also joined in. Dr. Bhairavi Joshi, CEO BYCS India Foundation, said, “BYCS India Foundation has supported the cycling initiative under the FIT India Movement by organizing local events independently and in collaboration with local chapters of SAI for Sundays on Cycle. BYCS India Foundation believes that cycling is one of the simplest solutions to some of the world’s most complex urban challenges. The Bicycle Mayors network in India will continue the cycling advocacy work through skill building and increased access to cycling in more than 50 cities across the country.”

    The ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and MY Bharat. Events are simultaneously held across Sports Authority of India regional centres, National centres of excellence (NCOEs) and the Khelo India centres (KICs) across the country.

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    Himanshu Pathak

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposes a penalty of ₹ 2 Lakh on Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study for advertising misleading claims regarding results of UPSC CSE 2023.

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposes a penalty of ₹ 2 Lakh on Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study for advertising misleading claims regarding results of UPSC CSE 2023.

    Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study in its advertisement claimed “13 students in Top 100”, “28 students in Top 200”, and “39 students in Top 300” in UPSC CSE 2023.

    Institute has used terms such as “Shubhra Ranjan IAS” and “Students of Shubhra Ranjan IAS” in its advertisements and letterheads, creating a deceptive impression that Mrs. Shubhra Ranjan is/was an IAS officer.

    The CCPA issues Order against Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study to discontinue the misleading advertisement with immediate effect.

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 10:56AM by PIB Delhi

    The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of ₹ 2 lakh for misleading advertisement on Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study. The decision was taken to protect & promote the rights of consumers as a class and ensure that no false or misleading advertisement is made of any goods or services which contravenes the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

    In view of the violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the CCPA, headed by Chief Commissioner, Smt. Nidhi Khare, and Commissioner, Shri Anupam Mishra has issued an Order against Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study for misleading advertisement regarding UPSC Civil Service Exam 2023.

    Coaching Institutes and online edtech platforms use pictures and names of successful candidates to influence prospective aspirants (consumers), without disclosing the courses opted by such candidates or the fees paid by them & length of the course so attended.

    Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study in its advertisement made the following claims-

    1. “13 students in Top 100”
    2. “28 students in Top 200”
    3. “39 students in Top 300” in UPSC CSE 2023
    4. Further, the advertisements prominently depicted photographs and names of the successful candidates of the UPSC Civil Service Exam 2023, without mentioning any information about the specific course opted by such candidates.

    Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study prominently displayed successful candidate’s names & pictures and simultaneously advertised various types of courses provided by them on its official website. However, the information with respect to the course opted by the said successful candidates in UPSC Civil Service exam 2023 was not disclosed in the abovementioned advertisement.

    The CCPA found out that the claimed successful candidates were enrolled in following courses:-

    S.No

    Courses name

    No. of students

     

    Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) Crash Course & Test Series

    26 students

     

    Essay Program for Mains

    10 students

     

    Rapid Revision (Polity, Governance & International Relations)

    2 students

     

    Political Science & International Relations (PSIR) + Classroom course

    2 students

     

    Political Science & International Relations (IR)

    5 students

     

    PSIR Answer Writing Module

    8 students

     

    Sociology Offline Batch

    2 students

     

    The institute offers nearly 50+ courses. However, the DG Investigation report found that most of the claimed successful students took Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) crash course & test series which comes into play after clearing Preliminary examination. It is the right of the consumer to be informed about the specific course that successful candidates had taken from the coaching institute to make it into the final selection of CSE. For the potential consumers, this information would have contributed in their making an informed choice about the course to opt for their success at CSE.

    By deliberately concealing information about the specific course opted by each of the successful candidates, Institute made it look like all the courses offered by it had the same success rate for the consumers, which was not right.

    Section 2(28) (iv) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, defines misleading advertisements, including those that involve the “deliberately conceals important information”. Information regarding the specific course opted by successful candidates is important for the consumers to know so that they can make informed choice while deciding which course and coaching institute to join.

    Institute used terms such as “Shubhra Ranjan IAS” and “Students of Shubhra Ranjan IAS” in its advertisements and letterheads, creating a deceptive impression that Mrs. Shubhra Ranjan is/was an IAS officer. This constitutes a misrepresentation and unfair trade practice under Consumer Protection Act 2019, thereby misleading the public and potential students into believing that the services or guidance provided by them are directly associated with the credibility of an IAS officer. The Institute submitted that it was a clerical mistake, which is not tenable as the term Shubhra Ranjan IAS or @shubhraranjanias has been frequently used on its letterheads and in its advertisements. Institute utilized deceptive practices to create a perception of exceptional quality and success. An advertisement should be truthful & honest representation of facts by making disclosures in such a manner that they are clear, prominent and extremely hard to miss for viewers to notice.

    In view of the above, CCPA directed the Institute to discontinue the misleading advertisements with immediate effect and pay a penalty of ₹ 2,00,000 for publishing misleading advertisements.

    On 22.11.2024, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a penalty of ₹ 7 Lakh on Vajirao & Reddy Institute for advertising misleading claims regarding results of UPSC CSE 2022. Vajirao & Reddy Institute in its advertisement claimed “617 selections out of 933 in UPSC CSE 2022” and “We are ranked at 1st position among the list of top UPSC Coaching Institutes in India”. The CCPA found out that all the claimed 617 successful candidates were enrolled in the Interview Guidance Programme, provided “Free of Cost”. The CCPA issued an Order against Vajirao & Reddy Institute to discontinue the misleading advertisement with immediate effect.

    CCPA had taken action against misleading advertisements by coaching institutes. In this regard, CCPA has so far issued 45 notices to various coaching institutes for misleading advertisements. The CCPA has imposed a penalty of 63 lakhs 60 thousands on 20 coaching institutes and directed them to discontinue the misleading advertisements.

    The Department of Consumer Affairs through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has successfully intervened at a pre-litigation stage to ensure justice for students and aspirants who enrolled for the UPSC Civil Services, IIT and other entrance examinations. Following numerous complaints registered in the National Consumer Helpline regarding unfair practices by various coaching centers especially not refunding the enrolment fees of the students/ aspirants, NCH initiated a drive to resolve these grievances on a mission-mode to facilitate a total refund of ₹ 1.15 cr. to 432 affected students (during 1st Sep’23 ~ 31st Aug’24). All these refunds were processed promptly at a pre-litigation stage after the intervention of the department to the affected students from all corners of the country who raised their grievances on NCH.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Under Rozgar Mela, PM to distribute more than 71,000 appointment letters to newly appointed recruits in Central Government departments and organisations on 23rd December

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 9:48AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will distribute more than 71,000 appointment letters to newly appointed recruits on 23rd December at around 10:30 AM through video conferencing. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

    Rozgar Mela is a step towards fulfilment of the commitment of the Prime Minister to accord highest priority to employment generation. It will provide meaningful opportunities to the youth for their participation in nation building and self empowerment.

    Rozgar Mela will be held at 45 locations across the country. The recruitments are taking place for various Ministries and Departments of the Central Government. The new recruits, selected from across the country will be joining various Ministries/Departments including Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Posts, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Financial Services, among others.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address at the Indian Community Event ‘Hala Modi’ in Kuwait

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 9:22PM by PIB Delhi

    Bharat Mata ki—Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki—Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki—Jai!

    Namaskar!

    I arrived in Kuwait just two or two and a half hours ago. And ever since I set foot here, I have felt a unique sense of belonging and warmth all around. You all have come from different states of Bharat, but looking at all of you, it feels as if a mini Hindustan has come alive before me. Here, I see people from North, South, East, and West, speaking different languages and dialects. Yet, there is one common echo in everyone’s hearts, one resounding chant in everyone’s hearts – Bharat Mata ki Jai, Bharat Mata ki—Jai.

    Here, there is a festive atmosphere of culture. Right now, you are preparing for Christmas and New Year. Soon, Pongal will arrive. Whether it’s Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Bihu, or many such festivals, they are not far away. I extend my heartfelt wishes to all of you for Christmas, New Year, and all the festivals celebrated in every corner of the country.

    Friends,

    Today, this moment is very special for me personally. After 43 years—more than four decades—a Prime Minister of Bharat has come to Kuwait. It takes just four hours for you to travel from Bharat to Kuwait, but it took a Prime Minister four decades to make this journey. Many of you have been living in Kuwait for generations. Some of you were even born here. And every year, hundreds of Indians join your community.  You have added a touch of Indian flavour to Kuwaiti society, painted the canvas of Kuwait with the colours of Indian skills, and blended Bharat’s talent, technology, and tradition into the fabric of Kuwait.  That is why I am here today—not just to meet you, but to celebrate your achievements.

    Friends,

    A little while ago, I met Indian workers and professionals working here. These friends are involved in construction work and are contributing their hard work in many other sectors as well. Members of the Indian community, as doctors, nurses, and paramedics, are a significant strength of Kuwait’s medical infrastructure.  Those among you who are teachers are contributing to strengthening Kuwait’s next generation. Those of you who are engineers and architects are building the next generation of infrastructure in Kuwait.

    And friends,

    Whenever I speak with the leadership of Kuwait, they always praise you all immensely. The citizens of Kuwait also hold great respect for you because of your hard work, honesty, and skills.  Today, Bharat is the world leader in remittances, and a significant share of the credit for this achievement goes to all of you hardworking friends. Your contribution is deeply respected by your fellow countrymen back home.

    Friends,

    The relationship between Bharat and Kuwait is one of civilizations, of the sea, of affection, and of trade. Bharat and Kuwait are situated on opposite shores of the Arabian Sea. It is not just diplomacy that binds us, but also the connection of hearts. Our present ties are as strong as our shared history.  There was a time when pearls, dates, and magnificent breeds of horses from Kuwait were sent to Bharat, while many goods from Bharat made their way here. Indian rice, tea, spices, fabrics, and wood were regularly brought to Kuwait. The teakwood from Bharat was used to build ships on which Kuwaiti sailors undertook long voyages.  The pearls of Kuwait have been as precious as diamonds to Bharat. Today, Indian jewellery is renowned worldwide, and Kuwaiti pearls have contributed to that legacy.  In Gujarat, we often hear stories from our elders about how, in past centuries, there was constant travel and trade between Kuwait and Bharat. Particularly in the 19th century, Kuwaiti traders started coming to Surat. At that time, Surat was an international market for Kuwaiti pearls. Ports like Surat, Porbandar, and Veraval in Gujarat stand as witnesses to these historic connections.

    Kuwaiti traders have even published numerous books in the Gujarati language. After Gujarat, Kuwaiti traders established a distinct presence in Mumbai and other markets as well. One notable example is the renowned Kuwaiti merchant Abdul Latif Al Abdul Razzak, whose book ‘How to Calculate Pearl Weight’ was published in Mumbai. Many Kuwaiti traders opened offices in Mumbai, Kolkata, Porbandar, Veraval, and Goa for their export and import businesses. Even today, many Kuwaiti families reside in Mumbai’s Mohammad Ali Street.  It might surprise many to learn that 60-65 years ago, the Indian rupee was used in Kuwait just as it was in Bharat. Back then, if someone purchased something from a shop in Kuwait, Indian rupees were accepted as currency. Terms like “Rupiya,” “Paisa,” and “Aana,” which were part of Indian currency vocabulary, were very familiar to the people of Kuwait.

    Friends,

    Bharat was one of the first countries in the world to recognize Kuwait after its independence. That is why visiting a country and society with which we share so many memories and such deep connections in both our past and present is truly memorable for me.  I am deeply grateful to the people of Kuwait and its government. I would like to especially thank His Highness The Amir for his kind invitation.

    Friends,

    The bond forged through culture and commerce in the past is now reaching new heights in this new century. Today, Kuwait is a very significant energy and trade partner for Bharat, and Bharat is also a major investment destination for Kuwaiti companies. I vividly recall a saying mentioned by His Highness, The Crown Prince of Kuwait, during our meeting in New York. He said, “When you are in need, India is your destination.” The citizens of Bharat and Kuwait have always stood by each other during difficult times and crises. During the Corona pandemic, both countries supported each other at every level. When Bharat needed help the most, Kuwait supplied liquid oxygen to us. His Highness, The Crown Prince, personally stepped forward to inspire everyone to work swiftly.  I am satisfied that Bharat, too, extended its support by sending vaccines and medical teams to help Kuwait fight the crisis. Bharat kept its ports open to ensure there were no shortages of essential food supplies for Kuwait and its surrounding regions.  In June of this year, a heart-breaking incident occurred here in Kuwait—the fire tragedy in Mangaf—which claimed the lives of many Indians. When I heard this news, I was deeply concerned. However, the way the Kuwaiti government extended its support during that time was like that of a true brother. I salute Kuwait’s spirit and compassion.

    Friends,

    This tradition of standing by each other in both happiness and sorrow forms the foundation of our mutual relationship and trust. In the coming decades, we will become even greater partners in prosperity. Our goals are not very different. The people of Kuwait are working towards building New Kuwait, and the people of Bharat are also dedicated to making the country a developed nation by 2047.  Kuwait aims to become a dynamic economy through trade and innovation, and Bharat, too, is focusing on innovation and continuously strengthening its economy. These two goals complement each other.  The innovation, skills, technology, and manpower required for the creation of New Kuwait are all available in Bharat. Bharat’s start-ups, ranging from fintech to healthcare, smart cities to green technologies, can provide cutting-edge solutions for every need of Kuwait. Bharat’s skilled youth can also add new strength to Kuwait’s future journey.

    Friends,

    Bharat has the potential to become the world’s skill capital. Bharat will remain the youngest country in the world for many decades to come. In this context, Bharat has the capacity to meet the global demand for skills. To achieve this, Bharat is focusing on skill development and skill upgrading for its youth, in line with global needs.  In recent years, Bharat has signed migration and employment agreements with nearly two dozen countries, including Gulf nations, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Mauritius, the UK, and Italy. Countries around the world are also opening their doors to Bharat’s skilled manpower.

    Friends,

    Many agreements are being made with different countries to ensure the welfare and facilities of Indians working abroad. You may be familiar with the e-Migrate portal. Foreign companies and registered agents have been brought onto a single platform through this portal. This makes it easy to identify where there is a demand for manpower, what type of manpower is needed, and which company requires it.  Thanks to this portal, millions of workers have come to Gulf countries in the past 4-5 years. Every such initiative has a single goal—to ensure that the talent from Bharat contributes to the world’s progress and that those who go abroad for work always have the necessary support.  You all in Kuwait will also benefit greatly from Bharat’s efforts in this regard.

    Friends,

    Wherever we live in the world, we respect the country we are in, and we feel immense joy in seeing Bharat reach new heights. You all came from Bharat, lived here, yet you have preserved your Indian identity in your hearts. Now, tell me, which Indian wouldn’t feel proud of the success of Mangalyaan? Which Indian wouldn’t have been overjoyed by the landing of Chandrayaan on the moon? Am I not right? Today, Bharat is advancing with a new spirit. Bharat is now the world’s fifth-largest economy. It is home to the world’s number one fintech ecosystem. Bharat also boasts the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem and is the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world.

    Let me share a statistic with you, and I’m sure you will be pleased to hear it. In the past 10 years, the length of optical fiber laid across Bharat is eight times greater than the distance between the Earth and the Moon. Today, Bharat is one of the most digitally connected countries in the world. Every Indian is using digital tools from small towns to villages. Smart digital systems in Bharat are no longer a luxury; they are now a part of the everyday life of the common man. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea, buying fruits on the street, or making digital payments, Bharat has embraced digital convenience. Ordering groceries, food, fruits, vegetables, or everyday household items is now done in a matter of moments, and payments are made via mobile phones.  People have DigiLocker for storing documents, DigiYatra for seamless travel at airports, and FASTag to save time at toll booths. Bharat is becoming increasingly digitally smart, and this is just the beginning. The future of Bharat lies in innovations that will set the direction for the entire world. The future Bharat will be the hub of global development, the growth engine of the world. The time is not far when Bharat will become the hub of Green Energy, Pharma, Electronics, Automobiles, Semiconductors, Legal, Insurance, Contracting, and Commercial sectors. You will see the major economic centres of the world establishing themselves in Bharat. Bharat will emerge as a massive hub for Global Capability Centres, Global Technology Centres and Global Engineering Centres.

    Friends,

    We consider the entire world to be one family. Bharat is moving forward as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (global friend), thinking of the world’s welfare. The world, too, is acknowledging this spirit of Bharat. Today, on December 21, 2024, the world is celebrating its first World Meditation Day, dedicated to Bharat’s thousands of years of meditation tradition. Since 2015, the world has been celebrating International Yoga Day on June 21, also dedicated to Bharat’s yoga tradition. In 2023, the world celebrated the International Year of Millets, which was made possible through Bharat’s efforts and proposal. Today, Bharat’s yoga is uniting every region of the world. Bharat’s traditional medicine, our Ayurveda, and our Ayush products are enriching global wellness. Our superfoods, millets, and Shri Anna are becoming a major foundation for nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. From Nalanda to the IITs, Bharat’s knowledge system is strengthening the global knowledge ecosystem. Today, Bharat is also becoming a key link in global connectivity. During the G-20 summit held in Bharat last year, the announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor was made. This corridor is set to provide a new direction for the future of the world.

    Friends,

    The journey of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) is incomplete without your support and the participation of the Indian diaspora. I invite you all to join the resolve for a ‘Viksit Bharat’. The first month of the new year, January 2025, will be a month of many national celebrations. From January 8 to 10 this year, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in Bhubaneswar, with people from all over the world coming together. I invite you all to be a part of this event.  On this journey, you can take blessings from Lord Jagannath in Puri. After that, do visit Prayagraj to take part in the Maha Kumbh Mela, which will be held from January 13 to February 26, lasting for about a month and a half. Make sure to return after watching the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. And yes, bring your Kuwaiti friends to Bharat, show them around, and let them experience Bharat. There was a time when Dilip Kumar Saheb inaugurated the first Indian restaurant here. The real taste of Bharat can only be experienced there. So, make sure to prepare your Kuwaiti friends for this experience.

    Friends,

    I know that all of you are very excited about the Arabian Gulf Cup that is starting today. You are eager to cheer for the Kuwait team. I am grateful to His Highness, The Amir, for inviting me as the Guest of Honour for the opening ceremony. This reflects the immense respect that the royal family, the government of Kuwait, have for all of you and Bharat. I hope that you continue to strengthen the Bharat-Kuwait relationship in this way. With this wish, once again, a heartfelt thank you to all of you!

    Bharat Mata ki—Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki—Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki—Jai!

    Thank you very much. 

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of the PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister attends Arabian Gulf Cup as Guest of Honour of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 10:24PM by PIB Delhi

    On the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait as his ‘Guest of Honour’. The Prime Minister joined His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, and His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait in witnessing the grand opening ceremony. The event also provided an opportunity for an informal interaction of the Prime Minister with the leadership of Kuwait.

    ​Kuwait is hosting the biennial Arabian Gulf Cup with participation from eight countries, including GCC nations, Iraq, and Yemen. This football tournament is one of the most prominent sporting events in the region. Kuwait has won the tournament maximum times among the participating countries. Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to all the participating countries.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses the North East Bankers Conclave 2024, organized by the North East Development Finance Corporation (NEDFI) in Agartala, Tripura

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses the North East Bankers Conclave 2024, organized by the North East Development Finance Corporation (NEDFI) in Agartala, Tripura

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Northeast will become the gateway to India’s development & trust and will break all records in infrastructure development in next 25 years

    Modi Ji has empowered the Northeast from the perspectives of emotion, economy, and ecology

    In the next 10 years, the Northeast is expected to experience an average growth rate of 20%

    In 2023-24, our public sector banks earned a profit of 1.5 lakh crore, and their NPA remained below 2.8%

    The Northeast is the best destination for investing in future business

    The greatest potential lies within the Northeast, which is why the region needs to be viewed not through statistics, but through sensitivity

    All bankers should explore 100% potential in every state of the Northeast region and move forward in the direction of building a developed Northeast and a developed India

    Today, our waterways are connected to Chittagong port, opening the way for products from the northeast to be shipped across the world

    India’s banks have successfully provided MUDRA loans, SVANidhi loans, and completed the recovery of 10 lakh crore rupees in bad debts over the past 10 years

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 9:08PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the North East Bankers Conclave 2024, organized by the North East Development Finance Corporation (NEDFI) in Agartala, the capital of Tripura. On this occasion, Union Minister of Communications and Development of the North East Region Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Chief Minister of Tripura Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu, Union Minister of State for Northeast Development Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, the Union Home Secretary, Shri Govind Mohan and several other dignitaries were present.

    In his address Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that for India, with a population of 1.4 billion and diverse geographical conditions, it is essential to promote the economy while ensuring the economic development of every region, state, village, and individual. He said until we complete economic development of 140 crore people of the country we cannot become a developed nation. Shri Shah added that the concept of a developed nation isthat every person is capable of looking after his family, every person has basic facilities and every person contribute in the development of the country. He said that such nation can become a developed nation.

    Shri Amit Shah said that equal development is necessary for any country to move forward and our bankers should adopt this basic principle. He said that development of the Northeast is a national responsibility of all of us. Shri Shah requested bankers that they should not see Northeast only from the perspective of business,potential and profit but as a responsibility. He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the Northeast will become the gateway to India’s development and trust in the next 25 years, serving as the gateway to the entire nation’s trust. He expressed confidence that the Northeast will break all records in infrastructure development as well.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation appealed to the participants of the Northeast Bankers Conclave to assist in financial inclusion, economic development, and infrastructure development, urging that their approach should be sensitive to these areas. He called for the creation of separate parameters for finance, infrastructure, agriculture, MSMEs, and personal loans in the Northeast. Shri Shah said that the State Bank of India should develop specific guidelines for Northeast finance, considering the current capacity of the region with a positive outlook. He emphasized that there is immense potential in the region, and the Northeast has become the gateway for India’s exports.

    Shri Amit Shah said that a few years ago, the enclaves between Bangladesh and India were exchanged. After independence, some parts of India were inside Bangladesh, and some parts of Bangladesh were within India, which caused significant difficulties in building and maintaining infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi Ji took the initiative, and after 75 years of independence, constitutional amendments were made and talks were held with Bangladesh to exchange the enclaves between the two countries. As a result, today our waterways are connected to Chittagong, and through the Chittagong port, the entire Northeast now has open routes to send products to the world.He said that earlier the transportation cost used to be 12 to 15 percent, making it impossible to export products from the North East to outside the country, but today, whatever is produced in the Northeast, the global market is open through the Chittagong port.

    Union Home Minister said that in the past 10 years, a revolution in connectivity for the economic development of the Northeast has almost been completed. Through ISRO, excellent programs have been developed for the proper and efficient use of local resources, and peace and stability have also been achieved in the Northeast.Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has empowered the Northeast from the perspectives of emotion, economy, and ecology. In the past 10 years, Narendra Modi ji himself has visited the Northeast 65 times, and central ministers have spent over 700 nights in the Northeast. This reflects that the Northeast is a major focus of the Government of India.

    Shri Amit Shah said that in the past 10 years, many successful insolvency laws have been created in India’s banking sector. The banks in India have managed to complete the recovery of bad debts worth 10 lakh crores through schemes like MUDRA loans, SVANidhi loans, and others. Home Minister mentioned that 10 public sector banks have been merged into larger banks. Previously, public sector banks were operating at a loss, but in 2023-24, these banks made a profit of 1.5 lakh crores, and their NPA has reduced below 2.8%. He added that for future business investments, there is no better destination than the Northeast, as it is expected to experience an average growth rate of 20% over the next 10 years. Shri Shah emphasized that the financial policy should be made more flexible, and a good package should be provided to every sector and industry in the Northeast to move forward.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the biggest benefit of UPI will be for the Northeast. 95% of India’s villages are now equipped with 3G and 4G connectivity, and 80% connectivity has been completed in the Northeast as well. Additionally, numerous infrastructure projects have been carried out in the Northeast, over 20 water-based projects have been completed, and peace has been established. He mentioned that in the coming days, many industries are likely to come to the region. Tata Group’s Rs. 27,000 crore semiconductor project indicates that large industrial groups are looking to explore the potential of the Northeast. Home Minister further stated that the 50,000 MW hydropower potential in the region has not yet been fully explored, and the Brahmaputra River could provide the country with an endless supply of affordable electricity.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the greatest potential lies within the Northeast, and the region should be viewed not through statistics, but through sensitivity. Its development should not be seen as a business task, but as a national responsibility.Shri Shah said that all bankers should explore 100% potential in every state of the Northeast region and move forward in the direction of building a developed Northeast and a developed India.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired the 12th meeting of the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) Society in Agartala, Tripura today

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired the 12th meeting of the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) Society in Agartala, Tripura today

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s space sector has taken a giant leap forward in last 10 years

    NESAC Society should further expand the scope of its work in Northeastern states

    NESAC Society should take 100 students each with science background from all the states of the Northeast on a visit to the ISRO HQ

    20 waterways have been built with the help of NESAC and the Society should explore the possibility of building more waterways

    There is a need for extensive mapping for mineral, oil, and coal reserves in the Northeastern states, which will financially benefit from the royalty received for these minerals

    Demographic data of people along India-Myanmar border, especially in Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur, should be mapped to help in fencing of the border and stopping infiltration

    Forest area development should be the focus of NESAC Society using space science

    Northeastern states should start new courses related to space technology in engineering colleges

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 8:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired the 12th meeting of the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) Society in Agartala, Tripura today. Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Chief Minister of Tripura Dr. Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Assam Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Manipur Shri N. Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Shri Sukanta Majumdar, Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary, D/o Space Dr. S. Somnath and Director, Intelligence Bureau Shri Tapan Deka, senior officials of the Central Government and State Governments of North Eastern Region were present on the occasion.

     

    In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s space sector has taken a giant leap forward in last 10 years. He said thatafter 25 years of establishment of NESAC Society, the positive aspects of the work being done by the Society are now visible. He said that the NESAC Society should further expand the scope of its work in these states, and, for this, initiatives should also be taken by the state governments.

    Union Home Minister urged the NESAC Society to take 100 students each with science background from all the states of the Northeast on a visit to the HQ of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) so that they can develop interest in space and related technology. He urged the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region to contribute 60 percent for this project. Shri Shah also urged the state governments of the Northeast to start new courses related to space technology in engineering colleges.

     

    Shri Amit Shah said that so far 20 waterways have been built with the help of NESAC and the Society should explore the possibility of building more waterways. He said that there is a need for extensive mapping for mineral, oil, and coal reserves in the Northeastern states. The Northeastern states will be financially benefitted from the royalty received for these minerals.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the demographic data of people along the India-Myanmar border, especially in Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur, should be mapped so that it can help in fencing of the border and infiltration can be stopped. He said that for this, there is a need to conduct a comprehensive survey in the border areas.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the NESAC Society should focus on forest area development using space science. He said that for this, necessary steps should be taken by comparing old maps with the latest maps and where there are possibilities, efforts should be made to plant trees in collaboration with the state governments. Similarly, the Home Minister also asked the Society to map floods in the North-Eastern states.

    Union Home Minister lauded the efforts of NESAC Society for proper and positive use of space technology in administration and emphasized its extensive use in the development of a difficult geographical area like the North-East in the coming times. Shri Shah also said that the NESAC Society should also focus on developing its revenue model.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Recommendations of the 55th Meeting of the GST Council

    Source: Government of India

    Recommendations of the 55th Meeting of the GST Council

    GST Council recommends reduction in GST rate on Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK), classifiable under 1904, to 5%

    GST council also recommends to fully exempt GST on gene therapy

    GST Council recommends exemption of GST on contributions by general insurance companies from third-party motor vehicle premiums for Motor Vehicle Accident Fund

    GST Council recommends no GST on transaction of vouchers as they are neither supply of goods nor supply of services. The provisions related to vouchers is also being simplified.

    GST Council clarifies that no GST is payable on ‘penal charges’ levied and collected by banks and NBFCs from borrowers for non-compliance with loan terms

    GST Council recommends reduction of payment of pre-deposit for filing an appeal before the Appellate Authority in respect of an order passed which involves only penalty amount

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 8:23PM by PIB Delhi

    Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, 21 st December 2024

    The 55th GST Council met under the Chairpersonship of Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, today.

    The meeting was also attended by Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, Chief Ministers of Goa, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Odisha; Deputy Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana; besides Finance Ministers of States & UTs (with legislature) and senior officers of the Ministry of Finance & States/ UTs.

     

    The GST Council inter-alia made the following recommendations relating to changes in GST tax rates, provide relief to individuals,measures for facilitation of trade and measures for streamlining compliances in GST.

    A. Changes in GST rates of goods

    GOODS

    1.   To reduce the GST rate on Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK), classifiable under 1904, to 5%.

    2.   To exempt GST on gene therapy.

    3.  To extend IGST exemption to systems, sub-systems, equipment, parts, sub-parts, tools, test equipment, software meant assembly/manufacture of LRSAM system under Notification 19/2019-Customs.

    4.         To reduce the rate of Compensation Cess to 0.1% on supplies to merchant exporters at par with GST rate on such supplies.

    5. To exempt from IGST imports of all equipment and consumable samples by Inspection Team of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) subject to specified conditions.

    6.To extend the concessional 5% GST rate on food inputs of food preparations under HSN 19 or 21 that are supplied for food preparations intended for free distribution to economically weaker sections under a government program subject to the existing conditions.

    SERVICES

    1. To bring supply of the sponsorship services provided by the body corporates under Forward Charge Mechanism.

     

    1. To exempt GST on the contributions made by general insurance companies from the third-party motor vehicle premiums collected by them to the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, constituted under section 164B of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This fund is constituted for providing compensation/ cashless treatment to the victims of road accidents including hit and run cases.

     

    1. To omit the definition of declared tariff and suitably amend the definition of specified premises (from the services rate and exemption notifications) to link it with actual value of supply of any unit of accommodation provided by the hotel and to make the rate of GST applicable on restaurant services in such hotels, for a given financial year, dependent upon the ‘value of supply’ of units of accommodation made in the preceding financial year, i.e. 18% with ITC if the ‘value of supply’ exceeded Rs. 7,500 for any unit of accommodation in the preceding financial year, and 5% without ITC otherwise. Further, to give an option to pay tax on restaurant service in hotels at the rate of 18% with ITC, if the hotel so chooses, by giving a declaration to that effect on or before the beginning of the financial year or on obtaining registration.The above changes to be made effective from 01.04.2025 to avoid any transition difficulties.

     

    1. To exclude taxpayers registered under composition levy scheme from the entry at Sr. No. 5AB introduced vide Notification No. 09/2024-CTR dated 08.10.2024 vide which renting of any commercial/ immovable property (other than residential dwelling) by unregistered person to registered person was brought under reverse charge mechanism. Further, to regularize the period from the date when the notification No. 09/2024-CTR dated 08.10.2024, became effective i.e. from 10.10.2024 till the date of issuance of the proposed notification on “as is where is” basis.

     

    Other changes relating to goods and services

    1.         To increase the GST rate from 12% to 18 % on sale of all old and used vehicles, including EVs other than those specified at 18% –Sale of old and used petrol vehicles of engine capacity of 1200 cc or more & of length of 4000 mm or more; diesel vehicles of engine capacity of 1500 cc or more & of length of 4000 mm and SUVs.[Note: GST is applicable only on the Value that represents Margin of the Supplier, that is, the difference between the Purchase price and Selling price (depreciated value if depreciation is claimed) and not on the value of the vehicle. Also, it is not applicable in case of unregistered persons.]

     

    2. To clarify that Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (ACC) blocks containing more than 50% fly ash content will fall under HS 6815 and attract 12% GST.

     

    3. To clarify that pepper whether fresh green or dried pepper and raisins when supplied by an agriculturist is not liable to GST.

     

    4.  To amend the definition of ‘pre-packaged and labelled’ to cover all commodities that are intended for retail sale and containing not more than 25 kg or 25 litre, which are ‘pre-packed’ as defined under the Legal Metrology Act, or a label affixed thereto is required to bear the declarations under the provisions of the Act and rules.

     

    5. To clarify that ready to eat popcorn which is mixed with salt and spices are classifiable under HS 2106 90 99 and attracts 5% GST if supplied as other than pre-packaged and labelled and 12% GST if supplied as pre-packaged and labelled. However, when popcorn is mixed with sugar thereby changing its character to sugar confectionary (eg caramel popcorn), it would be classifiable under HS 1704 90 90 and attract 18% GST. It has been decided to regularise the issues for the past on “as is where is” basis.(Note: There is no new imposition of any tax in this regard and is merely a clarification as certain field units were demanding different tax rates on the same. Therefore, it is a clarification being recommended by the GST Council to settle the disputes arising out of interpretation.)

    6. To clarify that the Explanation in Sl. No. 52B in notification No. 1/2017- Compensation Cess (Rate) dated 28.6.2017 regarding ground clearance is applicable with effect from 26.07.2023.

    7.         To clarify that RBI regulated Payment Aggregators are eligible for the exemption under entry at Sl. No. 34 of notification No. 12/2017-CT(R) dated 28.06.2017 since they fall within the ambit of ‘acquiring bank’ as defined in the said entry.  To also clarify that this exemption does not cover payment gateway (PG) and other fintech services which do not involve settlement of funds.

    8.  To clarify that no GST is payable on the ‘penal charges’ levied and collected by banks and NBFCs from borrowers for non-compliance with loan terms.

     

    B.        MEASURES FOR FACILITATION OF TRADE

    1.         Amendment in Schedule III of CGST Act, 2017

    • To insertclause (aa) in paragraph 8 of Schedule III of the CGST Act, 2017w.e.f.01.07.2017, to explicitly provide that supply of goods warehoused in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) or Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) to any person before clearance of such goods for exports or to the Domestic Tariff Area, shall be treated neither as supply of goods nor as supply of services.
    • This brings transactions relating to supply of goods warehoused in SEZ/FTWZ at par with the existing provision in GST for transactions in Customs bonded warehouse.

    2.         Issues pertaining to taxability of Vouchers

    In a significant move to address long-standing concerns regarding the taxability of vouchers under GST, the GST Council made the following recommendations:

    1. To omit sections 12(4) and 13(4) from CGST Act, 2017 and rule 32(6) from CGST Rules, 2017 to resolve ambiguities in the treatment of vouchers.
    2. To issue clarification on the following issues:
    1. Transactions in vouchers shall be treated neither as a supply of goods nor as a supply of services.
    2. Distribution of vouchers on principal-to-principal basis shall not be subject to GST. However, where vouchers are distributed on principal-to-agent basis, the commission/fee or any other amount charged by the agent for such distribution is taxable under GST.
    3. Additional services such as advertisement, co-branding, marketing and promotion, customization and technology support, customer support etc. related to vouchers would be leviable to GST on the amount paid for these services.
    4. Unredeemed vouchers (breakage) would not be considered as supply under GST and no GST is payable on income booked in the accounts in respect of breakage.

    3. Issuance of clarifications through the circulars to remove ambiguity and legal disputes in certain issues.

    • To issue circulars to provide clarity in the following issues due to varied interpretations by the field formations:
    1. Clarification regarding requirement of reversal of Input Tax Credit by electronic commerce operators in respect of supplies made under section 9(5) of CGST Act, 2017: The GST Council recommended that no proportional reversal of ITC under section 17 (1) or section 17 (2) of CGST Act, 2017 is required to be made by the ECO in respect of supplies for which they are required to pay tax under section 9(5) of CGST Act, 2017.
    2. Clarification on availability of Input Tax Credit as per section 16(2)(b) of CGST Act, 2017 in respect of goods which have been delivered by the supplier at his (supplier’s) place of business : The GST Council recommended to clarify that in an Ex-Works contract, where goods are delivered by the supplier to the recipient or a transporter at the supplier’s place of business, and the property in goods transfers to the recipient at that point, the goods are considered to be “received” by the recipient under section 16(2)(b) of CGST Act, 2017 and the recipient may claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on such goods, subject to the conditions outlined in Sections 16 and 17 of the CGST Act, 2017.
    3. Clarification regarding applicability of late fee for delay in furnishing of FORM GSTR-9C and providing waiver of late fee on delayed furnishing of FORM GSTR-9C for the period from 2017-18 to 2022-23:
    1. The GST Council recommended to clarify through a circular that the late fee under Section 47(2) of the CGST Act, 2017 is leviable for the delay in filing the complete annual return under Section 44 of the CGST Act, 2017, which includes both FORM GSTR-9 (Annual Return) and FORM GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement), where applicable.
    2. For the annual returns pertaining to the period 2017-18 to 2022-23, the GST Council also recommended to issue notification under section 128 of CGST Act, 2017 for waiver of the amount of late fee for delayed filing of FORM GSTR-9C, which is in excess of the amount of late fee payable till the date of filing of FORM GSTR-9 for the said financial years, provided the said FORM GSTR-9C is filed on or before 31st March 2025.

     

    C.        MEASURES FOR STREAMLINING COMPLIANCES IN GST

    1.         Insertion of new provision for Track and Trace Mechanism

    • To insert an enabling provision in CGST Act, 2017 through Section 148A so as to empower the Government to enforce the Track and Trace Mechanism for specifiedevasion prone commodities.
    • The system shall be based on a Unique Identification Marking which shall be affixed on the said goods or the packages thereof. This will provide a legal framework for developing such a system and will help in implementation of mechanism for tracing specified commodities throughout the supply chain.

    2.         Clarification regarding recording of correct details of name of the State of the un-registered recipient as well as correct declaration of place of supply in respect of supply of ‘Online Services’

    • To clarify that in respect of supply of ‘Online Services’ such as supply of online money gaming, OIDAR services, etc. to unregistered recipients, the supplier is required to mandatorily record the name of the State of the unregistered recipient on the tax invoice and such name of State of recipient shall bedeemed to be the address on record of the recipient for the purpose of section 12(2)(b) of IGST Act, 2017 read with proviso to rule 46(f) of CGST Rules, 2017

     

    D.     OTHER MEASURES PERTAINING TO LAW & PROCEDURE

    1.         Amendment in section 17(5)(d) of CGSTAct, 2017

    • To align the provisions of section 17(5)(d) of CGST Act, 2017 with the intent of the said section, the Council has recommended amending section 17(5)(d) of CGST Act, 2017, to replace the phrase “plant or machinery” with “plant and machinery”, retrospectively, with effect from 01.07.2017, so that the said phrase may be interpreted as per the Explanation at the end of section 17 of CGST Act, 2017.

    2.         Amendment in section 107 and section 112 of CGST Act, 2017 to provide for payment of pre-deposit for filing an appeal in respect of an order passed which involves only penalty amount.

    • To amend the proviso to section 107(6) of CGST Act, 2017 providing for payment of pre-deposit at 10% instead of 25 %for filing appeals before Appellate Authority in cases involving only demand of penalty without involving the demand of tax.
    • To insert a new proviso to section 112(8) of CGST Act, 2017 providing for payment of pre-deposit at10%for filing appeals before Appellate Tribunalin cases involving only demand of penalty without involving the demand of tax.

    3. Amendment in section 2(69) of CGST Act, 2017 to insert an Explanation regarding definitions of Local Fund and Municipal Fund: To amend clause (c) of section 2(69) of CGST Act, 2017 and to insert an Explanation under the same to provide for definitions of the terms ‘Local Fund’ and ‘Municipal Fund’ used in the said clause.            

    4. Amendment in provisions pertaining to Input Services Distributor (ISD) mechanism under CGST Act, 2017 and CGST Rules, 2017

    • Toamend Section 2(61) and Section 20(1) of the CGST Act, 2017 to explicitly include inter-state RCM transactions under the ISD mechanism by including reference to supplies subject to tax under section 5(3) and 5(4) of IGST Act, 2017 in the said provisions.
    • Consequentially, to amend section 20(2) of CGST Act, 2017 and rule 39(1A) of the CGST Rules, 2017.
    • These, amendments in CGST Act, 2017 are to be made effective from 01.04.2025.

    5.         Provision for grant of Temporary Identification Number by Tax Officers to persons, not liable to be registered otherwise

    • To insert new rule 16A in CGST Rules, 2017 to provide for a separate provision for generation of temporary identification number for persons, who are not liable to be registered under CGST Act, 2017 but are required to make any payment as per rule 87(4) of CGST Rules, 2017.
    • To amend Rule 87 (4) of CGST Rules, 2017 incorporating a reference to the new Rule and consequential modification of FORM GST REG-12.

    6.Amendment in the field ‘category of registered person’ for taxpayers who opted for composition levy through FORM CMP-02

    • Toamend sub-rule (1) of rule 19 of CGST Rules, 2017 to include reference to FORM GST CMP-02 in the said rule toallow thetaxpayers to modify their “category of registered person” in Table 5 of FORM GST CMP-02throughFORM GST REG-14.

     

    1. Amendment in CGST Act, 2017 and CGST Rules, 2017 in respect of functionality of Invoice Management System (IMS)
    • The GST Council recommended inter-alia-
    1. To amend section 38 of CGST Act, 2017 and rule 60 of CGST Rules, 2017 to provide a legal framework in respect of generation of FORM GSTR-2B based on the action taken by the taxpayers on the Invoice Management System (IMS).
    2. To amend section 34(2) of CGST Act, 2017, to specifically provide for requirement of reversal of input tax credit as is attributable to a credit note, by the recipient, to enable the reduction of output tax liability of the supplier.
    3. To insert a new rule 67B in CGST Rules, 2017, to prescribe the manner in which the output tax liability of the supplier shall be adjusted against the credit note issued by him.
    4. To amend section 39 (1) of CGST Act, 2017 and rule 61 of CGST Rules, 2017 to provide that FORM GSTR-3B of a tax period shall be allowed to be filed only after FORM GSTR-2B of the said tax period is made available on the portal.

    E. OTHER MEASURES:

    • The GST Council approved the recommendation of the committee of officers suggesting measures for the various issues raised by the States in respect of issues pertaining to IGST settlement and asked the committee to conclude the desired changes by March, 2025.
    • The GST Council took note of the procedural rules proposed for the internal functioning of the GSTAT, which would be notified after examination by the Law Committee. This would help in operationalization of the GSTAT.
    • The Council also decided to extend the time frame for the Group of Ministers on the restructuring of the GST Compensation till 30th June, 2025.
    • On the request of State of Andhra Pradesh the Council recommended that a Group of Ministers be constituted to examine the legal and structural issues, and recommend a uniform policy on imposition of levy in case of a natural disaster/calamity in the State.

    The issue of whether charges collected by municipalities for granting FSI including additional FSI, chargeable to GST on reverse charge basis was brought up in the Council. The matter was deferred for further examination on the behest of the Central Government on the ground that this amount relates to Municipalities or local authority.

    Note: The recommendations of the GST Council have been presented in this release containing major item of decisions in simple language for information of the stakeholders. The same would be given effect through the relevant circulars/ notifications/ law amendments which alone shall have the force of law.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ashwini Vaishnaw confers 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2024 to 101 Railway officials, 22 Shields to best performing Zones in different categories today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Ashwini Vaishnaw confers 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2024 to 101 Railway officials, 22 Shields to best performing Zones in different categories today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

    The Union Minister calls for 3 times more focus in safety, maintenance, quality and training to give world class experience to Rail commuters in India

    Financial rewards along with shields for bringing excellence in work culture of Railways through excellent SMQT (Safest, Maintenance, Quality and Training) practices from next year : Shri Vaishnaw

    Indian Railways is not only meeting current demands but is also setting benchmarks for future: Chairman & CEO, Railway Board

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 8:20PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw conferred 69thAti Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar to 101 Railway officials and 22 Shields to best performing Zones in different categories today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.  The ceremony has been graced by the presence of Chairman & CEO of Railway Board, Shri Satish Kumar, Members of the Railway Board, and General Managers of various Railway Zones and Production Units.

     

    Addressing the august gathering after conferring the awards and shields, the Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated all the awardees for their exceptional work and effort. He highlighted the transformative progress achieved in Indian Railways over the past decade. He emphasized the rapid construction pace, completing projects like the Kashmir to Kanyakumari rail link and pending North-East connectivity initiatives. Electrification efforts have surged, with a goal of 100% electrification by 2025, while projects such as Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and the freight corridors have gained momentum. The Kavach safety system has been implemented on a massive scale. Shri Vaishnaw underlined the remarkable progress in station redevelopment, substantial reduction in consequential accidents (from 345 to 90), and an efficient recruitment process, free of complaints, filling 1.5 lakh positions. Cleanliness initiatives have drawn praises, including commendation from opposition leaders, and a new Super App is set to revolutionize passenger experience soon.

    Shri Vaishnaw exhorted the need for tripling efforts in safety, maintenance, quality, and training, to modernize infrastructure and provide a world-class experience to commuters. He announced a significant focus on maintenance innovation, including industry collaborations, enhanced inspection systems, and improved training for officers and technicians, incorporating feedback from grassroots levels. Safety remains a top priority, with initiatives such as zero derailment zones being incentivized with shields and financial rewards. He emphasized the integration of modern technology, policy reforms, and structural changes to ensure sustainable progress. Reflecting on the ethos of “Rashtra Pratham, Sadaiv Pratham,” the Minister called for unparalleled teamwork and relentless efforts to uphold the Railways as a symbol of excellence, serving every citizen, especially the underprivileged, with efficiency and care.He also announced financial rewards along with shields for bringing excellence in work culture of Railways through excellent SMQT (Safest, Maintenance, Quality and Training) practices from next year.

    In his welcome address, the Chairperson & CEO Railway Board, Shri Satish Kumar, emphasized the commitment of Indian Railways to provide affordable rail services  along with world-class travel experience to Rail commuters in India. Addressing the gathering

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh calls for speedy completion of power and connectivity projects in Kishtwar, J&K

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh calls for speedy completion of power and connectivity projects in Kishtwar, J&K

    “With estimated generation capacity of 8000 MW, J&K to emerge as the biggest power hub of North India”: Dr Singh

    Union Minister chairs DISHA Meeting to review status of ongoing infrastructure projects in the district

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 8:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh today called for expediting the speed of ongoing hydel power projects, saying that upon their completion, the electricity produced by these plants will touch 8000 MW. He said with this mammoth power generation capacity, J&K will catapult into becoming the biggest power hub of North India. Dr Singh was speaking while chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee Meeting (DISHA) here with the entire district administration led by Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Rakesh Kumar Shavan, and attended by local MLA and representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

    The Union Minister called upon the National Hydro Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) to undertake capacity building of local unskilled labour to increase their employability for projects requiring specific skills and specialised training. 

    Reviewing the status of projects aimed at boosting connectivity in the district, Dr Singh, in particular, called for expediting the construction of a full-fledged airstrip in the district under Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN). The facility aims to improve connectivity for the population living in tough terrain. Dr Singh said efforts must be synergised so that the airstrip sees light of the day. 

    While reviewing the status of works under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Jal Jeevan Mission, the Union Minister urged that the concerned departments, including R&B, need to work in close coordination with the public representatives for speedy and better execution of projects. Calling for bridging the communication gap, Dr Singh stated that the District Administration must follow a Standard Operating Procedure for sharing of information with the PRIs during field visits conducted by officials. He added that inputs of PRI representatives should be taken by the officials for effective implementation of the works.

    Noting the negative impact of some of infrastructure projects on the health of common citizens due to pollution and land degradation, the Union Minister instructed that an arrangement must be made for carrying out a dynamic exercise as regards environment clearance granted for these projects. The Minister added that it must also be ensured that the best practices are adopted for the protection of the environment and public health.   

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh holding District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee Meeting (DISHA) to review various development works at Kishtwar, J&K.

    Expressing concern over some public servants, such as doctors and teachers, quitting their jobs without following due procedure, Dr Singh stated that a uniform policy needs to be firmed up under which if these civil servants, relinquish their posts, they must be made to provide hefty compensation to the government for putting citizens to inconvenience. He underlined that the proposed policy is the need of the hour to avert a crisis across departments emanating from dearth of staff in future.

    Dr Jitendra Singh directed the district administration to organize mass awareness camps highlighting the benefits of Lavender, Ayushman Bharat scheme and PM Surya Ghar Mutt Bijli Yojana. In a similar vein, he called for promoting Sansad Khelkud Spardha to develop sporting talent among the local youth, and also pitched for branding of local products, such as cumin seeds and saffron. He informed that a saffron park will come up in Kishtwar soon, and Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers will inaugurate it. Dr Singh also called for further exploration of the world’s finest sapphire discovered in the mines of Paddar area in the district for generation of additional revenue and creation of more employment opportunities for the local youth.

    Today’s DISHA meeting held in the Mini Secretariat, Kishtwar was attended by MLA, Paddar Nagseni and Leader of the Opposition, Sh. Sunil Sharma, DDC, Chairperson, Ms Pooja Thakur, MLA, Kishtwar, Ms  Shagun Parihar, Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Sh. Rajesh Kumar Shavan, SSP, Kishtwar, Sh. Javed Iqbal, DDC members,nominated members of the DISHA committee besides District and Sectoral officers of different departments.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh chairs DISHA Meeting to review progress of development projects in Doda, J&K

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh chairs DISHA Meeting to review progress of development projects in Doda, J&K

    “Chattergala tunnel to be game-changer in providing all-weather connectivity between Doda and Lakhanpur”: Dr Singh

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 8:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh today said the prestigious Chhatergala tunnel connecting Doda and Bhaderwah with Lakhanpur via Basohli-Bani will be a game changer in providing all-weather connectivity to the region, and boosting employment opportunities for the local youth. He was speaking during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee Meeting (DISHA) here today. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of various centrally sponsored schemes and key infrastructure projects in the district.

    Dr Jitendra Singh said the region which had remained untouched by development for the past many decades is now connected by a wide web of highways, improving connectivity in far-flung areas of district Doda. Dr Singh called for early completion of the important projects, including Khellani tunnel and Goha-Marmat Highway to further boost connectivity in the Chenab Valley region. Dr. Singh urged authorities to accelerate the execution of these projects, without lapsing funds. The Union Minister instructed the officials to prioritize public participation in developmental initiatives in line with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari for their effective implementation.

    Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh holding District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee Meeting (DISHA) to review various development works at Doda, Kashmir.

    Reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the district’s holistic development, the Union Minister stressed the importance of implementing local benefit schemes, such as Ayushman Bharat and drug-free initiatives, and called for awareness campaigns to educate the public. He also encouraged officials to organize skill development programs to create job opportunities for unemployed youth and enhance sports activities in the district.

     

    Dr Jitendra Singh proposed organizing another lavender festival in the district next year to promote its cultivation as well highlight the tourism potential of picturesque Bhaderwah, which he noted has gained wide recognition as a prominent tourist destination. He also called for organizing workshops to enhance innovation strategies and improve the district’s agricultural practices.

    During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Sh. Harvinder Singh provided a comprehensive overview of the developmental activities, including the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), NABARD projects, and the PMGSY scheme. The meeting also addressed compensation issues for road construction under PMGSY and discussed challenges related to forest clearances for ongoing projects.

    The meeting held in the DC Office Complex, was attended among others by MLA, Doda West, Sh. Shakti Raj Parihar, MLA, Bhaderwah, Sh. Dalip Parihar, DDC, Chairman, Sh. Dhananter Singh Kotwal, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Harvinder Singh, SSP, Sandeep Kumar Mehta, and senior officials from several departments of the district administration.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Indian Community at ‘Hala Modi’ event in Kuwait

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Indian Community at ‘Hala Modi’ event in Kuwait

    The warmth and affection of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait is extraordinary: PM

    After 43 years, an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Kuwait: PM

    The relationship between India and Kuwait is one of civilizations, seas and commerce: PM

    India and Kuwait have consistently stood by each other:PM

    India is well-equipped to meet the world’s demand for skilled talent: PM

    In India, smart digital systems are no longer a luxury, but have become an integral part of the everyday life of the common man: PM

    The India of the future will be the hub of global development, the growth engine of the world: PM

    India, as a Vishwa Mitra, is moving forward with a vision for the greater good of the world: PM

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 8:09PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today addressed a large gathering of the Indian community in Kuwait in a special event ‘Hala Modi’ at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex in the city. Indian nationals representing a cross-section of the community in Kuwait attended the event.

    ​The Prime Minister was welcomed by the community with exceptional warmth and enthusiasm. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted that the India-Kuwait relationship has been profoundly enriched by the Indian community, which plays a pivotal role in fostering the ties between the two nations. Thanking His Highness the Amir of Kuwait for his gracious invitation, he stated that it was after 43 years that an Indian Prime Minister was visiting Kuwait to strengthen and solidify the age-old friendship.

    The Prime Minister appreciated the hard work, achievement and contribution of the community to the development of Kuwait, which he said was widely recognized by the local government and society. He thanked the leadership of Kuwait for the welfare of the Indian community. Reflecting on India’s strong commitment to support Indian workers in Kuwait and elsewhere in the Gulf, he talked about technology-based initiatives undertaken by the Government such as the E-Migrate portal among others.

    ​The Prime Minister outlined India’s approach as a “Vishwabandhu”, a friend to the world. He elaborated upon India’s rapid progress and transformation, especially in the fields of technology, infrastructure and sustainability. He noted that apart from being the 5th largest economy in the world, India was the global leader in fintech, the third largest global player in the start-up space and among the most digitally connected societies worldwide. He highlighted achievements such as financial inclusion, women-led development and inclusive growth. Reflecting on the shared aspirations of the two countries, of Viksit Bharat and New Kuwait, he underlined that there were huge opportunities for India and Kuwait to work together. India’s skill capacities and innovation could foster new partnerships between the two countries.

    The Prime Minister extended an invitation to diaspora members to participate in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and Maha Kumbh to be held in India in January 2025.

     

     

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    MJPS/SR

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr P P VAVA, Member, National Commission for Safai Karmachari (NCSK) visits RINL

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 7:49PM by PIB Delhi

    In a meeting held at Board room, Administration building of RINL, the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam steel plant, today, Dr P P VAVA, Hon’ble Member, National Commission for Safai Karmachari (NCSK), interacted with Sri A K Saxena , CMD(additional charge), RINL, Directors and senior officials of RINL.

     

    Sri A K Saxena, CMD (additional charge), RINL extended a cordial welcome and felicitated Dr P P VAVA, Hon’ble Member, National Commission for Safai Karmachari. Representatives of Safai Karmacharis also felicitated the Hon’ble Member, National Commission for Safai Karmachari (NCSK).

     

    A power point presentation was made about RINL and various facilities being extended for the welfare of Safai Karmacharis at Visakhapatnam steel plant.

    Dr.P P VAVA, Member National Commission for Safai Karmachari appreciated the sustained efforts taken by the RINL management in working towards the welfare of Safai Karmacharis of RINL. Dr. PP VAVA appreciated the RINL management for its efforts in improving the quality of life of those residing in tribal areas and others through various CSR initiatives.

    Dr.P P VAVA also interacted with the representatives of Safai Karmachari and discussed the issues of Safai Karmacharis.

    Later, the process of steelmaking was explained by Sri AK Saxena, CMD(additional charge) to Dr.P P VAVA, Member, National Commission for Safai Karmacharie at the Visitor’s gallery located in Executive director(Works) building. Accompanied by Sri AK Saxena, CMD (additional charge) and directors, Dr. P P VAVA has visited Blast Furnace-1 and Wire Rod Mill-1 of Visakhapatnam steel plant.

    Dr.P P VAVA appreciated the neatness, greenery and the technological capabilities of Visakhapatnam steel plant.

    Earlier, upon his arrival at Visakhapatnam steel plant, Dr. PP VAVA planted a sapling and offered floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the presence of CMD and directors in the administration building of RINL.

    Sri AK Bagchi, Director ( Projects) and additional charge Director( Operations), Dr SC Pandey, Director (Personnel), Sri Ch SRVGK Ganesh, Director (finance), Sri GVN Prasad, Director(Commercial), CGMs, senior officials also participated in the interaction with the Hon’ble Member, National Commission for Safai Karmachari (NCSK).

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    MG/KSR

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav Inaugurates Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav Inaugurates Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun

    New Wildlife Research Facility a ‘Game-Changer’ for Biodiversity Conservation, says Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 7:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav, today inaugurated the Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, in the presence of Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh. These new facilities are built on the foundation laid last year, when the Minister inaugurated the Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC) and issued its first unique ID barcode and certificate.

    Next Generation Sequencing Facility (NGS):

    Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a revolutionary technology that enables the rapid and high-throughput decoding of entire genomes, analyzing millions of DNA sequences simultaneously. This allows researchers to gain deeper insights into genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and population health. In wildlife conservation, NGS plays a pivotal role in identifying population genetic health with respect to genetic diversity, information on genetic barriers and their effect on populations, unique adaptations and species with unique evolutionary histories, understanding disease outbreaks, detecting illegal wildlife trade, and studying the effects of climate change on biodiversity. This cutting-edge NGS facility positions the Wildlife Institute of India as a leading centre for molecular and genetic research in wildlife conservation, enabling advanced studies in areas such as biodiversity genomics, population genetics, and disease surveillance.

    Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav said, “This facility is a game-changer for wildlife research in India. It empowers scientists with the latest tools to decode the genetic mysteries of our biodiversity and create science-based solutions to protect it. India, as a megadiverse country, needs such advanced capabilities to ensure the survival of our precious wildlife for generations to come.”

    A Self-Sustaining Model

    The PCC represents a unique, self-sustaining initiative within a government organization, generating revenue while creating employment opportunities for budding professionals under the PPP model.

    Shri Bhupender Yadav lauded the Wildlife Institute of India and the EPCH for their collaborative efforts in establishing this world-class facility. He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

    Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification

    In the year since its establishment, the PCC has certified over 15,000 shawls, ensuring their authenticity and the absence of mixing of other fibers, thus enabling seamless trade of genuine Pashmina products in both national and international markets. The upgraded Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification now includes a dedicated Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), which enhances the precision and reliability of wool testing and certification.

    A Milestone in Atmanirbhar Bharat

    The PCC, established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between WII and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), exemplifies the government’s commitment to supporting artisans, weavers, and traders while fostering self-reliance in traditional handicrafts.

    The upgraded facility offers:

    • Advanced Fiber Analysis: SEM-EDS technology to accurately identify and authenticate Pashmina fibers.
    • Streamlined Certification: Unique ID tagging and e-certificates for traceability and quality assurance.
    • Global Trade Facilitation: Hassle-free movement of certified products, eliminating delays and financial losses due to fibre scrutiny at exit points.

    Supporting Artisans and Conservation Efforts

    Pashmina is a cornerstone of livelihood for the artisan and weaver communities of Jammu & Kashmir. The PCC plays a vital role in promoting their industry by certifying genuine products, enhancing their credibility in global markets, and ensuring fair trade practices. Additionally, the facility discourages the use of prohibited fibers, indirectly contributing to the conservation of the Tibetan antelope (Chiru), whose habitat was previously threatened by illegal trade in Shahtoosh wool.

    Minister of State for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighted the facility’s potential, stating:
    “With the Next-Generation Sequencing facility, we are equipping ourselves to address modern conservation challenges with precision and innovation. Developing indigenous capacity to handle such modern technologies, and to build capacity in advancements is critical to take our country forward. “

    The NGS facility is expected to bolster ongoing projects and enable new research avenues, including the study of genetic adaptation to climate change, pathogen-host interactions, and the development of conservation strategies for endangered species such as tigers, elephants, riverine dolphins, and other endangered species.

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    VM/GS

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